Scott Leaf - Vancouver Suburbs, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam Realtor

River Springs are you going to Hire a Professional Realtor?

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:28:27 -0600

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

Welcome to the web portal for the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News, the community's leading newspaper. In addition to local news, features, sports and opinions, we invite your participation. Vote on our question of the week or send a letter to the editor. Please include name and address in letters, for verification purposes. (Street addresses and phone numbers are not published.) Check our hot spots section for links to local schools, district government and other community organizations. Please bookmark this site or make it your home page and we'll keep you in touch with Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

The District of Maple Ridge was incorporated September 12, 1874, it covered an area of 33,000 acres (130 km²) yet only had approximately 50 families living in the town. Maple Ridge is British Columbia's sixth-oldest municipality (after New Westminster, Victoria, Langley, Lake Cowichan, and Chilliwack). Until the expansion of Metro Vancouver (the GVRD) it was part of the now-defunct Dewdney-Alouette Regional District with the city of Pitt Meadows and District of Mission and other north-side communities east to Chehalis.

I's hard to beat living in River Springs. Nestled at the base of Burke Mountain in Coquitlam, residents here enjoy a standard of living that will remind you of days gone by. People going out for walks, neighbours acting neighbourly, there's a sense of saftey and security that makes it a great place to raise a family or retire in peace and quiet.

Situated on the shores of the mighty Fraser River and nestled against the Coast Mountains, Maple Ridge is a mecca of adventure for the outdoor enthusiast. Located 45 kilometers east of Vancouver, it is a progressive community well-known for its beautiful countryside and spectacular scenery. It is a community of urban sophistication that retains a sense of rural charm.

Are you going to Hire a Professional Realtor?

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:00:16 -0600

This is part of a new advertising campaign we will be running in December 2009 in the neighborhoods I work most often. A bit edgy, certainly eye catching and hopefully a bit provocative! No apologies either, what do you do for the money you charge and how well do you do it?

Don't do the tired old things others are doing! Be different!

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

It's Chia Pet Obama!

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:58:12 -0600

If the Turkey is the ubiquitous symbol for American Thanksgiving, then I would like to make a nomination for the symbol of Black Friday.

Yes Ladies and Gentlemen the symbol of entrepreneurialism, enterprise and shameless marketing is the Chia Pet!

Take the claims made here for Chia Barack, its Patriotic to display, it is a symbol of Liberty, Opportunity, Prosperity, & Hope.

Lets brake this down:

I can think of nothing more Patriotic then to display an earthen clay image of President Obama with a ridiculous coif of curly green hair, it's right up there with The Flag.
It trully is a symbol of Liberty to display this item because in many countries in the world you would be ridiculed or shot for displaying this bad taste.
The glorious Opportunity to market this product may have been missed as the bloom slowly fades on the Obama Rose but how many crappy clay figurines do you need to sell to make a buck? Not too many I suppose, and they are emblazened with Yes We Can! which is not only an Obama slogan but a subliminal motivator for Chia Sales.
Prosperity can also not be argued against, if you are prosperous and have money to burn Chia Barack is definitely for you!
And the Hope of Joseph Enterprises, the marketing genius behind the Chia franchise, is that this product will gain popular acceptance and be more then just a Gag Gift or an adornment for the coffee table in Trailer Parks across America.

Happy Black Friday, shop your brains out and enjoy this over the top advertisement for Chia Barack (if you havnt already seen it!)

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

Pitt Lake British Columbia Web Cam from the Pitt River Lodge

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:30:18 -0600

The Pitt Lake Web Cam is located at the Pitt River Lodge which is at the very North end of the real estate at Pitt Lake BC near the upper Pitt River where it flows into the lake on the waterfront. The main part of the Pitt River runs in the trees a few hundred feet away, the mountains in the background on the right are over 2500 feet tall, and on a clear evening you can see the Mamquam Glacier, at 8500 feet tall, near the tall Fir tree on the left. Fishing in BC try fishing in Canada's number one fishing destination, the Pitt River Lodge. We are the only lodge on the Upper Pitt River and live in this remote location year round. The most successful method to fish and see the wildlife the Pitt River has to offer is by the Lodge's guided raft trips: silent, stealthy and relaxing. Considered one of the greatest fishing rivers in the World, the Pitt River Lodge is just the place to use to help you take advantage of this. Check out their web site Pitt River Lodge.

