Attached home sales thrive as overall inventory remains scarce

SURREY, BC – Propelled by significant activity in attached categories, March housing sales in the Fraser Valley reached their second highest point in ten years, trailing only last year’s extraordinary market levels.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 2,213 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in March, a decrease of 26.4 per cent compared to the 3,006 sales in March of last year, and a 58.5 per cent increase compared to the 1,396 sales in February 2017.

Of the 2,213 sales processed last month, 526 were townhouses and 638 were apartments, representing over half of the region’s total sales of all property types for the seventh straight month.

“Inventory levels aren’t where we’d like them to be, especially with demand picking up as we move deeper into the spring season," said Gopal Sahota, Board President. “However, that being said, it’s great to see more buyers turning to our bourgeoning apartment and townhome markets and taking some of the pressure off of detached homes.”

Last month the total active inventory for the Fraser Valley was 4,808 listings, the lowest level seen for a March in ten years. Active inventory increased by 3.5 per cent month-over-month, and decreased 12.3 per cent when compared to March 2016.

The Board received 3,072 new listings in March, a 41.5 per cent increase from February 2017, and a 24.3 per cent decrease compared to March 2016’s 4,057 new listings.

"We've never seen sales like this for our attached category homes. Whereas buyers may have had a more relaxed experience looking for a townhome a few years ago, things have certainly changed: competition is up, and listings are moving fast”, added Sahota.

“Talk to your REALTOR® to help you understand what’s happening in your community. The support of a local expert goes a long way when navigating a busy spring market here in the Valley.”

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity 

• Single Family Detached: At $869,000, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley increased 1.1 per cent compared to February 2017, and increased 17.3 per cent compared to March 2016.

• Townhomes: At $432,100 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 2.3 per cent compared to February 2017, and increased 25.5 per cent compared to March 2016.

• Apartments: At $276,900, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 3.7 per cent compared to February 2017, and increased 27.5 per cent compared to March 2016.

Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201703.pdf

When you’re preparing your home for sale, it’s not unusual to need to fix up a few things around the property. After all, you want your home to look its best to buyers, so that you get good offers, quickly.

What do you need to fix? Here are three categories that will help you create and prioritize your list.

1. Anything that squeaks or creaks.

Is there something in your home that makes a noise it shouldn’t be making? Perhaps it’s a rattling closet door or a creaking floor board? You may be so used to it you no longer notice the sound. But buyers will. Be sure to get those items fixed.

2. Anything that’s unsightly.

You don’t have to make your home look perfect. However, things that are unsightly will likely get buyers’ attention. You want them to focus on the terrific features of your property, not the scuff on the wall.

Take a walk through your property, including the yard. Pretend you’re the buyer. Do you notice anything that doesn’t look good? If so, tidy it up, fix it up or replace it.

3. Anything that’s broken.

If there’s anything that needs repair — an outside tap that’s not working, or a sliding door that regularly careens off its runner — call the contractor or fix it yourself.

Getting these items fixed will go a long way toward making your home appealing to buyers.

Want more tips on preparing your home for sale? Call today. 

You don’t have to freeze in the winter or start reading by candlelight to reduce your electricity bill. There are many simple ways to use less power with little, if any, impact on your lifestyle.

A good place to start is with your electronics.

According to the David Suzuki Foundation, “Any gizmo that has a clock, digital timer, remote control or standby mode is sucking energy when it's not being used (it's called 'phantom electricity' — and it's scary how much of it there is).” So keep them unplugged as much as possible. Also, unplug charger cords for phone and computers when not in use. Even when not connected to the device, they still suck power.

Another easy change to make involves your lights. Switching to compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED light bulbs can save you a lot of energy. They’re 75% more efficient.

Finally, the old-fashioned method of insulating doors and windows can work wonders for lowering your electricity bill. In fact, some particularly drafty homes can lose up to 40% of their heat. Check for drafts regularly and repair or replace insulation as needed.

None of these ideas will impact your day-to-day living. Yet, they could potentially save you a bundle. 

Fraser Valley enjoys healthy market in February

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley housing market returned to more typical levels in February, with sales and new listing intake on-par with the 10-year average for the month.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,396 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February, a decrease of 41.5 per cent compared to the record-breaking 2,387 sales in February of last year, and a 43 per cent increase compared to the 976 sales in January 2017. The 10-year average for February sales is currently 1,288 transactions.

