Deborah LeBlanc

We took a mini vacation to Mexico last month and apologize for missing your last months mail out - we hope you enjoy these updates and are finding our "item of value" interesting and useful material. We are back - refreshed and ready for a great end to the 2nd quarter and ready for a busy summer of selling!

The market is balanced - meaning it is neither a buyer or a sellers market. Throughout the year we have noted each area is unique and specific areas have seen large price increases. Areas such as the west side of Vancouver, White Rock and Richmond are beginning to experience price sensitively at the higher end of the market.

When homes are priced right - they sell - the key in this market is to be priced sharply. With the world economy the topic of discussion in the media, buyers are price sensitive and looking at more properties before they make their final decision.

The sales to active listing ratio is sitting at 16% which is indicative of a balanced market - typically a balanced market sits at between 15% to 20% ratio.

Benchmark Price Index info for May 2012: Comparing Figures between May 2011 - May 2012

• All residential properties in Greater Vancouver: $625, 100 - up 3.3% compared to May 2011/up 2.4% over the last three months.

• Residential properties in the Lower Mainland: $558,300 - up 3% compared to May 2011/up 2.3 compared to 3 months ago.

• Detached Properties: $967,500 - up 5.1% from May 2011 - number of sales declined 24.8%

• Townhome Properties: $470,000 - up .9% from May 2011 - number of sales declined by 10.7%

• Apartment Properties: $379,700 - up 1.7% from May 2011 - number of sales declined by 5.9%

Please check out the "Item of Value" this month especially if you are planning to Renovate your Bathroom! Reno tips, choosing paint, ways to save money on cabinetry, creating a spa like oasis, plus an overview of high efficiency fixtures designed to conserve water and help you save money - all to help you on your way to a stress free bathroom renovation.

Also, our Business Endorsement of the Month:

• Gary from JNL Reno & Repair Ltd. - renovations and repairs - call for your quote today!

If you are in need of a referral, please check out "My Business Directory," where we have a great team of professionals that we work with to provide excelent service and care to you.

Oh and by the way......if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service we provide, please give us a call with their name and number. We will be happy to follow up and take great care of them. Don't forget, our appreciation of $500.00 for each successful referral.

June's Item of Value:

The bathroom is one of the most popular home renovation sites. While some homeowners seek to dramatically redesign their bathrooms to create luxurious spa like escapes, others plan basic renovations to upgrade fixtures and improve the value of their home.

If you are planning to Renovate your Bathroom make sure you read this! Find helpful Reno tips, choosing paint, ways to save money on cabinetry, creating a spa like oasis, plus an overview of high efficiency fixtures designed to conserve water and help you save money - all to help you on your way to a stress free bathroom renovation.

Download the PDF Here!

Summer is Around the Corner!

Spring break is over and the kids are back in school! Thinking of making a move before the new school year begins - this is the perfect time to list your home - sell it and buy a new one!

We have been very busy with both buyers and sellers and thank you for your continued referrals and repeat business throughout the years. We always appreciate the opportunity to help you and your friends with any real estate questions or needs.

Real Estate facts for March 2012 from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver:

• Total number of properties for sale in Greater Vancouver has increased each month since December, which means there is more selection to choose from as we enter what's traditionally the busiest season of the year in our market.

• MLS Benchmark price for all properties in Greater Vancouver sits at $679,000 - up 5.3% compared to March 2011 and an increase of 1.1% compared to February 2012.

• MLS Benchmark price for all residential properties in the Lower Mainland is $607,700, an increase of 4.8% compared to March 2011.

March Sales Stats:

• Detached Properties: Benchmark price increased 9.2% from March 2011 to $1,056,400. The number of sales declined by 34.1% from the 1,795 sales recorded in March 2011.

• Town Home Properties: Benchmark price increased .9% between March 2011 & March 2012 t $480,000. The number of sales declined 26.6% compared to March 2011.

• Apartment/Condo Properties: Benchmark price increased 2.2% from March 2011 to $375,100. However, the number of sales declined 26.6% compared to March 2011.

Ever find you need a holiday - hopefully this months Item of Value will be inspiring and offer some great information to make that trip possible!

• Check out websites offering deals on travel, including last minute holiday packages.

• Check out the 5 Canadian Festivals, not to miss this summer - one here in Vancouver!

• Check out Twitter - favourite airlines, hotels and cruise lines are tweeting deals everyday.

Oh and by the way.....if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service we provide, please give us a call wit their name and number. We will be happy to follow up and take great care of them. Don't forget our appreciation of $500.00 for each successful referral!

Spring is around the corner and the market is heating up!