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your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

Twilight Saga: Eclipse being filmed in and around Maple Ridge, British Columbia

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:46:46 -0600

It's official, the biggest thing since Harry Potter, the Twilight Saga is filming the second instalment Eclipse in and around the Lower Mainland of British Columbia in the suburbs of Vancouver.

I spotted the "Forks Washington" Police Cruisers in storage, probably near an unidentified set in downtown Maple Ridge earlier this week and have been on the look out for one of the actual sets ever since. If i got my 8 & 10 year old daughters on set of Eclipse I would be the coolest Dad in the World for at least the rest of the year in my girls eyes.

A movie set cropped up in the Maple Ridge real estate neighborhood of Albion which looked suspiciously like Eclipse, non-descript without the usual set arrow signs with a name on them. My spider senses told me this might be a way to keep the young girls away from the set. So I pulled up, video camera in hand, and this is what happened:

In reality there is nothing Forks Washington in Eclipse, this may have not been an actual set for the Movie in Maple Ridge but some of the known sets have been located in:

Belcarra Regional Park, Burrard Inlet, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Capilano College, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada David Thompson Secondary School, Victoria-Fraserview, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Gastown, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Langley, British Columbia, Canada
Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada
Robert Burnaby Park, East Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Steveston, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Surrey, British Columbia, Canada (Bella's house)
Vancouver Film Studios, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

Pitt Lake 2.6 acre waterfront view lot For Sale with Southern exposure!

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:43:41 -0600

Just listed!

2.6 acres of unique waterfront property on the North side of the mouth of Widgeon Creek. Spectacular views, deep water, all day sunshine! Directly across from the Grant's Narrows boat launch, yet the terrain gives privacy. This property features beautiful and massive old growth Western Red Cedars that compliment the scenery. It will take longer to get the boat in the water then it will to traverse the Narrows to this property. Great little spot for a dock or float in the cove directly below the suggested building envelope. This is one of the few properties in the Pitt Lake area that can say it has all day sunshine!

Build your dream Pitt Lake cabin on this desireable southern exposure, waterfront lot!

A partial survey has been conducted to locate the reference pin at the bottom right corner of the lot in the picture above. This drawing is based upon maps and surveys from the early 1900's and should not be relied upon to depict accurately the true lot lines. This land is Freehold, not Leased, Priced at $299,000

call Scott Leaf for more information

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

Canada's Debt Clock

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:10:07 -0600

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Its enough to make you sick, but what is even grosser is that the US Debt is $39,000 per person and spiraling out of control. The major buyers of the debt in 2009, are China and several Arab countries spearheaded by U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia. Scott Leaf, your Maple Ridge Realtor

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

Transitional Rules for HST in BC for new Real Estate Construction

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:12:09 -0600

The British Columbia Government has released important details today with respect to the transitional implementation of the HST with resepct to new Real Estate construction. The tax will not just occur on July 1, 2010 but will be phased in. This is an important consideration for builders and buyers.

To help homebuyers and builders transition to the HST, transitional rules would be provided for new housing transactions that straddle July 1, 2010. The proposed transitional rules would be similar to the transitional rules that applied when the GST was introduced. These rules, including builder reporting and disclosure requirements, would be administered by the CRA.

Generally, sales of newly constructed or substantially renovated homes would be grandparented where the written agreements of purchase and sale are entered into on or before November 18, 20096 and both ownership and possession of the homes are transferred under the agreement after June 2010. These sales would be subject to the federal component of the HST but would not be subject to the provincial component of the HST.

Grandparenting generally would apply to sales of newly constructed or substantially renovated single-unit homes7 to individuals. Also, grandparenting generally would apply to sales of residential condominiums to all persons including individuals.

Sales of these grandparented homes would not be eligible for the B.C. new housing rebate or new rental housing rebate.

Grandparenting would not apply to traditional apartment buildings, duplexes, mobile homes, floating homes and homes built by owners for their personal use where construction straddles July 1, 2010, as the general transitional rules would apply differently to these homes. However, these homes may qualify for one or more of the following proposed rebates: the PST transitional new housing rebate, B.C. new housing rebate, B.C. new rental housing rebate in addition to the GST new housing rebate and the GST new residential rental property rebate that may be available.