Of the 1,396 sales processed last month, 369 were townhouses and 391 were apartments.

“This is the kind of February we like to see. Last year at this time, the incredible demand created a market that was difficult for consumers. Now, we have sales moving upward from the winter months at a typical, healthy pace and a growing inventory to support it," said Gopal Sahota, Board President.

The Board received 2,171 new listings in February, a 0.3 per cent decrease from January 2017, and a 33.9 per cent decrease compared to February 2016’s 3,283 new listings.

For February the total active inventory in the Fraser Valley finished at 4,645 available listings, increasing by 5.5 per cent month-over-month, and decreasing 9.4 per cent when compared to February 2016.

"While the pace of the market has returned to more normal levels, pricing is still heavily impacted by the activity and demand seen throughout 2016. Understandably, this can create a challenging environment for consumers. If you’re struggling finding the right home or buyer, talk to a REALTOR® who can help guide you towards success in the market.”

For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in February 2017 was 38 days, compared to 21 days in February 2016.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity 

• Single Family Detached: At $859,300, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley increased 0.4 per cent compared to January 2017, and increased 20.4 per cent compared to February 2016.

• Townhomes: At $422,400 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.5 per cent compared to January 2017, and increased 25.2 per cent compared to February 2016.

• Apartments: At $267,000, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 1.8 per cent compared to January 2017, and increased 26.5 per cent compared to February 2016.

Imagine finding a home you love, making an offer, and then finding out there are other competing offers on the table. Ouch.

If you’re looking for a property in a competitive market, it is likely that there will be multiple offers. Even just one can create the risk that you’ll lose the home. So how do you make sure your offer is enticing enough to win over the seller? Here are some ideas:

• Don’t make a low-ball offer. If you do, it might be dismissed and you probably won’t get another chance to bid — especially if the other competing offers are near the listing price.

• Have a pre-arranged mortgage and include that with your offer. This reassures the seller there won’t be any money issues. (Most lenders will provide you with a pre-arranged mortgage certificate for this purpose.)

• Go in with a price high enough that the seller will be interested, but not so high as to be leaving money on the table. This is tricky and requires a savvy knowledge of the current market.

• Have a REALTOR® present the offer on your behalf. A REALTOR® will know how to do so professionally, and in a manner that gives you the best chance of getting the home.

In a competitive situation, working with a REALTOR® who is an expert on the local market — and a skilled negotiator — is crucial.

Looking for a REALTOR® like that? Call today. 

Have you ever had a real estate question, or just wanted to know what the market was like? Well Kara, Erinn and myself will be on hand at one of the Starbucks locations in Cloverdale - 17967 56th avenue (Hwy.10 beside the RBC branch) to answer as many questions as we can this coming 
Saturday February 25th from 1-4pm.

We held our first Meet and Greet last month and it was such huge success that we are running one a month over the next few months. 

We will be offering FREE Starbucks Regular Coffee and treats. It's an opportunity to ask us questions about what the market is doing in your neighbourhood, or maybe something you heard in the news. There is the new BC partnership program that came into affect last month for First Time Home Buyers...maybe you were wondering how this might benefit you as a First Time Home Buyer. 

Maybe you have been thinking of selling your home and/or buying a new home...but you don't know where to start, or who to call. Come by and meet us! We would be happy to help you with your next move! 

No pressure, no sales pitches, no obligation! Just a chance to meet a local team that has been helping homeowners for over 10 years. We come with lots of experience and knowledge to share.

Hopefully today and every day you cherish the moments you have with your significant other. We wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day! May it not be about flowers, chocolates and gifts....but about moments you will always remember!

A couple weeks ago I blogged about Dine out Vancouver starting their Dine Out Vancouver Festival and completely forgot about White Rock's very own food festival "Taste White Rock" formerly known as "Bite of the Rock".

It's another great opportunity for people living south of the Fraser River in the Valley, instead of heading to Vancouver they can try some of the fabulous restaurants in White Rock. The festival starts tomorrow January 18th and runs through February 5th, there will be select White Rock restaurants offering set menus from $10, $20, $30 or $40. Many of which are also offering entertainment.