Thank you all for your referrals and your repeat business. This is proving to be a very active year so far. Please remember we are here to answer any of your questions concerning your real estate investment. Also, we would like to remind you that we have a list of professionals that we highly recommend on our website under "Business Directory." If you are thinking of remortgaging, painting, putting on a new roof or renovating we have people that will take care of you in the same way that we do.

The real estate board has improved the statistic program. It is much more detailed by area and covers the last 5 years. Just give us a call and we would be happy to discuss the variations with you over the last 5 years in your area.

February Stats from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver:

• The sales-to-active listing ratio of over 18% means we are seeing fairly balanced conditions in our market place as we move into the traditionally busy spring season.
• Last months listing count was the 2nd highest February total in Greater Vancouver since 1996.
• There are 14,050 residential properties listed on the MLS which is a 12% increase over January 2012
• Pricing can vary considerably depending on the neighbourhood and the property type.
• Benchmark price for all residential properties in REBGV sits at $670,900 - up 6% from February 2011
• Benchmark price for all residential in the Lower Mainland is $601,300 an increase of 6.5% from February 2011
• Benchmark price for Detached: $1,042,900 - 10.5% increase from February 2011
• Benchmark price for Attached Properites: $472,800 - 0.7% increase between February 2011 & 2012
• Benchmark price for Condo Properties: $373,300 - increased 2.8% from February 2011

What you may find interesting about Canada's Housing Market!

This information is very interesting as we know that we live in somewhat of a bubble in British Columbia wiht home prices. These figures represent Canada's Housing Market - worth a read! Download a copy HERE!

• more than 90% of Canadians see real estate as a good investment
• Buyers 25-34 make up 60% of first time buyers / 35-49 make up 25% of the first time buyers market
• 31% of Canadian first time buyers will look at 10 homes before purchasing
• $150,000 is the average outstanding principal on a mortgage
• 72% of Canadians with mortgages aspire to be mortgage free by 65 years of age.

Oh and by the way,.......if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service we provide, please give us a call with their name and number. We will be happy to follow up and take great care of them. Don't forget our appreciation of $500.00 for each successful referral!

What you may find interesting about Canada's Housing Market!

This information is very interesting as we know that we live in somewhat of a bubble in British Columbia wiht home prices. These figures represent Canada's Housing Market - worth a read! Download a copy HERE!

• more than 90% of Canadians see real estate as a good investment
• Buyers 25-34 make up 60% of first time buyers / 35-49 make up 25% of the first time buyers market
• 31% of Canadian first time buyers will look at 10 homes before purchasing
• $150,000 is the average outstanding principal on a mortgage
• 72% of Canadians with mortgages aspire to be mortgage free by 65 years of age.

Item of Value Included - Organize Your Space

72% of Canadians consider themselves disorganized at home, with 27% saying they are interested in working with a professional organizer. This year, let's change our habits and cut through the clutter to free up space and improve our home environments.

Page 1 - Guidelines to help create a practical system for nipping clutter in the bud.

Page 2 - Offers specific tips and tricks for organzing each room of your home.

Please feel free to share this information with your family and friends!!

DOWNLOAD HERE!

"Happy New Year"

We arrived back from Maui January 9th and the month just slipped away from us. All of a sudden it is February and time to say "Happy Valentine's Day" as well. The market was very active throughout December and continued through January. We are expecting a banner year as the economy is strong and the interest reates are amazingly low! If you are coming up for renewal on your mortgage please give us a call to talk about your options.

• REBGV President Rosario Setticasi commented, "we're seeing trends emerge in our market that favor buyers, such as increased selection and more stability in pricing compared to this time last year." "Last month's activity tells us that competition amongst home buyers was reduced in January, which means individuals looking to purchase a home had more time to do their homework, consult with their Realtor, and make a decision."
• January's new listing count was the highest total in Greater Vancouver since 1995.

Benchmark Price Stats for January 2012 - Greater Vancouver

• Detached, town homes & condos' - $660,000 - Benchmark price increased 5.7% compared to January 2011 (for all lower mainland the benchmark price is $593,300)
• Detached - Benchmark price increased 11.3% from January 2011 to $1,034,700 (16.9% less sales than recorded in January 2011)
• Attached - Benchmark price decreased .5% between January 2011 and 2012 to $468,000 (16.6% less sales compared to January 2011)
• Condo's - Benchmark price increased 2.4% from January 2011 to $371,500 (7.9% less sales compared to January 2011)

Item of Value Included - Organize Your Space

72% of Canadians consider themselves disorganized at home, with 27% saying they are interested in working with a professional organizer. This year, let's change our habits and cut through the clutter to free up space and improve our home environments.

Page 1 - Guidelines to help create a practical system for nipping clutter in the bud.

Page 2 - Offers specific tips and tricks for organzing each room of your home.

Please feel free to share this information with your family and friends!!

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