OPEN HOUSE - Jan 2, 2011 1-3pm

Visit Sunshine Hills and these beautiful properties, open this Sunday 1-3 pm

11209 Mason Place, Delta

6616 Hillside Cres., Delta  

Real Estate - Darrell and Sharon Poetker: GO GREEN & CLEAN

Real Estate - Darrell and Sharon Poetker: GO GREEN & CLEAN: "Did you get electronics for Christmas? Dec 27, 2010 If you did you know how much packaging comes with these items. You can take all the pack..."

Real Estate - Darrell and Sharon Poetker: Teri Recipes

Real Estate - Darrell and Sharon Poetker: Teri Recipes: "Chicken Piccata - Dec 27, 2010 You can never have too many chicken recipes and this is one of my favourites. Its light and lemony. 2 skin..."

REAL ESTATE Information OPTIONS

If you are just starting to think about moving, here are a few options for receiving information.

General info - this blog, if you wish to receive an email when we've put in an update, scroll down to "SUBSCRIBE"

the gift of a SOLD! goes to...

to the Sellers of #201-15015 Victoria Ave., White Rock

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you joy and peace in celebrating this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas!

North Delta Community Santa Skate - Re/max Performance Realty

It's a tradition! This year approximately 600 people attended the event. Santa skated with kids from 2-92! Delta Parks and Rec set up crafts for the kids and Re/max Realtors passed out over 300 balloons. Thank you to all who brought items for Delta Assist.


Merry Christmas from all of us at Re/max Performance Realty Ltd.

Annual Santa Skate is today!

Yes, Santa will be there!

Where: Sungod Arena, Delta

When: 1-2:30pm  and 2:30 - 4pm

Donations: Collecting for Delta Assist food bank
See you there!

6773 Nicholson Rd., Delta - SOLD! with multiple offers

and we welcome a new family into the neighbourhood!

One Kid = One Community Inspired!

It was a day the kids will all remember.  "we had assembly, the grade 4 band played Christmas songs and then Tea Van Aiken had her head shaved and we got to watch!".  But not only did they watch, they clapped, they cheered, they chanted Tea, Tea, Tea, all the while, Tea sat and smiled.  There were smiles and tears, more clapping and cheers.  See the attached link to Cougar Canyon school page.  It was so moving to see the support for the parents with Cancer, the teachers who openly spoke of how Cancer had touched their lives and the kids genuine love and joy filled the gym.  They rallied for each other, their families, their teachers and their world.  Tea's goal was $1000, she's nearly at $2000.  Way to go, kiddo!

SpeKtra

After hearing buzz in the neighbourhood the last few weeks, I finally had a chance to go visit the newly opened SpeKtra - Reflections of Home at 11178 84 Ave. Delta. 

Puppy of the day

Around this time last year, one of our daughter's teachers suggested that she should get me a puppy as she would soon be leaving home and I would need someone to nurture... we do have Hazel and she shares with no one so I found the puppy of the day site this last weekend and I have enjoyed each and every one!  I have put it on the blog mainly for me but hope you enjoy it to :)

Real Estate - Darrell and Sharon Poetker: Teri Recipes

Real Estate - Darrell and Sharon Poetker: Teri Recipes: "Hello Dolly Cake - December 13, 2010 This cake is so easy and has been a holiday family favourite since I can remember. Crust: ¼ cup Butt..."

Real Estate - Darrell and Sharon Poetker: GO GREEN & CLEAN

Real Estate - Darrell and Sharon Poetker: GO GREEN & CLEAN: "Have you ever cleaned your dryer vent? December 15, 2010 Never thought of it? After reading this article and answering a few questions, you..."

