Find Your Homes Value, House Values In Coquitlam,Port Coquitlam, Port Moody,Surrey.

"Housing market factors indicate stability in recent months" by Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 19:40:52 -0700

September home sales in Greater Vancouver were consistent with activity experienced in the preceding two months across most categories.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that the number of residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 2,220 in September 2010. This represents a 0.8 per cent increase compared to August 2010 and 37.6 per cent decline from the 3,559 sales in September 2009.
In comparison, last month's residential sales represent a 40.1 per cent increase over the 1,585 residential sales in September 2008, a 20 per cent decline compared to September 2007's 2,776 sales, and an 11.9 per cent decline compared to September 2006's 2,519 sales.
"We've seen fewer properties coming on to the market over the last three months. This trend, combined with the continued attraction of low interest rates, is likely having the effect of less downward pressure on home prices," Jake Moldowan, REBGV president said.
Since spring, housing prices in the region have trended slightly downward, with a decrease of 2.7 per cent compared to the all-time high reached in April when the MLSLinkR Housing Price Index (HPI) residential benchmark price was $593,419. The overall benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver over the last 12 months has increased 5.5 per cent to $577,174 in September 2010 from $547,092 in September 2009. The current price remains consistent with last month, rising just 0.1 per cent between August and September 2010.
Total active property listings posted on the Multiple Listing ServiceR (MLSR) in Greater Vancouver currently sit at 15,401, basically unchanged compared to last month and a 22 per cent increase from September 2009. Over the last three months, active listings in the region have declined12.3 per cent.
New residential property listings posted in September declined 17.6 per cent to 4,731 compared to September 2009 when 5,746 new units were listed.
"We saw signs of more stability in our marketplace last month than we have seen since spring based on a variety of indicators that we look at each month," Moldowan said. "At 56 days, it took, on average, three days less to sell a home in our region compared to August. This is the first month-over-month decline we've seen in this category since April."
Sales of detached properties in September 2010 reached 866, a decrease of 39.1 per cent from the 1,423 detached sales recorded in September 2009, and a 58.6 per cent increase from the 546 units sold in September 2008. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 6.7 per cent from September 2009 to $790,992.
Sales of apartment properties reached 971 in September 2010, a decline of 34.7 per cent compared to the 1,489 sales in September 2009, and an increase of 27.1 per cent compared to the 764 sales in September 2008.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 3.7 per cent from September 2009 to $388,373.
Attached property sales in September 2010 totalled 383, a decline of 40.1 per cent compared to the 647 sales in September 2009, and a 39.3 per cent increase from the 275 attached properties sold in September 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 5.2 per cent between September 2009 and 2010 to $490,385.

Raj Sharma
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3D digital theatres from Surrey, BC.

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 22:51:03 -0700

Bob Dominick a long time Surrey resident and President and CEO of Lightyear Digital Theatre is said to have acquired the legendary Charles Aidikoff Screening Room - @ 150 Rodeo Dr. in the heart of Beverly Hills.

Lightyear recently contributed $50,000 to a theater at SFU Surrey

A recent demonstration at SFU by Lightyear Digital showed how digitization of motion picture technology permits theaters to carry out enhanced and interactive educational programming.

Lightyear Digital Theatre is launching a roll out of unique high defination 3D digital theatres from Surrey, BC.

Compact Interactive Theatre (CIT), the business model adopted by Lightyear Digital (www.lightyeardigital.com) will blend live events, theater, screened media, and digital technology to open a whole new world of exceptional quality entertainment, education, information arts and culture.

Raj Sharma
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BC improves access to Foreign Immigration

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:33:37 -0700

BC improves access to Foreign Immigration : The demand for highly skilled graduates is rising in the province of British Columbia with over 95,000 jobs openings anticipated by 2020. Highly skilled labor is vital for the province to keep up in the future needs. One way of meeting this deed is attracting international post secondary students into the work force .

A three -year Pilot project by the province of B.C. will enable graduates from B.C. masters and PhD Programs. in natural , health, and applied science to apply for immigrant status before receiving or accepting a full time offer for employment eliminating the need to wait for a job offer. B.C. is well positioned to tap into this market as it has more foreign students per capita than any other province.

Other changes to this program known as PNP or Provincial Nominee Program, will expand opportunities to include foreign gradutates students with degrees or diplomas from an eligible institutions across Canada, extend the application deadline form one to two years and broaden the range of employment options that qualify candidates for resident status.

Employers will find these changes critical as this will give them opportunities to find new and talented employees.

Raj Sharma
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Burquitlam Development Approved

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:57:45 -0700

Coquitlam Council approved a development Permit for the rezoning of 500 block of Clarke Road. This is in anticipation of the Evergreen Line. Bosa Properties and Safeway have been working to make this project a reality.

The Mixed use high density project will include Two High Rises , Six townhouses, Three retail units and Grocery store.

View Larger Map

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Pitt Meadows First Municipality to ban Medical Marijuana.

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:14:32 -0700

Pitt Meadows has banned everything. In it's bylaws it has banned massage parlors, strip joints, X-rated video stores, nuclear power plants, hydroponic retail outlets, used car lots, including giant advertising icons on top of buildings. Now they are all set to ban medical marijuana production for personal use, despite the fact production of cannabis for medicinal purposes is legal, when sanctioned by Health Canada.

