Last week the REALTOR.ca app for Blackberry® was released. How cool is that? The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) now has apps for three of the most popular smartphones. REALTOR.ca is the most visited real estate website in Canada, listing on average some 350,000 properties at any time.
"Consumers today use their smartphones in many ways, and this free application provides Blackberry users all the features and functionality of the REALTOR.ca website" said CREA President Gary Morse. "REALTORS® across Canada are proud to be providing this service to house hunters."
The free REALTOR.ca app is provided at no cost to consumers by Canada's 100,000 REALTORS® and more than 100 real estate Boards and Associations.
The app provides users with the features and functionality of REALTOR.ca and takes full advantage of Blackberry device features, such as:
· Using the handheld's GPS technology:
o Properties Near Me - get up-to-date property information, photos and driving directions;
o New Listings Near Me - recent listings in the area you're visiting;
o Open Houses Near Me - find open houses near your present location;
· My Agent - Contact either your agent(s), or the listing agent for more information about a specific property;
· Property Search - Search for houses and properties across Canada, and connect with REALTORS® to view, buy or sell a property;
· Personalized settings allowing the user to set default language, unit of measure, how properties are displayed, and search radius for "Near Me" searches;
· Interactive BING mapping is embedded to allow focus on specific neighbourhoods;
· Scheduled Open Houses can be added to the device's calendar.
"When considering one of life's biggest financial transactions, easily accessible, detailed information about homes and neighbourhoods, as well as access to REALTORS®, helps people make well-informed decisions" stated Morse.
Now isn't that something? :)
Well guess what? My neighbourhood of Garrison Crossing is contention to be recognized as the Best Neighbour in Canada to Live in. Many of you have seen the posts I've done on Garrison and know what a unique and wonderful neighbourhood it is.
We're currently in second place overall - however we are in first place in the category of Neighbourhoods - however we would love to move into first place overall. In order for that to happen I'm asking my Active Rain family to cast a vote for us - or anyone else that reads this post!
If you click on the link below and help us get there by voting for Garrison Crossing. The system will allow you to vote once per day minimum and sometimes more...so please vote often.
I really appreciate your support.
Garrison Crossing has been nominated as one of the Great Places in Canada!
Please help us win the title VOTE HERE NOW!
Come see what we're talking about!
Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing - A Winter's Tale - First in a Series
Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing - Winter Wonderland - Second in a Series
Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing - Wintertime - Third in a Series
Frosty - in Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing - Fourth in a Series
Winter in Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing - Branching out with Vintage Townhomes - Fifth in a Series
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If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing, Cultus Lake, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Chilliwack Realtor Liz Moras of Keller Williams Elite a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.
Copyright © 2011 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. Please do not use without permission. Information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive. It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Keller Williams Elite Realty.
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If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing, Cultus Lake, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give
Chilliwack Realtor Liz Moras of Keller Williams Elite Realty
a call at
604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.
Copyright © 2011 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. Please do not use without permission. Information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive. It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Keller Williams Elite Realty.
So you are convinced it is a Good Idea to Buy a Home That Was a Former Grow Op?
Are you considering buying a property that was a former Marijuana grow operation or meth lab? I'm far from an expert on the subject, although Chilliwack has more than its fair share of former Grow-Op Homes. Perhaps speaking to a Home Inspector might provide some critical information, however I can speak on it from the perspective of a Realtor.
There used to be a time when this problem was the domain of derelict old homes in run down neighbourhoods. Unfortunately, not any more - if anything it is just as likely to be in a posh family oriented neighbourhood or a brand new development. As a matter of fact its become quite a popular method of paying down a mortgage. However these days grow houses are seldom used for extended periods of time since these 'investors' tend to switch up their locations fairly frequently. Nevertheless, unsuspecting homeowners are always shocked when they find a drug raid occuring at the house next door to them.
Recently the Chilliwack Progress did a series of articles on former grow ops in our area and they were kind enough to provide maps pinpointing these locations. I'm not sure but the police web site might even have that information. However knowing a home was a grow op is a lot easier to deal with then buying one where the operations went undetected.
Similar type Map in Toronto
The best advice I could possibly give you is to have each and every home you consider buying, inspected by a Licensed Home Inspector; although admittedly there are still some inspectors that do not know how to identify a former Grow Op home.
