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Liz Moras ~Chilliwack Realtor, Chilliwack,Hope,Langley,Abbotsford

Kawkawa Lake - Hope's Hidden Gem - B.C.

Less then 2 hours east of Vancouver, nestled between the Cascade and Coastal mountains of Hope - lie the pristine blue waters of Kawkawa Lake.

Scattered around the shores of Kawkawa is a small community of lakefront cottages.........offering one of the last frontiers for affordable waterfront properties ....

This Day-Trippers haven offers so many activities include water skiing, tubing, swimming......a maze of wilderness hiking trails and you can even drop a line and fish for Kokanee (which can be 3.5 lbs and bigger!

The word Kawkawa is a poetic Native term that means 'much calling of loons.' Repeat it often enough and you'll get the picture.

Much of the shoreline is still wooded and free of development. Although during the summer months, especially the weekends, Kawkawa receives heavy use, fishermen and canoeists can find solitude in the cove near the southeast side as well as the northwest bay of the lake.

Visitors to the park often journey here as part of a visit to the Coquihalla Canyon Recreation Area and the Othello-Quintette Railway Tunnels, part of the Trans Canada Trail in the Coquihalla Canyon.

If you're thinking you might like a little cottage nestled on the lake...give me a call!

Check out my other posts about the Hope Area!

The Hope Slide - Canada's Largest Rock Slide, Hope, B.C.

The Friendship Garden - Tashme Japanese Internment Camp - Hope, B.C.

Chainsaw Carving Capital of the World - Hope

Kawkawa Lake - Hope's Hidden Gem - B.C.

Sunshine Valley - Hope, B.C. - A Little Bit of Sunshine !

Othello-Quintette Tunnels

If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Sunshine Valley, Harrison Hot Springs, Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2009 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved.All photos by Liz Moras. All 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..

Its the End of Summer and You're Preparing to Sell? 10 Easy Tips

Planning to put your home on the market...soon? Fall time seems to be a popular time for people to want to list their properties.......and the Fall Selling Season is fast approaching......what to do?...

Summer time for many is a time for weekends at the cottage,family picnics, going to the beach, or just enjoying life at a slower pace...

But if you start now.......you can get your house ready for showing at a pace you can control......with a few weeks of lead in ........it really is the perfect time to start doing the necessary improvements, preparations and start organizing your home!

With more selection on the market there is more competition among home sellers than there has been in the last few years.... its time to take stock and definitely put your home's best foot forward!

Some home sellers have their homes in pristine condition and looking like the cover of a Martha Stewart Magazine...but for most of us we need a little help in that area!

Times have changed, and the of multiple offers and homes with clutter, unsightly decor and green shag carpets should be over.....Until recently home sellers could get away with a lot because just about anything was selling.........For a few years now - Selling in a Seller's market has been a bit of a breeze and we've been spoiled. Clients used to say 'what do we need to do'.......and the answer was - probably nothing! There was so little inventory that everything was selling - and selling quickly. But not anymore!

I've always said, that a Realtor should put their own home on the market every few years, just to remind us what its like for 'Sellers'...........And so I did! My own home is currently for sale......and so I can speak not just from the perspective of a Realtor - but from that of a Home Owner! And I won't say that its not challenging...and my home really didn't need any major renno's or improvements......but here are a few tips if all you need is a general spiffing up!*

1.) Take advantage of the longer days of summer and leisurely start chipping away at your list of improvements well before your home goes on the market. You ARE doing improvements aren't you?? :-) If you do you'll avoid so much stress...tackle the big items first and then start focusing on the small touches that will make your home stand out from the rest!

2.) Go to your local movers and ask if you can have their used packing boxes. I refer my clients to these movers so I always get free boxes both for myself and my clients. While you're at it get some packing paper too!

Then I put a box in every room in the house - and start pulling out every thing that might be considered to 'clutter' for some people; photos, knick knacks, books, pictures etc.,I wrap it up, label it and then start stacking the boxes in a corner of the garage. Less clutter, less to clean and this way you'll be a quarter packed when you're ready to move!

3.)Rearrange some of your furniture - give your home 'flow' and make it easy to manoever.

