Thursday, May 10, 2012 Eliminating the home selling (and buying) jittersSelling your property and buying a new home can be a potentially intimidating experience... so much so that these jitters may even prevent some people from making a move!
It doesn't have to be that way.
A big part of the stress of selling and buying comes from not understanding the process or having unanswered questions. You might worry about how the state of the market will affect the value of your purchase over the long term or what you would do if you found your dream home before receiving any offers on your current property.
That's where a good REALTOR® comes in. He or she can explain the process to you, answer all your questions, and show you how to make your move go smoothly.
Looking for a good REALTOR®? Call today. Tuesday, May 8, 2012 Do You Know the Basics of Home Security?Most people feel confident about the basics of home security. For example: Keep all doors locked. Have a light on in the house while away. Never hide a key outside in an obvious place, like under the mat.
Your local police department may have more tips and special programs for keeping your home secure. Give them a call. Monday, May 7, 2012 Fraser Valley housing market remains steady; while selection continues to improveMay, 02 2012 11:15:51 am, by FVREB
There were 1,435 property sales processed on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April, reflecting a 5 per cent decrease compared to the 1,516 sales in April of last year, and a slight increase over the 1,412 sales in March.
Source: http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/blog/index.php/2012/05/02/fraser-valley-housing-market-remains-steady-while-selection-continues-to-improve Monday, May 7, 2012 Greater Vancouver housing market maintains a steady spring paceWednesday, May 2, 2012 VANCOUVER, BC - Home sale and listing activity has maintained a consistent pace on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Greater Vancouver in recent months, which has helped create balanced conditions for the region’s housing market.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 2,799 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April 2012. This represents a 13.2 per cent decline compared to the 3,225 sales recorded in April 2011 and a decline of 2.6 per cent compared to the 2,874 sales in March 2012.
April sales were the lowest total for the month in the region since 2001 and 16.9 per cent below the 10-year April sales average of 3,369.
“Although April sales were below what’s typical for the month, we continue to see, with a sales-to-active listing ratio of nearly 17 per cent, a balanced relationship between buyer demand and seller supply in our marketplace,” Eugen Klein, REBGV president said.
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 6,056 in April 2012. This represents a 3.6 per cent increase compared to both March 2012 when 5,843 homes were listed and April 2011 when 5,847 homes were listed for sale on the region’s MLS®.
Last month’s new listing total was 6.7 per cent above the 10-year average for listings in Greater Vancouver for April.
At 16,538, the total number of homes listed for sale on the region’s MLS® increased 8.5 per cent in April compared to last month and increased 16 per cent from this time last year.
“Recent activity has had a stabilizing effect on home prices at the regional level, although pricing can vary depending on area and property type,” Klein said “To best understand conditions within your area of interest, it’s important to do your homework and consult a local REALTOR®.”
The MLS® HPI benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver currently sits at $683,800, up 3.7 per cent compared to April 2011 and an increase of 2.8 per cent over the last three months. The benchmark price for all residential properties in the Lower Mainland is $612,000, which is a 3.4 per cent increase compared to April 2011 and a 2.6 per cent increase compared to three months ago.
Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in April 2012 reached 1,126, a decline of 19.7 per cent from the 1,402 detached sales recorded in April 2011, and a 17.8 per cent decrease from the 1,370 units sold in April 2010. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 6.3 per cent from April 2011 to $1,064,800.
Sales of apartment properties reached 1,190 in April 2012, a decline of 0.9 per cent compared to the 1,201 sales in April 2011, and a decrease of 22 per cent compared to the 1,526 sales in April 2010.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 1.1 per cent from April 2011 to $375,900.
Townhome property sales in April 2012 totalled 483, a decline of 22.3 per cent compared to the 622 sales in April 2011, and a 21.6 per cent decrease from the 616 townhome properties sold in April 2010. The benchmark price of a townhome unit increased 1.7 per cent between April 2011 and 2012 to $487,300.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is an association representing more than 11,000 REALTORS®. The Real Estate Board provides a variety of membership services, including the Multiple Listing Service®. For more information on real estate, statistics and buying or selling a home, contact a local REALTOR® or visit www.rebgv.org.
Source: http://www.rebgv.org/news-statistics/greater-vancouver-housing-market-maintains-steady-spring-pace Thursday, April 12, 2012 When is the best time to sell your home?If you've been thinking about selling your home, you might be waiting until
Saturday, April 7, 2012 How to decide if you should replace your windowsOne of the most prominent features of any home is the windows. When they
Saturday, March 17, 2012 Greater Vancouver housing market trends near long-term averages as spring market approachesFriday, March 2, 2012 VANCOUVER, BC – Closer alignment between home buyer and seller activity helped bring greater balance to the Greater Vancouver housing market in February.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 2,545 on the MLS® system in February 2012. This represents a 61.4 per cent increase compared to the 1,577 sales recorded in January 2012, a decline of 17.8 per cent compared to the 3,097 sales in February 2011 and a 2.9 per cent increase from the 2,473 home sales in February 2010.