11209 Mason Place, Delta - Video Tour

Click HERE for Video Home Tour
See our website for details and room sizes - http://www.finerchoice.com/

8995 Watson Court, Delta - Video Tour

#2103 - 1222 King George Blvd. Video Tour

11013 Lyon Rd., Video Tour

Finer Ringette - Trisha and the Sock'em Boppers

This weekend we are cheering wildly for Trisha and her ringette team "Sock'em Boppers". Trisha coaches and her daughter plays. We wish them a great weekend and fun! A rising star and the youngest on the team, Caley played for Team BC U16 last year and the team brought home a gold from the Western Canada Championship 2010 in Winnipeg. 

Price change - #2103-1222 King George Blvd.

Last Saturday afternoon, I stopped in and it was a beehive of activity with a craft fair happening in the lobby (I got some awesome decorator pillows for a great price).  There was lots of variety and everyone was enjoying themselves... lots of  laughing and chatting.

Crescent Gardens Retirement Community
#2103 - 1222 King George Blvd.
new price $208,000

Retire in style!
Relaxed setting, +55, small pets allowed.
All ready for you with new carpets and freshly painted, this well kept 2 bedroom, 2 bath 906 sq. ft. condo offers more than the rest! Features modern decor, gas fireplace, insuite laundry, large windows including one in dining area & good layout. storage locker and there's is parking available for rent in the underground garage.


Crescent Gardens Retirement Community offers many wonderful amenities and services including workshop, billiards, room, lounge areas, library, recreation/craft room, fitness area, outdoor patio and gardens, resident greenhouse & of course a dining room. Heat, hydro and water included, emerg. response, fire & sprinkler systems, smoke free environment, visitor parking. Oh and there's a shuttle to the mall, group activities and outings, bridge and if you are sick of cleaning, there's housekeeping services too.


Not quite ready to retire or +55? Investment potential and rentals allowed. What are the costs and is it worth it? Email for full details. In the meantime, Dare to compare to any condo this size and age in the area that isn't part of an awesome community like Crescent and you'll see the value of owning in this complex. (Avg. $ of the 8 current active new condos in for sale in area is $360K plus hst with strata fees averaging of $256.


Rent or Own? You do have the option and if you would still like to have some of your investments in real estate, it may be a great option for you. To rent a full service rental 1 bedroom unit in this complex from Chartwell, their posted rates including programs, shuttle bus, 1 dining meal a day start at $2,266 for single occupancy.

This condo is offered at $208,000, strata fees of $215 incl. heat, hydro and water. Taxes are $1187 (2010) /year. Required Community Service Options start at $390/mth plus tax and include full membership in a fabulous calendar of entertainment and social programs, scheduled bus service to the mall, shops and on outings plus 24 hr emerg alert monitoring service. Optional service plans include meal, housekeeping, linen service, 24 hour private nursing.

Re/max selected Consumers' Choice 2010

Vancouver and area RE/MAX agents

were selected for the consumers' choice for 2010 in the

category of Real Estate Broker in the city of

Vancouver.

New Listing - 11013 Lyon Rd., Sunshine Hills, Delta

More pics at http://www.finerchoice.com/

SURPRISE FOR THE WISE!  Looking for a large home in Sunshine Hills?  This may just be the one you are looking for!  Super clean,

New Listing - 201-15015 Victoria Ave., White Rock Video Tour

Live like everyday's a holiday! Beautifully updated and modern 2 bedroom plus den 1400 sq ft home! Gorgeous kitchen featuring Miele stainless steel

SOLD! - 11368 Somerset Cres.

We are pleased to welcome a new family to the neighbourhood!

6616 Hillside Crescent, Delta Video Tour

6773 Nicholson Rd., Delta Video Tour

New Listings in Sunshine Hills

6616 Hillside Cres. - basement home, over 3,000 sq. ft., 10,448 level sq ft lot. $775,000

6773 Nicholson Rd. - 2,460 sq. ft., 2 storey West Coast style with 4 bedrooms plus office up, small games off family room on main $590,000

2nd Open House in Sunshine Hills

6616 Hillside Cres., Sunshine Hills, Delta Sunday Dec 5, 2-4pm
Details will be on MLS and our site on Monday.

Here's the some really brief notes...

