Real Service. Real Solutions. Real Estate.

 
Janice Armstrong
Janice Armstrong
REALTORĀ®
Choosing a REALTOR®


I am a Real Estate Agent in Nanaimo. When you're ready to sell your home or buy a new one, call me for a personal consultation where I will outline an effective action plan that will obtain your goals in a fast, friendly, effective low pressure manner.

I am a Residential Specialist and concentrate my skills throughout the Mid-Island area. I am known for providing comprehensive service and working with people in an honest, forthright manner. I insist upon ongoing communication so no stone is left unturned. My clients know what to expect every step of the way and feel confident that they've made a sound decision based on accurate information.  I am known for going above and beyond in my responsibilty of due diligence.

Because each client is unique and has special concerns, I find my ability to truly listen to my clients' thoughts, hopes and fears to be among my greatest assets. I am also strong at the negotiation tables and work hard to obtain the best terms and conditions to suit your circumstances.

Marketing Expertise
Marketing is among the most important aspects of selling your home quickly and at a premium price. I advertise my listings in many ways. I utalize print ad and  I may also create effective direct mail campaigns designed to target specific buyers who are most likely to be interested in - and qualified to - buy your home. Because  92% of home buyers now begin their home search online I have a very high profile online prescense--but combine it with good ol' fashioned hands on hard work.  Combined with my extensive networking with thousands of REALTORS® and with various professional and charitable associations, your home sale or purchase is in good hands with me.

Why Janice Armstrong
I have lived and been active in  Nanaimo for many years. If you are in the market to buy, my extensive knowledge of the area helps me to guide my clients into the home and neighborhood of their dreams. If you are selling your home, and relocating to another area,  I can help obtain information on your destination city anywhere in the nation and help you to find a Realtor that will work as hard for you there as I am here.

Secrets of Savvy Househunters
Experienced home buyers know that there’s more to look for than a good neighbourhood and a sturdy foundation. They shop with their hearts, their heads – and with the expert advice of a real estate professional. Before you get caught up in the excitement of searching for the perfect home, here are some savvy steps to follow.
1. Know how much you want to spend
Don’t get caught in that trap of finding a perfect home that you can’t afford. Do your homework and define your budget. Get a pre-approved mortgage or consulting with your lender of choice, and keep your eye on the market, since any changes could impact what you can afford.
2. Scope out the neighbourhoods
Before you start looking at individual homes, figure out which neighbourhoods you would prefer to live in. How close are schools? Stores? Access to highways and public transit? These all have an impact. Also, check common areas in a community like parks and playgrounds – they can say a lot about how the residents feel about their neighbourhood, so look for tell-tale signs of neglect or proud upkeep. Your agent can also let you know how well certain neighbourhoods are selling, which is a good indicator of where people want to live.
3. Make a list
Smart shoppers never head to the grocery store without a list and neither should you when you head out to an open house. Organize your thoughts on paper and come up with a master house wish list that you can refer to. Divide it up into must-haves, would-be-nice items and deal breakers. Carry this list with you so that you can compare homes on the basis of your personal wants and needs.
4. Find a home inspector
Even before you locate your ideal home, have a home inspector at the ready. He or she may even be able to offer you some pointers for things to look out for when you first see a place.
5. Take your time
Don’t try to squeeze more than four viewings into a single day – it can be more confusing than convenient. Take photos and make note of the pros and cons after viewing each property so you can take a look at the next home without struggling to remember details about the one before.
6. Street sense
Be sure to ask about mutual driveways, parking, zoning bylaws and upcoming construction. You may be in a neighbourhood that is about to be receiving power line upgrades or road repairs that can wreak havoc on getting from point A to point B after you move in.
7. Be a legal eagle
Ask for a survey of the property and take a good look at it. Fences may not be on actual property lines and right-of-way issues may come into play in the future with the sale of the home next door. Don’t just rely on your judgement; hire a lawyer to inspect all of the paperwork related to a prospective purchase and to advise you.
8. Get a second opinion
If you’ve found a home that really appeals to you, show it to someone else. like a good friend or relative. Let them do all the talking in case they see something you hadn’t noticed. Having someone who isn’t personally vested in the propertycan give you the objective opinion you need before you make your decision.
9. Think it through
In a hot market, it can be hard not to make an immediate offer. While that may work in most cases, be sure to step back, pull out your list and carefully gauge if this property meets all of your must-have criteria. Savvy househunters say that when you find the right property, you can feel it down to your bones. If that’s the case for you, see if you can wait a day (or a few hours) before making an offer. The only thing worse than buyer’s remorse is letting a dream home get away.

 
Janice Armstrong
Janice Armstrong
REALTORĀ®
Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty, Brokerage (Independently owned and operated)
#275, 2000 Island HWY Nanaimo, BC V9S 5W3
Phone: 250.756.1132     
Fax: 250.756.1210