Liz Moras, Re/Max Chilliwack Realtor's Blog

See-Forever from Burnaby Mountain, Burnaby, B.C.

2008-08-30T01:12:02Z

See-forever views of mountain, ocean and city make this a digital-snapshot mecca! But that's just the staring point for 1,423 acres of carefully conserved west-coast nature comprised mainly of forested slopes radiating down from the mountaintop Simon Fraser University.

First logged in 1903, Burnaby Mountain became a popular hiking area in the 1920s. The city dedicated the area for park and recreation use in 1957. Simon Fraser University opened its doors in the mid-1960s; the university transferred 820 acres of its land to Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area in 1995.

As a young child I used to come here with my parents and brother and we used to roll out a blanket on the green hillside and set up base camp from where we picnicked, napped, tossed frisbees and flew kites.....And if you're into a fun workout there's an incredible network of forested hiking & jogging trails.

I find that there's nothing like the smell of a rose garden and the scent is intoxicating as you wonder through the Centennial Pavillion. And if you work up an appettite after the hike there's Horizon's Restaurant just a few steps away...Years ago it used to be called The Owl and the Oarsman.....and it used to be where my boyfriend and late husband to be worked while attending B.C.I.T....if I remember correctly (and I'm pretty sure I do :-) It has our own Mulhalland Drive........and the view was beautiful then too! And so was the scenery...:-)

There's also a field of First Nations' totem poles that stand as tribute to the legacy of our indigenous peoples. Equally towering are the unique Kamui Mintara (Playground of the Gods) sculptures - a collection of carved poles that commemorate the warm relationship between Burnaby and its sister city, Kushiro, Japan.

A focal point for conservation, Burnaby Mountain boasts such significant ecological assets as a mixed deciduous/coniferous forest, diverse fauna and birdlife (blacktail deer, bald eagles, etc.) and various creeks that provide critical habitats for fish and wildlife.

All in all it was beautiful visiting here again - like my visit to Simon Fraser University it had been almost 30 years since I was here last............lots of changes........but somethings never change, and the memories are forever....

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Call Liz at 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@shaw.ca. Be sure to check out Liz's website www.lizmoras.com and blog at www.lizmoras.activerain.com.

Sardis Park - A Walk in the Park - A Million Shades of Green - Chilliwack, B.C.

2008-08-29T23:34:08Z

A Walk in The Park .... Just a couple of hundred yards away I'm fortunate enough to have 5 hectares of park and pond right in my back yard! Not only does it have a perfect walking/jogging trail.........The Mute Swans live in the park year round Park gives a wonderful view and insight into the different species of wild fowl that make this their home. The Mute Swans live in the park year round.

These are different from the indigenous Trumpeter Swans, in that they were imported to our country many years ago, and have made Canada their permanent home. The park is also a winter sanctuary for many species of wild fowl that do not stay for the summer.

The pond is stocked with trout twice a year by the Ministry of Fisheries. Children under 16 years and Seniors, over 65, can fish without a permit year round.

Located on Manuel Rd this is a perfect place to come and visit children will love the wildlife and playing on the new playground equipment. But what I love most is the serenity of the pond, sitting and meditating......and taking photos of the million and one shades of green!

How lucky can I be?

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Call Liz at 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@shaw.ca. Be sure to check out Liz's website www.lizmoras.com and blog at www.lizmoras.activerain.com.

Simon Fraser University - Burnaby, B.C. - My Alma Mater - 27 years later

2008-08-29T22:09:32Z

On Tuesday, my daughter Rachel and I went back to my Alma Mater, Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, B.C. Rachel had just made the decision that that was her first choice for College next year, so we packed a lunch and went to explore!

It was my first time back after I'd graduated 27 year ago, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science... 27 years ago I had plans of being a lawyer...........I specialized in International Relations and Comparative Studies for Soviet and Eastern European Politics........In those days Simon Fraser was a hotbed of political activity and such an exciting time to be getting an education!s

But, like for many of us........life doesn't always take us down the paths we think it will...........insteadI got married............yaddayaddayadda.............and became a Realtor instead! :-)

So here I was with Rachel, who now plans on studying Law ( surprise, surprise....:-) and I get to live vicariously through her?

