www.merrittherald.com | THURSDAY, October 1, 2026 | 15
NICOLA VALLEY
IN THE ISSUE
REAL ESTATE REVIEW Everything you need to know about real estate in the Nicola Valley.
LISTINGS
BUYING & SELLING TIPS
LOCAL EXPERTS
Beware of bad advice Beware of Pyrite Chooseing Appliances Making your home look bigger
OCT. EDITION
Real estate transaction: beware of pyrite Do you plan to buy a property and think you’ve found a great deal? Be cautious, as some homes— particularly those built in the 1980s—may contain pyrite, a mineral that can cause significant damage. Here are a few tips to help you spot it.
WHAT’S PYRITE? Pyrite has historically been used in fill materials to level the ground beneath buildings
and homes. However, when it comes into contact with moisture and oxygen, it undergoes a chemical reaction that can cause the mineral to deform and expand. Over time, this expansion can lead to cracks in buildings, damaging foundations and load-bearing walls. Without major repairs to address backfill issues, pyrite can severely deteriorate a property and
significantly reduce its market value.
HOW TO DETECT IT When you visit a property, look for signs of pyrite. These signs may include high humidity in the basement, uneven floors, cracks in the foundation walls and doors that fail to open or close smoothly. That said, testing for pyrite is still THE most reliable way to confirm its
presence. Keep in mind that an unpleasant surprise can lead to significant costs, which is not what you want when purchasing a home. It’s always a good idea to consult a professional to guide you through the process before signing a purchase agreement. Do you need help? Contact a real estate agent in your area.
ARE YOU A REALTOR®, MORTGAGE SPECIALIST, HOME BUILDER, OR HOME SERVICES PROFESSIONAL? Showcase your business in the Nicola Valley Real Estate Review, published in the first Thursday edition of the Merritt Herald each month.
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www.merrittherald.com | THURSDAY, October 1, 2026 | 17
Darren Matity
Local People
CANADA FLEX REALTY GROUP LTD
YOU CAN TRUST
®
Real Estate Representative & Licensed Property Manager darren@flexrealtygroup.ca | 250-457-4499
Karen McGregor, F U L L S E RV I C E • F L E X I B L E S O L U T I O N S
Bailee Allen
Michelle Bacon
Real Estate Representative
Real Estate Representative & Licensed Property Manager
250-315-9648
250-315-9987
250-307-8455
bailee@flexrealtygroup.ca
michelle@flexrealtygroup.ca
ace@flexrealtygroup.ca
Ace Wild Real Estate Representative
Licensed Property Manager, karen@flexrealtygroup.ca | 250-253-1001 Don Gossoo, Associate Broker don@flexrealtygroup.ca | 250-315-9277
Nathan Matis, Owner, Managing Broker nathan.matis@flexrealtygroup.ca | 250-859-9559
Contact us with any real estate or property management needs
2135 MERRITT AVE
2326 GARCIA STREET
2313 CLAPPERTON AVE
3104 PANORAMA DRIVE
MLS®10390830
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MLS®10369875
MLS®10394323
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2564 COUTLEE AVE MLS®10379514
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1502 COLDWATER AVE
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2463 IRVINE AVE MLS®10384982
1867 JUNIPER DRIVE MLS®10391205
471 WOODWARD AVE
$359,900 LOWER NICOLA MLS®1039635
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$625,000
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APARTMENTS
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SUNSHINE VALLEY ACREAGE MLS®10397115
LOGAN LAKE
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Let us help you MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE!
1 bed + den, in suite laundry, small pets considered, 1 bed + den, in suite laundry, small pets considered,
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SUITES Upper - 2 bed, 2 bath, Fully furnished, everything included, $2,600 New Properties and rentals are ongoing, please contact Michelle Bacon merrittpropmanage@gmail.com for updated rentals 2 bed 1.5 bath, Townhome in Fir Hill Village pets considered, includes wi-fi and 5 x 10 storage unit $2125.00 + Hydro 2 bed 1.5 bath, Fully furnished Townhome in Fir Hill Village, pets considered $2650.00 all in 1 bed 1 bath fully furnished lower suite on Parker Drive $1850.00 plus 25% of utilities Please contact Karen at karen@flexrealtygroup.ca
2001C Voght Street
admin@flexrealtygroup.ca
18 | THURSDAY, October 1, 2026 | www.merrittherald.com
Buying real estate: Beware of (very) bad advice! Buying a new home for your family? Maybe investing in a multi-unit property? If your real estate experience is limited, you’re likely seeking advice online or from friends and family. Many misconceptions circulate about real estate. Beware of these three common pieces of bad advice. 1. “WAIT FOR PRICES TO DROP” This seems logical, but there’s no guarantee that prices will fall. By waiting, you may miss out on golden opportunities. When buying a property, consider factors other than price, such as purchase terms and current interest rates. 2. “SKIP THE PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION” Housing shortages
3.
