Liz Moras' Real Estate Blog

Cheating On Your Agent

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:18:43 -0600

With that eye catching title - who could resist?......Not I! :-) Sometimes we don't know until we walk a mile in someone else's shoes.......

Via Kristina Pratt, REALTOR® - GoshenRealtyGroup.com (St. Louis' Illinois Suburbs - RE/MAX Preferred Partners):

Everything was perfect. I had a first time buyer that was pre-approved and motivated to find their dream home. We spent countless hours together. He relied on my expertise and market knowledge, and I happily showed him house after house. We met for consultations.

Then we wrote two offers together. One finally got accepted, but the whole house inspection turned up sour, so we began the process over again. I thought everything was going great. Until the phone call...

John: "Hi, Kristina? This is John Doe. Did I sign anything with you saying I had to buy a house through you?"

Me : <stunned silence> "Umm, well not specifically. Why?"

John: "Well, I knew you had family obligations today so I was driving around on my own. I drove past one of the houses you e-mailed me, and I really really liked it. So, I called the agent on the sign. She came out right away and showed it to me. And you know, what? She told me I could actually get a better deal if I bought directly from her. We went straight to her office and wrote an offer and guess what? It got accepted by the sellers! Isn't that awesome? I just wanted to tell you thanks for all your hard work. I'll send you a Christmas present."

<click>

I felt like the wife that just found out her husband cheated on her. Did the buyer know any better? Probably not. He wasn't trying to keep me from getting a paycheck. He simply didn't know - because I didn't tell him any different. He thought I would be sincerely excited that he got the house he wanted. Did the agent know better? Probably, or he wouldn't have asked me if he had signed anything.

This was back in 2005, when I first got my license. Since then, I've found that I have to be the one to educate my buyers. Although I've still had a few buyers get cold feet, their financing falls apart, or they just flat out change their minds - I rarely have a buyer call the agent on the sign.

So how do you keep your buyer from straying? It's simple - just educate them about the process. If you don't focus on building a relationship with your buyer and explaining to them that they have responsibilties in the process too, who will? The answer is either no one or another agent. Remember, most buyers (especially first time buyers) don't know the inner workings of real estate. These are the five key points I tell all of my buyers.

1. Don't call the agent on the sign. I will do everything in my power to be available during the times that you need appointments, but I'll need some notice. If I can't show you homes at that time, my partner can.

2. I'm your advocate. I'm looking out for your best interests, and I want to get you the best deal. I'm on your side in this process and we are a team.

3. I don't get paid a salary, or per house I show. I only get paid when you buy a house.

4. I'm making a commitment to you to share my time, expertise and market knowledge. I need you to make a commitment to me that I am your agent. (After a few showings or when it's time to write the first offer, this is when I bring out the buyer's agency agreement.)

5. If we work together, we can have a successful outcome.

The key point is this - Never forget that although we do this every day, not everyone does. It may seem simple to us, but to others it's not. Help your buyers understand how the process works - it's not just for your benefit, but for theirs.
About the Author: Kristina Pratt is a REALTOR® with Goshen Realty Group at RE/MAX Preferred Partners in Edwardsville, Illinois. She and Nancy Milton help their customers buy and sell homes and investment properties in St. Louis' Illinois suburbs of Madison and St. Clair counties with special emphasis on the communities of Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Collinsville and Troy. For more information, visit their web site at http://www.GoshenRealtyGroup.com or e-mail Kristina@GoshenRealtyGroup.com

Should I Go Through Open Houses on My Own ?- After All I Know My Realtor is Busy and I Don't Want to Waste Their Time!

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:37:41 -0600

Should I Go Through Open Houses on My Own ?- After All I Know My Realtor is Busy and I Don't Want to Waste Their Time!

What is the Protocol involved in Looking at Open Houses?

1.) You're planning on looking at Open Houses this Weekend? If you're working with a Realtor - and planning on viewing the Open Houses on your own - Give them a Call and Let them Know. Don't assume they won't have time to go with you. If they can't this will give them the opportunity to call the Listing Realtors and let them know and make sure that they're o.k. (co-operating). You see some Realtors will not pay a Selling Commission to the Buyer's Agent if they first viewed the house during an Open while travelling Solo!

2.)The REALTOR® at the open house is acting as a host on behalf of the Seller. They may or may not be the Listing Realtor - they may just be Hosting it - in which case they are looking for new clients. So If you are working with a Realtor - please let them know in the beginning. That way if there are other people at the Open House they can focus their attention on them.

Also if you tell them right away they can let you know if they have any objections with you viewing your home without your Realtor. It's also a good idea to carry YOUR Realtor's business cards with you. Most Open House Realtors will Co-operate but it's good protocol to follow.

3.) If you're not working with a Realtor and are asked to asked sign a guest register before viewing the home, please do so. It is not uncommon for the Seller to want to have a record of who was viewing their home when they were not present.

4.) If you're working without a Realtor - and the Open House Realtor gives you the option of a guided tour or going through the home at your own leisure, feel free to go off on your own. But the Realtor might be able to point out features of the home you might otherwise miss looking on your own.

5.) Wear slip on shoes and remove them at the door. Don't bring food into the house. Don't bring your pets with you into the Open House.

6.) It's not really a good idea to share your negative opinions of the home while going through the open house. It's funny how walls have ears at the most inopportune times!

7.) The furniture belongs to the owner and is not part of the Purchase package so please don't open up their private dresser drawers etc.

8.) Probably not a good idea to use the bathroom at an Open House :-)

9.) If you have kids - keep them with you at all times. Don't let them play on furniture or run through the house unaccompanied.

10.) Grab a highlight sheet and business card from the Open House Realtor - and make notes ~ after seeing a few homes you'll forget which home had what!

*See something you like? Call your Realtor immediately! :-)

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.

Copyright © 2009 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. All information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive. It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Landmark Realty Chwk. Ltd..

You've Sold Your Home,The Contract is Signed Sealed and Delivered - Now What?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:42:02 -0600

You've found your New Home, the Contract is Signed Sealed and Delivered - Now What?

