If you're embarking on the journey of selling your home for the first time in the Okanagan, you're in for an exciting adventure. In this podcast episode, "1st Time Home Seller - First Impressions Matter," hosted by Brandon Grass from eXp Realty, we delve into the critical realm of making a stellar first impression. Here's a sneak peek into what you'll learn and why it's crucial for your home-selling success. Key Takeaways: Importance of First Impressions: Understand why the first impression matters and how it can significantly impact your ability to maximize the value of your home. The Power of Visuals: Explore the role of high-quality photos and videos in capturing potential buyers' attention, ensuring your property stands out in a competitive market. Timing is Everything: Learn why it's crucial to have your home photo-ready before going live with your listing, preventing missed opportunities and maximizing buyer interest. Online Presence for Maximum Showings: Discover the vital role your online presence plays in attracting potential buyers and creating opportunities for a quick sale. Investing in Marketing: Gain insights into the importance of investing in professional photography and videography to showcase your property effectively and create a lasting impression. Best Quotes: "Because you only get one shot at your best first impression, we want to ensure that we have plenty of time to get your home photo-ready before we go live with your listing." "Your online presence is vital for a maximum amount of showings and your best opportunity for a quick sale." Embark on your home-selling journey with confidence, armed with the knowledge and strategies shared by Brandon Grass. Tune in now and ensure your first impression is the best it can be! 🏡✨ Listen to the Living in Kelowna Podcast with Brandon Grass on your favourite podcast platform.   Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts | Amazon Music    👉 Schedule your Home Selling Consultation now!

In today's competitive real estate market, sellers need to adopt modern marketing techniques to maximize their profits. Brandon Grass, a local Okanagan REALTOR with eXp Realty, shares valuable insights in a recent podcast episode. Let's delve into the essential strategies he discusses for sellers in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, or Peachland. Key Highlights: Maximizing Exposure: Brandon emphasizes the importance of exposing your home to a wide audience through digital marketing. With targeted ads and strategic use of algorithms, sellers can ensure their property reaches potential buyers effectively. Power of Online Presence: In a digital age, the majority of buyers start their home search online. Brandon highlights the significance of having a strong online presence, citing statistics that show a high percentage of buyers visit homes they've seen online. Leveraging digital platforms can attract qualified buyers and minimize the need for open houses. Key Takeaways: Digital Marketing is Crucial: Sellers must prioritize digital marketing efforts to reach a broader audience and attract qualified buyers. Online Presence Matters: A robust online presence increases the likelihood of attracting potential buyers and reduces the need for traditional open houses. Maximize Exposure for Higher Returns: By exposing the property to a wider audience, sellers can potentially increase their profits and maximize returns on their investments. In conclusion, Brandon Grass's insights shed light on the importance of modern marketing techniques for sellers in Kelowna's seller's market. By leveraging digital platforms and maximizing exposure, sellers can enhance their chances of a successful and profitable home sale. Request a copy of our in-depth guide to Selling Your Home here! Listen to the Living in Kelowna Podcast with Brandon Grass on your favourite podcast platform.   Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts | Amazon Music    👉 Schedule your Home Selling Consultation now!

Welcome to "Selling Smarter," your go-to resource for optimizing your home selling journey. Today, we're diving into the innovative strategies of the Brandon Grass Team at eXp Realty Kelowna. Buckle up because this team is about to redefine your expectations of the real estate experience.   Highlights: Equal Dedication to Every Listing: Whether it's a modest modular home or a luxurious lakeshore property, the Brandon Grass Team treats every listing with the same level of dedication and commitment. Exclusive Formula for Success: With a unique approach developed through years of experience, the team ensures not just successful sales but quick sales at the highest possible price. Innovative Marketing Techniques: From stunning visuals to targeted social media marketing, the team leverages cutting-edge techniques to capture potential buyers' attention and drive successful outcomes. Key Takeaways: Learn how equal dedication to every listing can enhance your selling experience, regardless of your property's value or size. Discover the importance of stunning visuals and innovative marketing techniques in attracting potential buyers and securing successful sales. Understand the value of the Brandon Grass Team's exclusive formula for success, prioritizing quick sales at the highest possible price without any additional charges to clients. The Brandon Grass Team's approach to selling smarter is not just about marketing; it's about providing unparalleled service to ensure a top-notch selling experience for every client. From award-winning service to exclusive perks like the VIP Showing Program, they go above and beyond to deliver exceptional results. So, if you're considering selling your home in Kelowna, why settle for anything less than the best? Choose the Brandon Grass Team – the team that not only talks the talk but walks the walk when it comes to revolutionizing the real estate game. Schedule your Home Selling Strategy Session Now! Listen to the Living in Kelowna Podcast with Brandon Grass on your favourite podcast platform.   Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts | Amazon Music    👉 Request a FREE Guide to Selling Your Home Here!