However, Individuals holding proper permits from Heath Canada can grow marijuana for medical consumption. Patients can obtain a permit from Health Canada allowing them to possess marijuana to alleviate symptoms associated with cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, severe arthritis and spinal cord injuries and disease. Health Canada also issues a separate permit required to grow the drug.

The bylaw is apparently not aimed at individuals who grew a few marijuana plants for personal medicinal use, rather it was aimed at third-party operations selling marijuana to patients, who did not grow their own.

Raj Sharma
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Port Moody Council Says 'No' to fire arms

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:45:55 -0700

Port Moody Council unanimously passed a bylaw amendment that prohibits retail sale and manufacturing of firearms and ammunitions, as Canada crime rate dips to below 17%.
Read more: http://www.thenownews.com/Port+Moody+shoots+down+firearms+licences/3301494/story.html#ixzz0uLbyZVNx

Raj Sharma
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How To Fill Out Any PDF Professionally - FREE!

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:43:55 -0700

This is an awsome tool to fill out pdfs. check it out. thank you Christianne For the post.

Via Christianne Gordon, REALTOR® e-PRO CDPE SFR Carson Valley Real Estate Specialist (Carson Valley Homes and Land - RE/MAX Realty Affiliates):

Do your Asset Managers or Sellers - or even Lenders - ever send you PDF's you need to complete and you think your handwriting isn't the prettiest?

Do you need to complete a FORM and you want to make 100% it is legible for a short sale package, BPO valuation company, or some other professional you are serving?

Look no further! It's FillAnyPDF.com to the rescue!

It's FAST! It's EASY! It's FREE!

First - Open your browser and visit FillAnyPDF.com.

Right in the center of the screen, you'll see where you upload your file. When you click Choose File, a dialog box opens and you can select your file. Then click Upload. The next screen you see is this:

The next screen you see is your form ready for type entry. Just click your cursor where you want to type and begin typing. I uploaded our internal commission disbursement PDF and it looks like this:

When you're done typing in the form, click Download at the top of the screen. This will download the form with all your typing on the form, and will give you a revised PDF with all the content.

FillAnyPDF.com has lots of neat features, including a highlight tool, a whiteout tool, a redaction tool, a freewrite tool, and you can change the size and color of the font you're typing with.

It's a very cool tool, and as we all are dealing with PDF's these days, it's nice to have a way to present your completed form in a professional way.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed my blog post, I invite you to connect with me on social networks, subscribe to my blog, and watch my videos?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

About The Author

Christianne Gordon, REALTOR®, CDPE, SFR is a Northern Nevada Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase or sale of real estate in Gardnerville, Minden, Genoa, Carson City, Dayton, and Reno/Sparks.

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
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Just Listed! Coquitlam Ranch Park 6BR Rancher w/Bsmt Suite

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:27:17 -0700

CLICK TO VIEW LISTING WEBSITE

Photo Gallery

Description and Features

Large rancher bungalow with fully finished 3 bedroom. Basement suite with large living area and kitchen. 3 bedroom on the main floor. very quiet, secluded neighbourhood with pleasant view scapes. Must see.

Bedrooms:	6
Bathrooms:	3
Parking Spaces:	4
Square Feet:	3100
Lot Size:	7005
Year Built:	1987
Floors:	2
MLS #:	V841071

Location

Click to view map: 3167 Pier Dr Coquitlam BC V3C 5S5

Links

Raj Sharma
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Keller Williams Elite Realty
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"Activity steady to start the summer season" by Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 20:23:49 -0700

The Greater Vancouver housing market experienced steady activity to begin the summer season. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 2,972 in June 2010, a decline of 30.2 per cent compared to the 4,259 sales in June 2009, which was the second highest selling June on record.

"Activity in June marked a healthy balance between the near record setting pace of June 2009 and the considerably slower activity witnessed in June 2008, a period of recession as we all know," Jake Moldowan, REBGV president said.

Compared to June 2008, last month's sales represent a 22.6 per cent increase over the 2,425 sales recorded that month, but are 30 per cent less than the 4,244 sales in June 2007. June 2010 sales also represent a 5.8 per cent decline compared to the previous month's sales totals.

"We didn't experience any record-breaking activity in June, but we did see a stable summer market," Moldowan said. "The number of new listings coming on the market is not as dramatic as we saw over the previous three months and demand remains at a healthy level for this traditionally quieter time of year."

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties totalled 5,544 in June 2010, a 3.2 per cent increase compared to June 2009 when 5,372 new units were listed, and a 21 per cent decline compared to May 2010 when 7,014 properties were added to the MLSR.

At 17,564, the total number of property listings on the MLSR increased 1.2 per cent in June compared to last month, and is up 32 per cent compared to this time last year.

"There has been less upward pressure on prices in our market the last few months, which has allowed prices to ease back from the record high numbers seen in April," Moldowan said.

Over the last 12 months, the overall MLSLinkR Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver increased 11.8 per cent to $580,237 from $518,855 in June 2009.

Sales of detached properties in June 2010 reached 1,139, a decrease of 31.7 per cent from the 1,667 detached sales recorded in June 2009 and a 24.1 per cent increase from the 918 units sold in June 2008. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 13.4 per cent from June 2009 to $795,025.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,258 in June 2010, a decline of 29.7 per cent compared to the 1,790 sales in June 2009 and an increase of 19 per cent compared to the 1,057 sales in June 2008.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 9.7 per cent from June 2009 to $391,528.