This annual event is presented by the White Rock Business Improvement Association. Taste White Rock promises to be an excellent opportunity to try a new restaurant or an old favourite for very reasonable prices. 

For details on participating restaurants and their menus visit Taste White Rock

I thought I would do the same thing I did in my last blog for Dine Out Vancouver and give mini reviews of the ones we have been to for your reference and then let you decide. If you click on any of the restaurants, you will be taken to their website to decide for yourselves. Even if you don't like the Taste White Rock 2017 menu options, most restaurants will still offer their regular menu. I am not sure we have ever been to Taste White Rock but we have been to many of the local restaurants in the past. 

Bin 101 Wine & Tapas In all fairness we have only been once, it wasn't very busy...strange for a Saturday night. But we were looking for something different and thought we would pop in last year. But we weren't ovely impressed. Perhaps we need to try them again before I can give a better review. We love to share different thigns when we go out...so Tapas you would think would be a godo idea. Not a big fan of their bruschetta as they put way too much into it and I do not liek Gorgonzola cheese. 

Five  which used to be known as Five Doors Down...I haven't been since they changed names and I believe ownership. But I have been for lunch and dinner and enjoyed both meals. Another place I think my husband and I need to make it back to. 

Uli's Restaurant They have the best hamburgers ever. First time I tried a burger that wasn't well done. Because they grind their beef fresh, they can cook it to your desired temperature. I was a little skeptical when we went a few years back, but they really did make a delicious burger. Unfortunately, I can't really comment on anything else...since we haven't been back. Not because we didn't enjoy our meals, but because we usually head down for dinner and I would rather have a burger for lunch than dinner. 

Onyx Steakhouse nothing but good things to say about Onyx. We have had their prime rib dinners on the weekend and steak at other times. Wec love Burrata cheese and their salad is delicious..I wouldn't expect anything less. If you love cheese, you have to try this salad.

The Hemingway We tried them for the 1st time this past summer. Every one of the Joseph Richard Group locations is slighlty different then the next. We went knowing what to expect and knowing we would get a decent Townhall type meal. Great place for a casual affair. Again you cannot go wrong with any one of their locations. 

Cosmos Greek Restaurant Ok I have mentioned many times that my husband and I are big foodies. He grew up working in a Greek restaurant and we have had Greek friends. So we finally tried this place last summer and were disappointed. We always judge a Greek restaurant by their ambiance and most of all by their "Tzaziki" if they don't make good Tzaziki then they don't make the cut. Sorry Cosmos we likley won't be back. We may have been tainted by the mediocre Tzaziki but it made the rest of the meal mediocre too. 

Help support mental health here in Canada by supporting Bell Let's Talk today!

For every text message sent, long distance call made, tweet and Instagram post using the #BellLetsTalk orFacebook video view and use of Snapchat geofilter share of the Bell Let's Talk image - Bell Canada will donate 5 cents to help fund mental health initiatives across Canada.

Clara Hughes as the face of Bell Let's Talk gives people a sense that if an Olympic athlete who always seems to have a smile on her face can have mental health issues and be okay...than so can anyone. It also goes to show that it doesn't matter what walk of life you come from, mental health issues can affect just about any one of us. The stats are that 1 in 5 of us will suffer some form of mental illness in their lifetime. Clara and Bell are not only trying to bring awareness to mental health but help to remove the stigma that always seems to follow. I know from my own family...if there was ever any issues it was better not to talk about it and hope that it will just go away instead of dealing with it. Which likely only makes the problem worse as people ignore that the family member needs help or makes the family member feel ashamed.

At this time of year when it is cold and wet or snowy outside depression seems to hit even the least likely of us. If Bell Let's Talk can help spread the word I am all for it. Whether you tweet, make a call send a text, post on snapchat and instagram or share the image on facebook...it's easier than doing just about anything and it's a way to make a difference. So help me support Bell Let's Talk day!

For more information on Bell Let's Talk visit their website at the following link:

Bell Let's Talk 

Saturday nights' are typically date night for my husband and I. Which usually means dinner and a movie or dinner with friends. Last night we tried to get into a local restaurant for an early dinner...but they were all booked up until 8pm. But that didn't work since our movie was to start at 7:30. We decided to head to White Rock to see what we could find along the strip. Along the way we decided we should check out My Shanti again. It's been 2 years since our last visit, we were due. 

