Welcome to our Real Estate website We have compiled an extensive amount of information to aid you in the purchase or sale of real estate in abbotsford, chilliwack, langley and mission. If you have any questions or comments, we welcome your feedback @ contact us , or by phone : 778-880-MOVE(6683)

Consumer Checklist-Choosing a Moving Company (March 8, 2010)
Does the moving company know about and agree to abide by the terms of the Good Practice Guidelines for Canadian Movers? Does the company provide you with a pamphlet that outlines customer and moving rights and responsibilities, as well as written material regarding mover liability for loss of damage, optional programs available, limitations on liability and additional costs associated with each level of liability.
Reproduced courtesy of Industry Canada. This reproduction is not represented as an official version of the information reproduced, nor has been made in affilation with, or with the endorsement of Industry Canada.

BC Home Sales Moderate in January (March 2, 2010)
According to the BC Real Estate Association, the residential sales in the province climbed 118% to 4,619 units in January 2010 compared to the same month last year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, MLS residential sales in the province declined 16% in january 2010 compared to December 2009.

"Home sales eased in January as a result of waning pent-up demand and eroded afforability," said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. "While low mortgage interest rates will continue to entice many buyers through the spring market, consumer demand is expected to moderate from its frenetic year-end pace."

The BC residential dollar volume increased 160% to $2.27 billion in January 2010 compared to the same period last year. The average MLS residential price climbed 19% to $491,571 over the same period.

"Upward pressure on home prices, particularly in Victoria, Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, is beginning to slow as fewer home sales and a larger inventory reduce the chance of multiple offers," added Muir.

Changes to Canadian Mortgage Guidelines (Feb 16, 2010)
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty yesterday announced the following changes to mortgage qualification guidelines, effective April 19, 2010.
- All borrowers must qualify for a five year fixed rate, even if they choose a mortgage with a lower interest rate or shorter term.
-Anyone refinancing can now withdraw only 90% of the value of their property (previously the figure was 95% of the property's's value)
-Revenue properties will now require a minimum of 20% down.
-There are no other changes

Staging Your Home to Sell Part 5 (Feb 9, 2010)
Clean fridge and stove
Clean and freshen bathrooms
Make beds daily

Staging Your Home to Sell Part 4 (Feb 2, 2010)
Repair eavestroughs
Touch up exterior with paint
Steam clean or shampoo carpets
Clean furnace, replace furnace filter

Staging Your Home to Sell Part 3 (Jan 26, 2010)
Cut the lawn
Trim the shrubs
Weed and edge gardens
Pick up litter
Clear walk and driveway of weeds

Staging Your Home to Sell-Part 2 (Jan 18, 2010)
Touch up chipped paint
Repair cracked drywall
Repair leaking taps and toilets
Paint or wash interior walls that are marked up

Staging Your Home to Sell-Part 1 (Jan 11, 2010)
General Maintenance:
Oil squeaky doors
Tighten door knobs
Replace burnt out lights
Clean and repair windows

Staging Your Home to Sell (Jan 4, 2010)
First impressions count with Buyers. An investment in time and money will give your home an edge over other homes when showing it to prospective buyers. In essence, the better your property shows, the more money you realize, and the quicker it sells. And even if you're not thinking of selling, maintenance is important for future value, and you'll also feel pride of ownership.
Over the next few weeks, a list of helpful hints will be written that should enhance and improve the value of your property.


Check the Wiring Before You Buy (Dec 29, 2009)
If you are purchasing an older home (approx age older than 1975), it is a good idea to check the wiring. Insurance companies require the wiring be a minimum of 100 amps. If it isn't, then you will not get insurance and your mortgage company will not advance funds to complete the sale. Some insurance companies will give the buyer a grace period after they move in to complete the work. Check with your insurance company. Find out the amperage before making the offer. If an upgrade is required,you may want to include it in the negotation.

Phone The School Before You Buy (Dec 14, 2009)
Buying a home in a certain area does not automatically guarantee eligibility to attend the local schools. Some schools are at capacity and new enrollment has been capped. Districts recommend prospective home buyers phone the school they would like their children to attend to find out if there's room.

Changes to HST for new homes (Dec 10, 2009)
In response to strong lobbying efforts by consumer and industry groups such as organized real estate, the BC government introduced new measures in the Harmonized Sales Tax transitional rules on housing.
Buyers of new homes priced at up to $525,000 will be eligible for a partial rebate of 71.43% on the provincial portion of the HST, up to a maximum rebate of $26,250. Those buying new homes priced at over $525,000 will be eligible for a flat rebate of $26,250. The new measures represent a 30% increase to the previously announced BC HST new housing rebate threshold of $400,000 and maximum rebate of $20,000.

Get a Pre-Approved Mortgage (Dec 7, 2009)
If you get a pre-approved mortgage before viewing any homes, you will know exactly how much you can afford. As well as saving you time, it also puts you in a better bargaining position with the Seller. Your chance of successfully purchasing a home when competing with another Buyer may be greater if the Seller knows you are pre-approved.