Summer finally came and was glorious! Now it is back to school for those of you with children, conferences and last quarter goals for those with careers and for the lucky retired clients - well you are so lucky to wake up everyday and have a million option of what to do!

The market has been very steady throughout the summer and we are gearing up for a terrific fall season! By mid September those clients wanting to be in a new home for the Holidays are out there looking! Whatever your plans - we are here to help you get there.

This month's business partner we are promoting is Blaine St. Arnault - a financial planner who we have personally worked with for over 20 years! If you have been thinking of sitting down with a financial planner please give Blaine a call. We are sure you will feel comfortable speaking with him. Please check out the services Blaine provides on this attached document.

REBGV Stats for August 2011:

• The MLSLink Housing Price Index (HP) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver over the last 12 months has increased 8.5% to $625,578 in August 2011 from $576,597 in August 2010.
• Last month there were 2.378 sales in total and 15,437 listings - therefore 15% of the listings are selling.
• Greater Vancouver home sales trended towards a buyers' market over the summer - New listings in August were up 24.9% compared to August 2010.
• Last month's new listings total was the highest volume recorded for August in 16 years.

Detached Properties: Benchmark price increased 11.7% from August 2010 to $888,243 (Down from July's $898,886)

Attached Properties: Benchmark price increased 4.5% from August 2010 to $511,433 (Down from July's $524,909)

Apartments: Benchmark price increased 5.6% from August 2010 to $407,457 (Up from July's $405,306)

This month's "Item of Value" coincides perfectly with a financial service professional! It speaks to the new Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) that were initiated by the government in 2008. Many people have opened these savings accounts as a way to save for retirement, a down payment on a first home or university-related expenses.

This month's info shows how this TFSA can complement an established Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or other savings account and can help you save for both short and long term goals. Since many people are interested in ways to save money for retirement, feel free to pass this information on to your family and friends.

Oh & by the way.......We are never too busy for your referrals! Please don't forget our appreciation of $500.00 for each successful referral!