4.)For Cleaning....Divide up your home into areas.........not just rooms, ie. Kitchen: 1. cupboards;stove;fridge;drawers.............Bedroom: bedding,dressers,walk-in;....For example if yoiu have 2 weeks in which you want to get your home ready and you can set aside 2 hours a day - divy up the chores.........you won't6.) be overwhelmed, and you'll be done in no time. Actually once you find yourself working your plan, you might even get on a roll and get way more done in a shorter period of time. This was my mom's tip - and i'll tell you - it will bring you down from 'overwhelm' to 'calm cool and in control'.........in no time! :-)

5.) Colour your world.......either wash your walls, paint your rooms, or touch them up....paint a feature wall and maybe add a little drama or 'ping' to your home...

6.) Buy some flowers - or cut them from your garden, candles etc......do a fruit arrangement - anything with a bit of whimsy...

7.)Light up your house! Open up all your blinds and window coverings - clean your windows.........and make sure all your light fixtures have lighbulbs in them and light it up!

8.) Pay special attention to your Entrance, Walk Way - and what we like to call your Curb Appeal! Mow your lawn, trip your tree branches, shrubs, clear your walkway.......and make your Entrance Sizzle......first impressions are so important.....

9.)If all this is a little more then you can handle...... hire a 'home stager'!........Seriously people for the few hundred that theycharge, you'll more then make up for it in the sale price of your home, not to mention the peace of mind and de-stressing effect it will have on you! Check out Active Rain......for a Home Stager near you - you'll be happy you did ! :-)

10.) Last but not Least - Hire a Realtor that you Connect With. Pick Someone that Sparkles with Enthusiasm and Prepares with Professionalism. Frankly...you have a lot of Realtors to Choose from.....choose the Best.

Choose the one thats Best for You! That doesn't necessarily mean the one with the Most Listings, the One with the Biggest Team, Your Aunt or your Best Friend's Friend.......Do some research...check the papers if you like.........but definitely check out their Website....Head for the Testimonials Page - and see what others have to say.......and for Heaven's Sake pick a Realtor that Blogs!

There is no better way to get to know how Professional - Knowlegeable - Respected - What their Values are - Their Hobbies - or about their Family - then to read about A Day in Their Life in a Blog!

*Not a complete list - now I couldn't tell all here could I? :-) For more tips - call - e-mail - or blog me! :-)

If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you're considering a career in Real Estate or would like more information about Keller Williams please give Liz Moras a call! Managing Broker and Team Leader - 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@shaw.ca.

Copyright © 2008 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved

Chilliwack Realtor Murdered....

This is such incredibly sad news. Last night after dinner and a movie my boyfriend left to go home to his property on Promontory......On his way up the hill he was stopped by a police and told he couldn't get to his place because the whole area had been cordoned off due to a police 'incident' that had just occurred. When asked how long it might be, he was told about an hour - to go for coffee or visit a friend and then try again. An hour later he went back - and was told that he wouldn't be able to get through for at least another 5-6 hours. We wondered what could have happened.........

Two hours later we heard on the CBC news that there had just been a shooting and a 'Chilliwack Man had been murdered up in Promontory.'

This morning we got that news that a friend and collegue...Realtor, Mike Gordon, the former franchise owner of Best Bet Realty had been shot and killed. Apparently sometime last night he received a call while at home - with a request to show one of his listings in Promontory. Mike lived in Promontory and agreed to meet the client at the local corner store and to go together from there to view the property.

At approximately 8:30 pm he pulled into the corner store parking lot - and while getting out of his vehicle he was shot 5 times. Someone called in a 'shots fired' report to 911 - and within minutes the RCMP arrived at the scene. Mike was found in critical condition and taken to the hospital where he died 3 hours later.

Now I don't know all the details.......I don't know the specific circumstances and I'm sure more information will unfold in the upcoming days.

Earlier this year, Victoria, B.C. Re/max Realtor, Lindsay Buziak, 24, was murdered while showing a vacant home. To to date no one has been arrested or charged with her murder.

Soon after I wrote a post - S.A.F.E.R. Safety Awareness for Realtors - outlining precautions we as Realtors need to take while showing houses. Much of this information assumes that its women that are primarily in danger - and yet here a strong young man was gunned down.

What I doI know is that a fellow Realtor in my small community was shot and killed. My heart goes out to his wife and 4 year old son..........to his partner in business Mark, and Mike's Mom who worked as his conveyancing secretary, and the rest of his family.

UPDATE : August 23, 2008 - The Chilliwack Progress just released an update on the story: Murdered Realtor Targeted in Shooting - it appears that the story is more complicated that initially thought. There is speculation that the shooting was gang-related. I'm still in shock - I'm not sure what I find more shocking....hmmm..I'll continue to keep you posted...

