One of the most common questions we get asked on a regular basis is..."How do you figure out what the property transfer tax will be on the home I am looking to purchase?" We have blogged and even video blogged about this in the past, but I figured it was worth mentioning once again. 

The property purchase tax is payable on the purchase of all real property in B.C. It is calculated based on 1% of the purchase price up to $200,000 and 2% of any amount above $200,000. As a first time home buyer, you are eligible for full exemption of Property Transfer Tax provided your purchase price is $425,000 or less. With a purchase price of $425,000 to $450,000 the Property Transfer Tax is applied according to a sliding scale.

To see what the exemptions are and to understand what other costs you need to factor in when purchasing a new home visit the following link under our Buyers tab:

 https://www.balancerealestategroup.com/11Closingcostsyoushouldknowabout.ubr

 

It is about time that Surrey's federal election boundaries are changed to add another electoral seat. With a city as large as ours we need to have MP's focused on smaller geographical regions where they can hear their constituants voices.

http://www.surreyleader.com/news/161513275.html

A public hearing in Surrey on the local boundary changes is set for the Sheraton Guildford hotel in Surrey on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.

Brickyard station at the corner of Hwy 176 & Hwy 10 started to open its shops a couple months ago. Among the shops that are already open are Staples, Starbucks, Quizno's, AMC insurance and a chocolate store. (I haven't yet visited the candy shop but who doesn't love a candy shop?)

This week CIBC and Clancy's meats will be opening it's doors to Cloverdale. Clancy's offers a variety of fresh and frozen meats and prepared foods. Clancy's, a British Columbia company, first opened it's doors in Langley in 1997 and now have 8 locations throughout the lower mainland. As well as a couple in Alberta and soon to open another in London, Ontario.

http://www.clancysmeatco.com/about/

Cloverdale residents are looking forward to all the new business that Brickyard Station is going to bring to our community.

Looking for something to do on Sunday? Head down to Surrey's Fusion Festival at Holland Park. Lots of fun for the whole family but even more exciting is the booths selling tastes of food from around the world. 

In a city as culturally diverse as the one we live in, it's a great opportunity to see a little bit of the world showcased in our own backyard.
They have some great shows and live entertainment. My family and I enjoyed ourselves and today and I'm sure you will too!

To see what Fusion Fest has to offer visit their website

www.surrey.ca/fusionfestival

The best place to get your honey is the Honey Bee Centre on the corner of Hwy 176 & Fraser Hwy. The Honey Bee Centre is not only a great place to get your local honey, but it is also an educational centre. people come from all over to get their honey and bee products fom the centre. They also offer a safe and friendly way to get rid of your bee or wasp nests. 

If you're looking for some family fun this weekend check out the Honey Bee Centre Saturday July 21 & Sunday July 22 from 10am - 4pm.
Come out for the entertainment and so much more, they will even have fascinating bee beards. 

For more information visit their website

www.honeybeecentre.com

I personally love honey as my sweetner and their wild flower honey is delicious! What's our favorite honey?

I didn't get a chance to write my blog for yesterday as we were helping my grandparents move into their new apartment.

We arrived early so that we could be there to surprise them. Many members of our family that could attend were there when she opened the door and I don't think I can remember ever seeing her cry the way she did as she walked around the apartment all set up for her. Our family is very greatful for the overwhelming help from the 2 Jehovah's witness congregations in Tsawwassen and Ladner that my grandparents have been a part of for many years. They furnished their new home and set it all up for us. They even purchased a mini fireplace to replace the fake one they had in the apartment that was destroyed. Which was a huge hit for my 81 year old grandmother. It's the little things...and in this case it was everything. They still need so much more...but it is a huge start and at the end of the day a blessing in disguise. The apartment they lived in was not really an apartment it was a hole in the basement of the building that was never used and years ago turned into a mini suite. We have all wanted them to move them for years but they were quite content where they were...change is not easy for a 90 year man either. They were in a dungeon like place with barely space to breath in, full of odds and ends...that they were very proud of. Now for the 1st time they have all new furniture and of course all new clothing, all new everything. We can only hope we can retrieve a few of the mementos and hopefully the photos we can have restored. Even that is up in the air as to what they will be able to salvage, between the water and smoke damage.

Once again the amazing spirit and human kindness that surfaces in times like these always amazes me. There are many people in the building that have nowhere to go and no insurance. Once again I make my plea to purchase home insurance and even when you purchase the insurance take photos and keep records of the items in your home to be able to prove to the insurance company that you did in fact have those items to be replaced. Then of course store the photos or list of items with a family member or in a fire and water proof safe...just in case. You never know if it could happen to you!

