Buying local is a concept that's really starting to catch on.  Here are just a few of the many advantages to buying locally grown produce:

1. Nutritious - Minimizing transportation reduces damage and helps produce retain its nutritional value.
   
   
2. Greener - Transporting food long distances is detrimental to the environment and there's also a huge amount of packaging involved.
   
   
3. Tastier - Local food is much fresher because its vitality isn't affected by long distance travel.  Produce is picked at peak freshness so it's loaded with taste.
   
   
4. Supportive - Buying local helps support your local farmers and other residents.  It also preserves farmland and wildlife from urban development.
   
   
5. Convenient - Many communities have agricultural groups that provide a weekly box of fresh, locally grown produce that can oftentimes be delivered right to your door!

So there you have it -- buying local is better by miles!  For a fun day out, visit a “pick your own” fruit farm.  Not only will you be able to eat the tastiest fruit around but you'll also be able to help the environment by cutting down on packaging.

Dropbox is a cloud based service that allows you to quickly share photos, documents, spreadsheets and videos with friends and colleagues.  Here are some reasons to use it:

1. On the Go - If your business takes you on the road, you can easily access presentations and other documents.
   
   
2. Picture This - Instead of clogging up your friend's email accounts with photos, just send them a link to your Dropbox account.
   
   
3. I Need Backup - No need to panic if your computer blows up as all your important files and photos will still be on Dropbox.

The best part about Dropbox is that it doesn't cost anything!  Cloud based services such as Dropbox are still in their infancy but they're definitely the way of the future as their paperless aspect is environmentally friendly and extremely convenient.

Vancouver Real Estate board overall

Single family house sales for April totalled 1071 with the average sale price of $1,152,091. This 5% decrease in number of sales and 4% increase in average price over last year same time period (April). 

Townhouse sales for April totalled 511 with an average sale price of $549,447. This is a 5% increase in the number of sales and an decrease of 5% in average price over the same time period last year (April). 

Condominiums April sales totalled 1052 with the average sale price of $414,460. This a 6% decrease in number of sales and 6% decrease in average price over the same time period last year (April).

Total of all types for April was 2634 sales with an average sale price of $741,771. This is a 6% decrease in number of sales and no change in average price over April last year.

 
The Vancouver Real Estate Board sales volume year to date is down by 16% year to date and year to date average sales price is down by 1%. The number of active listings is 1% higher this April compared to last April. It would appear that prices have stabilized in single family and for condos and townhouses that we are still experiencing some decrease in pricing.
 

Local Maple Ridge

Single family house April sales totalled 97 with the average sale price of $483,628. This a 15% increase in number of sales and average price decrease of 3% compared to April last year.

Townhouse April sales totalled 32 with an average sale price $294,715. This is a 28% increase in the number of sales and average price increase of 3% compared to last April. 

Condominiums April sales totalled 19 with the average sale price of $205,705. This is an 5% increase in number of sales and average price increase of 5% over last April.

Total of all types of sales for April was 148 with an average sale price of $407,103. This is a 16% increase in number of sales and a 1% decrease in average price over last April. 

Spring activity appears to have stabilized our market with a market that is balanced for Buyers and Sellers.

The number of properties on the market in Maple Ridge for April is 994 which is virtually the same as last April.

For more detail just call 604-466-4549 or email

pearceteam@telus.net .

Getting your home ready for showings can be a real challenge but it's even harder when you share your home with little ones.

The trick to selling a house with kids is to make it appeal to buyers who don't have any children.  Here are a few tips to help you prepare your home for show with kids in tow:

1. Depersonalize - It's important that buyers are able to imagine themselves living in your home so clear the artwork off the fridge and take down photos, awards and mementoes.
   
   
2. Play Time's Over - Keep just one box of toys on hand and pack up the rest as they not only look unappealing but they also make rooms appear smaller.
   
   
3. Go Clean Your Room! - Pack up stuffed animals, books and trophies.  Any remaining items should be placed on shelves instead of the floor.
   
   
4. Behind Closed Doors - Buyers can never get enough closet space so get rid of any clothes that your kids have outgrown or that are out-of-season.
   
   
5. It's Time to Grow Up - Buyers should be able to visualize your playroom as their rec room so get rid of excess toys so that it will appear larger enough for their pool table.
   
   
6. Curb Appeal - Don't leave toys, sidewalk chalk or bikes strewn outside your home as drive by viewings can occur at any time.

Selling your home is a great opportunity to de-clutter plus if you do it now, you won't have to worry about it when it comes time to move.  Showings can happen in an instant so make sure you have a system in place that enables you to have everything ready to go in a matter of minutes.  Although keeping everything perfectly staged with kids can be a challenge, it'll be well worth the effort in the end!

