andrew: What Are We Going To Tell The Kids? - 12/01/07 10:17 AM
My wife and I and the doctor stood stoic besides the gurney while Uncle Roman slept fitfully. The room smelled of rubbing alcohol. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus played softly on the overhead. Like most hospitals there was an antiseptic chill in the air. A sterile dread hanging from the acoustic ceiling tiles. … (37 comments)
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andrew: Lost Cemetery? Colts Neck Township, 07722 - 11/27/07 12:14 PM
We're not the first here. We won't be the last.
There are several private cemeteries in Monmouth County that dot our rural roads.
Do they serve as grave markers or time markers?
Do the people who walked this fine land before us lay as silent sentries as our Century passes as well. … (13 comments)
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andrew: Martha Stewartini Presents a Colts Neck, New Jersey Thanksgiving Table! - 11/23/07 02:07 PM
November 23, 2007
The Missus is always asking, "When are you going to write about me on that blog?"
You spend so much time on that damn computer. Real estate is so boring!
Nag, nag, nag. ;)
My contribution? A tapped Heinekin min-keg and the boys and I talked about football while frying a … (18 comments)
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andrew: The Embarassing Dangling Foot Syndrome: How to Plywood Deck an Attic! - 11/18/07 03:09 PM
November 18, 2007
Andrew J. Lenza, Broker and Owner of ANDREW J. LENZA REALTY
Next time you're in a crowded place pose this question to four strangers: "Do you know anyone who has ever fallen through an attic ceiling?" I bet you hear a chuckle and a "YES" by the 3rd person who ask.
This post … (16 comments)
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andrew: Another Andrew's Restaurant Review -- Jesse's Cafe of West End, Long Branch NJ - 11/02/07 01:01 PM
November 11, 2007
JESSE'S CAFE & CATERING at 139 Brighton Avenue, West End of Long Branch
Who knew health food could taste so good?
I haven't frequented Jesse's Cafe since I was a West End regular in 2002. Back then Jesse operated a health food store and small cafe in the back. … (2 comments)
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andrew: Market Report: Tinton Falls, New Jersey - 10/08/07 07:34 AM
October 8, 2007
You've come to the right place to find updated real estate data for Tinton Falls, New Jersey.
Let's start with single family home sales. The majority of Tinton Falls residential housing falls between single family homes and condominium/townhomes.
SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES
Here are the stats for MLS listings data for Single Family … (0 comments)
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andrew: Real Estate Market Report: Matawan Township, NJ - 09/29/07 10:12 PM
September 29, 2007
As the leaves turn and summer fades, it's time to focus on Matawan Township real estate values. First, let's review last year around this time. What were values a year ago?
So last year's average sale for a single family home was $423,000. Now onto 2007 for the first twn … (0 comments)
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andrew: Real Estate Market Report: Holmdel, NJ - 09/27/07 03:01 PM
September 27, 2007
Thank you for reading my Real Estate Market Report. Today's analysis focuses on Holmdel Township. Here is last year's housing data, which I will compare to this year's.
Let's fast forward to this year. Have Holmdel real estate market values crashed? No. Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data cannot be guaranteed … (0 comments)
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andrew: Borough of Matawan Property Taxes: Is Regionalization in New Jersey's Future? - 09/22/07 01:26 PM
September 22, 2007
The Borough of Matawan just mailed out its Final 2007 and Preliminary 2008 property tax bill.
Andrew's Opinion on Property Taxes
Property tax is a hot-button issue in New Jersey. In Monmouth County many folks believe relief will come in the form of regionalization. Regionalization would entail neighboring towns to pool resources and … (1 comments)
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andrew: Colts Neck MLS Listing 20739676: 21 New Street -- $445,000 - 09/21/07 05:34 PM
September 21, 2007
Andrew J. Lenza Realty is proud to announce for sale 21 New Street in Colts Neck, New Jersey.
Did you know there are only three homes for sale in Colts Neck for under $450,000? Yes, this home offers an affordable entry into one of Monmouth County's most exclusive areas.
The property taxes (estimated, 2006) are … (2 comments)
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andrew: Visit Pier Village at Long Branch! Restaurants, Shopping and Ocean Breezes... - 09/08/07 12:27 PM
There's an eclectic, cosmopolitan feel at night just down Ocean Avenue in Long Branch. It's called PIER VILLAGE.
