RSS

I have listed a new property at 2849 18TH AVE W in Vancouver.
A tastefully remodelled, renovated and exceptionally well cared for 5 bedroom 4 bathroom Arbutus Home! Features include stainless appliances, gas range, hardwood floors and crown mouldings. This charmer has a low maintenance front yard,a private back yard, with a considerable sized sundeck for entertaining and two upper floor balconies with views to the North Shore Mountains. Great space! -- A fully finished, full height...
Read

I have listed a new property at 212 330 1ST ST E in North Vancouver.
A well maintained and partially upgraded one bedroom in a solid, lower Lonsdale building with skyline views of downtown Vancouver and Lions Gate Bridge. Yes you can watch the fireworks from your suite, or your large 5x20 square foot balcony. Located on a quiet and next to Hammersley Park. Portree House has had its roof and plumbing redone in recent years, and is of course, walking distance to the Seabus at the Quay,...
Read

I have listed a new property at # 508 170 W 1ST ST in North Vancouver.
One Park Lane - GEORGIE AWARD WINNER - High quality finishings throughout this beautiful 2 bdrm, 2 bthm corner suite featuring gleaming maple hardwood flooring, gourmet kitchen w/ granite counters, floor-to-ceiling windows, insuite laundryand balcony w/ sunset and mtn. views. Excellent opportunity w/ great value!!! BONUS: rentals + pets allowed, clubhouse, excercise room, movie theatre + more. See you at the open...
Read

I have listed a new property at 395 STEVENS DR in West Vancouver.
Prime CORNER Building Lot 13,992 sq. ft. Driveway off of Bury Lane on quiet street off Stevens. Value in the land. Flat lot surrounded by mature landscape to give ultimate privacy. Centrally located nearby popular schools (Wescot), golfcourse, trails, transportation. Not to be missed.
Read

I have listed a new property at # 2 220 E 4TH ST in North Vancouver.
Here is your chance to own a super two level T/H in the heart of Lower Lonsdale. The main floor features a bright kitchen with pass-through, a great open plan living and dining room, a wood burning fireplace, a powder room & a large deckwith city and harbour views. Downstairs has two bedrooms including a spacious master bedroom with loads of closet space, a bathroom, and as a bonus there is a big enclosed solarium...
Read

I have listed a new property at 1765 Cowichan Bay RD in Cowichan Bay, BC.
Own a profitable turnkey marina business in picturesque Cowichan Bay. Complete with our West Coast lifestyle, the marina features a 45 moorage slips and float home community. Recent upgrades include 400 amp three phase electrical service, sanitary pump out system, transient moorage, shower and laundry facilities, and too many other improvements to mention. The marina also features a 4,000 square foot take out/dine in restaurant, and a kayak rental and retail sales building.
Read

I have listed a new property at 1904 GARDEN AV in North Vancouver.
Opportunity knocks for first buyers or those seeking one-level living. Rancher nestled back on a mature, fully fenced, 33 x 122 lot w/ lane access and detached single garage. Features 4 skylights, oak hardwood floors, cozy wood burning fireplace, and the family room off the kitchen could be turned back to the 3rd bedroom it was originally. Needs some TLC. Updates include new roof and hot water tank, 1 yr old furnace,...
Read

I have listed a new property at # 1102 125 W 2ND ST in North Vancouver.
Sensational, south-facing, city, water, and sunset views. Two of everything, 2 good size bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 parking, 2 decks, insuite laundry, large kitchen, walk-in-closet + pets allowed. Located in PRIME Lower Lonsdale walking distance to everything The Quay, seabus/transportation, shops, recreation/fitness, movies, excellent restaurants, and coffee shops. Special assessment paid in full, inquire for details....
Read

I have listed a new property at # 1808 1003 PACIFIC ST in Vancouver.
Gorgeous downtown and false creek views. Floor-to-ceiling windows in this generous size 2 bdrm, well maintained, suite w/ insuite laundry and insuite storage. Offering clubhouse, 2 meeting rooms, guest suite, 1 parking, and low maintenance fees. Rarely available in this building. Quick possession. Easy to show, by appointment.
Read