However this question relates specifically to the potential home buyer that is wondering what the pros and cons of buying a home that hosted a former grow operation; so I'll try and simplify it with a couple of lists:
The Cons: (Listed in no particular order)
Potential health and safety risks - Most grow operators illegally bypass hydro meters in order to steal the large amounts of power required for heating and lighting a grow operation. This usually results in dangerous electrical connections that are capable of causing serious injury or possible death. Operators often install large ventilation tubes to exhaust chemical fumes through the roof of a home often causing serious structural damage due to large holes cut in floors and ceilings.
- Humidity levels are kept very high in grow operations to promote plant growth. Unfortunately high humidity levels also promote mold growth which can be very carcinogenic and have long lasting health effects for humans. Use of various chemicals in both grow operations and in particular meth labs, can easily contaminate drywall, plaster and even wooden framing.
- Remediation required to restore a grow operation property back to a safe and healthy state, can be extremely costly and in the case of former meth labs, often deemed a lost cause, as chemical infiltration into all the building material within a home is usually so widespread.
- There may be some current and future property insurance issues - some companies will not insure former grow ops.
- If you're told that the these homes have no problems being resold - check the data and see how many times they've been on the market and for how long and with how many price reductions before they are eventually sold.
- I also encourage you to seriously consider whether tearing down the property might not be a better idea than rehabilitating it.
The Pros - (Yes there are some )
- If you have private money and can gut the house, and your are able to purchase the house at a great reduced price; if you spend money to have environmental engineers do spore tests etc. and perhaps have the construction skills or trusted contacts that can do it - you could end up a decent investment.
- Some believe that many former grow ops that have been repaired are in better condition than other homes. Why is this? because within the lower mainland most municipalities require former grow ops to have environmental air testing, mold and noxious material reports done. Until this is done and passed the city will not re-issue an occupancy permit.
- Depending on the extent of the grow op - some cities require the property to be brought up to current building codes that include items such as plumbing and gas, building, electric etc. This forces the homeowner to upgrade many features that were unaffected by the grow op. And these items could be as small as adding railings to stairs or as big as fixing a foundation of structure.
- There may be an opportunity get this property at a bargain price - however make sure to take all the additional costs into consideration before you proceed on what looks like a bargain price.
So what would I do given all the pros and cons? I would probably pass. Chances are there will be headaches. Certification for home insurance could be a problem if you do disclose - if you don't disclose you may find yourself uninsured even after paying premiums. In my experience this is often a deal killer. The insurance company requires city approval for the home but if it was a grow op before the city required certification for grow ops you end up in grow op limbo land. If repairs were made before the Cities were required to approve the repairs - chances are no bank would touch it. I suspect the contract was eventually submitted without the grow op disclosure...
Lastly, the house is always stigmatized with the 'former grow-op label' - and then again there are the stories of grow rip or drive by shootings - unaware that the house has been sold!
Also be aware that there have seen many, many homes sold without the owner disclosing they had a grow op (sometimes because they didn't know and it was several sales ago). So Buyer beware!
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If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing, Cultus Lake, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give
Chilliwack Realtor Liz Moras of Keller Williams Elite Realty
a call at
604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.
Copyright © 2011 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. Please do not use without permission. Information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive. It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Keller Williams Elite Realty.
Your house hasn't sold? Its been 3, 6, 12 months? You're shaking your head and wondering why? Well here are the straight goods........Look at the list and check it twice! :-)
First of all lets see why other similar properties sold and yours didn't:
1.) They made sure their property was priced correctly right from the very beginning.
2.) They made showings easy - and left the home during showings so the Buyers could explore comfortably.
3.) They invested in professional home staging - realizing that the way they saw there home was not necessarily the way others would see it. We see our homes with different eyes and may not accentuate the positive and minimize the negative. Time and time again data shows that staged houses sell for more and sell quicker.
4.) They were more aware of market trends and so knew that being more flexible when negotiating was necessary. They also did not reject offers outright.
That doesn't mean that some houses still don't sell, but your odds are greatly improved.
Somethings to consider...
1. ) How motivated were you to sell? Were you holding out for a sale price similar to the one your neighbor received a couple of years ago? Are you prepared to wait another two years to get your house sold?
2.) Are all parties involved equally motivated? Sometimes holding back on appropriate pricing is a strategy for delaying decision making when both parties are not equally ready to sell!
3.)Are you thinking your house hasn't sold because of your Realtor? Although that may be a possibility chances are that probably isn't the reason your home hasn't sold. However sometimes people think that changing up the Realtors might make a difference - and that is unfortunate. Although the temptation might be to find a new Realtor and THEN reduce your price - the odds are that after investing both time and money there is no one more motivated in selling your home than the Realtor you already have!
