13September2008
Posted by Ryan Coffey under: Just For Fun; Real Estate Online; selling.
You have your home for sale, but you love it and have wonderful memories. I understand that you might not want to sell, and that you may not need assistance in achieving that goal. I usually help people sell their homes, but I understand when people don’t want to sell. It is after all, their choice. And in an effort to help everyone I thought I would share with you all the things that you can do to ensure no serious buyers show interest in your home for sale:
- List the house yourself and be sure to advertise only in the newspaper and on some DIY Real Estate website that few buyers would think of looking at seriously.
- If you do use a Realtor, then don’t believe any advice they give.
- Instead, get selling tips from your uncle, your dentist, or the guy next door.
- Avoid doing any market research and just price the home on what you “feel” is a correct price.
- Explain to your Realtor that the commission will be cut for Buyer’s Agents.
- Don’t allow a lock box, which will mean that prospective Buyer’s Agents will have to drive across town a few times to pick up and drop off the keys for just your property. This will cut down on the number of people who see your home.
- Don’t allow a for sale sign to be placed in front of your home. That way if there is a prospective buyer driving buy they won’t know your home is for sale and your neighbours who probably love the neighbourhood won’t be telling their friends and family about the opportunity down the street.
- Keep your house messy – that way if a potential buyer decides they want to view your property right away and on short notice, the prospective buyer will not be able to see the home through all the clutter.
- For goodness sake, don’t stage the house or clean up the outside of your home. If you do that then your home might invite an offer.
- Stay home during an open house or showing and follow the buyers through each and every room so you don’t give them a second to themselves.
- Should that dreaded offer be made, don’t negotiate at all. Stick to your guns and your house will certainly not sell.
- Assume that because the colours and decor of your home suits your own tastes, that everyone else in the world will share those tastes.
- Take offence to any feedback regarding your home that isn’t 100% positive. Your home is the most beautiful in the area and does not need to be changed in any way to attract more attention from buyers.
- Make sure that when people enter your home, that is just screams your unique personality. This way buyers will have more trouble visualizing it as their own home while they look at all your neat stuff on the walls.
Of course this post is tongue-in-cheek, but hopefully it will demonstrate to you some of the pitfalls that might befall you if you are not careful. Rest assured, the sarcastic tone is for entertainment value as you will never hear sarcasm while working with me as your Nanaimo Realtor. I just wanted to remind people that listing your home is not necessarily the same as selling your home. My goal as a Realtor is to sell it, but we both need to have that goal in order for it to happen. Like I said, it’s your choice!
Ryan Coffey
10September2008
Posted by Ryan Coffey under: Nanaimo Profile and Events.
Finally, the new official comunity plan (OCP) has been finished. I hope that the plans to improve transit do pan out as I have long felt that this is one area in which Nanaimo is in great need of improvement. I am a firm believer that regardless of what strategies an OCP employs, that this town and the west coast in general for that matter is poised to continue to grow dramatically in the years/decades to come. I hope that the OCP fits the future well.
Ryan Coffey
New OCP leads way to develop
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| Darrell Bellaart |
| Daily News |
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The city’s new official community plan ushers in an era for planned, large-scale projects in the vast expanses of undeveloped land in the city’s four corners.
City council passed a new OCP on Monday, one that strikes down the urban containment boundary that prevented any development in large areas of north, west and south Nanaimo.
While critics say removing the UCB opens the door to urban sprawl, planners say the new OCP should encourage more orderly, controlled development. One such improvement is the creation of a new corridor land use designation for the city.
“It’s to encourage increased density along transit routes,” said Andrew Tucker, city director, planning and development.
The UCB is a line drawn on a map to corral growth, reducing urban sprawl and ensuring efficient use of services like sewer and water. With the UCB removed, planners say the city has not opened the door to unbridled development. Now a master plan has to be done first, before any large tracts of land can be developed.
Master plans, otherwise known as comprehensive plans, typically take many months to develop.
