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FUN THINGS TO DO WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Looking for something to do? Check out this list of RE/MAX participation and/or Sponsorship Events around the Lower Mainland! 
 

RICHMOND UPCOMING EVENTS

 Richmond Days of Summer Events including:

    1. Steveston Salmon Festival Parade Float – July 1st - 
    2. Ships to Shore – June 29th to July 1st – a string of sailing vessels tied to shore and open for your inspection and participation FOR FREE as part of the festival 
    3. Fifth Annual SOS Children’s Village Walk/Run – May 25 – Olympic Oval
    4. 55th Annual South Arm United Church Country Fair – September 15th – 21st – on the       parking lot of the United Church at No. 3 Road and Steveston Hwy 
    5. Richmond Relay for Life – June 14th – Richmond Oval
    6. Steveston Maritime Festival – August 8-10th  

       


      ADDITIONAL UPCOMING Events for 2014 (Lower Mainland)

      1.  Vancouver Transplant Trot held at Burnaby Lake Fields When: Sun April 13th 2014
      2. Spring Fling – June 14th 2014 – Hilton Vancouver Metrotown
      3. Maple Ridge Home Show Family Fun Fest at the Fairgrounds - Fri May 2 – Sun May 4th 2014
      4. Ladner May Days held at Memorial Park - Fri May 23 – Sun May 25th 2014
      5. Hyack International Parade – May 24th – 6th Street New Westminster + Hyack Festival
      6. SF Child Development Walk and Roll held at Beer Creek Park in Surrey - Sun June 1st 2014
      7. Langley Community Day held in Douglas Park - Sat June 21st 2014
      8. Pitt Meadows Day at Harris Rd Park - Sat June 7th 2014
      9. Marpole Days – June 7th – 990 West 59th, Vancouver
      10. Ladner Bandfest held at Memorial Park - Sat June 7 - Sun June 8th 2014
      11. 24 hour Relay – June 13 – 15 2014 - Swangard Stadium
      12. Envision Bandstand Birthday – June 14th 2014 – Memorial Peace Park
      13. Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life – June 20th 2014 – McLeod Park, Langley
      14. Walnut Grove Family Day – June 21th 2014 - WGSS Park – Langley
      15. Hillcrest Community Summer Festival – June 22, 2014 – Nat Baily Stadium
      16. Golden Spike Days at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody - June 27 – July 2nd 2014 
      17. Canada Day held at the Delta Museum - July 1st 2014
      18. Maple Ridge Canada Day held at Memorial Peace Park -Tues July 1st 2014
      19. Caribbean Festival held at Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge -Sat July 12 – Sun July 13th 2014
      20. Boundary Bay Airshow at the Boundary Bay Airport - Sat July 19th 2014
      21. North Fraser Airshow at the Pitt Meadows Airport - Sun July 20th 2014
      22. MR/PM Country Fair held at the Maple Ridge Fairgrounds -Sat July 26th to Sun July 27th 2014
      23. White Rock Sea Festival – August 1st – 3rd – White Rock beach in Semiahmoo
      24. Tsawwassen Sunfest at Winskill Park - Mon Aug 4th 2014
      25. National Bank Easter Seals Regatta at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club - Sat Aug 9th 2014
      26. Getifest – September 30th, 2014 – Memorial Peace Park
      27. Ridge Meadows River Days held at 24959 Alouette Rd - Mon Sept 29th 2014
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      As tax time approaches a reminder to all first time buyer; you may have a Tax credit available to you!

      You can claim an amount of $5,000 for the purchase of a qualifying home acquired in 2013, if both of the following apply:

      • you or your spouse or common-law partner acquired a qualifying home; and
      • you did not live in another home owned by you or your spouse or common-law partner in the year of acquisition or in any of the four preceding years (first-time home buyer).
      • Single family; strata; mobiles they all qualify.
      • Sample program applies for purchases to which assists those with disabilities.


        Watch the video -         First-time home buyers' tax credit    

      Source:  http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/rtrn/cmpltng/ddctns/lns360-390/369/menu-eng.html

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      April 2, 2014

      Home sale and listing activity continue to chart a steady path for the region’s housing market
       

      March home sales in Greater Vancouver outpaced last year’s total yet lagged the region’s historical average for the month.
       

      The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 2,641 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in March 2014. This represents a 12.5 per cent increase compared to the 2,347 sales recorded in March 2013, and a 4.4 per cent increase compared to the 2,530 sales in February 2014.
       

      Last month’s sales were 17.2 per cent below the 10-year sales average for March of 3,190.
       