This is easy for me right now - because it's exactly what I'm doing. I've just sold MY house so...

First and Foremost Let's Review Closing costs - I'm sure this was brought up before -but perhaps you weren't ready to hear it yet.

- Property Transfer Tax

- GST if New Construction

- Legal Fees - $400-1200 (range) - this is when you want to get quotes from Notaries and Lawyers

- Pro-rated Strata Fees ( *If purchasing strata)

- Pro-rated House Taxes

- Moving Costs - Interview moving companies and get quotes

*Get your funds in order - even if it means lining up a line of credit to cover the extra incidentals - you don't want to come up short on Closing Day!

O.k. so Now That's Handled Let's .......

1. Get organized! - I like to take photos of all the rooms and all the walls of my New Home. That way I can sit down and figure out where I'll place my furniture and pictures etc. It also helps me decide what to keep and what to find a new home for.

2. Selling my home - helps me decide what to keep and what to get rid of. This might be a good time to get rid of those boxes you never unpacked after the last move! Get rid of what you don't want or use
will not only cut down on clutter in your new home, but also moving costs. If You have Time - Plan a Garage Sale and/or if you're savy that way do a Virtual Garage Sale.

3. Craig's List and Kijiji can be 2 of your best friends! You can list anything you want to sell for free.....barter for somethng you need - or purchase items you'll be needing - at a fraction of the cost you'd pay for new.

4. Once you've decided what you'll be getting rid of Call Canadian Diabetes, Big Brothers or Bibles For Missions (they'll even pick up furniture) and arrange for a pick up. If your move is more then 2 months away - I schedule two!

5.) Relocating or Moving because of your job? Keep your receipts - your expenses might be tax deductible or covered by your employer!

4. Shop around for movers, who will properly transport and handle your belongings. Some companies will send someone to give you a free estimate. Also many companies will provide you with free used mover's boxes if you ask! Don't forget to find out what their insurance policy is as well - just in case something gets broken or lost.

5. Don't forget the utilities - Just before you move into your new home, contact telephone, electric, gas, cable, garbage, water and any magazines or subscriptions you might have to either tell them that you are discontinuing service at your current residence, and have it transferred to your new home. It might be a good idea to have a one day overlap of services - so you don't end up at your new place moving in with flashlights!

6. Move valuables yourself - things like jewelry, legal documents, family photos, etc., are often irreplaceable and should be handled with care.

7. Pack an "open first" box - nothing like digging through 10 boxes to find those essential things you need as soon as you move in; ie. toiletries, cleaning supplies, a first aid kit, towels, linens, tools, etc. Packing these items in a box labeled "open first" will make things easier once you have moved.

8. Make home improvements before moving in - if you can swing it, making your home improvements, whether its painting, new flooring or more serious renovations, prior to moving in.

9. Leave pets and kids with friends
On moving day, you may want to consider leaving you pets and younger children with a friend, sitter or family member. it'll be a stress saver!.

