Owner: Helen Gambling - Pitt Meadows Realtor URL:http://www.helengambling.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:29:55 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Local Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge, BC Realtor - Helen Gambling - helps buyers and sellers in the Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Mission, and Port Coquitlam, BC areas. Site statistics:Click here
Welcome to my blog site, this is a first for me!
... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Welcome to my blog site
, this is a first for me!I'm not a techy , but in my business, you need to stay abreast of all these technological developments ,enhancements , advancements or whatever! So I hope to give weekly updates and comments to my readers with everything from what's happening in the way of the community, events, or real estate developments, market trends, bits and pieces of hopefully , useful real estate related information and maybe have a bit of fun along the way, and always keeping a good sense of humour! So keep an eye out!Coming to a computer screen near you, soon! Read more:Welcome
Well, after the unfortunate accident on the Pitt R... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Well, after the unfortunate accident
on the Pitt River bridge on Nov.5th , Sunday morning, many of us Pitt Meadowites and Maple Ridgers will be anticipating our new bridge more so than ever, with the many recent long delays travelling over the bridge over the last few months, with everything from traffic volume, accidents, and the swing portion stuck open, one too many times, I'm sure we're all going to become some of the most patient and understanding folks in the Lower Mainland.......!!!!
According to CMHC ( Canada Mortgage and Housing Co... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 According to CMHC ( CanadaMortgage
and Housing
Corporation) in the fourth quarter of 2006 , it looks like the trend for mortgage rates is they have moved slightly lower and looks like they will remain near current levels for the balance of 2006 and into 2007. They are expected to edge higher in the second half of 2007. They also state that mortgage carrying costs will still be increasing due to the rising house prices. This could slow demand for home ownership, especially for the first time buyers.Source: CMHC
Did you know that the BC building code has been ov... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Did you know that the BC building code has been overhauled? The current building code was last published in 1998 , but by 2003 with changes and amendments it had doubled in size. At that time the BC government decided it's time for an overhaul. They released a draft new Code online and as part of a consultation process, encouraged comments and suggestions.On Sept.15, 2006 the new 2006 BC Building Code was released. It takes effect Dec.15, 2006. The new code is easier to use and understand, it is objective based ,that defines the objectives and goals of health, safety, accessibility, fire and structural protection are stated up front.As for timelines, if your project 's permit is issued before Dec.15, 2006 the builder and buildings must comply with the 1998 Building Code. Any permits issued after De.15, 2006 the buildings must comply with the new Building Code.BC Codes are available free for reference at your local libraries, or www.bccodes.ca .Sourse :REBGV
I hope it has been a great start to the New Year! ... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I hope it has been a great start to the New Year! Good-bye 2006, the year went by so quickly, and hello 2007! Hope everyone had a great holiday season!2006 proved to another successful year, due to the continued support and confidence of my services and the the many referrals I've received from my clients! It has been a great experience working with many of you, and I look forward to working with many more of you in the future.It looks as if the real estate market in 2007 will be more of a balanced market, the frenzied marketplace of the recent past seems to be behind us for now. By all indicators, mortgage rates will remain relatively stable, with a continued strong economy and employment, positive consumer confidence, the 2007 real estate market should remain strong and healthy. Homes and properties may not sell in a few days, but may take many weeks, but housing prices seem to remain stable and we may see some increase in prices this year, but not as high of an increase as in recen
What sort of housing market can you expect in 2007... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 What sort of housing market
can you expect in 2007?The forecast for 2007 according to Carol Frketich, CMHC BC Regional Economist, is low inflation, a relatively strong Canadian dollar and a stable outlook for interest and mortgage rates through 2007. She believes that resale and new home prices will continue to increase in 2007 but at a slower pace, and also suggests that sales activity will remain high by historical standards, despite our housing market cooling slightly in response to interest and mortgage rate increases in 2006. BC has a great economic picture which means it has a great housing picture- its growing economy, record low unemployment, inter-provincial migration, international immigration, real income growth, and low inflation and low interest rates are benefiting Greater Vancouver buyers and sellers alike. For more information visit www.cmhc.caIn Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge there is a bit more of a balanced market, not that stressful frenzy we saw, not that long ago, th
Housing Bubble you say?? What do our experts say?
... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Housing Bubble
you say?? What do our experts say?Since 2001, we've been hearing about our doomed housing market. From a serious downturn to a full blown bubble bust, the naysayers continue to capture our attention and heighten our concerns. Is there any truth to the prophesized collapse? To find out, we asked some experts. " The fundamentals underlying housing demand in Vancouver are positive and will remain so in 2007", reports Gregory Klump, Chief Economist at the Canadian Real Estate Assocication. These fundamentals include a strong economy, high employment and income growth, and low interest rates.Urban Futures Institute economist Andrew Ramlo expects international immigration will accelerate, along with in-migration from other provinces as baby-boomers start to retire and head west, " I also see job growth remaining positive, given rising investment in public infrastructure such as the RAV line, the Gateway Project and the Olympics," says Ramlo.What would have to happen for a bub Read more:Housing
, Housing Bubble
Identifying a former grow op! Grow ops often requ... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Identifying a former grow op! Grow ops often require extensive cleanup and repair. It is possible that these repairs were never made and the real damage is hidden. Noticeable signs that you may be dealing with a former grow op include:Mould in corners where the walls and ceilings meet.Signs of roof vents.Painted concrete floors in the basement, with circular marks of where pots once wereEvidence of tampering with the electric meter( damaged or broken seals) or the ground around it.Unusual or modified wiring on the exterior of the house.Brownish stains around the soffit that bleeds down along the siding.Concrete masonry patches, or alteration on the inside of the garage.Patterns of screw holes on the walls.Alteration of fireplaces.Denting on front door ( from police ramming the door).If the home has been raided by the police, depending on the municipality, the owner of the property may incurr costs to have the damage repaired in order to receive a re-issued occupancy permit for the hom
There are some home insurance issues that could im... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 There are some home insurance
issues that could impact the transaction process for a buyer or seller. If there are, what can you do to alleviate them? Home insurance companies have tightened their underwriting criteria and they're reluctant to take on risks that may not have bothered them in the past. What's at stake for a buyer is not just the insurance, but mortgage financing as well. Banks won't approve a home loan unless there is proof of insurance.A number of home insurance issues have been identified that can impact the transaction process. These issues can include;aluminum wiring-insurance company may insist on a complete electrical inspection by a certified electrician60 amp electrical service-not deemed to be sufficient regardless of the size of the dwellingknob and tube wiringgas furnaces more than 20 years oldoil tankswood burning appliances- WETT certification is being measured against current building codesfirst time buyers without prior home insurance historyinsurabil
Two decades of the PTT(Property Transfer Tax)
It'... 2007-03-05 20:34:00 Two decades of the PTT(Property Transfer Tax)It's been 20 years since the BC government, without consultation or even a warning, introduced the Property Purchase Tax. The tax, charged on transactions registered at the Land Title Office at a rate of one per cent of the first $200,000 of fair market value and two per cent on the remainder, generated $140 million the first year it was levied.In the two decades since, the tax, now called the Property Transfer Tax ( PTT), has generated more than $7.5 billion in total revenue, $950 million of this in 2006/2007 alone.Middle and lower income families have shouldered the burden of the PTT, which now adds $10,832 to the detached benchmark price of $641,596 for a Greater Vancouver detached home.Overall, the tax had implications for the livability of our communities. By making homes more expensive ( and less affordable), it has forced some buyers further and further afield in their search for an affordable home. It's one more factor which has in Read more:Two decades
Thinking of selling your own home? You can sell y... 2007-03-07 01:50:00 Thinking of selling
your own home
? You can sell your own home without the services of a real estate agent, but selling a home is a complex process.What is the best possible price?Where do you find a buyer?What facts must you disclose?What paperwork is required?Will the contract be legal and binding?How is ownership transferred?What about the existing mortgage?Can the buyer qualify for a mortgage?Who ensures you will get your money?These are just some of the problems and possibly many other situations that can arise when you are selling, which is why most sellers employ a real estate professional to act as your agent. An agent represents someone else, called the principal, in dealing with other people. The agent becomes a 'substitute' for the principal. This relationship between principal and an agent is called an AGENCY relationship. People often use the services of an agent to accomplish what they do not have the ability, time or desire to do themselves.If you decide to employ som
What do you want to know.....???
I 'm always cu... 2007-03-20 01:01:00 What do you want to know.....???I 'm always
curious to hear what interests my clients and the general publice when it comes to real estate! Is there something you would like to hear more about, need some information, let me know, and I"ll do my best to address those questions, topics or concerns. Love to hear from you !!