Living Kelowna Podcast: Considering an Estate Sale?  Find Out if It's For You! In this episode, Brandon, a seasoned Kelowna area Realtor and certified senior real estate specialist with eXp Realty, shares valuable insights on downsizing or moving without the stress of dealing with unwanted items individually. He introduces the concept of estate sales as a seamless solution to quickly liquidate belongings, providing a hassle-free way to turn unwanted items into cash while creating more space in your home. Brandon assures listeners that, with the help of professionals, they can efficiently organize and execute an estate sale, allowing them to keep essential items and leave the rest priced and sold without their direct involvement. This episode guides those seeking a smooth and stress-free transition during the downsizing process. Highlights: Introduction to Estate Sales: Brandon introduces estate sales as a convenient method to liquidate belongings quickly. Benefits of Estate Sales: Discusses the advantages of estate sales, such as the ability to turn unwanted items into cash and free up space. Professional Assistance: Highlights the role of professionals who can organize and conduct estate sales, relieving individuals of the stress and time-consuming process. Essential Items: Emphasizes that individuals can retain their essential items while professionals handle pricing and selling the remaining belongings. Stress-Free Transition: Brandon underscores the goal of making the downsizing process as smooth and stress-free as possible for individuals. Key Takeaways: Estate sales offer a stress-free way to liquidate belongings quickly. Professionals can handle the entire process, from pricing to advertising, allowing individuals to focus on essential items. Downsizing can be made smoother with the right support and resources. Brandon provides a helpful list of estate sale industry professionals in the Okanagan region for those looking to downsize. Relevant Quotes: "Estate sales are a great way to quickly liquidate all of your belongings in one fell swoop without any hassle or stress." "You keep all of the essential items that you want and need. They will take care of everything!" "We are here to help you through this transition to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible." Are you thinking about downsizing your home? Don’t go at it alone! Reach out to Brandon and the team to schedule your downsizing consultation today, and be sure to download a copy of our super helpful guide to downsizing your home without losing your mind. Download your Downsizing Guide now! Listen to the Living in Kelowna Podcast with Brandon Grass on your favourite podcast platform.   Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts | Amazon Music     

Living Kelowna Podcast: Financial Benefits When Downsizing Your Home In this episode, Brandon, a seasoned Kelowna area Realtor and certified senior real estate specialist with eXp Realty, delves into the often-overlooked financial benefits of downsizing your home. Many of us find ourselves in larger homes than necessary, leading to high energy bills, property taxes, and maintenance costs. Brandon sheds light on the significant equity homeowners may have built over the years, especially in the Central Okanagan region, where the average single-family home has increased in value by over six hundred thousand dollars in the last decade. He emphasizes the potential for downsizers to use this equity to make substantial down payments or even purchase their next homes in cash, ultimately achieving financial freedom. Brandon guides listeners through the downsizing process, highlighting its financial advantages and providing insights into the current market conditions. As an expert in the field, he offers valuable advice for those contemplating a move, whether it's for retirement or a desire for a more manageable living space. Highlights of Important Information: The financial burdens of owning a larger home include high energy bills, property taxes, and maintenance costs. The potential for significant equity is built in homes, particularly in the Central Okanagan, with values increasing by over six hundred thousand dollars in the last ten years. The opportunity to use home equity for substantial down payments or to purchase the next home in cash leads to the possibility of living mortgage-free. The resilience of downsizing in the face of current market conditions, with the assurance that even though selling prices might be lower than last year, they are still considerably higher than five years ago. The ideal timing for downsizing, especially for those approaching retirement or seeking a smaller, easier-to-maintain home. Key Takeaways: Downsizing presents a practical solution to alleviate financial strains associated with maintaining a larger home. Homeowners may have substantial equity, offering the potential for a significant down payment or the ability to purchase their next home outright. Despite market fluctuations, downsizing remains a viable option with the opportunity to sell for more than in previous years. The episode guides those considering downsizing, offering insights into the process and emphasizing