Mike & Bernadine Nielsen

Mike: 604-315-3151 |

Bernadine: 604-619-2063 |

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Taking the "scary" out of real estate 
Even homeowners who have moved a few times can be intimidated by the 
real estate market in general, and the buying and selling process in 
particular. 
First of all, making a decision to sell your home can be difficult. There are so 
many questions, such as: 
• Is "now" a good time to list? 
• How much can you expect to get for your property? 
• How long will it take to sell – and what if it doesn't? 
Then there's the buying and selling process: 
• How do you prepare your home for sale? 
• How do you find homes that meet your criteria and are within your 
price range? 
• How do you prepare your home for viewings? 
Yes, there's a lot to think about. That's why finding a good REALTOR® who 
is an expert on the local market is so important. 
A good REALTOR® will help you understand the market, the current market 
value of your home, and what you can expect should you decide to list. 
A good REALTOR® will also walk you step-by-step through the home 
selling and buying process, and work hard to make sure everything goes 
smoothly. 
So if you're considering buying or selling a home, take the time to find a 
good REALTOR®. It makes all the difference. 
Looking for a good REALTOR®? Call today. 
Taking the "scary" out of real estate Even homeowners who have moved a few times can be intimidated by the real estate market in general, and the buying and selling process in particular. First of all, making a decision to sell your home can be difficult. There are so many questions, such as: • Is "now" a good time to list? • How much can you expect to get for your property? • How long will it take to sell – and what if it doesn't? Then there's the buying and selling process: • How do you prepare your home for sale? • How do you find homes that meet your criteria and are within your price range? • How do you prepare your home for viewings? Yes, there's a lot to think about.

That's why finding a good REALTOR® who is an expert on the local market is so important. A good REALTOR® will help you understand the market, the current market value of your home, and what you can expect should you decide to list. A good REALTOR® will also walk you step-by-step through the home selling and buying process, and work hard to make sure everything goes smoothly. So if you're considering buying or selling a home, take the time to find a good REALTOR®. It makes all the difference. Looking for a good REALTOR®? Call today. 
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If you're considering a bathroom
update, you're probably familiar
with the typical approaches,
such as replacing a countertop
or toilet, or removing all the
fixtures and finishes to complete
a floor-to-ceiling renovation.
However, there is another, far less expensive way to make an
older bathroom look brand new: using overlays.
An overlay is simply a new surface applied over an existing
one. For example, instead of replacing an old and worn
bathtub – which is costly – you can purchase an overlay
system (called a tub liner) that fits on top of the existing
bathtub. It's a little like giving your tub a facelift! 
You can do the same thing with your bathroom countertops
and floors. 
Overlays come in a wide variety of styles and finishes – some
of which can make your bathroom look significantly more
upscale. Compared to a major renovation, the installation of
overlays is relatively straightforward. A tub liner installation, for
example, can be done in a day.
You can learn more about overlays at your local home
improvement centre and at specialty bathroom showroom

