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I have sold a property at 405 15368 17A AVE in Surrey.
In this quiet, top floor 4 year old condo you will immediately appreciate the extra height of the 9' ceilings. The practical floorplan leads you to a cook's delight kitchen with granite counters & SS appliances. Contemporary crownmoulding, baseboards & laminate floors add to the aura of luxury. Baths have tiled floors, granite counters, under-mount sinks & soaker tubs. Bedrooms and baths are separated by the LR which...
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I have sold a property at 20 220 11TH ST E in North Vancouver
I have sold a property at 20 220 11TH ST E in North Vancouver.
This centrally located town home offers all of the benefits of a single family home. It is spacious and airy with a welcoming courtyard entrance. Inside you'll find an updated 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home with galley kitchen which opens tothe dining/living areas. A private, fully fenced South facing patio/garden complete with a palm tree, that creates a calming feel. Special features of this 1540 sq. ft. TH are HW flooring,...
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I have sold a property at 3156 STRATHAVEN LANE in North Vancouver
I have sold a property at 3156 STRATHAVEN LANE in North Vancouver.
Over 2780 Sq Ft of great family living space in a solid home on a sizable corner lot. Three bedrooms up with an ensuite bathroom in the master bedroom, and a reno'd second bathroom. Three gas fireplaces, a huge sundeck with some views forentertaining, and a finished garden level main floor with a fourth bedroom and kitchen, perfect for extended living area, or to have for visiting guests. The main floor den could be...
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I have sold a property at 401 1737 Duchess AVE in West Vancouver
I have sold a property at 401 1737 Duchess AVE in West Vancouver.
Quiet and bright NE corner suite with small view to Lions Gate Bridge in 'Bristol Court'. Large covered balcony, only 4 suites per floor. Move in or update to your taste. Fabulous location within short walking distance to all the  attractions that 'Ambleside' has to offer. Solid building and a well managed strata. Immediate possession possible.
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I have sold a property at 514 Hadden in West Vancouver
I have sold a property at 514 Hadden in West Vancouver.
A sensational new home by 'Normar Pacific Developments' (master builder), ideally set on a beautiful city view lot in the lower British Properties. Private, level lot with sunny southwest rear yard exposure (ideal for pool). Covered and open patios with outdoor fireplace, large deck off master bedroom, 3 car garage with extended boat/trailer bay. 'High End' custom open plan with high ceilings & windows. Designer co-ordinated...
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I have sold a property at 2849 18TH AVE W in Vancouver
I have sold a property at 2849 18TH AVE W in Vancouver.
A tastefully remodelled, renovated and exceptionally well cared for 5 bedroom 4 bathroom Arbutus Home! Features include stainless appliances, gas range, hardwood floors and crown mouldings. This charmer has a low maintenance front yard,a private back yard, with a considerable sized sundeck for entertaining and two upper floor balconies with views to the North Shore Mountains. Great space! -- A fully finished, full height basement...
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I have sold a property at 829 17TH ST E in North Vancouver
I have sold a property at 829 17TH ST E in North Vancouver.
PRIME flat 9164 ft. private lot in sought after Boulevard area. Not to be missed!! Laneway access. Well taken care of yard. Roof 10 yrs old. Renovate this 3 bdrm UP and 1 bdrm DOWN with suite potential and large workshop OR plan to build your dream home. Call today for an appointment.
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I have sold a property at 813 Trans Canada Highway in Sicamous
I have sold a property at 813 Trans Canada Highway in Sicamous.
Investor alert! Potential gold mine here. House & shed on a large, flat, corner lot with great highway exposure, yet still private & quiet enough to enjoy. Adjacent lot is also for sale & opens up endless possibilities as the OCP allows commercial zoning applications. This is the perfect opportunity to purchase a home with a very optimistic return on your investment, so bring your ideas.
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I have sold a property at 1101 130 2ND ST E in North Vancouver
I have sold a property at 1101 130 2ND ST E in North Vancouver.
Inspiring 180 degree harbour and city views are noted the minute you enter this well maintained, and upgraded home in the highly thought of "Olympic" Building. Stainless and granite in the kitchen, teak hardwoods below you, and crownmouldings above. Floor to ceiling windows and a well thought out floor plan with the bedrooms separate, and each with its own bathroom. Enjoy the fitness room, or reflect in the building's...
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I have sold a property at 813  Trans Canada Highway in Sicamous
I have sold a property at 813 Trans Canada Highway in Sicamous.
Located in the heart of Sicamous with tremendous exposure to all vehicles moving east & west in this area of the Shuswap. Two adjacent lots approximately 0.82 acre (when combined), with 326 feet of frontage, depths of 105 feet at the west end & 117 feet at the east end. Property is now zoned R-1 & R-2, however it is designated Highway Commercial in the Official Community Plan. The sale can be made subject to the landlord...