Attached property sales in June 2010 totalled 575, a decline of 28.3 per cent compared to the 802 sales in June 2009 and a 27.8 per cent increase from the 450 attached properties sold in June 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 11.6 per cent between June 2009 and 2010 to $492,861.

--From Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Stats June 2010

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
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Port Coquitlam Music in the Park (Lions Park) Every Sunday afternoon

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 13:30:37 -0700

Music in the Park is a series of free concerts held in Lions Park in Port Coquitlam, located off Shaughnessy Street and Lougheed highway.

There are picnic tables and a large playground, your little one will love it. (My little one loved to listen to the musice and watch the musicians play, then play in the playground... He enjoyed a lot last Sunday.)

Here is the schedule from Port Coquitlam City web site.

JULY 11
Singing Guitars
Masters of the Flamenco and Latin-American music, Singing Guitars' music fusion results in amazing masterpieces of sound and improvisation. The duo has performed at many venues and private parties and pro- vided musical accompaniment for flamenco dance companies, singers and dancers.

JULY 18
Ranj Singh & the Discriminators
Self taught guitarist/singer/songwriter Ranj Singh has devel- oped a new genre of music labelled "Indo- Folk". Raised in western Canada, Ranj has added a small taste of his roots from India to his western upbringing and created a fresh new sound. He has put together a new, diverse, and entertaining five piece band.

JULY 25
Heidi McCurdy With Urban Tribe Acoustic
Heidi has been a featured vocal-ist with Bittersweet, the Alexander Browne Orchestra and Johnny Ferreira and the Swing Machine, and a guest with Brick- house, Soul Stream, Jason Mitchell and Kia Kadiri. She has performed in Europe, the U.S.A., and Canada, including the Vancouver International Jazz Festival in 2005 (with Bittersweet). Her current backing band - Urban Tribe - consists of some of Vancouver's finest musicians, performing funky originals and jazz standards.

AUGUST 1
New Orleans Ale Stars
The New Orleans Ale Stars are a traditional jazz band based in Vancouver and formed in 2004 under the leadership of Australian multi-instrumentalist Simon Stribling. While the original vision was to play straight ahead in the New Orleans tradition, the Ale Stars can't help but pay tribute to the many masters in the field. Audiences love the energy of the Ale Stars, & there's always a mix of young & old, purist and adventurer, dancer and listener.

AUGUST 8
Sweet Pea Swing Band
The members of the Sweetpea Swing Band met for the first time in 2002. Since then the band's members have made it their mission to fan the embers of the jazz age to a flame that warms the hearts of listeners. Although the bands music is firmly rooted in traditional jazz, The Sweetpea Swing Band presents their music in a hip, modern style.

AUGUST 15
Company B Jazz Band
Company B Jazz Band, a Vancouver-based group in the style of the Andrews and Boswell Sisters, rouses crowds for dancing and smiles with their cheerful renditions of classic repertoire from the 1920s through 1940s (with a little bit of the ‘10s and ‘50s too!).

Be sure to also check out our Live @ Leigh Square series taking place in Leigh Square on Saturday afternoons.

AUGUST 22
Birds of Paradox
A collaborative formed 2007 to explore the fusion of composition and improvisation. The unique instrumentation - erhu/voice, guitars/effects, and tabla/alto saxophone, provides a wealth of textural possibilities for these versatile composer/performers. The traditional music of cultures are infinitely rich unto themselves - but the transformation and synthesis of these traditions into a contemporary expression of life in post-millennial Metro Vancouver for these artists.

AUGUST 29
Crossroads Hospice Showcase
A Music in the Park tradition, the Cross- roads showcase will host a number of talented singers, songwriters and performers from the popular Crossroads Coffeehouse held in Leigh Square.

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
E-Mail Us
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HST and Real Estate Other Rules

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:38:59 -0700

Property transfer tax (‘PTT')

How will the HST mesh with B.C.'s Property Transfer Tax? PTT is paid on the fair market value of a property being transferred. Today, GST payable is deducted from the fair ma~-<et value of a new home/ condominium in calculating PTT, to avoid paying tax (PTT) on tax (GST). Similar rules will govern the HST (Le. a property's fair market value would be lowered by the B.C. HST payable, in calculating the PTT).

Other HST rules

Builder contracts for new homes/condominiums must disclose (a) if the deal is subject to the B.C. HST, and (b) if so, does the price include the B.C. HST net of the B.C. new housing rebate. If inadequate or incomplete disclosure is made, the purchase price is deemed to include the B.C, HST (i.e. the builder is responsible for paying it). This arrangement is designed to provide certainty to both buyers and builders.

A separate set of transitional rules will govern the following situations (the scope of this newsletter does not allow a more detailed description of these transactions):

• Purchases of new homes on leased land

• Purchases of new mobile/modular homes and floating homes

• Purchases of qualifying shares in a housing co-op

• Construction of owner-built homes

• Construction of traditional apartment buildings and long-term care residential facilities

• Assignments and flips

Raj Sharma
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Keller Williams Elite Realty
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New residential rental property or Investor Rebate

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:13:20 -0700

New residential rental property or Investor Rebate

In 2000, the GST New Residential Rental Property Rebate (aka the GST Investor Rebate) was introduced for investors who buy or build new residential housing.

The HST will include a similar rebate, with the same monetary thresholds, tax rates and maximum rebate as the B.C, new housing rebate.