10. Order Pizza or Chinese food and treat those helping you move - then kick back - have a bubble bath and enjoy! You did it!

~~~~

I'd be happy to add to the list - so let me know what I've missed! :-)

And also - for my American friends:

*With the estimated closing costs the new 2010 HUD GFE for the U.S. will help out buyers too.

(thanks Gary W)

* Remember to transfer your House Insurance Policy -

Heppy Birssdeh My deerest koozine

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:10:08 -0600

I wasn't going to do a post about my birthday today - it hasn't been the best of birthdays......but heck its hard to beat those birthdays of old when you we were 5 years old!

Or 5+1 like like last year A Year Ago Today - Fifty and the Big ONE....A Happy Birthday....

I did get a slew of wonderful birthday messages and well wishes today on Facebook though - and they did sweeten my day - thanks gang I love ya!

And Sylvie did do a great B-Day post for me :-) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LIZ MORAS - thank you friend! :-)

I didn't get the long awaited phone call from my daughter in England :-( but she did send flowers. My daughter from Toronto called and sent me some amazing colour changing mugs with family pics revealed in them as the mugs get hot) . It was my first birthday every without my girls...:-( However, I did have a nice dinner with my folks and son Chris - and I do know I'm blessed to have them still with me.

And i did get phone calls from cousins in Germany - and that was sweet.

Then tonight I got this email from my cousin Deb in Winnipeg - and I have to say it put a big smile on my face so I decided to share it - and maybe it'll make you smile too! :-)

Heppy birssdeh!

My deerest koozine,

I veesh you so heppy birssdeh!

Now you are vreal voman. You know about deh life. You know deh life is more den jest deh jum-busterd, or deh bol of straow berreese. You are vize. Evree vun hess to respekt you now!

So be heppy, heppy, heppy!
You are number vun!

End vee all vreelly luv you!
from coozine, Duda

So maybe our 'Special Day's' aren't always what we expect them to be. They're just something else. And something else is o.k. too :-)

p.s. can you guess which accent this is a play on? lol - think My Big Fat Greek Wedding - but not!

Thanks Deb for being my Windex! :-)

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.

So You Think You Want to Buy a Home? Here Are Some Helpful Tips

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:34:26 -0600

So You Think You Want to Buy A Home? Here Are Some Helpful tips

Although not a comprehensive list here are some tips.

1. Get preapproved for a mortgage. I know we like to leave this for later in the game. But do yourself a favor and do it first! Rather than guessing or estimating how much you can afford to spend, ask a lender or mortgage broker to pre-qualify you - and while you're at it - get him to give it to you in writing.(please note the pre-qualification guarantee will be good for 30-90 days and if you have not bought in that time frame you will need to get an extension or update on the guaranteed rate.

How is he going to come up with that dollar figure? Well it'll be a combination of your household income, how good your credit is, interest rates, the type of loan you select and how much cash you have ready for the down payment and closing costs. You might be surprised that the amount may be much more or much less than you think.

2. Home Surf -Aren't we lucky that these days we have access to so much information online? This is a great place to start. We find our buyers to be extremely savvy as to sale prices, trends and homes on the market. The more educated you are about what's happening the more empowered you'll feel!

3. Find 'Your Realtor'! - this is probably a good time to think about choosing a Realtor. See How Do I Find a Good Realtor?

4. To have or not to have - that is the question!

We always talk about lists -and for a reason! I always advise my clients to make up a list of Must Haves and Non-Negotiable. If there are two of you deciding, check and compare lists! You might be surprised that your top 3's are different! You can be a bit more objective if you decide this in advance - otherwise you just might find yourself making your decision based on emotion alone. It's too easy to fall in love with a home that doesn't meet your needs! Two years later you'll be shopping again - Good For Me - but not so good for You!

Here are a few things to consider.

Location Location Location. We've all heard that but what exactly does it mean and why is it so important?

- Your Commute - how long is your drive to work;

- How good and close are the schools;

- If you're a Senior is public transport important, how about hospitals?;

- How about shopping? - do you have to drive 30 min. drive to the nearest mall?

- What or who are your neighbours;

- What is the zoning in the surrounding area?

- Think Resale - you haven't bought yet - yet you're supposed to think resale? Yes - because you'll probably be doing that one day so it doesn't hurt to think ahead!

- Size - Square Footage - what is the range/size of home you're looking for?' There are skinny houses

and there are fat houses! :0

- How many Bedrooms - Bathrooms? Do you need an office, guest room, gym?

- Style of Home - Basement Entry - 2 level - Rancher - do you want the bedrooms all upstairs, do you prefer a one level with no stairs.....and do you need a basement? Maybe you'd rather have a townhome or condo?

- Age - do you prefer new, or do you like it to be 'broken in'.......do you like a fixer-upper - or do you want it to be in 'move-in' condition?

- Lot size - with our busy lifestyles these days not everyone wants a big yard anymore.

5. Use a checklist.You have no idea how easy it is to get confused - no matter how good your memory is!Make up a checklist a head of time - or ask your Realtor if they have one - you can find great ones online as well! I often advise my clients to take photos - (with the permission of the owner of course). Now you don't want to do that with each home -but do it with the contenders!

6. How Many Homes should we look at at one time? Probably no more then 5-6 at a time - even that might be pushing it in terms of remembering what you've seen and where! :-)

7. What to wear? Lace Ups? Not such a good idea. Give the heels a miss too. Be comfortable and maybe layer your clothing!

8. Can I bring my kids? What about my Dog? - Probably not a good idea - It's important to be able to concentrate on what you're viewing - plus - kids can find it confusing, disruptive and scary thinking about moving - and looking at house after house - not knowing where home may be.

9. Breathe...No point in getting so stressed that all the fun out of buying a home is gone! Try to keep some perspective on the whole thing.

10. Have Fun! If you're blessed to be in a position to own a home - enjoy the process - with a thankful heart! :-)

Copyright © 2009 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. All photos by Liz Moras ( except the one's I'm in!). All information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive. It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Landmark Realty Chwk. Ltd..

Advantages of Selling Your Home in the Winter

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:28:46 -0600

Perfect timing! I've had my clients asking me whether it's worth selling a home in the Winter/Christmas! And I always say yes! Is there a time your home looks more beautiful? What could be more motivated than a Buyer who's looking for homes during the holidays ? :-)

Via Chris Brown (Keller Williams Realty):

This time of year I always start to get the same question. Should I sell my house now or just wait until the spring when everyone else sells their houses? This seems like an obvious answer until you see a few key points.

1. It is too cold, no one wants to look at houses in the snow? In Knoxville, Tennessee, where I am from, we really do not get a lot of snow. As a matter of fact, we are lucky if we see any snow at all. Therefore this common hesitation doesn't apply to this area.