      The sales-to-active-listings ratio currently sits at 18.2 per cent in Greater Vancouver, which is unchanged from last month.
       

      “We continue to see steady and stable market conditions across the Greater Vancouver housing market,” said Ray Harris, REBGV president. “There has been a consistent balance between home seller supply and home buyer demand in our marketplace over the last year.” 
       

      New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 5,281 in March. This represents a 9.1 per cent increase compared to the 4,839 new listings in March 2013 and a 12.4 per cent increase from the 4,700 new listings in February. Last month’s new listing count was 5.9 per cent below the region’s 10-year new listing average for the month.
       

      The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the Greater Vancouver MLS® is 14,472, a 6.4 per cent decline compared to March 2013 and a 7.9 per cent increase compared to February 2014.
       

      “Home prices in the region have experienced incremental gains in most areas and property types over the last 12 months,” Harris said. “It’s important to remember that this is a diverse marketplace and trends will vary depending on area and property type.”
       

      The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $615,200. This represents a 3.7 per cent increase compared to March 2013.
       

      Sales of detached properties in March 2014 reached 1,116, an increase of 19.6 per cent from the 933 detached sales recorded in March 2013, and a 5.7 per cent decrease from the 1,183 units sold in March 2012. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 4.2 per cent from March 2013 to $945,400.
       

      Sales of apartment properties reached 1,106 in March 2014, an increase of 12.6 per cent compared to the 982 sales in March 2013, and a 7.1 per cent decline compared to the 1,191 sales in March 2012. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 3.8 per cent from March 2013 to $375,800.
       

      Attached property sales in March 2014 totalled 419, a 3 per cent decline compared to the 432 sales in March 2013, and a 16.2 per cent decline from the 500 attached properties sold in March 2012. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 1.3 per cent between March 2013 and 2014 to $460,100. 

       
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      )
      NEWSFLASH


      March 4, 2014

      Home sales and listings continue to follow historical averages

      In the first two months of 2014, the Greater Vancouver housing market has maintained the steady pace set throughout 2013.

      The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 2,530 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February 2014. This represents a 40.8 per cent increase compared to the 1,797 sales recorded in February 2013, and a 43.8 per cent increase compared to the 1,760 sales in January 2014.

      Last month’s sales total mirrors the 10-year sales average for February of 2,547, with just 17 sales separating the two figures.

      The sales-to-active-listings ratio currently sits at 18.9 per cent in Greater Vancouver, a 4.9 per cent increase from last month.

      “Home buyer demand picked up in February, which is consistent with typical seasonal patterns in our housing market,” said Sandra Wyant, REBGV president.  “We typically see home buyers become more active in and around the spring months.”

      New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 4,700 in February. This represents a 2.8 per cent decline compared to the 4,833 new listings reported in February 2013 and a 12.1 per cent decline from the 5,345 new listings in January. Last month’s new listing count was 0.5 per cent below the region’s 10-year new listing average for the month.

      The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the Greater Vancouver MLS® is 13,412, a 9.3 per cent decline compared to February 2013 and a 6.4 per cent increase compared to January 2014.

      “With the market continuing to perform at a steady, balanced pace, it’s important for home sellers to ensure their homes are priced correctly for today’s conditions,” Wyant said.

      The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $609,100. This represents a 3.2 per cent increase compared to February 2013.

      Sales of detached properties in February 2014 reached 1,032, an increase of 46.6 per cent from the 704 detached sales recorded in February 2013, and a 6.3 per cent decrease from the 1,101 units sold in February 2012. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 3.5 per cent from February 2013 to $932,900.

      Sales of apartment properties reached 1,032 in February 2014, an increase of 35.8 per cent compared to the 760 sales in February 2013, and a 1.2 per cent increase compared to the 1,020 sales in February 2012. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 3.6 per cent from February 2013 to $373,300.

      Attached property sales in February 2014 totalled 466, an increase of 39.9 per cent compared to the 333 sales in February 2013, and a 9.9 per cent increase from the 424 attached properties sold in February 2012. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 0.6 per cent between February 2013 and 2014 to $458,300. 