I have listed a new property at 813 Trans Canada Highway in Sicamous.
Investor alert! Potential gold mine here. House & shed on a large, flat, corner lot with great highway exposure, yet still private & quiet enough to enjoy. Adjacent lot is also for sale & opens up endless possibilities as the OCP allows commercial zoning applications. This is the perfect opportunity to purchase a home with a very optimistic return on your investment, so bring your ideas.
Read

I have listed a new property at 1237 Tunney Avenue in Sicamous.
Here is a great little 3 bedroom 1 bath home with no pad rent & a great investment for the future. Can be purchased with adjacent lot to give many options, as the properties are zoned for commercial use in the OCP.
Read

Property Photo: 208 212 FORBES AVE in North Vancouver
I have listed a new property at 208 212 FORBES AVE in North Vancouver.
Investor alert! You or your tenants can watch the fireworks and cruise ships from your suite in this well run lower Lonsdale building. The recently rainscreened exterior has been completely redone, with new windows, sliding doors, siding,and balconies. Steps away from the Lonsdale Quay, the sea bus to Downtown Vancouver, and all of the shops services Lower Lonsdale has to offer. Perfect for first time home buyers....
Read

Property Photo: 3123 BROADWAY AVE W in VANCOUVER
I have listed a new property at 3123 BROADWAY AVE W in VANCOUVER.
RARE...PRIME Kitsilano location... Historical landmark Hollywood Theatre, family owned and operated for 75 years is now for sale! The opportunity is NOW to refurbish this once-in-a-lifetime HISTORICAL LANDMARK. The current C-2C zoning offers excellent development opportunity. For more info go to listing realtors websites. Call for an appointment today!
Read

Property Photo: 303 ST ANDREWS AVE in North Vancouver
I have listed a new property at 303 ST ANDREWS AVE in North Vancouver.
Welcome to St Andrew Mews. Enjoy your morning coffee and picturesque Vancouver Harbour & city views from your large private, South facing, roof top deck. Over 1,800 sq ft of living space on five levels. Three bdrms and den, plus a largerec/playroom that could be used as a fourth bedroom. This Townhome is conveniently located close to schools, public transportation, Lonsdale shopping, and the Seabus to Downtown....
Read

Property Photo: 206 3187 MOUNTAIN HWY in North Vancouver
I have listed a new property at 206 3187 MOUNTAIN HWY in North Vancouver.
Lynn Terrace II is an excellent 44 unit complex built by Bosa Development Corp. Great central location very close to the new Lynn Valley Center including library, coffee houses, shopping & transit. Only one owner of this 2 bedroom homefeaturing 1060 sq ft, gas fireplace, insuite laundry & newer appliances. Large storage room (also a storage locker downstairs) in original but move-in ready condition plus a huge...
Read

Property Photo: 602 540 LONSDALE AVE in North Vancouver
I have listed a new property at 602 540 LONSDALE AVE in North Vancouver.
Come for the exceptional Ocean, Mountain & City view & stay for the premium upgrades & the Lower Lonsdale lifestyle. This funky two bedroom two bathroom suite has been extensively upgraded to the premium standards of today's upscale urbandwellers. Features include stainless appliances, granite countertops, platinum beach hardwood floors, tiled wrap around deck, custom millwork furniture in master bedroom with...
Read

Property Photo: 7545 GRAND ST in Mission
I have listed a new property at 7545 GRAND ST in Mission.
A must see charming early century heritage style character home, on a large 11,000 sqft duplex zoned corner lot. Features include, hardwood floors, french doors, wood features and custom built-in shelving, overheight ceilings and beautifulviews of the valley. The house style has a gabled roof with the dominant front gable capped by a hip, suggesting Continental precedents, a style sometimes referred to as Germanic Cottage.
Read

I have listed a new property at 160 W 12TH ST in North Vancouver.
With only 6 units, this complex is very well maintained by a self managed, pro-active strata for only $120.00 per month. The townhouse itself underwent a complete, top to bottom reno in 2005 which included kitchen, bathrooms, and new flooring on the main. In 2009 new carpets were added on the upstairs and new paint on the main & upper floors. In 2010, the 3rd bdrm/rec room was done completely with new carpet & paint...
Read

