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Continued low mortgage interest rates offered by the bank of Canada are the topic of discussion in a recent report from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. 

 

Why are rates remaining low? See below for an exert from the report from the REBGV:

 

"On September 3, 2014, the Bank of Canada announced that it was holding its trend-setting overnight lending rate at one per cent. The overnight rate has not moved in four years. It’s likely that it will remain where it is for some time yet. Why?


1. Inflation is on target

2. Uncertainty remains high

3. Canadian exports need help from the currency exchange rate

4. Higher exports have not yet translated into stronger investment or hiring

...With these reasons in mind, interest rates are unlikely to rise in the near future. One notable change in language in the September 3 announcement was the removal of any references to a soft landing in the housing market. The Bank said that the housing market has in fact remained stronger than previously anticipated and that risks associated with household imbalances have “not diminished.”"


For more information & to read the whole report, click here.


Do you have questions about the local market & how these low mortgage rates can affect you? Contact me with your questions and I'll be happy to help you understand how low mortgage rates can benefit you as a buyer or seller.


Image Source: Greg Michie

 

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If you're looking for some fun local activities to do with your family now that Fall is here, there are a variety of great things to do and places to visit. No matter the age of your kids, you're sure to find some fun things to do this Fall. Check out these 5 local activities:

 

1. Fright Nights at the PNE

Perfect for older kids & those who like a good scare!

For rates & info click here.

 

2. Stanley Park Ghost Train

A fun & less scary attraction for the family that likes to get spooked.

For info & rates, click here.

 

3. Visit a Local Farm or Pumkin Patch

There are a variety of local farms with various activities, including hay rides and petting zoos. Each has something a little different to offer.

For a list of local options, click here

 

4. Go Through a Corn Maze

A fun activity for all ages!

For a list of local corn mazes, click here.

 

5. Haunted Village at Burnaby Village Museum

A great way to combine education with seasonal fun.

For rates and information, click here.


What's your favourite activity to do with your family in the Fall? Do you do something close to home or go for a drive to get to your favourite spot? 


Are you looking for an area close to places your family can visit, such as parks, attractions, museums, etc? Contact me to help you find areas that are perfect for your fammily.

 

Image Sources:

PNE Fright Nights: 604 Now

Stanley Park Ghost Train: Inside Vancouver

Pumpkin Patch: The Innovation Diaries

Corn maze: Miss604

Haunted Village: Burnaby Village Musuem

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Whether you're wanting to list your home and want it to appeal to buyers or are looking at older homes in need of some updates, a simple project that can make a big impact is changing the look of the fireplace(s).

 

Since people tend to spend a lot of time in family rooms- especially all cozied up in the Fall & Winter months- changing the look of a fireplace can elevate the look of the room.

 

I loved this simple update from The House of Smiths which requires only basic materials and skill. Doesn't the new surround make a big difference? From dates to fresh & contemporary- I'd love this in my home!

 

 

 

Sometimes even painting an older brick or wood fireplace surround can make a big difference on a limited budget. Painting the fireplace surround white and changing up   decor can help make rooms feel lighter and more modern- this is great when you want to appeal to buyers.



 

For tips & advice on how to achieve these looks, check out the original post here.


Do you have an older home you'd like to sell? Or are you on a hunt for an older home in need of some TLC? As a lover of renovating and house flipping I would love to help you. Contact me today!

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Please visit our Open House at 15367 KETTLE CREST N in Surrey.
Open House on Sunday, September 28, 2014 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Superior location on a quiet, exclusive street w/executive homes in 1/2 Acre Gross Density. Meticulously kept 5000+ sqft rancher w/walk-out bsmt features huge kitchen loaded w/Jenn-Air s/s appliances opens to famrm, 26x15 deck, large lvgrm+ Dinrm. Perfect for entertaining. 5 lrg bdrms, 4 bath, spacious rec rm, gym, office, games room walks out to covered patio + backyard. Very private, backing onto protected greenspace. Triple garage w/oversized door for RV or boat. Central to shopping, transit & hwys. Floor plan designed by award winning Jenish designs. Many extras incl 2 HE furnaces, A/C, sprinkler system, 2x6 construction etc. Exceptional home, must be seen.
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According to the recent report from the FVREB, the local market experienced the strongest August since 2011.

 

More than 1,300 sales were processed in August, a 3% increase over the same month last year.

 

According to Ray Werger, president of the Board, “As usual, we saw a typical summer slowdown in August compared to July, however like every month so far in 2014, August sales were higher than last year. It’s the continuation of the story we’ve seen all year; a return to a normal, balanced market.”

 

Here are a few of the report highlights:

 

- Single family homes continue to outpace sales of townhouses and condos

 

- Many first time home buyers are skipping condos as a first- time home purchase and proceeding directly to townhomes and other larger properties

 

- The benchmark price for detached homes in August was $569,800; for townhouses it was $298,200

 

To view the full report, click here.

 

Are you a first time home buyer? What do you hope for as your first home purchase? Or are you a seasoned home buyer looking to move up the property ladder? I can help you find the area that's right for you and get you a home you'll be excited about. Contact me today!

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Are you thinking about selling this Fall? It's important to make sure your house is ready inside and out. If you want to sell your home fast and for the price you would like, consider trying these tips (for the full article, click here).

