April, 2013: South Surrey / White Rock Real Estate Market Update

The latest Statistics Package is now available on REALTOR Link®. For your convenience the press release has been included in this email. To view the full package, please click on the direct link under the release. The link takes you to our public website at www.fvreb.bc.ca. A reminder to members that you can easily share any FVREB press releases from this site. From the main page, choose the “Read more” link under any press release excerpt. The full release opens along with a Share feature below. Automatically share the release via Facebook, Twitter, email or a variety of other options. Additional statistics reports and graphs, many only available to members can be found on our Statistics page on http://www.realtorlink.ca. News Release: May 2, 2013 SPRING MARKET BOLSTERS MLS® ACTIVITY IN FRASER VALLEY (Surrey, BC) – Home sales increased in April, with the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board reporting 1,366 sales processed through its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), an increase of 21.1 per cent compared to March’s 1,128 sales, but still lagging behind April 2012’s 1,435 sales. “Historically, sales and listings activity noticeably increases during the spring months and April was no exception,” explains Ron Todson, President of the Board. “What’s different this year is that a number of external factors, such as tighter credit rules and the government’s spotlight on consumer debt have made some consumers more cautious about buying or selling a property. However, for those who need to move to a bigger or smaller home or to another community before summer hits, its business as usual because when you need a home, you need a home.” The Board received 2,951 new listings in April, 5.8 per cent fewer compared to last year’s 3,134 new listings in April but up 7.8 per cent from March. Total active inventory at month-end was …

What prevents a home from selling?

There is a pretty short list of reasons that most slow-to-sell homes lag on the market. You’ve probably heard at least a couple of them before, maybe even from your real estate agent. But sometimes hearing things a few times, from different people and at the right moment in time can cause the shift in position that will power a shift in the situations that are keeping your home sale stuck – and your life plans stuck with it. 1.  You’re stuck on a too-high price. If your home has been sitting on the market for significantly longer than average, the market has spoken. And it’s saying: the price is too high vis-a-vis the current condition of the market and the property.  Period. There are only three variables in this equation – which is helpful, because it means there are really only three ways to fix this situation: change the condition of your property wait until your market conditions change to support a higher price change the list price. That’s it. That’s all there really is. For most sellers the simplest, most sensible of these three variables is to modify is the list price. This is especially so in cases where the home is in good basic condition, is well-staged, and other homes nearby are flying off the market.  The fact that you don’t want to hear that your home is overpriced doesn’t mean it’s not the truth. In fact, your resistance to making a necessary price cut could backfire. Buyers often keep their eye on overpriced but otherwise nice homes, waiting until they suspect the seller’s desperation will make them more receptive to a lowball offer. 2.  Your home is not be fully exposed to the market.  So the truth that the market has spoken on the matter of overpricing does …

WATERFRONT!! 102 14200 RIVERPORT Way Richmond – Waterstone Pier

VIEW…VIEW…VIEW…Extravagant south-facing WATERFRONT Garden condominium in Waterstone Pier. Enjoy the serene private setting and spectacular views from either master ensuite bedrooms or living room. Open spacious plan offers premiumquality finishing throughout, gourmet kitchen with plenty of cupboards and stainless steel appliances, secure parking, geothermal central heating and air-conditioning system. Step out from your Garden Patio to Waterfront boardwalk and Dyke trails. These Waterfront homes are Rarely available….call before it’s too late!

