Vancouver Real Estate board overall
  

Single family houses sales for January totalled 546 with the average sale price of $1,152,851. This 17% decrease in number of sales and no change in average price over last year same time period (January) . Townhouse sales for January totalled 233 with an average sale price of $570,910. This is a 10% decrease in the number of sales and an increase of 3% in average price over the same time period last year (January). Condominiums sales for January  totalled 576 with the average sale price of $441,667. This a 12% decrease in number of sales and no change in average price over the same time period last year (January).

Total of all types for January was 1355 sales with an average sale price of $750,464. This is a 14% decrease in number of sales and average price basically unchanged over January last year. 

The total number of sales ran about 14% below the same month in the previous year with minimal change in average price in all categories. The number of active listings is 5% higher this January compared to last January. It would appear that overall prices are stabilizing as average all categories are virtually unchanged over last January and are up in all categories over December averages.
  

Local Maple Ridge

Single family houses January sales totalled 56 with the average sale price of $518,806. This a 36% increase in number of sales and average price increase of 5% compared to January last year. Townhouse January sales totalled 7 with an average sale price $275,707. This is a 68% decrease in the number of sales and a decrease of 10% in average price compared to last January. Condominiums January sales totalled 5 with the average sale price of $170,300. This is a 61% decrease in number of sales and a 7% decrease in price over last January.

Total of all types of sales for January was 68 with an average sale price of $468,156. This is a 10% decrease in number of sales and a 21% increase in average price over last January. (This increase in average price reflects the fact that 84% of the sales were single family homes with only 12 condos and townhouses sold) . The apartment and townhouse market continues to experience minimum activity.  

The number of properties on the market in Maple Ridge for January is 778 which is 7% below last January.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Housing Market Update for January 2013 with REBGV president Eugen Klein video link. Click below. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Psc2M3sC0B8&feature=youtu.be

For more detail just call 604-466-4549 or email  pearceteam@telus.net .

Countless tragedies are prevented each year by smoke detectors.  Here are a few tips to ensure your smoke detectors are in full working order:

1. Alarms can be hard wired, battery powered or preferably a combination of both.
   
   
2. Interconnected smoke alarms are best because when one alarm goes off, they all do.
   
   
3. Don't "borrow" the batteries for the TV remote as you'll likely forget to replace them.
   
   
4. Test each alarm regularly by pressing the test button until the alarm sounds.
   
   
5. Blow the dust out of the alarm whenever you check or change the batteries.
   
   
6. Smoke alarms should be replaced at least every ten years to ensure proper working order.
   
   
7. Don't install alarms near windows or doors as drafts could stop smoke from reaching the alarm system.
   
   
8. There should be at least one alarm installed on each floor including the basement and preferably every bedroom.

Having defective smoke alarms can be worse than having none at all as they provide a false sense of security so make sure your smoke detectors are in tip top shape.  It's also important for your family to develop a fire escape plan.  If you ever have any questions, your local fire department will be more than happy to help.

It's critical to give prospective buyers a top notch first impression when selling your home.  If you share your home with pets, you'll have to work extra hard to ensure it looks (and smells) its best.
 
Although you may consider your pets family, potential buyers will likely view them as a smelly nuisance.  If you own pets, here are a few tips that will help you sell your home:

1. Deep Clean - Steam clean all carpets, rugs and couches and make sure to vacuum your home every day.
   
   
2. Do the Doo Doo - Don't forget to clean up outside before showings as people exploring your garden will be turned off by seeing or even worse, stepping in doggie doo doo.
   
   
3. Gone to the Dogs - Most people don't want to be greeted by a strange dog when they enter a home.  A whining dog in a crate is also a distraction so take Fido for a walk if you're unable to make other arrangements.
   
   
4. Creepy Critters - Some purchasers may be too scared to tour a room that contains certain pets such as snakes or rodents.  They may even decide to leave your home altogether so try and remove any creepy creatures before putting your home on the market.
   
   
5. Breathe Easy - Few things are as offensive as the smells associated with animals.  Buyers will be exploring the basement so make sure the litter tray is completely clean.  Open up windows and simmer a few cinnamon sticks in water as buyers may be allergic to artificial scents.
   
   
6. Fur Real - Clean pet hair out from under the stove, tables, blinds and all crevices.  Aside from its unsightly appearance, many people suffer from allergies and you don't want them sniffling and sneezing while they're trying to view your home.
   
   
7. Scratch the Surface - You're probably so used to your scratched and chewed up furniture that you don't even notice it, but buyers will.  Inspect your home thoroughly and repair scratched areas including window frames, doors, floors and furniture.

It's essential to de-clutter and depersonalize your home before showings in order to create a great first impression, so don't forget to clear away pet beds, feeding bowls and play toys from both inside and outside your home.  Even animal lovers will be put off by the hair, smell or mess pets can make so take these tips into account to ensure your furry friends don't soil your sale!

Crafty crooks are starting to use innocent looking smartphone apps to perpetrate fraud and mayhem.    Here are a few tips that will help protect both your phone and your wallet:

• Always check online reviews before downloading apps.
  
  
• Malicious apps drain more power than usual so pay attention to your battery life.
  
  
• Review the terms and conditions before downloading the app or you could unknowingly give permission for developers to read your texts or peruse your photos.

There are a lot of great apps out there so you shouldn't let a few bad apps spoil the bunch :)  It's important to be cautious though, especially when it comes to app happy kids so talk to them about the hidden dangers lurking behind these downloads as it'll likely be you that has to foot the bill!