Mike Andruff

News Release

In monthly real estate reports, we make a constant reference to the results in one time frrame in relation to the previous year. This gives us perspective on whether we are seeing improvement or decline. As we enter the spring time market, we always have a lift in the numbers. Houses look better in the spring, they are more visually appealing and hence saleable. This combined with some very low interest rates are fuelling the Vancouver spring housing market.

"The bridge between buyer demand and housing supply is continuing to narrow, which, as we see, helps bring stability to home prices," Scott Russell, REBGV president said. "The trends in our housing market over the last couple of months offer a much more comfortable, historically normal set of conditions."

The volumes are improving within the realm of affordability. Desirable properties may be facing multiple offers. For the most part, prices are trading marginally below their list price - NOT substantially below as the buyers would hope.

Choose the links below to read or hear more from Scott Russell.

News Release

Are you like me, as Dave Letterman says in his evening monologue, "do you prefer stability in your real estate market, compared to the volitile market that we've seen in the past"? Well Vancouver's spring market seems to be offering a more stable tone - thank goodness!

"There's more confidence in the housing market today than we were seeing late last year. Sales activity is rising to more typical levels given the season, and the number of homes being listed for sale is levelling off," said Scott Russell, president of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. Scott goes on to mention, "REALTORS® are seeing an increasing level of interest from first-time buyers who are attracted to low interest rates, good supply of housing, greater affordability, and a considerably lower overall cost of servicing a mortgage compared to recent years,"

With prices edging back into the "realm of possibilities", the average couple who can select a home with revenue from a basement suite, have reasonably priced day care to allow mom to get back into the work force to earn income, and have more modestly costing mortgage financing, stand a chance to live a life just like their parents offered them.

Choose the links below to read or hear more from Scott Russell.

The March Report

The March Podcast

The Renfrew Heights sub-area of Vancouver has an a great view opportunity of the east side of Vancouver.This subarea is located in the north east corner of the city. It serves as one of the major access points to the city via the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge.

The boundaries of the area are Grandview Highway on the north , Nanaimo Street on the west,   Boundary Street on the east, and East 29^th Avenue  on the south.

In 2008, 95 single detached properties sold in RenfrewHeights at an average sale price of  $681,000.

At VancouverProperty.Finder.com, the best properties are at your fingertips. You can browse property listings, do a Google hybrid map search, or perform a customized search to find Renfrew Heights properties for sale that best meet your needs.           

And please remember, Vancouver is host to 2010 Winter Olympics . We encourage the world to enjoy our wonderful city.

The Victoria sub-area of Vancouver has an a great selection of Vancouver specials. It is in the middle of the east side. This area has the John Henrdy Park in the middle of the area. Find a Vancouver special and raise a family - that;\'s what I'm saying

The boundaries of the area are Stainsbury Avenue on the north, Fleming Street on the west,   Nanaimo Street on the east, and 41^st Avenue  on the south.

In 2008, 60 single detached properties sold in Victoria at an average sale price of  $618,000 and 66 strata titled properties sold for $397,000 on average.

At VancouverProperty.Finder.com, the best properties are at your fingertips. You can browse property listings, do a Google hybrid map search, or perform a customized search to find Victoria properties for sale that best meet your needs.           

And please remember, Vancouver is host to 2010 Winter Olympics . We encourage the world to enjoy our wonderful city.

     Home buyers need sound advice from an inspection service before their deal goes unconditional.  If unexpected conditions are found during the inspection, proper guidance will help the buyer determine how to proceed with the deal.

     In British Columbia, effective April 1, 2009, all property inspectors must be licensed with the provincial government. This requirement will help ensure the independent inspection services are properly trained to serve the public. The three bodies approved for licensing are: the BC Institute for Property Inspectors (CPI's), The Canadian Association of House and Property Inspectors (RHI's), and the National Certification Program.

Choosing the right inspector for your needs in many ways comes down to recommendations received from trusted friends. Additionally, you should know how to qualify the inspector's quality of training and his work experience. Once these are established you should determine the methods used for the inspection, the timliness for the delivery of the report, and the costs are in line with the quality of the work product received.

     There are a number of useful websites which help expand on these consideration noted below. Regardless of the age of a property, property inspections are crucial for the buyer's protection. Doesn't it make sense to spend $400-600, to determine if your purchase might have tens of thousand of dollars more to be spent after your purchase? It can be considered cheap insurance to avoid costly future financial surprises.

     At VancouverPropertyFinder.com, the best properties are at your fingertips. You can browse property listings, do a Google hybrid map search, or perform a customized search to find properties for sale that best meet your needs.           

     And please remember, Vancouver is host to 2010 Winter Olympics . We encourage the world to enjoy our wonderful city.