It’s considerably more than what is required for the subdivision of a few hectares of land. Tucker said the areas affected are in the hundreds of hectares
“There are four areas in the city to which that policy applies: Jingle Pot, Linley Valley, South Nanaimo Lands (Sandstone) and Cable Bay,” Tucker said. “If you’re doing a small, five-acre site and the area around it is developed, you’re doing site planning for that particular site. For these areas we’re talking about, the idea is don’t do any development until the road layout is done.”
It means a change from the past, when residential neighbourhoods appeared around the city in a piecemeal, mostly unplanned fashion. Now whole neighbourhoods would be completely planned from start to finish, similar to that seen in Hawthorne off Wakesiah Avenue and Jingle Pot Road.
Cable Bay and Sandstone will be the first planned communities. The Snuneymuxw First Nation and its partner, Northwest Properties, have already started developing a master plan for Sandstone, while Cable Bay Lands is still awaiting a resort land use designation from council before it can go to the master plan stage. Both developments could start taking shape in the next year or so.
The new OCP contains few changes to the rules affecting development related to environmental guidelines: heritage conservation areas, steep slope and water course development and protection of environmentally sensitive areas.
While it sets the rules for development, how fast new, planned neighbourhoods spring up is something the OCP can’t regulate. That’s up to the developers paying the bills, and how fast occupants buy up the new homes and establish new businesses in those new neighbourhoods.
8September2008
Posted by Ryan Coffey under: Buying as a non Canadian.; Mortgage rate updates; Uncategorized.
Here is something from Michael Ledingham at Verico Select Mortgages. He is a local Mortgage Broker who many of my clients have done business with in the past and who has posted items on this blog in the past. Once again, he has offered to share his knowledge of the financial side of real estate. I spoke to him this morning and asked him if he had anything written that would outline the difference between mortgage brokers and the more traditional way of getting your mortgage from a bank. I asked him about this because I still find there are a lot of people out there who don’t know about the advantages of working with a mortgage broker. Being the son of someone who does mortgages for a major bank you would think I would be biased the other way, but I want what’s best for my clients.
Ryan Coffey
Why Choose a Mortgage Broker vs. Bank Specialist?
There are actually a number of differences which you may not be aware of.
Here’s some information to help you understand.
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A Mortgage Broker works for you, the client, whereas Bank Specialists are employed by the financial institution.
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The benefit of using a Mortgage Broker is the fact that they have the ability to offer you mortgage products from a number of financial institutions. Because a Bank Specialists works for the bank that means that they can usually only offer you their institution’s products.
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Mortgage Brokers are typically paid the same amount no matter what rate is offered to the client. Bank specialists’ rate of pay is generally reduced in direct relation to the amount they discount your rate from the bank’s posted rate.
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Depending on your Province, Mortgage Brokers must be licensed and are subject to a strict set of requirements. Bank specialists are not licensed and require no formal training.
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Because Mortgage Brokers don’t work for a specific lender, you’re assured that you will be given impartial advice. A bank specialist has a limited number of their own institutions products and while it may not be the best mortgage product out there, they will do their best to sell you their institutions mortgage product cause if they don’t your going somewhere else.
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Mortgage Brokers use their knowledge and experience to negotiate the best possible rate and product for you from a number of lenders. When you see a bank specialist, that mortgage negotiating is typically left up to you.
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For conventional financing, the services of a Mortgager Broker are generally provided at no cost to you. If there is a cost, you will be advised of those costs up front.
So in conclusion, if you have the ability to use the services of a professional Mortgage Broker and have that Mortgage Broker do all your mortgage leg work at no cost, why would you not take advantage of the offer?
( tag on logo for website )
Michael Ledingham - Licensed Mortgage Broker
Tel # 250-755-3014 Ext:224
TF # 1-877-750-3014
Fax # 250-755-1608
Email: m.ledingham@vericoselect.com # 101- 1801 Bowen Road, Nanaimo B.C. V9S 1H1
5September2008
Posted by Ryan Coffey under: Just For Fun.
Enough of all this seriousness. It’s been a long time since I posted something quirky or fun. Please enjoy this handful of cartoons in place of me ranting about all the foolishness in the media. I’ll get back to that next week!
