board overall

Single family houses sales for December totalled 426 with the average sale price of $1,078,495. This 32% decrease in number of sales and a 1% increase in average price over last year same time period (December) . Townhouse sales for December totalled 213 with an average sale price of $547,966. This is a 16% decrease in the number of sales and an increase of 8% in average price over the same time period last year (December). Condominiums December sales totalled 504 with the average sale price of $415,991. This a 34% decrease in number of sales and decease of 6% in average price over the same time period last year (December). Total of all types for December was 1143 sales with an average sale price of $689,366. This is a 31% decrease in number of sales and average price basically unchanged over December last year. 

The total number of sales ran about 31% below the same month in the previous year with minimal change in average price in all categories. The Vancouver Real Estate Board sales volume year to date is down by 22% and year to date average sales price is down 6%. The number of active listings is 16% higher this December compared to last December. High inventory and reduced demand has the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver stating that it continues to be a BUYERS market. Over the last 6 months the number of sales has consistently been 25-30% below the 10 year average. Overall prices are off about 6% for 2012 over 2011.

Local Maple Ridge

Single family houses December sales totalled 30 with the average sale price of $494,957. This a 54% decrease in number of sales and average price decrease of 9% compared to December last year. Townhouse December sales totalled 7 with an average sale price $275,771. This is a 60% decrease in the number of sales and a decrease of 3% in average price compared to last December.Condominiums December sales totalled 10 with the average sale price of $177,370. This is a 41% decrease in number of sales and a 25% increase in price over last December.

Total of all types of sales for December was 47 with an average sale price of $394,740. This is a 53% decrease in number of sales and a 8% decrease in average price over last December.

The Maple Ridge sales volume year to date is down by 13% and year to date average sales price is basically unchanged at $501,538 for single family homes. The average sale price has been within $3000 of this number for 3 years. Townhouses and apartments have seen decreases in average sale prices of at least 6% in the last year

The number of properties on the market in Maple Ridge for December is 796 which is 1% above last December.

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

Home buyers face countless decisions when purchasing a home.  One of the first things to establish is whether you prefer a newer or older home.
 
Comparing newer and older homes can be like comparing apples and oranges.  It really depends on your individual preferences and family priorities.  Here are a few advantages each type of home offers:
 
Pros of Older Homes

1. Old World Charm - Older homes usually boast unique architectural features such as stained glass windows and crown moulding.
   
   
2. Location - Older homes are often located in well established communities with mature trees and developed landscaping.  They're also usually close to popular downtown amenities.
   
   
3. Solid as a Rock - The craftsmanship that went into building homes years ago was usually second to none which means they're built to last.
   
   
4. Outdoor Space - Older homes usually have larger lots which is an important consideration if you value your privacy or wish to extend your home in the future.

 
Pros of Newer Homes

1. Customizable - A brand new home allows you to customize to your own tastes with options such as heated floors, granite countertops or even simple items like fixtures.
   
   
2. Low Maintenance - You're not likely to encounter any serious problems as everything's brand new.  The home's exterior will also be much easier to maintain.
   
   
3. Functional - Newer homes are laid out with functional features such as open concept rooms, attached garages, larger storage areas and ensuite bathrooms.
   
   
4. Energy Efficient - Better windows, insulation and appliances mean newer homes are more energy efficient which translates into lower monthly bills for homeowners.

Newer homes are usually more functional but existing homes offer a level of character that new homes can't match.  You may have a fixed idea of what you prefer but keep an open mind and make sure you're familiar with the pros and cons of each.  This is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make so do your research before signing on the dotted line.

Designing a room with your child is a great way to spend quality time together.  It's also a great opportunity for them to express their thoughts and opinions with you.

One way to keep things fun is to incorporate a theme into the room's interior design.  Remember that a child's interests change rapidly so keep the project simple and flexible.

Wall stickers are a great choice as they're inexpensive, come in a variety of themes, cover large areas and are easy to put up and take down.  This flexibility gives your child the freedom to shape the look and feel themselves.  Stickers are also a great way to create boundaries if your kids share a room.