Well anyhow.....talk about time travelling - it was goosebump city. In those 2 hours I was back to being 20 again......I couldn't believe how little had changed in some ways.............my favorite pub, the school paper......the walk ways and corridors, the lunch rooms, the View , oh my word the gorgeous view!

Named after explorer Simon Fraser, SFU opened on September 9, 1965. Taking only 30 months to grow from the idea stage into an almost-completed campus with 2,500 students it was dubbed the "Instant University".

The University is named after Simon Fraser, Loyalist, fur-trader and explorer, who in 1808 completed one of the greatest journeys in the annals of Canadian history by descending the mighty river which today bears his name. The Fraser family coat of arms forms the basis of the University's coat of arms .

Old Coat of Arms....... New Coat of Arms..........

Notice the difference Why?

In January 1963 a report entitled Higher Education in British Columbia and a Plan for the Future, by Dr. J.B. Macdonald, recommended the creation of a new university in the Lower Mainland. Two months later the establishment of Simon Fraser University received formal assent in the British Columbia Legislature, and in May of the same year Dr. Gordon M. Shrum was appointed Chancellor.

From a variety of sites which were offered, the Chancellor recommended to the Provincial Government that the top of 1200 foot Burnaby Mountain be selected for the new university. Lying east of Vancouver, the site commands magnificent views of Burrard Inlet, the mountains, the Fraser River and Vancouver Harbour.

Architects were invited to compete in the design of the overall campus. The Vancouver firm of Erickson/Massey won the competition, and the four architects who had been runners-up in the competition each designed at least one building within the overall plan. The outstanding architecture has won many awards.

Construction began in the spring of 1964 and eighteen months later, on September 9, 1965, Simon Fraser University opened to 2,500 students.

Since those early years the University has grown substantially. In September 2007, 26,007 students were enrolled in courses. At the June 2007 Convocation ceremonies 4,071 credentials were conferred, while at the University's October Convocation, 2,342 students received their credentials.

Just over 40 years later SFU now has over 25,000 students and 90,000 alumni, and more than 700 tenure-track faculty. The original campus in Burnaby has grown into three vibrant campuses, including Vancouver (Downtown Campus) and Surrey (Fraser Valley Campus with more then 1,782 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled) and SFU's reputation has grown into one of innovative teaching, research, and community outreach. Simon Fraser has has gained an international reputation for its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences, as well as for its interdisciplinary and professional programs. It has been rated as Canada's best comprehensive university five times (1993, '96, '97, '98, and '00) in the annual rankings of Maclean's magazine and has consistently placed at, or near, the top of the publication's national evaluations.

Call Liz at 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@shaw.ca. Be sure to check out Liz's website www.lizmoras.com and blog at www.lizmoras.activerain.com.

The Other Zone - Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

2008-08-27T22:35:41Z

Ever had the experience of tackling some dreaded task only to end up feeling invigorated when its been completed? Ever end up so not wanting to go do some activity, or social event only to end up having the best time ever?

I can't even begin to tell you how many times thats happened to me! Whats that About? Think of all the things we just 'Don't want to do!" The funny thing is most of the time when I do something I really don't feel like doing, I come out wondering what it was that I was so worried about or what took me so long!

Something heady and invigorating transpires when you complete something you've avoided for so long......! There's the coolest sense of confidence and strength that can come from confronting the uncomfortable that we may even begin to look for other tasks we've been avoiding so that we can feel that same mix of excitement and completion.

I'm not sure whether we avoid stuff because we're scared or we think its going to bore us, or maybe we think it will force us outside of our 'comfort zone' into something we're just not ready for? So we put off and put off and in the end we just create more obstacles for ourselves!

On the other hand, facing the task at hand, 'activating your comfort zone'.....no matter how scary, can create a certain rhythm and flow in our lives and allows us to grow. The relief is visible when we stand on the other side knowing that we did something even though it was hard or we didn't want to do it.

We all have at least one thing in our life that never seems to get done. Putting it to the top of the list and promising ourselves that we will do it as soon as possible is an act that could liberate a tremendous amount of energy in our lives.

