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

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!

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!

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

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.

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!

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

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

Just reduced!

Come see this beautiful home in a quiet, exclusive neighborhood Surrey neighborhood.

Boasting more than 5,000 square feet in living space with 5 bedrooms & 4 baths on a 14,500+ square foot lot, this home is a great value!

Come see this stunning home for yourself! Featuring...

Curb appeal with a large 3- car garage- with room for an RV or boat!

Large, spacious rooms...

And a large & spacious kitchen...

Make this the perfect home for your family!

To book a private viewing or inquire about this listing, contact me today. If you are intersted in homes like these, I am happy to help you find the one that's right for you!

For more photos and info about this beautiful home, click here.

To see the virtual tour, click here.

When you list your home for sale in the Fall, making a first good impression with buyers poses different challenges than in the Spring & Summer when your garden is lush and there's lots of sunshine. While most of the colour and green foliage may have faded, you can still add seasonal curb appeal to make your home stand out amongst the competition. 

Here are a few tips for adding curb appeal in the Fall:

1. Keep your lawn tidy

While fallen leaves are a beautiful part of Fall, make sure you rake them up before they begin to rot and damage the grass below them. Keeping your grass healthy and green makes a much better impression than patchy & brown turf.

2. Freshen up flower beds

Remove dead or dying annuals that are past their prime and make your gaden look unkempt. If you have space you would like to fill, consider adding potted plants that can withstand cooler temperatures or decorative features such as rocks or paving stones. There are plenty of inexpensive options out there.

3. Add seasonal touches

Adding potted plants along a driveway, walkway or at the entryway adds a warm & welcoming touch. Potted mums are a popular inexpensive option in the Fall. You can also add decorative pumpkins & squash to create a vignette or a Fall- inspired wreath to your door.

If you would like to list your home and need some advice to get it ready or have questions about listing in the Fall, contact me and I'll be happy to answer your questions and help you sell your home fast.

Image Source: Pinterest

It's important to know what you're getting yourself into when you buy a home or property. Not everything is disclosed in the property title and it can be as important to have the land & property inspected that you're buying as it is the home (see this example in an article from the REBGV). It can save you a lot of time, money, and trouble simply to take this extra step.

So, if you're considering buying property, make sure you do your due dilligence. See below for some valuable information from the REBGV:

What is registered on the property title?

The legal description of a property, including:
• the parcel identification (PID);
• taxation authority;
• registered owner and their address;
• the title number;
• the previous title number;
• legal notations against the property (may include heritage);
• charges, liens and interests (under-surface rights, rights of ways, covenants, judgments);
• whether a duplicate title has been ordered and by whom, and
• transfers and pending applications.

What is not registered on the property title?

• Archaeological sites.
• Former grow ops and illegal drug labs.
• Heritage designations (not always on title).
• Highway entitlements.
• Stigmatized property.
• Streamside issues – if there are fish-bearing ditches or creeks on the property.
• Underground fuel storage tanks.

How can you discover the facts about a property?

- Ask the owner.
- Visit the local government (municipal) website where you will find a range of information, for example: 
        • Richmond provides a road map of designated heritage buildings and homes, and includes photos. (Note: there is no 
          available universal public registry of homes previously used as grow ops and illegal drug labs.)
        • The City of Vancouver confirms if a property has been used as a grow op or illegal drug lab to anyone phoning 
          604.871.6231. The City does not provide the owner’s name in keeping with privacy legislation.
        • West Vancouver provides a list of properties known to have underground storage tanks.  Visit: 
          www.westvancouver.ca and search Fuel Storage Tank Program. Scroll to More Information and see Fuel/ Oil Tank 
          Records Search.

If you don’t find what you need online, phone your local government or go in person. Depending on the municipality, there may be comprehensive data.

• There is a BC Heritage Sites Inventory. Information about its properties comes from local governments, so start there
  first.
• Check the BC Archaeological Site Inventory at 
  www.for.gov.bc.ca/archaeology/accessing_archaeological_data/index.htm.You can also phone: 250 953-3338.
• Search the BC Government’s Contaminated Sites Registry which lists some contaminated sites. It is available through 
  www.bconline.gov.bc.ca.(Go to Products). There is a charge to access the database.

This demonstrates just one of the many reasons it is good to work with a realtor. If you have questions about a home or property you re thinking about buying, contact me and I'll be glad to answer all of your questions.

Source: Finding the Truth About Property, REBGV

Image Source: Stimulrealty

A recent ruling by a judge in Toronto has landlords angered after a judge ruled in favour of a young tenant. The building has a no under age policy (18 or younger), even though individuals can legally rent at the agf of 16 or 17 in the province of Ontario. Here is an excert from the original article from Canadian Real Estate Magazine:

The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal recently ordered a landlord to pay a young woman $10,000 for denying her an apartment because she was under-18.

The woman was 17 when she applied for a bachelor apartment at 500 Dawes Rd., the rental building that is often cited as one of the worst in Toronto with reports of mice, bed bugs, broken heating, mould and fire damage.

The building superintendent told the woman that the building had a policy of not renting to anyone under-18 despite Ontario law stating that 16 and 17-year olds can sign leases.

The ruling ordered the payout for injury to the woman’s “dignity, feelings and self-respect,” with the landlord claiming during the hearing that the apartment was not vacant at time of application. The adjudicator also reported that the landlord tried to influence a witness to deny that age was a deciding factor and that she fabricated evidence.

"No property owner should be told who they should rent to," says Kayla Andrade from Ontario Landlords Watch. "Landlords should be allowed to choose whomever they want for their properties and should not feel obligated or pressurised to allow someone they do not feel comfortably with in their rental property."

To view the original article in it's entirety, click here.

What do you think about this? If you are considering investing in some property and have questions about the laws in BC, contact me and I'll be happy to help. 

Article Source: 

Ruling in favour of teen tenant causes uproar- Canadian Real Estate Magazine

Image Source: Canadian Real Estate Magazine

http://www.canadianrealestatemagazine.ca/news/item/2161-ruling-in-favour-of-teen-tenant-causes-uproar