I just finished uploading this Acreage for sale, 282 North Cove Road, Thetis Island, BC

Who wouldn't like to walk down to the beach along soft, moss covered trails that meander through this 4.52 acre semi-serviced lot at the south end of Thetis Island. Several building sites are available, some with ocean glimpses, zoning allows for a house and guest cabin. Located at the south end of the island, this property is within walking distance of the ferry, marinas, pub, post office, store/ liquor store. Level and easy to build on, you'll find power/ internet/ tel and water already there. Strong cell service with highspeed internet also available. If you split it into two, both properties could have a house & guesthouse. Buyer to perform due diligence with respect to water, septic, zoning. There is significant upside potential for the new owners of 282 North Cove road. Come over, walk the land and see how nice it is!

Home listings rise to start the spring season

A steady influx of new listings has helped create a balanced ‘typical spring’ housing market in the Greater Vancouver region.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that new listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 7,004 in March 2010. This represents a 60 per cent increase compared to March 2009 when 4,385 new units were listed, and a 52.1 per cent increase compared to February 2010 when 4,606 properties were listed on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®).

At 13,538, the total number of property listings on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) increased 19 per cent in March compared to last month, but remains 7.6 per cent below this time last year.

“The total number of homes listed for sale on our MLS® is at its highest level in 10 months, which translates into more options and variety for those looking to buy during the traditionally busy spring period,” Jake Moldowan, REBGV president said.

Residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 3,137 in March 2010, a 38.5 per cent increase compared to March 2009, a 4.7 per cent increase over March 2008, and a 12.4 per cent decrease compared to March 2007. The current figure also represents a 26.8 per cent increase compared to the 2,473 sales recorded in February 2010.

“With a sales-to-listing ratio of 23 per cent, we see a healthy balance between buyer demand and seller supply in the marketplace,” Moldowan said.

Over the last 12 months, the MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver increased 20.3 per cent to $584,435 from $485,845 in March 2009. This price is 2.8 per cent above the previous high point in the market in May 2008 when the residential benchmark price sat at $568,411.

Sales of detached properties in March 2010 reached 1,336, an increase of 49 per cent from the 897 detached sales recorded in March 2009 and a 19.7 per cent increase from the 1,116 units sold in March 2008. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 23.3 per cent from March 2009 to $800,341, but declined 0.6 per cent compared to last month when the benchmark price was $800,796. Sales of apartment properties in March 2010 reached 1,252, an increase of 28.3 per cent compared to the 976 sales in March 2009 and a decline of 8.6 per cent compared to the 1,370 sales in March 2008.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 17.3 per cent from March 2009 to $395,507 and is up 1.2 per cent compared to last month when the benchmark price was $390,899. Attached property sales in March 2010 totalled 549, an increase of 40.1 per cent compared to the 392 sales in March 2009 and a 7.4 per cent increase from the 511 attached properties sold in March 2008.

The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 17.3 per cent between March 2009 and 2010 to $493,263, but declined 0.5 per cent compared to last month when the benchmark price was $495,496.

copyright© real estate board of greater vancouver. all rights reserved.

http://www.joesquire.com

 

 CREA MEMBERSHIP APPROVES RULE AMENDMENTS 

OTTAWA – March 22, 2010 – Today, during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Westin Hotel, the membership of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) approved amendments clarifying CREA’s rules relating to real estate Boards’ MLS® Systems. 

“CREA is pleased that the amendments have passed”, says CREA president Georges Pahud. 

Through these proactive clarifications of the existing rules, CREA believes that the concerns raised by the Competition Bureau are fully addressed. At the same time, these amendments ensure the continued integrity of MLS® Systems and the accuracy and quality of information on Board MLS® Systems that Canadians have come to trust. 

About The Canadian Real Estate Association 

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is one of Canada's largest single-industry trade associations, representing more than 98,000 real estate Brokers/agents and salespeople working through more than 100 real estate Boards and Associations. 

