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

TGIF - FAMILY DAY LONG WEEKEND

Not only is it Friday, but also the start of a long weekend. Whether you're skiing at Whistler or cosily hunkering down at home to escape the Pineapple Express, we hope you enjoy every moment. If you're looking for something different, how about a retro technology fair? The mysteries of rotary phones, cassette players, Polaroid cameras and vinyl on the turntable can be explored with lots of other gadgets & equipment from the past. Alongside the retro is the future with examples of interactive modern technology & new console games - sounds like a great creative way to avoid the rain! All taking place at Port Moody Library this Saturday (Feb 7) 10am - 2pm.
If excellent food is more to your liking, there are some tickets left for the Eat Your Heart Out event, March 2. This is our local dine around starting at Port Moody Galleria, then by Vancouver Trolley bus to enjoy a signature dish at 3 local restaurants followed by dessert back at the Galleria. Exciting raffle prizes, lots of fun and a great cause - Eagleridge Hospital Foundation, bringing us much needed new equipment. For tickets, go on line to the hospital website or call the Foundation office - 604-469-3128.
Interest rates staggeringly low - hard to believe! Remember, when it comes to real estate, we have you covered! Have a wonderful long weekend. Sheila

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy New Year - may 2015 be healthy, happy and prosperous. As we plan our business year once more, we fully appreciate our clients' loyalty in continuing to hire our team for themselves and their families. We are also unendingly grateful that they have confidence in recommending us to their friends and colleagues. Thank you so much - you make our professional and personal lives so much more enjoyable by introducing us to your circle, where we immediately feel connected and resolved to live up to the testimonial you have passed on! Our reputation is our most valued asset and your satisfaction paramount. The real estate business is always interesting, fascinating and diverse, but the relationships forged over buying and selling are the greatest job satisfaction. Regardless of the ever changing technology, I am happy to say that this is still a people business.

2015 starting with a bit of a whimper as listing inventory so low and lots of buyers out there with nothing to purchase. So, if selling is on your mind NOW is your moment - prices are always stronger when there is virtually no competition. And buyers are intent on using those low interest rates. Call us to check it out.
Have a great week with a superb year to follow. And...remember, when it comes to the wonderful world of real estate, whatever the climate, we have you covered. Sheila

BC REGIMENT LUNCHEON

Best Lunch of the Year!! Supporting the Troops and Local Charities at the BC Regiment with Honorary Colonel Ted Hawthorne,Vice-President Gayle Hawthorne & Ray Harris, President of the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board.

TGIF - MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS 2014

All the political campaigning will be over by tomorrow evening, signs will be down and new councillors and Mayors will begin the steep learning curve while the more seasoned municipal politicians will return to finish what they started. It must be such a let down after all the election excitement, then inauguration, to find that public interest goes into a steep decline and the Council chamber becomes a lonely place. Why do most of us only hold our politicians accountable at election time? With all the talk of transparency and public input, we need to do our bit - attend at least some of the meetings, give our input, support and continue to keep our elected politicians accountable. There are lots of committees where ordinary citizens can serve and get involved. With the advent of the Evergreen Line, there will be many changes in the TriCities - we must make sure they are what we want. Too late 2 years from now! So...join me in a New Year's resolution to stay connected and involved with our civic process.

In the meantime, exercise your franchise - GET OUT AND VOTE!! Congratulations to all the courageous citizens who put themselves out there and gave us the luxury of choice.

- Sheila