If you're considering a bathroom update, you're probably familiar with the typical approaches,such as replacing a counter top or toilet, or removing all the fixtures and finishes to completea floor-to-ceiling renovation.However, there is another, far less expensive way to make anolder bathroom look brand new: using overlays. An overlay is simply a new surface applied over an existing one. For example, instead of replacing an old and worn bathtub – which is costly – you can purchase an overlaysystem (called a tub liner) that fits on top of the existingbathtub. It's a little like giving your tub a facelift! You can do the same thing with your bathroom counter top sand floors. Overlays come in a wide variety of styles and finishes – some of which can make your bathroom look significantly more upscale. Compared to a major renovation, the installation of overlays is relatively straight forward. A tub liner installation, for example, can be done in a day.You can learn more about overlays at your local home improvement centre and at specialty bathroom showrooms.
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Have you ever attended an "Open House"
advertised in your area or in a community you
like? Most people have. Even if you're not
serious about moving, viewing a few properties
in a neighbourhood you like is a great way to get
a sense of the market.
Who knows? You might stumble upon your next
dream home!
To get the most out of an open house, follow
these guidelines:
• Most open houses will have a handout available
containing the list price and other property
information. Be sure to keep a copy.
• Don't just view the rooms. Explore the entire
property, including the backyard. 
• Don't be shy about asking the listing agent (or
whoever is hosting the open house) questions
about the property. 
• Ask about the area. Are there schools nearby?
Where is the nearest park or playground
located?
• Ask about potential required repairs and
renovations. For example, if the furnace is more
than 15 years old, it may need to be replaced
soon.
• Walk around the neighbourhood. Try to get a
sense of what it's like to live there. If possible,
chat with a neighbour. 
Finally, if you become interested in the home, be
sure to advise the listing agent that your own
REALTOR® will be following up. Otherwise, the
listing agent might assume that he or she will be
representing you.
Looking for a good REALTOR® to have by your
I
N
side? Call today.
Have you ever attended an "Open House"advertised in your area or in a community youlike? Most people have. Even if you're notserious about moving, viewing a few propertiesin a neighbourhood you like is a great way to geta sense of the market.Who knows? You might stumble upon your nextdream home!To get the most out of an open house, followthese guidelines:• Most open houses will have a handout availablecontaining the list price and other propertyinformation. Be sure to keep a copy.• Don't just view the rooms. Explore the entireproperty, including the backyard. • Don't be shy about asking the listing agent (orwhoever is hosting the open house) questionsabout the property. • Ask about the area. Are there schools nearby?Where is the nearest park or playgroundlocated?• Ask about potential required repairs andrenovations. For example, if the furnace is morethan 15 years old, it may need to be replacedsoon.• Walk around the neighbourhood. Try to get asense of what it's like to live there. If possible,chat with a neighbour. Finally, if you become interested in the home, besure to advise the listing agent that your ownREALTOR® will be following up. Otherwise, thelisting agent might assume that he or she will berepresenting you.Looking for a good REALTOR® to have by yourINside? Call today.
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December is a time to celebrate the year that has gone by and make 
plans for the year ahead. 
What are your plans for 2014?
Perhaps you’re thinking about making some changes around your home? 
Are you planning some repairs, a room remodelling, or a renovation of 
some kind?
If so, I may be able to help. As an active REALTOR® in the area, I can 
refer you to many reputable contractors and other local “home industry” 
businesses my clients or I have used in the past. Give me a call. 
If on the other hand, you have plans to move in the coming year, or 
you’re just entertaining the idea, contact me. I’d be happy to answer your 
questions and give you an idea of what’s possible.
Of course, you may not have any plans at all regarding your home for 
2014. If that’s the case, know that I’ll always be available to you should 
something come up – as I am for all my valued clients. 
Watch Out For
Expirations and Price Increases!
 
December 31st is a common “anniversary 
date” for business services.
For example, many programs and services 
expire at the end of a calendar year. So, 
it’s a good idea to check and see if any 
expiration dates will impact you.
Many company contracts for services or 
subscriptions automatically renew if you 
don’t do anything. So if you’ve signed-up 
for something you no longer want, be sure 
to notify the company in writing to let them 
know you wish to cancel. Note that there is 
often a notice period before which you will 
need to have notified the company. Check 
your contract details.
Businesses also use the end of the year 
to increase prices. Check your mail and 
email for notifications such as, “As of 
December 31, 2013, our standard fee 
will increase by...”. Some companies, 
including banks, will send these notices 
out weeks in advance. If in doubt, contact 
the company directly. 
You should always know, in advance, 
the cost and terms of the products and 
services you use regularly
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I just finished uploading this House for sale, 7301 196A Street, Langley, British Columbia

Executive home on quiet street with no expense spared on finishing. Great room design with separate large formal dining and office/den with see through two way fireplace. Rich dark laminate and tile throughout this open floor plan home. Lar ge kitchen incl oak cabinets, large centre island, extended eating area, high end stainless appliances, with kitchen and great room overlooking back yard and side patio. Central staircase leads you to four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Two ensuites and two bathrooms with double sinks. Large master with ensuite. Basement is fully finished with two or three bedroom suite. Third bedroom down could also be rec room or theatre room. This home is an absolute treat to show.