Almost everyone feels the credit crunch at some point in their life but with a little planning, it can almost always be overcome.

Debt management isn't a very popular family topic but talking about it with your kids and loved ones can pro-actively help them avoid a lifetime of financial woes.  Here are a few of the basics:

1. Open Book - Examine all debt at once so the focus can be directed towards paying off high interest, non-deductible debt first.
   
   
2. Budget Crunch - List all income and fixed expenses such as house and car payments.  Next, list variable expenses to see what can be cut back on.
   
   
3. Consolidate - Monthly payments can likely be lowered by consolidating debt through a home equity loan as the interest rate will be much lower.
   
   
4. Reach Out - Creditors will often reduce monthly payments if a debt repayment plan is entered into with a reputable organization.

Managing debt may seem like a daunting task but it can help avoid a financial crisis that could devastate a person's credit rating and ability to borrow money at attractive rates.  Deciding which options work best depends on the individual's level of debt, level of discipline and their future prospects.

Spring is a time of renewal so why not bring the season's vitality into your home by making some simple decorating changes.  Here are a few ideas that'll help you create a fresh spring feel:

• Change your window coverings to light sheers or blinds.
  
  
• Bring nature inside with indoor plants, flowering bulbs and fresh cut flowers.
  
  
• Switch your cushion covers to lighter spring shades such as yellows and purples.

Celebrate spring's arrival by bringing a breath of fresh air into your home.  Just a few simple changes can reflect the season’s sunny, fresh energy!

Over the last 22 years we have had the pleasure of buying and selling properties with the same clients 2-3 or more times. We are always happy to hear from past clients whether they are moving themselves, have friends or acquaintances moving , have questions about the market or financing or just want to chat. A large portion of our success is from referrals and past clients.

We like to recognise the fact that you think of us and are comfortable referring clients to us so we have our “All Star Referral Program!”

It is a win-win-win program. Refer us to your friends and family, they get great service, you get some spare cash and we get a client. 

1^st referral is $250, 2^nd within 12 months of 1st referral is $500 and 3^rd and subsequent within 12 months of the 1^st is $1000. 

The 12 months start upon payment of the 1^st referral. Payments are upon completed purchase or sale. One reward per referral. 

It’s easy! Get permission for us to contact them. Call or email us with their name and number and we will take care of the rest.

Vancouver Real Estate board overall

Home Sale Activity Improves but Remains Below Historical Averages

Single family houses sales for March totalled 941 with the average sale price of $1,176,642. This 20% decrease in number of sales and 1% increase in average price over last year same time period (March). Townhouse sales for March totalled 432 with an average sale price of $550,266. This is a 13% decrease in the number of sales and an decrease of 7% in average price over the same time period last year (March).Condominiums March sales totalled 982 with the average sale price of $456,358. This a 17% decrease in number of sales and 2% increase in average price over the same time period last year (March).

Total of all types for March was 2355 sales with an average sale price of $761,393. This is a 18% decrease in number of sales and no change in average price over March last year. 

 
The total number of sales ran about 18% below the same month in the previous year with minimal change in average price in single family and 7% decrease in townhouses and a 2% increase in condos. The Vancouver Real Estate Board sales volume year to date is down by 21% year to date and year to date average sales price is down by 2%. The number of active listings is 1% higher this March compared to last March. It would appear that house prices are stabilizing in single family and condos and that we are still experiencing some decrease in pricing for townhouses.

Local Maple Ridge

Single family houses March sales totalled 76 with the average sale price of $466,641. This a 20% decrease in number of sales and average price decrease of 11% compared to March last year. Townhouse March sales totalled 24 with an average sale price $297,883. This is a 22% decrease in the number of sales and average price decrease of 1% compared to last March. Condominiums March sales totalled 11 with the average sale price of $192,082. This is an 21% increase in number of sales and average price decrease of 8% over last March.

Total of all types of sales for March was 111 with an average sale price of $402,944. This is a 20% decrease in number of sales and a 9% decrease in average price over last March.

Low volume of sales will continue to put downward pressure on prices.

The number of properties on the market in Maple Ridge for March is 916 which is 4% below last March.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Housing Market Update for March 2013 with REBGV president Sandra Wyant video link. Click below. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yj5CqVZX6I&feature=youtu.be

For more detail just call 604-466-4549 or email

pearceteam@telus.net .

When you put your home on the market, you want it to appeal to a large cross section of buyers in order to create a frenzy of activity!