2. No one is looking for houses in the winter time. This is plainly not true. There may be less people looking to buy. However, the ones who are looking are more serious. There may be less property visits during the cold months but the ones who are willing to drag their realtor out in the winter must be pretty serious. Wouldn't you rather have less traffic if they are more serious buyers?

Another point is that with less inventory during this time of year means less competition. During the spring there are going to be a lot more homes to compete against. I would rather be a big fish in a smaller pond, than a small fish in a big pond full of other fish.

3. I can't decorate my house for Christmas. I disagree. I say, don't just put out your Christmas decorations, go all out. Make your home the best decorated house on the block. A house can look truly beautiful, warm, and inviting during the holidays. One very strong buyer desire is to be in the new home by Christmas. Last year I had four sales in December specifically for this reason. One of them actually closed on Christmas Eve to make good on my promise to get them in by Christmas.

Another idea would be to put some lights around the realtor's "for sale" sign too. Please make sure that your realtor replaces the holiday pictures in their marketing after the holidays. It looks nice while it is in season, but after that it just looks dated. More on that on point #5.

4. I like to invite friends over for holiday parties. I can't do that if my house is for sale. Are you kidding? This is the perfect opportunity to show off your home to a large group of people. Don't just invite a few people over, host the Christmas party. Your friends might not be in the market to buy a home, but you don't know who they know who might be in the market. It is estimated that most people know at least 150 people very well at any given time.

5. If we don't sell the house over the winter, it will appear stale in the spring. This might be true but there are tricks you can do to lessen the impact. The most effective change you can make is to adjust the price. If the house was listed all winter and it didn't sell, the chances are the price is too high. Have a price adjustment, even if it is just a small one. Also, update the pictures. Most likely the original pictures were taken with leafless trees and plants without flowers. Your house will look drastically different with some fresh blossoms and updated landscaping. Be sure to take the picture of the house from a different angle as well. Someone who saw your house a thousand times on the internet will be forced to pause and look at the house again in a fresh light.

6. That tax credit expired, it won't help me sell my house. Actually, congress decided to extend the tax credit through April. Not only did they extend it, but they opened it up to more people. If you wait until the spring you will miss this large group of buyers.

7. I'm still not convinced. I really need to sell but think we should wait until the spring. My final point is best illustrated with a story. In my past life I worked at a computer retail store. One day our general manager made a surprise visit to our store. He looked around our sales floor and then looked in our stock room. He proceeded to bring out boxes and boxes of inventory that we had in our stockroom that was not on the sales floor. "You can't sell, what your customers can't see!" If someone is not actively trying to sell your home, no one will know it is for sale, and no one will buy it.

These are just a few points to ponder as we head unto the winter months.

Chris Brown, Keller Williams Realty, Knoxville, TN - 865-694-5904
http://www.ChrisBrownRealty.com

You Think Your House is Worth WHAT?? Pricing Your Home to Sell

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:38:09 -0600

You Think Your House is Worth WHAT? Pricing Your Home to Sell

O.k., so you've looked on the Internet, you've checked the Real Estate Weekly - and you've talked to your Neighbors. You're pretty sure you know what you WANT your home to be worth. Next step? You call the Realtors in.

Everyone says you should interview 3 Realtors - so that's what you do! And sceptically you await their Verdicts! Does the highest Bid (because that's what it often is) win your Vote? Well it shouldn't and let me tell you why.

BUT Your neighbor's house just sold for XXXXX!

First of all, Realtors have access to the same information Online. By doing a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) they should be able to come very close to the Range of Your Home's Value. They will see which homes are currently Listed, those that will be in direct competition with Your Home; they will see which comparable homes have Sold recently; and they will ALSO see which homes have 'Expired'....(Listed But Not Sold). That's the Starting Point!

If you use a Local Realtor - which is what I Recommend- they'll also be able to take into consideration different factors about your neighborhood - like development, schools, safety, proximity to transport etc.

BUT Your House has been upgraded!

Now where no 2 homes are exactly alike - chances are we've seen most of the homes for sale in your area and have an inside view that you may not have seen. Even online photos won't give you a complete view of how these homes compare.

In many ways - it's the Buyer that ultimately determines the value of your home. A house is worth what somebody will pay for it. It's important to try and anticipate what MOST buyers will pay for it. If the price is too high - you may just end up remaining THAT Buyer! If your home should by some chance sell for more then the estimated value, remember the home still needs to be Appraised for the Buyer's Bank, and if it's overpriced it just may not!

BUT That's What INEEEEEEEED to Get for My Home!

There is the odd time that a home is unusual and there are not direct comparables, sometimes this requires a trial and error strategy where we have to gage potential buyer responses in order to fine tune the price.

Another factor is the current 'Real Estate market'. Is it a Buyer's market or a Seller's market - or is it balanced? What kind of standing inventory is in the market in your price range. These will all factor in to your pricing.

The value of a home can also be estimated in part by using the price per square foot calculation. But you do have to use a sliding scale of adjustment. The 'core' of the home is worth more then the peripheral square footage. ie. the price per sq. foot for a 1000 sq. foot rancher will be higher then that of a 3000 sq. ft. basement home.

Should you start higher - after all - you can always come down??? No! If you do that you should be charging your competitor a fee for helping them sell THEIR home!

Remember the most critical time for selling your home is in the first 30 days. Longer then that you can bet your bottom dollar, (and unfortunately that's probably what it will end up being) that the Buyer will be paying attention to your 'days on market' when making both their buying decision and price point!

How do you know if your house is priced right? Feedback! Your Realtor will be calling to get feedback on showings from both the Buyer and their Realtor. If you've had over 6 showings and have been on the market for 3 or so weeks that should give you some idea of what the market thinks. Unusual or high end homes could be the exception here though.

Sometimes the most important factor is YOUR motivation. How motivated are you to sell? I know a lot of Seller's like to tell us that 'they don't HAVE to sell'.......and in most cases that's true - you don't! But if you do want to sell your home call a Realtor that knows your market and will be honest with you - because that's what a professional does - they Help you Price Your Home to Sell!

Speechless Sunday - November Sunday

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:02:50 -0600

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 me a call! Meeting Your Real Estate Needs is My Number One Goal!

Liz Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack @ 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.