and bidding wars can make buyers feel they’re getting ahead of the crowd by skipping the optional home inspection. However, you could end up with a property requiring costly repairs. You may come to regret that rash decision. “HANDLE EVERYTHING YOURSELF” Sure, it may be possible to buy a home without the services of a real estate agent or a home inspector. It might trim your expenses but remember that their expertise can help you avoid major—potentially costly—mistakes. For a successful experience, don’t trust just anyone. For proven advice, consult a real estate expert.
How to make your home look bigger When is
the right time to sell a home?
You love your charming little house, but do its small dimensions leave you feeling cramped rather than cozy? For interiors that appear more spacious, take inspiration from these professional tips. • Choose light colours. Hues like white, beige, light grey or pastels reflect more light. • Place mirrors strategically. A decorative mirror in a narrow hallway or in front of a window can make the with sales rising through June. Identifying the optimal time to sell a home space feel more expansive. • Timing is localized, too. Some markets involves careful consideration of seasonal • Optimize Choose lighter curtainsdo rather thanthe heavy drapes to allow as not follow typical seasonal trajectory. trends, marketlighting. conditions and shifting much natural light in as possible. also add more For example, homelamps. sales in San Jose, Calif., economic indicators. Home equity repre-You can during first two weeks of February, sents thethrough largest component of personal • Sort your belongings to get rid ofpeak items thatthe unnecessarily clutter your Zillow. Theyou Silicon Valley wealth for most households, miscalcuspace. Tip: get into the and habit of removingaccording one itemto every time bring home a market and surrounding areas feature lating theone. market by even a few days or new chronically inventory, so this weeks can result in a substantial financial • Avoid bulky, tall furniture. Choose lowprofile pieceslow instead, ideally withearly legs. selling window allows sellers to capture loss. Multifunctional pieces are also ideal in small spaces. highly motivated buyers. Other markets Although there is no perfect moment to • Choose light-coloured flooring with planks or tiles that are free of patterns or around the country challenge conventional sell a home, the National Association of textures. wisdom as well, and relying on a knowledgeRealtors indicates data-driven insights can • Paint mouldings same colour as the walls. The key ishelp to avoid help maximize profitsand and ceilings minimizethe stress. able real estate profession can sellers contrasts. The following are some factors that can list at the best time in their markets. • Incorporate transparent materials finishes and on items as chairs, determine the most advantageous time toor glossy • Financial marketsuch factors play roles. selllight a home. Market conditions will often matter more fixtures and partitions. • The seasons are a strong influencer. According to a Realtor.com analysis of trends from 2018 to 2025, spring consistently
than the calendar when it comes to the real estate market. The NAR forecasted a 14 percent increase in existing home sales for
Are you choosing appliances within your budget? Avoid Going Into Debt With These Smart Tips
The cost of new household appliances can quickly add up. Are you choosing household appliances and entertainment equipment that fit into your budget? By following these tips, you can avoid overspending. APPLIANCES It can be tempting to opt for the latest refrigerator or washer-dryer set. Although modern appliances can be visually appealing and offer advanced tech features, they can be expensive. Plus, many of the settings may be useless to you. You can save hundreds of dollars by purchasing a more traditional model with fewer sophisticated electronic components. ENTERTAINMENT The latest big-screen TVs, tablet computers and powerful game consoles can be hard to resist. However, remember that bigger and more powerful devices tend to consume more electricity, which can
add to the overall cost of ownership beyond the purchase price. Consider choosing a smaller screen or limiting the number of additional devices you buy. Your wallet will thank you. Gadgets can be fun; just make sure they’ll serve a practical purpose before you decide to spend your money on them. AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVES Many retailers now offer refurbished products, providing an excellent opportunity to get the device you want at a lower price. You can also save money on household appliances by getting them secondhand. Additionally, purchasing refurbished or preowned items keeps them out of landfills and reduces your carbon footprint. Saving money while protecting the environment? It’s a winwin situation. Are you looking for appliances that fit your budget? Visit a specialized retailer near you for advice.
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