For more information, please contact: 

Alyson Fair 

613-237-7111 or 613-884-1460 

Email: afair@crea.ca 

I just finished uploading this Beach Home for sale, Mine Road, Port McNeill, BC

Come see this waterfront log home for yourself, the custom craftsmanship is everywhere! Watch the whales and cruise ships go by from all principal rooms of this exquisite log home. Huge windows bring the ocean into right your living space. The flared cedar spiral staircase winds up to the second story where you'll find a spacious office area with 3 bedrooms for your friends and family. Enjoy the spa like luxury of the over sized bath tub, positioned to soak in the sun and views looking out over the grounds. The gourmet kitchen, with an oversized island, is sure to please you when entertaining a houseful of guests. The deluxe country stove, under mount sink, granite counters and custom cabinets complete this chef's kitchen. This home was overbuilt to the stringent standards of the owners who included extra features which you're sure to notice and enjoy. There is a detached 2 car garage and workshop with a large loft area above. The third structure on the property is a caretaker's / guest cabin which has its own electrical service, septic, new windows and electrical. All this with over 200ft of low bank, level and accessible beachfront just outside your door! Step outside and stroll down to your own beach! Enjoy world class fishing, kayaking and nature at it's best. Properties like this are rare to market, don't delay, come up for a look. While still under construction, the price reflects a finished 3000 sq.ft custom log home, garage/ shop and guest cabin. Don't let this exquisite recreational property pass you by! Exclusive listing... going on MLS as soon as work is completed, beat the rush, check this place out BEFORE it hits the public market, it won't last long!!

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 totalled 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.

copyright© real estate board of greater vancouver. all rights reserved.

 

BC Home Sales Moderate in January

Vancouver, BC – February 11, 2010. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales in the province climbed 118 per cent to 4,619 units in January compared to the same month last year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, MLS® residential sales in the province declined 16 per cent last month compared to December 2009.


“Home sales in the province eased in January as a result of waning pent-up demand and eroded affordability,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “While low mortgage interest rates will continue to entice many home buyers through the spring market, consumer demand is expected to moderate from its frenetic year-end pace."

The BC residential sales dollar volume increased 160 per cent to $2.27 billion in January compared to the same period last year. The average MLS® residential price climbed 19 per cent to $491,571 over the same period.

"Upward pressure on home prices, particularly in Victoria, Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, is beginning to slow as fewer home sales and a larger inventory reduce the chance of multiple offers,” added Muir.

http://www.bcrea.bc.ca/news_room/2010-01.pdf

http://www.joesquire.com

I just finished uploading this Semi Waterfront Building Lot for sale, 450 Cufra Trail, Thetis Island, BC

Welcome to this fully serviced 3.11 acre lot located in Meadow Valley Properties, a very unique 206 acre 'Bare Land Strata' green subdivision. Property is semi- waterfront with great views! "Greenquest' land based planning model with extreme sensitivity to land forms and micro-eco systems. Well located for views, privacy and solar exposure, lot 6 has views stretching down Cufra Inlet and is well suited for a main level entry home with a walk out basement. Over 70 acres of common property and greenspace with private strata roads. 22 acres are protected by conservation covenants to maintain the environment. Secondary water system for irrigation and fire protection with a low impact treatment system in place. Meadow Valley Properties also features over 5 km of walking trails. With all the services site preparation work done, this lot is ready for you to build your new home in the southern Gulf Islands! 3 flights daily to Vancouver and 11 ferries daily to Vancouver Island.

