July proved to be our busiest month this year - we apologize for no July newsletter! The real estate market continues to be strong, especially on the Westside of Vancouver, Richmond and West Vancouver.

For those of you that like to check out properties on line, there is a very easy way to look for properties on our webpage, just click on the Properties tab and go from there.

Please feel free to call us with any home or real estate questions. We have a great contact list of professionals that we can refer you to for anything from renewing your mortgage, painting & renovating or setting up your will. We truly appreciate those referral calls and enjoy helping all your connections.

REBGV Stats for July 2011:
Comments from Rosario Setticasi - REBGV President;

"It is taking on average 41 days to sell a property in the region, which is unchanged from June of this year."

"The number of homes listed for sale in the region has increased each month since the start of they year, which is giving buyers more selection to choose from and more time to make decisions."

• Detached properties - benchmark price increased 13.3% from July 2010 to $898,886
  % of detached listings that sold in July = 17.2%
• Attached properties - benchmark price increased by 6.9% between July 2010 to 2011 to $524,909
  % of attached listings that sold in July = 18.2%
• Apartment properties - benchamrk price increased 4.5% from July 2010 to $405,306
  % of apartment listings that sold in July = 16.2%
• Homes priced competively continue to sell at a swift pace.

This month's Item of Value shows ways to Improve the Value to Your Home in different cost efficient ways; As Canadians we spent $25.8 billion on home renovations in 2009 and the kitchen remains the most popular room in the house to remodel. Although it's tempting to spend thousands on the latest trends and brands, it is possible to revamp the kitchen without breaking the bank.

Please check out the valuable info on cost-effective kitchen remodeling, attached. The 1st page outlines cost saving alternatives of the most common elements of a kitchen remodel. Page 2 offers valuable tips for a pre-sale kitchen renovation. Please share this info with your family and friends who may be interested in remodeling their kitchens.

Oh, by the way............We are never too busy for your Referrals! Don't forget our appreciation of $500.00 for each successful referral.