Coffee is one of the things that I’m very passionate about. I love it so much that I even roast my own beans at home to get things just the way I like it. When I go out for coffee, it’s important to me that I get a cup worth paying for – in South Surrey / White Rock, the best place that I have found is MINK CHOCOLATES. Probably my favorite thing about Mink’s coffee is the fact that they have a CLOVER machine. Don’t know what a CLOVER is? CLICK HERE to find out! Mink is the ONLY coffee shop in South Surrey / White Rock that has a CLOVER coffee maker. At the request of the owner, Faith Gibson, I stopped in today with my camera to snap some shots of the cafe in Morgan Crossings. If you have not tried Mink out, treat yourself and head over there right now!
April, 2012: White Rock / South Surrey Real Estate Market Update
FRASER VALLEY HOUSING MARKET REMAINS STEADY; WHILE SELECTION CONTINUES TO IMPROVE (Surrey, BC) – There were 1,435 property sales processed on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April, reflecting a 5 per cent decrease compared to the 1,516 sales in April of last year, and a slight increase over the 1,412 sales in March. In April, the Board added 7 per cent more new listings compared to one year ago, 3,134 in contrast to 2,918 in April 2011, pushing the number of properties for sale in the Fraser Valley to 10,312, the highest level since July 2010. Scott Olson, President of the Board, says “To put it in perspective, in the last decade, April 2012 ranked second lowest for sales during that month, while new listings came in at the third highest, meaning it’s a good time to be shopping for a home in the Fraser Valley because selection has only been this extensive twice. “When you combine modest sales with normal, seasonal increases in listings it helps keep house prices in check, which is what we’re seeing. Benchmark prices for all property types remain essentially unchanged from March and for townhomes and apartments, they’re on par with what they were one year ago.” The benchmark price or value of a ‘typical’ Fraser Valley detached home as determined by the MLS® Home Price Index (MLS®HPI), increased 5.3 per cent in one year. It went from $547,800 in April 2011 to $576,600 last month. In April, the MLS®HPI benchmark price of a Fraser Valley townhouse was $318,400, an increase of 1.9 per cent compared to $312,600 in 2011. The benchmark price of an apartment increased by 0.8 per cent year-over-year; going from $204,100 in April of last year to $205,800 in April 2012. Olson adds, “There …
March, 2012: White Rock / South Surrey Real Estate Market Update
FRASER VALLEY HOUSE HUNTERS LOOKING FOR GOOD BUYS; KEEPING PRICES RESILIENT (Surrey, BC) – The The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed 1,412 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in March, a decrease of 22 per cent compared to March of last year, however only 13 per cent less than the 10-year average of 1,626 sales for same month. Scott Olson, president of FVREB, says, “It was quieter than usual for March, but still steady with an increase in demand for more affordable properties, in particular detached homes for less than $500,000 and townhomes. “Compared to last March, every community in Fraser Valley experienced a decrease in the sales of single family detached homes especially those priced at the higher-end; however Abbotsford, Langley and North Surrey all saw increases in the sale of townhomes.” Olson adds, “Last year, single family homes represented 63 per cent of our residential market. This March, it dropped to 56 per cent, so we’re seeing demand for more affordable options. This is in contrast to last year when we saw elevated sales of higher-end homes in areas such as North Delta, South Surrey and White Rock.” In March 2012 in Fraser Valley, the sale of detached homes with a value greater than half a million dollars decreased by 33 per cent compared to last year, explaining why average prices, which can be skewed by the dollar volume of high or low end sales*, are showing decreases year-over-year, while benchmark prices – homes with typical characteristics for the neighbourhood – are showing increases compared to 2011. The MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI) benchmark price of a detached home in March was $572,700, an increase of 6.8 per cent compared to $536,200 last year. The benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses increased by 1.5 per …
When is the best time to sell your home?
