Home buyer and seller activity increases in busy spring market

The Greater Vancouver housing market experienced increased activity in April thanks to a steady balance of home buyers and sellers entering the marketplace.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 3,512 in April 2010, the fifth highest-selling April on record. The figure represents an increase of 18.5 per cent compared to the 2,963 sales in April 2009; 9.1 per cent more than April 2008's 3,218 sales; and 3.7 per cent more than April 2007's 3,387 sales. April 2010 sales also represent a 12 per cent increase compared to last month.

"We're in the midst of another strong spring season thanks to high levels of activity on both the buyer and seller side of our market," Jake Moldowan, REBGV president said. "The number of homes coming on the market has increased significantly in recent months, which is providing a healthy level of choice for those looking to buy during this busy period."

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 7,648 in April 2010, a 64.5 per cent increase compared to April 2009 when 4,649 new units were listed, and a 9.2 per cent increase compared to March 2010 when 7,004 properties were added to the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®).

At 15,901, the total number of property listings on the MLS® increased 17 per cent in April compared to last month, and is up 11 per cent compared to this time last year.

Over the last 12 months, the MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver increased 18.9 per cent to $593,419 from $499,021 in April 2009.

"It was at this time last year when home prices in our region began their recovery from the declines that occurred during the recession period," Moldowan said.

Sales of detached properties in April 2010 reached 1,370, an increase of 15.1 per cent from the 1,190 detached sales recorded in April 2009 and a six per cent increase from the 1,293 units sold in April 2008. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 21.2 per cent from April 2009 to $818,403.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,526 in April 2010, an increase of 29.4 per cent compared to the 1,179 sales in April 2009 and an increase of 15.9 per cent compared to the 1,317 sales in April 2008.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 16.9 per cent from April 2009 to $397,779.

Attached property sales in April 2010 totalled 616, an increase of 3.7 per cent compared to the 594 sales in April 2009 and a 1.3 per cent increase from the 608 attached properties sold in April 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 16.4 per cent between April 2009 and 2010 to $502,399.

Don't miss this great family event for a great cause!! It's being held in the parking lot of Royal LePage Coronation West at 2185 Austin Avenue in Coquitlam (at Hillcrest).

Other fun activities will include a hot dog BBQ, bake sale, balloons and popcorn for the kids, coloring contest and much more!!

An army of hard working, fun loving realtors will be out to help you treasure hunt through the tables - 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Tri Cities Womens Resource Society. This organization helps women and their families transition out of violence and abusive situations through housing, education and support programs.

Don't miss out - help us help others on this great day! If you have any questions, or would like more information about how you can donate or support this event please call Angela Reeves 604-897-7033

I have to thank some of my newest clients Chris and Aisha, for their realistic approach to selling their condo. So many times, sellers percieve their homes to be worth much more than what the market would indicate, and it can be a struggle to encourage them to price realistically. Not so with these two! They listened to my analysis of recent and past sales and expireds, worked with me to calculate their desired time frame for the move, then priced it right!

Their condo sold in just 11 days on the market at almost asking price - not overnight to be sure, but in a somewhat slow paced early spring market, that is not bad at all by my standards! No haggling, no countering, just a realistic listing and selling price - how simple is that??

On the flip side, they were just as realistic and helpful when it came to negotiating their purchase, and we managed to get a great deal on a nice townhome nearby. I know this may not be the worlds most exciting blog topic, but I felt it's important to portray the simple success stories and the times when things go right, as they can be few and far between!

Thanks guys!! I wish I had a million more clients just like you!!! Keep those referrals coming! :-)

A newly founded group of special Shelter Foundation ambassadors will help raise more funds and awareness for the Shelter Foundation. By unifying our efforts and voice nationwide, we can make even more of a difference in the lives of Canadian women and children.

I am pleased to announce the members of this new national 15 person group:

British Columbia:

Sharen Warde (RLP Coast Capital) in Victoria

Angela Reeves (RLP Coronation West) in Coquitlam

Alberta:

Darlis Bachusky (RLP Network Realty) in Red Deer

Jolene Ledene (RLP Community) in Brooks

Saskatchewan:

Mike Duggleby (RLP Regina) in Regina

Deb Schmidt (RLP Premier) in Yorkton

Manitoba:

Becky Parkes (RLP Dynamic) in Winnipeg

Ontario:

Colette Lacoursiere (RLP ProAlliance) in Kingston

Catherine DeVries (RLP Real Estate Services Ltd) in Toronto

Mary Lindsay (RLP Team) in Ottawa

Debbie Zimmer (RLP Burloak) in Burlington

Quebec:

Grant Staley (RLP Village) in L'Ile Perrot

East Coast:

Shelley Wentzell (RLP Truro) in Truro NS

Glenn Larkin (RLP Professionals 2000) in St. John's NF

Bryan Burgess (RLP Gardiner) in Fredericton NB

The group will meet monthly to work together on common initiatives to fundraise, support and promote the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, whose mandate is to provide help and safe haven to women in children in need across the country. Watch for upcoming events in your local area.

The October sun shone brightly today at the Doggie Dash and Pet Expo at the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre. This annual event in support of the Lower Mainland Network for Animals Society was attended by many varying breeds, large and small & consists of a 5km walk/run, followed up by a adult and human treats, doggie fashion show, trick contest, pet/owner lookalike contest. Entrants enjoyed fabulous prize bags, celebratory treats and doggie cupcakes, wonderful live music. All visitors enjoyed the many vendor & information booths, facepainting, balloons and treats. All in all, a great event, for a great cause!!

Scout was the star of the show - at least in my eyes (but chose not to race).

My Helpers did a great job manning the Royal LePage tent!