Emotional Mistakes Home Sellers Make

Have you ever said something in the heat of the moment, then wished for weeks later you could reel those words back in?  Truth is, all of us commit emotion-driven mistakes in some areas of our lives.  But when it comes to selling your home – read: cashing out your most valuable asset – the stakes are simply too, too high to allow yourself and your transaction to fall prey to predictable emotional pitfalls.   Fortunately, when it comes to emotion, what’s predictable is avoidable if you’re willing to acknowledge and correct for your own feelings and how they can foul up your decision-making.  This list will help you predict – and better yet, avoid – some common decision traps driven by emotions. 1.    Price reduction paralysis.  Wikipedia defines panic as “a sudden sensation of fear which is so strong as to dominate or prevent reason and logical thinking, replacing it with overwhelming feelings of anxiety and frantic agitation consistent with an animalistic fight-or-flight reaction.”  But there’s a real estate-specific reaction to panic that the infinitely wise Wiki editors left out: freezing up entirely. In cases of overpricing, the seller has most often started out as overconfident in their home’s prospects on the current market.  But as the days on the market turn into weeks, or even months, that overconfidence morphs into panic: panic that the place will only get a lowball offer, panic that the place won’t ever sell, panic that the seller will be stuck in the property, panic that the seller’s future life or career plans will be ruined.  This is a panic that snowballs into increasingly disastrous hypothetical scenarios, and fast. Unfortunately, this panic is often accompanied by a fear that actually reducing the home’s list price will actually kick off the snowball effect. This couldn’t …

March, 2013: South Surrey / White Rock Real Estate Market Update

LOWER INVENTORY KEEPS HOME PRICES IN CHECK AS ‘SLOW BUT STEADY’ MARKET CONTINUES (Surrey, BC) – In March, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,128 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), a 20 per cent decrease compared to the 1,412 sales during the same month last year, and a 24 per cent increase compared to February’s 913 sales. The Board also received 11 per cent fewer new listings in March compared to last year – 2,736 compared to 3,066 – keeping inventory in check. March finished with 9,503 active listings, 1.5 per cent fewer than March of last year and 3.5 per cent fewer than the 9,832 available during March of 2009; the highest volume of active listings for that month in the last decade. Ron Todson, President of the Board, explains, “Although we saw a typical spring uptick in activity from February to March, our sales remained at about 70 per cent of the norm for March and our new listings came in at 90 per cent of what the Board would typically receive. “Because inventory levels are in check, prices are staying in check.” In March, the benchmark price of single family detached homes in the Fraser Valley was $544,300, an increase of 0.6 per cent compared to $541,300 during the same month last year. For townhouses, the benchmark price was $298,200, a decrease of 1.7 per cent compared to $303,400 in March 2012 and the benchmark price of apartments was $204,200, an increase of 0.8 per cent compared to $202,500 in March 2012. Todson adds, “Inventory levels are not as high as they need to be to put significant downward pressure on prices of the benchmark, or ‘typical’ home. These are homes that have characteristics most common to houses in a given community. “In fact, …

NEW Restaurants Coming to Morgan Crossing!!

If you live near Morgan Crossing, you already know about the fabulous selection of shops, services, and amenities the area offers. Everything from the convenient big box stores like Winners and London Drugs, to exclusive local boutiques, and the state-of-the-art Steve Nash Sports Club are all located in the European style walkable village. I’m excited to announce the opening of 3 restaurants that are sure to become neighbourhood staples and the hot new hangouts for locals of South Surrey / White Rock!   I’m hopeful that these new hang outs will offer up sweet deals on my TXT ShoutOut featured below.  If you have not signed up to receive special deals from my ShoutOut, be sure to TEXT “DEAL” to 33733 to sign up now!! Sammy J’s Grill & Bar (Opening Spring 2013) – One of those rare places that works for every occasion, Sammy J’s is perfect for families, date night, girls/guys night out, or, with their amazing sports lounge complete with 100” TV and surround sound – any game night! If you’re a fan of Caesar’s, you must try the Ultimate Sammy Caesar – Finlandia Vodka, Mott’s Clamato spiced with their own pepper infusion, and garnished with peppered bacon, pepperoni, havarti cheese, tiger prawn, blazes bean, olive, and a sprig of celery. Delicious doesn’t begin to describe this tasty unique drink concoction! Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria (Opening Summer 2013) – Famoso was born after co-owner Justin Lussier traveled to Napoli, Italy in the summer of 2005 and fell in love with the famous mouth-watering fire-roasted pizzas Napoli is known for. We can’t all travel to Napoli to experience the best pizza on earth, but lucky for us Famoso has brought the age-old recipe of Neapolitan pizza to Canada. How? 00 Caputo flour and tomatoes imported straight from Italy combine with fresh ingredients and …