The B.C, HST investor rebate will also include the two 1-year qualifying conditions in the GST investor rebate program:

(a) landlords owning the property for a year; and

(b) the first tenant being 'reasonably expected' to occupy it for a year.

Due to these two qualifying conditions, builders can't credit investors/buyers with the GST investor rebate on closing. Instead, investors must pay the amount of the "lost rebate" to the builder as a closing adjustment, and apply to the Canada Revenue Agency after closing to recoup it. The same will apply under the B.C. HST.

Transitional rules

Three criteria determine whether B.C. HST is payable on the purchase of a new home/condominium:

a) When the contract was entered into (the key date being November 18, 2009);

b) When occupancy or ownership of the property is transferred (the key date being July 1, 2010);

c) What is being bought (a new home or a new condominium) .

Four scenarios are possible, each applying equally to owneroccupants and investor/buyers:

Description	New home	New Condo Unit
CONTRACT ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 18,2009; EITHER OCCUPANCY OR CLOSING BEFORE JULY 1,2010	NO HST	NO HST
CONTRACT ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 18, 2009; BOTH OCCUPANCY AND CLOSING AFTER JUNE 30,2010	NO HST	NO HST
CONTRACT AFTER NOVEMBER 18, 2009; OCCUPANCY OR CLOSING BEFORE JULY 1, 2010	NO HST	NO HST
CONTRACT AFTER NOVEMBER 18, 2009; BOTH OCCUPANCY AND CLOSING AFTER JUNE 30, 2010	BC HST applies. Buyers may be eligilbel for PST TRANSITIONAL HOUSING REBATES	BC HST applies. Buyers not eligilbel for PST Transitional housing rebate

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
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Everything you need to know about HST..well this is at least a start.

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:09:40 -0700

1. Residential Tenancies : Exempt from HST. i.e. Residential landlords can not claim HST .As a result landlords will face significantly higher cost under HST.

2. Realtor commission is subject to HST of 12%.

3. Mortgage broker Fee exempt form HST. so status quo applies, but I have heard Rumors of The government want to tax financial services. Hope it remains a rumor.

4.New homes are the ones Most Affected by HST. Get Ready here is the Big One.

As of July 1st 2010 12% TAX will be charged on the entire purchase price of any new home or condominium.

less any Applicable rebates.

This is how it is going to work or it is supposed to work. First remember the figure $525,00

Less than 350,000 : Full Federal (GST) New housing rebate (36% of the 5% of the price).

Full B.C HST new housing rebate (5% of price)(net tax is 2%)

From 350,000 to 450,000 : Phase Out federal New housing Rebate on the 5% price

Full B.C HST New Housing rebate applies

From 450,000 to 525,00: No Federal New housing Rebate

Full B.C. HST New Housing Rebate applies

Over 525,000 : No Federal (GST) New Housing Rebate.

26,250 B.C. HST New housing Rebate ( 5% of 525,000)

IN A NUTSHELL

For New Homes / Condos priced up to 525,000, 2 % net provincial HST will be payable.

For New Homes / Condos priced over 525,000 it will be 2% net HST on the first 525,000

and 7% on the portion over 525,000.

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
E-Mail Us
www.RealEstateRaj.ca

"May market offers buyers greater selection" by Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:38:01 -0700

The number of properties listed for sale in Greater Vancouver continued to rise in May, while the number of sales showed a year-over-year decrease.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 3,156 in May 2010, a decline of 10.4 per cent compared to the 3,524 sales in May 2009; 5.1 per cent more than the 3,002 sales in May 2008; and 27.1 per cent less than the 4,331 sales in May 2007. May 2010 sales also represent a 10.1 per cent decline compared to last month's sales.

In terms of number of property listings, last month marked the third consecutive month during which more than 7,000 homes were listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) in Greater Vancouver.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties totalled 7,014 in May 2010, a 48.2 per cent increase compared to May 2009 when 4,733 new units were listed, and an 8.3 per cent decline compared to April 2010 when 7,648 properties were added to the MLS®.
At 17,492, the total number of property listings on the MLS® increased 10 per cent in May compared to last month, and is up 28.2 per cent compared to this time last year.

"Prospective home buyers in today's market have a broad selection to choose from in every property type. REALTORS® are telling us they're working with buyers who are not feeling as rushed to make a decision as they did late last year and earlier in the year," Jake Moldowan, REBGV president said.

Over the last 12 months, the overall MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver increased 16.7 per cent to $590,662 from $506,201 in May 2009.

"It's important for those looking to buy or sell a home to remember that real estate is local and wise real estate decisions are made by those who understand current market conditions at the neighbourhood level," Moldowan said.

Sales of detached properties in May 2010 reached 1,256, a decrease of 10.4 per cent from the 1,402 detached sales recorded in May 2009 and a 4.4 per cent increase from the 1,203 units sold in May 2008. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 19.1 per cent from May 2009 to $810,175.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,354 in May 2010, a decline of 7.1 per cent compared to the 1,458 sales in May 2009 and an increase of 8.8 per cent compared to the 1,244 sales in May 2008.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 13.9 per cent from May 2009 to $398,783.

Attached property sales in May 2010 totalled 546, a decline of 17.8 per cent compared to the 664 sales in May 2009 and a 1.6 per cent decline from the 555 attached properties sold in May 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 14.8 per cent between May 2009 and 2010 to $500,339.

