Alisa Sakamoto | Richmond Realtor : RE/MAX Westcoast | Richmond Real Estate : : page 54

Can New Kitchen Appliances Increase the Value of Your Home?

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Alisa Sakamoto

Next to a major kitchen renovation, replacing appliances is the most expensive way to upgrade the space. So if you’re purchasing a new refrigerator, stove or dishwasher in order to make your home more attractive to buyers, you want to make wise purchasing decisions.

The most important consideration is how the appliances will look in the kitchen. Ideally, they should match in colour and style. They should also be the right size for the space. The last thing you want is a fridge that’s so large it dominates the room, or a stove that’s a completely different style and looks out-of-place.

Appearance is important, but so are the features. Buyers viewing your home will scrutinize the appliances. They’ll notice if the fridge has a cold water and ice dispenser. They’ll ask if the dishwasher has noise-reduction features. Double ovens and quick-heating burners (which are now available on electric stoves) will also get a buyer’s attention.

Power consumption is also a big issue these days. Increasingly, buyers are interested in the energy efficient features of a home — appliances included. So, as your REALTOR® I would point out appliances with energy-saving features, such as a dishwasher with a slow-run cycle that saves power.

Kitchen appliances may seem minor compared to the overall appeal of your property, but they do make a difference. Purchase wisely!

As you can see, there’s a lot of marketing strategy you can get from talking to me as your REALTOR®. Call me today --604.644.1044 Alisa Sakamoto

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109 5500 LYNAS LANE, Riverdale RI, Richmond, BC

Posted on June 9, 2016 by Alisa Sakamoto

I just sold this Condo at 109 5500 LYNAS LANE, Riverdale RI, Richmond, BC Riverdale RI.

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View this recently sold Condo or see all my home sales

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Not-So-Obvious Reasons to Meet with a REALTOR®

Posted on June 5, 2016 by Alisa Sakamoto

When is the best time to meet with a REALTOR® like me? Chances are, you would say, “When I’m thinking of buying or selling a home.” You’d be right, of course!

However, there are many other good reasons to meet with me. Here are just a few:

• You want a professional opinion as to the current value of your property, so you know what it would likely sell for in today’s market.

• You notice a home listed for sale in a desirable neighbourhood, and you’re interested in learning more — even if you’re unsure you want to make a move.

• You’re thinking of moving within the next couple of years, and you want to find a REALTOR® like me, that you can get to know and trust.

• You want some recommendations for preparing your home for sale and especially determining what repairs and other work needs to be done.

• You want an honest assessment as to the state of the local market, and the best time for you to buy or sell.

• You have real estate-related questions and you want to talk to an expert who knows the local market well and can provide you with answers.

As you can see, there’s a lot of value you can get from talking to me as your REALTOR®. Call me today --604.644.1044 Alisa Sakamoto

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Demand remains elevated across the Metro Vancouver housing market

Posted on June 2, 2016 by Alisa Sakamoto

VANCOUVER, BC – June 2, 2016 – Metro Vancouver* homes continue to sell at an unprecedented rate in communities across the region.

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Residential property sales on the region's Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) totalled 4,769 in May 2016, an increase of 17.6 per cent from the 4,056 sales recorded in May 2015 and a decrease of 0.3 per cent compared to April 2016 when 4,781 homes sold.

Last month’s sales were 35.3 per cent above the 10-year sales average for the month and rank as the highest sales total on record for May.

"Home sellers are becoming more active in recent months, although that activity is being outpaced by home buyer demand today," Dan Morrison, REBGV president said.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 6,289 in May 2016. This represents an increase of 11.5 per cent compared to the 5,641 units listed in May 2015 and a 2.6 per cent increase compared to April 2016 when 6,127 properties were listed.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 7,726, a 37.3 per cent decline compared to May 2015 (12,336) and a 2.3 per cent increase compared to April 2016 (7,550).

"Economic and job growth in Metro Vancouver is out performing most regions in the country. This is helping to underpin today’s activity," Morrison said.

The sales-to-active listings ratio for May 2016 is 61.7 per cent. This is indicative of a seller’s market.

Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it reaches the 20 to 22 per cent range in a particular community for a sustained period of time.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $889,100. This represents a 29.7 per cent increase compared to May 2015.

Sales of detached properties in May 2016 reached 1,865, an increase of 8.2 per cent from the 1,723 detached sales recorded in May 2015. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 36.9 per cent from May 2015 to $1,513,800.

