Deborah LeBlanc

Spring is around the corner and love is in the air with Valentines this month!

We were very busy throughout January with real estate which is very encouraging. For January 2013 we are ranked in the top 5 in our offices "Team" Category, and for 2012 we achieved Directors Platinum. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued support with referrals, repeat and new business.

Enough about us! The market continues to be challenging - in saying that homes are selling -  we are busy! The listings that are on the market have to be "show room ready" and "priced competitively." The homes that have those qualities are actually in high demand. It is important to take good care of your investment - if we can help with any of these needs please make sure to call. Our "Business Directory," includes most trades and professions for your convenience.

Business Partner - Jeanette martin - BC Hardwood Floor Co.
This month we are promoting Jeanette Martin who is a wizard in the flooring industry. Jeanette will work with you to create the right floor that not only meets your Lifestyle but works within your Budget without compromising quality of product and service. Jeanette is truly passionate about serving her clients needs.

We are never too busy for your referrals - they are the life and sole of our business - please let us know if there is anyone that may have questions, is looking for guidance or are ready to make the step into the real estate market. We are always here to guide them into the best possible decision for their needs.

"Falling in Love with Chocolate"
This month we are sending some fun facts about Chocolate - we hope you enjoy this. Did you know that our favourite sweet treat began in Mexico & Central America as a bitter drink that unsymbolized life and fertility? To celebrate Valentine's Day, a holiday synonymous with chocolate, from its beginning as "bitter water" thorugh its evolution as a delicious treat enjoyed by all. Read more about Falling in Love with Chocolate, here!

Christmas greetings to you and your families! We appreciate the relationships we are able to cultivate with your continued support. In so many ways you enrich our lives and we hope that in turn we have added joy to yours!

We want to wish you and your families a very wonderful Christmas season - filled with lots of laughter & love. This is a time to reflect on all our good fortunes throughout our lives - one of ours is that we have been able to build a strong business with your help. There is strength in numbers!

We toast to the New Year and all the wonderful possibilities that lie ahead. Please take care of yourselves, one another and your surroundings. We are very fortunate to be living in a country where we have opportunities to improve our environment around us with great jobs, health care, education, recreation and a gorgeous Canadian landscape.

We extend our sincerest thanks for your continued support throughout the years. Whether we just met you or we have worked with you over the years you are an integral part of our lives.

Have a wonderful Christmas and the best 2013 possible! Thank you for being part of our business and part of our lives. We will continue to work hard to exceed your expectations and make your dreams come true.

Happy New Year - Raise a Glass & Toast to a Fabulous 2013!

Business Partner - Cooks'n Corks

Check out this newsletter, we have taken cooking classes - outfitted our kitchen wiht many great products from Cooks'n Corks. Please go visit - we know you will love the product & service! It is perfect with the holiday season coming up - hostess gifts - specialty items & gift baskets.

Read More.

Item of Value - "Why We Work by Referral"

82% of our primary source of new busines is referrals from clients and friends who know and trust us, we don't have to spend precious time prospecting and promoting ourselves. We can dedicate ourselves fully to the activities that benefit you most, and always deliver truly exceptional service! Even if your friends or family don't live here we have a network of individuals throughout Canada and the US that would love to help them.

Read More!

October proved to be a bit busier with a slight increase in home sales, a reduction in listings, and a slight decrease in home prices compared to the summer months. The sales to active ration increased to 11% from 8% in September. There is no "bell that goes off to say we are at the "bottom of the market," however, the sales to active listing ratio is a good indicator for buyers, sellers or balanced market condition.

"Buyer demand increased slightly in October compared to previous months," Sandra Wayant, REBGV president-elect said. "Overall conditions in today's market remain in favour of buyers, with low interest rates, more choice, and less time pressure in terms of decision making. This translates into a calmer atmosphere for those looking to buy a home and it places more onus on sellers to ensure their homes are priced to compete in today's marketplace."

October Stats: October 2012 from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV)

• October sales 28.5% below the 10 year October sales average of 2,700.

• October new listings for all residential properties declined 18.8% compared to new listings in September 2012.

• Residential property listings increased 12% from this time last year.

• Detached Properties: Since reaching its peak in May, benchmark price has declined 4.1% to $927,500/sales declined 18.9% from the 974 detached sales recoreded in October 2011.

• Attached Properties: Since reaching its peak in April, the benchmark price has declined 2.9% to $457,700/sales declined 11.5% compared to 382 sales in October 2011.

• Condo Properties: Since reaching its peak in May, the benchmark price has declined 2.9% to $368,800/sales declined 16.2% compared to the 958 sales in October 2010.

Item of Value - "Why We Work by Referral"

82% of our primary source of new busines is referrals from clients and friends who know and trust us, we don't have to spend precious time prospecting and promoting ourselves. We can dedicate ourselves fully to the activities that benefit you most, and always deliver truly exceptional service! Even if your friends or family don't live here we have a network of individuals throughout Canada and the US that would love to help them.

Business Partner - Cooks'n Corks

Check out this newsletter, we have taken cooking classes - outfitted our kitchen wiht many great products from Cooks'n Corks. Please go visit - we know you will love the product & service! It is perfect with the holiday season coming up - hostess gifts - specialty items & gift baskets.

It has been an interesting summer - fabulous weather and a softer real estate market that we are used to in British Columbia. There is a correction taking place which is affecting the market. Certain areas that have seen astronomical increases are feeling a bigger percentage drop.

Examples of increases & decreases are as follows:

Area                              Benchmark Price               5 Year Change            1 Year Change           3 Month Change
Burnaby South            $1,003,700                            37.8%                             4.2%                             -1.0%
Richmond                    $962,900                                36.7%                            -4.2%                            -3.6%
Van. West Side           $33.6%                                   33.6%                            -6.25%                          -5.2%

Only 3 areas in the single family home category in the REBGV saw increases in the last 3 months:

• .5% in Maple Ridge / .1% in Pitt Meadows / .9% in Port Moody

Other Stats for September:

• 32.5% decline in residential property sales compared to September 2011

• September sales were 41.6 below the 10 year September average

• The major factor is the federal government elimination of availability fo the 30 year amortization on government - insured mortgages

• The total # of residential property listings on the MLS increased 14.1% from this time last year.

• Prices do remain relatively stable overall - with the exception of a few areas. 

Benchmark Prices:

• Detached = $935,600 / decrease .5% from September 2011 / (37.9% decrease in number of sales)

• Attached = $458,600 / decrease 2.7% from September 2011 / (33% decrease in number of sales)

• Condo's = $368,000 / decrease of .7% from September 2011 / (26.7% decrease in number of sales)

Now that you know the stats - it is obviously a great time to be a buyer. If you are a seller it is the perfect time to buy a more expensive property (the higher the price the more dollars you save). It is always a good time to buy or sell if it fits in with your personal goals - whether you are moving for your career, to be closer to your family, downsizing or wanting a different kind of property.

Check out this month's Item of Value - "Can you Live Without your Smart Phone or Tablet?"