The Market Springs Ahead

Another week when some of the real estate happenings have occurred predictably and others have proved to be a surprise! We loved the article in the Western Investor, Vancouver Not The Foreign-Buyer Magnet Most Believe by J.Neil Hamilton, which exploded our current most popular myth that our present market conditions are brought about solely as a result of foreign investment.

We might live in a beautiful part of the world, but cannot pride ourselves in being the top choice (or even close to it!) for foreign investment or tops in property values. Vancouver is number 10 on the world real estate stage for residential cost per square foot. This should give us some comfort and pause for the thought that these market conditions will not continue on for ever. And this week we felt those winds of change in certain sectors of the market - even more "affordable" properties did not attract the same frantic rush of frenetic buyers. Why? Good old economics 101 - we have increasing supply. The age old reason for market shifts! Buyers are not all suddenly in for an easy ride, but subtle changes are evident.

Largest exception to that rule is the one affecting every aspect of Canadian life right now from the cost of health care to real estate - the bulge of baby boomers! Many of this group are looking for that perfect downsize - larger than the average 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo. Consequently the competition to buy the larger condo or suitable townhome is fierce and these buyers have the money generated from the sale of their home to outbid their competitors. Amazing that developers are not catering to this group!

SPRING FORWARD - don't forget the change to daylight saving time happens tonight - we lose 1 hour of sleep. Drive safely this week - takes a little while to adjust. And remember - regardless of season or market, we have you covered. Sheila and Michelle.

TGIF: Boomers Making Retirement Lifestyle Choices

Baby Boomers are the first retiring generation considering lifestyle choices - often well before they retire. Remaining healthier with a greater desire to travel, this group is opting for an earlier move away from gardening & home maintenance. Often dividing their asset, they are purchasers of recreational property - Whistler, Okanagan & Arizona have all benefitted.

Lots to think about, especially if you have been living in your family home for some time. We love it when people consult with us early in the game, so we can discuss the options and help them prepare their home for the market ahead of time.

Nothing worse than falling in love with another home, only to find your present home is not market ready!

We are really aware of what buyers expect and have the resources to share - the professionals who can help you get ready - handyman, painter,stager, organiser etc. Every family is different, so we are geared to be on your program at your pace. For the homeowners who enjoy their family home & garden until they are much older, the challenge is greater. Usually, there has been a longer time to gather "stuff" of all kinds, sometimes owners less able to keep up with maintenance and an overwhelming feeling at the prospect of moving.

We work with many of these owners to make the experience more positive by getting the help they need and taking things one step at a time. We even have a couple of companies who will orchestrate all the aspects of preparing and moving. Our job satisfaction lies in seeing these owners happily installed in their new home. We are pleased to offer confidential consultations at your convenience for the downsizers of any age!

And...finally - if part of being a Boomer for you is helping your kids get a foothold in the real estate market, nothing makes us happier than guiding first home buyers to a safe, solid choice where their investment (and yours) is secure.

Enjoy your week and.... Remember - whatever your age and whatever the climate, we have you covered.
- Sheila and Michelle

#PINKSHIRTDAY FEB 24: Stand Up to Bullying!

On February 24, 2016 we encourage everyone to practice kindness, and wear a CKNW Orphans’ Fund Official Pink Shirt, button, or pin to symbolize that you do not tolerate bullying. While we wish we could take credit for this idea, Pink Shirt Day has its roots in Nova Scotia, started by two incredible high school students.

Team Francis & Hawthorne RE/MAX Realtors are feeling pretty in pink: will you join in by wearing pink on February 24, 2016? Have you made an effort to practice kindness and acceptance towards both yourself and others? Do you have a story about being bullied, how you stopped a bully or about how bullying has affected a loved one?

Find out about it here: www.pinkshirtday.ca
You can donate here

Since 2008, the CKNW Orphans’ Fund and CKNW radio station have been raising funds for anti-bullying programs. 100% net proceeds raised are distributed to various organizations outlined below. The programs we fund support children’s healthy self-esteem, both with their peers and themselves. They teach empathy, compassion and kindness.

In 2015, over $350,000 in grants distributed to the following non-profits:

• Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Canada: Anti-bullying programs

• Canadian Red Cross BC: Respect Ed – Rapid Response Prevention Program

• Kids Help Phone: Anti-bullying professional counseling

• Kidsafe Project Society: Young leaders anti-bullying program

• Leave out Violence Society (LOVE BC): Youth leaders working with mentors to create anti-bullying workshops and social media campaigns

• YWCA Metro Vancouver: Youth education programs

• Vancouver Opera: Stickboy – Provincial tour to schools

• Eureka Camp Society: Kindness ROCKS school performances

• YMCA of Greater Vancouver: Alternative Suspension Program – Surrey

• Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland: Go Girls Program – Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

• Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC: YouthinBC.com connecting youth with support, information and resources.

http://ls4.co/1bDc

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.