February sales in Greater Vancouver were the third lowest February total in the region since 2002, though only 151 sales below the 10-year average.
“With a sales-to-active-listings ratio of over 18 per cent, we see fairly balanced conditions in our marketplace as we move into the traditionally busier spring season,” Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president said.
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 5,552 in February 2012. This represents a 2.5 per cent decline compared to February 2011 when 5,693 properties were listed, and a 3.5 per cent decline compared to January 2012 when 5,756 homes were added to the MLS® in Greater Vancouver.
Last month’s new listing count was the second highest February total in Greater Vancouver since 1996. At 14,055, the total number of residential property listings on the MLS® increased 12 per cent in February compared to last month and increased 17.9 per cent from this time last year.
“Region-wide we’ve seen relative stability in home prices over the last six months, but it’s important to do your homework and consult your REALTOR® because pricing can vary considerably depending on the neighbourhood and property type,” Setticasi said.
The MLS® HPI benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver currently sits at $670,900, up 6 per cent compared to February 2011 and an increase of 0.9 per cent compared to January 2012. The benchmark price for all residential properties in the Lower Mainland is $601,300, an increase of 5.5 per cent compared to February 2011.
Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in February 2012 reached 1,101, a decline of 21.5 per cent from the 1,402 detached sales recorded in February 2011, and a 12 per cent increase from the 983 units sold in February 2010. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 10.5 per cent from February 2011 to $1,042,900. Sales of apartment properties reached 1,020 in February 2012, a decline of 15.4 per cent compared to the 1,206 sales in February 2011, and a decrease of 5 per cent compared to the 1,074 sales in February 2010. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 2.8 per cent from February 2011 to $373,300.
Townhome property sales in February 2012 totalled 424, a decline of 13.3 per cent compared to the 489 sales in February 2011, and a 1.9 per cent increase from the 416 townhome properties sold in February 2010. The benchmark price of a townhome unit increased 0.7 per cent between February 2011 and 2012 to $472,800.
Saturday, March 17, 2012 Typical ‘pre-spring’ surge in home sales & new listings keeps market steadyMarch, 02 2012 03:10:32 pm, by FVREB
The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) recorded 1,269 sales in February, an increase of 59 per cent compared to January and a 1 per cent decrease compared to the 1,279 sales during February of last year.
In terms of new listings, the Board received 2,846 in February, an increase of 3 per cent compared to January and a 6 per cent decrease compared to the 3,038 listings received last February, taking the total number of active listings to 9,037, an increase of 4 per cent compared to those available in February 2011.
As Board President Scott Olson explains, a seasonal increase in sales is typical for February; however this increase was not as robust as in years past. February’s sales finished at 4 per cent fewer than the 10-year average for that month.
“Although our market has picked up, it’s still favouring buyers. In terms of our clients, we’re seeing more caution and deliberation when house hunting.
“This could mean using a home inspection as part of negotiations, or asking for extras to be thrown in, or the client walking away if terms are not met. The other side is that selection at certain price points is limited depending on location, so if the buyer finds the right home, they act, which is keeping prices stable.”
The MLS® HPI benchmark price of a ‘typical’ detached home in Fraser Valley in February was, $569,200, an increase of 8.3 per cent compared to $525,400 last year. The benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses increased by 2.0 per cent in one year, going from $305,700 in February 2011 to $311,900 in February 2012, while the benchmark price of apartments increased by 0.6 per cent going from $200,200 in February of last year to $201,500 in February 2012. Olson adds, “We anticipate the new HST transition rules will generate more buying activity of new homes over the coming months and will have a spill-over effect on the resale market. The majority of new homes in the Fraser Valley fall under the new $850,000 HST rebate threshold and first-time buyers will be taking advantage of the refundable tax credit bonus of up to $10,000 available until March 31, 2013.
“These changes will improve accessibility in the Fraser Valley, a region already recognized for its affordability.”
Friday, March 16, 2012 "Most Canadians don't bother shopping & just sign their renewal offer…that’s a shame because..."Mortgage Broker, Mark Fidgett, shares some wisdom with us on his site:
"There is a perception that it’s difficult to switch banks, plus it costs you money to switch. WRONG! Question is, do you want to pay the banks more than you have to?
