Market News

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Housing prices flat or falling in fourth-quarter

OTTAWA — Canadian housing prices were flat or falling in the last quarter of 2011, according to the Teranet-National Bank house price index released Wednesday.

 

Home prices fell in December by 0.2 per cent from the previous month, the second straight monthly decline following two consecutive months of flat prices, National Bank senior economist Marc Pinsonneault wrote in his monthly report.

 

The index was up 6.8 per cent from December 2010, though the year-over-year advance had slowed somewhat from the 7.1 per cent gain posted in November.

 

Home prices fell in December in nearly half of the 11 markets included in the survey, including Victoria, Ottawa-Gatineau, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. "For Ottawa-Gatineau, Vancouver and Victoria it was the third consecutive decline, and for Toronto it was the second," Pinsonneault said. Prices in Edmonton were flat, while prices rose in Quebec City, Winnipeg, Hamilton, Calgary and Halifax.

 

The year-over-year gains...

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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

I have sold a property at 1406 2008 FULLERTON AVE in North Vancouver

I have sold a property at 1406 2008 FULLERTON AVE in North Vancouver.
Fantastic investment opportunity whether you are looking for an income property or a "leg up" on the property ladder. Gated & secure complex in park-like, central location with easy access to bridges and hwy. One bedroom with  private outlook to tranquil mountain view & Capilano River. Enjoy morning coffee from your huge balcony or start your day off with an invigorating workout in the superbly appointed exercise room, complete with pool, hot tub & sauna. Suite boasts partial updates while building has undergone plumbing, exterior concrete repairs & extensive common area upgrades. Additional features include: one underground parking and secure locker, 24 hour security, live-in caretaker, ample visitor parking & guest suite available.

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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

New property listed in Lynn Valley, North Vancouver

I have listed a new property at 830 29TH ST E in North Vancouver.
The Perfect 2700 sq.ft. Family Home on a large, flat, fenced corner lot in Lynn Valley. Main floor features 3 bedrooms - Master with 2 piece ensuite & walk-in closet, kitchen, large living and dining room with french doors to huge sundeck. Hardwood floors, woodburning fireplace, ,large south-facing windows & all freshly painted. Lower level has one or two bedroom suite with kitchen, oversized family/rec room for upstairs use if desired, laundry, tons of storage, double garage. Some mechanical & cosmetic updates incl. newer furnace, HW tank, roof, washer&dryer, drain tiles - all replaced in 2006. Backyard completely fenced, closed-in garage, new membrane on sundeck,new dishwasher, exterior & interior paint & much more! Central loction close to LV Centre, library, rec centre, hiking & bike trails, Boundary&Argyle catchments. Open Sun March 4 2-4
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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Open House. OPEN HOUSE: Sat March 3rd, 1-2:30pm

Please visit our Open House at 814 175 1ST ST W in North Vancouver.
OPEN HOUSE: Sat March 3rd, 1-2:30pm
Great Investment opportunity in the popular "Time" building in vibrant Lower Lonsdale. Sunny SE facing balcony with water & city view. Unique studio with separate private sleeping area with closet. Gas fireplace, insuite laundry, huge bathroom, open concept kitchen with gas stove & built-in microwave. Concierge service. 1 parking & slorage. Pels & rentals allowed. Balance of 2/5/10 warranty. 5 min. stroll to Lonsdale Quay market & seabus service to downtown. John Braithwaite Community Centre, chic restaurants, coffee shops and boutique shopping all just steps away. This one is all about the "lifestyle". (Previously rented for $1,750 per month furnished). First Open Saturday February 4th,  2 - 4pm.
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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Open House. OPEN HOUSE: Sat March 3rd, 3-4:30pm

Please visit our Open House at 219 580 RAVENWOODS DR in North Vancouver.
OPEN HOUSE: Sat March 3rd, 3-4:30pm
Westcoast living at it's best in this sunny, 726 sqft, one bedroom + den suite with 9' ceilings overlooking tranquil lagoon and fountains. Gourmet kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and white cabinetry. Versatile den can accommodate guest (or baby) or perfect working space. Tastefully decorated with laminate flooring, designer paint, gas fireplace. Great layout and highend finishes makes this a home to be proud of. Southfacing, covered balcony with peaceful outlook. A Whistler-like ambiance set on the North Shore near Deep Cove, close to parks, woodland trails, shopping, cafes, and Cate's Park. 5 mins. to hwy and bridges for easy downtown comute. Amenities include: clubhouse with lounge and pool table, sauna, fully appointed gym and theatre room  - all this and NO PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX!!!

