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New property listed in Willoughby Heights, Langley

I have listed a new property at 20834 80 AVE in Langley. See details here

Arguably one of the best outlooks and most functional floorplans in Alexander Square. Located on the quiet side overlooking the courtyard in the SE corner of Phase 1, this well layed out home offers morning sun through the kitchen windows, and some evening sun on the Balcony, while part of the balcony offers shade on those hot days. Featuring high 9' ceilings, Shaker style cabinetry, soft close drawers, 2 bedrooms 2 full baths,...

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New property listed in Willoughby Heights, Langley

I have listed a new property at A315 20834 80 AVE in Langley. See details here

Arguably one of the best outlooks and most functional floorplans in Alexander Square. Located on the quiet side overlooking the courtyard in the SE corner of Phase 1, this well laid out home offers morning sun through the kitchen windows, and some evening sun on the balcony, while part of the balcony offers shade on those hot days. Featuring high 9' ceilings, shaker style cabinetry, soft close drawers, 2 bedrooms 2 full...

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New property listed in Lynn Valley, North Vancouver

I have listed a new property at 2711 AILSA CRES in North Vancouver. See details here

Location, Location, Location - Three-bedroom 2 story on 7500 sf FLAT LEVEL LOT situated in sought after quiet, family friendly neighbourhood in convenient pocket area of Lynn Valley. The house is in original condition and is an opportunity to buy & hold; extensively renovate; or rebuild. Literally steps away from Lynn Valley mall, coffee shops, hiking trails, & Waldorf and Boundary Elementary Schools. Don’t miss your...

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New property listed in Mosquito Creek, North Vancouver

I have listed a new property at 108 809 16 ST W in North Vancouver. See details here

Unwind and relax in your spacious 250 SF South-facing outdoor patio that feels like a sanctuary surrounded by bamboo and your very own garden completely fenced in 2024. Spacious primary bedroom w/ bay window overlooking the private garden patio. Unit has a 5 x 4’5 storage by foyer perfect for future laundry (with strata approval). Easy access ground floor unit is the perfect pet lover building near the best walking...

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New property listed in Kitsilano, Vancouver West

I have listed a new property at 301 3270 4TH AVE W in Vancouver. See details here

Kitsilano Gem! Fully renovated one bedroom & den, one bath, 716 Sq Ft and great use of space. New stainless appliances, quartz countertops, Vinyl plank flooring, fireplace, new lighting and cabinets with under cabinet lighting. Super bright & clean and must be seen! Located in the heart of Kitsilano, a stones throw to Mcbride Park, with Playground and tennis courts. walking distance to schools and many shops and services....

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New property listed in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver

I have listed a new property at 1304 33 CHESTERFIELD PL in North Vancouver. See details here

Embrace the ultimate waterfront lifestyle in this exceptional Lower Lonsdale penthouse boasting AC and captivating park and water views. This expansive 2,470 sq ft condo is a true masterpiece. As you step inside, you'll be immersed in an open floor plan that harmoniously connects you with the surrounding natural beauty. The soaring 16ft ceilings add to the grandeur, complemented by a cozy gas fireplace and...

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New property listed in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver

I have listed a new property at 207 250 1ST ST W in NORTH VANC. See details here

Lifestyle is key here at Chinook House in Lower Lonsdale. A bright updated SW corner unit with windows on both the south and the west to allow the light to shine in. Nice updates including renovated kitchen and bath, flooring, Crown molding & stainless appliances. A pleasant outlook to the Boulevard, and the surounding trees offering privacy. The building has many recent updates, new balconies sliding doors, elevator,...

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New property listed in Sechelt District, Sunshine Coast

I have listed a new property at 5654 KINGBIRD CRES in Sechelt. See details here

OCEANVIEW RANCHER in SilverStone Heights community offers stunning panoramic Southerly views of Georgia Strait and the Trail Islands. A short 20 min walk to the many shops and services of Sechelt. Craftsman style rancher with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, with a welcoming foyer that leads you to the vaulted ceiling in the living room and open floor plan to the kitchen and dining room. Views from most rooms and sundeck right...

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New property listed in Mosquito Creek, North Vancouver

I have listed a new property at 115 735 15TH ST W in North Vancouver. See details here

Live in the heart of the city while on the edge of tranquil Mosquito Creek & green trees! Excellent design & zero waste of condo SF built 2012 w/ Canada’s highest level “GREEN” certification. Features open concept gourmet kitchen & chic bathroom w/ auto light sensor. Private entrance and 200 SF patio brings more serenity for your lifestyle. High urban living meets the active outdoors right out your doorstep: ski...

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I have listed a new property at 602 170 1ST ST W in North Vancouver. See details here

Lifestyle is key here at One Park Lane, a Premier 2005 Georgie Award winner for Best Bldg in BC. A bright two Bed, two full bath updated home with South Easterly views over the park, and down to the water from the balcony. Stainless and granite is standard here, crown mouldings, 9 ft ceilings, engineered flooring, gas fireplace, new dishwasher and a gas cooktop, also a double size storage locker. The bldg has numerous...