--From Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Stats May 2010

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
E-Mail Us
www.RealEstateRaj.ca

Metro Vancouver Summer Farmers market 2010

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Thu, 13 May 2010 18:47:31 -0700

It seems beautiful summer has begun, and Farmers market season has already started in some places too!

You will find local products which you usually don't see at the big stores. They are usually original, safe and healthy and environmentally friendly.

We shop at the major big stores for groceries to simplify our busy life, and forget or ignore that these kinds of product exist and available. Not only these products taste good and healthy, but you support local business and economy and our community by buying these products.

I love to go to the farmers markets, looking around, talking to venders about their produces....just fun!

Vancouver	East Vancouver (Trout Lake) North Parking Lot of John Hendry Park at Trout Lake	May 8 - October 23	Saturdays, 9am - 2pm
Vancouver	West End 1100 Block of Comox Street across from Nelson Park at Mole Hill	June 5 - October 23	Saturdays, 9am - 2pm
Vancouver	Main Street Station 1100 Block Station Street along Thornton Park across from the VIA Rail Station and near the Main St Skytrain Station	June 2 - September 29	Wednesdays, 3pm - 7pm
Vancouver	Kitsilano 2690 Larch Street at 10th Avenue, Parking Lot of Kitsilano Community Centre	May 23 - October 24	Sundays, 10am - 2pm
Burnaby	City HallParking Lot (Canada Way & Deer Lake Parkway)	May 1-October 30	Saturdays, 9am-2pm
New Westminster	Tipperary Park located at the end of 4th Street	June 10- October 7	Thursdays , 3pm to 7pm
Coquitlam	Dogwood Pavilion parking lot (Poirer and Winslow Streets)	May 10 - October 26	Sundays, 9am - 1pm
Port Moody(Mini Market)	Knowle Street (in front of the Port Moody Recreation Complex)	May 24 - October 25	Sundays, 10am - 2pm
Port Coquitlam	2253 Leigh Square (behind City Hall)	May 20 - September 16	Thursdays, 3pm - 7pm
Surrey	The North Surrey Recreation Centre Plaza (Surrey Central Skytrain)	June 16 - September 29	Wednesdays, 1pm - 6 pm

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
E-Mail Us
www.RealEstateRaj.ca

"Home buyer and seller activity increases in busy spring market" By Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Tue, 11 May 2010 02:36:38 -0700

The Greater Vancouver housing market experienced increased activity in April
thanks to a steady balance of home buyers and sellers entering the marketplace.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver
totalled 3,512 in April 2010, the fifth highest-selling April on record. The figure represents an increase of 18.5 per cent
compared to the 2,963 sales in April 2009; 9.1 per cent more than April 2008's 3,218 sales; and 3.7 per cent more than
April 2007's 3,387 sales. April 2010 sales also represent a 12 per cent increase compared to last month.
"We're in the midst of another strong spring season thanks to high levels of activity on both the buyer and seller side
of our market," Jake Moldowan, REBGV president said. "The number of homes coming on the market has increased
significantly in recent months, which is providing a healthy level of choice for those looking to buy during this busy
period."
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 7,648 in April 2010, a 64.5
per cent increase compared to April 2009 when 4,649 new units were listed, and a 9.2 per cent increase compared to
March 2010 when 7,004 properties were added to the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®).
At 15,901, the total number of property listings on the MLS® increased 17 per cent in April compared to last month,
and is up 11 per cent compared to this time last year.
Over the last 12 months, the MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in
Greater Vancouver increased 18.9 per cent to $593,419 from $499,021 in April 2009.
"It was at this time last year when home prices in our region began their recovery from the declines that occurred during
the recession period," Moldowan said.
Sales of detached properties in April 2010 reached 1,370, an increase of 15.1 per cent from the 1,190 detached sales
recorded in April 2009 and a six per cent increase from the 1,293 units sold in April 2008. The benchmark price for
detached properties increased 21.2 per cent from April 2009 to $818,403.
Sales of apartment properties reached 1,526 in April 2010, an increase of 29.4 per cent compared to the 1,179 sales
in April 2009 and an increase of 15.9 per cent compared to the 1,317 sales in April 2008.The benchmark price of an
apartment property increased 16.9 per cent from April 2009 to $397,779.
Attached property sales in April 2010 totalled 616, an increase of 3.7 per cent compared to the 594 sales in April 2009
and a 1.3 per cent increase from the 608 attached properties sold in April 2008. The benchmark price of an attached
unit increased 16.4 per cent between April 2009 and 2010 to $502,399.

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
E-Mail Us
www.RealEstateRaj.ca

Port Coquitlam May Day Celebration 2010

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Wed, 05 May 2010 18:59:41 -0700

The City of Port Coquitlam has been celebrating May Day since 1923. This year's celebration has already begun on last Friday, April 30th, and it continues till next Sunday, May 9th.

Fri. May 7th to Sun. May 9th, there will be amusement rides and games at Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex parking lot ($25).

Rotary May Day Parade starts at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 8th from Shaughnessy St. and Central Ave.

You can check Parade Route Map here : http://www.rotarymayday.ca/documents/map-2010.pdf

Enjoy the last day of the celebration at Mother's Day Picnic in Lions Park. There are pancake breakfast (8:30-10:30am) and a great burger and hot dog for lunch (11:00am-2:30pm) ($3 - $5) and some family oriented events.