DON’T BE AFRAID TO LEAVE YOUR BANK"
Find out more here: http://bit.ly/lpEdVv Friday, March 16, 2012 Polygon's Red Maple Releases More Homes For Sale Saturday at Noon!Find out more at their site:http://www.polyhomes.com/community/red-maple-parkPriced from $299,900OverviewCentre yourself at Red Maple Park. Rooted in Langley's Willoughby neighbourhood, this vibrant community offers everything you need from nearby retail shopping, restaurants and cafés to recreation centres and local schools. Red Maple Park – the perfect place to let your dreams unfold and your family grow.
Features
Call me if you wish to go view. I love to help you purchase your dream home!
Contact me here: http://donnaharper.com/contact.html Friday, March 16, 2012 Clarification on the First Time Home Buyers BonusHere is some clarification on the First Time Home Buyers' Bonus by Tony Spagnuolo of Spagnuolo & Company Real Estate Lawyers:
FIRST TIME HOME BUYER BONUS
March 16, 2012
"We are frequently asked how this bonus will work. Is it an offset against income tax, is it treated like an expense to reduce taxable income, what is going on ?
As we posted to Facebook and Twitter yesterday, Tony called the Ministry of Finance and was told this has nothing to do with a home buyer's income tax return. The home buyer, assuming he or she meets the criteria, applies for the bonus. If they are eligible, the government approves the application and sends a cheque to the applicant for the amount claimed.
Of course all the criteria must be met but if this is correct, it sounds like a great program for First Time Home Buyers, as it is basically free money. You don't even need to insert information on your income tax return.
Final details will be out soon, and we will keep you posted.
Once again, if you want to receive these updates quicker please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Tony Spagnuolo Spagnuolo & Company Real Estate Lawyers #300-906 Roderick Avenue Coquitlam, BC V3K 1R1 Direct Phone: 604-777-7406 Fax: 604-527-8976 Tuesday, March 13, 2012 Check out the New Development Project: ELEMENTS!
Elements is Langley's best new master planned community. Backing onto a natural green space and trail system, these homes have high end designer finishes, an unbeatable neighbourhood close to parks and every amenity at your doorstep. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom homes start at just $249,900. Best of all you can move-in this Fall! It's no wonder these homes are selling so fast! New $10,000 Government Bonus! As a result of the recent announcements by the provincial government, we want you to be aware of great buying opportunities for first time home buyers in new home sales. The new first time home buyer bonus is worth up to $10,000. With the new HST transition rules and increased rebate threshold, now is one of the best times to purchase a newly constructed home.
Limited Opportunities Remain to Move-in this Fall!
Saturday, March 10, 2012 Change your clocks tonight :)========================================================== Reminder: This weekend is Daylight Savings. We "Spring Ahead" an hour! The Spring Market is in full swing!
Year-to-Date % change from last year Source: Fraser Valley Real Estate Board =========================================================
This Month's Tips for Buyers and Sellers: ========================================================= Things to know to select a reputable renovator: You will find the article here: ==========================================================
Do You Have a Will If You're Co-signing For a Mortgage? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQCrxD36E3w
How to get a mortgage after you have been through a bankruptcy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PANVnVeWqP0
How to get a zero down mortgage when self employed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70WViy0n5OE
========================================================= Handyman Specials, Cheaper Than Rent, Below Assessed Value and more! Can be found on the Home Page of my website: http://donnaharper.com/
==========================================================
Mortgage Broker Mark's Tip for this Month: ========================================================== Mortgage Penalty Disclosure
Finally! The Finance Department has announced a "code" for Financial Institutions to follow in regards to mortgage penalties and how they disclose them or explain them to you, the consumer.
Right now many banks have very vague and convoluted descriptions and explanation on how the calculate their penalties and leave you mostly in the dark and at their mercy. This is a big win for consumers as these same banks will have to shape up and start to:
“…provide more information on how prepayment charges are calculated.”
“…explain the differences between mortgage products, including ways to pay off a mortgage faster without incurring penalties.”
All federally regulated lenders must be compliant to this by November 5, 2012.
Lenders Must Now Disclose:
Lenders Must Now Provide:
The full release can be seen here.
If you would like more information on this or any type of mortgage financing, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Mark Delleman
DLC Canadian Mortgage Experts
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Automatic Home Search Service:
========================================================== You might be interested to know that there is an automated email service that searches daily new listings in our MLS and then emails you a list of homes that match your search criteria.
