High Vancouver Prices pushes buyers out of Region
Taken From The Province Newspaper (Jan 23, 2012)
Vancouver needs "more housing created in the low-to middle-income range," he said.Roberston has appointed a task force on housing affordability, which includes social housing for the homeless, and he said he expects an initial report this spring.The experts will look at solutions based on zoning, density and different ownership models that work elsew... read more.
Strata Changes - Mandatory Depreciation Reports
Taken from the Province.com
What's the news on the new regulations for depreciation reports and Form Bs?In October 2009, the B.C. government passed the Strata Property Amendment Act, Bill 8. Under the act, many of the changes taking place were to be introduced by implementing regulations. Unlike Bill 8, which required the approval of the legislature, regulations are approved by provincial cabinet a... read more.
Jameson House Automated Parking
How cool is the New Jameson Building? Fully automated parking....
foster by mosaic - $1000 Cash Back for all buyers
New Redbrick Apartments with $1000 cash back incentive upon closing. Tremendous opportunity at Foster by Mosaic homes. The newly named "Evergreen Heights" area which resides in Burquitlam is convenient and will have access to the new Evergreen Skytrain line. Expected Completion for the rapid transit upgrade is 2015. If you've been following my blogs, you'll know I have a fondness for Mosaic homes... read more.
Kitchen Inspiration
Inspirational Kitchen with colloboration from Gluckstein Design
Solo by Mosaic homes in Rosemary Heights - epic win
Mosaic's SOLO was brought to my attention by a client today. While I'm a big fan of their product, even the SOLO project exceeded my expectations. For rookie developers out there, SOLO should be a standard that smaller multi-home projects are measured against. Exteriors are very eclectic with hints of older Vancouver row homes mixed with a little whimsy. Detached garages and smaller yards will be... read more.
strong global position for canada's property market
Scotia Economics sees the positive while other media sources predict an unfounded bubble bursting.
Canada’s property market is cooling, but still stands out as one of the best performing in the developed world, according to a report by Scotia Economics.
Existing home prices rose 5% in the second quarter, the same pace as gains in the first quarter of the year, the bank’s Global Real Estate Report fo... read more.
New Grow op list by the RCMP
Step Forward - RCMP start to disclose location and size of Grow - Ops
Address City Prov Location Type Quantity & Type Date
18974 92 St Surrey BC Residence 730 marihuana plants 2010-10-05
8945 Harvie Rd Surrey BC Residence 317 marihuana plants 2010-10-19
8577 165 St Surrey BC Residence 544 marihuana plants 2010-10-26
5993 Holstein St Surrey BC Residence 1145 marihuana plants 2010-10-28
7677 Berkeley Pl S... read more.
The upside to a slowing market - Rental Revenues
(MONEY Magazine) -- Most of the news lately about real estate has been dismal: Home prices are swooning, foreclosures ballooning.There is, however, one bright spot: the rental market, where demand is up and rents are rising. That's partly because those foreclosures have turned more than 4 million former homeowners into renters, but also because many other prospective homeowners, worried about losi... read more.
Greater Vancouver Summer Real Estate Stats
Greater Vancouver home sales trend toward buyers’ market over summer
VANCOUVER, B.C. - September 2, 2011 - August marked the third consecutive month that home sale activity in Greater Vancouver was below the 10-year average for the month. In contrast, home listing activity in the region has exceeded the 10-year norm every month since the beginning of the year.The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancou... read more.
Vantage Tower - Brentwood Burnaby Condos
Vantage is Brentwood's premier address to date, located just half a block from the town centre, and proudly brought to you by Ryan Bosa and Embassy Development. Details coming soon. Keep coming back for news or register today with cash back incentives and timely updates.
BRENTWOOD'S NEW LANDMARK COMMUNITY
Stunning contemporary glass and concrete high-rise, designed by award winning Chris Dikeakos Ar... read more.
Salt Condos in Downtown Vancouver
Interested in buying at Salt? Receive $1000 cash back and buyer representation, by registering with me today!
Concert is proud to introduce Salt, a 33-storey slender tower offering one of the first opportunities to purchase in the emerging neighbourhood – Downtown South – at a very attainable price.
Located at the corner of Hornby and Drake Streets, Salt provides a taste of urban living with easy ac... read more.