I recently came across this poem I'd saved some time ago.............its not mine and i'm sorry I don't know who wrote it but it still touches me...

The Zone

I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I'd never fail...

The same four walls and busywork were more like a jail.

I longed so much to do the things I'd never done before..

But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn't matter that I wasn't doing much...

I said I didn't care for things like commission cheques and such.

I claimed to be so busy with the things inside the Zone...

But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn't let my life go buy just watching others win...

I held my breath ; I stepped outside and let the change begin.

I took a step and with new strength I'd never felt before...

I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.

If you're in a comfort zone, and afraid to venture out..

Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.

A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true..

Reach for your future with a smile....success is waiting there for you!

Have you got a Dream you're scared you may never realize..........or even worse, scared you will? :-) Check back for Part II - Are Running Away from Your Dreams?

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Call Liz at 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@shaw.ca. Be sure to check out Liz's website www.lizmoras.com and blog at www.lizmoras.activerain.com

The Art of Complaining

2008-08-27T12:42:56Z

Who doesn't know someone who is a master at the art of complaining? Heck, maybe that someone we know is even us? Although sometimes its funny, more often then not is just plain exhausting.

Lets take my mother for example. She has the amazing ability to find a problem or downside to just about anything anywhere. Please don't get me wrong - she actually is a wonderfully caring person who worries about absolutely everything! I don't know if its cultural, generational or just her nature - but if you ever want a devil's advocate - she's the one!l

I guess depending on how you look at it, it could be viewed as the ability to see 'what's not working'..... whether it be in our own life of in the world in general. Unfortunately identifying the problem is only the first step .........the evolutionary step would be actually finding a solution to the problem and applying it! Sad to say most of us don't get that far and instead complaining becomes just a vicious circle and kind of a waste of energy.

When it comes right down to it, complaining is a person's way of saying they're 'not happy with things the way they are'. This can be a good thing - acknowledging that there's something 'not working' for them.......But to actually fulfill the process we need to create something new and different to replace what's not working!

The other thing about complaining is that there's a tendency to focus on whats wrong with other people. Concentrating and obsessing over something or someone we can't change really amounts to abdicating responsibility for something WE can change - like ourselves!

So when you find yourself yadda yadda'ing......which let's face it happens to all of us at times, perhaps the thing is not to beat ourselves up, but rather notice the 'mode' we're in - acknowledge it - maybe even but a time limit on it........For example when my kids were in the midst of a 'whine in'......I'd take the Egg Timer - turn it upside down - and say: "Go for it......you have 5 minutes - whine to your heart's content and then get on with it!"

Then its time to make some changes: We can get out of the mode of 'stinkin' thinkin' by actually looking for a way to make some changes.

An perhaps its not our neighbour's house so much that needs changing - but rather our own home that needs redecorating (so to speak...:-)

Now thats always fun isn't it? Time to get to work....:-)

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If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property in Chilliwack or the Fraser Valley Area of B.C., please give Liz Moras, Associate Broker & REALTOR® of Re/Max Nyda Realty, a call! Call Liz at 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@shaw.ca. Be sure to check out Liz's website www.lizmoras.com and blog at www.lizmoras.activerain.com.

FINTRAC - New Law Requires Real Estate Agents to Collect and Verify ID of Buyers and Sellers

2008-08-27T00:18:57Z

New Canadian Federal laws and regulations designed to prevent money laundering* and anti-terrorist financing went into effect June 23, 2008.

Its now required that all Canadian Realtors obtain proof of identity from all parties in any Real Estate transaction, even if one of the parties is not represented by a Real Estate agent. Realtors must also track the source of funds received during the course of a real estate transaction, such as the deposit. If the client is a corporation, corporate documentation and the names of the corporation directors must be provided and the corporation must disclose if a third party is involved in the transaction.

Some of you have already had to provide this information when purchasing a home - others are yet to have to go through the process-but I'm sure we can all appreciate why these measures have been taken.