the potential for financial freedom. Relevant Quotes: "By downsizing, you can reduce your monthly expenses significantly and free up more cash for other things like travel or retirement savings." "Imagine living mortgage-free!" "If you’re anticipating retirement soon or just want to live in a smaller home that’s easier to maintain, now might be the perfect time to plan the move." "Let us guide you through the downsizing process from start to finish." This episode highlights the financial benefits of downsizing and serves as a practical guide for those considering such a move, providing valuable insights into the current real estate landscape in the Central Okanagan. Are you thinking about downsizing your home? Don’t go at it alone! Reach out to Brandon and the team to schedule your downsizing consultation today, and be sure to download a copy of our super helpful guide to downsizing your home without losing your mind. Download your Downsizing Guide now! Listen to the Living in Kelowna Podcast with Brandon Grass on your favourite podcast platform.   Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts | Amazon Music   

Living Kelowna Podcast: Downsizing To Free Up Your Equity In this episode, Brandon, a Kelowna area Realtor and certified senior real estate specialist with eXp Realty, guides listeners through the crucial decision of downsizing their homes. This major life choice involves financial and emotional considerations, making it essential to understand the equity in your property before initiating the downsizing process. Brandon shares valuable insights on determining the equity in your home, offering practical advice on making this equity work to your advantage. From understanding your home's current value to calculating potential returns, Brandon provides a comprehensive guide to help listeners navigate the downsizing journey. Highlights of Important Information Covered: It is important to know the equity in your home before downsizing. Brandon's expertise as a Kelowna area realtor and certified senior real estate specialist. Factors influencing the determination of equity, including mortgage details and current home value. Practical examples illustrating how to calculate equity, with a focus on potential financial opportunities. Various options for utilizing home equity, such as paying down loans, investing, or living mortgage-free. The significance of respecting both financial and emotional investments during the downsizing process. Brandon's offer for a FREE, no-obligation home evaluation to help listeners assess their home equity accurately. Key Takeaways: Understanding the equity in your home is crucial before deciding to downsize. Knowledge of mortgage details and current home value is essential for determining equity. Brandon emphasizes the importance of respecting both financial and emotional investments during downsizing. Listeners learn practical ways to utilize home equity, including paying down debts and investing. The episode encourages listeners to take advantage of a FREE home evaluation offered by Brandon. Relevant Quotes: "Knowing exactly what your home is worth and what kind of return you can expect is essential in order to respect both your financial and emotional investments throughout the downsizing process." "Think of all the things you could do with the equity in your home!" "I would be happy to provide you with a FREE no-obligation home evaluation." Are you thinking about downsizing your home? Don’t go at it alone! Reach out to Brandon and the team to schedule your downsizing consultation today, and be sure to download a copy of our super helpful guide to downsizing your home without losing your mind. Download your Downsizing Guide now! Listen to the Living in Kelowna Podcast with Brandon Grass on your favourite podcast platform.   Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts | Amazon Music   

Okanagan Home Seller – FAQ’s If you have a home to sell, you’re probably excited to get the process started. You need to consider many things when selling your property, and it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the task. The good news is we’ve done extensive research about what you need to know about selling your home – and we’ve answered the questions you’re probably wondering: How will you determine my home’s value? I will complete a Comparative Market Analysis to determine your home’s value and set a listing price. The CMA uses recent sales of homes close in geography, age, size, and features to yours. (A CMA is not the same as an appraisal, which a licensed appraiser can perform.) You can request yours at the bottom of this blog post. Is it a good idea to start high? Many sellers like the idea of “starting high” to see if they get higher offers, but this strategy isn’t usually practical. First, buyers may not see your listing if they use a price filter set to what they expect prices in the area to run. Second, you run the risk of the appraisal coming in lower than your contract price, which will require your contract to be renegotiated or cancelled. Third, if your listing price puts your home higher than your neighbourhood value, your home will likely sit on the market longer as