Well today was the test....we started week 2 with a fitness test. The same one we did on day 1 and we smoked our numbers out for each exercise. All but one for me that is...not sure what happened there. But hubby did amazing, very proud of him.

Even though we feel it every day and certain exercises are a little easier...I stress the word "little". LOL It was good to know we are improving and gaining strength. Although I still think we are crazy and wake up every morning thinking the same thing. Especially as we listen to Shaun T telling us to pick it up and all we want to do is tell him where to go and how fast to get there. :)

Off to bed, to sleep in preparation for another "Insanity" workout in the morning!

You may have heard or read about the Tsawwassen apartment fire early yesterday morning. Well this fire hit very close to home.

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/person+dead+after+fire+Tsawwassen+apartment+building/6929279/story.html

We received a call just after 2am from my mother visiting in Ontario that my brother had called to tell her there was a fire in her building here in BC and he couldn't get a hold of our grandparents who also lived in the building. Why is it that these calls always come in the middle of the night.... My husband and I got ready as I contacted other family members and we headed into Tsawwassen right away. On our way my brother was able to call and say he found them safe and sound on a bus that was provided for the residents to sit on and stay warm. We were able to relax a little as we made our way to them, knowing they were ok.

The Delta Fire department and the Delta Emergency service workers did an amazing job and we are all very greatful for their kindness and help. A very big Thank You to them all!!!

This is an overwhelming situation for all the residents of the Tsawwassen Terrace apartment building, but even more so for my very elderly grandparents who are 81 and almost 90 years old. Even though they seem ok, just very tired, they have literally lost everything. Unbeknown to us they didn't have home insurance so they truly do have nothing.

Which is why I send out this plea to all, to please ensure you get home insurance if you haven't already. The cost in the end is so very minimal for some peace of mind. Especially if you live in an apartment building or townhome, then you are only looking at content insurance. But important no matter where you live.

My grandparents have found a new home already, but now literally need everything. If you have anything you are no longer in need of please let us know. If we get more than one of the same thing we will pass it along to the other people in their building who are likely in the same position. Thank you in advance for your help!

Ok! Today was cardio recovery day and we are more sore and tired after today's workout than when we do the intense cardio. I think today was the 1st time I swore a number of times...and ask my family it takes a lot for me to swear. LOL

Sitting in a squat for what felt like forever after doing a set of squats then being asked to pulse up and down in a squatting position. Just writing about it is making my thighs quiver.

Putting all that aside we are 2 1/2 weeks in and slowly starting to feel the improvements. We seem to be able to make it through most of the exercises and I have even been able to manage my heart rate to around my maximum. I think part of it was training my muscles but I also think it had a lot to do with training my breathing. Not really seeing the results but I am sure that will come in time.

In case you were thinking about trying it out and think there's now way you can do it....YES YOU CAN!

Insanity

The face of Canadian banking continues to change to accomodate the many changing needs of Canadians. A number of RBC branches have extended their hours as of this past Monday July 9th. They will now be open to serve their clients on their way to work in the mornings as of 8am and will stay open for those needing to make it to the bank after work until 7pm Monday through Thursday. Not all RBC branches will be opening their doors for longer hours at this time. Click on the following link to view the times for the following locations.

Willowbrook in Langley


White Rock


Newton

To locate a branch near you with extended hours, please click on the branch locator below

Branch Locator

We have come across a lot of Buyers lately that have started the process of looking for a new home that haven't yet figured out exactly what they want or even what they can afford. Many people think they know the price range only to find out they could have afforded more or perhaps less. Which is why it is so important to sit down and go over these details with your Realtor and mortgage professional before you start your search.

If you are looking to buy a new home we recommend checking out the Getting started page on our website. 

https://www.balancerealestategroup.com/Gettingstarted.ubr

If you have any other questions, please feel free to give us a call and we would be happy to help!

We truly learn something new everyday! I read about today being International Kissing Day and thought it must be a joke, but it's true and looks like it's been celebrated in the UK for a number of years.

So why not, there are much crazier things, why not celebrate a day meant for kissing. It doesn't have to be a romantic kiss either! What better excuse to give your kids that stopped wanting Mommy's kisses as they started to grow their independence, than to insist they have to because it is International kissing Day! Even a quick peck on the cheek to a loved one or friend...although I would warn your friend first, you don't want to get decked! :)

But the best kiss of all has to be none other than the one you share with your mate. Are you a good kisser? What are turn offs when it comes to kissing?

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/07/06/international-kissing-day_n_1654178.html