You can check out the Village's slick website at http://piervillage.com/
So many restaurants, so little time. We ate in McLoone's Pierhouse and enjoyed the service, decor and meal.
We caught an open air concert. … (3 comments)
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andrew: Freshman High School Football: Howell Township versus Colts Neck - 09/08/07 11:23 AM
What high school sports is all about: The players line up and congratulate each other after the game.
Howell defeated Colts Neck 12 - 0 yesterday in a spirited game between County rivals at the Rebel field. (Both towns are adjacent to each other.)
What made this an exciting game to watch on a … (0 comments)
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andrew: What Do Homebuyers Want in 2007? - 09/05/07 02:34 PM
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just released results from an interesting survey titled the 2007 Profile of Buyers' Home Feature Preferences. NAR asked folks what features did they prefer in their new home:
Buyers want larger garages, preferrably two car. A feature in consistent demand is direct access from the garage to … (0 comments)
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andrew: Need a Comprehensive CMA or Broker's Price Opinion? - 09/05/07 01:28 PM
I utilize my training as an MBA Finance grad of Fordham University everyday -- especially when asked for a price opinion for a client's property. I submit a written report with supporting documentation and analyses, usually Excel spreadsheets and graphics.
With my tools and experience I can generate a premium CMA … (0 comments)
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andrew: Will Lenders and Mortgage Investors Ease Up on Loan Provisions? - 09/05/07 12:50 PM
There was an excellent article in today's Wall Street Journal by Greg Ip titled "Lenders Urged to Help Avoid Foreclosures" on page A2. http://online.wsj.com/public/us (I read the Journal everyday and at $1.50 it's worth every paragraph!)
The thesis of the article? "Federal and state banking regulators urged lenders and investors to restructure loans of … (0 comments)
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andrew: FOCUS: A Day in the Life in Howell Township, NJ - 08/31/07 11:27 AM
Howell is a beautiful place to live, to work, to raise a family.
We are really coming into the vibrantly colorful days on autumn, when the leaves change and those soft breezes turn slowly into winter's chill.
If you live in New Jersey (or consider relocated to the Garden State), it … (0 comments)
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andrew: Colts Neck's Historic Montrose Road Neighborhood - 08/29/07 02:10 PM
Traveling east or west on Route 537 through Colts Neck, you can blink your eyes and unknowingly pass Montrose Road.
What's the big loss? Only that if you made the turn onto Montrose Road you would have the pleasure of driving up one of the most scenic lanes in all of … (4 comments)
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andrew: Self-employed and Worried? Here's a Tip from Mike. - 08/29/07 12:43 AM
My father, Mike, owned his own business. He was a customs home builder on Staten Island, New York. He built mainly in Westerleigh and Meiers Corners.
My Dad (everyone knew him as 'Mike') often bought land on spec and went to the local bank for a kitchen loan for the money to … (23 comments)
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andrew: FOCUS: The Lincroft Neighborhood of Middletown Township, NJ - 08/28/07 04:35 PM
It's Andrew, your Monmouth County expert for local real estate.
Today's article is a FOCUS on Lincroft, a section of Middletown. I can describe Lincroft with three C's:
Curb Appeal -- Lincroft is picturesque. There are plenty of pretty Colonials with manicured lawns, Capes in bright colors, sprawling Ranches.
Convenience -- A … (0 comments)
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andrew: Pine Creek Railroad at Allaire State Park, Howell NJ - 08/28/07 12:28 PM
One of the advantages to working with a local, full-time Realtor like myself is to discover the recreational wonders of your new neighborhood.
A favorite place of mine is Allaire State Park in Howell Township, NJ. There's always plenty to do and learn at Allaire. It is both rural and beautiful.
All kids … (0 comments)
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andrew: Investors, Do You Need Expert Advice? - 08/27/07 05:14 PM
There's so much negative press on real estate and the lending industry. Is it darkest before the storm or is the worse behind us?
Noticeably absent is the over-confidence, the irrational exuberance (The book and quote from Robert Shiller. You can access Shiller's writing at http://www.irrationalexuberance.com) that really carried the day … (0 comments)
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andrew: What to Bring to a Successful Relationship - 08/27/07 03:40 PM
I'll be married twenty two years in 36 hours.