What's Your Commission? On Hiring a Realtor Based on their Fee

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:23:51 -0600

What's Your Commission? On Hiring a Realtor Based on their Fee...

I always say (oh well maybe somebody did say it before me) - if the Realtor cannot negotiate their own Commission then how are they going to negotiate the best price possible for your home? Negotiation skills. I would think, given a choice - you would want an aggressive negotiator, not someone that either doesn't believe in their own ability or the value of your home!

The question that begs to be asked is....Why do some Real Estate Agents offer Discounted Fees? Is it because they're the Good Guy? They just want to see more money in your pocket then theirs?

Well there could be a number of reasons:

- they feel that's the only way they can compete

- they have poor negotiation skills

- they have trouble justifying their own worth

- they're hoping to make up for it in volume

- the agent is desperate - any commission is better then no commission

- qualifications/experience of the Realtor

- you're willing to do the marketing instead

- they feel sorry for you

- they believe in pro bono

- having a sign on your lawn is more important then the commission

So let's do a little review.

Did you know that the commission the seller pays is split between the Selling Agent (the person with the buyer) and the Listing Agent (the person with the seller). So if the commission is 6% then typically 3% will go to the Selling Agent and 3% will go to Listing Agent. Sometimes we Realtors assume that you know that! However I'm pretty sure that some of you think we get the whole kit and caboodle!

Do you know that there are Real Estate Companies out there that Do Not put your home on The Mutiple Listing System (MLS)? They have this 'exclusivity' thing happening. They think that their paycheque might be a lot bigger if they do not have to co-operate and share their commission if they get to to List AND Sell your home. Be sure to ask them what portion of the commission you are paying will be going to the Selling Broker. How much longer do you think it will take to sell your home if it's only YOUR AGENT that's trying to sell it? I think I read somewhere that it's like 16:100 odds.

When looking at an MLS Listing - the Selling Agent can see the commission they will be paid. It may not show up on the Public Version - but that information is disclosed in the Realtor's version. Note: It's the Selling Agent that reviews the properties for sale in the MLS and most often choose those they deem appropriate for their buyer. Guess what? Herein lies the conundrum.

Now put yourself in the Selling Agent's shoes. You can sell House A or could sell House B. But house A will pay you $1,000, $4,000, $7,000 or MORE! You have mortgage payment, bills, & children to support. Which house would you like to sell?

Did you know that unlike Doctors, Lawyers and Government Employees - Realtors are not paid per hour. But we do take all the risk by putting our time & money into advertising YOUR property in order to get it sold. Chances are we also have an OFFICE cost, MLS Fees, Board Fees and more! Do you know that we only get paid if the Seller sells and the Buyer buys? If they don't our costs are not recovered.

So no - commission is not regulated - there is no set rate if you're selling your home - but it IS a good idea that the commission you're paying the Selling Realtor is in-line with the rest of the comparable houses on the market. Market slow? Well in that case you might even consider offering a greater sales commission or a sales bonus. You say WHAT??? But look at it this way. For every week/month your home doesn't sell - how much will THAT cost you? You get to choose!

Still think you'd like to go with a Discount Broker?

*Please note - this is not meant to suggest that the Commission fee charged is the only criteria - there are many, many different aspects to hiring the right Realtor. Please check out these posts:

How Do I Find a Good Realtor?

Is It Wrong to Work With More Then One Realtor?

Speaking of Statistics...What's the Difference Between Median Price and Average Price?

Don't Have a Site Survey - Title Insurance - Should You Get It?

How Do I Find a Good Realtor? From That Chilliwack Girl!

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:28:42 -0600

How do I Find a Good Realtor I Should Work With?

It's a common question - and perhaps not one always asked of THE Realtor - but definitely one discussed amongst the public! I just did a post - Is It Wrong to Work With More Then One Realtor? and one question begets another. It reminded me of a conversation I had recently.

I was working my mall shift at the Kiosk the other day ~ and chatting with a customer and she asked..."But How do I find the Good Realtor?".......And I thought to myself - the choice Must be confusing for people! If you don't have someone you know recommend one - and if you don't want to solely rely on the ads in the Real Estate Weekly what do you do?

Well I can tell you what you Don't Want to do! And that's choose on the basis of the Lowest Commission and Who Suggests the Highest Price for your home! But that's the subject of another post. This one is about what you Should Do!

Some people go for Experience - believing that is the KEY! And it could be - but brand new agents can be amazing as well. There's something about enthusiasm and thinking anything is possible - that can be pretty powerful!

I'm a big believer in Enthusiasm: When an agent shows excitement about your home it'll come through in every conversation whether it be on the phone - at an open house - or through their advertising! They'll be able to convince both Realtors and Customers to view the house but still make recommendations to show your home in it's best light!

Marketing has always been important ~ but these days a Web presence is critical! I believe one of the first things you should do is GOOGLE them. Google their name, their company and things like 'Your Town/Community Realtor' and see what comes up. Ask the Realtor if they BLOG, evaluate their Website (because of course they HAVE to have one)....Ask them to show you how they market other homes - that'll give you a pretty good clue! If you're not computer savy then ask a friend that is!

Find out where the Realtors advertise ~ Real Estate Newspapers have become passe in some communities so don't be surprised if they don't advertise in newspapers - but let them show you how they will market your property. In the same way Open Houses can be a good tool in some areas and yet not in others. So ask questions and ask why. Ultimately you want to get to the point where you trust the Realtor in their choice of marketing !

Communication: You want an agent that can tell you The Good, The Bad and the Ugly! A phone call after each showing is not too much to expect, nor is a monthly report outlining showings, ads placed, feedback, etc. You should be able to expect a return phone call within a few hours - but some Realtors don't work Weekends or evenings - so make sure you know what you can expect.

All that being said.......I find Intuition and 'Gut Feelings' can also be a powerful factor. You'll know if you feel uneasy about the potential association or if there's a mutual respect and camaraderie. My best advice? Research, Ask Questions And then go with your Gut Feeling!

Is It Wrong to Work With More Then One Realtor?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:43:00 -0600

Is It Wrong to Work With More Then One Realtor?

Home buyer: " Is it wrong to work with more then one Realtor at the same time? I'm trying to follow proper home-buying etiquette. My friends tell me it's O.k. as long as I keep track of which Realtor showed which property. That way, if you end up purchasing, the correct Realtor is compensated. I've not signed any exclusive contracts with any Realtor.

Is it OK as long as I make sure both Realtors realize I'm working with another agent as well? Some people have told me that Realtors know customers might be working with others, and it's not a big deal."

