If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.     

I've sort of been glued to CBC and texting back and forth with my daughter all weekend.  Why?   Now with Rachel attending the University of Toronto - anything and everything that happens in and around Toronto holds some special interest for me.  The Riots in Toronto the last couple of days have had me and many others shaking their heads in dismay and shock.

Watching balaclavad youth (the Black Bloc - anarchist wannabes)  smashing storefronts, flipping mailboxes, flinging tomahawks and ice picks, and torching police cars while parading down the streets of Toronto, and the University of Toronto campus started me thinking about this whole 'freedom of speech' thing.  It's great that we live in a country where Freedom of Speech is possible - however earning the right to be heard is entirely another matter.

Whether you agree or not to having the government spend a billion or so dollars holding a G-8/20 Conference is one thing, but seriously do they think that the politicians and leaders are going to be sympathetic to their cause using this approach?  How about the small businesses who's storefronts just got trashed? 

Do you they think anonymity adds credence to their cause? We hear that a good portion of those arrested have been found to come from Montreal or from one of the other nether regions of Quebec and masquerading as  U of T students.  Who knows maybe  they're the same people who thought it fitting to riot in the streets of Montreal after their hockey team WON a playoff game? 

Do they really think this kind of behavior makes us sympathetic to their cause   Not so much.  I'm embarassed that in a country with so many freedoms and opportunities - a country that has welcomed people from all over the world to share in its wealth  -  a country that is rated as one of the 10 most desireable places in the world to live in - has people that think that this is an acceptable way to protest... And to top it off that we are such an adrenalin deprived society (????) that hundreds upon hundreds of bystanders are there with their digitals videoing the scene as if it was some vacation photo op - oblivious to the fact that torched vehicles can and do blow up - and ice picks can miss their mark. 

All I know is that my daughter on her way to work today, doing what she can trying to support herself through university, was stopped by the police - had her backpack searched - and was told not to wear black or red - lest she be confused with some of the rabble rousers.  O.k....

I don't know but somehow the fact that a select few feel that their right to Freedom of Expression supercede the rights of others for safety, security or even the right  to peacefully demonstrate, totally pisses me off.  Just sayng...

If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.     

Nestled between the towering Cascades in the Upper Fraser Valley is the small community of Agassiz.  Considered to be a part of the District of Kent, the Agassiz area  offers a lifestyle r where you can ski, fish, swim, cycle, hike, and golf all in one day, or visit the area's most popular attractions such as Harrison Hot Springs, Minter Gardens, the Trans-Canada Waterslides, or Dinotown. All of this just 15 minutes east of Chilliwack and 90 minutes east of Vancouver.  

 

Agassiz is als well known for its motocross at Agassiz Speedway and Agassiz Motocross.  Its smalll town atmosphere really shines at the annual Agassiz Fall Fair and Corn Festival, giving Agassize its well deserved title of Corn Capital of B.C.!

 

Harrison Lake and the Hot Springs have always been one of my favorite weekend destinations.  As a kid we used to go there for picnics and swimming, and my parents loved the Hot Springs for their therapeutic benefits.  Later I took my own kids  and their friends there for some fun in the sun.

Gorgeous pristine setting, warm lake surrounded by mountains; famous for its World Class Sandcastle Competitions, anual Art Festival and  and July 1st Fireworks celebrations, Harrison is only 90 minutes east of Vancouver and about 25 minutes east of Chilliwack. 

Whether you're looking for a weekend get-away or perhaps a retirement home, Harrison offers some gorgeous waterfront and waterview properties for sale. 

The Many Faces of Harrison

 Incredible sunsets...

Harrison Hot Springs Hotel

World Sandcastle Championships

Breathtaking Sunsets

 Check out these:

Harrison Homes for Sale

Harrison Mills Homes for Sale 

(as of June 19, 2010)

If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.     

If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.     

Looking for home in Chilliwack with a fabulous view? Promontory has long been a favorite location for those looking for a hilltop location.  With sweeping mountain views, Promontory is and a prime setting for watching those gorgeous sunsets. 

Promontory is a family oriented community composed mostly of newer developments and subdivisions.  There is usually a good selection of homes available for sale in a wide price range.

The area is also well known for its parks, and gorgeous walking trails.  Newer additions are a couple of strip malls, with restaurants and a variety of community services and bus service!y,

Looking for:

Homes for Sale in Promontory

Townhomes/Condos for Sale in Promontory

(As at June 19, 2010)

Schools:

Promontory Heights Community Elementary School

If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.     

Garrison Crossing ~ is without a doubt ~ one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Chilliwack.  Formerly the Canadian Forces Base, in 2001 Canada Lands Corporation purchased the 153 acres and when completed, the project will include over 1,500 residential housing units with a mix of new and refurbished single-family homes, new and restored townhouses, condominium apartments and its own retail village.

With gorgeous  tree-lined streets, parks and walkways and a newly rennovated Leisure Centre - the Garrison Crossing community is one of the most desirable residential neighbourhoods in the entire Fraser Valley.  Minutes to Cultus Lake, walking distance to the Vedder River and Rotary Trail ~ and boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants - its definitely the happening place.  If you're looking for a home in Chilliwack let me show you this gorgeous and unique community of Garrison Crossing!

Current listings for detached homes in Garrison Crossing.