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Here’s a surprising statistic. In several surveys, upwards of 60% of people surveyed listed “bedrooms” as one of the reasons they decided to purchase a particular property. So don’t overlook these rooms when preparing your house for sale. You need to make sure they appear roomy and attractive to potential buyers.


The first step is to make sure every bedroom actually has a bed. Otherwise, you might inadvertently give the impression that your home has fewer bedrooms than it really does. To a potential buyer, a bedroom is often more valuable than the home office or storage room you may have converted it into.

You can’t change the number of bedrooms your home actually has, but you can make sure that each one shows well. Consider the layout of each room carefully. Is the bed and other furniture placed in a way that makes the room appear as spacious as possible? Can buyers easily walk around the bed? Are the curtains, bedding and other décor items clean and attractive?

Finally, buyers will understand that a kid’s room may be somewhat cluttered and may even have an eclectic style, but you need to make sure it’s as clean and tidy as possible.

Have questions about how to prepare your house for sale? Call today.

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I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 308 15282 19TH Ave, South Surrey White Rock, British Columbia

"PARKVIEW". Exceptionally run building situated on a quiet cul-de-sac resting on Bakerview Park. Top floor 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo, boasting almost 1300 sq ft living area. Located uptown, close to Semiahmoo Mall, transit and close to everything White Rock has to offer. Spacious floor plan with features including, sunken living room, gas fireplace and big kitchen opening onto dining room. Huge ensuited master bedroom opening onto the enclosed balcony for extra space. Amenities include exercise room/sauna/hot tub. No age restricitons. New roof, all new hardy plank exterior.

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Making Your Kitchen More Attractive to Buyers 
What's one of the most important rooms in your home? When it comes to 
selling your property quickly, and for the best price, the answer is clearly the 
kitchen. In fact, one of the most common explanations a particular buyer 
gives for not making an offer is, "I liked the house, but I wasn't too keen on 
the kitchen." 
That doesn't mean you must do a major renovation. However, you should do 
what you can to make the kitchen as attractive as possible to buyers. 
Here are some ideas: 
First, clear the countertops. Put away the toaster and other items. You want 
to make the entire countertop area seem as spacious as possible. 
If the cabinetry is old, you can spruce it up by installing new knobs, handles 
and other hardware. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling can also 
make the kitchen look like it has had a major renovation – and it will only cost 
you a few hundred dollars. According to an article on the website HDTV.com, 
"The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new 
cabinet hardware." 
Replacing the countertops is a more expensive renovation, but it may be 
worth it if the current counters are old and worn. 
Finally, when preparing your kitchen for a viewing, make sure it's clean and 
tidy. The garbage and recycling bins should be empty. Buyers will open 
cabinets so make sure items on shelves are neatly organized with the front 
labels facing forward. 
There are many other ways to make the most important room in your home 
look great to potential buyers. Call today for more ideas. 
web size standard crop new photo.png