Sunshine Hills Open House - Dec 5

         11209 Mason Pl., Delta is OPEN Sunday 2-4pm

          

New Listing 8995 Watson Ct.

Just listed - details are being processed and will be on our site soon!

Big and Beautiful 2 level home w/walk out basement! At over 3,100 sq ft, this home offers the best of all worlds.  A great layout boasting large kitchen/family room area w/lots of cabinets, 3 bedrooms up, huge full

CONSISTENT HOME SALES IN THE FRASER VALLEY SPEAK TO CONSUMER CONFIDENCE

Here's the latest FVREB statistics for November 2010
CONSISTENT HOME SALES IN THE FRASER VALLEY SPEAK TO CONSUMER CONFIDENCE

Real Estate - Darrell and Sharon Poetker: Ask Kate-Decor & Staging

Real Estate - Darrell and Sharon Poetker: Ask Kate-Decor & Staging: "Christmas starts with a walk in the park… As December approaches something inside of me starts to dread pulling out all the Christmas decor..."

Title Insurance

What is it?  Why do I need it?  Benefits both when buying or already own your home.

RBC predicts stability in housing market

"Canada's largest bank is predicting a period of stability in the housing market next year as rising mortgage rates are offset by improvements in the job market and household income. " Click title to read whole article. 

Sneak Preview of Month end FVREB stats

Our basic stats report to November 29, 2010 shows November Listings are

Santa sites, local parades and shows for kids 2-92

Dec 1 - Norad tracks Santa

Sunshine Hills Open Houses - Nov 28

11209 Mason Pl., Delta is OPEN Sunday 2-4pm

11368 Somerset Cres., Delta is OPEN Sunday 2-4pm

FRASER VALLEY REAL ESTATE BOARD DONATES $10,000 TO YWCA HOUSING FOR SINGLE MOMS

Release: November, 25, 2010
(Vancouver, BC): YWCA Vancouver is pleased to announce a donation of $10,000 from the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) in support of our new housing development for single mothers in Surrey.

REALTORS® CARE BLANKET DRIVE GEARS UP FOR COLD, WET WINTER

We pick up in North Delta - just email us your address or drop off items at RE/MAX 11925 80 Ave. Delta REALTORS® CARE BLANKET DRIVE GEARS UP FOR COLD, WET WINTER

New Listing in Sunshine Hills

Simply Outstanding! Spectacular and extensively renovated 4 bdrm home located on a private 14,333 sq ft (!) cul de sac lot in the heart of Sunshine Hills. Amazing kitchen, renovated bathrooms, hardwood flooring, new windows, extra downstairs kitchen, modern paint and décor, ledgestone exterior accents, exposed aggregate drive (with rv pkg), huge sundeck and covered gazebo out back - nothing to do but move in! Fantastic location just a short walk to Sunshine Hills Elementary, tennis courts, watershed park (with trails for walking & biking) plus quick access to transit/commuter routes to Vancouver.  11209 Mason Pl., Delta  - Asking $729,000

Full details on http://www.finerchoice.com/ our listings.

SOLD!

6-7777 120 St., Delta  - We welcome the buyers to the beautiful community of North Delta!

Open Houses Nov 21 - today

6468 Sunshine Dr., Delta  is cancelled as it is SOLD! Congrats to the Buyers, we know you'll love living in Sunshine Hills, and yes, we really do get more sun

11368 Somerset Cres., Delta is OPEN 2-4pm

Open House at 2103 1222 King George Boulevard is cancelled today

If you would like to view this property by appointment, please call Sharon at 604-880-0447

Retirement Community Strata Condo

OPEN HOUSE SAT. NOV 20 - 1-2:30PM (unless there's snow)

#2103 - 1222 King George Hwy..."Beside the pink hotel"

Retire in style! Relaxed setting, +55, small pets allowed. All ready for you with new carpets and freshly painted, this well kept 2 bedroom, 2 bath 906 sq. ft. condo offers more than the rest! Features modern decor, gas fireplace, insuite laundry, large windows including one in dining area & good layout. 1 parking space-garage and storage locker.

