http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/ This page contains the blog. Fri, 05 Dec 2008 04:56:00 +0000 http://ubertor.com/?v=1.0 en This is an XML content feed. It is intended to be viewed in a newsreader or syndicated to another site, subject to copyright and fair use. http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/141/ http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/141/#comments Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:24:51 +0000 Listings http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/141/ I just finished uploading this Townhouse for sale, 225 17TH Street, North Vancouver, British Columbia
Fabulous unique 2 year old detached townhouse 1 block off Lonsdale on a quiet street with views. Gleaming hardwood floors on main, stainless appliances, granite counter tops and lots of windows and doors for natural light. Spacious main floor is open with a beautiful high quality kitchen. Private master bedroom has large bath and vaulted ceilings with mountain views. 2nd and 3rd bedrooms are large and each have a separate bathroom. Downstairs has a finished family room and tons of storage. Outside you have a private fenced yard with large veranda. Close to shopping, restaurants, schools, recreations and transportation. This home has it all. Balance of 2/5/10 warranty. Open Sat-Sun, Nov.29/30, 2-4 or by appt. Read More]]> I just finished uploading this Townhouse for sale, 225 17TH Street, North Vancouver, British Columbia
Fabulous unique 2 year old detached townhouse 1 block off Lonsdale on a quiet street with views. Gleaming hardwood floors on main, stainless appliances, granite counter tops and lots of windows and doors for natural light. Spacious main floor is open with a beautiful high quality kitchen. Private master bedroom has large bath and vaulted ceilings with mountain views. 2nd and 3rd bedrooms are large and each have a separate bathroom. Downstairs has a finished family room and tons of storage. Outside you have a private fenced yard with large veranda. Close to shopping, restaurants, schools, recreations and transportation. This home has it all. Balance of 2/5/10 warranty. Open Sat-Sun, Nov.29/30, 2-4 or by appt. Read More ]]> http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/141/#comments http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/139/ http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/139/#comments Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:33:31 +0000 General http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/139/

Tracking home prices in today's market?








Are housing prices trending up or down? The state of home prices in Greater Vancouver is a much discussed topic at the moment. Last month several organizations issued reports examining the current and future direction of home prices in our market.
    The BCREA Fall Housing Forecast recently reported that average home prices for residential properties, meaning detached, townhome and condo units, in Greater Vancouver are expected to increase three per cent this year compared to 2007. On the heels of this release, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) similarly projected that residential housing prices across Greater Vancouver will increase three per cent by the end of 2008 compared to the previous year.
    These numbers seemingly conflict with the figures the Board has released in recent months. According to the REBGV statistics release for October, residential home prices, as calculated by the Housing Price Index (HPI), have declined 8.8 per cent between May and October 2008, eliminating price gains witnessed in the first quarter of 2008.
    So what accounts for the discrepancy? The prices in the aforementioned BCREA and CMHC forecasts cite averages, perhaps the most commonly referenced housing price measurement. In contrast, the Board uses benchmarks prices (see definitions below) as its primary indicator of home values.
    As of Oct. 31, average residential home prices had increased five per cent in Greater Vancouver over the last 12 months to $599,068 from $569,903. Benchmark prices, however, indicate a 3.9 per cent decline to $518,668 from $539,703 over the same period.
    Greater Vancouver has experienced unprecedented growth in home values the last five years. Both benchmark and average price data tells this story, though the numbers differ.
Between December 2003 and February 2008, the benchmark price of a detached home in Greater Vancouver increased 69 per cent from to $761,342 from $449,190. The average price of detached homes over the same period registered a 94 per cent increase to $920,644 from $475,087. For condominiums, benchmark prices increased 82 per cent to $387,032 from $213,140, while the average price increased 81 per cent throughout this five-year span to $424,839 from $233,733.
    Whether it’s a seller’s or buyer’s market, the Board aims to convey the most accurate and current housing market information to members and the media. Following extensive consultations with economists more than a decade ago, the Board identified benchmark prices, produced by the HPI, as the most accurate measurement of home property values over time.
    Similar to the Consumer Price Index that tracks inflation and measures the rate of price change for a basket of goods and services including food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, the HPI measures the change in the price of housing features such as lot size, age of the home and neighbourhood etc. These features become the composite of the ‘typical house’ in a given area.
    Average prices are calculated by dividing the total dollar volume generated from home sales by the number of sales in a given period. Averages, however, can be misleading since the quantity and quality of properties sold in a given area change over time. As a result, average prices can fluctuate considerably, making the housing market appear unstable. The HPI solves this problem by pricing a constant quality and typical property over time.
    Whichever measurement is used, regional housing reports only provide a broad outlook. Viewing the “housing market” at large offers only a snapshot of the collective activity within a region. Prices today are changing by area. Establishing a price depends on the property type and neighbourhood. Ultimately real estate is local and REALTORS® offer the expertise that allows clients to identify opportunities that match their local needs.