Ryan Coffey
2September2008
Posted by Ryan Coffey under: Uncategorized.
Sounds like the title of some bad sequal movie doesn’t it? 
Just briefly I’d like to point out to anyone reading this who didn’t already know, there is a public hearing regarding the controversial Cable Bay development coming up later this week. It’s Thursday night at 7pm at the Port of Nanaimo Centre.
I expect quite the show of force from various professionals (who want it built) and concerned citizens. I’m hearing complaints from both sides of the fence regarding the ethics and clarity of thought of the other, so I imagine that it will be quite the event if only to watch everyone at each other’s throats. Whatever the outcome, I hope that everyone takes the time to listen to the opposing point of view so that any decisions made are well informed and balanced.
Ryan Coffey
27August2008
Posted by Ryan Coffey under: Uncategorized.
I found this a couple of weeks ago in one of the local newspapers. It was pre-emptive at the time as the summer was still in full swing but now that we are seeing the first murmurings of fall, it makes me think of the rains that will follow as fall becomes winter. Growing up on the island (that’s Vancouver Island to you non locals) I remember many a rainy day spent doing indoor activities and not being bothered by it at all. I must however admit that I feel a certain amount of jealousy because the kids have so much more available now.
To the list below I would add the Nanaimo Ice Centre which is just across the street from the Aquatic Centre. On weekends they have open skating sessions where anyone can come and rent skates.
Ryan Coffey
There’s plenty to do on a rainy day
Nanaimo offers many different options for parents and children when it’s foul outside
Friday, August 01, 2008
Rain can dampen outdoor plans, but it doesn’t have to ruin the entire day.
Here’s a look at a few of Nanaimo’s best indoor playgrounds, where kids or the whole family can escape the bad weather and enjoy the day.
1) Jumping Jiminy’s Playland & Cafe
This 8,000 square-foot indoor playground is a kids’ paradise. The massive play structure, ping pong & air hockey tables, private party rooms, toddler section and 80-seat cafe keeps children entertained for hours. Parents or caretakers can relax in the cafe with a clear view of the whole facility. The menu has something for everyone and parents who need to get some work done can hook up to Jumping Jiminy’s wireless Internet for free. Admission is free for adults and prices range from $4.25 (children aged 10-23 months) to $9.25 for kids aged 4-12. There are discounts for three or more children. Located at #400-2980 Island Highway North, 250-729-0999.
2) Nanaimo Aquatic Centre
Families can exhaust themselves inside this massive water park. The swimming pool is open all day and the slides, hot tub, sauna, steam room and diving boards offer everyone something fun to do. Admission for children is $2.75, Adults $5.25 and a family day pass (maximum two adults and three children) is $10.50. 750 Third St., 250-756-5200.
3) Romper Room Indoor Rock Climbing Centre
Pop in for a quick climb at this indoor facility with 7,500 square feet of climbing surface. The $7 per-person introduction lesson lets newbies try out the ropes twice to see if they like it. An all-day family pass (four members) is $60, but kids aged six to 18, who know how to belay and can do their own rope work can get an all-day pass for just $8. 4385-B Boban Dr., 250-751-7625.
4) Bowling
Brechin Lanes offers 16 lanes of computerized five-pin bowling.
Adults are $3.75 per game, 15 and under are $3.50 and shoe rental is $1.50.
For 90 minutes of bowling mania, families can choose the Kingpin package, which is one lane for six people including shoes, a jug of pop, a large french fries and six hot dogs all for $49.50. 1870 East Wellington Rd., 250-753-2341.
Splitsville gets the ball rolling with several 10-pin bowling lanes. Adults are $4.75 per game, children $4.25 and shoes are $2.50. 171 Calder Road, 250-754-2442.
5) Cyber City Adventures
It’s entertainment overload here. There are indoor and outdoor activities for those who aren’t scared of a little rain.
Inside, kids can play in the arcade ($25 for 85 tokens), laser tag ($9.99), or in the Tube N Tunnel soft play area (kids aged 2-5 cost $2.99, and kids aged 6-12 will cost $5.99 for an all day pass).