Crescent Gardens Retirement Community offers many wonderful amenities and services including workshop, billiards, room, lounge areas, library, recreation/craft room, fitness area, outdoor patio and gardens, resident greenhouse & of course a dining room. Heat, hydro and water included, emerg. response, fire & sprinkler systems, smoke free environment, visitor parking. Oh and there's a shuttle to the mall, group activities and outings, bridge and if you are sick of cleaning, there's housekeeping services too.

Not quite ready to retire or +55? Investment potential and rentals allowed. What are the costs and is it worth it? Email for full details. In the meantime, Dare to compare to any condo this size and age in the area that isn't part of an awesome community like Crescent and you'll see the value of owning in this complex. (Avg. $ of the 8 current active new condos in for sale in area is $360K plus hst with strata fees averaging of $256.

Rent or Own? You do have the option and if you would still like to have some of your investments in real estate, it may be a great option for you. To rent a full service rental 1 bedroom unit in this complex from Chartwell, their posted rates including programs, shuttle bus, 1 dining meal a day start at $2,266 for single occupancy.

This condo is offered at $224,000, strata fees of $215 incl. heat, hydro and water. Taxes are $1187 (2010). Required Community Service Options start at $390/mth plus tax and include full membership in a fabulous calendar of entertainment and social programs, scheduled bus service to the mall, shops and on outings plus 24 hr emerg alert monitoring service. Optional service plans include meal, housekeeping, linen service, 24 hour private nursing.

Open Houses in Sunshine Hills - Nov 21st

11368 Somerset Cres and 6468 Sunshine Dr.

These 2 wonderful properties are available in Sunshine Hills and will be

Open House Sun. Nov 21st, 2-4pm.

Thinking about making a move in 2011, now is a great time to learn about your options and make a plan. We'd be happy to meet with you to talk about it.

Um um where to put the tree???

It's tradition in our home to have this conversation... it usually starts with a variety of options, eyeing angles of the room, sometimes even moving furniture to test possibilities.  The link we've attached may help in the process, let us know how it goes...  http://www.remax-western.ca/remax-space-planner

Mortgage Interest Rates going Up - Get your Rate!

Rates are Up tomorrow by as much as .50%... if you're planning to buy in the next few months, call your mortgage broker ASAP and get a guaranteed rate.  If you don't have a broker or bank, call Cindy @ RBC her number is below.

___________
I just wanted to let everyone know that our mortgage rates are increasing effective tomorrow. Please let me know if you have any clients that need my help. I have 2 days to give the previous rates.

We have new rate sheets I can provide. I will email you the new rates tomorrow.

Thanks. Have a great night!!

Cheers

Cindy Bendixen
Mortgage Specialist, Royal Bank of Canada
T. 604-649-9388
F. 604-534-6651

Annual Santa Skate

Happy to announce our annual community Santa Skate is happening Dec 19th, 1:00-4:00 - 2 skating sessions 1-2:30 and 2:30-4 at the Sungod Arena in North Delta.   Hohoho and see you there!!

Improving economy, low mortgage rates to boost housing sales in B.C., CMHC says

Improving economy, low mortgage rates to boost housing sales in B.C., CMHC says

Improved MLS search capabilities and features!

Do your own property listing search with extensive details including rooms and their sizes plus great map features.  You'll need to sign up - What?  The benefits are yours!  It costs nothing and is hassle free.  Why?  The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board requires that we use sign in for releasing additional details.  We won't follow up with you unless you contact us specifically and

                         request us to.    Follow the link to our site http://www.finerchoice.com/,

Click on CLIENT ACCESS and just follow the directions.  Any problems, send us an email.  Start your Home Search today! 