A tradition of exchanging Catholic wedding vows is the ritual of attending Pre-cana. Pre-cana is like husband-training for Dummies. Men typically don't fail Pre-cana but many women have wondered, "What am I getting myself into?"
For a serious description of Pre-cana try clicking … (4 comments)
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andrew: How to Fix a Leaky Basement! - 08/23/07 05:56 PM
One of the perks of working as a full-time Realtor is the opportunity to invest in real estate. Usually the seller still pays you -- the Realtor/buyer -- a commission once you've disclosed you're on the other side of the contract. Now how's that for an advantage: we know the area, real estate … (0 comments)
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andrew: Market Report: Howell Township, New Jersey - 08/23/07 12:06 PM
I'm pleased to offer another Market Report for one of my favorite New Jersey townships: Howell, home of the Howell High School football Rebels!
Howell offers the serious homebuyer several reasons why this is the place to live!
Howell Township consists of 61 square miles with a population of approximately 50,000 residents (http://www.city-data.com/township/Howell-Monmouth-NJ.html). … (0 comments)
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andrew: You'll Find the Stairway to Heaven Behind a Rocking Front Door! - 08/21/07 12:23 PM
We all know the value of a first impression. Realtors who offer their clients expert staging ideas know the little details add up to a spectacular impression -- both inside and outside the home!
My clients loved their black double front doors and politely declined my advice to paint it a more inviting … (6 comments)
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andrew: Fairway Mews, Spring Lake Heights - 08/21/07 11:57 AM
Fairway Mews in Spring Lake Heights is a gated, condominium community surrounding the Fairway Mews executive golf course.
Fairway Mews attracts first-time homebuyers, young families, retirees and just plain anybody looking for a quiet place to live.
The units include up-and-down townhomes and one level Ranch homes.
There are four (4) … (0 comments)
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andrew: "Brother, Come Walk the Wheel With Us"... Avoid Burnout, Take a Vacation - 06/27/07 12:08 PM
Do you remember the movie Midnight Express, the story of a young American caught smuggling heroin out of Turkey? Thrown into a centuries-old prison (more like an asylum), young Bill Hayes struggles for his freedom and his sanity.
Down in the bowels of the prison, Bill is invited to participate in … (8 comments)
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andrew: Early 4th of July Tribute: She's Beautiful, Wrapped in Green! - 06/26/07 04:32 PM
I won't be at my computer July 4th, our Independence Day.
If I don't write something today, I'll wake up on July 5th and I'll kick myself. Another chance to honor my country and I would have forgot.
Years ago I worked on Wall Street with a young man from Turkey … (9 comments)
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andrew: Monmouth County,NJ: Colts Neck Appreciation Rates, 2000-2007 - 06/22/07 04:07 PM
Buying or selling residential real estate is as much an emotional endeavor as it is a financial one. That said, you still need a Realtor who can analyze trends, properties and financing options. I feel I'm that guy.
A favorite tool of mine is to measure an area's Rate of Appreciation when real … (0 comments)
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andrew: Monmouth County, NJ: Commercial Office Space -- Red Bank and Shrewsbury - 06/22/07 03:49 PM
Are you considering re-locating your financial market company to the Red Bank or Shrewsbury area? Do you want to open a sales or trading branch of your company?
I represent prospective buyers and tenants in search of Professional Office space in the Red Bank and Shrewsbury area. (We'll also list commercial office … (0 comments)
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andrew: It's a Jungle Out There: Why You Need a Buyer's Agent! - 06/21/07 04:58 PM
So you're starting your search for a new home. Trying to navigate the real estate market is like trying to find your way out of a jungle.
No need to go it alone. We're full-time Realtors. We offer expert guidance to motivated buyers looking for a home or investment.
Top Ten … (0 comments)
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andrew: So Where Are All Those Foreclosure Sales (Part II) - 06/19/07 12:46 PM
Between graduation parties and ceremonies, I continue to engage in a variation of an all too familiar conversation:
"Andrew, the real estate market is getting crushed in Monmouth County, right?"
"Actually, no. Values have remained strong. We're not seeing a free-fall in prices. If seller's price their homes at market value, they'll sell. … (4 comments)
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andrew: Monmouth County, NJ: Market Report -- Buyers' Information for Active Adult Communities - 06/18/07 12:38 PM
If you know someone interested in the various Active Adult Communities in Monmouth County NJ, I can serve as their Buyer's Representative.
