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The Greater Vancouver housing market experienced below average home sale totals and a modest decline in home prices in 2012.  Housing prices experienced their peak in May and have gradually declined through the second half of the year by 5.8 per cent.  The 5.8 per cent decline in prices represents the decline in the benchmark price of all residential properties in Greater Vancouver.  It should be noted that some sub markets have out performed others this year.  For example the Vancouver East detached market has actually risen by 1% over the same 12 month period.

 

There has been hesitation on the part of both Buyers and Sellers in this market which has reflected in lower than average home sales and a gradual decline in housing prices.  I think this trend will continue at least for the next 12 months.  

 

Sales activity and housing prices continue to vary depending on area so it's important to work with your REALTOR® for expert advise.

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Citadel Heights lovely 3 Bdrm townhome in a desirable family complex with schools and parks a short walk away. Recent interior updates include, laminate wood flrs, new blinds, fridge, H/W tank, and lighting. Large master with vaulted ceiling, ensuite bath, & walk in closet. 9ft ceilings, skylights, lots of windows make this unit so bright. Enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Baker from family room & upper level. Large sunken LVR opens to patio & manicured fully fenced yard. Great for BBQ, kids & pets. Finished rec room with roughed in plumbing space for 4th bath. Major capital expenditures for roof replacement, fencing, & exterior paint all recently completed. Attached double garage, storage. Great commuter location! 

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There is no doubt about it! Even if the weather is relatively pleasant, your home won’t show as well in the winter as it would in the summer, especially from the outside. Fortunately, there are many ways to make your home look more attractive and appealing to buyers during the winter season.


If there has been a snow fall clear your front walkway. Make sure fence doors and gates open freely. Also, clear off the backyard deck or patio area. You want buyers to be able to explore around your property without any obstructions. In short, do everything you can to make the experience of walking up to your front door and around your property as pleasant as possible.


Second, clear away any boots, shoes and other outerwear from the front foyer. You want buyers to focus on your beautiful home, not a cluttered entranceway. Also, have mats on both the outside and inside of your main
entranceway. This will give buyers – as well as you and your family – a chance to wipe their boots and shoes.


Next, adjust your thermostat. You want your home to feel warm, cozy and comfortable for potential buyers.


Finally, remember that in the winter, homes show much better during the day. In the evening, it may be too dark to fully appreciate your property. So work with your REALTOR® to schedule viewings during the day whenever possible. If you can, also have pictures of your property available that showcase what it looks like in the summer. That takes planning. So if you're even just casually thinking of the possibility of selling your home, take some good "summer" pictures. Want more advice on how to sell your home in the winter? Call today.

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If you're shopping for a new home, you're probably aware that there will be
some costs over and above the purchase price. It makes sense to budget
for these costs so you're not surprised – and unprepared – when you get
the bill.


Most of these costs fall into a category that the real estate industry calls
"closing costs." The most common types include land transfer tax, lawyer’s
fees and disbursements, sales taxes, and for newly-built homes, utility hookups.
You should also consider other expenses you will incur, such as home
insurance and moving expenses.


Of course, if your new home is a condominium, you’ll also have to account
for the monthly condo fees.


Closing costs can vary depending on the type and location of your new
home. These are costs I can help you determine.

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I will be hosting an open house at 714 5th street New Westminster on Sunday between 2-4pm.  

 

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You may think that having to deal with multiple offers on your home is a
wonderful problem. After all, there are so many buyers clamoring to
purchase your property!


The challenge, however, is picking the best offer – and that isn't always the
one with the highest price.  


Most offers come with conditions, such as "conditional on securing

appropriate financing" or "conditional on the sale of our current property."
You have to consider both the price and the conditions when choosing
which offer to accept.


There are other considerations, too. What if someone makes a great offer
on your home, but they don't have a pre-approved mortgage and they
haven’t put their current home on the market? That kind of offer is risky
because it is more likely than an unconditional offer to fall through.


So there's a lot to think about when you're in the seemingly enviable
position of dealing with multiple offers. How do you select the right one? The
answer is to have a good REALTOR® by your side to help you make the
right decision!


Want more tips on finding and buying your next dream home? Call today.

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When shopping for a new home, it's a good idea to try and see the potential
of the property you're viewing. It may not be exactly what you're looking for
"as is", but it may have the potential to become your dream home after
some redecorating or renovating.


The challenge is, judging how much work is required. You don't want to buy

a home with the expectation that it requires a $20,000 renovation, only to
discover that it really needed three times that much!


That’s where a good REALTOR® can help.


He or she can help you get a realistic estimate of the cost of repairs,
upgrades, and renovations, and even recommend some reputable interior
designers or contractors. That way, when you see a home with "potential", you'll be able to make a

more informed decision.


Want more tips on finding and buying your next dream home? Call today.

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Happy to announce the sale of my Coal Harbour listing unit 902-1250 West Hastings Street.  

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