Did you know... the average buyer in NA is 33 years old and the average REALTOR is 58 years old?

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From 2000 to 2010, the average value of a Canadian home doubled, rising to $339,030 from $163,951.

Channel surfing on any given night, it’s easy to think home renovation and real estate flipping is an abiding national obsession. Turns out, it is. A new study of residential construction and renovation over the past decade shows a doubling in the value of a Canadian home. Across 16 major markets — from Toronto becoming the continent’s condo capital to Regina’s nation-leading price surge; from Hamilton’s industrial rejuvenation to Vancouver bungalows being flattened by large custom builds — Canadians’ love of their homes is transforming the landscape, with rises highest in Western Canada, according to Housing Evolution, a report by RE/MAX real estate. Adrian Humphreys notes the trends and highlights:

ANDREW BARR / NATIONAL POST SOURCES: TORONTO REAL ESTATE BOARD, CANADIAN REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION, OKANAGAN MAINLINE REAL ESTATE BOARD, ST.JOHN’S REAL ESTATE BOARD

BIG BUSINESS

From 2000 to 2010, the average value of a Canadian home doubled, rising to $339,030 from $163,951. The money involved is huge, with the value of residential building permits issued across Canada in the past decade pegged at $340-billion. But even that huge figure is eclipsed by the cash pushed into home renovations in the same time period — estimated to be $450-billion. The TV shows know a good market when they see it.

PRAIRIE GOLD

Regina topped the list of surging housing prices. The average price of a home rose 173%, climbing to more than $258,000 from $94,518 in 10 years. Much of the increase comes from new construction, with building permit values exceeding $1.6-billion, triple the amount in the preceding decade, according to the report. And it is not abating. The first half of this year saw $172-million in building permit value being issued. The rise has hit renters hard, with the city’s tenants shelling out rents approaching those in much bigger cities. Edmonton saw the second highest price appreciation (165%), followed by Saskatoon (163%) and Winnipeg (158%).

FUTURE HOT SPOT

Winnipeg is seen as having the biggest potential for future growth, as it leads the nation with having the largest stock of older homes. More than half of the city’s owned housing was built before 1970. The report points to increasing building permit values in recent years, the city’s 25-year strategic plan and the rejuvenation from the return of the NHL as boosting future new construction and renovation — and expected rising prices.

RENEWAL

Hamilton is an “ongoing project in renewal,” says the report, making the area an “underestimated up-and-comer.” The total value of residential building permits nearly doubled in the decade, exceeding $6.5 billion. The attraction to Hamilton has been fuelled by plenty of large, solidly built detached homes that are increasingly unattainable in Toronto, less than an hour away. The city has also been pushing the redevelopment of its brownfields for residential and mixed use projects and condos have been enthusiastically embraced, representing 24% of housing sales.

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I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 701 1177 HORNBY Street, Vancouver West, British Columbia

Spacious London Place! This 1 bed + den apartment features 628 sq ft with an open plan kitchen and high ceilings. Located in the heart of downtown, close to shopping, restaurants, the sea wall and English Bay. London Place features a roof top deck with hot tub & gym, sauna, party room and bike storage. Includes parking & 2 storage lockers. Pets & rentals allowed w/restrictions. A beautiful place to call home!

 

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And the winners of the 2011 Referral Contest are?

Thank you everyone for your referrals in 2011.

We had an amazing year of being able to help so many clients realize their goals of buying or selling, through your referrals. Without your support we would not have had the type of business and company that we have. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your support.

The winners are:

$1000 Dollars Cash                                                              Winner is: Heather Maciver

2 Canucks Hockey Tickets                                                   Winner is: Anita Wood

$15 Starbucks Gift Card, mug & Lindt Chocolates         Winner is: Heather Maciver

$25 Itunes Gift Card & Turtles Chocolates                      Winner is: Mohammad & Syeda Rahim

$20 Roots Gift Card & Turtles Chocolates                       Winner is: Rob Weiler

$25 Earls Gift Card & Lindt Chocolates                           Winner is: Carolina Diaz

$20 Winners Gift Card & Turtles Chocolates                  Winner is Anita Woods

$20 Winners Gift Card & Turtles Chocolates                   Winner is: DeeDee & Brad Wray

Wine Carafe & Wine                                                             Winner is: Lindsay Wolfenden

Wine Carafe & Wine                                                             Winner is: Lincoln Chan

