Cal Kaiser - Cowichan Valley Real Estate Expert

A Great Time to Get Into the Market

Posted on: January 10th, 2013 by Cal Kaiser No Comments

Happy New Year!

Well 2012 went out with a whimper with only 15 single-family home sales, showing a 35% drop from 2011. The final numbers for the year though were not so dire, with only a 8% drop in volume. Our expectations for 2013 are for a slight increase in volume in the year with more price stability.

Again, an excellent time to get into the market. There is an abundance of inventory for first-time home buyers, property investors, and the “move-up” market.

Here are the Cowichan Valley GraphStats for December 2012. Let us know if you have any questions regarding these statistics.

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5 Ways to Show Gratitude Through Community Service

Posted on: October 23rd, 2012 by Cal Kaiser No Comments

This bonus item offers some great ideas for giving back to your community. Volunteering is just one way to produce a positive outcome…and it makes you feel good too.

If you have any uncommon community service ideas, we’d love to hear them!

Adobe PDF 5 Ways to Show Gratitude Through Community Service

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Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude

Posted on: October 23rd, 2012 by Cal Kaiser No Comments

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and express gratitude to those who have impacted our lives. Your support as an advocate for my business has been vital to my success as a real estate professional. I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to serve you. Being your trusted real estate professional is an honour and a privilege and I hope to strengthen our relationship and take care of your home- and community-related needs in the future.

What are you grateful for in your life? Follow the tips outlined in this month’s information to help you cultivate an attitude of gratitude and express thanks to those who are important to you and your success.

Adobe PDF 9 Ways to Count Your Blessings

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6 Ways to Save Money on Gas

Posted on: August 21st, 2012 by Cal Kaiser No Comments

Gas prices have reached record levels over the past few years, impacting everything from your daily commute to your vacation travel choices. However, there are simple, common sense things you can do to improve your fuel efficiency and keep your money where it belongs—in your wallet.

This month I’m sending along helpful tips to help you lessen the impact of increasing gas prices on your finances. While page one outlines six easy ways to improve your fuel efficiency, page two provides a worksheet to see how much your vehicle is costing you per kilometre. Please share this helpful information with family or friends to help them save money as well.

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

Adobe PDFPay Less at The Pump

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Lots of Choice and Good Value

Posted on: June 13th, 2012 by Cal Kaiser No Comments

May showed another strong month of sales in the Cowichan valley with 77 single family home sales and 11 lot sales. Prices are finally showing stability here, and we are also experiencing a increase in sales over $500,000.

There continues to be a large inventory of homes for sale with 591 active listings. That means lots of choice and good value! A great time to move up or buy for the first time.

Cowichan Valley GraphStats May 2012

Here are the Cowichan Valley GraphStats 2012. Let us know if you have any questions regarding these statistics.

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Best Mobile Gadgets for 2012

Posted on: January 15th, 2012 by Cal Kaiser 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

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Get Ready for the Postage Increase

Posted on: January 9th, 2012 by Cal Kaiser 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

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Wake Up Cowichan Valley!

Posted on: January 2nd, 2012 by Cal Kaiser 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

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How to Set Attainable Goals in 2012

Posted on: December 15th, 2011 by Cal Kaiser 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

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November 2011 Single Family Home Sales Steady

Posted on: December 1st, 2011 by Cal Kaiser 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

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Home Renovations Add Value to the Home

Posted on: November 3rd, 2011 by Cal Kaiser 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

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More of the Same for October 2011

Posted on: October 30th, 2011 by Cal Kaiser 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

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How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster

Posted on: October 17th, 2011 by Cal Kaiser 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

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