Isn't that a good question? As a Realtor, I definitely have a 'biased' perpective and answer to that question. But since the question involves 'working with a Realtor' - who better to answer it? :)

1.)Yes - if you're working with Realtor's in two different Cities - where each has their own area of expertise! Go ahead and Use 2 Different Realtors! As a matter of fact your local Realtor can probably refer you to a Realtor in the city you're moving to.

2.)If you are Selling Your Home and Buying again - it is possible to work with a Listing Agent to sell your home and a Buyer's Agent in the purchase of your new home. Often these 2 Realtors can even be a part of a team where they tag-team each other.

More importantly however, is the Buyer asking about this from a legal or moral/ethical perspective?

First of all I want to say that Real Estate Associations in each Province and State have their own rules. There used to be 'threshold' rights in British Columbia. This is where the Realtor who introduces you to the house - is the Realtor who gets the commission. However it's not so cut and dried anymore.

If you signed a Buyer's Agency Agreement - then you are under 'contract' to work with that and only that Realtor. If for some reason you choose not to - then your new Realtor may very well end up getting paid by YOU or not at all! And YOU will be breaching a contract to work with another agent. This can get ugly ... and no one wants "ugly" ...

However if you have No Contract - Let me Tell you You some Reasons Why it is NOT a good idea to work with more then One Realtor!

Home Buyers often call on signs and advertisements and talk with MANY real estate agents until they find a home that they want to buy ... and then just work with the listing agent to buy the home. Sometimes this is not a good idea, as the home buyer may not get the best deal if the listing agent is looking out for the best interest of the seller ... not the buyer.

Or the Buyer may work with several different Buyer Agents to see who will find them the best deal. This is ALSO not a very good idea for a couple reasons ...

1. First of all all Agents have the same access to the same homes for sale via the local MLS. They all have the potential of finding the "best deal".

However Agents only get paid when they successfully find a home for a home buyer ... and it closes. All the up front work of finding the home is done without pay and in good faith that the home buyer that they are working with is using them to represent them. If a home buyer is not disclosing that they are potentially working with other agents, then the Buyer Agent does not have the ability to fairly weigh out the situation and determine whether or not they want to work with that home buyer.

There Are some exceptions though:

If a home buyer wants to work with more than one agent (for whatever reason), the right thing to do is to NOT sign a Buyer Agency Agreement and to notify each agent of this decision.
If a home buyer is considering buying different types of property or different areas, they may consider hiring an "expert" for each area.
If you're still not sure and don't know if you will like being 'married' to just one agent - Consider signing a week long Buyer Agency agreement - If after that week, the agent is not a good fit, then the home buyer can move on and find a new agent. Win Win right?

Finding ONE agent to work with is generally going to be your best bet.

Wordless Wednesday - On the Other Side of the Fence

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:22:52 -0600

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 me a call! Meeting Your Real Estate Needs is My Number One Goal!

Liz Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack @ 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.

Don't Have a Site Survey - Title Insurance - Should You Get It?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:56:00 -0600

Don't Have a Site Survey? - Title Insurance - Should You Get It?

Why Do I need a Survey Certificate?

Well an up-to-date building location survey provides assurances as to the:

Location of the buildings in relation to the lot boundaries
Impact of any constraints on building location such as easements and right of ways
Dimensions of the property or the buildings
Existence of any encroachments onto the property
Existence of any encroachments by buildings on the property onto neighbouring properties

A survey is not required if you are purchasing a townhouse or apartment. If a "survey certificate" isn't readily available - you can opt out to purchase Title Insurance Instead... go to www.firstcanadiantitle.com.:-)

Title insurance protects the insured from title defects and survey defects. Most lenders will accept title insurance in lieu of a survey. Title insurance protects the lender against:

Fraud & Forgery

Impersonations

Forged documents

Title Defects

Unmarketability of title
Errors or omissions in the public registry
Unregistered easements (utility, pipeline, etc.)
Priority of other liens or encumbrances
Executions or court judgments
Undisclosed or missing heirs

Survey Problems

Errors in existing surveys, Real Property Reports or Building Loation Certificates
Encroachment(s) on a neighboring property, zoning setback violations or easements
No legal access to the property (right of way)
Municipal zoning and by-law infractions
Contravention of subdivision, development and other agreements :
Liens, encumbrances, or defects in the title to a property
Tax arrears
Defects that would have been revealed by an accurate, up-to-date survey
Forced removal of an existing structure, other than a boundary wall or fence
Work orders, zoning or set back non-compliance/deficiencey
Another party claiming an interest in the property
Fraud, forgery, duress, incometence, incapacity or impersonation
Unmarketability, which allows another person to refuse to perform a contract to purchase, lease or make a mortgage

Title insurance can be purchased for a one-time fee, payable when the property is purchased. Depending on the premium you pay, it protects your lender only, or both you and your lender.

A title insurance company issues the policy, and the policy remains in effect for as long as you own the property. Note that a new policy may be required if you change mortgage lenders.

For more information about title insurance, please visit the websites for some of Canada's major title insurance companies:

First Canadian Title Insurance - www.firstcanadiantitle.com
Stewart Title Guaranty Company - www.stewart.ca

Click here for premiums charged by First Canadian Title.

Also see:

How Do I Find a Good Realtor?

Is It Wrong to Work With More Then One Realtor?

Speaking of Statistics...What's the Difference Between Median Price and Average Price?

Don't Have a Site Survey - Title Insurance - Should You Get It?

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 me a call! Meeting Your Real Estate Needs is My Number One Goal!

Liz Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack @ 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.

Speaking of Statistics...What's the Difference Between Median Price and Average Price?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:34:24 -0600

Ever been confused by media reports of housing prices and the cost of home-ownership? The media usually report median or average prices without really explaining what that means. The news is always talkng about how housing is becoming less and less affordable and that the median price is climbing up like crazy everywhere. But what is a median price, why look at it and how it's different from average price?

Well the median home price is one of the most common measurements used to compare Real Estate prices in different markets, areas, and periods. It is said to be less biased than the mean (average) price since it is not as heavily influenced by a small number of very highly priced homes. A median is the price where 'half the homes sold for more and half sold for less.'

The median price however doesn't give any indication of the spread of these prices. Many properties are sold at much lower - and higher prices, of course - than the median price. Clear as mud eh?

