Greater Vancouver residential home sales improved in November compared to the previous four months, with the number of sales posted on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) coming in slightly higher than the 10-year average for that month.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that the number of residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 2,509 in November 2010. This represents a 7.4 per cent increase compared to October 2010 and an 18.6 per cent decline from the 3,083 sales in November 2009.
 

Looking back further, last month’s residential sales represent a 187.1 per cent increase over the 874 residential sales in November 2008, a 13 per cent decline compared to November 2007’s 2,883 sales, and a 6.4...

The weather sure has been chilly in the tri-cities over the past couple of weeks. My mind always goes to the homeless during this kind of weather. The REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive is on now and I encourage you to share some warmth with those less fortunate. 

The REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive started on November 29 and runs through to December 6, 2010. Over 100 real estate offices across the lower mainland are collecting blankets, sweatshirts, sleeping bags, warm winter jackets and other warm accessories to help keep the homeless and working poor warm this winter. 

Donations first stay in the communities in which they are collected. If there is a surplus and greater need in another neighbourhood, they will be shared. 

Here is a list of the drop-off locations in Port Moody, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam: 

Macdonald Realty Ltd. Hanna Realty Ltd Park Georgia Realty Ltd. RE/MAX All Points Realty Grp Royal LePage Coronation West Sutton Group-1st West Realty Sutton Group-West Coast Rlty RE/MAX Results Realty RE/MAX Sabre Realty Group Royal LePage Coronation West Keller Willams Elite Realty Royal LePage Showcase Plus

17-2662 Austin Avenue  620-329 North Road BC-435 North Road 101-1020 Austin Ave 2185 Austin Ave 118-3030 Lincoln Ave 102-403 North Road 105-1250 Dominion Avenue 102-2748 Lougheed Hwy 101-2264 Elgin Ave A123-2099 Lougheed Hwy 3137 St. John's Street

604-931-5551 604-937-1122 604-931-7227 604-936-0422 604-939-6666 604-942-7211 604-415-9800 604-472-0811 604-942-0606 604-942-7300 604-468-0010 604-461-2844

Coquitlam Coquitlam Coquitlam Coquitlam Coquitlam Coquitlam Coquitlam Port Coquitlam Port Coquitlam Port Coquitlam Port Coquitlam Port Moody

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Traditionally, moving homes includes several trips to grocery stores, liquor stores and department stores in search of enough cardboard boxes. We've all done it! Not only is this process time consuming, but at the end of it all you have dozens of cardboard boxes to re-donate to the stores or fold them all up and put them out for recycling. In the winter months especially, this can be a messy process. Soggy cardboard boxes are not best.

I support green moving alternatives in the tri-cities, specifically with one excellent local company: It's Your Move. What could be easier than ordering sturdy, stackable crates (which are made of recycled materials), using them for your move and then phoning for pick-up? It's a great green alternative, it's affordable and it helps ensure a smooth move.

I believe in this service so much that when you buy or sell a home through me, I will pay for your green moving...

I received a newsletter from Peter Wright of AmeriSpec Fraser Valley last week and wanted to share their helpful tips for preparing your home for the winter months. Regular maintenance of your home is key when considering future resale value!

Prepare your Home for Cooler Weather.