9 On a temporary basis, large businesses (those with annual taxable - including zero-rated - sales in excess of $10 million) and financial institutions would not be able to claim ITCs in respect of the B.C. component of the HST on certain inputs used in their taxable activities. After the first five years of the HST implementation, ITCs for these inputs would be phased in over a three-year period. Items for which ITCs would be restricted are listed at www.gov.bc.ca/hst.

Traditional apartment buildings, duplexes, mobile homes and floating homes would be subject to the general application of tax (see above) such that the proposed HST would apply to the sale of these housing types if both ownership and possession are transferred to a purchaser on or after July 1, 2010. However, if under a written agreement of purchase and sale, either possession or ownership is transferred prior to July 1, 2010, then the provincial component of the HST would not apply.

Builders who are registrants for GST/HST purposes would be able to recover the provincial component of the HST paid on most purchases through input tax credits (ITCs), as under the GST, with limited exceptions.9 However, builders of grandparented homes generally would be required to pay an amount-a transitional tax adjustment-based on the extent of the home construction or substantial renovation completed as of July 1, 2010. The transitional tax adjustment for grandparented homes is intended to approximate the amount of PST, approximately two per cent, which would have been embedded in the price of the home, on average, under the current PST regime. Builders would also be required to meet certain reporting and disclosure requirements for grandparented homes.

The calculation of the transitional tax adjustment is described below.

Transitional Tax Adjustment - Single-Unit Homes

For grandparented sales of newly constructed or substantially renovated single-unit homes, including detached, semi-detached and attached homes, the builder generally would be required to pay a transitional tax adjustment where the home is completed in full or in part after June 2010.

The transitional tax adjustment for these homes would be calculated on the total consideration of the home, as established for GST purposes, based on the degree of construction or substantial renovation completed as of July 1, 2010, as follows:

Degree of completion of construction or substantial renovation on July 1, 2010	Transitional tax adjustment rate
< 10 per cent	2.0 per cent
10 per cent ≤ and < 25 per cent	1.5 per cent
25 per cent ≤ and < 50 per cent	1.0 per cent
50 per cent ≤ and < 75 per cent	0.5 per cent
75 per cent ≤ and < 90 per cent	0.2 per cent
≥ 90 per cent	0.0 per cent

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

BC Increases threshold for new BC HST Real Estate purchases

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:01:06 -0600

The Province is proposing to increase the threshold for the B.C. HST new housing rebate from $400,000 to $525,000 to ensure that, on average, purchasers of new homes up to $525,000 pay no more tax due to harmonization, Finance Minister Colin Hansen announced today.

"We heard the concerns from consumers and industry about how the HST might affect home buyers, and this increase will move the threshold to above the average new home price in the province. At $26,250, this provides the highest maximum provincial rebate in Canada," said Hansen. "A similar rebate will also support the construction or substantial renovation of affordable rental housing."

Purchasers of new homes would be eligible for a rebate of 71.43 per cent of the provincial portion of the HST paid on a new home, up to a maximum of $26,250. Homes above $525,000 would receive a flat rebate of $26,250. This enhanced rebate represents a 30 per cent increase in the threshold and maximum rebate available.

The Province is also proposing transitional rules for new housing. The provincial portion of the HST would not apply to sales of new homes where ownership or possession is transferred before July 1, 2010. In addition, sales of new homes under written agreements of purchase and sale entered into on or before Nov. 18, 2009, would generally not be subject to the provincial portion of the HST, even if both ownership and possession are transferred on or after July 1, 2010.

Although the HST is expected to put a significant damper on new home sales this news is welcomed.

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

West Maple Ridge 4 Bedroom home for sale near Westview Secondary & Laityview French Immersion w/suite potential

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:44:13 -0600

West side Maple Ridge 4 bedroom home on large corner lot, walking distance to Laityview French Immersion Elementary & Westview Secondary. Lots of room for RV or boat storage, relaxing solarium & suite potential with basement separate entrance. This charmer is situated across from a beautiful treed park & just a few minutes walk to both Secondary & French Immersion Elementary Schools. Take advantage of the amazing transportation improvements that have drastically shortened commute times or take the Westcoast Express right to Downtown. The separate entrance in the basement affords the option of creating a suite. Enough room on the driveway & fully fenced off yard to park a large RV or boat.