Current listings for condos, townhomes and duplexes in Garrison Crossing.

Sales in the last 60 days for detached homes in Garrison Crossing.

Sales in the last 90 days for condos, townhomes and duplexes in Garrison Crossing.

(As at June 14, 2010)

 Check out Garrison's New Retail Plaza  

Also check out: 

Garrison Crossing - the Former Canadian Forces Base, Sardis - Chilliwack, B.C. - Where the Past Meets the Future

The Evolution of Garrison Crossing , Chilliwack - A Village Within ...

If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.     

Look for the perfect Big City get-a-way?  Head out to Cultus Lake, the closest provincial park east of downtown Vancouver (100 kms), for a breathtaking  park and resort area. Cultus Lake is a rather remarkable retreat with its crystal-clear waters shimmering off gently sloping sandy shores, beckoning to swimmers, sail-boarders, sailors, and water skiers alike.

Looking for adventure?  The ride of your life is waiting for you at the Cultus Lake Water Park, where radical rapids, blasting flash flood slides, relaxing whirlpools, water fountains and wading pools will thrill the young at heart.  From camping to hiking, trail riding on horseback or mountain bike, or maybe just taking a leisurely round or two at Cultus Lake's two excellent golf courses, there is so much to enjoy!.

 Maybe a weekend or week every summer is not enough for you?  Check out the properties for sale - and enjoy this treasure year around.  The closest affordable lakefront property is right here in the Fraser Valley - minutes from downtown Vancouver!

Interested in  Properties for Sale in Cultus Lake?

Book your Campsite at Cultus Lake

Also see:  Beautiful Cultus Lake - A Perfect Family Getaway - Chilliwack, B.C.

Read this great post by Seth Godin on How to buy a house and I thought you might find it helpful.
Actually, how to think about buying a house.

There are a lot of social pressure that infiltrate our expections when it comes to buying a house.  Can you think of any?  Don't you wish the Joneses would stop upgrading? :-)

For the longest time investing in a home was without a doubt one of the wisest investments you could make.  With the consistent rise in housing prices it wasn't difficult to buy into the coneptof buying as much house as you could get with as little money down as possible.  And to top it off it is one of the few financial invetments that does double duty according to Godin.

Just about everything else you buy typically depreciates, like cars and boys and other toys...but like homes, they often involve emotional buying decisions; you're making a statement, and building some temporary self-esteem.  The question is how big of a statement can you afford?

Stress and self-esteem issues can cloud your judgement and it can be difficult to be rational and pragmatic about one of the largest financial decisions you'll probably make in your life.

If you have a steady job, matching your mortgage to your income isn't unreasonable, however " if you are a freelancer, an entrepreneur or a big thinker, a mortgage can wipe you out. That's because the pressure to make your monthly nut is so big you won't take the risks and do the important work you need to do to actually get ahead.  When you have a choice between creating a sure-thing average piece of work or a riskier breakthrough, the mortgage might be just enough to persuade you to hold back." Interesting when you look at it that way isn't it?

We as Real estate brokers, by law, work for the seller, unless of course we have a Buyer's Agency agreement, in which case we work for the Buyer.  It's good to reflect on the role we play and how much of an influence we have on our clients, don't you think? 

A house can be a good investment, provide a foundation for your family and communitiy, however  maybe you should just pause and consider whether or not  you should buy more house than you can afford, even if the Joneses are.

If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.     

My Financial Planner sent me this - I think you'll find it interesting :-)

Sometime this year,  we taxpayers will receive an ' HST Compensation'' payment.

   This is indeed a very exciting program,  and I'll explain it by using a Q & A format:
     
   Q.  What is an 'HST Compensation' payment ?
   
   A.  It is money that the provincial government will send to taxpayers.
     
   Q..  Where will the government get this money ?
  
   A.  From taxpayers.
     
   Q.  So the government is giving me back my own money ?
  
   A.  Only a smidgen of it.
     
   Q.  What is the purpose of this payment ?
  
   A.  The plan is for you to use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set,  thus stimulating the economy.
     
   Q.  But isn't that stimulating the economy of China ?
   
   A.  Shut up.

      
   Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the economy by spending your compensation cheque wisely:              
  
       *  If you spend the stimulus money at Wal-Mart,  the money will go to China or Sri Lanka ....
     
       *  If you spend it on gasoline,  your money will go to the Arabs.
  
       *  If you purchase a computer,  it will go to India , Taiwan or China . 
     
       *  If you purchase fruit and vegetables,  it will go to Mexico , Honduras and Guatemala ...
    
       *  If you buy an efficient  car,  it will go to Japan or Korea .
  
       *  If  you purchase useless stuff,  it will go to Taiwan ..
 
       *  If you pay your credit cards off, or buy stock,  it will go
to management bonuses and they will hide it offshore.
  
   Instead,  keep the money in Canada by:
  
   1)  Spending it at yard sales,  or     
  
   2)  Going to hockey  games,  or   
  
   3)  Spending it on prostitutes,  or     
  
   4)  Beer or     
  
   5) Tattoos.
     
   (These are the only Canadian businesses still operating in Canada. )

   Conclusion:
  
   Go to a hockey game with a tattooed prostitute that you met at a yard
sale and drink beer all day !
   
   No need to thank me,  I'm just glad I could be of help.