Although this is a fun way to browse thru properties, if you're serious about finding a home, we'd be happy to talk to you and get you moved.  Our family has been selling real estate in the North Delta, Surrey, White Rock areas for almost 40 years.  Darrell and I started working in the business in 1993.  We along with our team, Teri Paley & Trisha Calam have helped many buyers find their dream home.  We know the market, know how to negotiate and are there to help you thru the process.  We work hard, truly care about our clients and strive to earn their trust.  "... thanks to you and your team for all the hard work. It's been a pleasure working with you." Jim & Sharon - July 2010

Websites of Interest | Cougar Canyon Elementary School

Here's a resource list of interesting topics that Cougar Canyon Elem School has just posted.
Websites of Interest Cougar Canyon Elementary School

Open Houses in Sunshine Hills - Nov 14th

11368 Somerset Cres and 6468 Sunshine Dr.
These 2 wonderful properties are available in Sunshine Hills and will be Open House Sun. Nov 14th, 2-4pm.

Are people interested in Real Estate?  Absolutely!  We have had excellent turnouts in the past few weeks to our open houses in Sunshine Hills and North Delta.  If you are thinking of moving in the new year, NOW is a great time to plan and give us a call to discuss your plans and opportunities. We look forward to hearing from you!

Real Estate - Darrell and Sharon Poetker: Real Estate - Darrell and Sharon Poetker: The Mark...

Real Estate - Darrell and Sharon Poetker: Real Estate - Darrell and Sharon Poetker: The Mark...: "Real Estate - Darrell and Sharon Poetker: The Market is Moving... Are YOU? Sales are UP: 'As of today, sales are up on the Fraser Valley Rea..."

Real Estate - Darrell and Sharon Poetker: The Market is Moving... Are YOU? Sales are UP

Real Estate - Darrell and Sharon Poetker: The Market is Moving... Are YOU? Sales are UP: "As of today, sales are up on the Fraser Valley Real Estate board. Month over month, sales are up 6% from September and listings are down 11%. ...with long term mortgage rates being offered at a all time low... 5 yr at 3.44% .  If you're thinking of making a move,  now may be the right choice for you.  Our buyers receive thorough information about the market and we help them move forward with confidence. 

OWNING in A Retirement COMMUNITY - it's really a RESORT!

Yes, you can make the switch to easy living.  Rules, +55, small pets allowed and so are rentals.  So, move to live now or use as an investment and move in later.  My research this week took me out to Crescent Gardens, a beautiful retirement communitiy in South Surrey/White Rock. 

They offer many wonderful amenities and services.  Walk in and you are met by the conceirge.  In the social department there's a large full service and a private dining room ( you can either be on a meal plan or buy tickets ), lounge areas, library, billiards room, recreation/crafts room, chapel, hair salon/spa, fitness area, outdoor patio and gardens, greenhouse and a workshop.  No need to pack the hobbys you enjoy, just bring them with you!  A scheduled shuttle bus service is offered to the mall and drs. appointments.  The entertainment program is full of events and activities you're invited to participate in.  In the assistance department, the services range from 24hour emergency response system to additional weekly housekeeping & linen service.  If your needs change temporarily or long term and more assistance is required, there's up to 24 hour skilled nursing care available.

Dare to compare - email us info@finerchoice.com for a cost comparison and then we'd be happy to meet with you there, coordinate a tour.

OWN vs rent

what does 3.44% mean to you?
Whenever I see a rate, unless I have my calculator with me, it doesn't really mean much, so I had Cindy Bendixen or RBC calculate it and here's the deal:
If you borrowed : $100,000
Interest rate   : 3.44% (5 yr term)
Amortization;  35 year
Payments:   $408.42 per month (principal and interest)
or
Amortization:  15 years
Payments: $710.70

So, here's what buying a new 650-840 sq. ft condo or one that's a little older (12-20 yrs) and larger, 900-1,200 condo in the city of Surrey for $212,000 (including HST if new) would look like:

With an annual income of $40,000 and 5% down, $10,600
property transfer tax $2,000 (or if first time, you may be eligible for a grant)

mortgage: $212,000
P&I payment:  $848.00
taxes:               $100.00
strata fee:         $210.00
Total Monthly Payment of $1,126.84

* strata fees often cover heat and hot water

Is it true? Are people buying Real Estate?