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

British Columbia Bans Cell Phones While Driving Jan 1, 2010

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:40:00 -0600

The Province of British Columbia has made legislative changes to
prevent the use of hand- held cellphones, portable electronic devices
and text messaging while driving.

Changes to the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) upon legislative approval are to take effect on Jan. 1, 2010. At that point, only hands-free cellphones and devices that require one touch to activate will be permitted. Drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) will not be permitted to use hands-free phones in addition to other prohibited activity.

A new fine in the amount of $167 will begin to be levied on Feb. 1, 2010. If drivers are caught texting or emailing they will receive an additional three penalty points. Further, drivers in the GLP will receive the $167 fine and three penalty points for any violation of this legislation.

In the coming months, government will launch an awareness campaign to educate drivers on the new law and the importance of paying attention to the road, pedestrians and other cars around them.

BRITISH COLUMBIA MOTOR VEHICLE ACT CHANGES

Prohibited actions and devices

* No operating or holding hand-held cellphones or other electronic devices.

* No sending or reading emails and/or texting (e.g., BlackBerry, PDA, cellphone).

* No operating or holding hand-held music or portable gaming devices (e.g., MP3 players, iPods).

* No manual programming or adjusting GPS systems, whether built into the vehicle or not, while driving. Settings must be programmed before driving.

Permitted actions and devices

Hands-free cellphones that are built in or securely fixed to the
vehicle, and used by pressing a single button - once only - in order
to activate a hands-free device for incoming or outgoing calls.
* Pre-programmed and voice-activated GPS devices.

* Two-way radios for industry (e.g., trucking, logging, oil and gas).

* Any of the above devices can be used if the vehicle is legally parked and not impeding traffic.

* Call 9-1-1 to report an emergency.

Graduated License Drivers (GLP)

* In addition to the above restrictions and permitted actions,
new drivers are prohibited from using hands-free communications devices, (e.g., cellphones), while driving.

Exemptions to the legislation include police, fire and ambulance personnel who may need to make calls in the performance of their duties, and motorists who need to call 9-1-1.

These changes bring British Columbia in line with the provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. Alberta recently announced that it intends to introduce similar distracted driving legislation this fall.

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

Closing Day is Coming - Prepare Your Home For Pay Day

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:55:43 -0600

Via R. Greg Osmond Realtor, St. John's, Newfoundland, Real Estate (Sutton Group-Capital Realty Ltd.):

So you have sold your home! Congratulations! Closing day is coming. Prepare your home for pay day.

When your house sells it usually results in you feeling pretty great, at least for a little while. Yet not long after, the pressures of preparing the home for closing day begin to mount. You wanted this day to come but now that it is really happening you have some ambivalence. Preparing the house for closing becomes top of mind.

So what things should you do to prepare for closing day?

Here are seven recommendations to help with the mental task of preparing your home for closing. That is the day when the buyers walk through, inspect "your" work, confirm that everything is as they expect it to be, and proceed to the lawyers office with the cheque.

1. Find yourself some boxes. If you are doing your own packing, and many people do, gathering lots of wrapping tissue or news paper and boxes will be just the thing. Pick up 50 or more depending on how much stuff you plan to take to your new destination. When you have them, start packing all the things you plan to take but can do without until you are relocated. It is more than you think.

2. Identify the give aways and make a list of people you know will take them off your hands. We all have a few items that we would prefer to give away. Avoid carrying these into your "next life" by passing them down to a loved one or friend. It often feels liberating to pass along something you are no longer using or that you just want someone else to have.

3. Identify the garage/yard sale items and plan your weekend sale now. This will involve putting the announcement notice in the paper and online. Get it organized and planned for the earliest date. This will help you to make sure the weekend does not creep up on you unaware. Deadlines for advertising in the paper are some of those things that do creep up.

4. Throw away anything else left over. If you can't sell it or give it away and you are not going to keep it, then send it to the landfill. Yes, I know that is not environmentally friendly but unless you can make an old broken chair into next weeks dinner, you have to throw some things out. This is one of those times.