Making Your Kitchen More Attractive to Buyers What's one of the most important rooms in your home? When it comes to selling your property quickly, and for the best price, the answer is clearly the kitchen. In fact, one of the most common explanations a particular buyer gives for not making an offer is, "I liked the house, but I wasn't too keen on the kitchen." That doesn't mean you must do a major renovation. However, you should do what you can to make the kitchen as attractive as possible to buyers. Here are some ideas: First, clear the countertops. Put away the toaster and other items. You want to make the entire countertop area seem as spacious as possible. If the cabinetry is old, you can spruce it up by installing new knobs, handles and other hardware. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling can also make the kitchen look like it has had a major renovation – and it will only cost you a few hundred dollars. According to an article on the website HDTV.com, "The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware." Replacing the countertops is a more expensive renovation, but it may be worth it if the current counters are old and worn. Finally, when preparing your kitchen for a viewing, make sure it's clean and tidy. The garbage and recycling bins should be empty. Buyers will open cabinets so make sure items on shelves are neatly organized with the front labels facing forward. There are many other ways to make the most important room in your home look great to potential buyers. Call today for more ideas. 
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How to Choose the Right Size HDTV
If you don't own one already, you may be tempted to purchase a
widescreen digital television to enjoy your favourite movies, shows and
sports programs. However, it can be difficult to select the right screen size,
especially if you've been accustomed to viewing a TV with a traditional 4:3
screen.
When it comes to size, there are many factors that come into play, such as
screen resolution and personal preference. However, the last thing you want
is to purchase an HDTV that is too small for the room, or so big that it
dominates the space.
Here's a tip:
The rule of thumb is to take the distance you'll be sitting from the television
and multiple by five to get the screen size you need. So if you'll be sitting
eight feet away, you'll want to look at HDTVs with screens that are in the 35-
45 inch range.
A good electronics dealer can help you make the best choice.
How to Choose the Right Size HDTV! If you don't own one already, you may be tempted to purchase a widescreen digital television to enjoy your favourite movies, shows and sports programs. However, it can be difficult to select the right screen size,especially if you've been accustomed to viewing a TV with a traditional 4:3 screen. When it comes to size, there are many factors that come into play, such as screen resolution and personal preference. However, the last thing you want is to purchase an HDTV that is too small for the room, or so big that it dominates the space. Here's a tip:The rule of thumb is to take the distance you'll be sitting from the television and multiple by five to get the screen size you need. So if you'll be sitting eight feet away, you'll want to look at HDTVs with screens that are in the 35-45 inch range. A good electronics dealer can help you make the best choice.
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Posted on by
Making Your Kitchen More Attractive to Buyers
What's one of the most important rooms in your home? When it comes to
selling your property quickly, and for the best price, the answer is clearly the
kitchen. In fact, one of the most common explanations a particular buyer
gives for not making an offer is, "I liked the house, but I wasn't too keen on
the kitchen."
That doesn't mean you must do a major renovation. However, you should do
what you can to make the kitchen as attractive as possible to buyers.
Here are some ideas:
First, clear the countertops. Put away the toaster and other items. You want
to make the entire countertop area seem as spacious as possible.
If the cabinetry is old, you can spruce it up by installing new knobs, handles
and other hardware. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling can also
make the kitchen look like it has had a major renovation – and it will only cost
you a few hundred dollars. According to an article on the website HDTV.com,
"The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new
cabinet hardware."
Replacing the countertops is a more expensive renovation, but it may be
worth it if the current counters are old and worn.
Finally, when preparing your kitchen for a viewing, make sure it's clean and
tidy. The garbage and recycling bins should be empty. Buyers will open
cabinets so make sure items on shelves are neatly organized with the front
labels facing forward.
There are many other ways to make the most important room in your home
look great to potential buyers. Call today for more ideas.
Making Your Kitchen More Attractive to BuyersWhat's one of the most important rooms in your home? When it comes toselling your property quickly, and for the best price, the answer is clearly thekitchen. In fact, one of the most common explanations a particular buyergives for not making an offer is, "I liked the house, but I wasn't too keen onthe kitchen."That doesn't mean you must do a major renovation. However, you should dowhat you can to make the kitchen as attractive as possible to buyers.Here are some ideas:First, clear the countertops. Put away the toaster and other items. You wantto make the entire countertop area seem as spacious as possible.If the cabinetry is old, you can spruce it up by installing new knobs, handlesand other hardware. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling can alsomake the kitchen look like it has had a major renovation – and it will only costyou a few hundred dollars. According to an article on the website HDTV.com,"The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and newcabinet hardware."Replacing the countertops is a more expensive renovation, but it may beworth it if the current counters are old and worn.Finally, when preparing your kitchen for a viewing, make sure it's clean andtidy. The garbage and recycling bins should be empty. Buyers will opencabinets so make sure items on shelves are neatly organized with the frontlabels facing forward.There are many other ways to make the most important room in your homelook great to potential buyers. Call today for more ideas.
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