Buying a home is such an emotional decision that even a seemingly small issue can create a bad impression that will turn a buyer off.  Here are six home buyer turn offs you need to be aware of:

1. Go Away! - Make yourself scarce during showings as nothing turns buyers off more than a stalking seller.
   
   
2. Fido & Fluffy - Pets and their associated smells and mess will put many buyers off.  Hide pet dishes, toys, beds, etc. before a showing and if possible, get rid of the animals too.
   
   
3. Killer Clutter - Buyers want to imagine themselves living in your home but most can’t look past other people's clutter.  This includes spaces behind closed doors such as closets and cupboards.
   
   
4. Problems Down Below - You want to show that your unfinished basement has potential so investigate any signs of moisture and paint the floor white as it'll give it a much roomier feel.
   
   
5. Forgo the Fish Fry - It's best not to cook fish or spicy foods while your home's on the market.  Air your home out by opening the windows rather than covering smells with artificial scents.
   
   
6. Grubby Grout - It's imperative your entire home is thoroughly cleaned including the inside of the microwave, stove and fridge.  Neglected personal spaces like bathrooms will have them running for the door!

When you sell your home, it's important to get the most amount of money in the shortest amount of time.  Sometimes the best way to do that is by taking care of the small stuff.  It's definitely worth the effort and the good news is that depersonalising, decluttering and thoroughly cleaning your home doesn't cost a fortune.

Buyers and sellers are looking for somewhere they can getALL the information in a timely manner. We have tried to do that on our personal website so check out these features:

* The site contains ALL the MLS listings and is current to the minute with no built in 24+ hour delay such as Realtor.ca .

* Sign in as a member ( no cost or obligation) and you will have access to room sizes, strata fees, price history, taxes, etc.

*When viewing a listing use the “birds eye” and “street view” features to get a good idea of the neighbourhood and traffic patterns.

* We have set up an easy search criteria for local home hunting. You just select the type of property by button and the price range. The searches are all set up for you.

* Want more detail, then use the proeprty search dropdon and choose member or public search. You can search by MLS number, map, area / sub area and by dozens of criteria.

*Looking for open houses? Just click the open house button and subsequent area and they are all listed.

* Want a mobile app to show details on all listings around you in the lower mainland then click on the “Mobile Search” on the left side of the web page, fill out your information and the app will be emailed to you. Just save it to your home screen.

*Looking for information about the Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge community, then click our “Resource Page” button on the left side of the page. Information on schools, doctors, dentists, sports, recreation, etc. If you don’t see something you are looking for then let us know and we will add it.

* English not your first language then select the “Choose Language” drop down on the top of the left margin and choose the language you would like to view the entire site to be in.

* Set up and save your own searches to be notified immediately of listings that match your criteria.

Go to   www.ThePearceTeam.com

The arrival of a new baby brings many responsibilities including baby proofing your home from top to bottom.  Here are a few things to keep in mind when preparing your home for your new bundle of joy:

1. Peekadoo - Make sure cabinets and drawers are equipped with safety latches.
   
   
2. Tie Up Loose Ends - Tie up blind and curtain cords so they’re out of reach.
   
   
3. Slam Jam - Install door stops/holders so their fingers don't get caught.
   
   
4. Safety Deposit Jar - Keep spare change in a sealed jar as shiny coins can attract a baby's attention and can be easily choked on.
   
   
5. Strong Attachments - Securely mount your bookshelves to the wall so if your little one decides to climb them, they won’t come tumbling down.
   
   
6. It's Not a Shock - Cover unused electrical outlets with safety plugs so they're not able to shove keys or other objects into them.
   
   
7. Supermax Security - Install a baby gate at the top and bottom of your staircase and make sure they're attached directly to the wall and not just pressure mounted.

It’s best to baby proof your home before your little one arrives as it'll be the last thing on your mind when you're a tired new parent!  Getting down on all fours will help you see hazards from their perspective but to be extra safe, consider hiring a professional baby proofer.

Spring has sprung so it's time to take a good look around your home in order to target some preventative maintenance jobs.  Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Inspect your attic for roof leaks and rodent infestation.
  
  
• Check seals around windows and doors and fix any damaged screens.
  
  
• Check and repair fences, posts, steps, decks, railings and outdoor furniture.
  
  
• Clean your gutters and make sure downspouts drain away from your foundation.
  
  
• Inspect your roof and the condition of the flashings around your chimney and flue pipes.

Your home is your biggest investment so it's important to perform regular maintenance tune-ups in order to keep it in tip-top shape.  If you set aside a couple of days now, you'll be able to sit back and enjoy the amazing weather that's right around the corner!