TGIF - DENSIFICATION

"Densification" is the current planning buzz word - and we see it all around
us. But the significance comes with the knowledge that Port Moody has made
the huge shift over the past decade from 70% of all homes being single
family residential to the present statistic of 70% of all homes being multi
family. Anticipated Population by 2040 = 58,000.

Coquitlam has experienced the highest growth in the region over the past 5
years - 2.62% with an anticipated population of 1 million over the next 20
years. 2/3 of permits issued are for multi family development. As Mayor
Richard Stewart said at this week's 'Municipal Update' - " the Evergreen
Line is changing everything".

Port Coquitlam, while still proud of its "small town charm" is experiencing
the 6th most density in the region and boasting the lowest property values
this side of the river. 2700 multi family units have been built in Port
Coquitlam since 2005 - 111 townhomes currently under construction.

All 3 municipalities are focused on the transit issues resulting from this
strong growth. For a cool distraction in the meantime, we look forward to
Port Coquitlam's first Grand Prix cycle race in July!

Have a great week - don't forget to be kind and wear a PINK SHIRT on
WEDNESDAY to support the annual anti bullying campaign.
In spite of the crazy real estate market and the rain, remember, we have you
covered.

Sheila and Michelle.

Gong Hey Fat Choy! Happy Year of the Fire Monkey!

Happy Chinese New Year! Gong Hey Fat Choy...or Gong xi fa cai if you're speaking Mandarin!

Clean the house well on Sunday, New Year's Eve. You will sweep all the old junk from last year away, to get yourself ready for a fresh start! On Monday, wear clean new clothes. You can especially wear red for good fortune! The Monkey is a witty, intelligent, but stubborn creature.... sometimes too clever for its own good! The year of the Fire Monkey will be quick changing, and if you yourself are a Monkey, you best lay low because a monkey meeting a monkey can create conflict.

You are a monkey if you were born in 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, or 1968... but if your birthday is in January, better double-check because the Chinese New Year never starts on January 1st!

Chinese New Year is widely celebrated in many countries around the world, with various symbols and traditions. Flowers are used for decoration, writings for good luck are often seen on homes, tangerines and oranges are displayed as a sign of luck and wealth, red envelopes with money are given to children as presents, and red lanterns are released on the last day of the festival.

Remembrance Day in Port Moody

It was a glorious Remembrance Day in Port Moody – with packed streets for the parade and service. Sooo lucky to have world class, prize winning SFU Pipe Band along.

TGIF- FALL IS IN THE AIR

Welcome back to the real world of Fall with school, night classes, clubs & activities all starting up for another active year. As the lazy, hazy days of summer turn into an evening nip in the air, couples, singles and families all turn their thoughts to their real estate aspirations, whatever they are. Holidays supply that stress free time, when our minds clear and we can talk to each other about "what next?" That's where we come in! And we are already having those conversations with many of you about the next move. These are an important part of the overall plan - looking ahead and knowing what is required.
I recently read in an article from the American National Association of Realtors that staging is about condition, not just decor. So true - buyers will deduct the perceived cost of deferred maintenance from any offer. Even worse, deferred maintenance could cause your home to sit on the market in one of the most active markets we have experienced. Our team supplies staging services to our clients as a matter of course, including choice of paint color, selection of replacement counter tops etc. However, we need to start long before that with a thorough walk through your home and a discussion on the merits of certain maintenance items and improvements. We are working with buyers all the time and are constantly in professional building inspections, so we are able to give you the reality checks necessary to maximise your investment and lessen "on market stress".
Curb appeal is essential to best price - most potential buyers drive by first. Don't overlook your landscaping - attractive gardens, front doors and porches sell. Outside space has never been as popular as now, so even the lovelier, more family friendly backyards (however small) add to the magic "wow" mix which persuades buyers to compromise on other features. Remember - no home is perfect!
Happy to answer your questions about the market and your home. Whatever the season, we have you covered. Happy Fall. Sheila, Michelle, Shane and Terry.

TGIF - SUMMER STRETCHES ON

Summer stretches on..... So dry that the leaves on the ground seem like an early Fall except for the temperature! Easy to take for sun worshippers, convertible owners (in the interests of full disclosure, I own one), airconditioning manufacturers & restaurants with patios - not so easy for home gardeners, commercial landscapers & nurseries, car washes and small businesses doing power washing etc. At level 3 water restrictions, most of us would settle for a little rain.
The current real estate market is somewhat like summer - our hot detached market stretches on defying all predictions. Great for most detached sellers - frustrating for buyers. If a home is presented well, priced in the ballpark of recent sales and is either beautifully maintained or renovated, it is sure to be sold either close to, at, or over asking price. And...the buyers of these properties are constantly in competition to purchase - they would definitely like some better balance in the market place. Downsizers would love more choice in larger apartments while owners of smaller condos would like more buyers!
Will be interesting to see what end of August & September bring - could be like endless summer!

WAY TO GO VICKY!!!

"Everyone wants to belong, to feel included, and sometimes all a child needs is something extra to enable them to be more like everyone else". Wise words from Coquitlam's Vicky Ayers as she donates $28,000 to Variety - The Children's Charity of BC- with Steve Darling from Global TV at the Telethon, Feb.15. In spite of suffering a major stroke this year, Vicky still persisted in her fund raising efforts with this awesome result. She is supporting the 'I CAN' program which provides expensive and highly specialised equipment to the children who need it. Way to go Vicky!!

TGIF - LOVE IS IN THE AIR

What a week - last Friday, Valentine's Day, this Thursday Lunar New Year. The power of love and the power of renewal. Romantic love was well celebrated last week and this week, the love of community is evident as Cristall Group Investments supply space at 2552 Barnet Hwy, totally at their expense, to serve the victims of the fire at Pacific and Glen. Kudos to Wayne Tullis, local commercial realtor with McDonald Rlty,for making this happen. The help effort has been spearheaded by Eagleridge United Church which has coordinated the depot where residents can drop off their donations of toiletries, clothes and non perishable food items to aid the homeless fire victims. If you would like to help please drop donations at 2552 Barnet Hwy.
For our Asian friends and clients, today starts the Year of the Sheep - Gung Hay Fat Choi - Happy New Year! Red and gold are this weekend's colors.
Have a great week. And remember, when it comes to real estate, we have you covered. Sheila