26-15255 36AV: Ferngrove Townhouse in Rosemary Heights (Morgan Creek)

FERNGROVE – Duplex style town home!! Spacious and bright with 9 foot ceilings on the main floor. GREAT ROOM floorplan boasts large living & dining rooms, 2 fireplaces, Maple European Style Kitchen with upgraded appliances, eating bar. 3br, 3 bath with media / games room in fully finished basement.  Full 2 car garage. Balcony with gas plumbed for BBQ, and large front porch with south exposure. Excellent area near schools, shopping and Golf Course.

The Woods (by Gramercy): Townhouse Complex at 15588 32nd Ave, South Surrey / White Rock

Hip and affordable townhomes perfectly located close to Highway 99 in South Surrey / White Rock for easy commuting,and conveniently located near Morgan Creek to take advantage of the  shops, cafes and restaurants in  Morgan Crossing. These trendy & hip townhome layouts have been very well thought out.  The homes are extremely spacious, bright, and include an awesome rooftop patio!! These townhomes also offer something that is very difficult to find  in South Surrey / White Rock – The Woods units are zoned for LIVE / WORK, which means that you can LEGALLY run a home business from the “studio” area in your townhome. For further info on townhomes at The Woods, please contact Trevor: Ph:  604-764-1380 Email:  trevor@theTownhouseGuy.ca

February, 2013: South Surrey / White Rock Real Estate Update

POSITIVE SIGNS FRASER VALLEY HOUSING MARKET IS STARTING TO MOVE (Surrey, BC) – Sales on Fraser Valley’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February experienced a typical ‘early spring’ surge, increasing by 48 per cent in one month going from 617 sales in January to 913 last month. However year-over-year, they reflect a decrease of 28 per cent compared to the 1,269 sales processed in February 2012. Since last September, home sales have idled at levels last seen in the early 2000s. Based on February’s increase in activity, Ron Todson, President of the Board, is guardedly optimistic, “We’re seeing signals that the stand-off between buyers and sellers over the last six months is coming to an end. “Business has picked up in the last month with increased traffic at open houses, sellers quicker to accept offers and homes selling on average two weeks faster than they did in January.” Todson adds that tightening inventory has also had an effect, “When buyers see that their selection is diminishing they’re more motivated to act.” The Board posted 2,582 new listings last month, a decrease of 9 per cent compared to the 2,846 posted during February last year pushing the total number of active listings down by 1.6 per cent compared to 2012. “As your REALTOR® will explain, each market is different. Right now, the market for detached homes is balanced in North Delta and Langley. The condo market is brisk in Abbotsford and Central Surrey and townhome sales are steady in North and Central Surrey as well as Cloverdale. “One commonality amongst these areas and property types is greater affordability. What’s not doing well generally anywhere in the Fraser Valley is sales of higher-end homes unless they are priced competitively.” In February, the benchmark price of single family detached homes in the Fraser …

$10,000 New Home Buyer Bonus – STILL TIME LEFT!!

If you are currently in the market for a new home and qualify as a first-time new home buyer, you may be eligible to receive a significant bonus of up to $10,000 from the BC government.  The First-Time Home Buyers’ Bonus is a non-taxable one-time payment to the purchaser and we’ve seen many happy homeowners benefit from this limited time government offer. With interest rates at historic lows, and a great selection of brand new homes on the market, this truly is a great opportunity to own your first home. ELIGIBLE  FIRST – TIME  NEW HOME BUYER You will qualify as a first-time new home buyer if: You purchase or build an eligible new home located in B.C.; You, or for couples, you and your spouse or common law partner, have never previously owned a primary residence; You file a 2011 B.C. resident personal income tax return, or if you move to B.C. after December 31, 2011, you file a 2012 B.C. resident personal income tax return (you will not be eligible for the bonus if you move to B.C. after December 31, 2012); You are eligible for the B.C. HST New Housing Rebate; and You intend to live in the home as your primary residence. There is still time left to take advantage of this great offer from the government.  To find out more info on this government incentive, CLICK HERE.  

