British Colombia, Canada, is well-known throughout the world for its gorgeous and dazzling mountain views, vibrant and bustling cities, a strong and diverse culture, and its numerous recreational activities such as the stunning golf courses and best ski condos. In British Columbia, the BC real estate market has always been a booming business. However, due to the recent down turn in the economy, the British Columbia real estate market had experienced a brief cooling off period. Now, this exciting and beautiful Canadian province has started to make a strong recovery. A distinct bounce back in consumer demand has turned a possible gloomy 2010 into a very strong year for home sales. A boost in consumer confidence, increased consumer demand, and low mortgage interest rates, have all played an important role in improving the British Columbia real estate market.

Real Estate developers are not only attracting retirees, but they are also attracting an innovative young work force. Many developers are responding to consumer demands for a private piece of paradise where people can enjoy the beautiful scenery, but still have access to a vibrant and culturally diverse city such as Vancouver. Whether you are looking for a cozy and private residential home or looking for new real estate investment opportunities, British Columbia provides many real estate options for the informed investor. Investors and home buyers are recognizing these opportunities. For instance, the average annual MLS (R) residential price in the province is expected to rise 2 per cent. In 2010, many experts are also expecting to see another increase of 4 per cent in the price of real estate. More specifically, home sales in 2010 are projected to increase an additional 8 per cent.

The interior housing markets of British Colombia are also seeing vigorous consumer demand because of stronger market conditions and current low mortgage rates that are boosting home sales. Vancouver, BC has recently seen a large jump in quarterly sales. According to figures released by the Canadian Real Estate Association, Vancouver is fast becoming one of the hottest real estate markets in Canada. As well, Vancouver and Victoria have declared near record sales this past fall.

Many regions across the Province are now seeing strong home sales. For instance, home sales in the Fraser Valley and the city of Victorian have seen a rapid growth in home sales. In fact, sales in Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and Victoria have boosted the province’s overall home sales total to almost record levels. In December of 2009, The British Columbia Real Estate Association reported that Multiple Listing Service (R) residential sales in the province have made a remarkable increase this past November. However, it is important to note that the demand in these residential sales markets is expected to level off in 2010 as demand is exhausted and home prices begin to rise again.

With the current low interest rates available on mortgages, many experts suggest that it may be a good time to look at the real estate investment opportunities in British Colombia. As the economy slowly rebounds, one may find themselves with a lucrative investment in a beautiful province.

If you are looking for BC real estate, or even just the best ski condos around the area, then look no further! We offer the best locations and prices!

1. No Clutter. Throw out old newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small items like figurines and other trinkets. Store clothing that won’t be used in the near future to make closets seem roomier. Clean out the garage. Buyers like to visualize their possessions in the house and that is hard to do when the ocean home is full of clutter.

2. Wash your windows and screens. Washing the windows will allow more light into the home and will allow buyers to see the beautiful view. Plus, dirty windows are a turn off.

3. Keep everything really clean. Wash fingerprints and dirt from light switch plates. Clean the floors, appliances, dust any furniture. A clean house makes a better first impression and tells buyers that the home has been well cared for.

4. Replace dim and blown light bulbs. Clean any dirty window treatments, i.e. draperies, blinds, etc. The goal is to make the rooms as bright as possible. Arrive early and turn lights on before buyers arrive to see the home.

5. Make all minor repairs that you can find. Everything you don’t repair now will be revealed in the home inspection and can create a bad impression. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, cracked receptacle covers or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well maintained. You can also go a step further and get a sellers home inspection to see for yourself what the home inspector will see. You can also market the home as being pre-inspected.

6. Maximize your curb appeal. Cut the grass, rake any leaves, trim the bushes, and edge the walks. Put a couple of bright potted flowers near the entryway to cheer things up and get the buyers attention.

7. Fill cracks and holes in the driveway. Apply a sealant if needed.

8. Clean out any debris in the gutters.

9. Polish or replace your front doorknob and door numbers.

10. Eliminate odors in the home. Clean carpeting and curtains to get rid of unpleasant odors in the home. If the carpet is old, consider replacing it. The added value to the home will likely far outweigh the cost of replacing it. Open the windows. The number one turn off to a potential buyer is an unpleasant odor.

Hubert Miles is the founder of Waterfront Houses USA, an internet listing service that provides Oceanfront Homes For Sale and Ocean Homes For Sale available in the US and Canada.