If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, you might be waiting until the “market is right”. After all, if the local market suddenly booms, your property will likely sell for a higher price. That may be true. However, there are other factors to consider in your decision to list.For example, will you be buying a new home as well? If so, then the higher selling price will probably be offset by the higher cost of the new property. In addition, there may be characteristics of your home that will help sell it quickly and for a good price – today – regardless of the market conditions. A good REALTOR® will help you make the right decision. Call today
How to decide if you should replace your windows
One of the most prominent features of any home is the windows. When they are well maintained they have a positive impact on the impression people (such as potential buyers) will have of your property. The opposite occurs, of course, when your windows look old and worn. So does that mean you should replace your windows? That depends on a number of factors. Window replacement can be an expensive renovation. Here are a few things to consider before making your decision. • Do your windows get frost or condensation build-up on the interior side? This could be a sign that the windows are not keeping out the cold as well as they should. • Do you see water infiltration or mildew on the interior sides of any of the window sills? This means that moisture is creeping in from the outside, and you need to get those windows repaired or replaced as soon as possible. • If your windows are double-paned – (two panes of glass) – check for any signs of moisture in between the glass panes. Moisture indicates that the thermal seal is broken and at a minimum, the glass will need to be replaced. • Take a look at your windows from the outside. Is the trim rotted or cracked anywhere? Are there dark spots or any signs of rotting on the wood frames? Repairs or replacement may be required. • Check the operation of your windows. Do they open and close easily? This is important because some windows, such as those in bedrooms, are often designed to be big enough to use as an exit in case of a fire. • Finally, are you happy with how your windows look? Do you feel that your property will look significantly better with new windows? Although they are expensive, replacing windows has a lot of advantages. Depending on the efficiency of your current windows, replacing them could cut your energy …
Questions to ask before hiring a property inspector
Hiring the right home inspector is important. After all, you want the inspection to leave no stone unturned when determining the condition of the house you are considering purchasing. Unfortunately, the professionalism and range of services vary widely in the home inspection industry. So it pays to ask the right questions before you choose. Here are a few suggestions: “What does your inspection cover?” A home inspector should be able to present you with a detailed list of what is covered in the inspection. Don’t settle for a vague verbal promise like, “We check everything top to bottom.” Get it in writing. In addition, you should get an assurance that the inspection complies with all Local and State or Provincial regulations. “What are your qualifications?” As with most professions, experience counts.You want to check how long the inspector has been in the business, and how many homes like yours he has inspected. Also ask about his credentials.What professional training programs has he completed? Does he belong to a recognized home inspection association? “Do you also offer to do home repairs or renovations?” If he does, it’s a conflict of interest.You want an inspector to give you an unbiased report as to the condition of the house, without any expectation of getting some contracting work on the side. “How long will the inspection take?” You’ll want to find out if the inspector takes his time and does a thorough job, or rushes things so he can get as many homes done in a day as possible. On average, a typical single family home should take two to three hours to inspect properly. “May I contact some references?” Ask for references from people in the neighborhood you are considering. Then, make sure you call them.
Boosting Curb Appeal – a little goes a long way
“Curb appeal”. You’ve probably heard that term used before. It refers to how valuable and enticing your house looks from the outside, typically from the perspective of a potential buyer “standing on the curb”. Many people focus on preparing the inside of their house for sale, and neglect preparing the outside.This is a mistake. Studies confirm that curb appeal has a huge influence over how quickly your house will sell, and for how much. How do you improve curb appeal? You don’t need to do a major landscaping renovation! In fact, small improvements often make the biggest difference… improvements you can easily do over a weekend. Here are some suggestions: Clean the outside of front windows. Make them sparkle! Remove grass,weeds and other unwanted growth between driveway and walkway stones. Prune shrubs and trim trees. Re-sod bare spots on the lawn. Edge the lawn. (A simple task that can have a dramatic visual impact.) Water the flowerbed. (Flowers look brighter and more healthy within one hour of watering.) Sweep the walkway and driveway. Rake the leaves. Remove signs such as “Beware of dog” and “No solicitations”. Check the welcome mat. If it’s worn or dirty, replace it. Also, consider buying some attractive potted flowers to put near the entranceway. They are worth the investment. As you can see, it doesn’t take much to boost the curb appeal of your house. Just a little work and a few added details will make a big difference. Need more ideas for increasing the “sales appeal” of your house? Call 604-764-1380 or use the contact form below.