"Real estate agents have had legal obligations under the federal government's push to prevent criminal activity and terrorism since 2001, when Canada's first comprehensive laws to combat money laundering and terrorist financing were introduced," says RAHB President, Ann Cosens. "Real estate agents were required to report only suspicious transactions or transactions involving more than $10,000 in cash."

These new regulations are part of federal legislation (Bill C-25) passed in 2007 that requires a number of industries, including real estate, to do more to help stop money laundering and terrorist financing. The regulations are enforced by the federal agency known as the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, or FINTRAC.

As part of the new rules, Realtors are required to keep all identification and the receipt of funds report on file for at least five years and provide it to FINTRAC. Realtors are also required to complete a report on the receipt of all funds received during a real estate transaction.

Also, under the new FINTRAC regulations, real estate agents dealing with clients they never meet must also verify identification. The broker office involved can do this with a service agreement with an agent or mandatary in the area where the client is located. The agent or mandatary must then meet the client, verify the identification of the client, and provide the information to the broker office handling the real estate transaction.

To comply with the new regulation, Iguess it will make Real Estate agents will need to get more acquainted with their clients. Which is a good thing right? :-)

* Definition of "Money Laundering" according to Wikipedia.....

Money laundering is the practice of engaging in financial transactions in order to conceal the identity, source, and/or destination of money, and is a main operation of the underground economy.

In the past, the term "money laundering" was applied only to financial transactions related to organized crime. Today its definition is often expanded by government regulators (such as the United States Office of the Comptroller of the Currency) to encompass any financial transaction which generates an asset or a value as the result of an illegal act, which may involve actions such as tax evasion or false accounting. As a result, the illegal activity of money laundering is now recognized as potentially practiced by individuals, small and large businesses, corrupt officials, members of organized crime (such as drug dealers or the Mafia), and even corrupt states, through a complex network of shell companies and trusts based in offshore tax havens. A few examples of money laundering are smurfing or kiting.

The increasing complexity of financial crime, the increasing recognized value of so-called "financial intelligence" (FININT) in combating transnational crime and terrorism, and the speculated impact of capital extracted from the legitimate economy has led to an increased prominence of money laundering in political, economic, and legal debate.

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If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property in Chilliwack or the Fraser Valley Area of B.C., please give Liz Moras, Associate Broker & REALTOR® of Re/Max Nyda Realty, a call! Call Liz at 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@shaw.ca. Be sure to check out Liz's website www.lizmoras.com and blog at www.lizmoras.activerain.com.

Permission to be Real....Really!

2008-08-26T11:49:34Z

Are you keeping it Real? Most of us are familiar with the idea of keeping it real and have an intuitive sense about what that means. Its no accident that the word Real is a part of how we define ourselves.. as Realtors and in our Real Estate transactions........don't you think? :-)........

Keeping it real is about....not hiding behind a mask to keep yourself safe from their fear of how you might be perceived. Real people don't present a false front in order to appear more perfect, more powerful, or more successful. People who keep it real present themselves as they truly are, the good parts and the parts most of us would rather hide, sharing their full selves with the people who are lucky enough to know them. The catch phrase often used these days for being "Real" is to be 'transparent'..........Are you transparent?

Isn't that what 'blogging' is all about? Not only are we trying to present our knowledge and professionalism..........which in essence has been what Websites have been all about - but Blogging takes us to a whole new platform..........For me its always been about showing the public, who we 'really' are......without the facade, the image, the flash............and giving them someone Real they can relate to and connect with!

Even companies are attempting to appeal to a new consumer sensibility -this desire for 'Authenticity'...There's a real buzz about being "Real"....Ever heard these taglines? Coca- Cola's "Real Thing,"

Bell South's "The Real Yellow Pages," and Wrangler's "Real. Comfortable. Jeans." Or CNN Headline News claims to offer "Real News. Real Fast," while Fox News counters with "Real Journalism. Fair and Balanced."

Coors touts itself as simply "Real Rocky Mountain Beer," while Milwaukee's Best bills itself as "Always Real. Always Smooth," and Bud Light weighs in with "Real Men". Or to bring it one step closer to home......"Realty One states in its advertisements, "It's The Real Thing. Real People Making Real Money at Realty One." Really?