Wine Carafe & Wine                                                            Winner is: Leon  & Devon Poznanski         

$50 Cara Foods Gift Card & Lindt Chocolates               Winner is: Leon  & Devon Poznanski

$25 Cobs Gift Card & Lindt Chocolates                           Winner is: John Lam

Arbonne Ginger Citrus Body Butter                                 Winner is: Leon  & Devon Poznanski

$25 Earls Gift Card & Lindt Chocolates                          Winner is: Kyle  & Sierre Deverill

Movie Passes & snacks for 2 adults                                  Winner is: Brad & Carrie Meagher

Tool Bag & 50 tools                                                             Winner is: DeeDee & Brad Wray

$100 Petro Gas Gift Card & Lindt Chocolates               Winner is: Jen Geddes

$25 White Spot Gift Card & Turtle Chocolates             Winner is: Vanessa Silverberg & Jack Orr

Bath & Body Gift Basket                                                    Winner is: Brad & DeeDee Wray

Movie Passes & snacks for 2 adults                                 Winner is: Ryan Corpuz

$25 Itunes Gift Card & Turtles Chocolates                    Winner is: Ryan Corpuz

Arbonne Ginger Citrus Body Butter                                Winner is: Marcia Currie & Kate Hiscox

Arbonne Ginger Citrus Body Butter                               Winner is: Nicole Crosby

Stay tuned for the launch of the 2012 Referral Contest. It will be bigger and better with prizes drawn in front of a live audience, culminating at our December 2012 Client Appreciation Party, where you are all invited!

--

Sincerely, your friend in the real estate business,

 

Roland Kym
Remax Select Properties
Cell : 604 970-0393
Office: 604-737-8865
Fax : 604-737-8512

www.rightpricedrealty.com

http://twitter.com/#!/RPRVancouver  

http://rightpricedrealty.posterous.com/

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Could you live in less than a 300sqft apartment in DT Vancouver? Rent is $900/month

Have you seen these micro-loft apartment rentals under 300sqft in Dt Vancouver.. interesting article

 

All 30 new suites are between 226 and 291 square feet with a kitchen — minus the oven — and a full bathroom.

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Downtown+Eastside+home+Canada+smallest+rental+suites/5883816/story.html#ixzz1hBeuTi2j--

Sincerely, your friend in the real estate business,

 

Roland Kym
Remax Select Properties
Cell : 604 970-0393
Office: 604-737-8865

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Happy Channukah to all my Jewish friends!

Sincerely, your friend in the real estate business,

 

Roland Kym
Remax Select Properties

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U.S. Housing Starts Jump 9.3%, to Highest in Year.. what do you think will happen in US Real Estate next year?

Following is an article from Bloomberg speaking to a huge increase in housing build starts of 9.3%. After speaking with my many American associates over the past year, regarding the mass amount of pending-foreclosures not-yet initiated by the banks... I am surprised about this report. Perhaps the builders have just spent too much time on the side-lines and the cost of developing new homes is less expensive that not doing anything? Roland with Remax Select Properties

“Builders broke ground in November on more houses than at any time in the past 19 months, led by a surge in multifamily units, signalling the market is stabilizing heading into 2012.

Starts increased 9.3 percent to a 685,000 annual rate, exceeding the highest estimate of economists surveyed by Bloomberg News and the most since April 2010, Commerce Department figures showed today in Washington. Building permits, a proxy for future construction, also climbed to a more than one-year high.

Work on multifamily units like apartments and townhouses is growing as the rental market improves. Single-family-home construction may be starting to strengthen as lower home pricesand borrowing costs near record lows draw in some buyers, even as builders face competition from existing houses as another wave of foreclosures throws more marked-down properties on the market.

“It’s a solid report,” said Brian Jones, a senior U.S. economist at Societe Generale in New York, who had the highest forecast in the Bloomberg survey. “For months we’ve been flagging the strength in multifamily construction, but now we’re starting to get signs that single-family is pulling itself off the canvas.” “

Source: Bloomberg

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B.C. housing starts expected to rise next year: CMHC

B.C. housing starts are expected to buck the national trend and grow 7.1 per cent in 2012, according to a report released Friday by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.

“Overall growth in construction levels will be supported by population-driven housing demand and consumers will benefit from relatively low mortgage interest rates,” the national housing agency's fourth quarter Housing Market Outlook said.

Nationally, housing starts are forecast to stabilize into 2012.