Excerpt from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver






 











Read More]]>

Tracking home prices in today's market?








Are housing prices trending up or down? The state of home prices in Greater Vancouver is a much discussed topic at the moment. Last month several organizations issued reports examining the current and future direction of home prices in our market.
    The BCREA Fall Housing Forecast recently reported that average home prices for residential properties, meaning detached, townhome and condo units, in Greater Vancouver are expected to increase three per cent this year compared to 2007. On the heels of this release, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) similarly projected that residential housing prices across Greater Vancouver will increase three per cent by the end of 2008 compared to the previous year.
    These numbers seemingly conflict with the figures the Board has released in recent months. According to the REBGV statistics release for October, residential home prices, as calculated by the Housing Price Index (HPI), have declined 8.8 per cent between May and October 2008, eliminating price gains witnessed in the first quarter of 2008.
    So what accounts for the discrepancy? The prices in the aforementioned BCREA and CMHC forecasts cite averages, perhaps the most commonly referenced housing price measurement. In contrast, the Board uses benchmarks prices (see definitions below) as its primary indicator of home values.
    As of Oct. 31, average residential home prices had increased five per cent in Greater Vancouver over the last 12 months to $599,068 from $569,903. Benchmark prices, however, indicate a 3.9 per cent decline to $518,668 from $539,703 over the same period.
    Greater Vancouver has experienced unprecedented growth in home values the last five years. Both benchmark and average price data tells this story, though the numbers differ.
Between December 2003 and February 2008, the benchmark price of a detached home in Greater Vancouver increased 69 per cent from to $761,342 from $449,190. The average price of detached homes over the same period registered a 94 per cent increase to $920,644 from $475,087. For condominiums, benchmark prices increased 82 per cent to $387,032 from $213,140, while the average price increased 81 per cent throughout this five-year span to $424,839 from $233,733.
    Whether it’s a seller’s or buyer’s market, the Board aims to convey the most accurate and current housing market information to members and the media. Following extensive consultations with economists more than a decade ago, the Board identified benchmark prices, produced by the HPI, as the most accurate measurement of home property values over time.
    Similar to the Consumer Price Index that tracks inflation and measures the rate of price change for a basket of goods and services including food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, the HPI measures the change in the price of housing features such as lot size, age of the home and neighbourhood etc. These features become the composite of the ‘typical house’ in a given area.
    Average prices are calculated by dividing the total dollar volume generated from home sales by the number of sales in a given period. Averages, however, can be misleading since the quantity and quality of properties sold in a given area change over time. As a result, average prices can fluctuate considerably, making the housing market appear unstable. The HPI solves this problem by pricing a constant quality and typical property over time.
    Whichever measurement is used, regional housing reports only provide a broad outlook. Viewing the “housing market” at large offers only a snapshot of the collective activity within a region. Prices today are changing by area. Establishing a price depends on the property type and neighbourhood. Ultimately real estate is local and REALTORS® offer the expertise that allows clients to identify opportunities that match their local needs.