Suppose we take 7 houses that were sold and sort their prices from lowest to highest (in thousands )

250, 252, 278, 286, 302, 325, 339

Median price here is 286, because it's in the middle of range - 3 prices are lower and 3 prices are higher than it.

The average price - Is where an average price is - the total dollar volume of homes sold for a particular period, divided by the number of properties sold.

Average prices are typically reported for the sales activity in a given area for a given month, quarter or year, and provide a snapshot of past activity.

To calculate average price we have to add up all of the prices and then divide by the number of houses, so that:

Average price = (250 + 252 + 278 + 286 + 302 + 325 + 339) / 7 = 290

However, average prices of properties sold in the past give only a limited indication of what housing inventory for sale is priced at today. What this shows basically is who rules the market in a certain place (suburb or area) at certain time (i.e. 3 or 6 months or a year): if there are more people buying expensive houses than cheap ones, it will go up, but if there are more people buying cheap property than expensive - it will go up.

You sort of have to know what housing is doing in a particular community to put these average prices into perspective.

So there you go!

Also see:

How Do I Find a Good Realtor?

Is It Wrong to Work With More Then One Realtor?

Don't Have a Site Survey - Title Insurance - Should You Get It?

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 me a call! Meeting Your Real Estate Needs is My Number One Goal!

Liz Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack @ 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.

Chilliwack Neighbourhoods - Promontory Houses for Sale

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:03:32 -0600

Chilliwack Neighbourhoods - Promontory Houses for Sale

For many THE place to live in Chilliwack is Promontory! There's something about living on a hilltop and having an extraordinary view of the valley.....the mountains....the patchwork quilt of the farmland surrounding you, the gorgeous sunsets And the twinkle of night lights.

An on top of that ~ Promontory has the most amazing selection of homes~

If you're looking ~ come check these out!

Promontory House for Sale

Promontory Townhomes and Condos for Sale

Promontory Lots for Sale

And then Call me!

Map of Promontory

If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Promontory, 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 Number One Goal is to help you with Your Real Estate Needs!

Interested in Purchasing Recreational Property in B.C.?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:48:48 -0600

Interested in purchasing a Recreational property in B.C.? Enjoy the beauty of our natural wonders......Check out these Four Hot Spots!

Harrison Hot Springs - !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 possesses the perfect blend of small town warmth, incredible natural beauty and absolutely endless outdoor adventure possibilities! Not to mention a perfect place to own a second home or waterfront property! Check Out: Interested in Buying a Home in Harrison Hot Springs, B.C.? The Sand Castle Capital of the World!

Map of Harrison

Kawkawa Lake is a gorgeous lake and community just outside of the City of Hope. It's about a 1.5 hour drive from Vancouver..and 30 minutes East of Chilliwack. Campgrounds, boat lunch and picnic areas...one of the best Kokanee fishing spots in the Lower Mainland all make this an idyllic place for your home away home! Looking for affordable Waterfront property or a Recreational Get-a-way? Look no further! Check out: Kawkawa Lake Hope, B.C. - Waterfront and Semi-Waterfront Properties for Sale.

Kawkawa Lake Map

Cultus Lake is one of my favorite places- 10 minutes from Chilliwack - its an easy mini-get-a-way. Even better - it's one of the few place left anywhere in the lower mainland or valley surrounding Vancouver - with affordable waterfront! Everything from cottage style, to villa's there's something sure to have you fall in love. Hiking, fishing, water-skiing, kayaking, you name it - its all here! Cultus Lake - Recreational & Waterfront Property Haven!

Cultus lake Map

Sunshine Valley - 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. Looking for a getaway tucked in the mountains and only minutes away from a Ski Resort? Check Out: Looking for Recreational Property? Winter Getaway? Minutes from Manning Park Ski Resort - It's Sunshine Valley, B.C.!

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

Sunshine Valley Map

If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Harrison Hot Springs, Kawkawa Lake,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 me a call! Meeting Your Real Estate Needs is My Number One Goal!

Liz Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack @ 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.

15th annual REALTORS® Care Blanket Drive - Chilliwack

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:22:13 -0600

15th annual REALTORS® Care Blanket Drive **November 30 - December 7, 2009. Every year, Lower Mainland REALTORS® organize a Blanket Drive to collect blankets and warm and/or waterproof clothing to help people in need stave off the winter cold and wet. Thousands of REALTORS® and members of the public generously donate to this worthwhile cause.

Greater Vancouver drop-off locations

Fraser Valley drop-off locations

Chilliwack drop-off locations

Blanket Drive recipient charities

Last year there were 75 REALTOR® volunteer coordinators and over 100 real estate offices across the Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver which served as drop-off locations to collect an astounding 4,000+ bags of blankets and clothing - bags the size of green garbage bags stuffed with donations.

In 2009, the Blanket Drive will run from Monday, November 30 to Monday, December 7.

Anyone can donate anytime during the campaign dates (during business hours) at one of 41 locations in the Fraser Valley .

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 me a call! Meeting Your Real Estate Needs is My Number One Goal!

Liz Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack @ 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.

I Need a Mortgage - Help! What are My Options? From That Chilliwack Girl!

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:39:57 -0600

You want to buy a house in Chilliwack and need a mortgage or want to remortgage your current home? Some people think their only option is to go to their local bank - preferably the one that already has their chequing account! However your options are much greater then that. Let's explore some of them :-)

1) Mortgage Lending Centres- are located in the larger metropolitan areas like Vancouver, and are used by the mortgage brokerage industry extensively. These types of lenders are policy and documentation driven with stringent policy standards. Rates are usually competitive.

2) Local Financial Institutions - these lenders are usually easier to deal with because they're local. These lenders are in a position to be more creative and are able to work with policy but are able to make exceptions within reasonable limits. They are also more in tune with the local markets and have the ability to approve those difficult deals without going to a head office.

3) Mortgage Investment Companies - these are large mortgage brokerage firms that manage and invest private funds on a large scale. They are easier to deal with however rates are usually higher and loan-to-values are usually much lower (75.0% or less) than the standard 80% through conventional sources. A good source when one does not qualify through the conventional lenders.

4) Private lenders - these are individuals that administer their own funds and use a mortgage broker to obtain/arrange their mortgages. All financing details are processed through the private investors notary or solicitor. Rates are established based on the clients circumstances but are within reason so that it is affordable to the borrower. Loan to value ratios are maintained at a very strict level of 75.0% or less depending on the deal. Brokerage fees are charged when private funding is used and these fees are payable to the mortgage broker and paid by the borrower from the mortgage proceeds.