This is the brochure:

http://www.portcoquitlam.ca/__shared/assets/2010MaydayBrochure_final8714.pdf

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
E-Mail
www.RealEstateRaj.ca

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
E-Mail Us
www.RealEstateRaj.ca

LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program Re-Opened

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Tue, 04 May 2010 18:45:51 -0700

Effective April 1, 2010, the Govern/ent of BC has re-opened LiveSmart BC incentive program that provides rebates for home energy upgrades completed before March 31, 2011.

You need to get home energy audit before you begin home improvements.
Contact a Certified Energy Advisor to assess your home.

You can find service organizations here
http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/new-home-improvement/contact-advisors.cfm?attr=4

These are samples of the incentives

Furnaces - high-efficiency gas or oil
Heat pumps - air-source heat pump which doubles as air conditioner
Central air conditioners replacement
Water heaters - condensing gas
Water heaters - tankless/instantaneous gas, condensing-type
Boilers - high-efficiency gas or oil
HRV - heat recovery ventilator
Solar hot water system
Insulation - Attic or roof, Exterior wall, Basement, Crawl space
Air sealing
Windows & doors replacement
Toilets replacement

Full list of eligible upgrades maximum rebate
http://www.livesmartbc.ca/attachments/LiveSmart.pdf

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
E-Mail
www.RealEstateRaj.ca

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
E-Mail Us
www.RealEstateRaj.ca

Choosing the right real estate agent

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Mon, 03 May 2010 18:26:35 -0700

The first question to be answered is : should you appoint a real estate agent at all?

The answer is undoubtedly yes!

Despite the wealth of information that is available from sources such as the Internet, there is no substitute for the detailed local knowledge and experience that a good broker will bring to you and you will find that in terms of convenience and your overall savings, your commission payment will be more than compensated. However with the recent real estate boom, there are a number of newcomers who have entered the profession and you should be careful in the selection. Here is what a good broker brings to the table:

-experience and local knowledge: a good broker will use his experience and knowledge to shortlist and show you the right kind of houses that fit your specifications and your budget.

Moreover, he is in a position to make valuable recommendations which you should heed if you are looking for the best value for your money.

-a network of local contacts: an experienced and highly regarded broker will have a wide network of contacts which will enable you to close the deal speedily and successfully. Buying a house is a complicated process and involves the services of a number of third parties and intermediaries all of which your broker can expedite.

-give you confidence: after all this is one of the biggest financial investments you going to undertake in your life and you need to have total faith and confidence in the person who is representing you, You will also need a professional who will brief you completely on the pros and cons so that you are fully informed when you exercise your judgement.

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
E-Mail Us
www.RealEstateRaj.ca

check the exterior look of your home to sell the house fast.

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 12:37:00 -0700

Are you planning to sell your home this spring & summer?

Spring real estate market is here. New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totaled 7,004 in March 2010. This represents a 60 % increase compared to March 2009, and a 52.1 % increase compared to February 2010 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®). (From Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Stats.

If you are selling your home this spring & summer, now check the exterior look of your home.

First impression is always very important. If they don't like the exterior of your home, you'll never get them inside. Buyers will notice how well you are taking care of your property and maintaining your house

Mow the lawn.

Paint faded window trim.

Trim your shrubs

Freshly paint or scrub the front door

Remove clutter from yard and porch

Get a handy man and get all the small jobs in the house done.

Keep the Garage Clean and Tidy.

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
E-Mail Us
www.RealEstateRaj.ca

First Time Home Buyers Guide to Port Moody Real Estate

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:34:36 -0700

The area: Port Moody is the smallest of the so-called Tri-Cities and though the term has never been clearly defined, it is generally taken to mean the cities of Port Moody, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam. It is located in the East End of the Burrard Inlet in Metro Vancouver and is bordered by Coquitlam to the east and the South and Burnaby on the west.Belcarra and Anmore villages lie to the north.

Surrounded by mountains, water, and plenty of greenery, Port Moody is rapidly being recognized as a major centre for high-quality housing. It's approximately 27,000 inhabitants whose income is above average to enjoy a relaxed smalltown lifestyle though the big city amenities offered by Vancouver are only 22 kilometres away.

The city received in 2004 a prestigious award from the UN International Awards for Liveable Communities in the category Planning for the Future. Also in 2004, the city adopted the official trademark "City of the Arts." It has long been a destination for the arts because of the beautiful surroundings and the affordable home prices and even today some eight percent of the population are employed in culture and the arts. Today it is a well developed creative community that is host to a number of festivals such as the Canadian Film Festival and facilities and The Port Moody Arts Centre offers local residents a wide variety of courses in photography and the fine arts.The city also offers exceptional outdoor facilities such as Rocky Point Park which offers a large number of facilities in 3.8 hectares of space and Bert Flinn Park which is 138 hectares of largely virgin parkland.Bert Flinn Park where there are a large number of old logging trails. is a paradise for mountain bikers and hikers

As befits a city which is virtually a suburb of Vancouver, it is extremely well-connected and the car ride to Vancouver takes about half an hour. The Barnett Highbury has been through a major widening and now provides an additional lane in each direction to handle rush-hour traffic. The West Coast Express commuter train provides quick transit excess to Vancouver and the proposed extension to the Sky Train will connect Port Moody to Vancouver, Coquitlam , New Westminster and Burnaby.