REBGV Stats

Housing supply and demand reach closer alignment in January

Diverse selection and favourable interest rates continue to drive demand in the Greater Vancouver housing market. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 1,923 in January 2010, an increase of 152.4 per cent compared to January 2009 when 762 sales were recorded and a 23.5 per cent decline compared to the 2,515 sales recorded in December 2009.
In terms of historical perspective, January ranked as an average month for number of residential housing sales over the past decade, with higher sales in January 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2006. Over the last 12 months, the MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver increased 17.2 per cent to $573,241 from $489,007 in January 2009. This price is 0.8 per cent above the previous high point in the market in May 2008 when the residential benchmark price sat at $568,411. “Although home prices in the region have largely returned to their previous peaks, we still see a significant number of first-time and move-up buyers in the market, thanks to low interest rates and the diverse range of properties available today,” Jake Moldowan, REBGV president-elect said. “There is also closer alignment between supply and demand in today’s housing market. At 18 per cent, the sales-to-active listings ratio in January is approximately 10 per cent lower than we’ve seen in our market over the last six months,” Moldowan said.
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 5,147 in January 2010. This represents a 39.1 per cent increase compared to January 2009 when 3,700 new units were listed, and a 139.1 per cent increase compared to December 2009 when 2,153 properties were listed on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Greater Vancouver. At 10,218, the total number of property listings on the MLS® increased 14 per cent in January compared to last month and declined 26 per cent from this time last year. “Looking ahead, it’s difficult to know exactly what the Olympic effect will be on our market in February, although I think it’s fair to say it should be a quieter period for home buyers and sellers and so, in fact, may be a good time for motivated buyers to search for properties,” Moldowan said. In January, sales of detached properties increased 141.4 per cent to 705 from the 292 detached sales recorded during the same period in 2009.
The benchmark price, as calculated by the MLSLink® Housing Price Index, for detached properties increased 19.5 per cent from January 2009 to $788,499. Sales of apartment properties in January 2010 increased 146.8 per cent to 891 compared to 361 sales in January 2009.
The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 15.2 per cent from January 2009 to $385,487. Attached property sales in January 2010 are up 200 per cent to 327, compared with the 109 sales in January 2009. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 13.4 per cent between January 2009 and 2010 to $482,478.

copyright© real estate board of greater vancouver. all rights reserved.

http://www.joesquire.com

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 106 621 6TH Ave, Vancouver East, British Columbia

Value, price and location! Welcome home to new bamboo floors flowing into a freshly painted open living spaces on a beautiful tree-lined street in Mount Pleasant. Stainless steel appliances and glistening granite counters create a warm space to entertain in and enjoy. Modern fixtures in the bathroom with a wrap-around patio give this property the feel of a townhome. 2 sizeable bedrooms, fully renovated, great location and 350 SqFt of outdoor patio space! Ground floor, pet-friendly building, underground parking and storage on the same level. Quick possession available and easy to show! Building has been substantially modernized with a pro-active strata continuing to move forward with ongoing work & maintenance. This property presents a great investment opportunity for any buyer! Put this one on your list.

We are proud to announce that this Sunday, January 31, 2010, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 3633 Planta Road , in Oak Ridge in Hammond Bay, Nanaimo. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent House & Land for sale in beautiful Hammond Bay.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Hammond Bay House & Land for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 250-710-4000 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Joe Squire & Deb Wilson
Sutton West Coast Realty

I just finished uploading this waterfront estate for sale, 118 Pilkey Point Road, Thetis Island, BC

Magnificent and private, 28.25 waterfront estate on Thetis Island. This spectacular property is a rare find. From the moment you drive down the 1/2 km of paved driveway though your own mature wooded forest, you feel the anticipation of what awaits. The forest opens to a 4 - 5 acre fabulously landscaped, totally private, waterfront estate including main house overlooking Clam Bay, 3 bdrm guest house, double garage with additional workshop, large fully automated greenhouse, double carport, and even a separate pantry building for the main house. All this with a magnificent Japanese koi pool with overhanging tea house as a focal point. The grounds are meticulously maintained as are the buildings. The superb craftsmanship is evident in the custom built-ins in almost every room. Rose garden, herbs garden, large BBQ area off the main house, this house makes a spectacular home for those who love to entertain or those who simply enjoy peace and serenity in a magnificent surrounding.

I just finished uploading this Apartment for sale, 3633 Planta Road, Nanaimo, BC

I just sold this Condo at 705 1050 SMITHE Street, Vancouver West, British Columbia .

