If you are trying to find out what the market looks like in your local area, a great tool is the Home Price Index (HPI) found on the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver website.

You can select the area you are looking to buy in (or the area you currently live in to help determine a sale price); the property style (detached, condo, etc) and the time period (most recent, or past periods to help spot trends).

An example of the HPI results for residential properties in the Lower Mainland based on May 2014 data

Why it's good for sellers:

- provide recent, relevant information to give you an overall idea of the market in certain ares, for different property types, and what the trends have been

- select a fair price to list your home to help it sell faster

Why it's good for buyers:

- provide information about prices in areas you are interested in

- help you make informed offers that reflect a variety of considerations, such as the local market trends and prices for the different kinds of properties available

Having a tool like this can help give you an overall picture of current market conditions as you prepare to buy or sell. Listing your house at a fair, competitive price can help make it attractive to buyers & help it sell fast. For buyers, this can help you determine how realistic your budget and expectations are for properties in the areas you are seeking to buy in. 

If you have any questions about the local market, curent prices, and other information, contact us today and we will happily answer all your questions and make the process simple & straight forward.

Image Sources:

Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

Are you a first time home buyer trying to get into the market?

...Or are you looking to purchase some investment property?

We have some great lisintgs priced right to help you make that first step onto the property ladder.

And if you're looking for an opportunity to begin or build upon your investment property portfolio, we can help you find the place that's right for you.

Here's a few examples of some of our current listings that could be just what you're looking for:

Guildford Park Place $279,900

2 BR

2 BA

1,147 sq ft

Click here to view the video tour. For more information about this listing, click here.

Madison Station Penthouse $219,800

2 BR

2 BA

938 sq ft

Click here for more information & photos

Take a look of some of our other listings or get in touch with us and we'd be happy to help you find the property that's right for you. Whether you're a first time buyer or a seasoned pro!

What are your plans for Canada Day? In our family, we love anything that can be enjoyed outside- especially if it's by a lake! Whether you plan to enjoy the great outdoors or just give a toast to the maple leaf on July 1, here are a few ideas to help you celebrate our nation's birthday.

The perfect Canada Day cake!

Red White & Bacon Appies!

Maple Cookie Ice Cream Cups

What do you love about living in Canada? We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world.

Let us show you what makes the Lower Mainland such a great place to live! We'll help you pick a neighborhood that's perect for your family and find the home that's right for you. Need to seel first? We'll help you sell your home fast- just ask and we can give you the advice you need! Contact us today- we're happy to help!

Image Sources:

The Gracious Pantry

Joe and Sue

Love Shack Chic

As the second quarter of 2014 draws to a close in the real estate market there’s good news for buyers as mortgage rates continue to remain low. Here are a few highlights from the recent BCREA Report:

- Posted & recorded mortgage rates pushed to record lows due to long range interest rates & competition in the mortgage market

- Many lenders advertised a 3% 5 year fixed rate & highly discounted variable rates

- The new normal for interest rates is anticipated to be lower than in the past

Click here to view the whole report.

Image Source: BCREA

Enjoy the beauty of White Rock...

The City by the Sea, White Rock's crown jewel is it's 8km of sandy beach with promenade and shoreline that is enjoyable year- round. For an up- close oceanview, the 1,500 ft pier is a popular attraction.With a variety of restaurants and shops, among other attractions, White Rock is a compact community with lots to offer.

Enjoy coming home...

If you have been looking to move to the White Rock area, this a great opportunity! With high ceilings, large rooms, and a STUNNING patio, this condo boasts nearly 1,500 square feet. Take a look at the photos and you'll see you're getting real value for your money. Click here to view more listing details.

Open house this Saturday & Sunday, from 1- 3pm.

Warm interior...

Updated Kitchen...

GOREGOUS patio!

Contact us today if you have any questions or would like to book a viewing.

Make the most of the warm dry weather over the next few weeks and get the outside of your home in tiptop shape.

Whether you’ve got gutters to clean, a lawn & garden to tend, or a deck to refresh, here’s a good list to help you get started. (And don’t forget the all important BBQ!). Click photo below to view.

Keeping your house in good shape inside and out is important. A well- maintained home will hold (or increase) it’s value and shows well when it comes time to sell. Need some advice to get your house ready to put on the market and sell fast (and get the price you want)? Contact us and we can advise you on what you can do  & help make the selling process a stress free one.

Image Sources:

Checklist Image: HGTV

House Image: Cute Decor

We are always hearing about how expensive it is to live in and around Vancouver. While the house prices in YVR make the news on a regular basis, there is a lot more to the story than simply the price of houses alone.

Consider things like the local economy, trade gateways, liveability, and infrastructure- all important to to take into account.  Even though house prices seem high compared to averages, it's important to think about why and what we get in return by living here.

Here's a great article from the BCREA newsletter The Bulletin that offers some insight into this hot topic. Click here & scroll to page 4. 

Find out what makes living in different YVR neighborhoods unique & contact us today. We'll be happy to show you areas that offer you what you're looking for and help you find the home that's right for you.

Image Source: BCREA The Bulletin

It's going to be a busy weekend! We have 2- that's right 2!- open houses this weekend! See below for details.

19039 69A Ave, Cloverdale

Open House Saturday & Sunday 2- 4pm
A beautiful home with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and 2,600+ square feet, this is the perfect move- in ready home for your family. Located in a nice neighborhood on a quiet street, this house has it all!

Click here for more photos and information about this listing.

204 15070 PROSPECT Avenue, White Rock

Open House Saturday & Sunday from 2- 4pm

Only 2 blocks from the beach! A spacious condo perfect for anyone looking to get into the White Rock market, this townhouse- style suite boasts almost 1,500 square feet. Udated & roomy with 2 private outdor spaces (check out the patio!) this is what living in White Rock is all about. 

Click here for more photos and information about this listing.

If you have any questions or would like to book a viewing of either property, contact us today!

We're lucky to live in such a beautiful place where there is so much to do & see- especially in natural surroundings. Get out and explore BC this Summer with the family. From local attractions just a few minutes away to destinations that require an adventure along the way, why not get to know BC a little better this Summer?

Check out 100 BC Moments for some great ideas like the one below. 

Do you know what makes your neighborhood special? When you're thinking of relocating it's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the area so you know what ammenities and activities are close by. That's where realtors are a great asset in helping you find your next home.

Thinking of moving? Contact us and we'll be happy to help you find a home that's right for you in an area you love.

Image Source: 100 BC Moments

Ths is such a hot topic in the news. If you're looking for some insight into the increasinlgy globalized Vancouver market, here's a great article from Barbara Yaffe of the Vancouver Sun.

Image Source: The Vancouver Sun

Now that it's June we're on Summer's doorstep! That means bbqs, s'mores, and late nights sitting around a fire. 

You can add a little pizazz to your backyard with a fire pit- an inexpensive store bought one can be easily upgraded with a stone surround. A great weekend warrior project that can make a statement in your backyard.Click here for materials & instructions.

If you're looking for more ideas to add curb appeal or to help get your yard & garden ready for Summer, check out our other blog posts. If you want to list your house & get it sold fast, contact us & we'd be happy to meet and show you how we can make your experience quick & stress free.

Image Source: Flickr