With the fall season now here and winter approaching, now is the time to prepare your home for the new season. Regular maintenance of the home is critical to its preservation and can add significantly to its resale value. Use this checklist to help prepare your home for the cooler days and frosty nights of fall.  Yard: Rake and compost leaves Seed and feed your lawn Winterize your sprinkler system Mulch flowerbeds Drain outside faucets and cover them when appropriate Drain and store hoses Roof: Trim limbs and vegetation away from roof Inspect roof and roof vents for any needed repairs Replace any loose or damaged shingles Clean gutters and downspouts Foundation and Exterior Masonry: Clean fireplaces and chimneys Check chimney mortar for any deterioration Make sure downspouts and grading all direct water away from the house Doors and Windows: Inspect caulking and paint for damage and repair as needed Oil door hinges and garage door moving parts Make sure all storm windows are securely in position Heating and Cooling: Arrange for annual inspection and cleaning of heating systems Rinse off A/C compressor/condensing coil unit to remove debris and dirt Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat Change the furnace filter (when needed) Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors Plumbing and Interior: Inspect and repair any damaged caulking in tubs, showers, sinks, toilets and backsplashes Inspect A/C refrigerant lines for missing or damaged insulation During wet weather, check ceiling and around all doors and windows for unwanted moisture Check attic ventilation Make sure dryer vent is clean You might want to seek professional assistance for some of these suggestions. AmeriSpec inspectors are available to meet your home inspection needs, and are trained to meet or exceed the highest home inspection industry standards.  To learn more about AmeriSpec, contact Peter Wright at 604-513-1989.

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Connecting with other female entrepreneurs is something that I love to do. Supporting, encouraging, listening and celebrating one another is empowering and I am truly thankful for all of the fabulous women I have the opportunity to meet on a regular basis.

I was honoured to be included in the third edition of the CRAVE Vancouver guide, which was made public just last week. The book is 'an urban girl's guide to all that you CRAVE' and features 150 local business women. Professionals of all designations, entrepreneurs who are rockin' the Vancouver business community are highlighted in the pages of this book.

The CRAVE organization hosts several events throughout the year and I would encourage women in business to get involved with them. From events centered around getting into nitty gritty of running your business to fun lifestyle events, CRAVE does everything with flair and style! It is a fantastic...

My clients enjoy preferential treatment and the best mortgage rates in the Lower Mainland through the Sutton Member Program. 

New fixed rates were announced this week:

SMP 1-year fixed/closed rate is 2.20%
SMP 2-year fixed/closed rate is 2.85%
SMP 3-year fixed/closed rate is 3.19%
SMP 4-year fixed/closed rate is 3.36%
SMP 5-year fixed/closed rate is 3.46%
SMP 5-year 45 day quick close rate has been discontinued.

If you have any questions about your mortgage, please call me directly at 604.626.6066. 
 

 

I was so honoured to be invited to participate as an exhibitor at YWIB's Beyond Pink Entre-Carnival showcase. 

Beyond Pink is a two day conference aimed at providing real world skills that are applicable to individuals from all walks of life. Their aim is to discover and strengthen each delegate’s talents to help them “make their own brand and leave their mark” as their story continues. 

The Entre-Carnival features 30+ local women entrepreneurs who will be showcasing their businesses and sharing their stories. I'm very excited for this event! 

For more information, or to register, please visit: http://www.ywib.ca/beyondpink2010/ 

The Bank of Canada just lowered their overnight lending rate to a record low of 0.5%.  Major banks followed by lowering their PRIME lending rate to a historical low of 2.5%.

The 1st Time Home Buyer's Plan has a newly increased withdrawal limit of $25,000 from $20,000 to assist 1^st Time Home Buyers by allowing them to withdraw from their RRSPs to buy a home.  Eligible couples can now withdraw up to $50,000.

 

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/rrsp-reer/hbp-rap/menu-eng.html

The 1st Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit is a new tax credit of up to $750 to help 1^st Time Home Buyers with closing costs such as land transfer taxes and legal fees.

Visit the following website for additional information:

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2009/fqhbtc-eng.html

The Home Renovation tax credit is a new temporary tax credit of up to $1,350 for homeowners who renovate.  The credit will only be available for the 2009 tax year and applied to eligible expenditures of more than $1,000 but not more than $10,000, resulting in a maximum credit of $1,350 ($9,000 x 15%).

Visit the following site for additional information and a list of eligible expenditures:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2009/fqhmrnvtn-eng.html#q6

The Bank of Canada just lowered their overnight lending rate to a record low of 1%.  Major banks followed by lowering their PRIME lending rate to a historical low of 3%.