Custom design your own home search. It is free, straight forward and easy to use. You will find it at: http://donnaharper.com/vow.html
Sign in, set it up, and save it. The system will automatically email you as soon as new places hit the market. They will always include the latest Hot New Listings, Distress Sales, Bank Foreclosures, Vacant Homes, and Estate Sales on the Market. You can pick any home criteria you desire and set up multiple searches. You can login and re-tweak your criteria anytime.
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Attention Sellers: Listings Wanted!
========================================================== The Market is Active! Now is a Great Time to Sell!
Would you like any additional information on the home market in your area? Are you thinking about selling your home?
I would be honored to interview for the job of selling your home if you are. I do things a little differently than most. Please give me a call or email me at your convenience.
========================================================== Easy Mobile Access to Listings:
========================================================== My site is smartphone friendly. Just type in my domain name: donnaharper.com
I hope that you find this info useful. If you have any questions on what I have mentioned please email or call anytime. I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for taking the time to read my blog. :) Friday, March 2, 2012 Ascot Yorkson
I previewed the new Ascot development today. It will be a lovely addition to what Langley has to offer. It is designed for the Buyer who wants to live in a lower density area as suites in the homes are not allowed. Their homes can offer a fully finished basment and they are currently offering prices that include the HST.
Definitely worth looking at if that community plan appeals to you.
Visit their site for more details: http://ascotliving.ca/
Call me if you would like to know more and go and preview them.
Thursday, February 23, 2012 A $10,000 tax credit for first-time home buyersJamie Moi: "This is HUGE. Just announced, a $10,000 temporary, one-time refundable income tax credit for first-time home buyers who purchase a newly constructed home, effective today, February 21, 2012 through to March 31, 2013. Details are available here:"
http://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2012/homebuyers/2012_First_Time_Home_Buyers_Fact_Sheet.pdf
If you have questions about purchasing, you can contact Jamie Moi here:
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 2012 kicks off with new home price measurement; and, a sluggish start to salesFebruary, 06 2012 02:04:52 pm, by FVREB
The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) processed 799 sales in January, a decrease of 4 per cent compared to the 834 sales in January last year and 10 per cent fewer than were processed in December. In the last decade, January 2012 was second only to 2009 for lowest volume.
On the flip side, compared to other starts during the last 10 years, the Board received one of its highest influxes of new listings for January – 2,753 – 5 per cent more than January 2011 and 143 per cent more than December the month before. The increase in new inventory raised the volume of active properties in Fraser Valley to 8,320 by the end of January.
Sukh Sidhu is the Board’s president. “For spring house hunters this is great news. For buying power you can’t beat the combination of greater selection, the continuation of extremely low interest rates and stable prices.”
The Board’s new MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI), launched today, reveals that residential home prices in Fraser Valley have decreased gradually over the last six months, while still showing increases year-over-year.
In January, the benchmark price of a detached home in the Fraser Valley was $567,700, an increase of 7.6 per cent compared to $527,500 in January 2011 and an increase of 0.1 per cent compared to December.
For townhouses, the benchmark price in January was $314,200, an increase of 2.4 per cent compared to the same month last year when it was $306,800 and down 1.1 per cent compared to December. The benchmark price of apartments in January was $199,600, a decrease of 0.1 per cent compared to January 2011 when it was $199,800 and an increase of 0.3 per cent compared to December.
The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI), replacing the Lower Mainland’s MLSLink® Housing Price Index, is a new measure of price for residential properties in five major markets across Canada. It includes Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal, with more markets to be added. It was pioneered by six founding partners: the real estate boards of Calgary, Fraser Valley, Greater Montreal, Greater Vancouver, and Greater Toronto and the Canadian Real Estate Association.
Sukh Sidhu says the new MLS® HPI will be very helpful to REALTORS® in guiding homeowners. “It’s a bigger, better tool to measure the change in home prices in the Fraser Valley and now we can more accurately compare our market to other major cities in Canada.” Learn more at www.homepriceindex.ca.
Source: http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/blog/index.php/2012/02/06/2012-kicks-off-with-new-home-price-measurement-and-a-sluggish-start-to-sales Categories: Assistance Program | Blanket Drive | CMHC | Coupons | Credit | Deals | Donate | Donation | Donations | down payment | Energy Saver | Equity | First Time Home Buyers | Grant | Grants | Greater Vancouver | Green Building | Handyman Special | Historic Low Interest Rates | Homeless | HST | Incentive | Incentives | Investment property | Less than Rent | Market Fluctuations | Mortgage Brokers | Mortgage Changes | Perfect Properties | Power of Attorney | PPT | Pre-Approved | Price | Rebate | Rebates | Refund | RRSP | Savings | Showings | Single Moms | Statistics | Stats Update | Stats Update for June | Tax Credit | Tax Deferment | TLC | YMCA Housing |