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| Doug & Krista GILBERT
Direct Phone: 604-618-6736
RE/MAX - treeland | |
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A Day In The Life - Real Estate |
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| Tuesday, 06 July 2010, 03:23:56 PM | Yes, HST has arrived and unlike the gov't claims of "easy transition", is already causing a deal of confusion. In an attempt to mitigate mis-understanding of what has HST applicable, there have been a number of web sites put out explaining (in short) what has HST, including "increase" or "no change" comments. For the most part, these do help understand what has the new tax on it, but in regards to Real Estate, they seemed to have "muddied" the water further.
On many of these sites, they indicate "Real Estate" with HST applicable indicated at only above $525,000.00. In a sense this is true, but what many fail to understand is the HST is applicable only on new home purchases . . . regardless of price! Why they state only above $525,000.00 is because there are also rebates on the HST, which up to the $525,000.00 price, will cancel out the HST paid. This rebate is on a sliding scale up to the $525,000.00 and past this, is capped at a maximum rebate of $26,500.00, regardless of purchase price. So in effect (or what is the intent) you really are only paying HST past the $525,000.00, it's just not a simple case of the HST not being applicable at all!
Will the HST stop you from purchasing a new home or just make you consider all options before taking the plunge? We'd love to hear from you and see the difference of opinions. | |
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| Tuesday, 08 June 2010, 02:54:31 PM | This isn't on our site yet, but a super buy to be had in Walnut Grove! Two level home with 3 bdrms up, full basement, two car garage all on large, inside cul-de-sac loc of 6595 sq. ft. lot! ASKING $463,900 but very open to offers. Home does need some TLC, but last sale on street was $509K. (Bank Ordered Sale). Call us direct to view! | |
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| Tuesday, 08 June 2010, 02:00:30 PM | The local "MOPARS UNLIMITED" car club is having thier 19th. Annual "MOPAR MADNESS CAR SHOW 2010" at their new location at George Preston Recreation Centre (208th. & 42nd. Ave.).
Date: July 11th. 2010
More Details at www.moparsunlimited.net
Why not take a walk through your past and relive some of your youth! | |
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| Wednesday, 12 May 2010, 03:06:16 PM | | There was an article a few weeks back suggesting that banks had maybe jumped the gun by increasing their "fixed" rate terms. The thought was that Canada's banks have increased these rates (although the Bank of Canada rate is unchanged) to encourage people to "lock in" to these fixed rates, as opposed to going the "variable rate" route.
Maybe the writer of the article was correct, as this week the banks have reduced these rates, due to a strong Canadian dollar and the crisis in Greece. Our sources are still stating that variable rate mortgages are so much lower than fixed rates, that they still feel it better to go with the variable rate.
What does the public think? If you have an opinion, or just for the sake of information, let us know what you are thinking of doing or have already done!
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| Tuesday, 27 April 2010, 05:33:20 PM | | Two of the major banks (Royal & T.D. Canada Trust) have increased their fixed terms rates again. We expect the others to follow along tomorrow. This is the third rate increase in the last month and it is not expected to be over just yet. Think about this . . . 3 -4 weeks ago a five year term could be signed at 3.69% and now we are informed the best rate will be 4.79%. Yes, this will impact a segment of the buyers . . . mainly 1st timers and those who are squeezing everything to make it happen.
Let's put it in perspective though . . . a five year rate at under 5% is still a heck of a good rate and if looking at historical rates, these current rates will still make homes affordable. The best advice we can give is to contact your mortgage broker or bank manager and secure the best rates and terms available to you. It costs nothing and could save thousands.