Condo Hunting Tips
Buying your first condo can feel intimidating at first, but the process is a lot easier than you think. Your real estate agent, lawyer, and bank representatives can help guide you to buying the right condominium that suits you, so choose them wisely and don't be afraid to ask questions. Here are some tips to help you start your search and find your dream condominium.
1. Make sure you get what you w... read more.
Why use a mortgage broker?
Finding the right home may seem like the hard part of a real estate transaction, but in reality, getting the best financing can be much harder. This is partially because we have so many options nowadays for mortgage loans and so many places to find them. A mortgage broker or your local bank can provide your options clearly. They will be armed with what you want in terms of loan term, ideal rate, t... read more.
Vancouver Real Estate Numbers Are Up!
Richmond Detached home numbers are up in a big way!
http://www.rebgv.org/sites/default/files/REBGV%20Stats%20Package%2C%20February%202011.pdf
Don't Forget - First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit
It's Tax time... don't forget to claim this! For 2009 and subsequent years, the HBTC is a new non-refundable tax credit, based on an amount of $5,000, for certain home buyers that acquire a qualifying home after January 27, 2009 (i.e., generally means that the closing is after this date).
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2009/fqhbtc-eng.html
BC Home Sales Projected to Climb
According to the newly released forecast from BCREA, 2011 will be a positive year, in terms of sales.
Residential sales are expected to rise by 8 %- from 74,640 units in 2010 to 80,900 units in 2011, and increase a further 4% to 83,950 units in 2012.
“British Columbia housing markets are returning to normalcy after two years of volatility,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “Employment and p... read more.
Home Price Index Moving Up
The Canadian Resale market swung upwards in December, according to the latest release of the Teranet-National Bank Composite House Price Index- which indicated increases in five of the six markets surveyed.
The index indicates that prices were up 0.3% in December from November, as well as having gone up 4.1% from the same time the year before.Looking at specific regions, there was a 0.1% increase i... read more.
Save money on your heating bill
This topic may sound boring, but reducing heating costs could result in hundreds of dollars saved per year. Here are some tips:
Heating your home during the winter can get expensive. Check out these six cost-effective ways to help keep your home a haven of warmth.
1. Reduce Air Leaks
You can save at least 10 percent on your energy bill by simply reducing air leaks in your home. Air can seep through d... read more.
Sovereign Metrotown $1000 cash back for purchasers
Thinking of buying in Sovereign Metrotown? Check out Burnaby's newest tower from Bosa Properties.
Tyneridge - Coquitlam - Cash Back for Purchasers
Launching January 29, 2011, Tyneridge is part of a new master planned community set at the base of Burke mountain. An amazing setting and a wonderful offering from Polygon Homes (in my opinion one of the best developers in the province). The reason I'm a fna of this project is simple. Large floorplans, quality of finishing, affordability, and potential for investment in the area. Given stricter le... read more.
Chateaux des Reves - Florida
Stunning Craftsmanship. French inspired Estate. 
Built In Coffee/Espresso Machines
Just saw a home with one of these built in the kitchen....
I must say they make quite an impact upon buyers. The thought of having a pre-programmed cup of coffee brewing when you're getting out of bed is enough to entice a buyer to get pen to paper.
So if you're thinking of a kitchen upgrade, or wanting to get a new toy for your home, check out this piece of kitchen eye-candy.
Waterstone Langley - Cash Back Incentive for Buyers
Check Out Waterstone in Langley. Personally one of my fave developments in the last few years. Simply lots of bang for your buck. From outstanding finishing to a club house th
at will make your friends green with envy, this is one project that is sure to turn heads. All buyers with Ray Khan will also receive a $1000 cash back incentive upon closing. So if your'e thinking of buying in one of Langley... read more.
Clayton Rise - Receive Cash Back on your purchase
19505 68A Avenue
Fantastic 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes offered at amazing prices. Brought to you by reputable Townline, these townhomes are a great opportunity for first-time buyers, retirees, and those looking for a new home in Clayton.
Don't miss your opportunity to get into the up and coming Clayton area and take advantage of my cash back incentive for all purchasers at Clayton Rise when they use me. It's a win wi... read more.
Dubai - Marina Promenade
Looks a lot like Marinaside, Vancouver. 