View this recently sold Condo or see all my home sales

I just finished uploading this House & Land for sale, 41 Blue Point Lane, Thetis Island, BC

Have you been looking for waterfront property in the islands? This could be the one for you. The well appointed home sits on tranquil land overlooking Telegraph Harbour on Thetis Island. Watch the ships pass by through sliding glass doors that connect to the expansive cedar decking outside. Vaulted ceilings, with yellow cedar window casings, bring glittering light and warmth into the home while the sun tunnel skylight keeps the kitchen bright. Head out to the yard and enjoy the established fruit trees, fire pit and garden area. Main level entry on a gently sloping lot, the property is well within walking distance to all the services on Thetis Island. 3 flights daily to Vancouver, 11 ferries daily to Chemainus, high speed internet, RV and boat parking with deep water moorage out front...this place deserves a look asap!

Well well, seems like another wet day on Thetis Island. The southern Gulf Islands are getting inundated with much needed rain!
Living on the island has its perks- like hanging out fireside!
Trying to get started on some new marketing that will be coming out this fall/ winter. Also looking forward to bringing another agent on board to help grow the brand in the area.
It must be coffee time by now! 

Have spent some time this morning talking to people about the benefits of active rain VS. Ubertor.

It seems that generating content is preferable to doing so for a 3rd party's site and then back linking it to your site. I'm reaching a point in this SEO racket that I'm actually required to pay attention! I can also see how all these 'internet marketing' spammers who follw me on Twitter exist... SEO takes time and effort! Eeek! 

Spent some time on the phone with SJagger and am convinced that this is the way to go.

Am looking forward to some exciting developments coming soon... no time like the present to make the changes required to stay ahead of the pack!

I just finished uploading this House & Land for sale, 374 Lupin Lane, Thetis Island, BC

Stunning West facing 19.2 acre waterfront property on Thetis Island. Explore the 670 feet of low bank sandstone beach and enjoy the pristine property with its endless views. Sunsets 365 days of the year! A large beach home is perched in the meadow and is finished to lock up stage. Breathtaking views and life on beach await the new owners here, move in and finish this home any way you like. Ask about the substantial infrastructure in place and the finish quote for the home, better yet, come out and take a look for yourself! There are a few properties of this size and nature on the Coast, don't miss this one!

I just finished uploading this Commercial Property for sale, 9877 Maple Street, Chemainus, BC

Welcome to 9877 Maple Street, a first rate mixed use C2 commercial property in Chemainus. Maintained and turn key, this property is positioned to benefit from future growth in the immediate area. The building features 4 hydro meters, 2 residential suites and a large (1350 sqft) street level space currently occupied by 2 businesses. On the main floor, at the rear, a clean and spacious 2 bedroom suite can provide a solid revenue stream for the owner. Upstairs, you'll find modern living space featuring a bright open kitchen, sleek granite counters, 2 bedrooms, bright office space in central living area. The retail space on the street level has ideal street exposure on Maple St, with a large historic mural on the south side of the building. Meticulously maintained with a new roof and many extras, the property has 2 outbuildings and lots of off street parking for future considerations. Don't let this unique and fully renovated 7200 sqft live/work property pass you by!

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I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 203 1450 LABURNUM Street, Vancouver West, British Columbia

Rarely available affordable 1 BR unit on KITS POINT! This spacious & beautifully updated home is just a short stroll to the beach and looks onto a quiet tree-lined street! With a welcoming feeling from the moment you enter, this home has been tastefully painted throughout in warm neutral tones and offers numerous updates, including laminate floors throughout, newer appliances, & updated light fixtures & electrical outlets. Cozy up inside or relax on your huge west-facing covered balcony. So many options! Don't miss your opportunity to own in a great building north of Cornwall. Parking & storage are included. Pets and rentals are allowed. Visit Realtor's site for pics and video tour. Open Sat & Sun, Sept 22&23, 2-4 pm.