Go-karts rides cost $12.99 and the mini-golf is $5.99 or two for $10. 1815 Bowen Rd., 250-755-1828.
26August2008
Posted by Ryan Coffey under: Uncategorized.
For those of you who are regular readers, you may have noticed my lack of writing recently, well let me explain. I was kinda busy getting married.
I had about 16 people over from Japan for the wedding and I did my best to fit in as much great Vancouver Island experiences with them as I could in the short time we had. You know what? It wasn’t that hard. It reaffirmed my love for this corner of the world. In the past two weeks, I’ve been to perfectly serene lakes surrounded by forest, gorged myself on a variety of gourmet foods made from local organic ingredients, done tons of shopping, gone to beautiful ocean front parks, gone bungy jumping and a tackled a high in the trees ropes course, gone fishing and caught salmon, had parties in gardens that make Martha Stewart’s home look slovenly (well, almost) while listing to a really polished Jazz/funk horn ensemble, stayed at a bed and breakfast with an ocean view from the breakfast table which served amazing food, I fed a bald eagle, saw some humpback whales, a black bear, beavers, found items from a rather old shipwreck on the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen and more.
For those of you who’ve only ever lived on the Island, most of this may not seem like a big deal to you. This is because you are spoiled! Trust me, I’ve lived and travelled all over the place. It’s not like this elsewhere. This is a big part of why I became a Realtor. It’s easy to sell something you believe in and enjoy. I wouldn’t do it otherwise.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Rudolf and Brunhilde of West Coast Magic Bed and Breakfast in Bamfield. You made our honeymoon perfect with your beautiful home, your warm hospitality and your fabulous cooking. I will be recommending your business for years to come! Initially I felt a little cheap having our honeymoon on the Island when we were orignally talking of Quebec City, Cuba, the South Pacific or Europe. But I can’t imagine how any of those places could outdo what we had in that little remote village of Bamfield at your place. I hope that many people read this and take my advice on staying there. Regardless, we’ll be back someday.
Ryan Coffey
12August2008
Posted by Ryan Coffey under: Nanaimo Profile and Events.
At first glance, the article below seems to imply that the movement to stop the Cable Bay development has been won and that there will be no development. But read carefully. It’s just that the developer has changed which part of the land he wants to develop.
This of course begs the question: How will the public react and if they don’t like the new proposed version of the development, do they have the same rights to put a halt to it as they did before? And if they do have the ame rights, does this mean that if they were against it, they’d have to collect all those signatures yet again?
The whole drama is starting to get interesting…
Ryan Coffey
Developer drops Cedar annexation request
Cable Bay project proceeds on city land
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| Darrell Bellaart |
| Daily News |
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Cable Bay Lands no longer wants the city to annex 97 acres of agricultural land in Cedar for an 1,800-unit housing subdivision and golf course.
The developer now proposes to put its entire project on the 422 acres that is already within the city limits.
The impact of the change of the project won’t be known until the developer draws up news plans. That has to happen before it goes to public hearing in the first week in September.
The Calgary developer had originally planned to build its subdivision on the consolidated 519-acre property straddling the south-east corner of Nanaimo and the Regional District of Nanaimo. Once the agricultural land was annexed, it planned to seek an amendment to the official community plan for the entire property, then apply for the necessary zoning. But that idea was thwarted last week when city hall took nearly 8,000 signatures from city residents opposed to the annexation.
That was well above the minimum 10% of city voters needed to force a referendum.
That left the developer with the option of taking its annexation to public referendum or abandoning the process.
Monday night Cable Bay’s intentions were made clear when Coun. Jeet Manhas said the developer plans to abandon its annexation bid.
With the annexation no longer an issue, council still had to deal with the official community plan revision.
That was an issue Coun. Bill Holdom had problems with, since council now has no idea what the new development could look like - if it would still include an 18-hole golf course, 1,876 units of housing or a commercial component.
City planner Andrew Tucker said details will come later.