I have listed a new property at 1090 CLOVERLEY ST in North Vancouver.
Highlights of this reno'd (2002) 5 beds,4 baths,include a fantastic floorplan & quality construction . Exterior improvements include roof, eaves, drain tiles (2004) Hardie-board (50 yr warranty)w/ stone fascia, a family friendlyyard for kids, dogs, gardening & entertaining. Inside includes new electrical wiring, plumbing & 4 zone heating, SS appliances, oak hardwood & heated tile floors, bay window in LR w/stellar...
Read

Property Photo: 201 2224 ETON ST in Vancouver
I have listed a new property at 201 2224 ETON ST in Vancouver.
Immaculate 2 bedroom, one bath condo in a good building in a great location. Newer laminate flooring, tile in bath, modern and efficient kitchen with lots of storage. Airy and bright LR has a S. facing balcony. Generously sized bedrooms.Great value! More info. on Realtors' websites.
Read
Categories:   Ambleside, West Vancouver Real Estate | Arbutus, Vancouver West Real Estate | Blueridge NV, North Vancouver Real Estate | Boulevard, North Vancouver Real Estate | Brackendale, Squamish Real Estate | British Properties, West Vancouver Real Estate | Calverhall, North Vancouver Real Estate | Canyon Heights NV, North Vancouver Real Estate | Capilano NV, North Vancouver Real Estate | Cariboo, Burnaby North Real Estate | Central Abbotsford, Abbotsford Real Estate | Central Lonsdale, North Vancouver Real Estate | Coal Harbour, Vancouver West Real Estate | College Park PM, Port Moody Real Estate | Cottonwood MR, Maple Ridge Real Estate | Cowichan Bay Cobble Hill, BC, Islands-Van. & Gulf Real Estate | Cowichan Bay, Duncan Real Estate | Cowichan Bay, Islands-Van. & Gulf Real Estate | Deep Cove, North Vancouver Real Estate | Glenmore, West Vancouver Real Estate | Grouse Woods, North Vancouver Real Estate | Hastings, Vancouver East Real Estate | Highgate, Burnaby South Real Estate | Indian River, North Vancouver Real Estate | King George Corridor, South Surrey White Rock Real Estate | Kitsilano, Vancouver West Real Estate | Lincoln Park PQ, Port Coquitlam Real Estate | Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver Real Estate | Lynn Valley, North Vancouver Real Estate | Lynnmour, North Vancouver Real Estate | Mission BC, Mission Real Estate | Mosquito Creek, North Vancouver Real Estate | Mount Pleasant VW, Vancouver West Real Estate | Norgate, North Vancouver Real Estate | Northlands, North Vancouver Real Estate | Out of Town, Out of Town Real Estate | Panorama Village, West Vancouver Real Estate | Park Royal, West Vancouver Real Estate | Pemberton NV, North Vancouver Real Estate | Port Moody Centre, Port Moody Real Estate | Roche Point, North Vancouver Real Estate | Salmon River, Langley Real Estate | Scottsdale, N. Delta Real Estate | Sechelt District, Sunshine Coast Real Estate | Sicamous Real Estate | South Marine, Vancouver East Real Estate | Steveston North, Richmond Real Estate | Steveston South, Richmond Real Estate | Upper Delbrook, North Vancouver Real Estate | Upper Lonsdale, North Vancouver Real Estate | Victoria VE, Vancouver East Real Estate | West End VW, Vancouver West Real Estate | Westlynn Terrace, North Vancouver Real Estate | Westlynn, North Vancouver Real Estate | Willoughby Heights, Langley Real Estate | Windsor Park NV, North Vancouver Real Estate

Market update!!

 

As most of you have heard, sales in the Vancouver real estate market have been down this year, the numbers vary from area to area. The strata market has been soft, while single family homes and building lots have been significantly better, again depending on the area.

The media types have been talking about a so called bubble, and a correction in the real estate market, as if there will be some dramatic shift in prices one day. I believe this is a misnomer. To the contrary, we’ve seen small corrections happening every day over the last few months to compensate for the smaller number of sales, as opposed to a sudden price drop. So in effect, the correction has already and is already happening on a daily basis. This doesn’t mean that it could not correct more, or less as time goes on. Some buyers believe that because of the slow market, they should automatically submit low ball offers assuming that home sellers should be desperately trying to sell and escape the market before this correction, however again this is wrong thinking, as there is a good chance that new home sellers entering the market have priced their home correctly, given the current circumstances.