Assessing a property’s long term potential
You see a home on the market that you like. Should you buy it? Before you make an offer, it’s a good idea to get a sense of the property’s long-term potential. After all, a property is not just a potential home, it’s also an important investment. Here are some things to look for when viewing homes on the market: Is the area’s average income increasing? The more affluent a neighborhood becomes, the higher the property values. Are employment opportunities growing nearby? If jobs are leaving the area, housing prices will likely decline. Are there any nearby housing or community developments that will enhance the quality of life in the area? If a park with a quiet walking trail, or a prestigious golf course, is being built nearby, the value of the neighborhood will increase. Is the crime rate on the rise or decline? This can have a significant impact on future property values. Are there public transit lines located nearby? Studies show that housing prices increase in areas where public transit is close and convenient. Is the property located in a neighborhood dominated by higher priced homes? Does the property have features that will always be valued by home buyers, such as a large kitchen or spacious backyard. Are there short-term negatives about the area that will eventually disappear, such as loud construction projects? Once those negatives are gone, house prices will often jump. Need help finding the right home for you? Call (604)764-1380 or use the contact form below and we’ll get started!
First Time Homebuyer (new home) BONUS!
Following the announcement of the B.C. First Time New Home Buyers Bonus there has been some confusion on how the bonus will be paid to qualified applicants. The initial reports about the First Time Buyers Bonus were misunderstood due what the Ministry of Finance call a “Poor choice of words” in the initial press release. It is not a Tax Credit! The First Time Home Buyer Bonus will be introduced in the legislature and is expected to obtain “Royal Ascent” sometime in May 2012. The application form is now ready, and can be downloaded directly from the BC Ministry of Finance – CLICK HERE TO GET IT!! Once approved the Ministry will mail out the cheques up to a maximum of $10,000. It is estimated that the process will take about 4-6 weeks from application. The tax credit is equal to 5% of the home price, subject to a maximum of $10,000 The tax credit is pro-rated based on your income and phases out for higher income families This credit only applies to new homes This credit only applies to first time buyers For further info visit: www.fin.gov.bc.ca or call; 1-877-387-3332 BC Finance Minister, Mr. Kevin Falcon, has announced the reinstatement of the BC PST, to take effect on April 1, 2013 (subject to approval by the BC Legislature). In simple terms, home buyers will continue to pay HST until April 1, 2013 and will be eligible for additional rebates. After April 1, 2013 only 5% GST will apply. For properties under construction at April 1, 2013, specific transitional rules will apply. Mr. Falcon also announced that the full PST Legislation will be introduced in the legislature this spring, including the transitional rules. Full information on the B.C. Home Buyers Bonus is below: 2012 First Time Home Buyers Fact Sheet Loading…
15833 26 AV The Brownstones (South Surrey / White Rock): Townhouse with awesome Rooftop Patio!!
Brownstones – built by Award Winning ADERA. 3 bedroom, 2 bath Original Show Home townhouse. BONUS … private 500 sq.ft. ROOFTOP deck with an outstanding views includes new Rattan patio furniture and potted plants and trees ($5000 value)! Professionally interior decorated with lots of custom upgrades: hardwood & tile flooring, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, upgraded lighting fixtures, ‘Swiss Decking’ on garage, Sunday, and rooftop patio floors, built-in garage organizer, and so much more. 2 car garage, fireplace, patio off the kitchen. Energy efficient “Green” home w. 2-5-10 year warranty still in effect. Amenities building has gym, entertainment room w. pool table & big screen TV. Pets allowed! Check it out!!!
February, 2012: White Rock / South Surrey Real Estate Market Update
TYPICAL ‘PRE-SPRING’ SURGE IN HOME SALES & NEW LISTINGS KEEPS MARKET STEADY (Surrey, BC) – The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) recorded 1,269 sales in February, an increase of 59 per cent compared to January and a 1 per cent decrease compared to the 1,279 sales during February of last year. In terms of new listings, the Board received 2,846 in February, an increase of 3 per cent compared to January and a 6 per cent decrease compared to the 3,038 listings received last February, taking the total number of active listings to 9,037, an increase of 4 per cent compared to those available in February 2011. As Board President Scott Olson explains, a seasonal increase in sales is typical for February; however this increase was not as robust as in years past. February’s sales finished at 4 per cent fewer than the 10-year average for that month. “Although our market has picked up, it’s still favouring buyers. In terms of our clients, we’re seeing more caution and deliberation when house hunting. “This could mean using a home inspection as part of negotiations, or asking for extras to be thrown in, or the client walking away if terms are not met. The other side is that selection at certain price points is limited depending on location, so if the buyer finds the right home, they act, which is keeping prices stable.” The MLS® HPI benchmark price of a ‘typical’ detached home in Fraser Valley in February was, $569,200, an increase of 8.3 per cent compared to $525,400 last year. The benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses increased by 2.0 per cent in one year, going from $305,700 in February 2011 to $311,900 in February 2012, while the benchmark price of apartments increased by 0.6 per cent …
11089 130A, Surrey: Central location with a great view!!