"Elements of what was on the 97 acres has been relocated to what was Phase 1, with five-acre lots on the east side of the project, and others have been shuffled around," he said. "I don’t have the numbers on what the potential development would be."
It would all have to be made public before it goes to hearing. That is expected to happen on Sept. 4 or 5.
Holdom, who headed up the OCP review committee, said that’s not enough time to analyze it properly.
Mayor Gary Korpan said if more time is needed, a second hearing can be held.
Tucker said because of the timing of the city’s OCP review, the OCP amendment bylaw needed for the project must be given council’s second reading now.
But Manhas said he saw no problem with the timing, saying developers typically reveal their detailed plans at hearings, then the public responds.
11August2008
Posted by Ryan Coffey under: Uncategorized.
Here’s a nice little article I found in the most recent edition of Canada Realty News. I think it makes a lot of good points many of which you’ve probably heard before, but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded. I’ve spent much of my time picking the brains of various alternative medicine and conventional medicine experts who are into preventative medicine and something I’ve learned that would compliment what is below is the ever simple keep moving your body everyday by at least going for a walk and to smile to yourself regardless of what is going on in life. Sound easy? Seems that way, but then why do we seem to have so much trobule actually following such simple advice?
Ryan Coffey
9 Easy Tips For a Healthier Home
Home is where health begins. From carpets and wall colours to window shades and overhead lighting, your home can play a role in how much you weigh, your mood, even your cancer risk. It’s important to eliminate toxins, pollutants and other health risks from your home. There are many small changes that you can do to make your home healthier and improve your mood. The following recommendations can be implemented immediately and won’t cost you anything.
1. Keep Pollutants Outside
With every step you make outside your home, your shoes come in contact with all kinds of toxins (oil, gasoline, pesticides, cleaning chemicals, dirt and more). Leave those pollutants outside.
Make it a habit to take your shoes off as soon as you walk in the door of your home. Place a chair or bench near the door and place a shoe basket or shelf near it to make it easier for your family and visitors to take off their shoes by the door. This will cut down the amount of dirt and allergens brought into your home.
2. Use Natural Cleansers
Commercial cleansers may make cleaning easier, but they may also contain carcinogenic ingredients, respiratory irritants and even pesticides. Try safer cleansers such as a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clean tubs and toilets, salt to scrub kitchen sinks and borax for laundry.
Once you try cleaning with non-toxic cleaners you’ll find it hard to believe you ever used harsh chemicals. Not only do they work just as well, they smell better, don’t make you dizzy and don’t pose a health risk.
3. Clean Smarter and More Often
The greatest health risk for children at home comes from the dust that gets on their hands from crawling on the floor and touching dust-covered surfaces, exposing them to dust mites, mould and pet dander, all of which can trigger allergies and asthma attacks.
To keep dust to a minimum, dust every few days with a slightly damp cloth, to prevent the dust from returning to the air. Avoid furnishings that trap dust, such as drapes, carpeting, throw pillows and stuffed animals. Wash curtains and slip covers regularly in hot water.
Use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air filter, and use it twice a week. If you are building a new home consider a central vacuum system that vents outside. This will help remove dust and debris from settling back into your home.
4. Breath Fresh Air
Fresh air saturated with oxygen is essential for healthy indoor living. A properly ventilated home will also help release humidity that may build up, condense and cause bacteria, dust mites and mould.
Whenever possible, open the windows to allow old air out and fresh air in. In colder or humid months, use a mechanical ventilation system to help keep indoor air fresh, dry and comfortable.
It’s very important to ventilate areas of your home which may have increased air pollutants such as the basement, laundry room and workshop. Glues, paints, solvents, laundry detergents and even just dirty clothes can all cause unwanted air pollution. Keep all of these stored properly in a well ventilated area.
5. Stop Smoking
Take the smoke-free pledge. Don’t smoke in your home or let visitors do so. Small children are most vulnerable to the health risks of second-hand smoke such as allergies and respiratory disease. If you must smoke, go outside. Moving to another room or opening a window is not enough to protect your children.