Is this the year ???
As we're being reminded of t... 2007-04-22 02:36:00 Is this the year ???As we're being reminded of the potential for a possible flood this year, you can check out for updates for Pitt Meadows at www.pittmeadow.bc.ca . As for Maple Ridge, not seeing anything on their website yet !Let's hope this won't happen, but be prepared uncase! Check out the website for the Provincial Emergency Program at www.pep.bc.ca. lots of useful information incase of a disaster.
Buyers only need 20% downpayment for Conventional ... 2007-04-26 22:35:00 Buyers only need 20% downpayment for Conventional
Mortgage Home Financing- Amendment to the Bank Act!The Bank Act was recently amended to allow banks to move from 75% to 80% maximum loan to value without requiring mortgage default insurance.20% down now qualifies as Conventional Financing.............No CMHC or GE premiumsThis good news for buyers! Read more:Buyers
If you can't pay! Defer your taxes at age 55!
Pro... 2007-06-11 18:38:00 If you can't pay! Defer your taxes at age 55!Property owner who turn 55 years old anytime in 2007 or are older, may be eligible to defer all or part of their property taxes thanks to the BC Property Tax Deferment program. Until this year the age for deferral was 60 years. Currently more than 11,000 British Columbians defer their property taxes.The BC Government pays all property taxes including municipal and taxes collected by the municipality for the GVRD and the school district. Deferred taxes are eventually deducted from the home's value when it is sold.Interest on deferment accounts is not compounded and is charged at a rate not greater than two per cent below the bank prime rate. Based on current rates, this means that a tax bill of $1,500 will cost the homeowner $60 a year in interest.To qualify, a home owner must be:55 years of age or older, ora surviving spouse of an eligible owner; and/ora person with a disability; anda Canadian citizen or permanent resident under the Immigr
2007-11-02 12:50:00 GST Cut !!!!Well, the Harper government followed thru with their promise to reduce the GST. and did, to 5 per cent, which is effective January 1, 2008 . This is good news for home buyers and owners, it helps those in purchasing new homes and those who are considering home renovations, and consumers making household purchases.This reduction will apply to homebuyers who purchase after October 30th and take possession after January 1, 2008. Anyone who purchased before October 30th and takes possessions after January 1, 2008 will be able to apply to Canada Revenue Agency for a transitional rebate that relfects the reduction to 5 per cent.This combined reduction in the GST from 7 per cent to 5 per cent will mean savings of $3,840 on the purchase of a new home priced at $300,000. Together with the existing new housing rebate, the 5 per cent GST rate will restore the effective rate of federal sales tax on new homes to the level that applied before the introduction of GST in 1991.Harper said
No title 2008-02-11 23:21:00 Why you should order your own credit report.....If you're thinking of buying a home, it can take one derogatory item to create an obstacle to getting a mortgage or getting the lowest rate. You may want to check your credit report before you shop for a new home. You will then have the opportunity to deal with any unexpected issues. If you discover an error, you can inform the credit bureau immediately, they are required by law to promptly make the correction.If you're late on payments you can write a letter of explanation to the credit bureau telling your side of the story, this would accompany the credit information that may go to your lender. Most lenders will accept a reasonable explanation for late payments such as illness, job loss, military service etc.To get your credit report there
No title 2007-12-28 14:31:00 A Big Thanks to those that made contributions to the Annual Realtor's Care Blanket Drive!It was a wonderful success with more than 4200 bags of clothing and and blankets collected in the Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, and Chilliwack areas. Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows area collected over 170 bags, that was distributed to the local Friends in Need Food Bank , Ironhorse Youth Safehouse, the Outreach program, Hanna House Women's Recovery Centre and the Salvation Army 'Caring Place'. It helped many individuals and families!
No title 2008-04-21 15:11:00 The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver ( REBGV) reports that while there are fewer housing sales in March 2008 compared to last year, residential prices continued to climb."The market is continuing to balance, with sales and listings beginning to rel-align with our 10 year averages," say REBGV president, Dave Watt. " The selectin of inventory hitting the market is wider than we have seen in the past few years, which gives prospective buyers more choices."The Real Estate industry is a key economic driver in BC. In 2007, 38,050 homes changed hands in the Board's area generating $1.065 billion in spin-offs.
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