Selling Tip - Outdoor Space
Here's another tip for sellers trying to maximize profit.... take advantage of outdoor living space and balconies. With homes popping up in subdivisions in clone-like manner, a great way to differentiate your property from the masses is to add another "room" to your home by incorporating an outdoor living area. Potential buyers will start having thoughts of entertaining guests and family at bbq's... read more.
Oh No! Tougher mortgage lending rules announced
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty is cracking down on Canadians' ability to qualify for a mortgage, in the government's latest attempt to rein in consumer debt.Flaherty announced Monday the government is reducing the maximum amortization period for government-backed mortgages to 30 years from 35 years. The change will affect mortgages with a loan-to-value ration over 80 per cent.Canadians will only be... read more.
Wishing Tree - Richmond by Polygon
Call today for sales information and enticing cash back incentive from Ray Khan. Located at 9566 Tomicki Avenue Richmond.
Celebrate the richness of life at Wishing Tree, Polygon’s new community of family townhomes in central Richmond’s Alexandra Gardens neighbourhood.
Ranging to 1,600 square feet, these two three and four bedroom residences feature Cotswold-style architecture distinguished by stat... read more.
Vancouver Housing Starts in 2010 Nearly Double
Housing starts in the Vancouver Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) totalled 15,217 in 2010, up from 8,339 in 2009 and close to their 10-year average, according to a report released by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) on Tuesday.Carol Frketich, an economist with CMHC, said the uptick in housing starts indicates a strengthening of Vancouver’s real estate market and the economy at large... read more.
Just plain cool.
Saw this and knew it had to be on my blog. Throw one in the den, or your workspace. They cost roughly $10.
Westside Lot Deal
Look at this Westside Lot in the Cambie area across from Douglas Park. Should Sell quickly.
Property Assessments
New Year. New Property Tax Assessments
As REALTORS®, this is the time of year where we traditionally field questions from both our buyers and sellers relating to the disparity between current published tax assessments and the market value of the properties they wish to sell or purchase.
This year we have seen rates rise substantially, which may seen counterintuitive to what we see in the market.
Res... read more.
urba - Joyce Collingwood 5380 Oben St, Vancouver BC
Urba building added to the building section ( 5380 Oben St. Vancouver ) of my website. I love the investment potential of the area as it seems to do well over time with fantastic rental opportunities and unusualyl high demand from renters. Located close to Joyce Collingwood skytrain, this area continues to impress with it's livability, central location, build quality, and steady appreciation. Clic... read more.
Canadians show restrained optimism for 2011 Economy
According to a new poll released by Economic Club of Canada/POLLARA, Canadians are showing a restrained optimism in terms of the economy.
The poll shows that, although there is an increase in confidence on economic growth, Canadians are less positive about the state of the economy as whole at the beginning of 2011 than they were at the beginning of 2010.
30% of Canadians indicate that at economy is... read more.
Home Prices in Recovery Mode
In 2010, in many areas of the country, house prices either went up, or remained fairly stable, and there is hope that 2011 will continue on the same streak.
“Trends in the housing market continue to be driven by the lingering after-effects of the recession," said Phil Soper, president and chief executive of Royal LePage Real Estate Services. "Canadians realize that interest rates are unsustainably... read more.
Royal Lepage Study says we're in for a busy 2011
Thanks to low interest rates, and the knowledge that they can’t stay there forever, 2010 ended well for Canadian Real Estate, and more of the same is expected for 2011, according to the Royal LePage House Price Survey and Market Survey Forecast released today.
"Trends in the housing market continue to be driven by the lingering after-effects of the recession," said Phil Soper, president and chief e... read more.
Fairmont Pacific Rim Vancouver - Building Added
Just added this fantastic building located at 1011 West Cordova St in Vancouver. Click here to view Fairmont Pacific Rim Condos for sale and building information.
Vancouver Creates More "Real Estate Millionaires
Forget the lottery.
The Lower Mainland's rebounding housing market has just minted 21,000 new real estate millionaires.
That's how many homes in the region ticked over into seven-figure assessments when new valuations were released this month.
The number of million-dollar homes doubled in both Richmond, which is up from 2,329 a year ago to 5,433 now, and Burnaby, which rose from 2,248 to 5,114.
Roughl... read more.
Cinque Terre Italy
Couldn't resist when I came across this. Hey it's my blog and it doesnt always have to be about condos in Vancouver.
Staging. Very simply - It's worth it.