According to Jim Gilmore and B. Joseph Pine II in their Experience Economy: Work Is Theatre & Every Business a Stage" (Harvard Business School Press) -CORRECTION & UPDATE - Joe Pine was great enough to send me an e-mail telling me I quoted the wrong book! It was their more recent book - * Authenticity: What Consumers Really Want* . Now you have two fantastic resources to check out! :-)

There used to be a time when cost was the key driver of consumer behavior and affordibility was the overriding factor....then it became more of an issue of quality good and service...Now Consumers are looking for experiences that engage them in a personal and memorable way - authentic experiences.

Being real is not always easy thing to do as we live in a culture that often shows us images of physical and material perfection. As a result, we all want to look younger, thinner, wealthier, and more successful. We are rewarded externally when we succeed at this asquerade...

But people who are Real remind us that whenever we feel that we need to be bigger, better, or more exciting, we send a message to ourselves that we are not enough. Meanwhile, people who are not trying to be something more than they are walk into a room and bring a feeling of ease, humor, and warmth with them. They acknowledge their wrinkles and laugh at their personal eccentricities without putting themselves down.

People like this inspire us to let go of our own defenses and relax for a moment in the truth of who we really are. In their presence, we feel safe enough to take off our masks and experience the freedom of not hiding behind a barrier.

Some of us may have to work a little harder to let go of our pretenses and share the beauty and humor of our Real selves. Our reward for taking such a risk is that as we do, we will attract and inspire others, giving them the permission to be real too. I'm thinking our Clients might appreciate it too?

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*I, too, love the blog post -- but you cited the wrong book! It is our more recent *Authenticity: What Consumers Really Want* not our prior *The Experience Economy: Work Is Theatre & Every Business a Stage*....

Joe Pine

Kawkawa Lake - Hope's Hidden Gem - B.C.

2008-08-23T20:12:45Z

Less then 2 hours east of Vancouver, nestled between the Cascade and Coastal mountains of Hope - lie the pristine blue waters of Kawkawa Lake.

Scattered around the shores of Kawkawa is a small community of lakefront cottages.........offering one of the last frontiers for affordable waterfront properties ....

This Day-Trippers haven offers so many activities include water skiing, tubing, swimming......a maze of wilderness hiking trails and you can even drop a line and fish for Kokanee (which can be 3.5 lbs and bigger!

The word Kawkawa is a poetic Native term that means 'much calling of loons.' Repeat it often enough and you'll get the picture.

Much of the shoreline is still wooded and free of development. Although during the summer months, especially the weekends, Kawkawa receives heavy use, fishermen and canoeists can find solitude in the cove near the southeast side as well as the northwest bay of the lake.

Visitors to the park often journey here as part of a visit to the Coquihalla Canyon Recreation Area and the Othello-Quintette Railway Tunnels, part of the Trans Canada Trail in the Coquihalla Canyon.

If you're thinking you might like a little cottage nestled on the lake...give me a call!

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46462 Uplands Rd - Chilliwack, B.C. - Development Property - Builders Alert - 1.19 Acres - $950,000 - For Sale

2008-08-23T19:13:39Z

Amazing 1.19 Acre Development Property with a spectacular view of Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley. Minutes away from major shopping and services......and set in Chilliwack's popular Promontory and amidst a Outdoor Recreational Mecca. Although this property is a contemporary 2000 sq. ft. custom build, with windows galore and certainly very rentable - ...this property's main value is as a Development Property. MLS H2804266

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If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property in Chilliwack or the Fraser Valley Area of B.C., please give Liz Moras, Associate Broker & REALTOR® of Re/Max Nyda Realty, a call! Call Liz at 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@shaw.ca. Be sure to check out Liz's website www.lizmoras.com and blog at www.lizmoras.activerain.com.

Its the End of Summer and You're Preparing to Sell? 10 Easy Tips

2008-08-22T22:47:24Z

Planning to put your home on the market...soon? Fall time seems to be a popular time for people to want to list their properties.......and the Fall Selling Season is fast approaching......what to do?...