Active Adult housing can be as diverse as single family residences. Units can be attached or detached, ranch or multi-leveled. There are condominiums and town homes. Each community offers a … (0 comments)
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andrew: Paper or Plastic - 06/18/07 12:12 PM
Growing up on Staten Island, we all knew about the dump, a huge landfill situated in the Fresh Kills down at the end of Victory Boulevard. On hot summer days you smelled the dump. Now that I'm older and live in Monmouth County, New Jersey, I think more about the ecology and what type of … (2 comments)
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andrew: So You Want To Be a Landlord? A Practical Questionnaire for First-time Real Estate Investors. - 06/10/07 01:44 AM
Here in Monmouth County, New Jersey I so enjoy working with investors, especially folks who are getting into real estate for the first time. First-timers talk about real estate with such zeal. First-timers absorb information like sponges. They ask meaningful questions.
For the purpose of this blog, I'm going to focus on … (4 comments)
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andrew: Buy Bradley Beach Real Estate. Start a New Phase of your Life on the Jersey Seashore. Call Me! - 06/08/07 06:30 PM
Bradley Beach is located between Avon and the Ocean Grove section of Neptune. Bradley Beach offers ocean lovers an affordable entree into coastal living. The oceanfront at Bradley is expansive and the boardwalk refurbished. A safe haven for Dad to take a leisurely jog, the kids can hop on their bikes. … (0 comments)
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andrew: Find the Dumpster, Find the Real Estate Value - 06/07/07 09:02 AM
There were old school methods, before satellite imaging and mapping, downloading MLS data to your Palm, tax maps at a click of a mouse (I subscribe to E-Taxmaps Online: http://www.etaxmaps.com/ )
Old school is driving around your service area with a notebook. Talking to friendly folks on bus stops. I'm convinced if you … (5 comments)
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andrew: I Gotcha Ya' Back: Good, Old Fashioned Service Is the New Source of Referrals - 06/06/07 05:25 PM
Brrring, brrring. My cell phone beckoned just before I dug into a plate of Chicken Parm at my favorite salumeria. I hadn't eaten all day and coming from an Italian family of seven, well, that's down right unAmerican.
"Andrew Lenza, may I help you?"
"Hi Andy, it's Linda. (My client, who is … (9 comments)
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andrew: Monmouth County, NJ: Market Report for Manalapan - 06/06/07 03:00 PM
I am a Residential specialist for Monmouth County. As the Broker and Owner of my own agency, I pride myself on two simple principles of doing business: (1) my clients needs always come first and (2) the buck starts and stops with me. You can hire me, the Broker and Owner, and … (0 comments)
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andrew: Monmouth County, NJ: Market Report for Howell Township - 06/05/07 01:47 PM
I am a Residential specialist for Monmouth County. As the Broker and Owner of my own agency, I pride myself on two simple principles of doing business: (1) my clients needs always come first and (2) the buck starts and stops with me. You can hire me, the Broker and Owner, and … (0 comments)
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andrew: Monmouth County, NJ: Market Report for Holmdel Township - 06/05/07 01:19 PM
I am a Residential specialist for Monmouth County. As the Broker and Owner of my own agency, I pride myself on two simple principles of doing business: (1) my clients needs always come first and (2) the buck starts and stops with me. You can hire me, the Broker and Owner, and … (0 comments)
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andrew: Monmouth County, NJ: Market Report for Fair Haven - 06/05/07 01:11 PM
I am a Residential specialist for Monmouth County. As the Broker and Owner of my own agency, I pride myself on two simple principles of doing business: (1) my clients needs always come first and (2) the buck starts and stops with me. You can hire me, the Broker and Owner, and … (0 comments)
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andrew: So Where Are All the Foreclosure Sales? - 06/05/07 12:53 PM
I don't know if its wishful thinking but quite a few buyers I've talked to recently expect an increase in foreclosures and a decrease in sale prices, triggered by so many media stories of the great sub-prime mortgage implosion.