Excerpt from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver






 











Read More ]]> http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/139/#comments http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/137/ http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/137/#comments Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:02:06 +0000 General http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/137/ Read More]]> Read More ]]> http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/137/#comments http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/135/ http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/135/#comments Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:55:55 +0000 General http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/135/ Read More]]> Read More ]]> http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/135/#comments http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/133/ http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/133/#comments Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:55:31 +0000 Listings http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/133/ This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful West End VW.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this West End VW Condo for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604-439-2266 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Charlie Kiers
Remax City Realty Read More]]> This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful West End VW.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this West End VW Condo for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604-439-2266 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Charlie Kiers
Remax City Realty Read More ]]> http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/133/#comments http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/131/ http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/131/#comments Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:42:12 +0000 Listings http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/131/ I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 308 1706 56TH Street, Tsawwassen, British Columbia
Beautifully decorated top floor private corner unit(2 bdrms & open den) with unobstructed views of North Shore Mountains. Gorgeous kitchen and bathrooms with granite counters and slate floors. Main area is open with cherry wood laminate floors. High ceilings (9'), lots of natural light and open floorplan. Large open air balcony for entertaining or just enjoying the serenity. 2 secure parking spaces and extra storage plus bike storage. Quality built, well maintained 2 year old complex has balance of warranty and no GST. Call for a showing today. Read More]]> I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 308 1706 56TH Street, Tsawwassen, British Columbia
Beautifully decorated top floor private corner unit(2 bdrms & open den) with unobstructed views of North Shore Mountains. Gorgeous kitchen and bathrooms with granite counters and slate floors. Main area is open with cherry wood laminate floors. High ceilings (9'), lots of natural light and open floorplan. Large open air balcony for entertaining or just enjoying the serenity. 2 secure parking spaces and extra storage plus bike storage. Quality built, well maintained 2 year old complex has balance of warranty and no GST. Call for a showing today. Read More ]]> http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/131/#comments http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/129/ http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/129/#comments Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:23:16 +0000 Listings http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/129/ I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 305 1045 HARO Street, Vancouver West, British Columbia
Fantastic bright 1 bedroom corner unit condo in the heart of the city with views. Well maintained suite faces Haro and is in a solid concrete building. Laundry on each floor, secure parking and extra storage. Large outdoor patio to relax and enjoy the city ambiance. BBQ's welcome. Within a short walk to Robson, theatres, IGA, and the business district. Perfect for first time buyers or investment. Read More]]> I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 305 1045 HARO Street, Vancouver West, British Columbia
Fantastic bright 1 bedroom corner unit condo in the heart of the city with views. Well maintained suite faces Haro and is in a solid concrete building. Laundry on each floor, secure parking and extra storage. Large outdoor patio to relax and enjoy the city ambiance. BBQ's welcome. Within a short walk to Robson, theatres, IGA, and the business district. Perfect for first time buyers or investment. Read More ]]> http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/129/#comments http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/127/ http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/127/#comments Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:22:02 +0000 Listings http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/127/ I just sold this House at 4109 UNION Street, Burnaby North, British Columbia .
View this recently sold House or see all my home sales Read More]]> I just sold this House at 4109 UNION Street, Burnaby North, British Columbia .
View this recently sold House or see all my home sales Read More ]]> http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/127/#comments http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/126/ http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/126/#comments Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:45:11 +0000 Listings http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/126/ I just finished uploading this House for sale, 4109 UNION Street, Burnaby North, British Columbia
Original condition 1949 Bungalow with views of the North Shore. Some original hardwood flooring, full height basements. Great for first time buyer or build your dream home in this prime location. Open House August 17, Sunday 2-4 or by appointment. Read More]]> I just finished uploading this House for sale, 4109 UNION Street, Burnaby North, British Columbia
Original condition 1949 Bungalow with views of the North Shore. Some original hardwood flooring, full height basements. Great for first time buyer or build your dream home in this prime location. Open House August 17, Sunday 2-4 or by appointment. Read More ]]> http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/126/#comments http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/124/ http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/124/#comments Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:57:14 +0000 Listings http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/124/ This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful Hastings.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Hastings Condo for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604-439-2266 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Charlie Kiers
Remax City Realty Read More]]> This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful Hastings.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Hastings Condo for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604-439-2266 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Charlie Kiers
Remax City Realty Read More ]]> http://buythedrive.com/ViewBlog/124/#comments