VANCOUVER, BC – June 2, 2017 – Home buyer activity returned to near record levels across the Metro Vancouver housing market in May. Residential property sales in the region totalled 4,364 in May 2017, a decrease of 8.5 per cent from the 4,769 sales in May 2016, an all-time record, and an increase of 22.8 per cent compared to April 2017 when 3,553 homes sold. Last month’s sales were 23.7 per cent above the 10-year May sales average and is the third-highest selling May on … [Read more...] about Market activity picks up in May
BCREA’s position on drug operations
Cannabis legalization and industry stakeholder working group On April 13, the federal government introduced their bill to legalize and regulate the production and consumption of cannabis. While this bill is not yet law—it still needs to pass through the necessary readings and reviews in the House and the Senate—it is expected to pass sometime in the next year. The government intends for the legalization process to be complete by July 2018. Regardless of the legality of cannabis, BCREA's … [Read more...] about BCREA’s position on drug operations
Summer home maintenance checklist
Summer is almost officially here and no doubt you can't wait to spend time outdoors. Before you head off for a well deserved holiday, take the time to check the following home maintenance tasks off your to-do list. Do you need help with yard work or home repairs? Give me a call! I can recommend professionals in almost any home related field – like contractors, designers, landscape companies, junk removal services, handy people, and more. Out in the … [Read more...] about Summer home maintenance checklist
Condominiums and townhomes in high demand across Metro Vancouver
VANCOUVER, BC – May 2, 2017 – Demand for condominiums and townhomes continues to drive the Metro Vancouver* housing market. Residential property sales in the region totalled 3,553 in April 2017, a 25.7 per cent decline compared to April 2016 when 4,781 homes sold and a 0.7 per cent decrease from the 3,579 sales recorded in March 2017. April sales were 4.8 per cent above the 10-year average for the month. For the first four months of the year, condominium and townhome sales have … [Read more...] about Condominiums and townhomes in high demand across Metro Vancouver
National Organ & Tissue Donation Awareness Week
#48in48 Today marks the start of #48in48 – a Canada-wide campaign that aims to have 48,000 Canadians register their organ donation decision. In light of that, and this week being National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week (NOTDAW) – I encourage you to take 30 seconds out of you day to register/verify your decision about Organ Donation. Both can be done online, in less than 30 seconds by clicking this link: https://register.transplant.bc.ca/ (*Please note, signing up with your … [Read more...] about National Organ & Tissue Donation Awareness Week
Countdown to closing. What you can expect to pay beyond the purchase price.
If you’re buying a home, it’s important to understand all the costs involved in completing the deal, in addition to the price you’re paying for your new home. Here’s an overview. Mortgage application Lenders may charge a mortgage application fee, which will vary depending on the lending institution. If you are borrowing part of your down payment through the BC Home Owner Mortgage and Equity (HOME) Partnership Program, there will be … [Read more...] about Countdown to closing. What you can expect to pay beyond the purchase price.
6 mistakes home buyers make
Are you thinking about buying a home? Vancouver is experiencing a hot market, especially for condos and townhomes. There is a lot of competition among buyers so be well prepared before you find the home of your dreams. Here are a few of the mistakes that homebuyers make: Mistake #1. Not getting pre-qualified for a mortgage Before looking for your next home take the time to get pre-qualified by the bank or mortgage broker you choose. This can save you hours of searching for homes in the … [Read more...] about 6 mistakes home buyers make
Demand for homes continues to outpace supply in Metro Vancouver
VANCOUVER, BC – April 4, 2017 – A shortage of residential property listings coupled with strong demand, particularly for condos and townhomes, continued to impact Metro Vancouver’s housing market in March. Residential property sales in the region totalled 3,579 in March 2017, a decrease of 30.8 per cent from the 5,173 sales recorded in record-breaking March 2016 and an increase of 47.6 per cent compared to February 2017 when 2,425 homes sold. Last month’s sales were 7.9 per cent above the … [Read more...] about Demand for homes continues to outpace supply in Metro Vancouver
Top 4 home selling tips for pet owners
Pets are often considered members of the family. But when selling a home, our four-legged family members can cause additional challenges. Here are the top things pet owners should keep in mind when attempting to sell their home. Limit the impact Pets tend to leave a mark; however, by limiting their impact, you can make your space appealing to any buyer. Dogs should be removed from the home, or kenneled, during showings. Cats should also be removed, if possible. Bird and reptile … [Read more...] about Top 4 home selling tips for pet owners
7 ways to update your kitchen for less than $1,000
You’ve finally made the decision to sell, but as you sit in your kitchen and look around, you realize the space could use a little love to attract the kind of buyer you’re hoping for. Here’s how to get top dollar for your place without spending a penny over $1,000. Replace countertops While everyone swoons over marble countertops, quartz alternatives can produce the same pleasing aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. Clocking in at around $75 per square foot (including installation), if you … [Read more...] about 7 ways to update your kitchen for less than $1,000