The number of sales in Houses, Townhouses and Condos as at Aug 31/2010 was +1.8% over the previous year.  So, although a slower summer in sales, overall more properties SOLD year-to-date in 2010 than in 2009 and 2008.
The year over year from Oct to mid Sept is also higher than the previous 2 years.

Although the sales cycle happened differently this year than in the past few years, with alot of activity in the winter and spring, more people bought Real Estate this year than in the past 2 years.
*based on August 2010 FVREB statistics

For those that are buying, awesome rates of 3.45-3.54% on 5 year term mortgages! and there are some great properties to chose from.  Call us today if you'd like to discuss making a move, we'd be happy to talk with you.

First Impressions

Never under estimate the importance of first impressions when selling your home.  Potential buyers are either impressed or instantly discouraged by the condition of your front door.  Simple things like the door hardware - is it rusty or tarnished?  Is the style of the front door appealing or somewhat dated?  These are all things that send signals to the buyer about the condition of your home.  Sometimes replacing the door hardware and a fresh coat of paint will do the trick. Or should you consider doing more?  These photos are from a recent renovation. There was nothing horribly wrong with the front door but it wasn’t overly appealing either. We opted to replace the door and sidelights. What a difference!   Kate Lyons



before



after

Sunshine Hills Preschool has spaces... if you are 3

6750 Carncross Cr., Delta

Has spaces for 3 yr olds available
Call or email for info 604-596-2515
sunshinehillspreschool@gmail.com

Hawaii anyone?

Aloha Sharon, with summer coming to a close I will be starting my monthly updates this October show casing Maui properties.

I can share some good news - Alaska Airlines has a new service to Hawaii from Bellingham this winter at some very competitive prices, which is forcing competition in the market place. Be sure to let your friends and clients know this is a great year to visit Maui at an affordable rate.

Speaking of affordable now is the time to own Maui real estate, prices remain low but visitors are on the rise, occupancy is up for this winter so people are returning to Maui and sales will follow.
All the best,

Hugh O’Reilly - “Canada’s Connection to Maui Real Estate”

http://www.whalersrealty.com/

Hugh O'Reilly R(B) ABR
Whalers Realty Inc.
Toll Free 1-800-367-5632
Direct 808-661-8777
Cell 808-344-2727
email horeilly@whalersrealty.com

Market Pulse - 5 yrs rates from 3.45-3.54!!, Buyers are out looking

We have had a busy week meeting with buyers and sellers who are preparing to get moving and already have buyers set up for this week to see properties.

After holding 5 open houses this weekend (2 were short and unadvertised), we met 35-40 groups of buyers in Northridge, Boundary Park, North Delta and Sunshine Hills.  I think the concensus of our team is that the buyers are out.  Personally, I had several people come thru my open who had just sold and were now BUYING.

If you are thinking of BUYING in the next few months, now is a great to time to get pre-approved and to give us a call to start the process.  We'll walk you thru the process and work with you to help you find a great home that works well for you and your family.

Have a great week and we look forward to hearing from you!
Darrell, Sharon, Teri & Trisha

Decor Tip of the Week - Colour Max Your Kitchen

Kitchens can be busy places...in more ways than one! You know what I like about this kitchen...it's so calm. This traditional style may not be your personal taste, but most of us can appreciate this quiet, clutter free, calm space. It's not just the lack of clutter, it's the restrained use of colour. Four colours total - 1) white cabinets, 2) warm wood floors and island countertop, 3) stainless steel grey appliances, 4) a pop of blue in the window valance and that's it! Even the baskets and sisal floor runners resemble the warm wood tones. So take a look at your kitchen...how many colours do you have happening? Sometimes its just a matter of editing.  Kate Lyons

Thank you Kate for our weekly decor tip!  Kate has fabulous ideas on decorating and renovations, big or small, simple to complicated.  If you are looking for a room re-do or anything up to a complete home renovation, Kate would love to help you.  And, like the Sellers who had their family room re-arranged today you'll be saying "hey, I just never thought to put things that way, it looks great!"  She can be reached at klyons@telus.net

AWESOME LOW RATES - 3.45% - 5 YR TERM !