5. Clean up all rooms in the house that you can before moving day gets here. Leave only the vacuuming for the very last day. Ask a couple of cleaners to go through the home and do the heavy work for you. Hire them if you need to. Cleaning the ceilings and walls, lights, shelving, cupboards, windows, and storage areas are things the hired help can do. This is not the time to be Superwoman....or even the time to be married to her. Tip for the guys. Insist on this one. It will save you a tonne of guilt. :-)

6. Book the movers. I know, I have it numbered as 6 but really you should make this number 1. The earlier you do this, the better. Often the movers are really busy at peak moving days so get on this and reserve them now. It will take a lot off your mind.

7. When closing day comes, you will have everything out of the house, and the house thoroughly cleaned. Why not leave a little gift on the counter and a hand written note expressing your personal enjoyment of the home, along with well wishes for the new owners in the years ahead? It is amazing how that little gesture will help smooth over any small wrinkle that might arise. At this point, you have prepared the house as best as you can. The final piece is all about people management.

Closing day will come and your efforts will all be rewarded. With careful attention to details the sale will close smoothly and the payment for the home will be in your account, if only for a moment in time. At this point, you need to take yourself out for dinner. After all, you deserve a reward too. You have done a great job!

___________________________________________________________________________________

About the Author: R. Greg Osmond is a Platinum Award winning Realtor dedicated to serving the people of St. John's, Mount Pearl, Paradise, Kilbride, Goulds, Conception Bay South (CBS), Portugal Cove - St. Philips, Torbay – Flatrock – Pouch Cove, and Logy Bay - Middle Cove - Outer Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador. For over 21 years Greg has been practicing in Real Estate. He can be reached at 709-895-2500.

Want to get in touch? Email rgosmond1@gmail.com. For more information, please visit http://www.rgregosmond.com. Thinking of selling your home? I have a passion for helping my clients with buying and selling real estate! If there is any way I can be of service to you today, please feel free to contact me!

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

Maple Ridge westside 4 bedroom home near Laityview & Westview schools

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:24:52 -0600

West side of Maple Ridge 4 bedroom home for sale marketed by Scott Leaf Real Estate Marketing & Associates. Located very near to Westview Senior Seconday and Laityview French Immersion Elementary School (L'Ecole Laityview) This beautiful, well kept corner lot home offers a large yard that could be used for RV parking.

This listing is coming to MLS soon, this sneak preview is just a taste of this listing. Photogrpahs and Video of the inside coming soon!

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

The ActiveRain Point System

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:59:46 -0600

Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):

The ActiveRain Point System

ActiveRain awards members points based on participation and their individual involvement within the network and community. While there is a much more complicated and technical explanation of how the point system works, this post is to provide you a general overview of how points are earned and distributed that to ALL ActiveRain members.

ActiveRain points are earned based on a members individual activities and efforts. Points are accumulated over the duration of the Calendar week which "Starts Monday morning at 12:00am Central Time, and Ends Sunday night at 11:59pm Central Time."

The following are some ways you can earn points and move up the "Featured Member" ladder in your Local Area.

200 Points for each Blog Post
(Max 10 per Week) (50 Word Minimum Required)

25 Additional Points when Post is added to Channels with a Topic

400 Points for Featured Post on ActiveRain.com
(Excludes Posts Featured in ActiveRain Groups)

25 Points For Each Comment
(Max 10 Per Day) (Comments on Your Own Posts Excluded)

25 Points for Each Reblogged Post
(Max 10 Per Week - These do not Include Your Own Posts)

ActiveRain Profile Points
(Building Your AR Profile will Build points)

Received Comments on Blog Posts
(No Blog Post to exceed 475 pts.)

100 Points - Logging In To ActiveRain Each Day
(This applies 7 days a week)

250 Points When Someone Accepts Your AR Invitation
(Must Sign Up under Members Invite Code)

10% of Total Points Earned By New Members Invited By You
(IE: Invited Member Earns 1000 pts. - You Earn 100 Pts.)

ActiveRain and Member Approved Contests - Points Will Vary
(These show up as Bonus Points in your Point Summary)

Staff Awarded Bonus Points - These are issued by the AR staff
(Member Humanitarian, Paying It Forward, Helping Others etc.)