Everyone loves a buying opportunity. I just don't see a mass influx of debt-troubled properties surfacing … (8 comments)
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andrew: Monmouth County, NJ: Market Report for Colts Neck - 06/01/07 11:32 AM
I am a Residential specialist for Monmouth County. As the Broker and Owner of my own agency, I pride myself on two simple principles of doing business: (1) my clients needs always come first and (2) the buck starts and stops with me. You can hire me, the Boss, and go straight … (0 comments)
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andrew: Andrew's Comic Blog Up for the Day: Poker - 06/01/07 09:51 AM
What is society's obsession with poker? Turn on your cable and you can watch the World Series of Poker, Celebrity Poker, Guys-Who-Build-Choppers-and-Play-Poker. Yankees fans and Red Sox fans compete at the poker table for what I have no clue. There are celebrity poker tournaments galore.
And the terminology drives you nuts. Texas … (9 comments)
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andrew: Andrew's Comic Blog Up For The Day: Professional Sports - 05/31/07 10:58 PM
I guess you can't really call a comic routine delivered over the Internet "stand up." So I'll call my daily schtick a blog up instead of stand up.
Football versus Baseball -- Which Sport is Tougher?
Major league baseball and steroids: I think it's more than 5% of the players and it … (0 comments)
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andrew: Middlesex County, NJ: How to Prepare a Relevant CMA: How Much Information is 'Just Right'? - 05/26/07 04:43 PM
Okay, you're advertising efforts have paid off; your phone (or e-mail) is ringing with leads. Newer sales agents are often daunted by the prospect of preparing a Comparative Market Analysis for potential sellers. Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean Counties offer a great diversity of housing and sub-divisions. We use three basic CMA … (0 comments)
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andrew: Does the USA Housing market need a shot of Viagra? - 10/30/06 02:07 AM
Are you experiencing an up or down market? Our market seems to be more balanced in our market area. I have spoke with a few realtors and brokers in the states and this wasn't the case.
Record drop for U.S. home prices
Sales of existing homes fall for sixth straight month
Wednesday, October … (0 comments)
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andrew: Canada's major markets are becoming more balanced - 10/19/06 05:45 PM
Solid third quarter for MLS® home salesCanada’s major markets are becoming more balancedExisting home sales activity in Canada’s major markets remained solid in the third quarter of 2006, according to statistics released by The Canadian Real Estate Association.
The housing market continues to become more balanced, which is resulting in smaller … (0 comments)
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andrew: 50 Year Amortizations .... What do you think of this? - 10/19/06 02:38 AM
New mortgage insurer enters Canadian marketAIG CEO suggests 50-year mortgages on the wayAIG United Guaranty became the third company to provide mortgage insurance in Canada in mid-October. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. currently handles 70 per cent of the mortgage insurance market in Canada, while private insurer Genworth Financial Canada covers … (0 comments)
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andrew: Bank of Canada holds central rate steady - 10/19/06 02:28 AM
Bank of Canada holds central rate steadyInterest rates on hold indefinitelyThe Bank of Canada held its benchmark overnight lending rate steady at 4.25 per cent on October 17th. The trend-setting Bank rate, which is set 0.25 percentage points above the overnight lending rate, remains at 4.5 per cent. CREA expects interest … (0 comments)
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andrew: Referral Network amongst Realtors - 10/18/06 01:36 PM
A bulk of our business is from referral sources. I would like to find out if there is any realtors and brokers that would like to work together when referring opportunities present itself. We are experiencing a lot of new purchases in the Victoria MArket from non Victoria residents. People from across Canada, USA … (4 comments)
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andrew: Victoria Realtors Applaud New Housing Strategy - October 2006 - 10/18/06 01:28 PM
VICTORIA AREA REALTORS® APPLAUD NEW STRATEGY FOR HOUSING News Release - October 2006
Victoria area REALTORS® are applauding the new strategy for housing unveiled today by provincial housing minister Rich Coleman. "The strategy helps those people most in need and will likely have a minimal impact on the private sector housing market,"said Scott … (0 comments)
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andrew: Victoria Real Estate Market - October 2006 - 10/17/06 11:21 AM
Move Toward More Balanced Market Continues October 2, 2006 The Victoria area real estate market continued the move toward a more balanced market last month with more properties becoming available for sale, prices remaining strong and sales moderating slightly. The number of homes and other properties listed through the Victoria Real … (4 comments)
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