      Download the complete stats package by clicking here. 
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      February 18, 2014
      Government reduces tax burden on first-time buyers
      First-time home buyers received welcome news in today’s provincial budget. Any REALTORS® currently working with first-time buyers will want to share this news with them as soon as possible.
      The government has announced, effective February 19, 2014, under the Property Transfer Tax (PTT) First-Time Home Buyers’ Exemption program, qualifying first-time buyers can buy a home worth up to $475,000. The previous threshold was $425,000.
      The partial exemption continues and will apply to homes valued between $475,000 and $500,000.
      With this change, the government estimates 1,700 additional first-time buyers will annually be eligible to save up to $7,500 in PTT when they buy their home.
      The government estimates this measure will cost $8 million in lost tax revenue each year.
      The Real Estate Board, together with BC Real Estate Association, has actively lobbied to make home ownership more affordable for first-time home buyers. This increase in the threshold clearly signals our efforts have paid off as in past years.
      In 2008, as a result of industry lobbying, the provincial government increased the threshold to $425,000 from $375,000.
      In 2005, the government increased the threshold to $325,000 from $275,000.
      The PTT is calculated at a rate of one per cent on the first $200,000 and two per cent on the remaining value of the purchase price.
      February 18, 2014

      Government reduces tax burden on first-time buyers

      First-time home buyers received welcome news in today’s provincial budget. Any REALTORS® currently working with first-time buyers will want to share this news with them as soon as possible.

      The government has announced, effective February 19, 2014, under the Property Transfer Tax (PTT) First-Time Home Buyers’ Exemption program, qualifying first-time buyers can buy a home worth up to $475,000. The previous threshold was $425,000.

      The partial exemption continues and will apply to homes valued between $475,000 and $500,000.
      With this change, the government estimates 1,700 additional first-time buyers will annually be eligible to save up to $7,500 in PTT when they buy their home.

      The government estimates this measure will cost $8 million in lost tax revenue each year.

      The Real Estate Board, together with BC Real Estate Association, has actively lobbied to make home ownership more affordable for first-time home buyers. This increase in the threshold clearly signals our efforts have paid off as in past years.

      In 2008, as a result of industry lobbying, the provincial government increased the threshold to $425,000 from $375,000.
      In 2005, the government increased the threshold to $325,000 from $275,000.

      The PTT is calculated at a rate of one per cent on the first $200,000 and two per cent on the remaining value of the purchase price.
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      NEWSFLASH

      Steady trends continue in the Greater Vancouver housing market
       

       

      VANCOUVER, BC. - February 4, 2014 - The first month of 2014 saw home sale and listing totals outpace historical averages in the Greater Vancouver housing market.

      The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 1,760 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January 2014. This represents a 30.3 per cent increase compared to the 1,351 sales recorded in January 2013, and a 9.9 per cent decline compared to the 1,953 sales in December 2013.

      Last month’s sales were 7.2 per cent above the 10-year sales average for the month.

      “The Greater Vancouver housing market has been in a balanced market for nearly a year. This has meant steady home sale and listing activity accompanied by stable home prices,” Sandra Wyant, REBGV president said.

      New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 5,345 in January. This represents a 4.2 per cent increase compared to the 5,128 new listings reported in January 2013.

      Last month’s new listing count was 17.7 per cent higher than the region’s 10-year new listing average for the month.

      The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the Greater Vancouver MLS® is 12,602, a 4.9 per cent decline compared to January 2013 and a nine per cent increase compared to December 2013.

      The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $606,800. This represents a 3.2 per cent increase compared to January 2013.

      With the sales-to-active-listings ratio at 14 per cent, the region remains in balanced market territory.

      “If you’re looking to sell your home in a balanced market, it’s critical that your list price is reflective of current market conditions,” Wyant said.

      Sales of detached properties in January 2014 reached 728, an increase of 34.3 per cent from the 542 detached sales recorded in January 2013, and a 10.5 per cent increase from the 659 units sold in January 2012. The benchmark price for a detached property in Greater Vancouver increased 3.2 per cent from January 2013 to $929,700.

      Sales of apartment properties reached 753 in January 2014, an increase of 30.7 per cent compared to the 576 sales in January 2013, and an increase of 14.6 per cent compared to the 657 sales in January 2012. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 3.7 per cent from January 2013 to $371,500.

      Attached property sales in January 2014 totalled 279, an increase of 19.7 per cent compared to the 233 sales in January 2013, and a 6.9 per cent increase from the 261 attached properties sold in January 2012. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 1.7 per cent between January 2013 and 2014 to $457,700. 

      Download the complete stats package by clicking here.  

       
      Courtesy of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver 

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      TOP 10 TIPS TO SUCCESSFUL HOME STAGING!


      Preparing your house for selling can be a daunting and overwhelming task whether you have lived in your home a few years or many. The longer you have lived in your home the more things you will have acquired. The intent of this Top 10 Tips for Successful Home Staging is to help you save TIME, MONEY and ENERGY.