buyers wait for you to make a reduction. It’s best to set a realistic listing price that will bring you buyers quickly. My goal is always to get you the highest possible price in the shortest amount of time. What percentage of the listing price can I expect to get? The list-to-sell ratio is determined by dividing the selling price by the listing price. The ratio is largely market-driven. In a sellers’ market, which is when inventory is low, sellers may get close to 100% or over 100% if the home sells above list price. In a market with a large inventory of homes, a buyers’ market, buyers have more negotiating power, so the list-to-sell ratio may be closer to 90%. I aim to get you as close to a 100% list-to-sell ratio as the market will bear. How soon can I get my home on MLS? Once we agree to work together, I will begin entering your home information into the MLS system. I will also schedule a time for a professional photographer to take photos of the property. As soon as all the information and pictures are uploaded items, your listing can go live on MLS. What do I need to do to get ready to list? For your part, it’s a good idea to begin cleaning out or organizing storage spaces, closets, and drawers and putting away some of your décor or belongings. You may also want to have the exterior pressure washed and the landscaping cleaned up. We can talk further about specific things that will help your home show better. How will showings be conducted? You and I will agree on the terms you are comfortable with for showings. We want to make the home accessible to buyers without too much disruption to your personal life. We can use a showing schedule, and unless we agree otherwise, I will notify you in advance of showing requests. We typically use electronic lockboxes that only active members of our local Realtors Association can access. We can set the lockbox on a schedule if necessary. Any time the lockbox is accessed, I receive a notification. How will you market my property? Marketing your listing is of utmost importance. Most buyers find their properties online through MLS (via their agent,) Realtor.ca or other search engines. Listings in our MLS system automatically appear on these sites within a day or two of becoming active. In addition, I share my listings with the agents in my network, on my website, and on my social media. We can discuss additional opportunities, such as hosting open houses and marketing within your neighbourhood. How long will it take to find a buyer? Several factors influence the time it takes to find a buyer. These include the market conditions, price range (higher-priced or luxury homes typically take longer to sell,) location (whether your home is in a desirable neighbourhood or a unique location,) and the condition of the home (is move-in ready or in need of renovations?) In a balanced market, when priced accurately and without significant damage or extenuating circumstances, most houses go under contract within thirty days. Homes sell faster in a seller’s market, while buyers take more time to look when inventory is high. Will you qualify the buyer? When an offer is received, I will work with the buyer’s agent to vet the buyer. All offers should be accompanied by either a pre-approval from a mortgage lender or, if paying cash, by verification of funds available to cover the purchase price. Once you accept an offer, the buyer must put down the agreed-upon deposit, schedule any inspections as stipulated in the contract, and, if financing is involved, their lender will initiate the loan approval process. I will stay in close contact with the buyer’s agent to make sure due process is followed. What are the costs involved? The seller usually pays for the real estate agent fees, which are divided between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. The seller also pays their share of the property taxes and Strata/HOA dues. If the full annual amount has been paid, the buyer will repay their portion back to the seller at closing. Often the seller elects to pay a portion of the buyer’s closing costs to help make the transaction work for the buyer. Is your commission negotiable? Commission in general is negotiable, however, my commission is NOT. Keep in mind that the commission is split between the two sides, and both agents must abide by the structure their brokerage follows. If we were to reduce the commission upfront, buyers’ agents might be less likely to advocate for your property. I will work very hard to represent you honestly with full loyalty and integrity to earn the designated commission. This work is my livelihood, and I often go above and beyond the call of duty to earn my pay and close transactions for my clients. How often will we communicate? Communication is key to an easy and successful sale. I will keep you appraised of events every step of the way. You are welcome to reach out to me with questions or concerns. When we go over the listing information, we will discuss our preferred means of communication and schedules to make sure we know each other’s availability and boundaries. You can learn more about selling your home with me by requesting a copy of our in-depth guide to selling your home here.

