NelsonLocal.com Newsletter Winter Issue 2005

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
NelsonLocal.com Website Launch
Real Estate In Nelson
Feature Listing
Renovation Return On Investments
Decorating Tip
Nelson News Flash

Announcing www.NelsonLocal.com ( top )

I am pleased to announce the official launch of www.NelsonLocal.com where you will find an abundance of information related to buying and selling Real Estate. Whether you are a first time purchaser or a Real Estate investor buying and selling regularly, there is information you don’t want to miss out on.

You can check out my current listings that are regularly updated, view my glossary of Real Estate terms, link to many informative websites that offer extensive information from getting approved for a mortgage, arranging home inspections, writing an offer to purchase, and a ton of other valuable resources relating to Real Estate that you could spend hours trying to find on your own. Please take some time to check it out and feel free to provide feedback on what you like, dislike, or might want to see in the future.

I’d like to send an extended thanks to my website developer Brian Chard www.brianchard.com for all the long hours and hard work he put into creating NelsonLocal.com . His cooperation and patients were imperative to making these resources available to you online.

Real Estate In Nelson ( top )

2004 was a very busy year for Real Estate in the Nelson and the Kootenay area as low interest rates brought a lot of first time buyers into the market place, and Real Estate investors were among the many purchasers taking advantage of the incredibly low mortgage rates.

The rule of supply and demand held true as housing prices increased to $188,908 by 18% for an average single family dwelling in Nelson compared to $160,015 in 2003 creating primarily a sellers market. Nelson rural residential prices also increased to $199,369 by 8% compared to $183,637 from the previous year. (Kootenay Real Estate Board Statistics )

More competitive purchasing took place over the course of the year as buyers were competing in multiple offer situations due to the overall lack of inventory in the area leaving vendors in the driving seat.

Property owners have recently received their property tax notices from the BC Assessment Authority for 2005 and it has been confirmed that property values are increasing in the area which is good news for most homeowners.

A multitude of international purchasers are looking to invest in Real Estate in the Nelson and Kootenay area and are actively looking and awaiting the perfect property to grab hold of. Locals who are working with a REALTOR generally have a bit of an advantage because they are more readily available to view properties quickly as they come on to the market place.

Contact me at info@nelsonlocal.com or 250-354-3382 if you are considering buying or selling Real Estate in the Nelson and Kootenay area. I will provide you with more information about investing in a heated market place.

Feature Listing ( top )

ENJOY NUMEROUS MOUNTAIN VIEWS FROM EITHER LARGE DECK OR HIKE YOUR 11 ACRES PROPERTY THEN SWIM IN THE SLOCAN RIVER. THIS UP/DOWN LARGE DUPLEX WOULD MAKE FOR AN IDEAL SUMMER HOME AND/OR MORTGAGE HELPER. NEW APPLIANCES, 10 FOOT CEILINGS, OPEN FLOOR PLAN AND LOTS OF WINDOWS MAKE FOR A QUICK SALE. DON'T WAIT BECAUSE THIS WON'T LAST LONG. $229,900.

For a full listing and additional photos visit www.NelsonLocal.com/listings

Renovation Return On Investments ( top )

Thinking about doing some renovations? Here is some valuable information on which areas you might consider starting on. Down the road when you decide to sell, you are likely to get more return on your investment by upgrading areas that count the most to buyers. Contact me if you would like a copy of the RE/MAX Smart Renovators Guide at info@nelsonlocal.com or by telephone at 250-354-3382

BC homeowners spent an average of $2,274, slightly less than the $2,340 expended in 2001, on repairing and renovating their homes, according to the 2002 Homeowners Repair and Renovation Survey, conducted by Statistics Canada.

Decorating Tip: Decorating A Small Space? ( top )

By reflecting light, mirrors are a great way to create an illusion of space in small areas such as hallways and bathrooms.

Consider choosing lighter hues such as creams, butter yellows, pale greens, or ice blues for wall colours that will help give the space a more airy feeling.

Bring in more light by removing tired window treatments and adding additional lighting.
Reduce visual clutter by using fewer, larger pieces of furniture and accessories that have simple lines and shapes.

Check out www.Nelson Local.com periodically for new and exciting Decorating & Design Tips found on the home page.

Nelson News Flash ( top )

The progress on the new recreation complex is well underway and despite the heavy snow falls and wet conditions over the December and January months, the plan is still to be open for operation by either late spring or early summer. For current progress updates, site plans, and to check out the photo gallery visit www.rdck.bc.ca .

The Heritage Hotel is undergoing a major exterior make over to restore a more original heritage look to the building. Local architect David Doobie will be working closely with the Ryan family and the Nelson Heritage Commission throughout this exciting process. Renovations are set to begin in March. See the exisiting structure at www.heritageinn.org .

The Nelson Business Association continues to meet weekly for breakfast to discuss ways to promote, lobby, and maintain business in the area. I’d like to thank everyone who made Christmas on Baker Street happen. Your efforts to embrace the spirit of the season were truly appreciated.

The Nelson and District Archives, Art Galley, and Historical Society are busy planning their future move into the current City Hall space. Previously the building was used as a museum, post office and a customs house. For more information and to view plans on-line go to www.museum.kics.bc.ca .

Employment in the area is on the rise as of December 2004, 3300 more people are employed than at the same time in 2001. The rate is 6.6% compared to 11.1 in 2001. (Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey)

White Water Ski Resort currently has a base of 170cm or 68 inches (as of 01/20/05) and local skiers and snowboarders are getting out there and enjoying the famous Kootenay powder. Check out the most recent conditions and snow reports at www.skiwhitewater.com .