      In preparing your house for selling you need to take a step back and have the mind set that this is no longer your home but your investment for your future. You want your home to have broad buyer appeal to your target market. Following these 10 Tips for Successful Home Staging will help you sell your house sooner and possibly for more money than if you did not prepare it for selling! Remember most people want to move into their new home without having to make updates to it.

      1. Curb Appeal 

      Stand back and view your home as if you were seeing it for the first time. This is the ‘first impression’ stage. Depending on the season you may want to have pots of colourful and attractive flowers to greet buyers; a clean and inviting door mat; new and shiny door handles and/or knockers; a freshly painted door.
        

      2. Declutter 

      Start your pre-pack as soon as possible. You need to decide what you are going to keep, give away,

      sell or throw away/recycle. Many clients will rent storage lockers or have pods delivered so they can start to clear out what is not going to make the house look good.

      3. Clean

      You would think this one is common sense but let me assure you, I wish it was so! A clean home translates into ‘They must have really cared for their home.” Use environmentally friendly cleaners where you can, for hard cleaning areas tsp is a good product. Bathrooms and kitchens must be sparkling clean at the very least.

      4. Depersonalize

      We know you love your family photos and your personal treasures and for living they are perfect. For selling pack them up carefully so you can showcase them in your new home. For selling you want buyers to focus on the best features of your home and not your personal things or collections.

      5. A neutral colour scheme is the way to go for selling.

      Choose only 3 colours or less to paint your house for selling. If you have an open floor plan then paint the main floor all the same colour. Bedrooms look good in light sage greens or warm blues like the new aqua.


      6. Highlight your home’s best architectural features

      Place your furniture in each room so that you have very obvious focal points that show off the home’s best selling features. For example, if you have a beautiful fireplace then place the furniture in a parallel grouping so that the eye is drawn to the fireplace.

      7. Decide on the function in each room

      If you were using your guest bedroom as your den for living, for selling turn it back into a bedroom with bedroom furniture in it. If you do not have the right furniture for each room consider renting it. There are more and more rental furnishing companies opening up every day. If you don’t want to rent then borrow.

      8. Lighting your home to its best advantage

      Spend money on new light fixtures in brushed nickel or stainless steel. Brass is out so don’t fight it. There are many low-cost lighting stores to select from so no excuses for having dated light fixtures.

      9. Window treatments that sell your home 

      The most popular on the market are the 2” faux woods in a white tone to go with your trim. Decorative side panels will do the trick if you need to add warmth and colour.

       

      10. Flooring needs special attention and is a good investment for updating the look of your home 



      Tile or linoleum is great for entranceways, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms; a good quality laminate or hardwood is perfect for living rooms and family rooms; bedrooms are attractive in a neutral carpet.

      By planning and budgeting you can get yourself to the “OPEN HOUSE READY” stage. 

      Remember that over 79% of prospective buyers have already checked you out through the MLS listings. Will they like what they see? 

      Happy Selling!
       

      Courtesy of http://www.remax-western.ca 

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      OPEN HOUSE Saturday, February 1st from 12:00pm -4:o0pm 

      Pier logo
      THE PIER, Steveston South
      SALES CENTRE @ 12235 No. 1 Road, Richmond

      Come visit me at our sales centre and learn more about The Pier at London Landing!


      pier

      The Pier at London Landing: A unique waterfront development on the South shore of the Fraser river. Two buildings house 76 unique centerpiece homes featuring open concept floor plans, spacious living areas, entertainment style kitchens/ dining areas, and many enjoy double garages and direct-access, semi-private elevators. Marvel at the spectacular river, farmland and mountain vistas from generous terraces and balconies with BBQ hook-ups and year-round climate comfort indoors thanks to centralized air conditioning and heating (Geo-exchange). Discovery Centre open 1pm-5pm Mon-Fri & 12pm-4pm Sat-Sun at 12235 No 1 Rd.

      Please come with any questions you may have. As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604.644.1044.

      Thanks!


      Alisa Sakamoto

      RE/MAX Westcoast 

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      I am proud to announce that I just received the RE/MAX Westcoast Rookie of the Year 2013 Award.  What a great start to the year!  Thank you to all my wonderful clients who helped and supported me along the way - couldn't have done it without you.  Can't wait to see what 2014 will bring! 

      Cheers!

      signature

      rookie of the year award

       
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      “Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.”
      -Franklin D. Roosevelt



       

      HAPPY NEW YEAR

      “Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.”
      -Franklin D. Roosevelt
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      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.