If you are not sure about the timing of buying or selling, call the professionals that can answer your questions. Mortgage Brokers, Realtors, accountants are all trained and if they have the experience, should be able to provide you with knowledgable answers. This is turn should help you in deciding what is best for your position. Call if we can help. | |
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| Friday, 26 March 2010, 06:36:49 PM | | Newly list "Emerald Estates" , large townhome in Walnut Grove. Best location in complex with large open area to side and private rear patio/yard. Close to schools, parks, shopping, recreation and transit. EASY access to freeways and new Golden Ears bridge. Bike ride to Fort Langley!! Like we said - location!! Yes, the unit is fantastic too!! 3 lvls.. with 3 bdrms on upper floor, 1 in bsmt., main floor offering living and dining areas(very open!), updated kitchen with large bayed window eating area (all tiled flooring). Bsmt. has huge family room, laundry and the perfect area for a wine celler (or extra storage . . . for wine!!). Over 1900 sq. ft. total, in a no worries complex. Yes, it's a deal for sure. Find it on our homes for sale section. | |
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| Thursday, 11 March 2010, 05:23:58 PM | | This is a beauty! 3 lvls, end unit townhome with plenty of upgrades!! What makes this townhome so unique is the gated street access. Being an end unit and having street access, this is as close to feeling detached as it gets! Over 1650 total sq. ft. feet, three bedrooms, living, dining, family, eating, kitchen, bsmt. media/games, laundry with two full bathrooms on the upper floor and a two pce on main. Kitchen has the granite (baltic brown) counters and eating bar, stainless steel appliances, and cherry cabinets for a very sharp look. I shouldn't think this will be for sale long. If your looking for such a "home" or have any family or friends that have indicated they are . . . point them this way! | |
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| Thursday, 04 March 2010, 01:27:30 PM | | Congratulations to Canada on a fantastic showing in the Olympics! Half a month of festivities, games, and excitement was almost too much for those thinking of selling or buying a home! Well we are now past the party and getting back to life as we know it.
A lot of home owners have approached us with the idea of selling but just have not followed through yet. We anticipate this will all happen at once, but can you gain an edge now? Absolutely!!
Be REALISTIC!! Too many homes are being listed at prices that exceed the prices we had during the peak of the market. We guess they forgot we had an economic disaster and although we are recovering (and in some cases, have crawled back to similar levels), we sure as heck have not rebounded as though nothing at all happened! Let's not forget, Buyers are no dumbies. Think of yourself as a Buyer, you would probably do a lot of research on pricing, ask your Realtor for evidence on pricing, etc.. Not just assume the news media state a rise of 20% and so it must be. The upside to this Buyer research . . . they know a well priced property when they come across one. This creates an attitude of seriousness (or "we need to act on this one now!") and a need to act mentality. So how do you know what is "well priced" when listing . . . market evidence, knowledge of current market situation (and this can change from neighbourhood to neighbourhood), and recieving solid, experienced advice from your Realtors. "Does this mean I have to give my home away, just to be sold?" Absolutely not!! Pricing is not an exact sceince, and there is a "range" that can be worked in, but the caution is, too far above the acceptable range will result in little activity and the frustration of selling without actually getting "SOLD"
There can be many interpetations of "Market Values", depending on what you "want" to hear, or ignore, so be sure to go in with "eyes wide open" & process all the information before judgment.
Any thoughts on your market perception are always appreciated and gives us a great insight to the "mind state" of the public in general. What are your thoughts, comments? | |
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| Tuesday, 16 February 2010, 02:45:39 PM | | You may have heard or read earlier today that the Finance Minister, Jim Flaherty, announced new guidelines for qualifying for mortgages. In short, this is probably a good thing as it will clearly show prospective buyers what may lay ahead if interest rate rise. The fear is that Canadian home buyers are going too deep into debt and have no "bufffer" zone, should interest rates rise (increasing their mortgage payments at time of re-newal) in the future. We think this is a "realistic" approach and hope they don't bring about some of the measures they have talked about. What do you think? Clearly, first time buyers are at the focal head of this, but investors are affected as well. It would be interesting to view some of your thoughts on these measures. *you can find the full press release on our web page cover under "did you know?". | |
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| Friday, 05 February 2010, 03:25:28 PM | | We were just asked if the "Olympic Games" would be a good time to sell? For sure, we don't have any historical data on this (this is our 1st games afterall!), but we can state that the market at present is saying a big "YES!". Contrary to the different media reports, our Real Estate market is pretty much a "balanced" market, meaning no greater advantage to the sellers or the buyers. Having said this though, buyers would like to take advantage of the present financing offerings that are currently in place (low interest rates, longer amortization terms, pre-HST, etc.), as they have no gaurantees down the road. So in short . . . buyers are buying! The flip side to this is the home sellers. The overall product for sale is lower than in past and on top of this . . . many now listing for sale, are again being speculative in price (asking far beyond what probably the market will bear!). This is probably due to their "selective" reading of media reports that have stated the market is up X%. What they don't take into consideration is the fact many of these increases are based on a year's ago activity (when our markets crashed!). So, if you are thinking of selling while the "Olympics" are on, and you price your home at realistic values, then YES, it could be a fantastic time to sell! In fact, if you price your home correctly, you may realize the highest end of value due to the fact buyers are no dummies. They know market prices and will "swarm" to the well priced home over the others who are like "Eddie the Eagle", flying high with no hope of the gold! Thinking of selling or buying . . . what's your take on the market? | |
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