Weekly Point Scenario: The potential of points available per week, per member would be as follows: 1750 for max comments, 2000 for max Blog posts, 700 for logging in daily, 250 for adding to Channels/Topics, and 250 for max ReBlogged posts. The Weekly potential of points would be 4950 (this does not include featured posts, comments received, invitation and percentage points, contests, and staff awarded bonus points.)

Point Disclaimer: The Points System created by the ActiveRain Network was developed and implemented to motivate, inspire, and reward members for their participation and involvement within the community. These points are subject to change at the discretion of the ActiveRain Mgmt. Team, with or without cause, warning, or notice.

"RainMaker" Special - Signup Here and Get New Member Discount

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

Hyde Creek Salmon Festival in Port Coquitlam November 15

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:46:27 -0600

It is November and time again for the return of the Salmon to Port Coquitlam Real Estate. Whether it is the beautiful Coquitlam River winding its way through River Springs or Hyde Creek meandering through the north side of PoCo the salmon are coming home!

Time again for the Hyde Creek Salmon Festival on Sunday November 15 between 11 am and 3 pm at the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre. Bring down the kids to see the miracle that is the 4th year return of the Pacific Salmon to their birthplace.

Lots of fun family events, BBQ and great educational events for the kids that won't make them feel like they are in school!

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

Olympic Flame Arrives in Canada for Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:27:28 -0600

Vancouver Mayor, Gregor Robertson disembarks with the miner's lantern containing the Olympic Flame for it's first touchdown on Canadian soil at British Columbia's capital city, Victoria.

The most ambitious Olympic torch relay ever assembled will see the flame carried for 106 days across all 10 Provinces and 3 Territories, being carried in a canoe, on a surfboard, a logging truck and even coming within 900 km of the North Pole while visiting the most northern point of land in Canada on Ellesmere island. 12,000 people will participate in the torch relay with the torch arriving for the opening ceremonies in Vancouver on February 12, 2010.

It is an exciting time for British Columbian's as we eagerly await the start of Canada's Games!

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

Video of Deer Paying Visit to Upper Jackson, Albion, Maple Ridge, BC

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:56:14 -0600

Maple Ridge real estate was host to two young deer making a Fall visit to the Upper Jackson property in Albion, Maple Ridge. This site should be enjoyed as this beautiful farm pasture has been approved for development, contrary to the Official Community plan and all recomendations by Mape Ridge District planning staff.

The developers, who made financial contributions to the campaigns of most of the town concillors and Mayor, are expected to build 112 homes minimum on this field.

The only hope to save this field rests with the Metro Vancouver board of directors and is expected to be heard by that body early 2010 but possibly sooner.

Urban Sprawl brought to you by the District of Maple Ridge, ignoring residents and catering to Land Developers since time in memorium .

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

Thanks for the Click!

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:17:42 -0500

Get a Real Estate Market Snapshot for your neighborhood or the one you want to move to:

http://www.whatismyhomesvalue.ca/

Scott Leaf Real Estate Marketing & Associates:

http://www.scottleaf.com/

Our team serves the entire Lower Mainland & Fraser Valley areas with pleasure. We don't just talk the talk, we use the latest technology and marketing strategies to find you athe home you want or sell the one you already have!

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

You know you work in a fun office when...

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:50:49 -0500

Keller Williams Elite Realty, work hard, play hard and have lots of fun. Family first!

The fastest growing brokerage in the area, here's a reason why...

Keller Williams Elite Realty is located in Port Coquitlam, BC and serves the Tri-Cities

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows and surrounding areas.

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

The New Keg Coquitlam Restaurant about to Open Fall/Winter 2009

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:28:02 -0500

The Original Coquitlam Keg was destroyed October 28, 2006 in a very serious fire on a night where a suspected serial arsonist set 4 major fires in the area.

Flash forward to late October 2009 and the highly anticipated NEW Coquitlam Keg will be opening in a new location with a beautiful new Westcoast Contemporary building.

Located beside Best Buy & Save On Foods by Coquitlam Centre Mall, the new Restaurant is sure to be a popular attraction this Winter.

Workers are busily putting the finishing touches on this structure and it won't be long before we will be able to say "Let the Good Time Roll" again at the Keg Steakhouse.

Welcome back Coquitlam Keg, we've missed you!

