Mission, BC

There has been much press lately about condos in the lower

mainland of Vancouver being inundated with grow-ops.

Here's the problem. Damage caused to other units

from these infestations isn't covered by insurance.

The common areas such as walls, attics and roofs

will need to be re-done resulting in tens of

thousands of dollars in expenses which a

lot of condo associations don't have in

their contingency funds.

It is far better to be proactive rather than reactive after the fact.

Work together as a community along with law enforcement.

Watch for the tell-tale signs. Windows covered, windows sealed

shut, venting odors at night, lots of traffic, (especially at night),

lots of deliveries, unauthorized new venting installed.

When you suspect a grow-op, don't personally try and

intervene. Contact the council and they will work with

the police to inspect the unit in question.

Independence Day, the 4th of July, parades, BBQ's, fireworks!

None of that is happening here. We just had our Canada Day on Thursday,

July 1st, so alas, we have nothing going on. Damn!

I will however, be burning steaks that day, so if you're in the area

drop in for a "wobblie" and a bite to eat. To all my American

friends, have a great holiday and be safe.

It started with this version on July 4th, 1776.

"Old Glory" was commissioned with 13 stars representing

the original 13 States, arranged in a circle to represent equality.

The present day version was completed during the Eisenhower

years with the addition of Alaska and Hawaii

The Department of Veterans Affairs uses both

versions on their logo to commemorate the military personal who

have served their country from Independence Day onward.

This Independence Day, don't work. Spend time with your family,

maybe take in a ball game, make a barbecue and remember the

men and women in the military who made your standard of

living and freedoms possible. Have a great 4th of July.

We pretty much started the year going gang-busters.

The market was hot, everything was selling...then stagnation.

Here in the Fraser Valley we have a buyers market. Too many listings

(about 6 months of inventory) and lots of new homes to choose from.

Prices, predictably are falling again. Lots of buyers got into a flurry of

activity because of the new taxes coming into effect in July. If people don't

need to sell, they need to take their place off the market and wait it out.

If you absolutely need to sell, pricing becomes paramount. Get under the

competition. (I have one like this now. It's a must-sell, so we need to play

hardball on price. It's all relative when buying back into the same market.

It's just a matter of making them understand the value isn't the same

as when they bought the place at the peak of the market a few years ago.

In July of 2010, a new tax will hit British Columbia.

This tax, the HST, (Harmonized Sales Tax), will affect NEW homes over $525,000.

Originally, the ceiling proposed by the government was $400,000, but efforts

by Realtors and other industry advocates got the ceiling raised.

In my area, which includes Mission, Abbotsford and Chilliwack,

this limit of $525,000 covers almost ALL townhomes and

apartments and many, many houses. For people working

in larger urban areas and wanting afforability, there are

freeways on both sides of the river as well as a commute

train called the West Coast Express.

Unlike some of the larger urban areas such as

Vancouver, where housing prices have gone through the roof, and multiple

offers are almost a daily occurance, pricing in the Fraser Valley, especially

in Mission B.C. are relatively sane. First time buyers can still find inventory

under $300,000, and there are lots of nice homes in the $300K-$500K range.

Right now, we are experiencing a "buyers market". Listings are way up,

and as a result, there's lots of inventory to choose from.