Vancouver Real Estate board overall

Single family houses salesAugust totalled 624 with the average sale price of $1,142,237. This 39% decrease in number of sales and a 2% decrease in average price over last year same time period (August) .

Townhouse sales for August totalled 300 with an average sale price of $547,588. This is a 25% decrease in the number of sales and an decrease of 2% in average price over the same time period last year (August).

Condominium sales for  August totalled 725 with the average sale price of $444,218. This a 24% decrease in number of sales and decease of 2% in average price over the same time period last year (August).

 

Total of all typesfor August was 1649 sales with an average sale price of $727,162. This is a 30% decrease in number of sales and a 6% decrease in average price over August last year.

 

The volume of sales overall continues to decrease substantially over the same month of the previous year. The Vancouver Real Estate Board sales volume year to date is down by 21% and year to date average sales price is down 7%. The number of active listings is 18% higher this August compared to last August. Increased inventory and reduced demand has the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver stating that it now a BUYERS market.

 

Local Maple Ridge

 

 

After a fairly quiet summer we are anticipating a reasonably active fall (September to early December). On reviewing the last four years local Maple Ridge / Pitt Meadows activity level and prices are basically unchanged.

 

 Single family houses for August sales totalled 61 with the average sale price of $487,877. This a 33% decrease in number of sales and average price decreased by 7% compared to August last year.

 

Townhouse August sales totalled 25 with an average sale price $293,895. This is a 3% decrease in the number of sales and a 3% decrease in average price compared to last August.

 

Condominiums August sales totalled 14 with the average sale price of $201,700. This is a 17% decrease in number of sales and a 2% increase in price over last August.

 

Total of all types of sales for August was 150 with an average sale price of $404,737. This is ao 3% increase in number of sales and a 4% decrease in average price over last August.

 

The Maple Ridge sales volume year to date is down by 8% and year to date average sales price is basically unchanged. The number of active listings is 2% higher this August compared to last August.

 

The number of properties on the market in Maple Ridge is similar to last year and our prices and market activity are virtually unchanged in the last 2 - 3 years.

 

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

pearceteam@telus.net

The Royal Bank hosting an Advice Event, focused on Purchasing Real Estate in the United States & Cross Border Planning Issues for Canadians. John Hebel, our Royal Bank representative, has asked us to pass along this invitation to our clients.

This is a FREE event.

Details of the Event:

> State of the Real Estate Market

> Process for Buying Real Estate in US

> Canadian considerations around the US

> Legal & Ownership issues

Date: Thursday, October 18th
Location: SilverCity CoquitlamTheatres
170 Schoolhouse St Coquitlam
Time: Registration starts at 9 am; event starts at 9:30 am and runs until 11:30 am - Q&A included

Give Don at The Pearce Team a call at 604-466-4549 to sign up.

Knowing your home's fully secure gives you peace of mind whether you're at home sleeping or away on vacation.  A secure home is also much more attractive to potential buyers when it comes time to sell.

Most thieves are opportunists who see an open door or window and decide to take a chance and see what they can make off with.  There are many ways to successfully secure a property but homeowners should start with the basics.

Install strike plates on your doors to help protect the deadbolt from crowbars or kick attacks.  Thieves want to get into your home as quickly as possible so if one forceful kick doesn't work, they’ll likely turn and run.

Windows are popular break in points so install heavy sash or keyed locks.  Installing an eyebolt in window corners also prevents the window from being opened from the outside.  Glass block windows are an excellent choice as they look attractive, can't be opened and are extremely difficult to break.

Your home is less likely to be broken into if you have a security system but just as you'd wear a seatbelt for a short car ride, make sure you arm your security system even if you're only popping out for a quick errand.  Don't forget to display alarm stickers on your windows and doors as they'll act as a deterrent.

Give the impression your home's lived in while you're away on vacation by installing a dusk-to-dawn porch light and ask a friend to pick up your mail.  Although innovative technology allows you to control blinds and lights right from your smartphone, you'll still need to find someone to cut your lawn as no one's developed an app for that yet :)

When it comes to home security, paying attention to the simple things can often make a huge difference.  Take time to "case the joint" and list all the security failures that burglars would appreciate.  Potential buyers will prefer to purchase a fully secure home as it's one less thing they'll need to take care of.  Prevention is key, so stay safe by making your home’s security a priority this month.

Houseplants are not only visually appealing but they improve our home's air quality by adding oxygen and removing toxins.  Here are some plant care tips for those of us who can barely keep an artificial plant alive.

Accidental drowning is a leading cause of death.  Water your plants thoroughly but make sure there are drainage holes so excess water can escape as you don’t want your plants to be sitting in water.

Improper lighting is another reason why promising young plants become statistics.  It's important to match the lighting needs of plants with the amount of light you have to offer.  Here are a few hardy plants that can survive nearly any situation:

1. The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is excellent for beginners as it’s almost impossible to kill.  They're one of the easiest plants to grow and look great in hanging baskets.
   
   
2. The Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderana) just stands in water and has been used by the Chinese for centuries in the art of feng shui to create harmony in the home.
   
   
3. The Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is another foolproof plant that only requires dim light and doesn’t need much water.  What could be easier?

Houseplants are a simple and cost effective way to infuse natural, serene style into your home.  Better yet, research suggests they reduce stress and cold related illnesses and even increase our energy levels.  Go out today and outfit your home with some of nature's lean mean green machines!

If you're constantly procrastinating over household projects, you should check out some of the available home improvement apps for some inspiration!  Here are a couple of our faves:

• iHandy Level - If you have to hang a picture or measure an angle, this handy app will help keep you on the level.  (iPhone, iPod touch, iPad & Android. Free)
  
  
• HandyMan DIY - We can all be home improvement experts with this app!  It gives you all the info you need to get your renovation project off the ground.  (iPhone, iPod touch. $1.99)

Smartphones and tablets are perfect for the "do-it-yourselfer" as they're always there for you no matter where you go.  They'll definitely become the lightest, most versatile tools you've ever owned!