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New property listed in Scottsdale, N. Delta

I have listed a new property at 7883 115 ST in Delta. See details here

Quality finishings throughout this well cared for centrally located Scottsdale family home with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and 2 cozy fireplaces. High trayed ceilings walnut cabinets, granite counter tops and crown mouldings throughout, also bonus attic storage off of the master. Double garage with a shop flex space leading into the house. Your backyard & gazebo oasis awaits you for morning coffee, and after dinner gatherings. Family...

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New property listed in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver
I have listed a new property at 101 270 1ST ST W in North Vancouver.
Renovated Lower Lonsdale gem with an absolutely stunning large Patio, which has been recently redone along with other building upgrades. The suite features new bathroom sink, countertop, faucet and flooring, new kitchen countertops, new lighting, paint and more. Parking and storage are included. Building upgrades: Elevator, balconies and patios, windows and sliding doors, hot water tank, boiler and parking membrane....
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New property listed in South Marine, Vancouver East
I have listed a new property at 212 1990 KENT AVENUE SOUTH E in Vancouver.
Waterfront gem with river views! Updated in 2015 with hardwood and slate floors, recently added: new double stove, dishwasher, and new clothes washer/dryer. This bright and airy open concept 2 bedroom 2 full bath suite at Harbour House/Tug Boat landing is a must see. Spacious master bedroom huge walk in closet, large in-suite storage, newer gas fireplace and stainless appliances. Harbour house has an amazing...
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New property listed in Norgate, North Vancouver
I have listed a new property at 411 1061 MARINE DR in North Vancouver.
Enjoy mountain views from your large 226 sq ft covered balcony/deck in this fabulous top floor 2-bed 2-bath suite in X61. Urban by Nature X61 features open concept and sleek modern contemporary design with premium finishing. Stainless steel Fisher Paykel appliances, quartz countertops, gas range, undermount sink, built in microwave oven, floor to ceiling windows, and California closets are standard fare. Situated...
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New property listed in Central Abbotsford, Abbotsford
I have listed a new property at 305 2279 MCCALLUM RD in Abbotsford.
A well laid-out and tastefully renovated 2 bedroom in Alameda Court. This home features a fully open concept kitchen/living room with a sizeable Island, crown molding, newer appliances, lighting, and cabinets. It’s arguably one of the nicest units in the complex. Also features an enclosed balcony/sunroom with bonus storage and in-suite laundry. Alameda is a well-run complex with a proactive council and a fun social...
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New property listed in Grouse Woods, North Vancouver
I have listed a new property at 5706 OWL CRT in North Vancouver.
Enjoy City & Ocean views from beautifully updated 3112 SF townhome in Handsworth/Montroyal catchment. Rarely available (feels like house) w 4 bed (could b 5), 3 bath on quiet culdesac. Gourmet kitchen features gas stove, huge island (seating for 4), alcove for coffee/wine bar, that opens to family room w cozy gas fireplace leading to 719 SF patio facing greenbelt. Spacious & bright living/dining rm area w high ceilings...
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New property listed in Central Lonsdale, North Vancouver
I have listed a new property at 411 135 17TH ST E in North Vancouver.
Exquisite CONCRETE building - LOCAL ON LONSDALE! Excellent opportunity for an investor to take over current tenant who is wanting to stay! Spacious open concept 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom with floor to ceiling windows that offers a ton of natural light. Stylish kitchen with stone counters and S/S appliances. Updated modern floors and paint. Very walkable score of 87 & very bikeable score of 83, along with convenient...
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New property listed in Kitsilano, Vancouver West
I have listed a new property at 103 2028 11TH AVE W in Vancouver.
HEART OF KITS! Gorgeous 1 bed + storage/den unit boasts private ground level corner patio with 180 SF plus gate access to the huge gated grassy common area. Easy access outside to walk the dog or ride the bikes right out your patio! Relax by the gas fireplace while reading a book on the cozy window seat or entertain your guests BBQing your favorite dish while enjoying the flower garden! In-suite laundry, 1 Limited Common...
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New property listed in Central Lonsdale, North Vancouver
I have listed a new property at 1532 BEWICKE AVE in North Vancouver.
Feels like a house, SPACIOUS/PRIVATE Craftsman Style ½ Duplex in heart of North Vancouver: 3 levels, 6 bed/ 4 bath, 2500+ SQFT OR Lower Level can be in-law suite w/ 2 large beds, full bath w/ separate entrance. Features include: California Shutters; radiant in-floor heating; hardwood floors; central vac sys.; high ceilings; huge windows; security system; & large open kitchen w/ granite counters & S/S appl. Lots of...
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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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