Cathedral Grove Townhomes: 2738 158th Street, South Surrey / White Rock

Overview  Nestled in a serene setting amongst a grove of tall evergreens, you’ll discover Cathedral Grove, Polygon’s executive-style townhome community in the revered Morgan Heights neighbourhood of South Surrey. This beautiful collection of spacious townhomes are reflective of English Arts & Crafts-style architecture and feature open-plan interiors with four bedrooms, gourmet kitchens with cozy eating nooks and family rooms, main floor powder rooms, large decks, private fenced yards and attached double-car garages. At the heart of the community, a winding pathway through a lush garden leads to the impressive Evergreen Club, the country club-inspired residents-only clubhouse that invites homeowners to take time to relax and enjoy over 7,500 square feet of amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool and spa, fitness studio, fireside lounge, movie room and more. And for first-class activities, the award-winning Morgan Creek golf course, an abundance of schools – including Southridge private school – and an exciting new shopping village are all just minutes away. Features Traditional English Arts and Crafts architecture designed by award-winning Raymond Letkeman Architect Inc. Natural, central green space with towering evergreens, private country-club style amenity and architecturally appointed gatehouse to welcome you home. Solid maple overheight wood cabinetry in two select stain finishes paired with brushed stainless steel pulls. Entertain friends around the granite wrapped island. Quality and design are expressed through energy-efficient stainless steel appliances by Bosch. Ensuites offer a deep soaker tub and separate showers surrounded by natural stone inserts encased in handset ceramic tile. TO FIND OUT ABOUT NEW LISTINGS IN THIS TOWNHOUSE COMPLEX BEFORE THEY HIT THE PUBLIC MLS, CONTACT: LOCAL:  604-764-1380 EMAIL:  TREVOR@THETOWNHOUSEGUY.CA

Augusta Townhomes: 17171 2B Ave, South Surrey / White Rock

Augusta townhomes at 17171 2B is superbly designed & built by Award winning Isle of Mann construction. Unique plans to accommodate everyone’s wishes for a relaxed West Coast Lifestyle in keeping with nature at your doorstep, yet easily accessible to major routes for work/fun. Crowns, sprayed ceilings, granite counter tops, cabinets with gorgeous millwork, Hardy Plank exteriors, oversize islands, stainless steel Energy Star deluxe appliances, slide in gas range, gas line to BBQ’s, elegant light fixtures. TO FIND OUT ABOUT NEW LISTINGS IN THIS TOWNHOUSE COMPLEX BEFORE THEY HIT THE PUBLIC MLS, CONTACT: LOCAL:  604-764-1380 EMAIL:  TREVOR@THETOWNHOUSEGUY.CA

Elgin Oaks Townhomes: 3266 147th Ave, South Surrey / White Rock

Elgin Oaks in South Surrey is comprised of 18 detached homes and 16 boutique townhouses. Quartz counters, crown moulding, stainless steel appliances, high end Samsung washer and dryer are all standard. Plus have the benefit of an Energuide rating of 86. The Geo-Thermal heating and cooling will cut down on your bills every month and help mother nature. TO FIND OUT ABOUT NEW LISTINGS IN THIS TOWNHOUSE COMPLEX BEFORE THEY HIT THE PUBLIC MLS, CONTACT: LOCAL:  604-764-1380 EMAIL:  TREVOR@THETOWNHOUSEGUY.CA