Earlier today, I mentioned rates may be going up but before they do, you may see some all time lows... 3.45% for a 5 year fixed term - quoted by Darren Rossi, Dominion Macklem Mortgages.  WOW!!  Buyers, get PRE-APPROVED!  with your Broker or if you don't have one, feel free to call us and we'll get you connected.

Market Pulse

This past week has seen new listings come on... an fantastic basement home, 60'x135' lot with fruit trees and garden on nice street - this is the best condition basement home listing out there in this price range!,  a Cape Cod with 5! bedrooms up and it has an awesome backyard (yes, in North Delta!) just a hop, skip from Sungod and Burnsview, also a Baker Rd. townhouse with a flooring rebate.  Our open houses were busy Saturday and Sunday with  active buyers and they are writing offers too!  Keep an eye on the rates, if you're thinking of buying, please contact your mortgage broker and secure a current rate, you usually have 60-90 days to use it.  Then give us a call and we'll get you moving!  And, we are still on the lookout for buyers - need a larger Rancher in Sunshine Hills, a 5 bedroom home on large lot in either Sunshine Hills or South Surrey and a 4-5 bedroom westcoast Sunshine Hills home with a large sunny backyard.  Have a great week everyone :)

MORTGAGE 101

Cindy Bendixen RBC http://mortgage.rbc.com/cindy.bendixen  604.649.9388 passed along this excellent link to Consumers Guide to the World of Mortgages and MORTGAGE 101 - clear and accurate information about mortgages and gain valuable knowledge about financing your mortgage.  Cindy also offers advise, tips and information on her site.

Decor Tip of the Week

Are you tired of your dining room?
Update the look by adding a shade to your existing chandelier. It instantly modernizes a traditional dining room. Most lighting stores can custom order shades to suit your needs. Go to the lighting store (for example, Pine Lighting on King George or Ocean Pacific Lighting in White Rock) armed with your chandelier measurements and a photo of the chandelier. Make sure the shade is a few inches wider than your chandelier to avoid contact with the light bulbs. Talk to your lighting store about how attach the shade...it is easlier than you think!  Kate Lyons

No Housing Bust Here: CD Howe

A good article on real estate.

Mortgage Rates

RBC 5 year fixed rate 3.54%. Lowest in history. Great opportunity for first time homebuyers or and for client looking to switch there mortgage for a lower rate!!

Cindy Bendixen | Mortgage Specialist, Royal Bank of Canada | T.
604-649-9388 | F. 604-534-6651

#94 - 6622 Baker Rd. NOW $289,000

The price says it all!  Affordable and in Sunshine Hills.  OPEN SUN 2-4PM

FINERCHOICE.COM IMPROVED OPTIONS & MAPS! TAG US!!

Check out new searching system on www.finerchoice.com and get details, details, details!


Would you like to easily link to our website on your smartphone? It's super easy!! Just download the TAG app and scan our TAG.

RBC Mortgage Rates

Hi,

As of today our fixed rate mortgages have dropped again. RBC has some of the best rates for your clients.

3 year closed 3.10%
4 year closed 3.49%
5 year closed 3.64%

Lowest rates we have seen in a long time. Please let me know if any of your buyers are interested or existing clients are interested in switching.

Have a great day!!!