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

Greater Vancouver Real Estate Market Video Update Fall 2009

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:42:53 -0500

Here are the latest stats from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver presented in a much cooler way then you are probably used to courtesy of Scott Leaf Real Estate Marketing & Associates, Keller Williams Elite Realty. If you are considering selling, the listing count is low and Buyers have fewer options, give me a call to detail whats happening in your particular neighborhood.

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

Gaby Davis Foundation Movie Night, November 13, 2009 in River Springs

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:04:17 -0500

The Gaby Davis Foundation will be hosting a Movie Night Fundraiser at the Coquitlam River Elementary School, located the Coquitlam real estate neighborhood of River Springs.

What: Disney/Pixar's move "UP"

When: Firday November 13, 2009

Where: 4250 Shaugnessy Street, Coquitlam River Elementary School gymnasium

Time: Doors open at 6:30pm, movie starts at 7:30pm sharp.

Tickets: $5.00

Limited tickets available. call 604-464-4229 to reserve or purchase at the door on movie night OR drop by any time at Play Paradise. 2020 Oxford COnnector, Port Coquitlam.

Bring your blankets, pillows, air mattresses, PJ's & teddy bears for a night of fun!

All proceeds to help families affected by chldhood cancer.

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

Mission / Silverdale Subdividable Lot with Large Home For Sale

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:40:40 -0500

This Mission, BC neighborhood of Silverdale charmer features a nicely kept farmhouse with a modern all permitted addition built in 2004. Large 2.65 acre lot with Subdivision potential into two lots 0.88 acre minimum as per consultation with District of Mission. The acreage has a potential second building envelope on the lower western half of the lot which takes into consideration all current setbacks. Official Community Plan designation is Suburban Residential. The existing home is serviced by a newer septic system installed in 2004 and a furnace installed in 1999. The unfinished basement could be used for a large workshop and there is also room for another bedroom. Live in this home while you build your dream home below.

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

Bruce's Market Apple Festival 2009 in Albion - Video Blog

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:50:21 -0500

Although this year's Apple Festival was diminshed by the passing of Bruce's Country Market founder Bruce McEachern who died this year at the age of 89, his family has grasped the torch and ensured that this important little corner in Albion will remain bustlling and vibrant for years to come.

This years Apple Festival was well attended and to my surprise featured my favortite heirloom varietal, the Golden Russet. The Russet has a freckled appearance and is not the prettiest apple in the world but it's firm flesh makes it an amazing pie making apple and I'm rather fond of it's flavour. I can remember visiting my grandfather, Thomas Leaf's homestead, on 272nd street in Whonnock in the late Summer and Fall. Getting out the ladder and picking apples from the Golden Russet tree he had and many of the other varities he had strewn all over the property.

If you did not bring the kids down this year you missed having them try some of the amazing heirloom varities that may not have the shiny, waxy, ultra-sweet flavour that the Supermarkets sell but have a flavour and connection to this land and our ancestors like no others.

I hope you enjoy this video blog of the 2009 Bruce's Country Market Apple Fest

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor

Bruce's Market Apple Festival 2009 in Albion, Maple Ridge, BC

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:16:23 -0500

Today is the last day of the Annual Apple Festival at Bruces Market located at 240th st and Lougheed Hwy in the Albion real estate neighborhood of Maple Ridge.

Apple Fest in the Albion Real Estate Neighborhood of Maple Ridge

Celebrate Bruce's annual Apple Fest. This celebration takes place every year on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Unusual Apple varieties and Giant Pumpkins.

During the weeks prior to the festival, Bruce's Market scours the province for new and exciting varieties of apples, as well as heirloom and organic apples. Then dozens and dozens of different apple varieties are gathered together in the apple tent and the fun begins.

You may sample and buy any of the apples on display, as well as benefit from the great deals in their apple case lot sale. They also feature apple crisp and ice cream for $1.00 (prices subject to change without notice) and other yummy apple products such as pies, crisps and strudels at unbelievable prices.

At Apple Fest they feature one of the most exciting contests - the Apple ID Contest. Guess the names of the chosen apples and win a beautiful prize.

Come and join the fun for a delicious day of flavours and fun at Bruce's Country Market!!

your Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and surrounding areas Realtor