The local housing market: new houses are a feature of Port Moody and the table below shows the the Benchmark prices for typical property in the Tri-Cities. This comes from the Vancouver Real Estate Board's monthly statistics.

Benchmark Prices as at March 2010, Port Moody

Category Benchmark $ 1 Yr Change

Apartment $302,088 10.70%

Attached $401,747 13.60%

Detached $589,126 25.50%

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
E-Mail Us
www.RealEstateRaj.ca

Go Green and Save 10% of mortgage insurance premium!

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:49:12 -0700

BC Hydro rates have just went up, and are going to go up even more over next several years.

A Power Smart home is an energy-efficient home which saves 30% of energy usage (Gold Labeled home/EnerGuide rating over 80) than an average home in today's market.

When you buy a Power Smart home or make energy-saving renovations, not only you will save on Hydro Bill, also you may be eligible for a 10% refund on their mortgage loan insurance premium from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Here is the detail on CMHC site.

http://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/moloin/moloin_008.cfm#CP_JUMP_145088

Or, these are the tips to conserve energy and reduce your impact on the environment.

Top 10 tips

1. Get an energy audit and follow through with improvements

2. Draft Proof Your Home

3. Turn it off

4. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps

5. Install automatic lighting controls

6. Buy green electronics

7. Put a freeze on inefficient refrigeration

8. Use less energy to wash your laundry

9. Reuse and recycle old electronic equipment

10. Use less energy to dry your laundry

http://www.bchydro.com/guides_tips/green-your-home.html

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
E-Mail Us
www.RealEstateRaj.ca

A first-time home buyer’s guide to Fraser Valley real estate

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:35:53 -0700

Area: The Fraser Valley in south western British Columbia asked to that section of the Fraser River basin downstream of the Fraser Canyon. It is generally considered to commence at the town of Hope and the river then flows through the center of the Metro Vancouver region before reaching its end at Georgia Strait. When British Columbia and say "in the valley" they mean the region from Surrey and Coquitlam eastwards up to and including Chilliwack and Agassiz, about 80 km east of Vancouver.

This is one of the most fertile agricultural regions in British Columbia and has in addition the industrial and urban cities of Vancouver, Surrey, and Abbotsford. Ask the Fraser Valley are also referred to as the "Bible belt" of Canada and many of Canada's leading churches are represented here including the Mennonites and the Dutch Reformed Church which reflects the influence of the German and Dutch settlers.

The Fraser Valley real estate market: the local real estate markets are booming reflecting the rebound of real estate in 2009 from the low points of 2008. Results from the Multiple Listing Service (M. L. S.) of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) show a 148% increase in the sales of homes from 508 in December 2008 to 1260 in December 2009. Around 40% of these sales were believed to be made to first-time homebuyers as against 25% normally. Paul Penner, President of the FVREB, is of the opinion that the spurt in first-time home buying is due to confidence in the economic conditions as well as all-time low interest rates.

The MLSLink Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for detached homes was $497,732 in December 2009 compared to $464,189 in December 2008, an increase of 7.2 per cent. (The all-time high is $513,798 in May 2008). The benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses in December 2009 was $318,174 compared to $296,296 in December 2008 . A 7.4 per cent increase. (All-time high of $335,991 in May 2008.)

The benchmark price of apartments decreased by 0.3 per cent year-over-year going from $237,786 in December 2008 to $237,157 in December 2009.(All-time high of $260,037 in April 2008).

Tips for buying Fraser Valley real estate:

1) Spend some time investigating neighborhoods that you may like to live in as well as the kind of housing you prefer attached or detached. Also try and get a fix on prices in the neighborhood to see that they fit your budget. While you can gather information on your own using the Internet, it often makes sense to use a real estate agent to save yourself time and effort and to make sure that you obtain accurate information.

2) Select a real estate agent who knows the Fraser Valley area well. Consult with people who have good quality local information and use referrals in making your choice. Make sure that you execute a Buyers Agency Agreement which will entail a higher degree of responsibility to you on the part of the real estate agent.

3) In deciding on price, be serious about the offer that you make. You are only obliged to pay what you think the house is worth to you but be realistic if the seller is to take you seriously and back up your offer with a substantial deposit.

Above all don't let your emotions interfere with your judgment and arrive at your decision logically and in a businesslike fashion.

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
E-Mail Us
www.RealEstateRaj.ca

City of Surrey’s Economic Investment Action Plan

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:49:59 -0700

The City of Surrey continues to foster strong economic growth through capital investment and strategic partnerships, and focus on supporting the expansion and investment in clean technology industries, announced Mayor Dianne Watts in her State of the City Address.

Watts unveiled Phase 2 of the City of Surrey’s Economic Investment Action Plan. The new six-point plan will reinforce Surrey’s position as a premier investment location and leader in the sustainability sector.

“The recession has been a catalyst for change and we had to re-examine the way we conducted business,” added Watts. “With the lowest business taxes in the region, Surrey has always been a good place to invest. But, we want to make sure that we’re doing everything possible to encourage new job-creating investments. Surrey has taken a very proactive approach to strengthening our economy, and it’s paying off.”

In Phase 2, the City is implementing the multi-million dollar Build Surrey program, which features construction of the new City Centre Library and Surrey City Hall. The multi-year plan will see new capital projects, such as recreation centres, artificial turf fields, pedestrian and cycling trails, police and fire facilities, and new parkland developed across the city.