Display tables and shelves are an excellent way to showcase decorative items.  Framing family photos or your child's artwork in bright or homemade frames is another nice personal touch.  Finally, attractive storage baskets are great accessories and make tidying up a cinch!

A child's vision of a perfect room isn't usually as complex or as costly as you'd expect.  With just enthusiasm alone, you can make your child's day by decorating their room with a few simple items rather than investing weeks of time and lots of money.

The language of texting is constantly evolving.  You're probably up on many of the standard texting abbreviations but here are a few that you may not be aware of:

• YOLO = you only live once
• KK = kewl kewl (aka: ok)
• JK = just kidding
• NBD = no big deal
• ILBL8 = I’ll be late
• SMH = shaking my head
• BFN = bye for now

It’s important to familiarize yourself with this new language, especially if you have kids or office colleagues who are communicating in short form.  TTYL :-)

Single family houses sales for November totalled 635 with the average sale price of $1,053,902. This 30% decrease in number of sales and a 7% decrease in average price over last year same time period (November) . Townhouse sales for November totalled 307 with an average sale price of $545,658. This is a 30% decrease in the number of sales and an decrease of 3% in average price over the same time period last year (November). Condominiums November sales totalled 750 with the average sale price of $428,825. This a 25% decrease in number of sales and decease of .5% in average price over the same time period last year (November).

Total of all types for November was 1692 sales with an average sale price of $684,612. This is a 28% decrease in number of sales and a 6% decrease in average price over November last year.

Volume ran about 30% below the same month in the previous year with a small decrease in average price in all categories. The Vancouver Real Estate Board sales volume year to date is down by 22% and year to date average sales price is down 6%. The number of active listings is 13% higher this November compared to last November. High inventory and reduced demand has the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver stating that it continues to be a BUYERS market. November sales this year on the Vancouver Real Estate Board were again below the 10 year average for November.

Click HERE to view video report from Real Estate Board President Eugen Klein 

Local Maple Ridge

Single family houses November sales totalled 53 with the average sale price of $493,898. This a 32% decrease in number of sales and average price decrease of 2% compared to November last year. Townhouse November sales totalled 13 with an average sale price $296,369. This is a 61% decrease in the number of sales and unchanged in average price compared to last November. Condominiums November sales totalled 17 with the average sale price of $193,994. This is a 6% increase in number of sales and a 1% increase in price over last November.

Total of all types of sales for November was 83 with an average sale price of $401,533. This is a 35% decrease in number of sales and a 2% decrease in average price over last November.

The Maple Ridge sales volume year to date is down by 10% and year to date average sales price is basically unchanged at $501,763 for single family homes. The average sale price has been within $2000 of this number for 3 years. Townhouses and apartments have seen decreases in average sale prices of 6- 8% respectively.
  

The number of properties on the market in Maple Ridge for November is 922 which is 2% below last November .

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

1. Keep it Regular - Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.  If you get poor sleep one night, don’t have a nap as it will affect your internal clock.
   
   
2. It's a No-Glo - Hide all light no matter how faint.  Turn your alarm clock around as clock watching is a sure way to psyche yourself out of sleep.
   
   
3. Chill Out & Warm Up - Keep the bedroom temperature cool and wear socks to bed to help your body evenly transfer heat to the extremities.
   
   
4. Day Light, Day Bright - Take in all the daylight you can as it changes the melatonin levels in your body which causes you to sleep better when darkness falls.
   
   
5. Stay Fit - Exercising early in the day can help you sleep better but avoid it late at night.  Ease muscle tension with some light, relaxing stretches before hitting the sack.
   
   
6. No Worries - Write a to-do list before going to bed in order to flush out your thoughts and worries.  Keep a pen and paper beside your bed just in case your mind starts racing.

1. Old Skool - Retro cellphone handsets make talk time a lot more comfortable and stylish!  They also reduce the risk of radiation.
   
   
2. Top Tablets - Popular tablets such as the iPad mini will be on many people's wish lists.  There are also a wide variety of kids' tablets that help make learning fun.
   