Summer time for many is a time for weekends at the cottage,family picnics, going to the beach, or just enjoying life at a slower pace...

But if you start now.......you can get your house ready for showing at a pace you can control......with a few weeks of lead in ........it really is the perfect time to start doing the necessary improvements, preparations and start organizing your home!

With more selection on the market there is more competition among home sellers than there has been in the last few years.... its time to take stock and definitely put your home's best foot forward!

Some home sellers have their homes in pristine condition and looking like the cover of a Martha Stewart Magazine...but for most of us we need a little help in that area!

Times have changed, and the of multiple offers and homes with clutter, unsightly decor and green shag carpets should be over.....Until recently home sellers could get away with a lot because just about anything was selling.........For a few years now - Selling in a Seller's market has been a bit of a breeze and we've been spoiled. Clients used to say 'what do we need to do'.......and the answer was - probably nothing! There was so little inventory that everything was selling - and selling quickly. But not anymore!

I've always said, that a Realtor should put their own home on the market every few years, just to remind us what its like for 'Sellers'...........And so I did! My own home is currently for sale......and so I can speak not just from the perspective of a Realtor - but from that of a Home Owner! And I won't say that its not challenging...and my home really didn't need any major renno's or improvements......but here are a few tips if all you need is a general spiffing up!*

1.) Take advantage of the longer days of summer and leisurely start chipping away at your list of improvements well before your home goes on the market. You ARE doing improvements aren't you?? :-) If you do you'll avoid so much stress...tackle the big items first and then start focusing on the small touches that will make your home stand out from the rest!

2.) Go to your local movers and ask if you can have their used packing boxes. I refer my clients to these movers so I always get free boxes both for myself and my clients. While you're at it get some packing paper too!

Then I put a box in every room in the house - and start pulling out every thing that might be considered to 'clutter' for some people; photos, knick knacks, books, pictures etc.,I wrap it up, label it and then start stacking the boxes in a corner of the garage. Less clutter, less to clean and this way you'll be a quarter packed when you're ready to move!

3.)Rearrange some of your furniture - give your home 'flow' and make it easy to manoever.

4.)For Cleaning....Divide up your home into areas.........not just rooms, ie. Kitchen: 1. cupboards;stove;fridge;drawers.............Bedroom: bedding,dressers,walk-in;....For example if yoiu have 2 weeks in which you want to get your home ready and you can set aside 2 hours a day - divy up the chores.........you won't6.) be overwhelmed, and you'll be done in no time. Actually once you find yourself working your plan, you might even get on a roll and get way more done in a shorter period of time. This was my mom's tip - and i'll tell you - it will bring you down from 'overwhelm' to 'calm cool and in control'.........in no time! :-)

5.) Colour your world.......either wash your walls, paint your rooms, or touch them up....paint a feature wall and maybe add a little drama or 'ping' to your home...

6.) Buy some flowers - or cut them from your garden, candles etc......do a fruit arrangement - anything with a bit of whimsy...

7.)Light up your house! Open up all your blinds and window coverings - clean your windows.........and make sure all your light fixtures have lighbulbs in them and light it up!

8.) Pay special attention to your Entrance, Walk Way - and what we like to call your Curb Appeal! Mow your lawn, trip your tree branches, shrubs, clear your walkway.......and make your Entrance Sizzle......first impressions are so important.....

9.)If all this is a little more then you can handle...... hire a 'home stager'!........Seriously people for the few hundred that theycharge, you'll more then make up for it in the sale price of your home, not to mention the peace of mind and de-stressing effect it will have on you! Check out Active Rain......for a Home Stager near you - you'll be happy you did ! :-)

10.) Last but not Least - Hire a Realtor that you Connect With. Pick Someone that Sparkles with Enthusiasm and Prepares with Professionalism. Frankly...you have a lot of Realtors to Choose from.....choose the Best.

Choose the one thats Best for You! That doesn't necessarily mean the one with the Most Listings, the One with the Biggest Team, Your Aunt or your Best Friend's Friend.......Do some research...check the papers if you like.........but definitely check out their Website....Head for the Testimonials Page - and see what others have to say.......and for Heaven's Sake pick a Realtor that Blogs!