Phase 2 also includes the implementation of a Clean Energy Hub. The City will provide incentives to encourage clean technology companies to establish and grow in Surrey. These incentives include eliminating property taxes for three years, reducing building permit fees by 50%, and reducing the business license fee to $1 for the first three years of operation.

“Like our original economic investment zones, which were the first in B.C., our Clean Energy Hub is aimed at giving companies every reason to consider Surrey first,” says Watts.

To demonstrate its commitment to clean energy, the City will be undertaking a number of sustainable projects, including constructing a new biofuel facility, greening its vehicle fleet, building the region’s first Eco-Centre, developing a new Corporate Energy and Emissions Action Plan, and exploring the possibility of district heating.

In Phase 2, the City will focus on establishing Business Incubator Areas andCreating Strategic Partnerships. It will also work on Creating Efficiencies by reviewing regulations, processes and procedures, with a view to eliminating those that are antiquated.

The final component of Phase 2 is the Economic Investment Zone Extension. The incentives that were announced in 2009, and were designed to encourage investment in the City Centre and Bridgeview/South Westminster Economic Investment Zones, will be extended for an additional year through to March 31, 2011.

“There was a very positive response to the investment zones,” added Watts. “Currently, there are around 50 projects, worth approximately $1 billion, going through the approval process in our City Centre, and 12 of them qualify for the incentives.”

“Surrey is in strong financial shape with no debt and healthy financial reserves,” explained Watts. “Last year, we saw nearly $900 million in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional construction, almost $250 million more than predicted at the start of the year. And, this increased construction activity has carried into 2010.”

Emphasizing Surrey’s ability to shape its own future, Watts said TownShift, the international ideas competition launched by the City to help design and define Surrey’s town centres, attracted 138 entries from 21 countries.

“TownShift was an interesting international exercise where we looked across Canada and around the world for design ideas that we can incorporate here at home,” says Watts.

Concluding her State of the City Address, Watts thanked the volunteers and City staff who organized Surrey’s participation in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

“The 2010 Games left lasting community, business and generational legacies,” says Watts. “Our Celebration Site attracted over 300,000 people and reinforced the importance of Holland Park as our city’s downtown gathering place. And, our exclusive relationship with Right to Play allowed our 70,000 school children to participate in the Olympic experience and make a difference in global citizenry.”

Watts added that a section of the Whistler Athletes Village will be shipped to Surrey and turned into 52 units of seniors housing. And, Surrey’s Games Preparation Centre has become the new Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre.

“When we say ‘The Future Lives Here’, we mean it. It starts with innovative ideas and solutions that move us forward as a city,” says Watts. “Governments can and should be a catalyst for change. By working with the private sector, we can implement that change and build stronger communities.”

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
E-Mail Us
www.RealEstateRaj.ca

"Home sales activity strong through Olympic period" By Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

Raj Sharma (Keller Williams Elite Realty) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 02:14:14 -0700

The Greater Vancouver housing market continued to experience strong demand from homebuyers and an increase in total property listings in a month where the eyes of the world were focused on the region.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totaled 2,473 in February 2010, an increase of 67.1 per cent compared to February 2009 when 1,480 sales were recorded and a 28.6 per cent increase compared to the 1,923 sales recorded in January 2010.

More broadly, last month's sales totals marked a 7.6 per cent decline compared to the 2,676 sales recorded in February 2008 and were 13.5 per cent behind February 2007 when 2,859 residential sales were recorded on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) in Greater Vancouver.

Over the last 12 months, the MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver increased 19.7 per cent to $581,911 from $486,054 in February 2009. This price is 2.4 per cent above the previous high point in the market in May 2008 when the residential benchmark price sat at $568,411.

"We don't know at this point what long-term impact the Olympics will have on our housing market, but we do know that activity in our market remained steady through all of the excitement and distraction of the last few weeks," Scott Russell, REBGV president said.

"In February, for example, 110 sales were recorded on the MLS® in downtown Vancouver. That's higher than 2009 and slightly lower than the mid-2000s, which is consistent with data from the overall market. It's too soon to say whether that's an Olympic effect," Russell said.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 4,606 in February 2010. This

represents a 17.6 per cent increase compared to February 2009 when 3,916 new units were listed, and a 10.5 per cent decrease compared to January 2010 when 5,147 properties were listed on the MLS® in Greater Vancouver.

At 11,346, the total number of property listings on the MLS® increased 11 per cent in February compared to last month and declined 21 per cent from this time last year.

"Two months into 2010, we see the total number of homes listed for sale on the rise and demand in the market strong, but less frenzied than we saw in the latter part of 2009," Russell said.

Sales of detached properties increased 67.5 per cent in February 2010 to 983 from the 587 detached sales recorded during the same period in 2009. The benchmark price, as calculated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index®, for detached properties increased 22.5 per cent from February 2009 to $800,796. Sales of apartment properties in February 2010 increased 65.2 per cent to 1,074 compared to 650 sales in February 2009.

The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 17.3 per cent from February 2009 to $390,899.

Attached property sales in February 2010 are up 71.2 per cent to 416, compared with the 243 sales in February 2009. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 16.2 per cent between Februarys 2009 and 2010 to $495,496.

Raj Sharma
778-378-5055
Keller Williams Elite Realty
E-Mail Us
www.RealEstateRaj.ca