The report said that single-detached starts in B.C. picked up pace in the second and third quarters of 2011, but will remain below their 10-year average level as a well-supplied existing home market holds back starts.

But job creation and population growth will boost single-detached starts in 2012, with 10,500 homes forecast to get underway in 2012 compared to 8,800 in 2011.

Multi-family home starts are forecast to reach 18,000 next year, up from the 17,800 units expected for 2011, a reflection of demographic trends such as an aging population and affordability concerns and transportation considerations, as condominiums tend to be cheaper and located near major transportation routes.

The report said the pace of resales will pick up gradually during 2012, with sales of existing homes forecast to increase to 81,900 transactions in 2012, from a projected 77,200 transactions in 2011.

Resale market conditions are expected to remain balanced next year, with the average price forecast to be $564,900 in 2012, down one per cent from the 2011 projected price of $570,500.

Nationally, housing starts are forecast to be about 191,000 units in 2011, dropping slightly to 187,000 units in 2012.

Existing home sales will be about 450,000 units this year and about 459,000 units in 2012.

The average price is forecast to be about $364,000 in 2011, and $368,000 in 2012.

bmorton@vancouversun.com

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

 

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Another Testimonial of Our Great Service at Right Priced Realty Team

It was a pleasure working with Roland. He is very organized and maintains a high level of professionalism. I was impressed with his knowledgeable about the Vancouver Real estate Market and valued the advice and guidance he provided.  He is person of integrity and would highly recommend him to my family and friends.  –Kashmir Hare

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New regulations for Drywall disposal.

Plan on doing some upgrades or renovating in your home?

Was your home constructed before 1980?

Worksafe BC has decided to develop and implement an Asbestos Exposure Control Plan (ECP). This ECP will specifically target the joint compound used in the initial application of drywall in pre 1980 built structures.

New requirements will include:

• All renovation and demolition loads will require documentation illustrating the construction date of the structure that the material is being removed from.
• If the structure was built after 1980, documentation illustrating year of construction and that it is essentially Asbestos free.(regarding joint compound)
• If the building was constructed before 1980, required CERTIFIED LAB analysis proving the material to be “Asbestos free”.
• New drywall scrap is exempt.

Accepted documentation could consist of any of the following:

• Original building documents
• Copy of the building permit for the present job
• Copy of demolition permit (or a copy of the notice of project)
• Dates of building construction can usually be obtained from the Building department of your local Municipal Office. You will require either the “Folio Number” or the “tax roll number” from your property taxes, or simply the site address.

Currently New West Gypsum Recycling is the main depot for disposal of drywall in the lower mainland. Wastech facilities deliver there scrap drywall to NWGR.

NWGR is requiring this documentation for all loads. At the present Wastech is not, but it is coming in the near future.

What can you expect?

Contractors proposing to do drywall removal may refuse to remove drywall or request a remediation Asbestos removal company to do so. Unfortunately this may add additional expenses to a project.

For the home owner?

If the home owner is removing drywall then these documents will be required.

What happens if the drywall compound does contain Asbestos? What then?

Asbestos is accepted with the prior notification at the Vancouver Landfill:

5400 72^nd St, Delta. (604-940-3213).

Link for Wastech brochure.   http://www.wastech.ca/uploads/Wastech%20asbestos%20info_May2011.pdf. This brochure will also provide contact information for Asbestos testing Laboratories.

Homeowners should be prepared for these new changes.

In Next months newsletter, water Ingress.

Information supplied by AusCan Home Inspections. wwwauscanhomeinspections.com.

Darryl Bailey RHI 604-671-5528.

http://www.auscanhomeinspections.com/

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I just finished uploading this House for sale, 2980 6TH Ave E, Vancouver East, British Columbia

Spacious renovated 3 level house with immaculate views of mountains & city. 3 bedrooms and 2 full bath up. 3 suites with separate entrances (two bachelor suites and one 2 bedroom suite) in basement to help you pay out your mortgage. Situated in a quiet neighbourhood, close to school, T&T supermarket, public transit. Solid built character home with separate 2 car garage. A must see.

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Why are Happy People Happy? 12 steps to help you get more happiness

by Jacob Sokol of Sensophy

“I’d always believed that a life of quality, enjoyment, and wisdom were my human birthright and would be automatically bestowed upon me as time passed. I never suspected that I would have to learn how to live - that there were specific disciplines and ways of seeing the world I had to master before I could awaken to a simple, happy, uncomplicated life.”
-Dan Millman

Studies conducted by positivity psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky point to 12 things happy people do differently to increase their levels of happiness. These are things that we can start doing today to feel the effects of more happiness in our lives. (Check out her book The How of Happiness.)