4.) However if you think your house is worth more than anyone else? Bonus: You might just get to keep it! :)
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If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing, Cultus Lake, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Chilliwack Realtor Liz Moras of Landmark Realty a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.
Copyright © 2011 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. Please do not use without permission. Information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive. It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Landmark Realty Chwk. Ltd.
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Condo & Residential Specialist , Bringing 20 Years of Experience & Listening to Your Needs in the Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford and Langley areas!
Liz Moras ~ Chilliwack Realtor
For those of you who don't know me...a little about my background..... from a personal perspective. After all this is the "handshake".
..this is how YOU will base your First Impression of me!.....
This year is kind of an interesting Anniversary for me - it's been 20 years since this Chilliwack Realtor first got her Real Estate Licence! There I was sitting in my kitchen in Sechelt, on the Sunshine Coast..
.........expecting my 2nd child........thinking about my career options. I had graduated from Simon Fraser University with a degree Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with intention of going to Law school...funny the roads that can lead us to Real Estate!.
But you know how life is sometimes.......we take circuitous routes to where we're going and often end up somewhere totally different! I married........and in an effort to support my husband in completing his education...I started working as a dispatcher with the RCMP. I worked with the RCMP in North Vancouver, and Sechelt, and with the City Police in Vancouver, and Abbotsford.
However sitting there in that kitchen that day, I decided a New Day was dawning.....a time from many new beginnings! You know how it is........one new beginning begets another and often a whole bunch of new beginnings all happen at the same time!
One thing that kept coming back to my mind was that not only in my 'family' ..but in my 'career' I truly wanted to "make a difference"......! Yes I wanted some flexibility in my schedule, because my 'family was' and always will be the most important thing in the world to me. But...
I had always been passionate about decorating and interior design.........My friends always said...that I had my new homes decorated before I even removed 'subjects'! Having moved many times in my life, I always knew the importance of creating a "home" no matter where the 'house' was, what it looked like, or how big or small, or expensive it was! I decided I wanted to share my knowledge and experience in a career that would impact people in an important way.
My experience, having bought and sold 11 homes up to that point, was that there was a real 'niche' opening in the "personal service ' side of Real Estate. With an emphasis on the word SERVICE & Relationship building! I knew who I wanted to be to for my clients in helping them 'find a home' and I wanted to be there to support them in both the challenges and adventures that were ahead of them!
So this was my Choice! To be a A Realtor thats was professional and knowledgeable but also caring and compassionate. One who saw my customers as 'individuals' with 'needs' and 'desires', 'dreams' and 'goals... rather then viewing them with $ signs in their eyes!
And you know what? Its been a remarkable journey! So it was in Sechelt that I received my Real Estate Licence ..........and 9 months later my husband had taken a transfer and I ended up in Langley, B.C. Rural, horse country! No malls, few plazas.........and 1 townhome complex........the one we bought it! A Life style change........definitely......and the more I thought about it I realized that 'townhome living' was going to be a 'boom' to our Industry......I became the Condo Townhome Specialist For Langley for 11 years. Now thats niche marketing for you!
Well I didn't stay there - I ended up taking up a wonderful challenge and opportunity by accepting a position as Broker for a Real Estate Company in Sunshine Valley - which sold 'recreational homes'...chalets and log homes.....
.Nestled between the mountains yards from the Infamous Hope slide, and minutes to Manning Park.......how much closer to Heaven on Earth could I get? Nevertheless all good things do end.........
In 2001 I moved to Chilliwack........and have been selling homes here for 10 years now!
A pristine valley surrounded by mountains on all sides...........1 1/2 hours from Vancouver................and minutes to everything else!
I feel I have worn many hats throughout my career!
(Actually I have a Hat collection!) This Realtor has been - the Professional, The Negotiator, The Contractor, The Carer, The Hand Holder, The Shoulder to Cry on, The Advisor, The Friend, the Babysitter, The Hairdresser, The Bartender (The Ear part!),The Decorator, The Story Teller, The Chauffeur, the Nanny, The Counsellor, The Designer, The Decorator, The Mitigator, The Reconciliator, The Economist, The Strategist, The De-Stressor, The Jane of Many Trades - but hopefully mostly I've made the 'trip' with them ....from Professional to new and lifelong Friend!
This August will be my 22nd anniversary of selling Real Estate! How exciting....! Its always interesting when people ask you what your area of expertise is? Its interesting how when you're passionate about something, something is close to your heart, or relevant to your own life experience - how easy it is to become an expert in that field or area!