There is no better way to get to know how Professional - Knowlegeable - Respected - What their Values are - Their Hobbies - or about their Family - then to read about A Day in Their Life in a Blog!

*Not a complete list - now I couldn't tell all here could I? :-) For more tips - call - e-mail - or blog me! :-)

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If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property in Chilliwack or the Fraser Valley Area of B.C., please give Liz Moras, Associate Broker & REALTOR® of Re/Max Nyda Realty, a call! Call Liz at 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@shaw.ca. Be sure to check out Liz's website www.lizmoras.com and blog at www.lizmoras.activerain.com.

Harrison Hot Springs - Sandcastle Capital - Fraser Valley, B.C.

2008-08-21T21:30:11Z

Nestled against a mountain setting, and on the shores of one of our largest and most beautiful freshwater lakes, the Village of Harrison Hot Springs posseses the perfect blend of small town warmth, incredible natural beauty and absolutely endless outdoor adventure possibilities.

Only 1 1/2 hrs from downtown vancouver, this small village is one of British columbia's premier vacation destinations for mboth local and international visitors! Aside from the "hot springs" there are so many fabulous activities to do in and about the lake.

From kayaking to windsurfing, to boating, swimming, this warm-water lagoon is a great place to enjoy downtime. Theres a beautiful walk along the sandy shores, 4 golf courses within minutes of the lake and a ski hill less then an hour away.

The Harrison Hot springs Resort and Spa - is the focal point of the Beach area......luxurious rooms, the famous Copper Room Dining - with a fabulous seafood buffet.....the Jones Boys live band which has been playing at the Harrison for over 20 years...with formal ballroom dancing is the place to go in the Valley.......New Years and July 1st celebrations bring fireworks to the lake.....making it a perfect backdrop for a sparkling fete.

Gorgeous beach walks, wild mountain flowers, rock gardens.....

Although famous primarily for the Hot Springs and The International Sandcastle Festival (which warrants a Post of its own).......this is a daytrip, weekend, or vacation gem~

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If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property in Chilliwack or the Fraser Valley Area of B.C., please give Liz Moras, Associate Broker & REALTOR® of Re/Max Nyda Realty, a call! Call Liz at 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@shaw.ca. Be sure to check out Liz's website www.lizmoras.com and blog at www.lizmoras.activerain.com.

Sunshine Valley - Hope, B.C. - A Little Bit of Sunshine !

2008-08-19T02:47:17Z

A long time ago when I was going through a stressful time, a friend of mine gave me the keys to her getaway cabin............two days of weekend heaven, in what was then for me the unheard of Sunshine Valley! A sign marks the Valley as your heading from Hope (SV is located 19 km East of Hope) down the Hope Princeton Highway (or Crowsnest Hwy).......but for most of us it was a tiny blip on our radar and we drove right past it towards Manning Park Ski Resort or beyond.

Well I would like to say that weekend was fantastic........but despite the adorable cottage and pristine HEIDI like Alpine village setting....I was as sick as a dog the whole weekend, and for the most part didn't leave the bathroom...:-(

Fortunately I was allowed repeat visits.....and frankly I fell in love. So much in love that I ended up taking a job as the on site realtor broker for the Valley for a whole year! I moved up my three kids, rented an awesome Valley chalet and experienced one of those once in a lifetime...times of your life....

Our Back Deck.....

Hope Green is this Valley? :-)

Made daisy wreaths and pranced in the meadows....

We fished for Sockeye salmon in the Sumallo River......

During the winter this lake froze over and we'd take our skates and muffs and revelled in the Winter Wonderland!

Sunshine Valley Community Centre - indoor basketball, volleyball, party room......

Sunshine Valley Playground

Sunshine Valley has over 300 residential and recreational properties...and located only 2.5 hrs away from Vancouver...

Looking for a special mountain getaway minutes from Manning Ski Resort.......? Want to build your dream log home or chalet in an alpine wonderland? Give me a call.......I'd love to tell you about this 'almost secret' hideaway!

