Interest rates are at an all time low so first time buyers are thinking about entering the market. Getting a break on the Property Transfer Tax is good news! 

I spent a fascinating couple of hours touring 5 new homes today on the White Rock Modern Home Tour. All were suffused with natural light, offered clean lines, beautiful natural materials, and were thoughtfully situated on their lots.  But from there, each differed in the translation of the owners' particular lifestyle.

If you have an opportunity to take in a tour like this, I urge you to do so.  If you want to build a new home or renovate your current one, these tours are terrific sources of inspiration.  Even if "Modern" isn't your preferred style, there are still a million thoughts and ideas you can borrow to interpret in your own way.  

We live in a Craftsman style house on a smaller lot in Crescent Beach that we built ourselves 20 years ago. I love it as much now as I did back when we began because it expresses who I am, how I prefer to live and what matters most to me.  Building or renovating is a labour of love but with the right architect/designer and builder, it's worth every minute and dime!

http:modernhometour.com/

We're not ready to sell our home now but once our daughter is out of high school next year, we'll want to make a change.  Is there anything we should be doing in the meantime?

If you've been in your house for a few years and busy with work and family, it's possible some repairs may be needed.  Consider having a certified building inspector in to do a report for you.  If anything should be done, you can look after it now.  That report can provide peace of mind along with being an excellent rebuttal tool if buyers have questions or unreasonable demands next spring.

A few updates if age and location of your home warrant it can make a major difference.  Check with a professional to ensure that money spent is worthwhile.

Start clearing out that extra "stuff".  Homes with ample storage space and an open feel often sell more quickly and at a better price.

Have a clear idea of where you want to go and whether that's realistic.  Planning ahead with your financial advisors and real estate professional will make everything easier.