First Open Sunday February 19th 2-4pm.
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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Open House. FIRST OPEN HOUSE: Sun March 4th, 2-4pm

Please visit our Open House at 830 29TH ST E in North Vancouver.
FIRST OPEN HOUSE: Sun March 4th, 2-4pm
The Perfect 2700 sq.ft. Family Home on a large, flat, fenced corner lot in Lynn Valley. Main floor features 3 bedrooms - Master with 2 piece ensuite & walk-in closet, kitchen, large living and dining room with french doors to huge sundeck. Hardwood floors, woodburning fireplace, ,large south-facing windows & all freshly painted. Lower level has one or two bedroom suite with kitchen, oversized family/rec room for upstairs use if desired, laundry, tons of storage, double garage. Some mechanical & cosmetic updates incl. newer furnace, HW tank, roof, washer&dryer, drain tiles - all replaced in 2006. Backyard completely fenced, closed-in garage, new membrane on sundeck,new dishwasher, exterior & interior paint & much more! Central loction close to LV Centre, library, rec centre, hiking & bike trails, Boundary&Argyle catchments. Open Sun March...
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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Real estate websites everyone should know about

Before you make a decision to buy or sell real estate, be sure to educate yourself about all of the information and services available to you.

Housing market information originating from the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) system has long been recognized as the most reliable and comprehensive data available for those looking to buy or sell a home. If you're looking for the most accurate property listing information on-line, make sure the information you use is associated with the MLS® brand.

While real estate remains a people business, consumers today have access to numerous resources that can help them find a Realtor, find a property and connect all the dots in between.

Here's a rundown of some of the key real estate websites:

This is the most popular and comprehensive real estate listing website in Canada. Each month, approximately four million unique visitors go to www. Realtor.ca and view more than 145 mil-lion pages. The home listing information on www.Realtor.ca streams...

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Friday, February 24, 2012

Death of HST on new housing good news

Death of HST on new housing good news

Every sector of the economy needs certainty to function efficiently and real estate is no exception. The recent HST debacle has affected real estate more than any other sector. Our homes are, quite simply, the single biggest purchase that many of us will ever make.

Housing affordability is a huge issue in Vancouver. After the HST referendum, the government promised to revert back to the GST and PST within 18 months but has subsequently dragged its heels over implementation.

That uncertainty about how the provincial government would transition from HST back to GST and PST has affected the market for new condominiums and houses for several months. To be clear, the HST does not apply to resale housing.

As a result, buyers have been playing wait and see or simply not looking at any newly built houses or condos. That has prompted many local builders and developers to eat the tax and many buyers to wonder whether they were being baffle-gabbed and still paying...

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Thursday, February 23, 2012

First-time buyer bonus will make ‘bigger difference’ in B.C. suburbs

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Gawain Guemas-Bonell is glad he waited until Wednesday to purchase his new Langley townhome.

The 23-year-old apprentice electrician and paramedic with B.C. Ambulance Service had settled on his two-bedroom home at a project called Outlook, but only learned earlier in the day about a new bonus for first-time buyers announced in Tuesday’s provincial budget.

“I heard about it on the radio this morning,” said Guemas-Bonell, who takes possession of his 1,220-square-foot home, which he purchased for $295,000, in March.

“This is a huge plus for me,” added Guemas-Bonell, referring to a temporary BC First-Time New Home Buyers’ Bonus that will be in effect until March 31, 2013 and is worth up to $10,000. “I was going ahead with the deal before, so this is a nice surprise.

“For a lot of people in my category, the hardest part is getting a down payment,” said Guemas-Bonell, who will likely put the extra money onto his mortgage when he gets the tax...

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Thursday, February 23, 2012

Open House. OPEN HOUSE: Sat Feb 25th, 2-4pm

Please visit our Open House at 219 580 RAVENWOODS DR in North Vancouver.
OPEN HOUSE: Sat Feb 25th, 2-4pm
Westcoast living at it's best in this sunny, 726 sqft, one bedroom + den suite with 9' ceilings overlooking tranquil lagoon and fountains. Gourmet kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and white cabinetry. Versatile den can accommodate guest (or baby) or perfect working space. Tastefully decorated with laminate flooring, designer paint, gas fireplace. Great layout and highend finishes makes this a home to be proud of. Southfacing, covered balcony with peaceful outlook. A Whistler-like ambiance set on the North Shore near Deep Cove, close to parks, woodland trails, shopping, cafes, and Cate's Park. 5 mins. to hwy and bridges for easy downtown comute. Amenities include: clubhouse with lounge and pool table, sauna, fully appointed gym and theatre room  - all this and NO PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX!!!

First Open Sunday February 19th 2-4pm.
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Market Snapshot uses real-time MLS® data to provide Vancouver housing market pricing and listing statistics for buyers and sellers.
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