Breeze Townhomes: 16223 & 16222 23A Ave, South Surrey / White Rock

Breeze, by Adera, is a vibrant community of townhomes in South Surrey. Breeze is a few short blocks away from Morgan Crossing which includes Thrifty Foods, Steve Nash Fitness World and much more. You’re also a few minutes away from Crescent Beach, White Rock Beach and the Semiahmoo Trail. Designed in stunning West Coast Modern architecture, this community will be anchored by the West Coast Club dedicated to health and entertainment, designed to allow you to LIVE WEST COAST to the fullest! Experience urban living in suburban Morgan Heights, with easy access to the US border, Richmond, and downtown Vancouver. TO FIND OUT ABOUT NEW LISTINGS IN THIS TOWNHOUSE COMPLEX BEFORE THEY HIT THE PUBLIC MLS, CONTACT: LOCAL:  604-764-1380 EMAIL:  TREVOR@THETOWNHOUSEGUY.CA

Abbey Road Townhomes: 2469 164th St, South Surrey / White Rock

Abbey Road at 2469 164TH Street is a collection of 2 to 4 bedroom townhomes ranging from 1,300 to almost 2,000 sq ft. Standard finishing includes stainless steel appliances, gas range and quartz counters. These units are just a few blocks away from the shops Morgan Crossing including Fitness World, Thrifty’s, London Drugs and Walmart. TO FIND OUT ABOUT NEW LISTINGS IN THIS TOWNHOUSE COMPLEX BEFORE THEY HIT THE PUBLIC MLS, CONTACT: LOCAL:  604-764-1380 EMAIL:  TREVOR@THETOWNHOUSEGUY.CA

Allure Townhomes: 2689 Parkway Dr, South Surrey / White Rock

Allure features 9 ft ceilings on the main, stunning kitchens with stainless stell Bosch appliances, engineered hardwood floors, built in vacuum systems and spa inspired bathrooms with a powder room on the main. Quality construction and finishng by award winning Weststone Properties.   TO FIND OUT ABOUT NEW LISTINGS IN THIS TOWNHOUSE COMPLEX BEFORE THEY HIT THE PUBLIC MLS, CONTACT: LOCAL:  604-764-1380 EMAIL:  TREVOR@THETOWNHOUSEGUY.CA

The Heights Townhomes: 2845 156th Street, South Surrey / White Rock

The lush exterior landscaping at The Heights townhomes is only the beginning. Step inside these contemporary townhouse residences and explore award winning design in the many creative floor plans. Carefully constructed for the discerning homeowner, The Heights townhomes features spacious interiors and gourmet kitchens with gleaming quartz countertops and state-of-the-art appliances. From decorative drawer pulls to under cabinet lighting in the kitchen, there are numerous stylish touches and added extras that make daily life extraordinary. The Heights is a combination of 39 townhouses and 66 condos. The townhouses range from two and three bedrooms units ranging from 1,400 to 2,000 sqft. The Heights townhouse complex is located just a few blocks away from all the shopping at Morgan Crossing & Grandview Corner, which includes Thrifty’s and Steve Nash Fitness World. TO FIND OUT ABOUT NEW LISTINGS IN THIS TOWNHOUSE COMPLEX BEFORE THEY HIT THE PUBLIC MLS, CONTACT: LOCAL:  604-764-1380 EMAIL:  TREVOR@THETOWNHOUSEGUY.CA

