There are a lot of new and exciting things to come for the Bettina Reid Group over the next couple months. The first of which is a new addition, we are proud to be growing again and welcome Gurjit Liddar to our team! Kara, Erinn, Lisa and I are all looking forward to working together.

Here is a little bit about Gurjit:

My name is Gurjit Liddar I was born in England and emigrated to Canada in 2009.  This whole experience has been amazing for myself and my family. This was a dream come true, coming into a country where you can view beautiful mountains from your home. 

I love helping and serving the community and what a great way to do this by helping our clients find their prefect home, just like we did when we moved here. This is when I found a passion in Real Estate. 

When I told my daughter about my new real estate career, she made a slogan for me:

 “ Let me take you through a journey in finding your dream home !”

Becoming a realtor is one of the most rewarding careers I ever had. Watching client's smile with joy as you hand over the keys to their perfect home,  makes you feel you have achieved one of the most important things in life. 

I have brought many smiles to clients as they enter either in their First Home or moving into their next stage of life. 

Recently, I had a great opportunity when I was asked to join Bettina Reid, Kara Berman and Erinn Mate.  This hard working dedicated team who achieved the Top 10% of Realtor Award with the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board for 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. For 2017 they are now in the top 1% of all Fraser Valley Realtor,  I sure did not want to miss out on this opportunity. 

Real Estate has become my passion and goal, so when you connect with me I am not just your Realtor but a friend for LIFE! 

Have you ever had a real estate question, or just wanted to know what the market was like? Well Kara 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 April 22nd from 1-4pm.

We started our Meet and Greets in January, they have been 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 in January 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.

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!

Food banks receive $32,500 from Fraser Valley Realtors

Surrey, BC - On behalf of Fraser Valley’s 3,200-plus REALTORS®, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) has donated $32,500 to five food banks across its regional area.

“Fraser Valley Realtors are honoured to once again support local food banks and the incredible work they do for our communities,” said Charles Wiebe, President of the FVREB.

“Every day, these organizations provide critical assistance to families and individuals throughout the Fraser Valley. With this donation we hope to provide what help we can towards their efforts and the lives of those in their care.”

This is the sixth year Fraser Valley Realtors have donated to local food banks. In that time, a total amount of $132,500 has been distributed throughout the region.

As in previous years, the donation is divided proportionately based on the number of Realtors represented in each community. $13,325 will go to the Surrey Food Bank; $6,500 to the Sources Langley Food Bank; $6,825 to Sources White Rock South Surrey Food Bank; $975 to the North Delta Chapter of the Surrey Food Bank; $3,900 to the Abbotsford Food Bank; and $975 to St. Joseph’s Food Bank in Mission.

Rebecca Thuro, Communications Coordinator at the Abbotsford Food Bank, received the FVREB’s cheque on behalf of Abbotsford. “Food bank use in British Columbia has never been higher, as thousands of residents continue to struggle with the growing cost of living in our province. With every dollar or item of food donated, someone in your community – a neighbour, friend, child or grandparent - gets to live a little easier.”

“We’re grateful for this donation and the ongoing support of Fraser Valley Realtors.”

British Columbia’s food banks support over 100,000 people every year; please consider supporting the food bank organization in your community. For more information about all FVREB community giving initiatives, go to www.fvreb.bc.ca.

Attached photo: Rebecca Thuro, Communications Coordinator, Abbotsford Food Bank and Charles Wiebe, FVREB President

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The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is an association of 3,280 real estate professionals who live and work in the communities of North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford, and Mission, British Columbia. The FVREB marked its 90-year anniversary in 2011.