Pros and Cons of Selling During the Holidays If you are considering listing your home this winter, you might be concerned about showing it and possibly having to move over the holiday season. The holidays are already a busy time of year for most families, so you would be right to wonder if you are making a good decision by marketing your home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Some sellers even temporarily take their homes off the market during the holiday season, but before you make that choice, consider all the pros and cons of selling during this festive time of year. Pros: 1. Buyers are serious. Buyers looking for a home during the holiday season are usually serious about getting under contract, or else they’d put it off. Often, they are starting a new job at the beginning of the year, want to get their children registered in school by the end of the holiday break, or maybe want a tax break in the current year. Regardless of their reasons, they are serious buyers if they are out looking in November or December. 2. There are not as many homes on the market. As a seller, you benefit from having fewer homes on the market to compete with. Less inventory combined with serious buyers means sellers get higher offers. 3. You can take advantage of holiday season curb appeal. While it’s recommended that you not over-decorate while showing your home, you can take advantage of the warm and festive vibes that holiday decorations add. Some white twinkle lights, a wreath on the door, and poinsettias lining your porch can add just the right cozy and inviting feel to win over buyers. 4. Cooler weather may invigorate buyers. The only thing worse than house hunting in the dead of summer is moving and unpacking in the dead of summer. On the other hand, the cooler temperatures of the holiday season may fuel buyers’ desire to get out on the hunt. 5. a holiday theme can ramp up an open house. Instead of offering the same old plate of cookies and bottled water, let your prospective buyers feel the warmth of your home with a cup of hot chocolate and warm gingerbread in front of the fireplace, or let them wander through your rooms listening to holiday music and enjoying the scent of pine or cinnamon candles. Cons: 1. You won’t have as many lookers. We noted that buyers shopping during the holidays are serious ones, but there will definitely be fewer buyers looking than later in the New Year, we tend to get our rush in the third week of January. 2. Showing your home may be more inconvenient. Again, it’s a busy time of year for most families, so do consider the inconvenience of having showings while you are preparing for the holidays or enjoying time off from school or work. 3. Business closings may slow down transactions. Many businesses have shortened hours or holiday closings, which means you or your buyers might have delays with such things as scheduling inspections and appraisals, clearing title or escrow payments, or getting repairs completed. If you are considering selling your Okanagan home this winter season, reach out to me and request your FREE, no-pressure, and no-obligation home evaluation by clicking here.

Living Kelowna Podcast: #1 Reasons to Sell Your Home This Winter   In this episode, Brandon sheds light on the shifting dynamics of the Central Okanagan real estate market, where home prices are experiencing a monthly decline of almost 3%. After a period of explosive growth, multiple offers, and overbidding, the market has transitioned, leading sellers to navigate a new reality. Brandon emphasizes the need for sellers to adapt to the current market conditions and challenges the conventional wisdom of waiting until spring to sell. As he explores the recent statistics and trends, he uncovers key insights that could potentially save sellers thousands of dollars. Episode Highlights: Market Shift: The Central Okanagan real estate market has seen a significant shift, with transactions dropping from over 900 a month to 300, signalling a considerable reduction in home sales. Average Price Decline: Brandon highlights the recent trend of decreasing home prices, emphasizing the potential cost of waiting. He contrasts the average list prices and selling prices, revealing the financial impact of delayed selling. Competition in Spring: Brandon advises against waiting until spring to list a home, pointing out the surge in competition during this season. He emphasizes that many homeowners list their properties in spring, resulting in increased competition and potentially lower selling prices. Winter Selling Advantage: The episode suggests that selling during the winter months could be advantageous, as serious buyers are actively looking, and there's less competition. Brandon encourages sellers to take advantage of the engaged winter market. Prompt Action: The episode concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to consider getting a current market value for their homes and a realistic sales price. Brandon provides contact information for those interested in a free home value report or seeking assistance in selling their homes. Key Takeaways: The real estate market in Central Okanagan is undergoing a significant transformation, with a notable decline in transactions and home prices. Waiting until spring to sell may result in increased competition, potentially affecting the selling price of the home.Selling during the winter could be advantageous, as serious buyers are actively looking, and there is less competition. Brandon emphasizes the importance of adapting to current market conditions and provides practical steps for sellers to take immediate action. Relevant Quotes: "It's not all doom and gloom just yet! But sellers in this market need help to adjust to the reality of the current market conditions." "Don't wait for all of the competition to show up before you decide to put your home on the market." "Buyers in the winter tend to be very engaged and serious. You will be much less likely to be inconvenienced by those nosy neighbours or buyers casually looking."   Listen to the Living in Kelowna Podcast with Brandon Grass on your favourite podcast platform.   Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts | Amazon Music    If you are considering selling your home, request a FREE home evaluation and learn more about dealing with the Brandon Grass Team today!