Laureates Walk: Harvard Gardens, 3399 151 ST Townhouse Complex

New Townhomes are now SOLD OUT!! CLICK HERE to receive information regarding units that come up for RE-SALE.   Inspired by the architecture of urban Boston row homes and the heritage and prestige of its notable collegiate institutions Polygon is pleased to introduce their latest master planned community in South Surrey, Harvard Gardens. Tucked away on 34th Avenue, Laureates Walk is the first and only townhomes at Harvard Gardens. An exclusive collection of just 40 homes, there is a mix of two, three, and four bedroom homes. Laureates Walk will be the only homes of their kind at Harvard Gardens and espouse a strong, secure, and prestigious architectural character while providing the latest contemporary finishings. DOWNLOAD FLOORPLANS HERE Close to top schools, golf courses, restaurants, shopping and more, residents at Laureates Walk will also enjoy membership to the private community clubhouse – The Rowing Club – featuring an outdoor pool and spa, gymnasium, fitness facilities, screening room and more. CONTACT: Trevor Brucki 604-764-1380 trevor@theTownhouseGuy.ca Features Laureates Walk impresses with distinctive Boston-inspired architecture featuring stately brick cladding, window boxes, wooden window shutters, and welcoming entry porticos. Contemporary metal paneled entry doors with windows and polished chrome hardware welcome you home. Warm laminate wood flooring is featured in all homes throughout the main level and sets the tone for tasteful design. Plush CRI Green Label nylon carpeting in bedrooms and hallways puts comfort at your feet. Nine-foot ceilings on the main floor add an elegant, airy ambiance; upper and lower floors feature eight-foot ceilings. Enjoy custom-designed wood grain flat-panel Antique Oak or Snow White high gloss laminate cabinetry with brushed nickel hardware. Experience the everyday luxury of quartz countertops and full-height imported ceramic tile backsplash. Retreat to the master ensuite bathroom featuring quartz countertops, a shower with glass door, dual porcelain sinks, dual-flush toilet, large vanity …

Sereno Townhomes: 15151 34th Ave South Surrey / White Rock

Sereno at 15151 34th Avenue is a Boffo built townhouse complex. Awarded the Georgie Award for best townhouse development. This gated community consists of 79 homes, a clubhouse and gym.  The units feature gas fireplaces and 9 foot ceilings. TO FIND OUT ABOUT NEW LISTINGS AT SERENO BEFORE THEY HIT THE PUBLIC MLS, CONTACT: LOCAL:  604-764-1380 EMAIL:  TREVOR@THETOWNHOUSEGUY.CA

Coach House!!! 19284 69A AVE, Clayton Heights, Cloverdale

The Residences at Westchester built by the best European builder in Clayton! Coach home with a LEGAL SUITE above detached garage. Unmatched quality of construction in this executive Coach home with an upscale brick exterior, oakhardwood flooring, silestone counters, alder cabinets, 9′ ceilings on main and upper floors & Carriage house Suite. Crown moldings throughout. Prepare to fall in love with the spacious great room, oversized yard with sunny southern exposure, large master bedroom, oversized walk-in closet and full size laundry room on the upper floor. Shop & Compare . . . Best Value . . .Best Built . . . Best Location . . . Biggest Yard!

Azure Townhomes: 2453 – 2456 163rd Street, Grandview Surrey, South Surrey White Rock

Magnificent 2 storey townhouse development with fully finished basements and side by side garages, at 2453 – 2456 163rd Street, Grandview Surrey, South Surrey White Rock.   Elegantly designed and meticulously finished great room concept with 10 ft. ceilings and fireplace. Gourmet Kitchens, all granite including oversized island, full height backsplash and hardwood throughout main level. 3 bedrooms up plus open loft area overlooking great room. Huge master bedrooms complete with 5 piece ensuite. Bright open floor plans with incredibly large windows and 3.5 baths. Fully fenced yards. Great location only steps to all the shops, amenities and restaurants that Morgan Heights has to offer. TO FIND OUT ABOUT NEW LISTINGS AT AZURE BEFORE THEY HIT THE PUBLIC MLS, CONTACT: LOCAL:  604-764-1380 EMAIL:  TREVOR@THETOWNHOUSEGUY.CA