Sales of apartment properties reached 2,150 in May 2016, an increase of 34.4 per cent compared to the 1,600 sales in May 2015. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 22.3 per cent from May 2015 to $485,000.

Attached property sales in May 2016 totalled 754, an increase of 2.9 per cent compared to the 733 sales in May 2015. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 24.9 per cent from May 2015 to $632,400.

*Editor’s Note: Areas covered by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and South Delta.

Download the full stats package by clicking here.

Courtesy of: http://www.rebgv.org/sites/default/files/REBGV%20Stats%20Package%20May%202016.pdf

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6380 CHELMSFORD STREET, Granville, Richmond, BC

Posted on May 31, 2016 by Alisa Sakamoto

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 6380 CHELMSFORD STREET, Granville, Richmond, BC

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This quality built custom family home is INCREDIBLE at 5435 SF on a large 9721 SF lot in the multi-million dollar neighbourhood GRANVILLE. Immaculately maintained this functional floor plan has 6 bdrm, den, 5.5 bath, 2 car garage & media/games room! Features 23ft ceilings in the entrance, Spanish tiles, upgraded baths, California shutters, bay windows, skylights, radiant heat, newer boiler, 3 gas f/p, s/s appl, silk carpet & MUCH more! HUGE patio off the Master for relaxing & soaking in the sun. This dream home is professionally landscaped! Enjoy your warm southern backyard w/ gas hookup & in-ceiling speaker system â great for entertaining! TONS of parking, long driveway in front w/ lane access in the back. Schools Blundell & Richmond High. Close to transit & shopping. OPEN Jun 11/12 2-4p

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1203 1483 HOMER STREET, Yaletown, Vancouver West, BC

Posted on May 30, 2016 by Alisa Sakamoto

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 1203 1483 HOMER STREET, Yaletown, Vancouver West, BC

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WATERFORD - a masterpiece of style built by Concord Pacific! Take center stage in the Beach Crescent neighborhood at one of the LARGEST units 1292 SF 2 bed, den & 2 bath you'll fall in love w/ the panoramic view of False Creek & David Lam Park! Kitchen features top of the line s/s appl, granite counters & an abundance of solid wood cabinetry. Entertainment sized living room designed to capture the UNOBSTRUCTED WATER VIEWS! This SE facing home is spacious w/ floor to ceiling windows, A/C, gas f/p, 24 hr concierge, HUGE in-suite storage & sunny covered patio. Enjoy the resort style facility at Club Viva: pool, theatre, gym, spa, squash courts, etc! Conveniently located in Yaletown with restaurants, shopping, tennis & basketball courts just steps away. 1 parking + locker. OPEN June 4/5 1-3pm

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Understanding the new Assignment regulations

Posted on May 29, 2016 by Alisa Sakamoto

The provincial government announced new rules regulating contract assignments, effective May 16.

Real estate contracts are now required to include two terms: one that requires the seller's consent to assign the contract, and one that requires that any profit from an assignment goes to the original seller. Clients can instruct REALTORS® to omit or change these clauses.

The buyer's Realtor is also required to inform the seller if one, or both, of these clauses are removed from their offer. The seller's Realtor must also disclose if the proposed contract is assignable or not - including any conditions that would be applicable to the assignment.

Be aware, if you're a seller and a buyer requests you waive the assignment clause, they may be looking to re-sell your property before the contract completes. If you have questions, talk to your Realtor or legal advisor before you sign anything.

To protect yourself as a buyer in an assignment deal, make sure that:

You work with a REALTOR®. Your REALTOR® will help protect your interests and bring knowledge of the provincial legislation that governs real estate transactions.
the original Contract of Purchase and Sale has the mandated assignment clause requiring the seller's approval before it can be assigned;
the original seller is aware of, and approves of, the assignment;
if there is profit from the assignment, the profit reverts back to the seller unless otherwise specified in the original Contract of Purchase and Sale;
the property is or was listed for sale;
the identity of every individual involved in the transaction has been verified;
all money already paid and owed is accounted for and dealt with in the assignment contract;
you understand the additional risk associated with paying the assignment fee before the original contract is finalized; and
you consult an accountant to understand the tax implications.

Looking for a REALTOR who knows the market? Call me today --604.644.1044 Alisa Sakamoto

Courtesy of: http://www.rebgv.org/understanding-new-assignment-regulations

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319 3133 Riverwalk Ave, Champlain Heights, Vancouver, BC

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Alisa Sakamoto

I just sold this Condo at 319 3133 Riverwalk Ave, Champlain Heights, Vancouver, BC Champlain Heights.