 

Keep the Exterior Clean

Two words: curb appeal. You want your home to appeal to potential buyers and make a great first impression. Having the outside of your home clean & tidy is the best place to start.

 

Embrace the Fall Selling Season

One of the advantages of  selling in the Fall is the anticipation of the upcoming holidays, including Haloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Adding seasonal touches can make your house feel like home and help buyers see themselves living there.

 

Price Accordingly 

Working with a realtor to price your home properly is one of the best ways to help it sell fast. By pricing your home competitively based on the season and other similar homes in the area will help set a reasonable price that will make you happy and appeal to buyers. 

 

Get Serious About Selling in the Fall

 Selling in the Fall presents different challenges than selling in the Spring and Summer months when the weather is warmer and sunnier. Choose a realtor with a proven track record and one that you feel you will work well with. Request references to solidify your choice.


If you would like to list your home for sale this Fall and need help getting it ready and pricing it right, contact me today- I'd love to be the person to help you sell your home! 


Image Source: Country Living

 

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If you're interested in certain areas or are thinking about selling, here's the August Snap Stats from the Fraser Valley (I also have information for Abbotsford & Mission if you're interested).


These offer great insight into what's selling, where, and at what price points. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to help you get the information you need.

 

 

 

 

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I have listed a new property at 412 5438 198TH ST in Langley.
Fantastic top floor unit, very good condition. Done up in rich laminate wood flooring, granite countertops, S/S appliances. Covered under a 2-5-10 year warranty. Comes with underground parking. Walking distance to transit, restaurants and shopping, casino and town center. A MUST SEE!
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Please visit our Open House at 15367 KETTLE CREST N in Surrey.
Open House on Saturday, September 13, 2014 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Superior location on a quiet, exclusive street w/executive homes in 1/2 Acre Gross Density. Meticulously kept 5000+ sqft rancher w/walk-out bsmt features huge kitchen loaded w/Jenn-Air s/s appliances opens to famrm, 26x15 deck, large lvgrm+ Dinrm. Perfect for entertaining. 5 lrg bdrms, 4 bath, spacious rec rm, gym, office, games room walks out to covered patio + backyard. Very private, backing onto protected greenspace. Triple garage w/oversized door for RV or boat. Central to shopping, transit & hwys. Floor plan designed by award winning Jenish designs. Many extras incl 2 HE furnaces, A/C, sprinkler system, 2x6 construction etc. Exceptional home, must be seen.
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I'm excited to be featuring this beautiful Surrey home again and will be hosting an open house this Sunday from 2- 4pm.

 

Recently reduced to $1,149,000, 15367 North Kettle Crescent is a stunning 5,000+ square foot home on a large 14,500+ square foot lot. With a 3- car garage, there's room to store an RV or boat with ample room left for other vehicles. Other bonuses include a gym and games room; and the private landscaped property is a gardener's dream.

 

Come see it for yourself- your dream home awaits!

 

 

 

For more photos and information about this listing, click here.

 

If you are interested in this property and would like to book  private viewing, or are interested in other homes like it, contact me and I'll help you find the next home that's right for you!

 

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Can you feel it? The cozy weather is coming! I love adding touches of Fall to my home to add a seasonal touch- who can resist all of the beautiful Autmun colours? Incorporating Fall into your decor doesn't have to be expensive or fussy, simply gather a few items such as candles, mini pumpkins, branches & leaves, and some vases to create some beautiful DIY arrangements. 

 

If you're planning to list your home for sale in the Fall, adding seasonal touches- without going over the top- can help make your house feel homey and welcoming to potential buyers (add a subtle seasonal scent with apple cinnamon or pumpkin spice candles or air freshener). See below for some inspiration.

 

Add a welcoming touch with lanterns filled with mini pumpkins & candles (try Homesense for budget- friendly options)

 

Collect branches & arrange in a favourite vase for big impact that costs pennies 

 

 

A vase filled with nuts & cranberries from the grocery store make great filler for a candle holder 

 

 Another fun idea using nature as your inspiration: simply spray paint branches & leaves and arrange in a vase to add a seasonal touch

 

 Use a dollar store wreath as the base for a candle arrangement and top with nuts or other seaaonl items 

 

If you would like some home staging advice to help make your home more attractive to potential buyers, or don't know where to start to get your home sale- ready, I'm happy to answer your questions and give you the advice you need to help sell your home fast. Contact me today!

 

 

Image Sources:

Images 1-4: The Kissters 

Image 5: Live Laugh Rowe

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In a recent report by the REBGV, population growth has been forecast for the coming decades. So what does this mean for the real estate market?

 

By 2041 the Lower Mainland's population is estimated to have grown to 3.4 million, with annual growth of 30,000 new residents each year. Within Metro Vancouver alone an estimated 574,000 housing units will be required. The majority of this population growth will occur in established urban areas, meaning an increased population density in many neighborhoods. This will come in the form of "secondary units and accessory detached housing, ground oriented duplex/ multi- unit structures, row housing, and apartment developments".

 

Consider where you currently live now. How will this affect the quality of living & infrastructure? Are there investment opportunities for you and your family?

 

To read the full article by the REBGV click here.

 

If you have questions about how increased population density can affect property values, present investment opportunities, or impact areas you are interested in moving to, contact me and I will be happy to answer any questions you have.


Image Source: Daily Mail

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