 

 I believe that because the interest rates have been so low for so long now, a lot of the new home buyers that could buy, did buy in the last couple of years, leaving a lack of new home buyers to drive the entry level market. There are however still a small number of new home buyers entering the market all of the time, and of course folks upsizing and downsizing, to continually add some buoyancy to our market.

     

Despite the market sales being lower this year, I’ve been very fortunate, so thank you friends, family, and valued clients!!   

 

 

All the Best!

 

Garth   

 
Who's Doing  High Fives Now?    SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2007
 

If you think lenders make too much money, you are not alone........ However, it's very likely that you, the borrower, are an eager participant in all those profits. Billions of dollars are literally given away to the banks each year because of consumer  pathy. Lenders know this and in fact they "bank" on it. What do we mean?
Well, a recent survey conducted by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reveals that despite all the new mortgage products on the market, people looking to renew their mortgage will more often than not, revert back to their current lender. In fact, according to the report, 81% of them did. Does this make sense when the competition could be offering lower interest rates and better terms? It doesn't. There is some good news though. This same survey indicates that consumers are shopping around slightly more than they were in the past. People that were renewing their mortgage were faithful to their financial institution to the tune of 88% in 2000. By 2006 this dropped 7 percentage points.
This decline in lender loyalty was also very evident in repeat home buyers and people that refinanced their mortgage because of wanting extra cash to make home  enovations or consolidate debt. In 2006 only 65% of these consumers went back to their current provider – well down from what it was in previous years. The only category that remained relatively stable was first-time home buyers.

57% of these buyers financed through their banking institution in 2000 and this remained almost constant - 58% in 2006. It would appear that first-time buyers are savvy and cautious when it comes to mortgage debt. Initially, they do their

research diligently when it comes to comparing lenders and what they can offer. However, these very same buyers that were so careful at the start, oon join the ranks of those that are "too busy" at mortgage renewal time to check out and compare lenders. Most people know that banking is a business. However, not all acknowledge that bank

employees are paid to look after the bank's best interests – not yours. In fact these employees have quotas to fill – big quotas! It is amazing that people will go to seminars sponsored by Lenders and expect to be told how to negotiate the best mortgage deal for themselves.  Puh-leeze! That's like inviting a fox to the chicken coop to tell the chickens how to avoid getting eaten by him. It makes no sense whatsoever, yet that is exactly what people do. Even more remarkable is the fact that these potential customers believe they are getting sound and unbiased information and actually act on the

advice given by the fox. This can be a very costly mistake. 

 
However, let us explore mortgage renewal in greater detail.
 
Mortgage funding is extremely competitive. Lenders spend an enormous amount of money just to get mortgage business in the first place and they certainly don't want to lose customers now or at any time in the future.
If homeowners would just take a few hours and shop around for several proposals from different lending institutions when their mortgage term is up, they might be pleasantly surprised about their findings. The chances are that they would quite possibly receive an offer from another Lender that is better in both interest rates and/or terms provided.
Lenders may even pay for all the set-up, transfer and legal fees when the mortgage business is transferred to them. Once a homeowner has different options in hand, the power to choose becomes theirs. They can accept this new favorable proposal or have their current lender match or better it. Odds are, your lender isn't going to be
willing to give up your business without a fight.
How much actual cash could be saved by keeping Lenders honest? Well, let's figure it out. A $300,000 mortgage calculated at 6% over a 25 year amortization period works out to monthly payments of $1,919.42. Conversely, at 5.5% and using the same criteria, the payments are $1,831.18. The difference is $88.24 per month. Now multiply that by 60 (five years of monthly payments) and you will see that by negotiating a better rate, rather than blindly accepting the first offer, you have saved $5,294.40. Really, with a little investigative effort, you could have put a stash of cash in your jeans or made a handsome contribution towards paying off your mortgage. Instead of the Lenders' CEO's counting profits and doing high fives around the boardroom table because of consumer apathy, you could be going on vacation. You may be trained to be loyal but hopefully, not tamed! Next time . . . shop around!
Categories
Beds (Min)
Any
1
2
3
4
5
Baths (Min)
Any
1
2
3
4
5
Priced between $ & $
Reciprocity Logo The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.