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View this recently sold Condo or see all my home sales

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47 6300 LONDON Road, Steveston South, Richmond, British Columbia

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Alisa Sakamoto

I just sold this Townhouse at 47 6300 LONDON Road, Steveston South, Richmond, British Columbia Steveston South.

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View this recently sold Townhouse or see all my home sales

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CMHC releases Q2 housing market outlook

Posted on May 22, 2016 by Alisa Sakamoto

by Justin da Rosa

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The Crown Corporation released its long-term economic and housing forecast Wednesday morning.
It expects housing starts to slowly decrease over the coming years.

“On an annual basis, housing starts are expected to range from 181,300 units to 192,300 units in 2016 and from 172,600 units to 183,000 units in 2017, a slight upward revision from our previous outlook, but a slowdown compared to 2015 when there were 195,535 starts,” CMHC said in the report.
Home sales, meanwhile, are expected to moderate or increase in 2016 over last year’s total and decrease next year.

“There were 505,673 Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) sales recorded in 2015,” CMHC said. “Sales are expected to range from 501,700 units to 525,400 units in 2016, but are expected to be in a lower range of 485,500 units to 508,400 units in 2017.”

The average Canadian home price is expected to continue to increase in the next two years, meaning CMHC doesn’t expect any sort of wide-scale correction.

“The average MLS® price is forecast to be between $474,200 and $495,800 in 2016 and between $479,300 and $501,100 in 2017. These levels are higher than the 2015 average price of $442,999,” CMHC said.

When assembling its outlook, CMHC said it looks at global as well as Canadian-specific economic conditions.

While the global economic growth is expected to slow this year before rebounding in 2016, CMHC predicts Canada’s growth is expected to accelerate in 2016, led by manufacturing exports and increased public spending.

Employment, however, is expected to increase to 7.2% this year before dropping to 7% in 2017.

“As the economy adjusts to lower oil prices and with the announcements of higher public spending, employment trends are projected to improve in 2017,” CMHC said.

Courtesy of:http://www.repmag.ca/news/cmhc-releases-q2-housing-market-outlook-207567.aspx

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1904 128 CORDOVA STREET, Downtown VW, Vancouver West, BC

Posted on May 17, 2016 by Alisa Sakamoto

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 1904 128 CORDOVA STREET, Downtown VW, Vancouver West, BC

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WOODWARDS - Gastown's most iconic landmark building by Westbank - a masterpiece in design! Unique & Modern 646sf 1 bed w/ Juliette balcony & one of the BEST floorplans w/ SPECTACULAR VIEWS of the water & mountains! Live in style w/ sleek contemporary finishings: polished stone counters, H/W floors, exposed concrete ceilings, s/s appl, deluxe shower & soaker tub! Access to world class amenities at Club W: in/outdoor lounge, gym, media room, expansive rooftop deck w/ hot tub & 360 city views! Maint fee includes Gas, Concierge, heat & internet. More than a home Woodwards gives you the metropolitan lifestyle! Conveniently located w/ Nesters, London Drugs & TD bank downstairs. Steps to shopping, entertainment & restaurants! Tenanted til Feb 2017 - PERFECT for an investor! OPEN 2-4PM MAY 21/22

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103 8655 JONES ROAD, Brighouse South, Richmond, BC

Posted on May 15, 2016 by Alisa Sakamoto

I just sold this Apartment at 103 8655 JONES ROAD, Brighouse South, Richmond, BC Brighouse South.

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View this recently sold Apartment or see all my home sales

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Can New Kitchen Appliances Increase the Value of Your Home?

109 5500 LYNAS LANE, Riverdale RI, Richmond, BC

Not-So-Obvious Reasons to Meet with a REALTOR®

Demand remains elevated across the Metro Vancouver housing market

6380 CHELMSFORD STREET, Granville, Richmond, BC

1203 1483 HOMER STREET, Yaletown, Vancouver West, BC

Understanding the new Assignment regulations

To protect yourself as a buyer in an assignment deal, make sure that:

319 3133 Riverwalk Ave, Champlain Heights, Vancouver, BC

47 6300 LONDON Road, Steveston South, Richmond, British Columbia

CMHC releases Q2 housing market outlook

1904 128 CORDOVA STREET, Downtown VW, Vancouver West, BC

103 8655 JONES ROAD, Brighouse South, Richmond, BC

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