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



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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