January, 2013: White Rock / South Surrey Real Estate Market Update

HOME SALES SLOW TO NEAR HISTORIC LEVELS IN FRASER VALLEY AS BUYERS WATCH AND WAIT FROM SIDELINES (Surrey, BC) – A total of 617 sales were processed through the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) in January, a decrease of 23 per cent compared to 799 sales during the same month last year. January 2013 ranks as the second slowest for that month in the last thirteen years, second only to January 2009 during the global recession. Scott Olson, president of the board, says there is a distinction between what REALTORS® saw four years ago compared to today. “People want to buy. We’re already seeing early signs of a typical spring market with more foot traffic at open houses and an increase in calls. “Buyers have been holding off in hopes that prices will drop more, however it’s become clear that sellers are only willing to go so far. Prices for typical homes in the Fraser Valley have decreased by only two to three per cent in the last six months and in January we’re starting to see a reversal of that – in half of our communities prices have crept back up.” Olson suspects the market stalemate may be coming to an end. “The number one reason people buy a home is a lifestyle decision – you need a bigger home, a smaller one, closer to work or school – so when the right home comes along you can only wait so long. “With interest rates as low as they are, our local economy as strong as it is and prices so tenacious I think we’ll see the effects of this pent-up demand and a return to more balance in the market.” In the last six months, prices for all three residential property types combined have …

Commuting between South Surrey & Vancouver

Commuting can be such a drag. That’s why so many homebuyers are drawn to the Grandview area in South Surrey (Morgan Heights). A short 10-minute stroll to Grandview Corners will bring you to the coffee shop (Mink Cafe), the kitchen store, the salon and more. But it’s the area’s proximity to Richmond, YVR, South Surrey Park & Ride and the US border that has people new to South Surrey very happy. South Surrey Park & Ride Only minutes away, South Surrey Park & Ride is located at King George and Hwy 99. The Park & Ride has hundreds of parking spaces available seven days a week. You will want to look for Bays 3 and 4, with busses heading to Bridgeport Station and the Expo Line SkyTrain. King George SkyTrain Station From the Park & Ride, make your way to the King George SkyTrain Station. Once you’re here, a trip downtown will take you less than an hour. Hop on the Expo Line for an exciting day trip to Science World, or venture into the heart of Gastown. King George to Waterfront takes 40 minutes, with trains running every six to eight minutes on weekends. Richmond and YVR A half-hour drive heading north on Highway 99 will bring you to Richmond’s city centre. Many of our homeowners’ business offices are in the heart of Richmond, so hearing about this 30-minute commute was thoroughly good news. Ten minutes further, and you’ll find yourself at Vancouver International Airport. Getting to the airport couldn’t be easier, finding the time to get away might be a bit more challenging. US Border Heading south over the border might just become a regular weekend occurrence. Escape for a day trip down Chuckanut Drive, shop till you drop at Tulalip’s Premium Outlets or check out the fish market at Pike Place in downtown Seattle. The Peace Arch border …

SOLD!! 2-2450 161A ST, Glenmore Townhouse Community

What a great find for an awesome family that I’ve been working with!!  This townhome in Morgan Heights is now SOLD – but if you’re looking for one like it, let me know so I can notify you when another one comes available!  

The Housing Bubble in Vancouver (Lower Mainland, BC)

Housing Bubbleoney, By Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist I am now convinced that we will never hear the end of housing bubble speak. The premise is now as firmly entrenched in popular consciousness as carbon emissions and TMZ. It has taken the form of idolatry in the blogosphere, where any countervailing narrative is demonized. It has catapulted university dropouts into media darlings because of a hackneyed webpage and an opinion. It has been tarted up by so-called experts who predict impending doom year after year, despite being completely wrong every time. Now, I’m not wearing tinted glasses. Housing markets go up and they go down. However, my point is that sharp and signif- icant declines in home prices are usually created by massive economic shocks, like the 21 per cent mortgage rates and recession of 1982. Yes, there can be short- term speculative bubbles that float back to earth after the circus leaves town, but home prices in Vancouver, for example, have been incongruous with other Canadian markets for decades. The big test was 2008. That was the year of the doomsayers, when the largest financial crisis since the Great Depression besieged us and the collateral damage hurled us into a global recession, one from which we still haven’t fully recovered. The airwaves were all a buzz with end of the world prophets and those predicting home prices would be chopped in half, at least. It was going to be the big one! The housing market had gone through a significant inflationary period leading up to 2008. Unlike today, specula- tion was clearly evident. Accusations abounded that Vancouver was overvalued, unsustainable and frothy. One financial institution even had a publication called Housing Bubble Watch, now defunct, in which Vancouver was always the straw man. So what happened? Home prices fell …