I want to honor and discuss each of these 12 points, because no matter what part of life’s path we’re currently traveling on, these ‘happiness habits’ will always be applicable.

1. Express gratitude. – When you appreciate what you have, what you have appreciates in value. Kinda cool right? So basically, being grateful for the goodness that is already evident in your life will bring you a deeper sense of happiness. And that’s without having to go out and buy anything. It makes sense. We’re gonna have a hard time ever being happy if we aren’t thankful for what we already have.
2. Cultivate optimism. – Winners have the ability to manufacture their own optimism. No matter what the situation, the successful diva is the chick who will always find a way to put an optimistic spin on it. She knows failure only as an opportunity to grow and learn a new lesson from life. People who think optimistically see the world as a place packed with endless opportunities, especially in trying times.
3. Avoid over-thinking and social comparison. – Comparing yourself to someone else can be poisonous. If we’re somehow ‘better’ than the person that we’re comparing ourselves to, it gives us an unhealthy sense of

superiority. Our ego inflates – KABOOM – our inner Kanye West comes out! If we’re ‘worse’ than the person that we’re comparing ourselves to, we usually discredit the hard work that we’ve done and dismiss all the progress that we’ve made. What I’ve found is that the majority of the time this type of social comparison doesn’t stem from a healthy place. If you feel called to compare yourself to something, compare yourself to an older version of yourself.

Practice acts of kindness. – Performing an act of kindness releases serotonin in your brain. (Serotonin is a substance that has TREMENDOUS health benefits, including making us feel more blissful.) Selflessly helping someone is a super powerful way to feel good inside. What’s even cooler about this kindness kick is that not only will you feel better, but so will people watching the act of kindness. How extraordinary is that? Bystanders will be blessed with a release of serotonin just by watching what’s going on. A side note is that the job of most anti-depressants is to release more serotonin. Move over Pfizer, kindness is kicking ass and taking names.

Nurture social relationships. – The happiest people on the planet are the ones who have deep, meaningful relationships. Did you know studies show that people’s mortality rates are DOUBLED when they’re lonely? WHOA! There’s a warm fuzzy feeling that comes from having an active circle of good friends who you can share your experiences with. We feel connected and a part of something more meaningful than our lonesome existence.

Develop strategies for coping. – How you respond to the ‘craptastic’ moments is what shapes your character. Sometimes crap happens – it’s inevitable. Forrest Gump knows the deal. It can be hard to come up with creative solutions in the moment when manure is making its way up toward the fan. It helps to have healthy strategies for coping pre-rehearsed, on-call, and in your arsenal at your disposal.

Learn to forgive. – Harboring feelings of hatred is horrible for your well-being. You see, your mind doesn’t know the difference between past and present emotion. When you ‘hate’ someone, and you’re continuously thinking about it, those negative emotions are eating away at your immune system. You put yourself in a state of suckerism (technical term) and it stays with you throughout your day.

Increase flow experiences. – Flow is a state in which it feels like time stands still. It’s when you’re so focused on what you’re doing that you become one with the task. Action and awareness are merged. You’re not hungry, sleepy, or emotional. You’re just completely engaged in the activity that you’re doing. Nothing is distracting you or competing for your focus.

Savor life’s joys. – Deep happiness cannot exist without slowing down to enjoy the joy. It’s easy in a world of wild stimuli and omnipresent movement to forget to embrace life’s enjoyable experiences. When we neglect to appreciate, we rob the moment of its magic. It’s the simple things in life that can be the most rewarding if we remember to fully experience them.

Commit to your goals. – Being wholeheartedly dedicated to doing something comes fully-equipped with an ineffable force. Magical things start happening when we commit ourselves to doing whatever it takes to get somewhere. When you’re fully committed to doing something, you have no choice but to do that thing. Counter-intuitively, having no option – where you can’t change your mind – subconsciously makes humans happier because they know part of their purpose.

Practice spirituality. – When we practice spirituality or religion, we recognize that life is bigger than us. We surrender the silly idea that we are the mightiest thing ever. It enables us to connect to the source of all creation and embrace a connectedness with everything that exists. Some of the most accomplished people I know feel that they’re here doing work they’re “called to do.”