Vancouver is blessed to have amongst the best home stagers in the country. Is it worthwhile? a big YES. It's hard to explain. It amuses me. It has yet to fail me in my experience. Staging sells faster, brings more offers, keeps buyers longer in a home, sets it apart from other listings, and ultimately equates to a higher sale price. Personally, I wouldn't sell my own home without having it staged... read more.
Shower Eye Candy
Just some inspiration for another relatively high-impact, yet cheaper upgrade to make your master ensuite more spa-like. After all, the goal when selling your home is to let the buyer feel comfortable as they walk through and imagine themselves living in your home before papers are even drawn up. 
Deal of the week
Act quickly. 2 bedroom downtown cityhome. With new price drop, works out to almost $500s/f ( almost $50000 below assessment). Will sell fast.
542 Smithe.
1088 sf
2 bed 2 bath
Gorgeous 2 bdrm townhouse, newer building, walking distance to Yaletown. Enjoy: shops, restaurants & the beautiful night life of downtown Vancouver. Nice floor plan, big kitchen, fireplace & Kitchen Aid appliances, granite coun... read more.
5 things to do before your first showing
1. Depersonalize, take down all the little things that say this is my house. The buyers must be able to walk into a home and see themselves as living there. Pictures, items on the fridge like magnets and drawings the kids have done - pack them away. Remember. you are going to move anyway.
2. Declutter, make your house as empty as possible. Your square footage will appear larger. Empty out as much f... read more.
Paint and why it matters to sellers.
Why would a realtor be blogging about paint? I admit, I hate painting. It's usually just a step above being asked to help someone move. However, there is no bigger bang for your buck than a fresh coat of neutral toned paint for the interior of your home. A simple afternoon or weekend can result in thousands of extra dollars in your pocket or a quicker sale. Selling is a 2-way street, and if seller... read more.
Kitchen Inspiration
Perhaps one of the nicest kitchen I have ever seen.
Sunspring Estates - Abbotsford
Another gem in Abbotsford brought to you by Award Winning Solterra. These guys are on a tear and will need new bookcases to hold their Georgie Awards. I'm a big fan of their work and after looking at their floorplans, finishing and craftsmanship, I wouldn't expect anything less at Sunspring Estates. Still in pre-registration phase, a quality builder, growing area, and attractive pricing will make... read more.
Motif at Citi
Stunning development with select units available in hot Brentwood Area of North Burnaby. Call today to view units at a fantastic price from the developer. 
Zillow projects Real Estate Value loss $1.7Trillion
According to a newly released report, the value of US homes is set to drop by $1.7 Trillion in 2010.
With these newest numbers, the total residential home value loss since the market peak of June 2006 is more than $ 9 Trillion. This 2010 loss is 63% more than the $1 Trillion lost in 2009, signalling a significant deepening of losses.
To put these numbers in a frame of reference, from 2001 to the end... read more.
What is a flat fee listing?
With the recent CREA agreement with the competition bureau, there have been a number of questions about what Flat Fee models are and how they work.
Flat fee, or For Sale by Owner (FSBO), companies typically provide a kit to a seller that may include a sign and the ability to place a property on the MLS system, now known as a “MERE POSTING”, for an up-front and non-refundable fee.
These companies all... read more.
What Bubble?
Claims that Canada’s housing market is ready to pop are exaggerated, say economists at BMO Nesbitt Burns.
Instead, they say the market can more realistically be labelled “moderately overvalued” based upon a comparison of house prices with personal income. They also note that mortgage servicing costs for “typical” homebuyers are running near the long-term norm of 34%.
“Barring a sharp spike in mortg... read more.
Canadian Mortgages Compared to the US and Australia
Canada’s mortgage industry is vastly more stable and competitive than its Australian and U.S. counterparts. But we can never take our enviable position for granted.
For that reason, it’s important to examine trends in other countries to see if/how they could materialize here.
Last week, CAAMP’s international mortgage panel provided a glimpse into the U.S. and Australian markets. It underlined just h... read more.
Should you sell in December?
Should you list in December? This is an interesting question. The statistics will demonstrate that historically, December is not a good month for real estate sales.
However, the buyers and sellers who are around in December are serious and want to do business.
Let’s have a look at the sales figures for the Greater Toronto area in December over the last few years:
2004……4,232
2005……4,255
2006……4,447
2007... read more.
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