I first began my Real Estate Career on The Sunshine Coast - in British Columbia.......Sechelt to be exact..........a beautiful seaside community, both rural and quaint, artsy and worldly all in one..........but primariliy a vacation home away from home location.......I've also worked in Sunshine Valley - in the mountains, next door to Manning Park Ski resort............so would that make me a recreational area home Expert? Possibly!.......:-)
I remember working in Langley almost 20 years ago when the first townhome complex EVER was being built in Walnut Grove - and we were wondering if it would take.......? I mean really - it was not the city core, primarily rural acreages...........Today you only have to drive through this phenomena of townhome development ..........hmmm I'm thinking it 'took'! For 11 years that was my specialty - 'townhomes' and 'apartments' an affordable, viable, lifestyle alternative to renting or owning higher maintenance homes.
Segway? Perfect ! Townhomes and condos became the perfect opportunity for first time buyers - or re-buyers - with the growth of single parent/ and single again parent families...empty nesters........paralleling my own personal life - this became the natural niche and a speciality. People I could identify with or that were close to my heart, people struggling with starting over, downscaling........or just overcoming hurdles...I could hold their hand - walk by their side and help them with their new beginnings.....
So when asked about specializing? At different times in my career there have been different areas that I've specialized it.......but really the bottom line is - People - I specialize in people - caring about listening to them, hearing where they're at, what their hopes and dreams are - and being a partner in helping them realize their goals... For This Chilliwack Realtor there is nothing more fulfilling then helping people find their homes, and helping them realize some of their dreams!
We are fortunate to have had Liz Moras representing us when we purchased our
Chilliwack townhouse. During the decision making stage we bombarded her with
multiple questions about the property. We can state from direct experience that
she answered all our questions and concerns truthfully and accurately.
During the contractual and purchasing process she worked diligently to ensure
that everything was occurring legally and with a minimum of concern to all
parties. When the legal reps of both parties miscommunicated on a minor issue,
she adeptly intervened to correct their misunderstanding.
Liz's affable nature, sustained patience and expert guidance were greatly
appreciated during our purchase and we are pleased and confident to recommend
her services to any prospective clients.
Yours Sincerely
Dennis and Morna Unger
"Dear Liz Thank you so very much for your assistance in selling my home in Chilliwack this past June. As you soon learned after our first phone call, selling my home and garden that I had put my heart into for seventeen years, and where I had raised my son, was emotionally difficult for me.
It was wonderful how you were able to see my home through my eyes and focus your advertising on the attributes of the property that I loved. You were able to pick up on my feelings and needs without me having to say much, and I appreciated that so much. You provided excellent advice as to repairs and clean-up prior to listing and you gave me the time to do the work with no pressure.
You were also very understanding about my son living there on his own during the time of the listing and sale. The listing price that we decided on, following your research into similar homes in the area was exactly right - neither too high nor too low. It made for a quick sale, which was what I needed. Thanks again, Liz. I will certainly be passing on your name to anyone I know who may be purchasing or selling a home. Sincerely yours, Jean Douglas-Webb "
- Jean Douglas-Webb
"Liz - Your professional service is very much appreciated. Beyond the call of duty! Keep it up and you can't miss! "
- G. Kellington
"It gives me a great pleasure to recommend Liz Moras as a most professional Realtor I've ever met. Her sincere advise and turbo fast services have impressed me so much. She is very friendly and helpful and her uttermost goal is client's happiness. Her organized manner of working and her knowledge transformed the house hunting for us from a very stressful task into a pleasant experience. Even after the deal was closed, Liz made sure that we were happy with the property we purchased. If we will sell our home I'll definitely go for Liz Moras as my Realtor. "
- Adriana and Peter Boldi
""I have nothing but great things to say about Liz, I have already referred several people to her and will not hesitate to continue doing so. Liz adds a personal touch to the stressful yet exciting challenge of looking for a home.. I was a first time buyer so I was just searching for homes and then would call the realtor to set up a time to view and went through several agents before I felt so very comfortable with Liz. She asked me what I wanted and that is what she showed me... and when we viewed homes she always had input and brought both negative and positive details to my attention. With Liz's help I ended up with the perfect home for myself. Liz is very personable as well as professional and has answered all my questions I had before the closing and continues to be a great source of information. Thanks for making my experience such an enjoyable (and profitable) one Liz!! " "
- Dayle Anne Geddes
"Liz Moras is an honest and forthright realtor. Her professionalism is made all the more attractive by her energy and creative sales strategies. She knows her stuff and will give anyone the very best service." "