Take care of your body. – Taking care of your body is crucial to being the happiest person you can be. If you don’t have your physical energy in good shape, then your mental energy (your focus), your emotional energy (your feelings), and your spiritual energy (your purpose) will all be negatively affected. Did you know that studies conducted on people who were clinically depressed showed that consistent exercise raises happiness levels just as much as Zoloft? Not only that, but here’s the double whammy… Six months later, the people who participated in exercise were less likely to relapse because they had a higher sense of self-accomplishment and self-worth.

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What is a pre-Listing Inspection?

What is a pre-Listing Inspection?

 

A Pre-listing inspection is performed before the property is listed on the market. There are numerous advantages to all parties involved:

 

The advantages of a Pre-Listing Inspection:

 

Advantages to the seller:

        •   The seller can choose a licensed CAHPI Professional Home Inspector rather than the buyers choice of inspector, family member or contractor.

•   The seller can schedule the inspection at their convenience.

•   It may alert the seller of any possible issues that they may not be aware of.

        •   The seller can assist the inspector during the inspection, (ie if any furniture has to be moved). This tends to allow the inspector to fully inspect any areas of possible concern providing greater disclosure.

•   The report can help the seller realistically price the home if issues exist.

       •   The report can help the seller substantiate a higher asking price if there are no issues or they been corrected.

 

•   A Pre-Listing inspection reveals concerns ahead of time which:   

                  1:May make the home show better.

            2:Gives the seller time to repair defects or obtain competitive quotes for repairs.

         3:Allows the seller to attach repair estimates or the paid invoices to the inspection report.

            4:Can remove over inflated buyer procured estimates from the negotiation.

            5:Can reduce 11th hour negotiations.

         6:Allows the inspector to provide the home owner, realtor, potential buyer with additional informational literature, web links etc for any     materials or areas of concern in the home (ie Vermiculite, Knob and tube wiring, etc.)

             •   The report may alert the seller of any immediate safety issues found, before agents and visitors tour the property

•   The report provides a third-party, unbiased opinion to offer potential buyers.

        •   A Pre-Listing Inspection is the ultimate disclosure on the behalf of the seller. This can be used as an effective marketing tool.

 

When next selling your home, consider a Pre Listing inspection

Information supplied by:

Darryl Bailey.RHI Level 1 Thermographer

Auscan Home Inspections.

www.auscanhomeinspections.com

Ph: 604-671-5528

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Reduced $40,000 to $549,000, Great updated home in Surrey

10121 127B St North Surrey - NEW LISTING - proof.pdf Download this file

Come and visit this great home in Surrey, Saturday for our open house from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

 

Roland 604-970-0393

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I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 411 2511 QUEBEC Street, Vancouver East, British Columbia

OnQue by Rize Alliance is a collection of 48 homes situated in the popular Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood. Move in Today and enjoy the luxuries of owning a new home without the wait. Every home at OnQue includes stainless steel appliances, quartz counter tops, laminate-walnut flooring, underground parking and storage (Plan B2, 666 sq ft).

 

This development is a great opportunity to live in the ever popular Mt Pleasant area, call me for a private showing of this great home or of the few other's that remain. Call now and let me help you find the Right home at the Right Price. Thanks, Roland

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Price Reduced by $40,000 & Open House this Saturday (1pm to 4pm)

We are proud to announce that this Dec 10th, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 10121 127B Street in the Cedar Hills neighborhood, North Surrey. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent House for sale in beautiful Cedar Hills.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Cedar Hills House for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604-737-8865 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Roland Kym
Remax Select Properties

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We have the Best Clients!! - Another Testimonial:

"After searching in Vancouver’s highly competitive realestate market for a one-bedroom condo for a full year, I began to wonder if Iwould ever find the right place for me. With a new year came a fresh start andI was fortunate to have been recommended Roland by previous happy clients. From our first meeting where we reviewed my priorities for a condo, I knew that he was the realtor for me. Very organized, professional, and friendly, I felt that he had my best interest in mind. Roland’s positive attitude reassured me throughout the sometimes tedious process of searching for the right condo. He was also accommodating to a shift-worker’s difficult schedule, which is not always the case. In four months I found ‘the one’ and every time I walk throughthe door I am happier with my choice. Roland’s contribution did not end on the closing date. He has been helpful with recommendations for painters and contractors, to help make the space my own. Whenever discussions of real estate comes up, I am always quick to recommend Roland as an agent."

- Lisa 2011

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