Mortgage Brokers - can use any of the above resources and sometimes you'll find that the relationships they've developed within these various sources can help insure that you get get a better rate.

Remember! The posted Rate - is only the Posted Rate - typically you can negotiate, or competitively shop a better rate depending on your specific financial qualifications. But you do have to ask ~ in many instances you will not be offered the best rate available unless you ask!

What do These Mortgage Terms Mean?

*Amortization is the amount of time needed to reduce the loan to $0. A conventional mortgage is 25 years, but amortization can range anywhere from five to 35 years. The shorter the amortization, the higher your regular payments will be, but the less you'll pay in interest over the life of the loan. Generally, amortization is several mortgage term periods.

*The mortgage term is the period of time that the mortgage agreement is in effect. These typically run from six months to 10 years. At the end of the term, you will either repay the full mortgage amount, or the mortgage is renegotiated at then-current market rates and conditions.

*Another decision when deciding on a mortgage term is whether to have a fixed rate or a variable rate. With a variable-rate mortgage, the interest rate changes as the prime lending rate changes and they generally offer the lowest rates.

*With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate is set for the length of the mortgage term. Fixed rates, while slightly higher, offer you the security of knowing how much you'll pay in principal and interest on each regular mortgage payment.

Payment frequency. You can choose to make your mortgage payments monthly, semi-monthly (twice a month), bi-weekly (every two weeks) or weekly. The bi-weekly and weekly payments can be accelerated allowing you to reduce your mortgage principal more quickly.

A down payment - The amount of your own money that you use to buy your home - often expressed as a percentage of the purchase price.

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 me a call! Meeting Your Real Estate Needs is My Number One Goal!

Liz Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack @ 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.

Looking for Recreational Property? Winter Getaway? Minutes from Manning Park Ski Resort - It's Sunshine Valley, B.C.!

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:39:32 -0600

Sunshine Valley - 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. Looking for a getaway tucked in the mountains and only minutes away from a Ski Resort? Check Out: Sunshine Valley - Hope, B.C. - A Little Bit of Sunshine !

Love to hike, trailblaze, ski, skate and 4W Drive? Or maybe you're artistic and are looking for a hide-a-way?

Check these out:

Sunshine Valley Homes for Sale

Sunshine Valley Lots for Sale

Then Give me a Call!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Places to Stay in Sunshine Valley

Sunshine Valley B&B, Hope, BC - Fishing places around Sunshine ...

Billabong Lodge-Log Cabin For Rent-Sunshine Valley BC

Manning Park Ski Resort

If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Sunshine Valley, Harrison Hot Springs, 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.

Copyright © 2009 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved.All photos by Liz Moras. All information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive. It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Landmark Realty Chwk. Ltd..

Kawkawa Lake Hope, B.C. - Waterfront and Semi-Waterfront Properties for Sale

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:07:20 -0600

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

And...Kawkawa Lake Homes for Sale & Kawkawa Lake Lots for Sale

And then Call me!!

Passing on Inspections for New Construction?

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:05:23 -0600

Great Question and great info - This is a question that comes up again and again! Couldn't have put the right answer together more succinctly!

Via Peter Tamura (RE/MAX Executives):

We met with our clients for inspections in a home in Owasso, they had mentioned to me that some of their friends had wondered why they were investing in inspections on a new home.

The EMP inspector (electrical, mechanical & plumbing) discovered a leak in the shower pan that was leaking water into the adjacent room. He estimated that it would be a repair that could cost as much as $3,000 as the tile would have to be ripped out to do the repair. The builder who was also there was not happy but resigned to taking care of it prior to closing. It may seem reasonable to consider foregoing inspections on a new home, but it is always easier to get repairs negotiated and done prior to closing.

It's an example of being penny wise and pound foolish, we always recommend that clients get appropriate inspections. Happy house hunting, for more tips on searching for your dream home, contact us at 918-770-6999 or email at PTamura@TulsaRealtors.com

Thankful Thursday - God's Palette

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:32:52 -0600

Interested in Buying a Home in Harrison Hot Springs, B.C.? The Sand Castle Capital of the World!

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:08:28 -0600

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! Not to mention a perfect place to own a second home or waterfront property!

Also Check out....

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

Wordless Wednesday - Sand Gets in Your Eyes...

Thankful Thursday - God's Palette

Your Top 5 Best Bets for Things to Do in Chilliwack & The Surrounding Area, B.C. this Summer

Thinking of Buying? Come have a look at:

Harrison Hot Springs Lots For Sale

Harrison Hot Springs Homes For Sale

And then give me a call! :-)

If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Harrison Hot Springs, 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.

You're Never Beyond ~ Hope, B.C. ~ Properties

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:27:53 -0600

Hope, B.C. is a delightful little town 30 minutes East of Chilliwack and about 1.5 hrs east of Vancouver, set on the banks of the mighty Fraser and Coquihalla rivers. Famous as the home of the Rambo movies and the Hope Slide...and the Chainsaw Woodcarving Capital of the World! It also has the most affordable homes in the Valley!

Want to Know More About Hope? Check Out These Posts!

The Hope Slide - Canada's Largest Rock Slide, Hope, B.C.

The Mighty Fraser River - Beyond Hope - Hope, B.C.

Chainsaw Carving Capital of the World - Hope, B.C.

The Friendship Garden - Tashme Japanese Internment Camp - Hope, B.C.

Rambo Alive and Well 27 Year

Othello-Quintette Tunnels - Hope - B.C. - Journey Through the Old Kettle Valley Railway Tunnels

Map of Hope

Where to Stay?

Interested in Buying Property in Hope? Check out these links and call me!

Hope Homes For Sale

Hope Lots For Sale

The Evolution of Garrison Crossing - A Village Within a Village

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:49:34 -0600

For those of you that know me - you KNOW that I love Garrison! With such a unique blend of condos, townhomes, new and refurbished houses ~ this place oozes character! It satisfies my need for 'a little bit of this & a little bit of that'. This afternoon I took a drive through its streets and was charmed all over again. From young moms pushing strollers, children jumping on pogo sticks, seniors pruning in their gardens, to jocks jogging with their dogs....this wonderful community is a modern day Village!

You know you want to! Let me show you the Homes For Sale in Garrison!:-)

Garrison Houses For Sale

Garrison Condos and Townhomes

Previous Posts on Garrison Crossing:

Wordless Wednesday - The Fall of November

Garrison Village -Chilliwack - Live, Work, Shop and Play!

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