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I have sold a property at 1237  Tunney  AVE in Sicamous
I have sold a property at 1237 Tunney AVE in Sicamous.
Located in the heart of Sicamous with tremendous exposure to all vehicles moving East & West in this area of the Shuswap. Two adjacent lots (approximately 0.82 acre when combined) with 326 feet of frontage, depts of 105 feet at the west and 117 feet at the east end. The property is now zoned R-1 & R-2, however it is now designated Highway Commercial in the Official Community Plan. The sale can be made subject to the landloard...
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I have sold a property at 395 STEVENS DR in West Vancouver.
Prime CORNER Building Lot 13,992 sq. ft. Driveway off of Bury Lane on quiet street off Stevens. Value in the land. Flat lot surrounded by mature landscape to give ultimate privacy. Centrally located nearby popular schools (Wescot), golfcourse, trails, transportation. Not to be missed.
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I have sold a property at 1904 GARDEN AV in North Vancouver
I have sold a property at 1904 GARDEN AV in North Vancouver.
Opportunity knocks for first buyers or those seeking one-level living. Rancher nestled back on a mature, fully fenced, 33 x 122 lot w/ lane access and detached single garage. Features 4 skylights, oak hardwood floors, cozy wood burning fireplace, and the family room off the kitchen could be turned back to the 3rd bedroom it was originally. Needs some TLC. Updates include new roof and hot water tank, 1 yr old furnace, do...
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I have sold a property at 602 540 LONSDALE AVE in North Vancouver
I have sold a property at 602 540 LONSDALE AVE in North Vancouver.
Come for the exceptional Ocean, Mountain & City view & stay for the premium upgrades & the Lower Lonsdale lifestyle. This elegant two bedroom two bathroom 907 sq ft suite has been extensively upgraded to the premium standards of today'supscale urban dwellers. Features include stainless appliances, granite countertops, platinum beach hardwood floors, tiled wrap around deck, custom millwork furniture in master bedroom...
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I have sold a property at 20 1900 INDIAN RIVER CREST in North Vancouver
Property Photo: 20 1900 INDIAN RIVER CREST in North Vancouver
I have sold a property at 20 1900 INDIAN RIVER CREST in North Vancouver.
'Tiffany Pines' long considered one of North Vancouver's most sought-after gated communities. This 'A' Plan offers plenty of glass to create a bright and inviting interior even on the dullest of days. The main floor features soaring vaulted ceilings in the living room and dining room, a large kitchen, eating area, family room, 2 fireplaces, sundeck and office/den. Upstairs features your sanctuary: a large master...
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I have sold a property at 3123 BROADWAY AVE W in VANCOUVER
Property Photo: 3123 BROADWAY AVE W in VANCOUVER
I have sold a property at 3123 BROADWAY AVE W in VANCOUVER.
RARE...PRIME Kitsilano location... Historical landmark Hollywood Theatre, family owned and operated for 75 years is now for sale! The opportunity is NOW to refurbish this once-in-a-lifetime HISTORICAL LANDMARK. The current C-2C zoning offers excellent development opportunity. For more info go to listing realtors websites. Call for an appointment today!
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I have sold a property at 303 ST ANDREWS AVE in North Vancouver
Property Photo: 303 ST ANDREWS AVE in North Vancouver
I have sold a property at 303 ST ANDREWS AVE in North Vancouver.
Welcome to St Andrew Mews. Enjoy your morning coffee and picturesque Vancouver Harbour & city views from your large private, South facing, roof top deck. Over 1,800 sq ft of living space on five levels. Three bdrms and den, plus a largerec/playroom that could be used as a fourth bedroom. This Townhome is conveniently located close to schools, public transportation, Lonsdale shopping, and the Seabus to Downtown. Some...
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I have sold a property at 7545 GRAND ST in Mission
Property Photo: 7545 GRAND ST in Mission
I have sold a property at 7545 GRAND ST in Mission.
A must see charming early century heritage style character home, on a large 11,000 sqft duplex zoned corner lot. Features include, hardwood floors, french doors, wood features and custom built-in shelving, overheight ceilings and beautifulviews of the valley. The house style has a gabled roof with the dominant front gable capped by a hip, suggesting Continental precedents, a style sometimes referred to as Germanic Cottage.
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I have sold a property at 206 3187 MOUNTAIN HWY in North Vancouver
Property Photo: 206 3187 MOUNTAIN HWY in North Vancouver
I have sold a property at 206 3187 MOUNTAIN HWY in North Vancouver.
Lynn Terrace II is an excellent 44 unit complex built by Bosa Development Corp. Great central location very close to the new Lynn Valley Center including library, coffee houses, shopping & transit. Only one owner of this 2 bedroom homefeaturing 1060 sq ft, gas fireplace, insuite laundry & newer appliances. Large storage room (also a storage locker downstairs) in original but move-in ready condition plus a huge balcony...
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Market update!!