6. Drink Clean Water
Clean water is essential for good health. If your water comes from a municipal supply it is tested regularly by the water authority. If you have a private drinking water well, test it periodically.
On the way to our taps, water can pick up asbestos from old concrete pipes, rust, lead particles and dirt. The glass of water you take from the tap has had a long eventful journey but it is clean enough to drink. However, it could be cleaner and better for you if you use a good in-house water filtering system.
In order to keep your water filter functioning effectively, it is important to change the filter cartridges on a regular basis.
7. Inspire Healthy Eating Habits
Keep a bowl of fresh fruit and vegetables on your kitchen counter to encourage healthy eating and cut down on bad snacking habits.
Fresh fruit is best for you and your kids. Choose different colours to give you the widest variety of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that your body needs. Choose whole fruit over fruit juice. Often juice has lots of added sugar and preserving chemicals. Whole fruit has more fibre and will leave you feeling more satisfied.
8. Give Your House a Mood Boost
Research shows that a naturally lit home will help ease blues, insomnia and may even boost concentration. Whenever possible open the curtains and allow sunlight in. Equip your home with broad-spectrum light bulbs that closely resemble daylight. Research also shows that good lighting helps prevent overeating.
Keep a bright bunch of flowers in the living room. A vase of vibrant flowers along with green plants help generate a positive mood around the house and helps reduce stress, fatigue and illness. Indoor green plants also help reduce carbon monoxide.
Cut down on heavy and loud music. Play soft, classical or country background music to create an easy atmosphere to help you unwind.
9. Encourage Family Activities
Reduce the use of TV in your home and encourage family activities. Excessive TV watching has been linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Place a Chess or board game in your living room. Playing board games familiarizes young children with letters and numbers, builds hand-eye coordination and encourages kids of all ages to interact with others. Board games can be a steppingstone for discussion about almost anything. Strategy games like Chess or Monopoly provide opportunities to talk about not only the game itself, but how it applies to the real world, real problems, etc. and most importantly helps build family bonds.
The choices we all make on a day to day basis can make a huge impact on living a healthy lifestyle. With just a little forethought and initiative, we can make our homes healthier and happier for all family members.
8August2008
Posted by Ryan Coffey under: Nanaimo Profile and Events; Nanaimo Real Estate Market.
The Cable Bay saga continues. The petition was delivered and recognized by the city this Wednesday. On Monday the city council will address the issue and make what I imagine will be the first official steps to halting the large deveopment south of town.
Now, we wait for news of a referendum.
FYI, 39 hectares is about 96 acres. That’s a fairly subtantial chunk of land that is at the centre of this controversy.
More details in the article below.
Ryan Coffey
City says annexation of land is on hold
Thousands sign to halt Cedar land loss
Darrell Bellaart
Daily News
Thursday, August 07, 2008
The city’s plan to annex 39 hectares of agricultural land in Cedar has been halted.
Petitioners collected enough signatures to stop the city annexing agricultural land sought by developers for a golf course and 1,800-unit development at Cable Bay.
The city issued a report at 4:58 p.m. Wednesday confirming opponents to the development had delivered considerably more elector response forms than the 5,815 needed to stop the annexation on Monday, the deadline for stopping the annexation. A total of 7,908 forms were turned in, according to a report from Ian Howat, director of legislative services. On that basis, Howat said approval of the annexation "has not been obtained."
It means developer Cable Bay Lands cannot rezone 20% of its Cedar property for housing, a resort and golf course without a referendum. City council is expected to debate the issue on Monday.
Fred Pattje, a former Friends of Plan Nanaimo member and organizer of the signature campaign, is pleased with the news. "It is good news for my group and we fully realize the ball is in the court of the city council of Nanaimo," Pattje said. "It’s up to them what they want to do with this."
Pattje said city council underestimated how much the public opposed the development.
"There is a message here. I think we can frankly state that 7,908 citizens of Nanaimo are obviously motivated to have a say in this and sent a very strong message," Pattje said.
Cable Bay developments spokesman Roger McKinnon declined comment.