CTV report - Chilliwack Shooting Victim

Chilliwack Times - Realtor Gunned Down

Update: August 29, 2008 Memorial

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If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property in Chilliwack or the Fraser Valley Area of B.C., please give Liz Moras, Associate Broker & REALTOR® of Re/Max Nyda Realty, a call!

Call Liz at 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@shaw.ca. Be sure to check out Liz's website www.lizmoras.com and blog at www.lizmoras.activerain.com

Copyright © 2008 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. *Chilliwack Realtor Murdered*

Harrison Hot Springs - Sandcastle Capital - Fraser Valley, B.C.

Nestled against a mountain setting, and on the shores of one of our largest and most beautiful freshwater lakes, the Village of Harrison Hot Springs posseses the perfect blend of small town warmth, incredible natural beauty and absolutely endless outdoor adventure possibilities.

Only 1 1/2 hrs from downtown vancouver, this small village is one of British columbia's premier vacation destinations for mboth local and international visitors! Aside from the "hot springs" there are so many fabulous activities to do in and about the lake.

From kayaking to windsurfing, to boating, swimming, this warm-water lagoon is a great place to enjoy downtime. Theres a beautiful walk along the sandy shores, 4 golf courses within minutes of the lake and a ski hill less then an hour away.

The Harrison Hot springs Resort and Spa - is the focal point of the Beach area......luxurious rooms, the famous Copper Room Dining - with a fabulous seafood buffet.....the Jones Boys live band which has been playing at the Harrison for over 20 years...with formal ballroom dancing is the place to go in the Valley.......New Years and July 1st celebrations bring fireworks to the lake.....making it a perfect backdrop for a sparkling fete.

Gorgeous beach walks, wild mountain flowers, rock gardens.....

Although famous primarily for the Hot Springs and The International Sandcastle Festival (which warrants a Post of its own).......this is a daytrip, weekend, or vacation gem~

If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - please give Liz Moras a call! - 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@shaw.ca.

Copyright © 2008 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved

Sunshine Valley - Hope, B.C. - A Little Bit of Sunshine !

A long time ago when I was going through a stressful time, a friend of mine gave me the keys to her getaway cabin............two days of weekend heaven, in what was then for me the unheard of Sunshine Valley! A sign marks the Valley as your heading from Hope (SV is located 19 km East of Hope) down the Hope Princeton Highway (or Crowsnest Hwy).......but for most of us it was a tiny blip on our radar and we drove right past it towards Manning Park Ski Resort or beyond.

Well I would like to say that weekend was fantastic........but despite the adorable cottage and pristine HEIDI like Alpine village setting....I was as sick as a dog the whole weekend, and for the most part didn't leave the bathroom...:-(

Fortunately I was allowed repeat visits.....and frankly I fell in love. So much in love that I ended up taking a job as the on site realtor broker for the Valley for a whole year! I moved up my three kids, rented an awesome Valley chalet and experienced one of those once in a lifetime...times of your life....

Our Back Deck.....

Hope Green is this Valley? :-)

Made daisy wreaths and pranced in the meadows....

We fished for Sockeye salmon in the Sumallo River......

During the winter this lake froze over and we'd take our skates and muffs and revelled in the Winter Wonderland!

Sunshine Valley Community Centre - indoor basketball, volleyball, party room......

Sunshine Valley Playground

Sunshine Valley has over 300 residential and recreational properties...and located only 2.5 hrs away from Vancouver...

Looking for a special mountain getaway minutes from Manning Ski Resort.......? Want to build your dream log home or chalet in an alpine wonderland? Give me a call.......I'd love to tell you about this 'almost secret' hideaway!

House for Sale - Check out by Blog - Alpine Delight - $329,900

Lot for Sale - Check out my Blog - Build Your Perfect Retreat in Cedar Village $119,900

Check out my other posts about the Hope Area!

The Hope Slide - Canada's Largest Rock Slide, Hope, B.C.

The Friendship Garden - Tashme Japanese Internment Camp - Hope, B.C.

Chainsaw Carving Capital of the World - Hope

Kawkawa Lake - Hope's Hidden Gem - B.C.

Sunshine Valley - Hope, B.C. - A Little Bit of Sunshine !

Othello-Quintette Tunnels

If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2009 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. All photos by Liz Moras ( except the one's I'm in!). All 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..