Cindy Bendixen | Mortgage Specialist, Royal Bank of Canada | T. 604-649-9388 | F. 604-534-6651

New Listing 11368 Somerset Crescent, Delta BC

A Jewel at the end of the Rainbow!
An elegant and spacious 4 bdrm home located in the heart of Sunshine Hills on a quiet street of picturesque homes. Tastefully updated with new appliances, silestone counter tops, tile, hardwood flooring, doors, mouldings, paint (inside and out), 2 gas fireplaces and a brand new roof! A nice open plan which is not only dramatic, but practical. Sundecks can be accessed via the Master Bedroom and the Kitchen/Family room area (from which you can enjoy the gorgeous and private backyard featuring meticulous landscaping, lighting and relaxing water fountain). The present and original owners have taken great pride in this residence and it shows!

11368 Somerset Crescent Delta BC
Asking $759,000

SOLD! 8237 Wadham Dr.

This property is now SOLD!  Thinking of Selling?  Feel free to email or call Darrell or Sharon if you'd like to discuss your plans. 604-590-4888

UPDATE From Delta Assist on Assistance for Fire Victims

CASH DONATIONS for fire victims accepted until August 13.

CLOTHING/HOUSEHOLD DONATIONS - Due to overwhelming response, Delta Assist is no longer accepting clothing/household donations-they don't have the resources to manage. To have your furniture or household items placed on a donation list for the fire victims, please contact the Salvation Army at 604-507-4860.

HOMES - There are still displaced families. If you have a rental and would like it placed on the list, call 604-594-3455.

Thank you to all who have donated generously and stepped forward with assistance.

Assistance for Fire Victims

As a result of the Tuesday, July 27 North Delta apartment fire that has left families without a home and belongings, Deltassist is collecting food and clothing for victims of the fire.

Food, clothing, personal items, small household goods (no large appliances) and cash donations can be made at Deltassist's North Delta office located at 9097 120th Street, or phone 604 594-3455 for more information on how you can help.

Deltassist thanks everyone who has stepped forward with assistance

Ask Kate

Many of our clients after having Kate stage their home for selling, call her again when they move to get her to help them with the set up of their new home.  I often have clients say, "we are going to Ask Kate". 

This week, we asked Kate.  She said yes, to joining our blog and providing tips on home decorating and the latest trends.  Kate is often out in the decor stores searching for items for her renovation clients and being a shopper by heart also loves finding "a great deal" on decor items.  She's going to add her find of the week too, maybe even include a picture.

When listing a property, we offer several choices of services to assist the Seller in preparing their home for the market.  Staging with Kate for 2-3 hours is one of the choices.  This can be anywhere from making a list of updates to do or to just coming in for the finishing touches.

There is NO HST on residential resale properties

HST on the purchase of a residential property is ONLY if it is a new property, NOT if it's residential resale property.  Here is how your usual costs would look if you were buying a resale property.
Example:
Purchase Price - $600,000
Commission - usually contracted to be paid by the Seller but not always, this is a change that is evolving
BC Property Transfer Tax - 1% on the 1st $200,000, 2% on the balance = $10,000
(If you are a 1st time buyer, there are different rules and exemptions)
Legal fees - approx. $700-$800
Mortgage / appraisal fees - usually covered by the bank
House Inspection - $450-$800
House Insurance - depends on the deductible, coverage etc.  (tip: we also get our annual travel insurance with our policy - it's usually a very good rate doing this)

So, when you are out looking at properties this weekend, remember NO HST on resale residential properties and if you would like more information, please feel free to contact us.

SOLD! 11873 Baker Place, Delta

This property is now SOLD!  Thinking of Selling?  Feel free to email or call us if you'd like to discuss your plans.  604-590-4888

It's day 2

Ok, I was really excited yesterday and thought that at least one person would sign in and it'd motivate me to write again.  Do we write here every day?  How often do people look at blogs?  Hello?! Anyboby out there?

Social Real

This is our first blog and truth be told, I don't think either of us has really even looked at blogs but we are told this is what people read and look for and find interesting. Is this true? If so you'll have to let us know what you are looking for in this REAL ESTATE BLOG. As with all parts of our business our goal is to provide good and interesting information to Buyers and Sellers of real estate. We look forward to sharing with you. As with our website we will strive to keep this site (oops blog) current and relevant to you.