I just sold this Condo at PH5 3255 Smith Ave, Central Burnaby North.

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I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 323 13040 NO 2 ROAD, Steveston South, Richmond



HARBOUR WALK - With City Home, Condominium and Penthouse Collections to choose from, there's something for everyone at Steveston's newest development. City Homes feature both private fenced yards and roof decks, Condominiums enjoy oversized balconies, and Penthouses feature massive sky decks with amazing views. Thoughtful details include 9' ceilings throughout and vaulted ceilings in the Penthouses, beautiful appliance packages and sleek interior design with two gorgeous colour schemes to choose from featuring wide plank wood flooring, quartz countertops and porcelain tiles. Call today to learn about this incredible opportunity to own in Steveston, these fabulous units won't last long.

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 1003 210 SALTER STREET, Queensborough, New Westminster

The Peninsula is the crown jewel of Port Royal, a 52 acre master plan community decades in the making. Placed on the point where the Fraser River parts, the 22 storey tower is shaped & bordered by water on three sides. Our townhomes & condominiums are one of the highest end collection of residences in Metro Vancouver, with penthouse style features in all homes. There are no upgrades because luxury is all inclusive here. A marina exclusive to Port Royal residents offers the rare opportunity to moor your boat steps from home. With Aragon's commitment to build DESIGN FORWARD HOMES featuring LIVEFORWARD amenities - The Peninsula is not only a place to live, but a way to live! Our showroom is open daily 12-5pm except Friday, located at 260 Ewen Ave, New Westminster.

I just SOLD this Condo A107 4811 53 STREET, Hawthorne, Ladner

Not often on the market - lovely townhouse style 2 bedroom condo in Ladner Pointe. Large private fenced patio and garden area with private entrance. This lovely unit has had extensive remodeling and shows beautifully. Completely renovated kitchen with gorgeous wood cabinets, granite countertops, stainless appliances and wine storage unit. Quality laminate flooring, designer paint, and updated bathrooms. 1 secured parking spot as well as street parking right outside your door. Great location that is short walk to shopping, transit and Ladner Village. Well managed complex with many updates including roof, windows, decks, siding and more. Buy with confidence! Nothing to do but move in and enjoy.

I just sold this Townhouse at 206 8600 WESTMINSTER HIGHWAY, Brighouse, Richmond, BC Brighouse.

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I just sold this Condo at 108 6651 Lynas Lane, Riverdale, Richmond, BC Riverdale.

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Federal government changes mortgage insurance rules

The federal government announced regulation changes for new government-backed insured mortgages today. Effective October 17, 2016, insured homebuyers will have to qualify at the posted five-year qualifying rate. Previously, only variable rate mortgages and mortgages with terms less than five years were subject to a higher qualifying rate.

The qualifying rate is updated weekly and available on the Bank of Canada website. The current rate is 4.64 per cent, about 200 basis points higher than the best bank offered rates.

To qualify for mortgage insurance, a homebuyer's debt servicing ratio must be no higher than:

• Gross Debt Service – 39 per cent of household income, including mortgage payment, taxes, and heating costs.

• Total Debt Service – 44 per cent of household income, including mortgage payment, taxes, heating costs, and all other debt payments

These changes will apply to new mortgage insurance applications received on October 17, 2016 or later. Mortgage insurance applications received after October 2, 2016 and before October 17, 2016 are also not affected by the rule change, provided that the mortgage is funded by March 1, 2017. Homeowners with an existing insured mortgage or those renewing existing insured mortgages aren’t affected by this measure.

These changes also won’t apply to mortgage loans where:

• the lender made a legally binding commitment to make the loan;

• the borrower entered into a legally binding agreement for the property against which the loan is secured.

The federal government is also instituting new eligibility rules for low-ratio (higher than 20 per cent down payment) mortgages backed by government insurance. As of November 30, 2016, to be eligible for government insurance, new mortgages must meet the following requirements:

1. A loan whose purpose includes the purchase of a property or subsequent renewal of such a loan;

2. A maximum amortization length of 25 years;

3. A maximum purchase price below $1,000,000 when the loan is approved;

4. For variable-rate loans that allow fluctuations in the amortization period, loan payments that are recalculated at least once every five years to conform to the original amortization schedule;

5. A minimum credit score of 600 at the time the loan is approved;

6. A maximum Gross Debt Service ratio of 39 per cent and a maximum Total Debt Service ratio of 44 per cent at the time the loan is approved, calculated by applying the greater of the mortgage contract rate or the Bank of Canada conventional five-year fixed posted rate; and,

7. A property that will be owner-occupied.

These new criteria, in particular requiring a maximum purchase price below $1 million, will essentially make the majority of single family homes in Metro Vancouver ineligible for government issued insurance for low-ratio mortgages.

The government also announced measures to ensure that the exemption from capital gains tax on the sale of a principal residence is available only in appropriate cases.

Click here for more information on these changes.

Courtesy of the Real Estate Board of Graeter Vancouver

We are proud to announce that this Oct 2nd, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 11291 7TH AVENUE in the Steveston Village neighborhood, Richmond. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Townhouse for sale in beautiful Steveston Village.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Steveston Village Townhouse for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604.644.1044 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Alisa Sakamoto
REALTOR® RE/MAX WESTCOAST

Simple Ways to Reduce Your Monthly Utility Costs



Many homeowners think there’s not much they can do about telephone, heating, water and other utility expenses. Sure, you may grumble about a high heating bill one month, but what can you do about it? Turns out, you can do plenty. There are several ways to reduce monthly utility costs that can save you tens or even hundreds of dollars.

For example:

• Shop around for a better phone plan. Then contact your phone company. They might match the rates.

• Turn down the thermostat on your water heater. You likely don’t need tap water to be that hot.

• Clean the screen on your outside air conditioning unit regularly. (Gently with the water hose.) Dirt and leaves can build up on it, reducing the unit’s efficiency.

• Leverage the sun. Open curtains in the winter to gain heat. Block direct sunlight in summer to keep the cool air inside.

• Scrutinize your bill. There may be extras you’re paying for that you don’t need.

• Play with the thermostat. Experiment with setting the temperature a couple of degrees lower. You might not notice any difference.

It’s worth paying attention to your utility costs. Just a few smart moves can save you some serious money.

Alisa Sakamoto PREC* 604.644.1044

I just sold this Condo at 501 2788 Prince Edward Street, Mount Pleasant, Vancouver, BC Mount Pleasant.

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Alisa Sakamoto 604-644-1044