Wishing you a very Happy Halloween and may your day be filled with many treats and not so many tricks!! 

If you are looking for a sweet treat with a new home- give me a call 506.271.1106!! 

#realtorrenee 

Here are the latest market stats for the Greater Saint John area up to the end of August 2024. We are still seeing a strong sellers market with most properties listed achieving multiple offers if they’re priced strategically! There are some that we’ve seen that have sat for extended time compared to the usual and it’s typically one of three reasons- location, condition, or price! Put your trust in an experienced real estate agent who can guide you to a successful sale for the best price and best conditions…call Renee Archibald today 506.271.1106

Are you wanting to explore this summer but stay close to home?? I’ve asked around and here are a few lists of things to do within or close to Saint John NB- 

What’s your go to spot?? Let us know in the comments to add it in our list!! I love highlighting our local culture in the Greater Saint John area!! 

-R

Here’s what’s happening in the Greater Saint John residential real estate market! Numbers are still increasing from last year and have started to stabilize from the flury of the pandemic. We are still in need of more homes to sell as there is an influx of buyers and likely will be for some time especially if interest rates continue to drop. 

Thinking of a move in 2024? Let's chat! Call 506.271.1106

Here's the latest YTD Market Stats for the Greater Saint John area! We are cruising into the Spring market and seeing some great homes being listed and sold. With the announcement yesterday from the Bank of Canada to hold the BOC interest rate at 5% again keeps us charging onward!

If you or anyone you know is thinking of selling (or buying) real estate this year- give me a call 506.271.1106

You’ve received your New Brunswick Property Assessment in the mail… now what? Review it!!! 

It has important information on it and it determines what your property taxes will be based on this year. 

1. Verify the contact information and names it’s addressed to (those are the ones on the title as well)

2. Property Identification are helpful when you’re going to sell and your Realtor is doing their homework to look up the info

3. Property Location & description should be reviewed for accuracy- is it a residence & lot or a vacant land? 

4. Property assessment Info is the details of how your property taxes will be determined in March. Verify if it’s owner-occupied- if not, there is additional tax that will be charged. The Spike protection will cap the amount that can be taxed and it’s max amount the taxable assessment can be increased is 10% year to year (excluding new construction or if you’ve done major renovations). 

5. On the right will be a 5 year history of your assessment values.

If you don’t agree with the assessed value, you can decide if you’re going to apply to appeal the assessment. Before you call, ask yourself- if I were to sell my house today, would it sell for the assessed value? If you find yourself saying yes more than likely then you might not want to make that call. They can come back and reassess at a higher price if they’ve narrowed in on your property. You will need details on why you don’t agree so you’ll need to do some homework to provide. As your local Realtor, I’m happy to have a conversation about the market in your area and if needed am able to provide a report for you. You have until February 14 2024 to file an appeal. 

If an appeal is needed here are the things you will need to have: 

Property Account Number (PAN) 

Access Key 

Full, complete and detailed reasons for objecting to the Real Property Assessment value 

Full name, mailing address (including postal code) and telephone number

Get ahead of your tax bill in March to determine an approximate value you will have to pay by May… find your municipal tax rate! Saint John city adjusts their tax rate on a yearly basis according to what the province shares for general increases and what is needed in the budget. Saint John city’s tax rate for 2024 is $1.58/ $1000 of taxable assessed value (a decrease from $1.71 in 2023). 

I’m always here to help!

Renee 

Is the New Year giving you New House vibes?? Are you ready to make a move, whether it to downsize, upsize, or relocate?? The market is still a seller's market but be aware that you still want to bring your best on day 1 to get top dollar! Working with a Realtor early in your planning can help reduce the stress and focus on what will really help your property shine for potential buyers.

Here are some steps to begin the process of preparing your home for sale:

1. Declutter, declutter, and declutter some more. The old saying of "less is more" fits well when getting ready to sell. Clear surfaces, clean out closets, drawers, and cabinets. You're getting ready to move so putting items you don't want to get rid of into boxes neatly stacked is better than piles of stuff in the open.

2. Deep clean! Hire someone if you can. After you've decluttered it's time for a deep clean to get the dust bunnies out. A fresh clean smelling house can really help a potential buyer picture themselves in the house.

3. Complete the small maintenance tasks- paint touch ups, replace the cracked outlet cover, put the transition strip in the doorway, replace the weather stripping around the doors, tack the trim around that door… you get the idea. Your Realtor should have a contact for a handy helper if needed!

4. Update finishes, if possible. Replacing light fixtures, cupboard and drawer pulls, interior doors, counter tops can really change the feel of a home with minimal effort.

5. Check the yard!! Pick up any debris, toys, ornaments, and anything else that doesn't belong. Clean up the gardens. Keep it simple and tidy.

These are a few tips that will get you started and I highly recommend getting in touch with your Realtor before tackling any projects that might have a cost to them. Working with your Realtor early in the process as they are a great resource to help with ideas, contacts for hired help, and suggestions on where best to focus your efforts. Some projects might not be necessary while others could be the difference of significant money.

If you’re ready to make a move today let’s start the conversation!! 

Renée Archibald

Real Estate Agent | Greater Saint John

506.271.1106

Welcome to our Real Estate Blog! Here you can find timely updates of my latest properties, open houses, just solds and much more.

Whether you are interested in buying or selling real estate, I am here to help guide you every step of the way.

If you have any questions about real estate from home evaluations to mortgages to searching for properties in your area, don't hesitate to contact me today!