Being the foodies that we are and that we love Indian food, we can't figure out why we haven't been back. Unfortunately there aren't many places in the Fraser Valley that we love to frequent, so we end up heading to Vancouver most times....we forgot all about My Shanti.

We were pleasanty surprised to see Vikram Vij working when we walked in. We have followed him on Dragon's Den and even before. Still haven't had the pleasure of trying his Vancouver location "Vij" but were excited when he opened "My Shanti" a couple years ago. Even more excited we got to meet him during our visit this time.

I admit I "fangirled" and wanted to get this photo taken with him, I was honoured to meet him. But more importantly I was impressed with his presence in the restaurant. He's become a Canadian celebrity, but you could tell he was a restauranteur first and foremost. There wasn't a single table that didn't get his attention more than once. He wanted to ensure that everyone was enjoying their "My Shanti" experience to its fullest. The table beside us the woman looked as though she was cold and he wanted to ensure she was comfortable. Then he visited our table a short time later and commented on how he liked my nose ring. As he recently had his nose pierced with his daughter. He took her to get hers done and decided why not get his done too when she said it didn't hurt...well he disagreed...IT HURT! 

We have often visited a busy restaurant and never understood why the owner or manager wasn't pulling up his sleeves and helping out when things were falling behind. Either in the dining room or the kitchen. But not at My Shanti, Vikram Vij barely stood still the entire time we were there for dinner. He was quite happy to have his photo taken with me, without hesitation. Then helping to serve a table or even visiting our table again while we ate our dinner insisting on giving me more sauce to eat with my roti. We couldn't have had a better host. We will surely be back, the servers were attentive and the food was delicious!

 

I don't usually take photos of my food. But I wanted to share the delicious dishes we enjoyed. When we first sat down we were served an array of tasty seasoned light chips. Then we wanted to try a few things that we hadn't tried before. We started with Vikram's Favourite Snack (which was crisp naan bread with a creamy cashew sauce and pieces of portabello mushroom...Similar to a small flatbread). 

For dinner we ordered Paneer (which is Indian cheese served with vegetables...slightly spicy flavour). Chicken Korma (chicken in a cashew garlic sauce)...probably our favourite dish....the chicken was so tender and moist and the sauce it was in was delicious! So delicious there was only a very small piece of  chicken left but enough sauce to dip naan in...so we had them wrap it up and we brought it home. The last dish we shared was the beef dish, short ribs in coconut milk with curry leaves and saffron. To help soak it all up we ordered roti and the meal was rounded off with jasmine rice. 

My Shanti is not your typical Indian restaurant, it is a fusion of the various regions Vikram has travelled throughout India. The decor is colourful and inviting. The staff friendly and attentive. We highly recommend visiting their restaurant if you haven't yet!

Ok don't laugh this really is a thing! I saw something come up online and had to check it out.....and guess what January 19th is National Popcorn Day. Not only that but there's also a National Popcorn Month, but that is not until October. Who comes up with these things I wonder....

Since Popcorn is probably one of my favourite if not my favourite snack, I thought I would blog about it..A healthy snack too, that is until you put all kinds of stuff on it. I admit I do like a little butter on my popcorn sometimes...I am a sucker for "Kernels" popcorn with Salt and Vinegar on it and of course who does not love Caramel corn.

Hope everyone enjoys a little popcorn today in honour of National Popcron Day!

Have you ever had a real estate question, or just wanted to know what the market was like? Well Kara, Erinn and myself will be on hand at one of the Starbucks locations in Cloverdale - 17967 56th avenue (Hwy.10 beside the RBC branch) to answer as many questions as we can this coming
Saturday January 21st from 1-4pm.

We will be offering FREE Starbucks Regular Coffee and treats. It's an opportunity to ask us questions about what the market is doing in your neighbourhood, or maybe something you heard in the news. This week the new BC partnership program came into affect for First Time Home Buyers...maybe you were wondering how this might benefit you as a First Time Home Buyer. 

Maybe you have been thinking of selling your home and/or buying a new home...but you don't know where to start, or who to call. Come by and meet us! We would be happy to help you with your next move!

No pressure, no sales pitches, no obligation! Just a chance to meet a local team that has been helping homeowners for over 10 years. We come with lots of experience and knowledge to share.