Abbotsford, BC

I received a few inquiries in the last few weeks from potential buyers of homes in foreclosure. All callers had one thing in common, they were expecting to save a truckload (or a car-load at least) of money in the transaction. Yes, the economy is bad, yes, there are more homes in foreclosure than previous years; but no, lenders can not sell a home for the amount of outstanding mortgage unless market value of the house is same or lower (yes, that happens in this market) than the balance of outstanding mortgage. READ MORE >> >>

If a picture is worth a thousand words it can be worth thousands of dollars if its a picture of a property you are trying to sell. An image may be more influential than a substantial amount of text or audio description of a property. Many buyers and their Realtors decide to view a home (or not) based on how the picturtes of a house look. READ MORE>>

Clayburn Village reminds me of the small mining towns I've encountered on my drives through the Kootenay Mountains of British Columbia.

Located within the City of Abbotsford the Village of Clayburn was founded to provide housing and a market center for the brick plant established on Sumas Mountain in 1905.

Take a stroll in the village and enjoy the restored Victorian houses, and brick houses. The restored church and school house now serve as meeting centers for Clayburn and the surrounding community.

Clayburn Village Store & Tea Shop and the Hummingbird Gallery are a must see.

The Dragon Fort is a wonderful find in Abbotsford of us who really really like home style Chinese food. I was raised in Vancouver and for many years ate in many of the restaurants in the 100 block East Pender Street.

Today there are plenty of high class Chinese restaurants in Vancouver but in those days they were an economic choice for a young couple on a date or any working person looking for a good health meal that woulds stick to your ribs.

The Dragon Fort Restaurant Abbotsford is cut from the same cloth.

The owners have been there for about 23 years and withing the last two years have build a new building to accommodate the steady flow of customers.

The Dragon Fort has the best deal in Abbotsford for lunch and take out.

Give them a try.

You won't be disappointed.

2009 World Sporting Event in Abbotsford

The World Police and Fire Games are coming to Abbotsford this summer. On August 3^rd and 4^th the water skiing events will be held at Albert Dyck Park from 8:00am to 6:00pm.

Can you believe it? One of the world’s premier events is using Abbotsford as one of its venues. When I moved to what was a very quiet and sequestered community twenty-six years ago this can of event would have seemed unimaginable.

It is predicted that over 12,000 athletes from 55 countries will be coming to BC as participants plus their families, friends and support staff. Don’t worry! They are not all coming to Abbotsford but those that are will give our summer economy a huge boost.

The World Police and Fire Games is well represented by athletes from Abbotsford Police department, Abbotsford Fire Department and Correctional Service of Canada including: bench press, racquetball, wrestling, dragon boat,triathlon, softball and flag football.

Abbotsford resident and Surrey firefighter Corey Walters will be competing in Open Slalom and Barefoot Watercross.

Check out the events at http://www.2009wpfg.ca/

They are still looking for volunteers.

By the way. If anyone is interest 85% of the participants are handsome, muscular men with good jobs and pensions.