Are your kids pleading with you to go on Facebook?

Facebook’s current policy (which could soon be changing) is that you have to be at least 13 years old to sign up for an account.

There’s no real way to police this so as with anything, education is key. Here are a few points you should be aware of if you’re thinking of opening an account for your child:

1. Fake Friends - Predators prey on unsuspecting children by creating fake profiles to befriend them. Children want to boost their friends list and sometimes accept questionable requests.
   
   
2. It’s Not Nice to Share - Children don’t always understand the concept of privacy. They often share passwords and release private information that reveals their identity.
   
   
3. Endorsement Errors - If your child “Likes” a company that’s on Facebook, their image may appear next to an ad for that business when random strangers view their news feeds.
   
   
4. Assess Access - If your child creates a fake birthdate to sign up, Facebook will think your child is 18 when they’re actually much younger. They’ll then be subjected to ads that are geared towards adults.
   
   
5. Itchy Fingers - An impulsive rant could easily come back to haunt your child with devastating consequences. Make sure they understand that their posts aren’t owned by them and can never be taken back.

It’s important that parents proactively educate their children in today’s ever changing online world. If your kids are on Facebook, make sure to check their privacy and location settings and teach them about the new age “facts of life”.

In the first two months of 2014, the Greater Vancouver housing market has maintained the steady pace set throughout 2013.

Last month’s sales total mirrors the 10-year sales average for February of 2,547, with just 17 sales separating the two figures. The sales-to-active-listings ratio currently sits at 18.9 per cent in Greater Vancouver, a 4.9 per cent increase from last month.

“Home buyer demand picked up in February, which is consistent with typical seasonal patterns in our housing market,” said Sandra Wyant, REBGV president. “We typically see home buyers become more active in and around the spring months.”

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the Greater Vancouver MLS® is 13,412, a 9.3 per cent decline compared to February 2013 and a 6.4 per cent increase compared to January 2014.

“With the market continuing to perform at a steady, balanced pace, it’s important for home sellers to ensure their homes are priced correctly for today’s conditions,” Wyant said.

In the Maple Ridge/ Pitt Meadows area we had 91 single family homes sell this February compared to 59 last year. Townhouse had 43 sales compared to 25 last February and condos had 30 sales compared to 19 last February. Total sales last February was 103 and this year it was 164. A substantial improvement over 2013.

We have 1060 active listings residential listings consisting of 618 single family, 210 townhouse and 232 condos.

No one can say for sure what’s around the corner. If you're currently considering home ownership, here are a few points to consider:

1. Do Your Homework - It's important to plan ahead so research local amenities and public transportation. Consider features like parks and schools if you’re planning to start a family.
   
   
2. Financial Accountability - Ensure you're financially ready to buy a home. There are many other costs in addition to mortgage payments so know what you're getting yourself into.
   
   
3. Go Pro - Have a real estate agent guide you through the process. Get a market analysis of the homes recently sold in the area you're interested in as well as an idea of community trends.
   
   
4. Stick to Your Budget - Be sure to examine your individual needs and never overextend yourself financially. Make a list of the features that fit your family's lifestyle before looking at homes and stick to it.
   
   
5. Think Straight - It’s normal for home buyers to experience a full range of emotions during the complex, real estate rollercoaster ride. House hunting should be fun so don’t take things personally or let your emotions rule every decision.
   
   
6. Inspect the Unexpected - Just because you've checked over the house thoroughly doesn't mean all’s well behind the scenes. Making an offer conditional on a home inspection means there won't be any nasty, expensive surprises.

An uncertain real estate market can make it difficult to know whether you should hold off purchasing a home in case prices fall or jump right in before prices skyrocket. The time to buy is when your budget matches your needs so always consider your personal circumstances carefully before making decisions.