Free Properties in White Rock, BC?

Only 100 years too late !!  When I finish building my time machine, I’m going back to 1911 to take part in this deal!! Check it out!

Kallisto: 3009 156th ST, South Surrey / White Rock Townhouse

Your Community Nestled in a dazzling natural setting, your home at Kallisto is within an easy 10 minutes’ drive to White Rock’s famous beachfront restaurants and galleries, neighbourhood shopping destinations like Grandview Corners and Peninsula Village and the U.S. border. Schools, transit, and Highway 99 to Vancouver all make the move to Kallisto a smart one. But this home is also a little bit country, with Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest, farms and wineries, seasonal farmers’ markets and major recreational areas also minutes away. First ImpressionsExpect love at first sight when arriving at Kallisto, with its well-designed landscaping, including individual yards and some garden-level concrete patios.Of course, your own community Amenity Building for those oversized parties and on-site play equipment certainly spell convenience. At Kallisto, the emphasis is on quality construction and finishes, from the smallest details like high-style sinks to the impressive stonework that defines this group of residences. Four floor plans each boast two, three, or four bedrooms, and an interesting selection of layout options to suit your lifestyle. Whether you’re a growing family or just need plenty of room for guests and entertaining, you’ll find your fit here. The Inside Story Beyond the impressive heritage-style, raised-panel front door, you’ll find an enticing living room. Nine-foot ceilings and a cozy mood-adjustable fireplace set into the wall surrounded, in many units, by lit niches make the look a real wow. Large windows and crown molding on this main level all contribute to a feeling of space and luxury.While the innovative layouts have been designed by an award-winning architect, you’ll be able to choose from two designer coordinated colour schemes: “Summer” for those who identify with a light, breezy pallet and “Winter,” if rich espresso tones are more a reflection of your taste.The feeling of spaciousness extends through to Kallisto’s smart, …

Vinterra: Townhouse at 2603 162 ST, South Surrey / White Rock (Morgan Heights)

In the tradition of the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, the architecture for Vinterra (2603 162 ST, South Surrey / White Rrock, Morgan Heights) is purposely-and brilliantly-simple. A discerning contemporary design is complemented by an innovative landscape plan that, like Vinterra’s architecture, is refreshingly clutter-free. Through the grounds, walkways link a set of three exquisite community pavilions. Free of fussy adornment, exterior surfaces of wood and brick respond authentically to the environment, and are expressed in a natural palette of charcoals, soft greens and earth tones. Vinterra is a contemporary classic, in tune with discerning new-century lifestyles. Encouraging ease and inspiring creativity, interiors start with floorplans that translate to generous inventive multi-level spaces that are infinitely flexible in both purpose and presentation. Everywhere you look, imaginative design exceeds expectations – from the impressive glassed-in entry way and staircase, to the oversized doors connecting to strongly conceived exterior spaces. Three- or four-bedroom floorplans can accommodate the Master suite on either the main or upper level. And if you’ve ever dreamed of a home theatre, personal gym or wine cellar, these optional luxuries can be integrated into your Vinterra home. TO FIND OUT ABOUT NEW LISTINGS AT VINTERRA BEFORE THEY HIT THE PUBLIC MLS, CONTACT: LOCAL:  604-764-1380 EMAIL:  TREVOR@THETOWNHOUSEGUY.CA