Restored Heritage style home on 1/4 Acre VIEW Property. Bright family kitchen boasts wainscoting ceiling. Sunny Deck access with breathtaking view off the the kitchen perfect for entertaining. Hardwood floors, and custom finishing throughout the entire house. You have to view the home to fully appreciate it’s value. Yard accommodates RV or boat parking. Close to sky train, shopping and SFU. Set-up for suite downstairs.
First Time Homebuyer Incentives, 2012
At the British Columbia’s Budget 2012 conference today, the provincial government announced two incentives for the residential construction industry and its consumers: 1. A $10,000 temporary, one-time refundable income tax credit for first-time home buyers who purchase a newly constructed home, effective today, February 21, 2012 through to March 31, 2013. Details are available here:http://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2012/homebuyers/2012_First_Time_Home_Buyers_Fact_Sheet.pdf 2. A $1,000 Seniors’ Home Renovation Tax Credit, a refundable personal income tax credit for the cost of permanent renovations that provide individuals age 65 and over with increased independence. This is an annual $1,000 credit based on 10% of eligible expenditures. Details are available here:http://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2012/backgrounders/2012_Backgrounder_2.pdf Combined with the HST-to-PST transition rules and HST tax-relief measures announced last week for new homes, this should help to stimulate the new-homes industry throughout BC. However, the budget did not include measures to mitigate the HST impact on home renovations. Loading…
24-18828 69 AV, Clayton Village: GORGEOUS Starpoint 2BR Townhouse!!
Bright & spacious, STUNNING open Great room layout with cozy fireplace & 9′ ceilings! 2 LARGE bedrooms upstairs and 2 full bathrooms. Recent upgrades include Brazilian REAL hardwood floors, high end carpeting, & paint. Large kitchen loaded w. cabinets, pantry & separate dining area. Walkout to fenced yard, backing onto gorgeous GREENSPACE – NO ONE LIVING BEHIND YOU! Lots of parking and storage with a large double garage, extended driveway, & visitor parking! Sought after Clayton location is walking distance to schools, transit, shopping & parks. Shop & Compare…This is the BEST!!!
January, 2012: White Rock / South Surrey Real Estate Market Update
2012 KICKS OFF WITH NEW HOME PRICE MEASUREMENT; AND, A SLUGGLISH START TO SALES (Surrey, BC) – The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) processed 799 sales in January, a decrease of 4 per cent compared to the 834 sales in January last year and 10 per cent fewer than were processed in December. In the last decade, January 2012 was second only to 2009 for lowest volume. On the flip side, compared to other starts during the last 10 years, the Board received one of its highest influxes of new listings for January – 2,753 – 5 per cent more than January 2011 and 143 per cent more than December the month before. The increase in new inventory raised the volume of active properties in Fraser Valley to 8,320 by the end of January. Sukh Sidhu is the Board’s president. “For spring house hunters this is great news. For buying power you can’t beat the combination of greater selection, the continuation of extremely low interest rates and stable prices.” The Board’s new MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI), launched today, reveals that residential home prices in Fraser Valley have decreased gradually over the last six months, while still showing increases year-over-year. In January, the benchmark price of a detached home in the Fraser Valley was $567,700, an increase of 7.6 per cent compared to $527,500 in January 2011 and an increase of 0.1 per cent compared to December. For townhouses, the benchmark price in January was $314,200, an increase of 2.4 per cent compared to the same month last year when it was $306,800 and down 1.1 per cent compared to December. The benchmark price of apartments in January was $199,600, a decrease of 0.1 per cent compared to January 2011 when it was $199,800 and …
6928 182A ST, Cloverdale Family Home – Clover Woods
Shop & Compare … 2 storey + bsmt home in highly sought Clover Woods. Quiet child friendly cul de sac. Huge private back yard backing onto treed greenspace. Gourmet kitch w. beautiful maple cabinetry, island, & pantry. S/S appliances. 9’ceilings, crown moldings, designer blinds & more! Main flr has bedroom = ideal office / den. Luxor ensuite w/double basins, soaker tub & seperate shower! Almost 3300 SF of beautiful living. Basement features separate entry for private access. Note; Seller/Carpenter will install basement suite kitchen cabinets for additional ($10K allowance). Great opportunity!