 

As most of you have heard, sales in the Vancouver real estate market have been down this year, the numbers vary from area to area. The strata market has been soft, while single family homes and building lots have been significantly better, again depending on the area.

The media types have been talking about a so called bubble, and a correction in the real estate market, as if there will be some dramatic shift in prices one day. I believe this is a misnomer. To the contrary, we’ve seen small corrections happening every day over the last few months to compensate for the smaller number of sales, as opposed to a sudden price drop. So in effect, the correction has already and is already happening on a daily basis. This doesn’t mean that it could not correct more, or less as time goes on. Some buyers believe that because of the slow market, they should automatically submit low ball offers assuming that home sellers should be desperately trying to sell and escape the market before this correction, however again this is wrong thinking, as there is a good chance that new home sellers entering the market have priced their home correctly, given the current circumstances.

 

 I believe that because the interest rates have been so low for so long now, a lot of the new home buyers that could buy, did buy in the last couple of years, leaving a lack of new home buyers to drive the entry level market. There are however still a small number of new home buyers entering the market all of the time, and of course folks upsizing and downsizing, to continually add some buoyancy to our market.

     

Despite the market sales being lower this year, I’ve been very fortunate, so thank you friends, family, and valued clients!!   

 

 

All the Best!

 

Garth   

 
Who's Doing  High Fives Now?    SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2007
 

If you think lenders make too much money, you are not alone........ However, it's very likely that you, the borrower, are an eager participant in all those profits. Billions of dollars are literally given away to the banks each year because of consumer  pathy. Lenders know this and in fact they "bank" on it. What do we mean?
Well, a recent survey conducted by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reveals that despite all the new mortgage products on the market, people looking to renew their mortgage will more often than not, revert back to their current lender. In fact, according to the report, 81% of them did. Does this make sense when the competition could be offering lower interest rates and better terms? It doesn't. There is some good news though. This same survey indicates that consumers are shopping around slightly more than they were in the past. People that were renewing their mortgage were faithful to their financial institution to the tune of 88% in 2000. By 2006 this dropped 7 percentage points.
This decline in lender loyalty was also very evident in repeat home buyers and people that refinanced their mortgage because of wanting extra cash to make home  enovations or consolidate debt. In 2006 only 65% of these consumers went back to their current provider – well down from what it was in previous years. The only category that remained relatively stable was first-time home buyers.

57% of these buyers financed through their banking institution in 2000 and this remained almost constant - 58% in 2006. It would appear that first-time buyers are savvy and cautious when it comes to mortgage debt. Initially, they do their

research diligently when it comes to comparing lenders and what they can offer. However, these very same buyers that were so careful at the start, oon join the ranks of those that are "too busy" at mortgage renewal time to check out and compare lenders. Most people know that banking is a business. However, not all acknowledge that bank

employees are paid to look after the bank's best interests – not yours. In fact these employees have quotas to fill – big quotas! It is amazing that people will go to seminars sponsored by Lenders and expect to be told how to negotiate the best mortgage deal for themselves.  Puh-leeze! That's like inviting a fox to the chicken coop to tell the chickens how to avoid getting eaten by him. It makes no sense whatsoever, yet that is exactly what people do. Even more remarkable is the fact that these potential customers believe they are getting sound and unbiased information and actually act on the

advice given by the fox. This can be a very costly mistake. 

 
However, let us explore mortgage renewal in greater detail.
 
Mortgage funding is extremely competitive. Lenders spend an enormous amount of money just to get mortgage business in the first place and they certainly don't want to lose customers now or at any time in the future.
If homeowners would just take a few hours and shop around for several proposals from different lending institutions when their mortgage term is up, they might be pleasantly surprised about their findings. The chances are that they would quite possibly receive an offer from another Lender that is better in both interest rates and/or terms provided.
Lenders may even pay for all the set-up, transfer and legal fees when the mortgage business is transferred to them. Once a homeowner has different options in hand, the power to choose becomes theirs. They can accept this new favorable proposal or have their current lender match or better it. Odds are, your lender isn't going to be
willing to give up your business without a fight.
How much actual cash could be saved by keeping Lenders honest? Well, let's figure it out. A $300,000 mortgage calculated at 6% over a 25 year amortization period works out to monthly payments of $1,919.42. Conversely, at 5.5% and using the same criteria, the payments are $1,831.18. The difference is $88.24 per month. Now multiply that by 60 (five years of monthly payments) and you will see that by negotiating a better rate, rather than blindly accepting the first offer, you have saved $5,294.40. Really, with a little investigative effort, you could have put a stash of cash in your jeans or made a handsome contribution towards paying off your mortgage. Instead of the Lenders' CEO's counting profits and doing high fives around the boardroom table because of consumer apathy, you could be going on vacation. You may be trained to be loyal but hopefully, not tamed! Next time . . . shop around!
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