House for Sale - Check out by Blog - Alpine Delight - $329,900

Lot for Sale - Check out my Blog - Build Your Perfect Retreat in Cedar Village

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If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property in Chilliwack or the Fraser Valley Area of B.C., please give Liz Moras, Associate Broker & REALTOR® of Re/Max Nyda Realty, a call! Call Liz at 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@shaw.ca. Be sure to check out Liz's website www.lizmoras.com and blog at www.lizmoras.activerain.com.

Historic Stewart Farm - Crescent Beach - Surrey - Vancouver - B.C.

2008-08-17T23:02:41Z

On my way back from Point Roberts I decided to stop by one of my favorite places.... Crescent Beach - and on my way I passed the sign for The Historic Stewart Farm. I can't tell you how many times I've driven by there and never gone in! Always wanted to - meant to -.....but never did! So I did a U-E and...decided to explore!

Crescent Beach

Situated in Elgin Heritage Park on the banks of the Nicomekl River features a beautifully restored and furnished 1894 farmhouse, pole barn, root cellar and heirloom gardens and orchard in a lovely pastoral setting.

This farmhouse thrived as a hay farm for 60 years, but now it is a great representation of what life was like at the turn of the century. The farmhouse is a shining representation of Victorian rural architecture.

The adjacent Hooser Weaving Centre gives a terrific demonstration of the art of textile making, and houses a collection of spinning wheels and looms.

Visiting is like stepping back in time to the days of horse drawn farm tools, hand churned butter and wood stove cooking.

There are guided tours, demonstrations and special events offered year - round....by staff and volunteers dressed in Victorian-style costumes. Hmm and I was thinking - it would make a wonderful setting for a Wedding!

Closed Mondays and Statutory Holidays. Suggested admission: $2/adult, $1/student, 5 & Under: Free.
Address: 13723 Crescent Road Surrey BC Canada V4P 1J4
Phone: 1 604 502-6456

I had to add this photo of the bench - what caught my eye was the dedication on the bench which read... "To the World you may be One Person - But to One Person You are the World" - it really made me pause and reflect........frankly it hit me as being so poignantly true.......

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If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property in Chilliwack or the Fraser Valley Area of B.C., please give Liz Moras, Associate Broker & REALTOR® of Re/Max Nyda Realty, a call! Call Liz at 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@shaw.ca. Be sure to check out Liz's website www.lizmoras.com and blog at www.lizmoras.activerain.com.

My Blackberry Update ...

2008-08-16T21:55:13Z

For those of you who read my post on Why Blackberries are my Favorite....I just wanted to give you a quick little update.

First of all for all of you who sent Christopher Birthday wishes... - he says Thank you!

Chris' Rose Coloured Glasses :-)

It was a wonderful birthday celebration. I got up early Sunday morning........and started making a 50 page scrapbook for him .......I worked on it from 6 am and finished at 6 pm......minutes before everyone was arriving for dinner.

It was such a sentimental journey doing the scrap book......photo memories from his birth and every year after - 23 years! Sometimes I think doing these memory scrapbooks is more for me then it is for them! I've done them for my father's 70^th.....my best friend's 50^th...and so on ....One day I'd like to do one for myself...J

Anyhow it was so nostalgic........and like travelling back in time.......23 years, 50 pages and one box of Kleenex later I felt like I'd just given birth again.......but as a Retrospective.... it all started with my Blackberry Blog...the Blackberries were a trigger.......

a daisy chain of memories....

At any rate I wasn't sure if it was something he'd like - it was kind of ‘sucky doddo' (as my kids used to say...J).......But he loved it!

Chris looking at his 'scrapbook' with his grandparents in the background

I could see it was emotional for him too - going through the pages....anyhow dinner went well, we told stories...we hugged and kissed and finally said goodnite....then.........

My doorbell went again......hmm I thought - 11 pm was kind of late....as I opened the door there was Christopher standing with a huge bouquet of 23 multi-coloured roses (3 vases full) .......and he said: "Thank you for being my Mom for 23 years!".

I can't begin to tell you how I felt....I was moved and touched and really rather emotionally overwhelmed. His Birth Day turned out to be the best Mother's Day gift of all....:-)