- David Ortis
"I would have no hesitation in recommending Liz to my friends. She is warm and friendly, but very professional. She is well informed, knowledgeable, has an eye for detail about your home and listens to her client's needs whether buying or selling. "
- Trish and Sandy
"We have enjoyed working with Liz Moras on our real estate purchases. We have found her to be personable, conscientious, and dedicated to the best interests of her clients. She has an astute business mind and a wealth of experience that serve as an excellent resource for informed decision-making. We respect her expertise and tenacity, and appreciate her professionalism as well as her commitment to meeting our needs. We would be pleased to work with Liz again on future real estate purchases. "
- Irene and Eric Geng
"I really liked how Liz would get feedback from the the other agents and prospective buyers after each showing. Liz kept in touch with me, was always there to answer my questions and I was very happy to have her as my agent. I would definitely have Liz as my realtor again. "
- Sharon O'Toole
"Thank you so much for making the purchase of our new home such a wonderful experience. We appreciate your expertise, professionalism and personalized service. We would highly recommend your services to our friends and family. Best regards, "
- Lynn Tiffin
I went to Liz Moras to sell my commercial building because the other Realtors didn't seem too interested. When I approached them they said I could only get so much and that was that. I requested Liz take a look at it and she said if I wanted a certain amount for my building I would have to repaint, fix a few things and replace my tile floors. I figured you go to an electrician and he tells you want you need to do. You go to a realtor and she or he willl tell you what to do to have the sale. Liz then proceeded to take pictures and put my place on the market. She also e-mailed other Realtors and sent flyers out to people out of town that might be interested in this unique commercial building. She was actively showing my place right from the get go. I loved her professionalism and her straight forwardness, her integrity and enthusiasm. She is a mover and a shaker. She was very motivated to sell my property. She kept in contact weekly, sometimes daily to let me know what was so. I had several offers on my property, she coached me on what to do so that I could get the best price. I gladly paid the real estate fee, it was well earned and I appreciated that Liz made the sale seem effortless for me and my family. If we sell our home I will definitely have Liz sell it. We are looking now to buy another investment property and we are definitely using Liz. "
- Wendy Bergen
"I think you did a wonderful job and sincerely want to thank you for your efforts. I would not hesitate to recommend you."
- Bill Smith
"I wanted to say that we really enjoyed working with you, and would very much like to work with you again when we sell and move up."
- Marnie
"Just a quick note to say how much we appreciated your help in finding us a house after we emigrated to Canada from England last year. We realize now that we gave you an almost impossible task when we asked you to find us an acreage in our price range in the Agassiz area where we could keep animals, and that it was your professionalism and commitment to us as clients, together with your extensive knowledge of the local and regional market, that allowed us to find what we wanted. Thanks for sticking with us and saving us a lot of unnecessary stress during a busy period in our lives."
- Alix and Mark Robinson
" Hello Liz, I want to thank you for the great job you did in handling dad's property sale. Your compassion and keeness of mind in understanding the hesitancies of an elderly client, your patience and your professionalism were evident and most appreciated. Thank-you on behalf of may dad and myself for making the process least complex and so very manageable. very sincerely Saeed "
- Saeed Ghafari
"Liz, the world's a whole lot better place because of people like you. Thank you for your excellent service and we will always recommend you to our relatives and friends."
- Mr. & Mrs. Bohm
"To Liz Moras - Once on Chilliwack Mountain in the 'Trees Shade' - Liz sold our home, promises were made. She sold with enthusiasm, she sold it fast. Dealing with lawyers - brokers- consultants at last. Promises were made, Promises were kept. Poor Liz harly ever slept! So if you see this "online", give your home a "sine". She will sell it like mine! Don't ask why? Give her a try. Liz rhymes with "Promise". A special "Thank you" ! Thank you for the beautiful picture and verse. We will be reminded often of you and your hard work for us."
- Theresia and Hubert
"After reading the testimonials published on Liz Moras' Web Page I apologize for my repetitious comments.HOWEVER it does prove Liz works in a similar manner with each of her clients.She is extremely personnable, knowlegeable, honest, and very professional. My experience with Liz was over a six month period. My townhouse sold in 2 days by Liz Moras. I decided to buy in a new building .in which the construction was in its earliest stages, hence the 6-month wait to move in. Liz was "with me all the way" answering numerous questions with decisions in the various stages of building and moving in - decisions as to colours, flooring upgrades, appliances,, preparing documents to present and sign etc. etc. etc., She was always willing to find answers for me BUT ultimately she always left the final decision to me. Thank you Liz." Marion Chatfield
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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