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Vancouver Real Estate is Valuable Regardless of the Weather

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 10:00:00 GMT

With the weather unseasonably cold and rainy as it has been, it’s easy to forget why we live in Vancouver. Vancouver real estate is among the most expensive in the world, after all, so what exactly are we paying for?

Lifestyle

Vancouver is consistently named one of the top places to live in the world, landing as number one on several surveys. We have a beautiful, clean, safe and environmentally friendly city in an economically and politically stable country. While beautiful scenery surrounds Vancouver, we are also blessed with world-class shops and restaurants, offering something for everyone.

Ocean

Situated on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver residents enjoy more than just a gorgeous view. We have fabulous beaches such as Spanish Banks and Third Beach, one of the longest seawalls in the world, and innumerable islands to explore, all accessible by boat. Cycle the seawall, join a beach volleyball team, or play Pitch and Putt in Stanley Park overlooking the ocean. Sure, it’s colder than usual for this time of year, but it’s still possible to enjoy these summer activities!

Mountains

The stunning backdrop of the mountains over Vancouver’s skyline makes our city one of the most beautiful in the world. Residents of Vancouver, however, know the mountains provide more than this panorama. Although skiers and snowboarders revel in the countless hours of fun the ski season brings, these mountains are enjoyed by all year-round. Mountain bikers and hikers have a playground at their doorstep, and tourists venture from all over the planet to catch the view from the top of Grouse Mountain.

Culture

Vancouver is a melting pot of cultures from around the world, and summer is the best time to experience a taste of what some of these cultures have to offer. Italian Day takes place on Commercial Drive, and Greek Day on Broadway. Caribbean Days light up North Vancouver, as does the Lantern Festival in Deer Lake Park. The Night Market in Chinatown occurs every weekend in the summer, where visitors can sample Asian Fare and browse merchandise. The Celebration of Light features international competitors offering extravagant fireworks displays that can be enjoyed from points all around Vancouver.

West Coast living is bound to come with some wet weather, but we get so much more than rain. Granted, we wait out the winter in exchange for the epic summers for which Vancouver is renowned, but enjoying all this beautiful city has to offer is not dependent on the sun. It may be disappointing at times, but if anyone knows how to handle a little rain, Vancouverites do.

For information on Vancouver real estate and Vancouver listings, please contact experienced Vancouver Realtor Jules Seaman.

Jules Seaman
421 Pacific St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2P5
604-780-4102 cell
604-685-5951 off

http://www.buyvancouverrealestate.com/

Vancouver Housing Market Trends Towards Balance after an Active Spring Season

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:40:00 GMT

Home sellers outpaced buyers on Greater Vancouver’s Multiple Listings Service® (MLS®) in June, drawing the market back toward balance this summer.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales of detached, attached and apartment properties reached 3,262 in June, a 9.8 per cent increase compared to the 2,972 sales in June 2010 and a 3.4 per cent decline compared to the 3,377 sales in May 2011.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 5,793 in June. This represents a 4.5 per cent increase compared to June 2010 when 5,544 properties were listed for sale on the MLS® and a 2.3 per cent decline compared to the 5,931 new listings reported in May 2011.

Last month’s new listing total was 9.8 per cent higher than the 10-year average for June, while residential sales were 7.3 per cent below the ten-year average for sales in June.

“With sales below the 10-year average and home listings above what’s typical for the month, activity in June brought closer alignment between supply and demand in our marketplace,” Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president said. “With a sales-to-active-listings ratio of nearly 22 per cent, it looks like we’re in the upper end of a balanced market.”

At 15,106, the total number of residential property listings on the MLS® increased 3.1 per cent in June compared to last month and declined 14 per cent from this time last year.

The MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver over the last 12 months has increased 8.7 per cent to $630,921 in June 2011 from $580,237 in June 2010.

“The largest price increases continue to be in the detached home market on the westside of Vancouver and in West Vancouver,” Setticasi said. “Since the end of May, the benchmark price of a detached home rose more than $147,000 on the westside of Vancouver and over $80,000 in West Vancouver. Detached home prices in Richmond, however, levelled off slightly, declining $25,000 in June.”

Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in June 2011 reached 1,471, an increase of 29.1 per cent from the 1,139 detached sales recorded in June 2010, and an 11.8 per cent decrease from the 1,667 units sold in June 2009. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 13.4 per cent from June 2010 to $901,680.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,266 in June 2011, a 0.6 per cent increase compared to the 1,258 sales in June 2010, and a decrease of 29.3 per cent compared to the 1,790 sales in June 2009. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 3.5 per cent from June 2010 to $405,200.

Attached property sales in June 2011 totalled 525, an 8.7 per cent decrease compared to the 575 sales in June 2010, and a 34.5 per cent decrease from the 802 attached properties sold in June 2009. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 6 per cent between June 2010 and 2011 to $522,424.

Statistics courtesy of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. Please visit http://www.rebgv.org for more information.

For information on Vancouver real estate and Vancouver listings, please contact experienced Vancouver Realtor Jules Seaman.

Jules Seaman
421 Pacific St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2P5
604-780-4102 cell
604-685-5951 off

604-685-2807 fax

Greater Vancouver Housing Market Holds Steady and Favours Sellers in May

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:47:00 GMT

Home sales remained at typical springtime levels on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Greater Vancouver in May.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales of detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver reached 3,377 in May 2011, a 7 per cent increase compared to the 3,156 sales in May 2010 and a 4.7 per cent increase compared to the 3,225 sales in April 2011.

Looking back further, last month’s residential sales are 8.1 per cent below the ten-year average for sales in May. The three highest selling Mays ever recorded occurred in 2005, 2006 and 2007 when sales exceeded the 4,000 mark each year.

“With a sales to actives listings ratio of 23 per cent, conditions continue to favour sellers in the Greater Vancouver housing market, but activity has eased away from the near record-setting pace we saw in March,” Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president said.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 5,931 in May 2011. This represents a 15.4 per cent decrease compared to May 2010 when 7,014 properties were listed for sale on the MLS®, which was the second highest total for May on record. Last month’s new listings increased 1.4 per cent compared to April 2011.

At 14,656, the total number of residential property listings on the MLS® increased 2 per cent in May compared to last month and declined 16 per cent from this time last year.

The MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver over the last 12 months increased 6.2 per cent to $627,568 in May 2011 from $590,662 in May 2010.

“We’re seeing more activity at the high end of our market this year than we did one year ago. This is causing today’s average prices in the region to be less reflective of the total activity occurring in the marketplace,” Setticasi said. “The Housing Price Index benchmark prices are more accurate, reliable indicators of housing prices compared to averages.”

Of all residential properties sold on the MLS® in Greater Vancouver in 2011 to date 21 per cent sold for $1-million or higher and 20 per cent sold for $350,000 or lower. While 77 per cent of the properties that sold for over $1-million were located in West Vancouver, the Westside of Vancouver or Richmond, the properties that sold for $350,000 or lower were located throughout the entire Board area.

Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in May 2011 reached 1,570, an increase of 25 per cent from the 1,256 detached sales recorded in May 2010, and a 12 per cent increase from the 1,402 units sold in May 2009. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 10 per cent from May 2010 to $890,833.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,228 in May 2011, a 9.3 per cent decrease compared to the 1,354 sales in May 2010, and a decrease of 15.8 per cent compared to the 1,458 sales in May 2009. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 2.2 per cent from May 2010 to $407,419.

Attached property sales in May 2011 totalled 579, a 6 per cent increase compared to the 546 sales in May 2010, and a 12.8 per cent decrease from the 664 attached properties sold in May 2009. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 3.5 per cent between May 2010 and 2011 to $517,787.

Statistics courtesy of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. Please visit http://www.rebgv.org for more information.

For information on Vancouver real estate and Vancouver listings, please contact experienced Vancouver Realtor Jules Seaman.

Jules Seaman
421 Pacific St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2P5
604-780-4102 cell
604-685-5951 off
604-685-2807 fax
http://www.buyvancouverrealestate.com/

Greater Vancouver Housing Market Sees Typical Spring Activity in April

Mon, 09 May 2011 12:26:00 GMT

Greater Vancouver saw a typical, solid month of residential home sales on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April, in contrast to the near record pace witnessed in the two preceding months.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales of detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver reached 3,225 in April 2011, an 8.2 per cent decrease compared to the 3,512 sales in April 2010 and a 21 per cent decline compared to the 4,080 sales in March 2011.

Looking back further, last month’s residential sales represent an 8.8 per cent increase over the 2,963 residential sales in April 2009, relatively unchanged compared to April 2008, and a 4.8 per cent decline compared to the 3,387 sales in April 2007.

“While it continues to be a seller’s market in Greater Vancouver, last month’s activity brought greater balance between supply and demand in the overall marketplace,” Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president said. “The year-over-year decline in April sales can be attributed to a less active condominium market on our MLS®, as there were more detached and townhome sales this April compared to last year.”

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 5,847 in April 2011. This represents a 23.5 per cent decline compared to April 2010 when 7,648 properties were listed for sale on the MLS®, which was an all-time record for April. Compared to March 2011, last month’s new listings total registered a 14 per cent decline.

At 14,187, the total number of residential property listings on the MLS® increased 8.2 per cent in April compared to last month and declined 10 per cent from this time last year.

“There’s considerable variation in activity within the communities in our region. This is causing home price trends to differ depending on the area,” Setticasi said. “Your local REALTOR® is a valuable resource for obtaining the most accurate, up-to-date market evaluation.”

The MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver over the last 12 months has increased 5 per cent to $622,991 in April 2011 from $593,419 in April 2010.

Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in April 2011 reached 1,402, an increase of 2.3 per cent from the 1,370 detached sales recorded in April 2010, and a 17.8 per cent increase from the 1,190 units sold in April 2009. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 7.4 per cent from April 2010 to $879,039.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,201 in April 2011, a 21.3 per cent decrease compared to the 1,526 sales in April 2010, and an increase of 1.9 per cent compared to the 1,179 sales in April 2009. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 2.9 per cent from April 2010 to $409,242.

Attached property sales in April 2011 totalled 622, a 1 per cent increase compared to the 616 sales in April 2010, and a 4.7 per cent increase from the 594 attached properties sold in April 2009. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 2.4 per cent between April 2010 and 2011 to $514,670.

Statistics courtesy of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. For more information, please visithttp://www.rebgv.org/.

For information on Vancouver real estate and Vancouver listings, please contact experienced Vancouver Realtor Jules Seaman.

Jules Seaman
421 Pacific St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2P5
604-780-4102 cell
604-685-5951 off
604-685-2807 fax
http://www.buyvancouverrealestate.com/

Vancouver Home Buyers and Sellers Enter the Real Estate Market at Near Record Pace in March

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:14:00 GMT

Activity in the Greater Vancouver housing market continued to strengthen in March with both the number of homes sold and added to the region’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) reaching near record levels.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales of detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver reached 4,080 in March 2011. This represents a 31.7 per cent increase compared to the 3,097 sales recorded in February 2011, an increase of 30.1 per cent compared to the 3,137 sales in March 2010 and an 80.1 per cent increase from the 2,265 home sales in March 2009. The all-time sales record for March occurred in 2004 when 4,371 transactions were recorded.

“Our market has had a very strong start to the spring season,” Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president said. “With home sales above 4,000 and nearly 7,000 home listings added to the MLS® in March, it’s clear that home buyers and sellers view this as a good time to be active in their local housing market.”

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 6,797 in March 2011. This represents a 3 per cent decline compared to March 2010 when 7,004 properties were listed for sale on the MLS®, an all-time record for March. Compared to February 2011, last month’s new listings total registered a 19.4 per cent increase.

At, 13,110, the total number of residential property listings on the MLS® increased 9.9 per cent in March compared to last month and declined 3 per cent from this time last year.

“Conditions favour sellers at the moment, but we’re seeing differences in home-price trends and overall activity depending on the region and property type,” Setticasi said.

The MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver over the last 12 months has increased 5.4 per cent to $615,810 in March 2011 from $584,435 in March 2010.

Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in March 2011 reached 1,795, an increase of 34.4 per cent from the 1,336 detached sales recorded in March 2010, and a 100.1 per cent increase from the 897 units sold in March 2009. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 8.3 per cent from March 2010 to $866,806.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,622 in March 2011, a 29.6 per cent increase compared to the 1,252 sales in March 2010, and an increase of 66.2 per cent compared to the 976 sales in March 2009. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 2.1 per cent from March 2010 to $403,885.

Attached property sales in March 2011 totalled 663, a 20.8 per cent increase compared to the 549 sales in March 2010, and a 69.1 per cent increase from the 392 attached properties sold in March 2009. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 3.6 per cent between March 2010 and 2011 to $511,039.

Statistics courtesy of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. For more information, please visit http://www.rebgv.org/.

For information on Vancouver real estate and Vancouver listings, please contact experienced Vancouver Realtor Jules Seaman.

Jules Seaman
421 Pacific St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2P5
604-780-4102 cell
604-685-5951 off
604-685-2807 fax
http://www.buyvancouverrealestate.com/

10 Steps for Selling Your Vancouver Home

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 20:26:00 GMT

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you sell your Vancouver home.

Decide when to sell In real estate, timing can influence your home’s selling price. Factors like how quickly you need to sell, whether it’s a buyers or sellers market and seasonality all play a role in your home’s final selling price.
Find a REALTOR® who is right for you The REALTOR® who helped you buy your home is a good place to start. They already know your home and they know you, so you’ll be saving time right from the start. Or look for names on “For Sale” signs in your neighbourhood or ask your friends and family. Make sure to interview two or three candidates and choose the one you like best.
Sign a Listing Agreement This authorizes your REALTOR® and their brokerage to market and sell your home. It will define the legal relationship between you and the real estate brokerage and also set a time limit for your REALTOR® to sell your home.
Determine your home’s asking price The right asking price will attract buyers and pay you a maximum return. Setting too low a price means you could miss out on thousands of dollars. Setting too high a price will scare away buyers. Your goal is to find fair market value.
Add some specialists to your team Similar to when you bought your home, it’s essential to have a notary public or a lawyer handle all the various documents that change hands and make sure your best interests are being protected at all times.
Prepare your home for sale First impressions matter. Now is the time to see your home through a buyer’s eyes: get ride of the clutter, clean and repair as much as you can, within reason. Remember, weigh the cost of all your improvements versus the potential financial return.
Let your REALTOR® do what they do best Your home has never looked so good and now it’s time for your REALTOR® to market it to potential buyers. This happens with a “For Sale” sign, open houses, newspaper ads, a listing on the MLS®, the internet, and, of course, through your REALTORS®’ relationship with other REALTORS®.
Prepare your finances Will the buyer “assume” your mortgage or are you “discharging” it? If you’re buying a new home, is your mortgage “portable”? What taxes are involved? These are important questions to ask your REALTOR®, your mortgage lender and your notary public or lawyer.
Receive an offer Although your REALTOR® will walk you through the process, be prepared for some stress. You will see every offer since it’s required that your REALTOR® show you every offer that’s submitted. You will have three options: you can accept, you can reject or you can “sign back” or “counter”. Ask your REALTOR® what these terms mean. Happy negotiating!
Close the deal You were successful and have drafted a legally binding agreement. Are you done? Not quite yet. Contact your lawyer or notary public, contact your lending institution and consult your REALTOR®. Immediately start satisfying any conditions of the agreement that require action on your part. On closing day, your lawyer or notary public will finalize all the details and give you a cheque for the net proceeds.
Courtesy of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. For more informaiton, please visit http://www.rebgv.org.
For information on Vancouver real estate listings or if you are planning on selling your Vancouver home, please contact experienced Vancouver Realtor Jules Seaman.
Jules Seaman
421 Pacific St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2P5
604-780-4102 cell
604-685-5951 off
604-685-2807 fax
http://www.buyvancouverrealestate.com/

http://vancouver-real-estate-bc.ca/index.html

http://www.century21.ca/en/jules.seaman

http://www.century21.ca/en/jules.seaman/Blog

Vancouver Luxury Home Market Booming

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:09:00 GMT

Vancouver Real Estate Market

The Vancouver real estate market has remained relatively level for the better part of eight months or so, but there are areas of the market that have still been booming, and the latest statistics reveal a trend toward increased sales, benchmark prices and number of listings. Last April, Vancouver real estate sales and housing prices reached record highs, leveling off by the summer and for the most part remaining that way until recently. As reported by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, last month sales in Greater Vancouver of detached, attached and apartment properties increased by over 70% since January 2011 and by 42.6%, 17.5% and 101.2% respectively from this time last year. Benchmark prices increased slightly across the board, and the new listings for Greater Vancouver homes increased by 23.6% from this time last year and 18.6% since January 2010 to 5,693. These numbers indicate a lot of options for home buyers but also a high demand, thus the Vancouver real estate market presently benefits home buyers and home sellers alike.

Detached Properties in Richmond and Vancouver West Luxury Homes in High Demand

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver also reported the most movement in Richmond and Vancouver West, noting that detached homes are the most in demand. The benchmark price of detached homes in Richmond and Vancouver West rose from around the $200,000 mark in November 2010 to above $1million last month. A recent article in the Vancouver Sun maintains that luxury homes (many of which are located in Vancouver West) remain in high demand (which pushes up the statistics of the city and the province as a whole). In 2010, reports the Vancouver Sun, 375 Vancouver homes (of those 50 were Vancouver condos) sold for over $3million, breaking the previous record of 209. 75 of those Vancouver luxury homes sold for over $5million, and the most expensive sold for $17.5million. According to the Sun, these sales reflect an influx of home buyers from the global market, especially Chinese investors, to which our home prices seem relatively inexpensive for the standard of living Vancouver provides. Because sales of luxury homes are expected to rise even further, soon $3 million may “no longer be considered particularly expensive,” and people will look to the $5 million mark for luxury properties in Vancouver.

While the Vancouver real estate market in general has been somewhat stable since last summer, the market for detached properties continues to boom, especially in suburban areas like Richmond, and the Vancouver luxury home market, most of which is concentrated in Vancouver West or Downtown Vancouver condos, is at present extremely hot and especially appealing to foreign investors.

For information on Vancouver real estate listings or on the Vancouver luxury homes pictures here, please contact experienced Vancouver Realtor Jules Seaman.

Jules Seaman
421 Pacific St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2P5
604-780-4102 cell
604-685-5951 off
604-685-2807 fax
http://www.buyvancouverrealestate.com/

Federal Government Brings in New Mortgage Financing Rules

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:20:00 GMT

In January 2011, the federal government introduced new rules for government-backed insured mortgages to help Canadians save more and spend less.

New mortgage rules

1. The government is reducing the maximum mortgage amortization period to 30 years from 35 years.
2. The government is reducing the maximum amount of the value of a home that can be re-financed to 85 per cent from 90 per cent.
3. The government will no longer provide insurance backing to financial institutions insuring home equity lines of credit.

"These are prudent measures that promote responsible lending practices and further strengthen our internationally recognized mortgage finance system," Jake Moldowan, REBGV Board president said.

Tougher rules are in response to recent warnings from the Bank of Canada Governor, Mark Carney, about rising household debt levels.

Key dates

Changes to the maximum amortization period and the maximum refinancing amount come into force on March 18, 2011. The withdrawal of government insurance backing on lines of credit secured by homes comes into force on April 18, 2011.

Exceptions to dates

When the rules come into force, exceptions will be allowed where they are needed to satisfy a binding purchase and sale, or a financing or refinancing agreement entered into before the corresponding enforcement dates.

How much will the new rules cost home buyers?

1. Reducing the amortization period to 30 years from 35 years

Monthly payments and total interest savings resulting from a reduction in the amortization period to 30 years for a mortgage loan of $300,000
Interest rate	35 year amortization monthly payment	30 year amortization montly payment	Increase in monthly payment 30 year vs 35 year amortization	Interest savings 30 year vs 35 year amortization
4%	$1,322	$1,427	$105	$41,850
5%	$1,504	$1,601	$97	$55,404
6%	$1,696	$1,784	$88	$69,809

2. Lowering the maximum refinancing amount to 85 per cent of the loan to value ratio.

• Home price: $300,000.
• Refinancing at 85 per cent: a home owner can access up to $255,000.
• Refinancing at 90 per cent: a home owner can access up to $270,000.
• Total savings in home equity: $15,000.

3. No government insurance backing to financial institutions insuring home equity loans.
To mitigate risk to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, lenders now offering multiple loans or a multi-segment loans secured against a borrower’s home, will no longer be eligible for government-backed insurance. However, loans with established scheduled principal and interest payments will continue to be eligible for government-backed insurance.

Home buyers can still buy a home with a five per cent down payment.

For information, visit the Federal Department of Finance at www.fin.gc.ca. Go to News Releases (January 17, 2011).

This blog post courtesy of the Real Estate Borad of Greater Vancouver. For further information, please vist http://www.rebgv.org.

For information on Vancouver real estate listings, please contact experienced Vancouver Realtor Jules Seaman.

Jules Seaman
421 Pacific St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2P5
604-780-4102 cell
604-685-5951 off
604-685-2807 fax
http://www.buyvancouverrealestate.com/

Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Reports Increased Housing Demand in February

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:02:00 GMT

Demand for detached homes continues to be strong across Greater Vancouver, with particularly high sales volumes occurring in Richmond and Vancouver Westside.

For the past two months, the number of properties listed for sale and those sold on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Greater Vancouver outpaced the 10-year average in both categories. From a historical perspective, February’s 3,097 homes sales outpace the 2,742 home-sale average recorded in the region over the last ten years.

“We saw an increase in demand across our region last month as more buyers entered the market in advance of the spring season,” said Jake Moldowan, president of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV). "The intensity of this activity varied between communities. Our statistics tell us that single detached homes in Richmond and the west side of Vancouver remain the most sought after properties in our marketplace.”

Between November 2010 and February 2011, the MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price of a detached home in Richmond increased $190,739 to $1,099,679; in Vancouver West, detached home prices increased $222,185 to $1,850,072. In comparison, detached home prices across the region increased $51,762 between November 2010 and February 2011 to $848,645.

“To effectively analyse real estate statistics for the purpose of buying or selling a home, it’s critical to focus on your neighbourhood of choice because, like we see today, conditions and prices can fluctuate significantly within the same city or municipality,” Moldowan said.

Looking across the region, the REBGV reports that residential property sales of detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver reached 3,097 on the MLS® in February 2011. This represents a 70.3 per cent increase compared to the 1,819 sales recorded in January 2011, an increase of 25.2 per cent compared to the 2,473 sales in February 2010 and a 109.3 per cent increase from the 1,480 home sales in February 2009.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 5,693 in February 2011. This represents a 23.6 per cent increase compared to February 2010 when 4,606 properties were listed, and an 18.6 per cent increase compared to January 2011 when 4,801 homes were added to the MLS® in Greater Vancouver.

“With a sizeable increase in the number of properties coming onto the market for sale, there’s a good selection out there for buyers to choose from,” Moldowan said.

At, 11,925, the total number of residential property listings on the MLS® increased 14.2 per cent in February compared to last month and increased 5 per cent from this time last year.

Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in February 2011 reached 1,402, an increase of 42.6 per cent from the 983 detached sales recorded in February 2010, and a 138.9 per cent increase from the 587 units sold in February 2009. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 6 per cent from February 2010 to $848,645.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,206 in February 2011, a 12.3 per cent increase compared to the 1,074 sales in February 2010, and an increase of 85.5 per cent compared to the 650 sales in February 2009. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 2.2 per cent from February 2010 to $399,397.

Attached property sales in February 2011 totalled 489, a 17.5 per cent increase compared to the 416 sales in February 2010, and a 101.2 per cent increase from the 243 attached properties sold in February 2009. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 2.3 per cent between February 2010 and 2011 to $507,118.

Courtesy of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. Please visit http://www.rebgv.org for more information.

For information on Vancouver real estate listings, please contact experienced Vancouver Realtor Jules Seaman.

Jules Seaman
421 Pacific St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2P5
604-780-4102 cell
604-685-5951 off
604-685-2807 fax
http://www.buyvancouverrealestate.com/

10 Steps to Buying Your Vancouver Home

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 20:01:00 GMT

Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. So it’s always best to get all the help you can get. Here are some steps to consider.

Are you ready to buy?
You should already have saved some of your down payment and you should be good at managing debt like credit cards or student loans. A mortgage is a financial responsibility that also requires constant upkeep.
Decide how much you can afford
Use this simple equation to consider what you can expect after you’ve saved for your down payment. The cost of buying a home = one time costs (down payment, legal fees, inspection fees and taxes) + monthly costs (mortgage, utilities, maintenance, insurance and property taxes).
Decide what you want to buy
First, decide where you want to live (urban, suburban, rural) and then decide which neighbourhood suits you best and what type of home (detached, attached or apartment) you want. Whether or not the property is new or resale may also affect your costs.
Find the right REALTOR®
There are many ways to find a REALTOR®: drive through neighbourhoods that interest you and jot down names, go to open houses, look at advertising, ask friends and family if they have worked with a REALTOR® they like. Interview two or three and pick the one you like best.
See what’s out there
REALTORS® run an incredible search tool called the Multiple Listings Service® (MLS® for short) which contains information on property listings. Your REALTOR® can send you listings that fit your criteria and together, you can draw up a short list and visit a handful of homes to make an informed and wise decision.
Sell your current home
It’s the age-old question, do I sell my home before I buy, or do I buy my new home before I sell? It’s natural to want to buy your new home first so you have the security of knowing where you’ll be living. But there are advantages to selling first, buying later:
- You’ll know how much your house is worth, so you can be surer of how much you can spend
- There’s a chance you won’t have to make your offer subject to financing
- You might be able to arrange a long closing to give you time to look
- It could be a stressful situation, but it’s also stressful to own two homes!
Add some specialists to your team
A mortgage broker may be able to get you the best possible rates. A notary public or a lawyer will help you understand the many legal documents that come with buying your home. A home inspector can save you from unpleasant surprises when you move in.
Make an offer
REALTORS® are expertly trained and will prepare your offer for you. For some of the terms you’ll find in the documents, visit our Words You Need to Know: Real Estate Terms section for help. If you have any concerns or hesitations, ask your REALTOR® to explain.
Arrange a mortgage
There are hundreds of banks, credit unions and other lenders. How do you select which one is best for you? Now is not the time to be money-shy! Talk to your financial institution and call around to others. Ask friends, family and colleagues. REALTORS® are very knowledgeable about mortgages and have lots of good advice and they may be able to refer you to a mortgage broker.
Close the deal and move in
You offer has been accepted! Great news! Your REALTOR® and notary public or lawyer will do most of the closing work. But make sure to ask about any conditions of the agreement that require immediate action on your part. Before you know it, you’ll be handed the keys to your new home.
Courtesy of the REal Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. Please visit http://www.rebgv.org for more information.
For information on Vancouver real estate listings, please contact experienced Vancouver Realtor Jules Seaman.
Jules Seaman
421 Pacific St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2P5
604-780-4102 cell
604-685-5951 off
604-685-2807 fax
http://www.buyvancouverrealestate.com/

http://vancouver-real-estate-bc.ca/index.html

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January Vancouver Real Estate Statistics

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:02:00 GMT

The Greater Vancouver housing market remained in balanced market conditions in January, although higher levels of buyer demand were seen in some of the region’s largest communities.

The number of properties listed for sale and those sold on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) last month outpaced the 10-year average in both categories for January.

“There was a healthy balance between the number of home buyers and sellers in our market in January, but there’s always variation in activity from region to region,” said Jake Moldowan, president of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV). "We’re seeing strong sellers’ market conditions in areas like Richmond and the west side of Vancouver.”

Over the last 12 months, the MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price of detached homes increased 22.6 per cent in Richmond and 12.2 per cent in Vancouver West. In comparison, detached home prices across the region increased 2.7 per cent over the same period.

“When you’re looking to buy or sell a home, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the wider trends in the market. It’s equally important to seek out knowledge of your local area so you understand current market conditions in your neighbourhood,” Moldowan said

Looking across the region, the REBGV reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 1,819 on the MLS® in January 2011. This represents a 4.2 per cent decline compared to the 1,899 sales recorded in December 2010, a decrease of 5.4 per cent compared to the 1,923 sales in January 2010 and a 138.7 per cent increase from the 762 home sales in January 2009.

From a historical perspective, January’s 1,819 homes sales slightly surpassed the 1,790 home sale average recorded in the region over the last ten years.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 4,801 in January 2011. This represents a 6.7 per cent decrease compared to January 2010 when 5,147 properties were listed, and a 182 per cent increase compared to December 2010 when 1,699 homes were added to the MLS® in Greater Vancouver.

At 10,438, the total number of residential property listings on the MLS® increased 5.8 per cent in January compared to last month and increased 2.2 per cent from this time last year.

Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in January 2011 reached 793, an increase of 12.5 per cent from the 705 detached sales recorded in January 2010, and a 171.6 per cent increase from the 292 units sold in January 2009. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 2.7 per cent from January 2010 to $810,045.

Sales of apartment properties reached 713 in January 2011, a decline of 20.8 per cent compared to the 891 sales in January 2010, and an increase of 97.5 per cent compared to the 361 sales in January 2009.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 1.4 per cent from January 2010 to $390,935.

Attached property sales in January 2011 totalled 313, a decline of 4.3 per cent compared to the 327 sales in January 2010, and a 187.2 per cent increase from the 109 attached properties sold in January 2009. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 2.6 per cent between January 2010 and 2011 to $495,140.

For information on Vancouver real estate listings, please contact experienced Vancouver Realtor Jules Seaman.

Jules Seaman
421 Pacific St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2P5
604-780-4102 cell
604-685-5951 off
604-685-2807 fax
http://www.buyvancouverrealestate.com/

How Working with a Realtor Can Benefit YOU

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 21:51:00 GMT

Buying or selling a home can be one of the most important and complicated transactions you make in your lifetime. With this transaction comes plenty of paperwork, endless decisions to be made, and unknown obstacles. A Realtor can help you through the process of buying or selling a home from beginning to end, and ensure your financial and legal protection along the way. Realtors differ from other licensed or registered real estate agents or brokerages in that they are member of The Canadian Real Estate Association, and as such must adhere to the REALTOR® Code and Standards of Business Practice. These regulations, ethics and high standards ensure you will receive the best possible assistance while buying or selling your property. Below is an explanation of ways in which a Realtor can help you.

Skill

Realtors have professional marketing and negotiating skills that can help you buy or sell your home at a price that works for you.

Knowledge

A Realtor knows the ins and out of the industry and uses his or her education and experience to your advantage. In addition to their training, Realtors constantly update their knowledge through professional education programs.

Resources

Realtors have a plethora of resources at their fingertips, which can help you buy or sell a property faster and broaden your options. Realtors have access to the Multiple Listing Service; thus if you are buying a home, a realtor can find properties other Realtors are selling, or if you are selling they can list your home so other buyers can discover it through the Realtor with whom they are working. Realtors can also post signs which can direct buyers’ attention to a home that is for sale and being handled professionally.

Protection

Realtors must follow strict regulations and adhere to a code of ethics that is designed to protect you, the client. A Realtor is bound to client confidentiality and also must offer you his or her undivided loyalty; he or she must “protect the client’s negotiating position at all times, and disclose all known facts, which may affect or influence their decision.” Realtors must also “obey all lawful instructions of the seller” and “account for all money and property placed in a brokerage’s hands while acting for the client.” Furthermore, a realtor can legally incorporate a Property Disclosure Statement into a Contract for Purchase and Sale, ensuring you buy a home with full knowledge of any defects of which the seller may be aware.

For more information on how your Realtor can be of service to you, and further details on standards, legislation and requirements, please visit the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver website: http://www.rebgv.org.

For information on Vancouver real estate listings, please contact experienced Vancouver Realtor Jules Seaman.

Jules Seaman
421 Pacific St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2P5
604-780-4102 cell
604-685-5951 off
604-685-2807 fax
http://www.buyvancouverrealestate.com/

Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Maintains "Real Estate Market Stable at Year End"

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 15:40:00 GMT

The Greater Vancouver residential housing market entered three distinctive phases in 2010. Continued buoyancy from the post-recession recovery began the year, followed by a summer lull and, throughout the fall, a sustained period of stability.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that total sales of detached, attached and apartment properties in 2010 reached 30,595, a 14.2 per cent decrease from the 35,669 sales recorded in 2009, but a 24.2 per cent increase from the 24,626 residential sales in 2008. Last year’s number of housing sales was 10.3 per cent below the ten-year average for annual Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) sales in the region.

The number of residential properties listed for sale on the MLS® in Greater Vancouver increased 9.7 per cent in 2010 to 58,009 compared to the 52,869 properties listed in 2009. Compared to 2008, last year’s total represents a 7.3 per cent decline compared to the 62,561 residential properties listed in 2008. The number of properties added to the MLS® peaked in April and generally declined for the remainder of the year.

“The last two years have been a bit of a rollercoaster for the real estate market. However, sales over the past six months have definitely shown a trend toward stability. We think that’s good news for home buyers and sellers,” Jake Moldowan, REBGV president said. “The Greater Vancouver housing market experienced a modest increase in home prices in 2010, and a continual decrease in the number of properties being listed for sale.”

Residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 1,899 in December 2010, a decrease of 24.5 per cent from the 2,515 sales recorded in December 2009—an all time record for the month—and a 24.3 per cent decline compared to November 2010 when 2,509 home sales occurred.

More broadly, last month’s residential sales represent a 105.5 per cent increase over the 924 residential sales in December 2008, a 0.1 per cent increase compared to December 2007’s 1,897 sales, and a 12.6 per cent increase compared to the 1,686 sales in December 2006.

The residential benchmark price, as calculated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index®, for Greater Vancouver increased 2.7 per cent to $577,808 between Decembers 2009 and 2010. However, prices have decreased 2.6 per cent since hitting a peak of $593,419 in April 2010.

“Although we saw some pressure on home prices throughout the year, home values in 2010 remained relatively steady in the region compared to the last few years when we witnessed much more fluctuation,” Moldowan said.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 1,699 in December 2010. This represents a 21.1 per cent decline compared to the 2,153 units listed in December 2009 and a 43.9 per cent decline compared to November 2010 when 3,030 properties were listed.

Sales of detached properties in December 2010 reached 769, a decrease of 14.8 per cent from the 902 detached sales recorded in December 2009, and a 121.1 per cent increase from the 348 units sold in December 2008. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 4.0 per cent from December 2009 to $797,868.

Sales of apartment properties reached 811 in December 2010, a decline of 29.7 per cent compared to the 1,154 sales in December 2009, and an increase of 94.5 per cent compared to the 417 sales in December 2008.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 1.2 per cent from December 2009 to $387,115.

Attached property sales in December 2010 totalled 319, a decline of 30.5 per cent compared to the 459 sales in December 2009, and a 100.6 per cent increase from the 159 attached properties sold in December 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 2.7 per cent between December 2009 and 2010 to $490,869.

For information on Vancouver real estate listings, please contact experienced Vancouver realtor Jules Seaman.

Jules Seaman
421 Pacific St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2P5
604-780-4102 cell
604-685-5951 off
604-685-2807 fax
http://www.buyvancouverrealestate.com/

Vancouver Real Estate in 2010: The Year in Review

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 16:34:00 GMT

Vancouverites will tell you Vancouver is one of the best places in the world to live, and for years now quality of life surveys have been backing up this claim. With that quality of life, however, comes an expensive real estate market – the sixth highest in the world, the second in North America, and the most expensive in the country. 2010 has been a landmark year for Vancouver, but what has that meant for the Vancouver real estate market? And where does that leave us going into 2011?

2010 Winter Olympics and the Vancouver Real Estate Market

2010 began with a steady climb in real estate prices and sales, as the Vancouver real estate market continued the trend established in 2009, when a recovery from the recession first became evident. As the 2010 Olympic Games drew closer, however, the real estate market moved beyond recovery and into growth. In April 2010 Vancouver residential property sales peaked at 3,512, and benchmark prices of residential properties reached all time highs.

Real Estate Market Levels Off

After the spike in activity surrounding the 2010 Olympics died down, the Vancouver real estate market leveled off, and has remained relatively stable for the rest of the year. While housing sales after April initially dropped and prices increased at a much slower rate, the last couple of months show relatively little change from the summer; home sales have improved and the downward pressure on prices has eased, indicating a balanced market appealing to buyers and sellers alike.

Property Taxes to Rise in 2011

So what is the outlook for 2011? The Vancouver real estate market appears to have found some stability that will last at least into the first part of the New Year. One thing buyers should keep in mind, however, is the recently announced hike in property taxes. Although last week council voted to increase Vancouver property taxes by an average of 2.2% (up from the projected 2% increase) in 2011, residential property owners will take the hardest hit. Property taxes for home owners will rise by 4.2%, while those for businesses will only increase by only 0.2%, reports the Vancouver Sun. The extra funds flowing into the city are intended to be used for homeless and anti-gang programs, libraries, parks boards and other public programs, so here’s hoping the tax hike will help us maintain that quality of life for which Vancouver is renowned.

For information on Vancouver real estate listings, please contact experienced Vancouver realtor Jules Seaman.

Jules Seaman
421 Pacific St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2P5
604-780-4102 cell
604-685-5951 off
604-685-2807 fax
http://www.buyvancouverrealestate.com/

Vancouver Neighbourhood Profiles: Where to Live - Kerrisdale

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 10:51:00 GMT

Kerrisdale is a quaint, quiet, family-oriented community. This charming neighbourhood primarily appeals to families and the real estate reflects this. Houses fill the tree-lined streets and the Kerrisdale Village caters to an upper middle-class, mature lifestyle.

Who Lives There

Although Kerrisdale is an idyllic setting for family life, seniors also populate the area as well as students taking advantage of the neighbourhood’s proximity to UBC. The average household income is almost double that of Vancouver as a whole, and 65% of residents have post-secondary education.

Things to Do

The Kerrisdale Village, along 41^st Ave, houses shops - from grocers, bakers and delis (try Forster’s Fine Cheese or MacFarlane Seafoods) to book stores and boutiques such as Hills of Kerrisdale, the first of the Aritzia clothing stores. Oakridge Mall, not far from Kerrisdale at Ok and 41^st Ave, offers a larger selection of shops. Cafés like the Pastry Club Dessert Café and restaurants also line the streets of the village.

Shaughnessy Golf Club, Point Grey Golf & Country Club and McCleery Golf Course border Kerrisdale, as do the UBC endowment lands which are great for hikers, runners, cyclists and nature lovers. Several parks also exist in the area, and the Kerrisdale Community Centre offers programs and activities for people of all ages.

Nightlife is limited in Kerrisdale, but the neighbourhood is not far from Downtown Vancouver.

Real Estate

Most Kerrisdale homes are detached houses, but there are some apartments and semi-detached homes. The area is well-established, thus homes are rarely new, but for the most part they are spacious and beautifully designed. Housing prices are slightly above the Vancouver average, but most residents who buy settle in Kerrisdale for quite some time.

Schools and Safety

Elementary schools in the area include: Kerrisdale Elementary, Kerrisdale Annex, Quilchena Elementary and Maple Grove Elementary. Point Grey Secondary is the nearest high school, but Magee Secondary School and Prince of Wales Secondary also serve the community. Crofton House is a nearby private school for girls offering classes from Grades 1 to 12. Kerrisdale has a Montessori school and several other child care centres, and the University of British Columbia is only a ten minute drive away.

Kerrisdale is a safe, well-established, family-oriented neighbourhood. Residents should still exercise caution at night, however, especially in unlit areas such as the University Endowment Lands.

Transportation

Busses service the area and a Canada Line stop is available at Oakridge for those wishing to connect to fast transit to Downtown Vancouver or the Vancouver International Airport. Most residents in Kerrisdale drive, and parking is simple along residential streets. Traffic can get congested along 41^st Ave. and SW. Marine Drive during rush hour, however. Bike lanes are available for cyclists, and biking to UBC is pleasant and safe.

For information on Vancouver real estate listings, please contact experienced Vancouver realtor Jules Seaman.

Jules Seaman
421 Pacific St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2P5
604-780-4102 cell
604-685-5951 off
604-685-2807 fax
http://www.buyvancouverrealestate.com/

Vancouver Real Estate Sales

Sat, 04 Dec 2010 16:40:00 GMT

Greater Vancouver residential home sales improved in November compared to the previous four months, with the number of sales posted on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) coming in slightly higher than the 10-year average for that month.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that the number of residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 2,509 in November 2010. This represents a 7.4 per cent increase compared to October 2010 and an 18.6 per cent decline from the 3,083 sales in November 2009.

Looking back further, last month’s residential sales represent a 187.1 per cent increase over the 874 residential sales in November 2008, a 13 per cent decline compared to November 2007’s 2,883 sales, and a 6.4 per cent increase compared to the 2,358 sales in November 2006.

“Housing sales numbers were fairly typical for a November and indicate a fairly balanced market. Activity on the buyer side has been stable, with slight increases, over the last few months while the number of homes listed for sale in our region has declined each month since we reached a peak in June,” Jake Moldowan, REBGV president said.

Total active residential property listings in Greater Vancouver currently sit at 12,384, a 12.1 per cent decline from last month and a 12 per cent increase from November 2009. New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties declined 17.1 per cent to 3,030 in November 2010 compared to November 2009 when 3,653 new units were listed.

“Home values have been relatively stable over the last five months compared to the summer period when we were seeing some downward pressure on prices,” Moldowan said. “It’s the homes priced accurately for today’s market that are receiving a lot of attention and selling right now.”

The MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver over the last 12 months has increased 4.1 per cent to $580,080 in November 2010 from $557,384 in November 2009. This price has remained virtually unchanged since June of this year.

Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in November 2010 reached 1,050, a decrease of 9.8 per cent from the 1,164 detached sales recorded in November 2009, and a 226.1 per cent increase from the 322 units sold in November 2008. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 5.6 per cent from November 2009 to $799,312.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,052 in November 2010, a decline of 24.6 per cent compared to the 1,396 sales in November 2009, and an increase of 156.6 per cent compared to the 410 sales in November 2008.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 1.9 per cent from November 2009 to $389,168.

Attached property sales in November 2010 totalled 407, a decline of 22.2 per cent compared to the 523 sales in November 2009, and a 186.6 per cent increase from the 142 attached properties sold in November 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 4.1 per cent between November 2009 and 2010 to $488,733.

For information on Vancouver real estate listings, please contact experienced Vancouver realtor Jules Seaman.

Jules Seaman
421 Pacific St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2P5
604-780-4102 cell
604-685-5951 off
604-685-2807 fax
http://www.buyvancouverrealestate.com/

Vancouver Neighbourhood Profiles: Where to Live - Whistler

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 10:51:00 GMT

One of the most pristine and naturally beautiful settings on the planet, Whistler is home to some of the most expensive real estate in Canada and the world’s number one ski resort, Whistler/Blackcomb. A paradise less than two hours drive away from downtown Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway (which underwent massive improvements for the 2010 Olympic Games), Whistler offers something for everyone, from food and wine aficionados to outdoor enthusiasts.

Who Lives There

As a world class resort, Whistler has a transient population of tourists, but is also a thriving community of people who live there year-round. Young internationals looking for adventure make up most of the work force, working in restaurants, hotels and on the mountains. Retirees also call Whistler home, as well as other local British Columbians looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Lucky city dwellers with recreational homes in Whistler live there part-time.

Things to Do

Whistler/Blackcomb opened last weekend for winter sports, and is a mecca for skiers, snowboarders, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and anyone else looking to play in the snow. The summer months offer a plethora of outdoor activities as well, including glacier skiing, hiking, mountain biking, dirt biking, and kayaking and paddle boarding on the local lakes. Rentals and lessons are easy to come by for any activity, and a large variety of retailers have equipment for sale. Even those who don’t participate in mountain sports should ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola on a clear day to take in the view from the top.

Festivals and sporting events such as Cornucopia and the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival take place year-round.

Skiers and Snowboarders can ride out right into Whistler Village or Creekside Village for Après Ski. Creekside is more secluded but Dusty’s Bar & BBQ is always fun after a day on the hill, and in Whistler the Longhorn Saloon and Grill and Garibaldi Lift Co. are among the many spots packed with revelers enjoying beer, nachos and music. Restaurants abound from casual burger joints such as the world-renowned Splitz Grill to fine dining at Araxi or Bear Foot Bistro. Many hotels offer buffet-style brunch at their restaurants, which could coincide with a trip to the spa. Whistler has such a fantastic setting that sometimes that is all the frill that’s needed, and cozying up in a cabin with friends and family can be a great dinner option as well. After dark, the village is just as vibrant, when clubs like Garfinkels and the Savage Beagle open for music – either live bands or DJs – and dancing.

Real Estate

Although Whistler has some of the priciest homes in the country, with some chalets valued at upwards of 10 and even 20 million dollars, more modest condos can be relatively reasonable in comparison to Downtown Vancouver. For buyers, a Whistler condo can be a great investment because it provides the opportunity to rent on either a short or long term basis, and in addition, the world-class resort will remain as such for a long time, thus is constantly undergoing improvements and attracting new tourists. Whistler has developed substantially in the last 10-20 years, therefore most Whistler properties are new and fairly problem-free. Home buyers can expect cozy condos and chalets modeled after mountain cabins that are more spacious than those in the city, and designed to accommodate guests and all the outdoor equipment that accompanies them.

Schools and Safety

Spring Creek Community School and its French counterpart, Ecole la Passerelle, educate children from Kindergarten to Grade 7. Myrtle Philip Community School is also Kindergarten to Grade 7, and Whistler Waldorf School offers classes from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Whistler Secondary has classes from Grades 8-12, and Tamwood International College, the Canadian Sport Business Academy and Advantage E/J English School offer ESL classes. The Canadian Sport Business Academy and Advantage E/J English School have outdoor instructor programs as well.

Whistler is for the most part safe, but as with any worldwide tourist destination, residents and visitors alike should be cautious of people looking to take advantage of travellers and their belongings.

Transportation

Driving to Whistler from Vancouver is easy now that the Sea to Sky Highway is wider and safer, and the scenery on the way up is an experience in itself. Some day parking lots are free, while others closer to the mountains now require payment. Various buses and shuttles leave regularly from Downtown Vancouver, Vancouver International Airport, and Horseshoe Bay. Once in Whistler, getting around is easy. Taxis and buses abound, and shuttle service is available from the gondolas to parking lots, hotels and surrounding villages such as Creekside.

For more information on the Vancouver real estate market and new Vancouver listings, please contact experienced Vancouver realtor Jules Seaman.

Jules Seaman
421 Pacific St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2P5
604-780-4102 cell
604-685-5951 off
604-685-2807 fax
http://www.buyvancouverrealestate.com/