   
3. Hot Off the Grid - A solar charger is a must for those who are regularly off the grid.  When their phone runs out of juice, they'll feel good about their green charging choice.

Single family sales for October totalled 798 with the average sale price of $1,116,108. This 18% decrease in number of sales and a 3% decrease in average price over last year same time period (October) . Townhouse sales for October totalled 338 with an average sale price of $583,376. This is a 11% decrease in the number of sales and an increase of 2% in average price over the same time period last year (October). Condominiums October sales totalled 803 with the average sale price of $429,371. This a 16% decrease in number of sales and decease of 3% in average price over the same time period last year (October).

Total of all types for October was 1939 sales with an average sale price of $738,845. This is a 16% decrease in number of sales and a 3% decrease in average price over October last year.

Sales overall did not decrease as much in October this year compared to October last year as we have in previous months. Volume has been running about 35% below the same month in the previous year but October volume was only down 16%. The sales volume for October was up over 30% from September this year. The Vancouver Real Estate Board sales volume year to date is down by 21% and year to date average sales price is down 6%. The number of active listings is 12% higher this October compared to last October. Increased inventory and reduced demand has the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver stating that it now a BUYERS market. October sales this year on the Vancouver Real Estate Board were again below the 10 year average for October.

Link to video for Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver stats for October.

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

Local Maple Ridge

Single family  October sales totalled 81 with the average sale price of $488,563. This a 5% increase in number of sales and average price decrease of 3% compared to October last year. Townhouse October sales totalled 24 with an average sale price $284.729. This is a 17% decrease in the number of sales and a 5% decrease in average price compared to last October. Condominium October sales totalled 17 with the average sale price of $167,382. This is a 54% increase in number of sales and a 6% decrease in price over last October.

Total of all types of sales for October was 122 with an average sale price of $403,710. This is a 4% increase in number of sales and a 5% decrease in average price over last October.

The Maple Ridge sales volume year to date is down by 8% and year to date average sales price is basically unchanged at $502,268 for single family homes. The average sale price has been within $2000 of this number for 3 years. Townhouses and apartments have seen decreases in average sale prices of 7 - 9% respectively.
  

The number of properties on the market in Maple Ridge for October is 976 which is 3% below last October .
  

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

November 26 to December 3, 2012

REALTORS® are gearing up for the 18th annual REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive.

Help us help out - If you have items to donate then give us a call at 604-466-4549 and we will come by and pick them up.  You can also drop them off at  Royal LePage Brookside at 11933 - 224th Street in Maple Ridge.

Since its start, we've collected enough blankets and warm clothing to help at least 185,000 people keep warm throughout the Lower Mainland.

This year we again need your help. Please donate any of the following to a drop-off location near you:

Donations are delivered to a LOCAL Charity in the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows area.

New or gently used

• blankets, sleeping bags
• warm clothing - coats, jeans, pants, sweaters
• scarves, gloves, mitts, hats

New

(women, children, men)
• socks
• underwear

The REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive story

Way back in 1995, some caring REALTORS® in Vancouver observed the homeless situation in the city’s eastside and said to themselves, we’ve got to do something.

They put out an appeal to their fellow colleagues for warm blankets and coats and collected enough donations to help 3,000 of Vancouver’s homeless in the downtown core.

That single act of kindness has blossomed into one of the largest annual collections of warm clothing and blankets, helping homeless people and the working poor in every single community in the Lower Mainland.

Eighteen years later, thousands of REALTORS® from Whistler to Hope have collected enough donations to help more than 185,000 people in need. Each year, more than 75 dedicated members actually pick-up and deliver all the donations, and well over 100 real estate offices in the Lower Mainland act as collection depots.

The REALTORS Care® Drive now collects an astonishing amount of warm, winter items on behalf of dozens of local charities to help at least 20,000 people each year.

No matter where you are on November 11th take a few moments to rememeber those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Date: Nov 11, 2012 (10:30 am - 12:00 pm)