Affordable Housing in the Lower Mainland, BC
LOOKING FOR GREATER AFFORDABILITY? HEAD TO FRASER VALLEY SURREY, BC – According to the president of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB), international affordability studies regarding Vancouver are misleading because they don’t reflect the reality that homebuyers purchase more affordable homes every day in neighbouring communities. Sukh Sidhu is a REALTOR® who lives and works in Abbotsford. “So far this month, over 50 homebuyers in the Fraser Valley have purchased a condo for $199,000 or less and over 100 families are now proud owners of townhomes valued at $399,000 or less. “About one-third of our buyers are first-timers and two-thirds are using equity from an existing home to either buy up or down size and they’re thrilled with the value and benefits home ownership provides.” According to a recent Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey, Vancouver ranks the second most unaffordable major housing market in the world based on median household income and a median home price of $678,000. Based on January sales to date, the median home price in Fraser Valley is $405,000. Sidhu says, “To buy that home, you would need about $80,000 as a household income, however to buy a typical condo or townhome in Surrey or Abbotsford for example, you need less than $60,000 as a household income. “We’re not suggesting that affordability isn’t an issue in Greater Vancouver. In fact, REALTORS® in BC are amongst the most active proponents of strategies to make home ownership more accessible. What we are saying is that these broad, general studies don’t reflect what’s really happening within the local housing market.” The FVREB is scheduled to release its final January month-end sales statistics from its Multiple Listing Service® during the first week of February.
15342 20th AV, Sterling Place (White Rock / South Surrey) – 2br Condo
Sterling Place, in White Rock / South Surrey. West facing & private ground floor Unit has additional access from the outside, opens onto large patio. Updated colors. Large utility room. Ensuite Bathroom access from master bedroom, Large gallery style kitchen with eating area. Quiet End location in the building. Short walking distance to shops, services & fast bus to Vancouver. NOTE: Maintenance includes in-floor radiant hot water heat, gas fireplace & hot water
December, 2011: Real Estate Market Update
2011 REAL ESTATE MARKET SHOWCASES REGIONAL VARIATION (Surrey, BC) – Overall, Fraser Valley’s real estate market in 2011 was below the 10-year average in property sales and above average in the number of new listings received, however, according to the president of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, results varied widely depending on the community and property type. Sukh Sidhu observes, “I can’t remember a year that illustrates better how local real estate is and the importance of talking to your REALTOR® before making a decision to buy or sell. For example, in my community of Abbotsford, sales of single family homes dropped by almost 7 per cent compared to 2010, pushing prices down slightly, while in South Surrey/White Rock sales increased year over year by 45 per cent resulting in double-digit price increases.” The Board’s Multiple Listing Service® processed 15,529 sales in 2011 compared to 14,891 the previous year, an increase of 4 per cent, while the number of new listings remained about the same – 31,592 in 2011 compared to 31,437 in 2010. Over the year, the number of active listings for buyers to choose from dropped by 9 per cent going from 8,139 properties in December 2010 to 7,399 in December 2011. Although 2011 ranks the third slowest year for sales in Fraser Valley since 2002, it was only 10 per cent less than the 10-year average of 17,210 sales. The volume of new listings received in 2011 was 6 per cent more than the 10-year average of 29,867 new listings, placing last year third in ranking since 2002. Sidhu adds, “One trend from 2011 that is clear was the preference for single family homes. For the most part in our region, both sales and prices of townhomes and condos either stayed on par with 2010 or …
Rancher in Ocean Park!!
Ocean Park…Family home with large child friendly yard. Extra large Master Bedroom. Rancher Floor plan with sunken living room. Bedrooms 2 & 3 located away from other rooms. 3 separate doors to backyard. Perfect small child design allows much of the home in site of the kitchen. Walk to nearby elementary school. Close to beaches and local shopping. Great value for the wonderful neighbourhood of Ocean Park.
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