Cal Kaiser - Cowichan Valley Real Estate Expert

Archive for the ‘General’ Category

Best Mobile Gadgets for 2012

Posted on: January 15th, 2012 by calkaiser No Comments

Over 78% of Canadian households have a mobile phone, and nearly 46% of Canadians aged 18-34 own a smart phone.1, 2 Technology is being developed every day that allows us to carry our favourite photos, books, songs, videos and business and personal documents; organize our lives, and connect with loved ones and colleagues from a gadget that fits in the palms of our hands.

There’s never been a better time to try out the latest gadgets. This month, I’m sharing information about the latest smart phones, tablets and e-readers that are designed to entertain, streamline productivity and boost connectivity anywhere in the world. Feel free to share this useful information with your family or friends.

Sources: 1. Statistics Canada | 2. Ipsos, Canadian Interactive Reid Report

Download PDFBest Mobile Gadgets for 2012

Get Ready for the Postage Increase

Posted on: January 9th, 2012 by calkaiser No Comments

Canada Post is set to raise its rates across the board on January 16, 2012. This means that you’ll pay an additional 2 cents to send a letter, a birthday card or pay a bill.

Have you considered the actual financial impact of the 2 cent increase to our Canadian economy?

We have.

Let’s assume 10 million Canadians make a special trip to purchase 2 cent stamps taking an average of 30 minutes round trip. Let’s assume the average hourly value of their time is $22 per hour. In this projection, the cost/time value of 10 million Canadians buying 2 cent stamps is $112 millions dollars. WOW!

Download PDFCanadian Postage Increase

Wake Up Cowichan Valley!

Posted on: January 2nd, 2012 by calkaiser No Comments

Happy New Year,

Well Cowichan Valley it is time to wake up!! The rest of Canada is experiencing rising Real Estate values and as always the Cowichan Valley is lagging behind, but we do see a transition year in 2012 heading towards some positive ground in 2013. The best place in Canada is right here in the Valley, and we expect the trickledown effect of those other markets to begin this year.

The values are excellent and mortgage rates are amazing. 2011 also saw our lowest rate of Alberta buyers that I have ever seen. As of July they represented only 6% of buyers and we expect when the year-end tally is done it will be even lower. In 2007 they represented 15%. That will begin to bounce back in the near future as well.

Download PDFDecember 2011 Cowichan Valley GraphStats

How to Set Attainable Goals in 2012

Posted on: December 15th, 2011 by calkaiser No Comments

It’s that time of year again, when we begin to think about the future and what we’d like to accomplish in the New Year. Clearly defined goals are vital to creating the life that you imagine.

Setting goals can be an intimidating process for many. However, the information I’m providing this month explains how to create feasible and measurable goals that will drive you forward and help you achieve your dreams. While the first page explains how to set SMART goals through visualization, page two offers suggestions to help you overcome the common obstacles to achieving your goals. Feel free to share this useful information with your family or friends.

Download PDFHow to Set Attainable Goals

November 2011 Single Family Home Sales Steady

Posted on: December 1st, 2011 by Julie No Comments

This is our last MLS GraphStat for 2011. The next one will be arriving in January. To all of you, have a safe and joyous season.

The month of November was steady with 38 single family homes sales for the month, and the condo townhouse market remained balanced as well. Looking at the part of the part of the market hit the hardest, we see that lot sales are down 44%. With recent repricing of these lots, some very attractive building sites are becoming quite affordable. I would expect this sector to begin recovery in 2012.

Download PDFNovember 2011 Cowichan Valley GraphStats

Home Renovations Add Value to the Home

Posted on: November 3rd, 2011 by admin No Comments

Canadians spent $25.8 billion on home renovations in 2009* and the kitchen remains the most popular room in the house to remodel. Homeowners renovate to modernize the space with the latest appliances, to accommodate changing needs or to add value to the home in anticipation of a home sale. Although it’s tempting to spend thousands on the latest trends and brands, it is possible to revamp the kitchen without breaking the bank.

This month I have a download that includes valuable information about conducting a cost-effective kitchen remodel. The first page outlines cost-saving alternatives of the most common elements of a kitchen remodel. Page two offers valuable tips for a pre-sale kitchen renovation. Feel free to share this information with family and friends who may be interested in remodelling their kitchens.

Please call me for more information about kitchen renovations or for a referral to a contractor.

* Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Download PDFKitchen Remodelling

More of the Same for October 2011

Posted on: October 30th, 2011 by admin No Comments

Well more of the same seems to be the motto for October 2011. Sales remained steady for the month with inventory starting to dissipate as winter rears its chilly face. Expectations are for between 30 and 40 sales for the month of November. So let’s hope our listings are the first to go.

Download PDFOctober 2011 Cowichan Valley GraphStats

How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster

Posted on: October 17th, 2011 by calkaiser No Comments

If you’re like millions of Canadians, you dream of the day when you will be debt free. Consumer spending in Canada has increased dramatically over the last few years, surpassing that of our American neighbours. Canada ranks first in the consumer debt-to-financial assets ratio, beating 20 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries, including the United States and Greece.* It’s time for us to take control of our finances and eliminate household debt.

This month’s download includes tips to help you break the cycle of debt and achieve financial freedom. The first page outlines steps you can take to create a budget and save money. Page two details a plan to eliminate debt from credit cards and loans in a fraction of the time it would traditionally take. Feel free to share this information with your family or friends who are looking to get out of debt and improve their financial security.

If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to call me.

*Source: Certified General Accountants Association of Canada

Download PDFHow To Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster