tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61608457970185678552012-01-29T11:51:28.147-08:00Nelson BC real estate blog by Robert Goertz of Valhalla Path Realty. Keeping you up to date with the Nelson and West Kootenay real estate markets.Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.comBlogger3121100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-88976217476333437052012-01-29T11:51:00.000-08:002012-01-29T11:51:28.155-08:00

Not-so-often-seen views of the West and East Kootenays including the Selkirks, Purcells, and Rockies. Valhallas, Kokanee Glacier, Jumbo, Flathead, Bugaboos, and the Coal Mines are all locations you will explore on this 6 minute flight over Stunning Landscapes!! A mostly aerial photo slideshow by Douglas Noblet Visit www.wildairphoto.com for more photos!

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-37297330666457919632012-01-27T12:45:00.000-08:002012-01-27T12:46:19.772-08:00

BCREA 2012 First Quarter Housing Forecast Update  Vancouver, BC – January 27, 2012. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) released its 2012 First Quarter Housing Forecast Update today.  “Modest economic growth at home and abroad is expected to limit growth in consumer demand both this year and in 2013,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist.  BC Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®)

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-24219616768566897972012-01-24T17:30:00.000-08:002012-01-24T17:30:17.393-08:00

Built in 1919, this heritage home sits on a superb lot in a desirable Uphill neighbourhood that offers views of Kootenay Lake and surrounding mountains..  Currently a comfortable residence but it is ready for some work. There are however plenty of rewards for undertaking this project.  Great views, a good floor plan and a fantastic fenced yard are already there.  Those with a green thumb will

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-66050991241505782812012-01-18T20:47:00.000-08:002012-01-18T20:47:58.018-08:00

3 self contained living spaces Priced reduced to $35,000 below recent appraised value this South Slocan home needs some work but offers the right buyer a great opportunity to turn this home into a money maker. $179,500

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-76138123083900073652012-01-18T14:35:00.000-08:002012-01-18T14:39:10.633-08:00

“The Bank said it expects the pace of growth going forward to moderate by more than initially thought, but the forecast for growth this year has actually been raised slightly,” said CREA Chief Economist Gregory Klump. “That reflects a weaker than previously expected growth profile for the first half of 2012, followed by an acceleration in the second half of the year.” “The Bank reiterated that

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-13742009702603912742012-01-17T16:21:00.000-08:002012-01-17T16:21:33.363-08:00

MLS# K205932 Bank Sale – priced 25,000 below appraised value the home needs some TLC but offers the right buyer a great opportunity to turn this home into a money maker. Central to Nelson and Castlegar this single family home currently has 3 separate living spaces and lots of potential to convert your efforts into equity. $179,500Robert GoertzValhalla Path Realty250-354-8500robert@

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-26460709036187514052012-01-17T14:06:00.000-08:002012-01-17T14:06:48.809-08:00

There are some great mortgage rates available right now.  Here are some that I received from a mortgage broker yesterday:  3 year     2.89% 4 year     2.99% 5 year     3.19% If you are thinking of buying this spring, make sure you get pre-appoved for your mortgage. 

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-35661298757483537872012-01-16T19:48:00.000-08:002012-01-16T20:01:35.006-08:00

Watch BCREA Chief Economist Cameron Muir discuss the December 2011 statistics and an in depth look at 2011 in review:

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-9872978768557546422012-01-16T19:35:00.000-08:002012-01-16T19:35:25.447-08:00

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that the dollar volume of homes sold through Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in BC climbed 14.2 per cent to $43.1 billion in 2011. A total of 76,721 homes were sold in BC in 2011, up 2.8 per cent from 2010. The average annual MLS® residential price climbed 11.1 per cent to $561,304 over the same period. “Low mortgage interest rates

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-88248883411516699452012-01-16T19:06:00.000-08:002012-01-18T20:50:19.489-08:00

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-2758509481005405272012-01-16T19:03:00.001-08:002012-01-16T19:03:58.176-08:00

According to statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national resale housing activity posted an increase from November to December 2011. Highlights: Sales activity rose 1.8 per cent from November to December. Annual activity totalled 456,749 sales in 2011, up 2.2 per cent from 2010. The number of newly listed homes increased 3 per cent from

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-43881593290453874292012-01-16T01:09:00.000-08:002012-01-16T01:09:57.043-08:00

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-34975104357007636092012-01-13T16:14:00.000-08:002012-01-13T16:34:15.598-08:00

The Great Outdoors. If you are looking for that magical place that is just steps from the outdoors yet close to town then this is it. Located just above the Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort, this 3 bedroom, log home offers it all. Whether you are a full-time resident or looking for that perfect getaway retreat, this is the place to be revitalized. It sits on 17 plus acres, offers views of Kootenay

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-44926174815884996422012-01-13T16:08:00.000-08:002012-01-13T16:08:18.173-08:00

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that the dollar volume of homes sold through Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in BC climbed 14.3 per cent to $43.1 billion in 2011. A total of 76,817 homes were sold in BC in 2011, up 2.9 per cent from 2010. The average annual MLS® residential price climbed 11.1 per cent to $561,026 over the same period. "Low mortgage interest rates and

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-28067001870451846292012-01-12T11:01:00.000-08:002012-01-12T11:04:51.794-08:00

Spring is always a popular time of year for people to put their homes on the market. Perhaps it’s because they’ve had a long, cold winter to spend a lot of time indoors, and they’re anxious for new surroundings. Or maybe it’s because Spring offers a fresh start and represents opportunity for the months to come. Regardless of why you decide to sell your home, there’s no doubt that you would like

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-86903003199548902672012-01-12T10:59:00.000-08:002012-01-12T10:59:23.506-08:00

Selecting the length of your mortgage amortization period – the number of years it will take you to become mortgage free – is an important decision that will affect how much interest you pay throughout the life of your mortgage. While the lending industry’s benchmark amortization period is 25 years, and this is the standard that is used by lenders when discussing mortgage offers, and usually the

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-73049447982544074112011-12-19T09:12:00.000-08:002011-12-19T09:12:51.546-08:00

copy right BCREA reprinted with permission

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-19261915111897554612011-12-14T21:06:00.000-08:002011-12-14T21:06:11.086-08:00

CNBC – Fri, Dec 9, 2011 1:06 PM EST After half a decade of withering sales and slumping prices, there are strong and diverse signs that the single-family housing market is poised for a rebound. In some metropolitan areas, the market has bottomed, with both sales and prices on the rise and foreclosures on the decline. This contrarian - and largely overlooked - thesis flies in the face of the

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-48350248469813987032011-12-14T09:45:00.000-08:002011-12-14T09:45:08.304-08:00

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential unit sales in the province remained relatively unchanged in November compared to the same month last year. A total of 5,640 units were sold last month compared to 5,647 units in November 2010. The average MLS® residential price was up 1.1 per cent to $529,140 in November compared to the

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-85655172031296257612011-12-13T21:05:00.000-08:002011-12-13T21:05:23.902-08:00

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-34284916596756415152011-11-29T11:23:00.000-08:002011-11-29T11:23:30.698-08:00

The BCREA Commercial Leading Indicator (CLI) increased 1.1 points to 109.8 in the third quarter of 2011, reversing the downward trend observed in the first half of the year. The trend in the CLI, a more reliable indicator of future activity, points to a flattening out of commercial real estate activity over the following two to four quarters. The strong rebound in the CLI in the third quarter

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-6577247055980717832011-11-15T10:26:00.000-08:002011-11-15T10:28:24.967-08:00

Vancouver, BC – November 15, 2011. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential unit sales in the province rose 6.5 per cent to 5,865 units in October compared to the same month last year. The average MLS® residential price was up 2.6 per cent to $535,695 last month compared to October 2010. "BC home sales rose three per

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-39697481223445105322011-11-14T19:37:00.000-08:002011-11-14T19:37:57.911-08:00

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-58459745028287643632011-11-14T19:32:00.000-08:002011-11-14T19:32:45.410-08:00

BCREA 2011 Fourth Quarter Housing Forecast   BC Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales are forecast to rise 3.2 per cent from 74,640 units in 2010 to 77,000 units this year, increasing a further 3.9 per cent to 80,000 units in 2012. “Low mortgage interest rates are expected to persist through 2012 keeping affordability on an even keel,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-88662074478933074042011-11-02T13:26:00.000-07:002011-11-02T13:26:40.437-07:00

One of a five segment series shot in the Kootenay Rockies region of BC for Tourism British Columbia. These 5 segments were shot in standard definition on a small consumer camera. The 'Tourism BC Field Reporter Mike' project is an ongoing series developed for Tourism British.

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-59529620627875370072011-10-25T09:34:00.000-07:002011-10-25T09:34:11.972-07:00

As was universally anticipated, the Bank of Canada opted to hold its target overnight rate at 1 per cent this morning.  Ongoing uncertainty in the Euro-zone continues to weigh heavily on the Bank's outlook. In its statement accompanying the interest rate decision, it was noted that the bank is now projecting a contained Euro-crisis, but also a brief recession in the Euro-area due to ongoing

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-64405889597479578932011-10-18T12:02:00.000-07:002011-10-18T12:02:42.467-07:00

According to statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national resale housing activity picked up in September 2011. Highlights: Sales activity rose 2.7 per cent in September from the previous month. Holding in line with the ten-year average, activity during the first nine months of this year pulled ahead of sales over the same period last

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-42911695360283655512011-10-16T22:38:00.000-07:002011-10-16T22:38:29.522-07:00

Nelson, a picturesque mountain hamlet in British Columbia, was built on mining 125 years ago. Today it's known for its spectacular fall foliage, outdoor sports and relaxed, artistic vibe. Summer may be Nelson, Canada's busiest season, but "fall is the most beautiful time," says Virginia Wassick, co-proprietor of Grand Lakefront Bed & Breakfast on nearby Kootenay Lake. Nelson is about

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-71569335531725013492011-10-16T17:35:00.000-07:002011-10-16T17:35:02.272-07:00

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential unit sales in the province rose 8.8 per cent to 5995 units in September compared to the same month last year. The average MLS® residential price increased 6 per cent to $523,568 last month compared to September 2010."MLS® home sales edged up 3 per cent in September compared to August on

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-36997487514000778402011-10-06T08:02:00.000-07:002011-10-06T08:02:36.992-07:00

By Greg Nesteroff - Nelson Star Renters in Nelson can expect to pay an average of $776 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, according to the latest market survey by the Nelson Committee on Homelessness. The organization conducts a snapshot each spring and fall of rental prices in the city.Recently-hired coordinator Katie Tabor says the new figures are “quite similar” to last year’s.“If

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-73654103075027323622011-10-06T07:48:00.000-07:002011-10-06T07:48:37.146-07:00

Tailwinds include low mortgage rates, relatively low unemployment and strong immigration Headwinds include high prices, elevated household debt and slowing employment More buyers are turning to variable rate mortgages on expectations that rates could stay low for some time, or even decline. Average Canadian house prices were a record two-thirds more than average U.S.

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-60784153075439111532011-10-06T07:41:00.000-07:002011-10-06T07:43:24.815-07:00

This video has nothing to do with Real Estate but..

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-84660217601692899292011-10-02T21:59:00.000-07:002011-10-02T22:04:44.580-07:00

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police stands united with the Government of Canada and its business and community partners to launch the RCMP’s national strategy to combat marihuana grow operations (MGOs) entitled the Marihuana Grow Initiative (MGI). “Marihuana grow operations pose a serious threat to Canadians, the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers fighting against these

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-92103078756985165042011-09-27T19:01:00.000-07:002011-09-27T19:01:32.624-07:00

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-15846019360760279092011-09-27T18:58:00.000-07:002011-09-27T18:58:39.521-07:00

The third quarter saw a stunning collapse in government bond yields as markets digested weak US economic data and an increasingly serious debt crisis in the Euro-zone. The yield on five-year Government of Canada debt fell an incredible 150 basis points from its peak in the first quarter to 1.35 per cent, the lowest level on record.   The current level of bond-yields would normally prompt a

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-4562366758620073592011-09-27T18:55:00.000-07:002011-09-27T18:55:37.904-07:00

According to statistics1 released by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national resale housing activity in August 2011 remained stable for the second consecutive month. Highlights: • Sales activity was stable from July to August, but posted another big year-over-year gain reflecting weakened demand last summer. • Year-to-date sales pulled ahead of 2010 levels for the first time this

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-46830720020287961132011-09-27T18:53:00.000-07:002011-09-27T18:53:34.103-07:00

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential unit sales in the province rose 16.4 per cent to 6,504 units in August compared to the same month last year. The average MLS® residential price climbed 10.7 per cent to $539,953 last month compared to August 2010. “BC home sales edged up one per cent in August compared to July on a

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-32668632642236943562011-09-27T18:52:00.000-07:002011-09-27T18:52:31.095-07:00

The seasonally adjusted annual rate1 of housing starts was 184,700 units in August, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). This is down from 204,500 units in July 2011. “Housing starts in August were in line with current demographic fundamentals and are consistent with CMHC’s recent Housing Market Outlook,” said Mathieu Laberge, Deputy Chief Economist at CMHC’s Market

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-55866155208695602262011-09-07T16:59:00.000-07:002011-09-07T16:59:39.778-07:00

BCREA 2011 Third Quarter Housing Forecast Update The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) released its 2011 Third Quarter Housing Forecast Update today. BC Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales are forecast to increase 3.8 per cent from 74,640 units in 2010 to 77,500 units this year, increasing a further 3.6 per cent to 80,300 units in 2012. “Slower than expected

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-13925143597512574012011-09-07T16:44:00.000-07:002011-09-07T16:44:26.487-07:00

According to statistics1 released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national resale housing activity was stable on a month-to-month basis in July following an uptick in June. Highlights: • Sales activity was stable from June to July, but posted a big year-over-year gain due to weakened demand in July 2010. • Year-to-date sales continue to run in line with the ten-year average

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-43060655564309652172011-09-07T16:43:00.001-07:002011-09-07T16:43:20.470-07:00

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has revised its forecast for home sales activity via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems of Canadian real estate Boards and Associations for 2011 and 2012. Overall, sales activity and prices remained stronger than expected in the second quarter. Sales momentum was also better than expected heading into the third quarter. As a result, the 2011

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-51552725697416332302011-09-07T16:42:00.000-07:002011-09-07T16:42:32.421-07:00

CMHC OTTAWA, August 24, 2011 — Housing starts are forecast to remain steady in 2011 and 2012, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) third quarter Housing Market Outlook, Canada Edition. “Housing starts have been strong in the last few months, but are forecast to moderate closer in line with demographic fundamentals,” said Mathieu Laberge, Deputy Chief Economist for CMHC.

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-31997519135232732602011-09-07T16:24:00.000-07:002011-09-07T16:24:44.505-07:00

Thanks to resources such as the Internet, many people believe they can tackle virtually any project on their own – everything from renovating a kitchen to buying or selling a home. And while it’s true that the Internet has helped consumers become more informed on a number of topics, seeking the expertise of a professional is often a wise investment. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer,

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-5535459079042552112011-09-07T16:23:00.000-07:002011-09-07T16:23:11.509-07:00

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) Commercial Leading Indicator (CLI) edged down 0.4 points to 108.1 in the second quarter of 2011. After posting a strong performance in 2010, the index has trended lower since the beginning of the year. The CLI peaked at a level of 115.5 in the second quarter of 2007 before the onset of the financial crisis pushed it to a low of 97.7 in the

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-47207379624597899222011-09-07T16:21:00.000-07:002011-09-07T16:21:05.336-07:00

Walter Schlegl of Mississauga cut the interest rate on his line of credit nearly in half. In Calgary, Shawn Kearns will save more than $100 a year with his new no-fee chequing account. How did they do it? They switched banks to get a better deal. Canada’s big banks are being squeezed by low interest rates and slowing demand for loans and mortgages. That means they’re more willing to compete for

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-76348225713039805892011-09-07T16:14:00.000-07:002011-09-07T16:14:08.008-07:00

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential unit sales in the province rose 12.9 per cent to 6,533 units in July compared to the same month last year. The average MLS® residential price climbed 10 per cent to $540,877 last month compared to July 2010. "BC home sales edged down 4 per cent from June to July, on a seasonally

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-5769349635963190892011-08-09T22:26:00.000-07:002011-08-09T22:26:15.002-07:00

Selecting the mortgage term that’s right for you can be a challenging proposition for even the savviest of homebuyers, as terms typically range from six months up to 10 years. By understanding mortgage terms and what they mean in dollars and sense, you can save the most money and choose the term that is best suited to your specific needs. The first consideration when comparing various mortgage

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-75574385737138038902011-08-09T22:24:00.000-07:002011-08-09T22:24:49.922-07:00

It’s essential that you price your home as accurately as possible in any market to help ensure it sells at a reasonable price within your desired timeframe. Sellers can often be reluctant to price their home in line with the marketplace as they feel they may be giving away too much of their home equity. The reality is, however, that pricing your home correctly from the start will benefit any

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-43360402464847063862011-07-19T23:36:00.000-07:002011-07-19T23:36:29.012-07:00

July 19, 2011 Signals rate hike may be on the horizon The Bank of Canada held its trend-setting Bank Rate at 1.25 per cent on June 19th, 2011. This marks the seventh consecutive policy decision in which interest rates have been kept on hold. The Bank has been warning for some time that interest rates will ultimately have to rise, but hinted more strongly in this most recent announcement that

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-53219260804367942762011-07-19T23:35:00.000-07:002011-07-19T23:35:06.580-07:00

According to statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), home sales activity over MLS® Systems of Canadian real estate Boards climbed in June 2011 compared to May. Highlights: • Sales activity climbed from May to June, with a big year-over-year gain reflecting falling demand in June 2010. • Year-to-date sales remain in line with the ten-year average. • The number

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-25523809254210318352011-07-19T23:33:00.001-07:002011-07-19T23:33:43.330-07:00

Vancouver, BC – July 14, 2011. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential unit sales in the province rose 2.4 per cent to 7,904 units in June compared to the same month last year. The average MLS® residential price climbed 14.4 per cent to $571,837 last month compared to June 2010. “Home sales were relatively unchanged in June

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-33997020862086888202011-07-19T23:32:00.000-07:002011-07-19T23:32:25.575-07:00

BCREA 2011 Second Quarter Housing Forecast Vancouver, BC – June 30, 2011. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) released its 2011 Second Quarter Housing Forecast today. BC Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales are forecast to increase 5 per cent from 74,640 units in 2010 to 78,200 units this year, before increasing a further 3.1 per cent to 80,700 units in 2012. “

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-40764620003854759452011-07-19T23:31:00.000-07:002011-07-19T23:31:07.977-07:00

Vancouver, BC – June 15, 2011. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential unit sales in the province edged down one per cent to 7,857 units in May compared to the same month last year. The average MLS® residential price climbed 20 per cent to $596,872 last month compared to May 2010. "Tighter mortgage rules, tepid employment

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-59124616186331053912011-05-22T20:03:00.000-07:002011-05-22T20:03:33.820-07:00

OTTAWA – May 17th, 2011 – Statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), reveal that national resale housing activity softened in April when compared to March 2011. The decline in April sales activity reflects changes to mortgage regulations that came into effect previously. As anticipated, the changes pulled forward some sales activity that would have otherwise

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-77646021758599956072011-05-22T19:58:00.000-07:002011-05-22T19:58:02.067-07:00

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-64529066887422925752011-05-22T19:52:00.000-07:002011-05-22T19:52:10.752-07:00

With interest rates still sitting near historically low levels – with nowhere to go but up – now is an ideal time for first-time homebuyers to embark upon homeownership. But if low interest rates still don’t tip the scales on your decision to enter the property market, perhaps the information below will. Down payment The main reason many renters feel they can’t afford to purchase a home has

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-67299990043822258622011-05-22T19:41:00.001-07:002011-05-22T19:41:56.736-07:00

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential unit sales in the province declined 14 per cent to 7,187 units in April compared to the same month last year. The average MLS® residential price climbed 16 per cent to $598,308 last month compared to April 2010. "BC home sales edged lower in April as the result of home purchases that

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-10255828961297729472011-04-18T23:23:00.001-07:002011-04-18T23:23:43.780-07:00

OTTAWA – April 15th, 2011 – According to statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national resale housing activity held steady in March 2011 compared to February. Seasonally adjusted national home sales activity in March came in one tenth of a percentage point above levels for the previous month, with stable demand in most large urban centres. With national

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-48679525337678680092011-04-18T23:13:00.000-07:002011-04-18T23:13:45.172-07:00

Signals potential interest rate hikes ahead The Bank of Canada held its trend setting Bank rate at 1.25 per cent on April 12, 2011. This marks the fifth consecutive policy rate announcement for which interest rates have been kept on hold. The Bank acknowledged broadening global inflationary pressures and that Canadian economic growth has come in stronger than it predicted in its January

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-53859539630874278062011-04-18T22:58:00.000-07:002011-04-18T22:58:34.941-07:00

Vancouver, BC – April 18, 2011. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales in the province continued to climb higher in March. Compared to March of 2010, MLS® residential unit sales increased 11.5 per cent to 8,600 units. The average MLS® residential price rose 15 per cent to $594,157 in March compared to the same month

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-39636783923964744972011-03-09T20:58:00.000-08:002011-03-09T20:58:27.757-08:00

Interest in buying a home has remained steady in B.C. with 29 per cent of residents indicating they are likely to buy a home in the next two years, on par with the national average and equal to last year, according to the 18th annual RBC Homeownership Study. When asked to list their top worry when planning to purchase, over one-third (34per cent) of British Columbians are most concerned with

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-11551786584934749522011-03-09T20:54:00.000-08:002011-03-09T20:54:37.263-08:00

When getting your home ready to sell, you need to look at your house in a new way. Think of your house as a product about to go on the market where it is probably competing with brand new housing. It needs to show well – which means clutter-free and well kept. Today’s homebuyers lead busy lives and may not be interested in taking on major repairs or improvements upon moving in. You need to make

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-46874786727899498972011-03-09T20:49:00.001-08:002011-03-09T20:49:45.798-08:00

Vancouver, BC – February 28, 2011. The BC commercial real estate market should continue to strengthen through 2011, according to the new Commercial Leading Indicator (CLI) index developed by the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA). The BCREA CLI rose 2.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2010 to an index level of 110.5, marking seven straight quarters of improvement. The CLI

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-64004849868203807882011-03-09T20:48:00.000-08:002011-03-09T20:48:26.896-08:00

OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada said Tuesday the economy is growing at a “slightly” faster pace than expected as signs emerge of a recovery in exports, but gave no hint it was ready to resume hiking interest rates. As expected, the central bank kept its benchmark rate unchanged at 1%. And in a five-paragraph statement, it struck what analysts deemed a cautious tone in an effort to dampen enthusiasm

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-19898310417310195552011-03-09T20:46:00.000-08:002011-03-09T20:46:08.612-08:00

The Canadian Resale market swung upwards in December, according to the latest release of the Teranet-National Bank Composite House Price Index- which indicated increases in five of the six markets surveyed. The index indicates that prices were up 0.3% in December from November, as well as having gone up 4.1% from the same time the year before. Looking at specific regions, there was a 0.1%

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-17940028142794841022011-03-09T20:44:00.000-08:002011-03-09T20:44:21.461-08:00

Home affordability continued to improve for Canadians in the last quarter, according to the Housing Trends and Affordability report released by RBC Economics Research. Slight rises in home price appreciation, coupled with a modest dip in five-year mortgage rates are the most likely factors. "Some of the stress that had been building in the housing market between 2009 and the first half of 2010

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-49817620616526593802011-02-24T00:57:00.000-08:002011-02-24T00:57:46.099-08:00

BCREA Housing Forecast Update - First Quarter 2011 Vancouver, BC – February 23, 2011. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) released its Housing Forecast for the first quarter of 2011 today. BC Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales are forecast to increase 8 per cent from 74,640 units in 2010 to 80,900 units this year, and increase another 4 per cent to 83,950

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-85088512103279795082011-02-22T23:13:00.001-08:002011-02-22T23:13:40.921-08:00

Vancouver real estate guru Bob Rennie has managed to sell 128 condos at the former Olympic Village site over the weekend, he announced on Tuesday morning. The sales are still subject to financing, but Rennie says response has been so strong he's considering clawing back some of the units that had been identified as rental condos. Rennie says taxpayers of Vancouver, who are currently

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-10835257724973941762011-02-22T23:10:00.001-08:002011-02-22T23:12:36.642-08:00

After trending lower in the second half of 2010, housing starts are forecast to stabilize at levels consistent with demographic fundamentals in 2011 and 2012, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) first quarter Housing Market Outlook, Canada Edition. Housing starts will be in the range of 157,300 to 192,900 units in 2011, with a point forecast of 177,600 units. In 2012,

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-14643117264848195592011-02-16T16:18:00.000-08:002011-02-16T16:18:49.107-08:00

BC Real Estate Association (BCREA) Chief Economist Cameron Muir discusses the January 2011 statistics and an in depth look at the differing BC market conditions. Copyright BCREA reprinted with permission

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-52931468396368831492011-02-14T19:45:00.000-08:002011-02-14T19:45:50.082-08:00

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales in the province climbed 7 per cent in January from December 2010, on a seasonally adjusted basis. Compared to January of last year, MLS® residential unit sales were down 10 per cent to 4,137 units. The average MLS® residential price rose 11.5 per cent to $548,183 in January

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-24231000713456858592011-02-14T19:43:00.000-08:002011-02-14T19:47:35.582-08:00

The commercial real estate market saw an unprecedented recovery last year, with investment growing 48 per cent as the economy improved and investors returned to the market. Canadian commercial real estate sales volume reached $18.9-billion in 2010, according to CB Richard Ellis, from $12.7-billion in 2009 – though it’s still a long way from the $19.8-billion posted in 2005. “Once we were a few

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-45276142380714283192011-02-14T19:41:00.000-08:002011-02-14T19:41:34.677-08:00

Despite efforts for many years by several individuals and groups, the Canadian home inspection industry is still very much unregulated. British Columbia is the only province that has licensed practitioners, although three or four other jurisdictions are considering legislation. In this unregulated sector, anyone can simply print some business cards, buy a flashlight and clipboard, and promote

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-70083189803259549862011-02-10T13:29:00.000-08:002011-02-10T13:29:51.434-08:00

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has revised its 2011 forecast for home sales activity via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems of Canadian real estate Boards and Associations, and extended it to 2012. Sales in the second half of 2010 rebounded faster than CREA had previously expected. “The hand-off going into 2011, together with the highs and lows for sales activity posted

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-89740539648283339652011-02-08T15:51:00.000-08:002011-02-08T15:53:02.400-08:00

From an interest rate standpoint, now is a perfect time to become a homeowner. But transitioning from renter to homeowner is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make throughout your lifetime. It can also be a stressful experience if you don’t plan ahead by building a budget and saving prior to embarking upon homeownership. Budgeting is a core ingredient that helps alleviate the stress associated

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-75632893729294152622011-02-08T15:49:00.000-08:002011-02-08T16:01:29.120-08:00

On January 17th, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced adjustments to the rules for government-backed insured mortgages that will come into force March 18th, 2011. The new measures will: • Reduce the maximum amortization period to 30 years from 35 years for new government-backed insured mortgages with loan-to-value (LTV) ratios greater than 80% • Lower the maximum amount Canadians can borrow

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-38526008854830599722011-02-08T15:47:00.000-08:002011-02-08T15:55:24.771-08:00

Vancouver, BC – January 13, 2011. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales in the province declined 12 per cent to 74,640 units in 2010. The annual average MLS® residential price rose 8.5 per cent to a record $505,178 in 2010. “Tighter credit conditions and expended pent-up demand curbed home sales during the first half

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-81828096096629542312011-02-08T15:45:00.001-08:002011-02-08T16:02:30.716-08:00

The Government announced three changes to the standards governing government-backed insured mortgages. LIMIT THE MAXIMUM AMORTIZATION PERIOD TO 30 YEARS The amortization period is the length of time it will take to pay off the entire mortgage loan. It is usually much longer than the term of the mortgage. A typical mortgage in Canada may have a term of five years or less during which a specific

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-50347380375829598032011-02-08T15:43:00.003-08:002011-02-08T15:58:20.589-08:00

Mortgage insurance (which is sometimes called mortgage default insurance) is a credit risk management tool that protects lenders from losses on mortgage loans. If a borrower defaults on a mortgage, and the proceeds from the foreclosure of the property are insufficient to cover the resulting loss, the lender submits a claim to the mortgage insurer to recover its losses. The law requires federally

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-45702208871034861232011-02-08T15:42:00.000-08:002011-02-08T15:59:52.490-08:00

The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced prudent adjustments to the rules for government-backed insured mortgages to support the long-term stability of Canada’s housing market and support hard-working Canadian families saving through home ownership. “Canada’s well-regulated housing sector has been an

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-50105439006003883762011-02-08T15:40:00.000-08:002011-02-08T15:40:55.682-08:00

The Bank of Canada kept its target for the overnight rate at one per cent for the third consecutive meeting on January 18th, 2011. Correspondingly, the Bank rate remained at 1.25 per cent and the deposit rate remains at 0.75 per cent. The Bank said that the global economic recovery was proceeding at a somewhat faster than expected pace, but noted that risks remain elevated. The main source of

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-67187652489582308332011-02-08T15:38:00.000-08:002011-02-08T16:04:08.400-08:00

OTTAWA – January 14th, 2011 – National resale housing activity in December 2010 was slightly above average for the month of December, according to statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Actual (not seasonally adjusted) national sales activity via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems of Canadian real estate Boards was down 14.4 per cent on a

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-65304731503609682042011-02-08T15:36:00.001-08:002011-02-08T16:05:48.818-08:00

There's a major sense of accomplishment and peace of mind of owning your home outright. Paying off your mortgage sooner can make sound financial sense by saving you thousands of dollars in interest costs. Learning how to save on your mortgage can slice years off your loan. Finding out if you can save on your mortgage payments won't cost you anything, and you will discover whether you have the

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-61786191502262954402011-02-08T15:35:00.001-08:002011-02-08T16:07:47.387-08:00

Renovating your home will increase its value and make it a nicer place for you to live. But many people don't have the money to spend on expensive housing upgrades. Here is a few budget-friendly projects to add beauty, value and selling appeal to your home. 1.Give your kitchen a facelift The kitchen is the heart of any home, so spend a few hundred dollars to spice it up. You can replace the

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-78713530869694848712011-02-08T15:34:00.000-08:002011-02-08T16:08:49.821-08:00

Market conditions were anything but uniform in 2010. We went from super-charged sales activity during the first four months of the year, to a marked drop-off in transactions in the summer, and then in the fall saw sales climb back to levels that are sustainable over the longer term. The year will also go down in the record books as the year that realtors took a good look at the value added

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-8237255600883380172011-02-08T15:30:00.000-08:002011-02-08T16:09:47.396-08:00

According to many real estate experts, the Canadian housing market is expected to stabilize in 2011 returning to more normal long-term growth patterns after a decade-long bull run. The housing sector has avoided two extreme bubble-and-crash scenarios over the past three years when resale prices dropped sharply in 2008, then quickly rebounded as low mortgage rates and lower prices supported the

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-6190493793681209882011-02-08T15:26:00.001-08:002011-02-08T15:26:56.580-08:00

While most Canadians spend a lot of time and expend a lot of effort shopping for an initial mortgage, the same is generally not the case when looking at mortgage term renewals. Omitting proper consideration at the time of renewal costs Canadians thousands of extra dollars every year. Homeowners should never accept the first rate offer from their existing lender. Without any negotiation, simply

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-2416370620861444272011-02-08T15:25:00.000-08:002011-02-08T16:10:38.798-08:00

Selecting the length of your mortgage amortization period – the number of years it will take you to become mortgage free – is an important decision that will affect how much interest you pay throughout the life of your mortgage. While the lending industry’s benchmark amortization period is 25 years, and this is the standard that is used by lenders when discussing mortgage offers, and usually the

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-58144283027002304442011-02-08T15:23:00.001-08:002011-02-08T16:12:04.922-08:00

Spring is always a popular time of year for people to put their homes on the market. Perhaps it’s because they’ve had a long, cold winter to spend a lot of time indoors, and they’re anxious for new surroundings. Or maybe it’s because Spring offers a fresh start and represents opportunity for the months to come. Regardless of why you decide to sell your home, there’s no doubt that you would like

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-79337686334883692082011-02-08T15:21:00.000-08:002011-02-08T15:21:26.906-08:00

Starting April 13th, 2011 the Canadian mortgage rules are changing yet again. The maximum LTV (loan to value) on refinances is now 85% and the maximum amortization for all mortgages will be only 30 years (previously 35). What does this mean? The majority of first home buyers will not qualify for the home they want. If you are looking to purchase or refinance, I would HIGHLY suggest looking into

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-31864827194375766032010-12-19T10:14:00.000-08:002010-12-19T10:14:02.026-08:00

Nouriel Roubini, the New York University economist who gained renown for accurately calling the housing bubble, has purchased a condominium in Manhattan worth $5.5 million, according to a Bloomberg News report. Public records show Roubini took out a $2.99 million mortgage to buy the condo on East First Street, according to Bloomberg. The apartment is reportedly a 3,700-square-foot triplex

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-92200218918648622552010-12-19T10:12:00.000-08:002010-12-19T10:12:41.164-08:00

The provincial government's decision to harmonize the provincial and federal sales taxes into the new 12% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) removed $2 billion in costs to BC businesses and provide point-of-sale rebates on many important goods and services. You can find out more about the government rationale for the HST here. However, REALTORS® and BCREA are concerned that the HST has increased the

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-1790794681792574322010-12-19T10:11:00.000-08:002010-12-19T10:11:03.926-08:00

National resale housing activity continues its return to normal levels, having risen in November 2010 for the fourth consecutive month, according to statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Seasonally adjusted national home sales activity via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems of Canadian real estate Boards climbed 4.8 per cent in November 2010.

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-19147043296720362092010-12-19T10:08:00.000-08:002010-12-19T10:08:48.236-08:00

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales in the province climbed 20 per cent in November from October 2010, on a seasonally adjusted basis. Compared to November of last year, MLS® residential unit sales were down 21 per cent to 5,647 units. The average MLS® residential price rose 9 per cent to $523,394 in November

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-60652231825278547142010-12-19T10:06:00.000-08:002010-12-19T10:06:41.343-08:00

One of the questions that we frequently get asked is, "When is the best time to sell our house?" In fact what those people are really asking is, "How do we get the maximum value for our property?" It is not really about the time of the year. However, weather and holidays do play an important factor in selling your home. Almost no one goes house hunting around Christmas, and few give up their

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-91964386449745574432010-12-19T10:04:00.000-08:002010-12-19T10:04:41.467-08:00

Many home owner are probably thinking about making some home upgrades to attract flocks of admiring buyers. While it's certainly a smart move to make a few improvements, don't overdo it. If you spend stacks of cash on remodelling expenses, you'll probably never recoup your investment. Before you invest tons of money into an elaborate renovation project, consider what the competing properties

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-89187786145571897602010-12-19T09:06:00.001-08:002010-12-19T09:06:36.345-08:00

By John Morrissy, Financial Post December 10, 2010 There was no bubble and there will be no bust in Canada's housing market, a TD Economics report said Thursday. The market has instead "landed safely," said economist Pascal Gauthier. He said 2010 "was not what bubbles are made of. Similarly, under our forecast interest-rate profile, the next two years will not be what crashes are made of."

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-59959336349978523802010-12-19T09:05:00.000-08:002010-12-19T09:05:29.738-08:00

If you ’ve been thinking about buying a new home but don’t think that the cooler months make for an ideal time, you may actually benefit from changing your perspective. Though spring and summer are typically the most active real estate buying and selling seasons, house hunting in winter has its own benefits. Knowing what they are and how to use them to your advantage can put you on the path to

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-2741155582460138142010-12-19T09:01:00.001-08:002010-12-19T09:01:56.370-08:00

For many hom¬eowners, the concept of profes¬sional home staging is shedding new light on how to promote a home in their real estate marketplace. If you’re thinking of selling your home, deciding on the best ways to organize your property before the “For Sale” sign is erected can help sell your home. Following are some tips that may help you sell your home faster and at a higher price. 1. Make

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160845797018567855.post-60362189456502098442010-11-16T17:04:00.000-08:002010-11-16T17:04:51.643-08:00

Vancouver, BC – November 15, 2010. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales in the province declined 36 per cent to 5,507 units in October compared to the same month last year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, MLS® residential unit sales in the province increased 2 per cent in October from September 2010. The average MLS®

Robert Goertznoreply@blogger.com1