Andrew Hasman - Real Estate Around Vancouver

Jill and Andrew Featured in Top Agent Magazine!

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 21:15:40 GMT

We are delighted to be featured in the recent issue of Top Agent Magazine, a Real Estate industry publication.

Re/Max Andrew Hasman featured in a Vancouver Is Awesome profile

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 19:18:07 GMT

Re/MAX Andrew Hasman were recently featured in Vancouver is Awesome.

Video Blog: City of Vancouver Character Retention Development & 3555 W King Edward has sold!

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 22:13:33 GMT

Video Blog: City of Vancouver Character Retention Development & 3555 W King Edward has sold!

July Market Minute

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 22:27:35 GMT

July 2020 Real Estate Update for Vancouver

Is now the time to buy or sell a home?

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 01:11:00 GMT

Our Personal Perspective

BC’s economy is now starting to open up which is great news. Nobody knows how this Covid 19 is going to play out going forward so for everyone, we are all just trying to figure out how to get on with our daily lives while staying safe and healthy.

With Real Estate being deemed an essential service by the Provincial Government, Jill and I want you to know that we are here for all our clients during this uncertain time to answer questions and help those looking to buy and sell. Yes, you can buy and sell a home during Covid 19 in a safe manor. Our industry has adapted over the past two months in the way we show, market and sell homes.

Over the past few weeks Vancouver has seen a nice steady uptick in real estate activity. While we are no- where near the 10 years sales averages of the past, we have seen a healthy bounce off the dismal April numbers. It feels like buyers and sellers are now getting more comfortable with getting out and getting on with their lives.

For those looking to sell, right now we see an ideal opportunity in many segments of the market. Record low housing inventory is great if you are looking to list your home. You have far less competition and many more buyers chasing far fewer homes listed for sale. This imbalance has resulted in many multiple offer scenarios and continued price stability in our market.

For home buyers, the past two months have seen fewer listings but also fewer buyers meaning in some cases more time to make a buying decision and the ability to negotiate. Money is dirt cheap so the cost of a mortgage is rock bottom. Why wait until all the buyers return. Buy now while money is cheap and you have the ability to negotiate.
To sum up we would say that timing the market is very difficult. It’s the right time to buy or sell when it’s right for you. We think that despite Covid 19 Vancouver’s housing market remains stable .

If you have any questions about the market in your neighborhood reach out and call or email us anytime.

Stay safe and stay healthy
Andrew & Jill Hasman

WE HAVE SOLD A PROPERTY AT 3284 W 35TH IN VANCOUVER

Tue, 26 May 2020 17:47:40 GMT

West Vancouver home sells for $100K above asking price

This 6 bedroom, 4 bath house in West Vancouver has just SOLD for more than $100K over its asking price!

Details: Prime Mackenzie Hts 37 x 130 RS5 Zoned lot. Home has had numerous upgrades in the past 12 years inc upgraded plumbing, hotwater On Demand Heat system & 200 amp Elect panel. Home is separated into 2 suites. Main & upstairs 4 bedrooms was rented at $ 4400pm. Freshly painted and upgraded Kitchen & main floor bathroom. Lower level has a self cont 3 bedroom suite. Present tenants pay $ 1800 m to m. Market rent is closer to $ 2300. Lovely corner lot with sunny back yard & sundeck. Lot size is 4797 sq ft.

West Vancouver homes in high demand

Planning to sell? Now is the time - a lack of properties on the market and plenty of interested buyers mean West-side owners have lots of opportunities to sell for a high price! Contact us at Re/max Andrew Hasman

May 2020 Market Update

Mon, 11 May 2020 19:19:49 GMT

Remax Andrew Hasman May 2020 Marketing Minute. What was the Vancouver Real Estate Market like in April 2020, and what can we expect to happen next?

Andrew and Jill's Real Estate Board April 2020 Stats for Vancouver East & West

Sat, 09 May 2020 03:39:00 GMT

The April 2020 Market stats are out and available for download. You get the following graphs and charts for both Vancouver East and Vancouver West.

Activity Snapshot by PropertyType
Detached Properties Report and Graph
Condo Report and Graph
Townhomes Report and Graph
Benchmark Price Graph
Average Price Per Square Foot

If you are interested in a report like this is for other areas, please contact me to request it and I'll send it to you.

DOWNLOAD VANCOUVER EAST & WEST

Support Local Vancouver Businesses, like The French Table

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 22:29:03 GMT

We're doing a series of videos to help shine a light on a few of our favourite local vendors we don't want to lose during COVID-19. A 20% drop in business is a lot for the big companies, but a 20% drop for local small business is often the end for them.

Small businesses are the backbone and soul of our communities. It’s more important than ever that we support local businesses at this time.

Jill Hasman chats with Herve Martin, owner of The French Table, a lovely bistro at 3196 Main Street about how Covid-19 has impacted his restaurant.

They are open for take out every day from 5-8pm.

Currently, take out represents 6-10% of their previous sales, but Herve emphasises how important it is to maintain a connection with his patrons.

Watch the video to hear Herve's top two menu items to be ordering!

Stay tuned for more videos on supporting Vancouver independent businesses.

Support Local Vancouver Businesses, like Hapa Izakaya

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 18:00:05 GMT

We're doing a series of videos to help shine a light on a few of our favourite local vendors we don't want to lose during COVID-19. In this video, we feature Hapa Izakaya in Yaletown, Vancouver.

Home buyers and sellers adjust their activities in March amid challenging circumstances

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 23:07:42 GMT

Metro Vancouver’s* housing market saw steady home buyer demand to begin March and a levelling off of activity as the month went on and concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak intensified.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 2,524 in March 2020, a 46.1 per cent increase from the 1,727 sales recorded in March 2019, and a 17.4 per cent increase from the 2,150 homes sold in February 2020.

Last month’s sales were 19.9 per cent below the 10-year March sales average.

“The first two weeks of the month were the busiest days of the year for our region with heightened demand and multiple offers becoming more common,” Ashley Smith, REBGV president said, “Like other aspects of our lives, this changed as concerns over the COVID-19 situation in our province grew.”

Daily residential sales on the region’s MLS® were 138 on average in the first ten business days of the month. In the final ten business days of the month, the daily average declined to 93 sales.

“Many of the sales recorded in March were in process before the provincial government declared a state of emergency. We’ll need more time to pass to fully understand the impact that the pandemic is having on the housing market,” Smith said.

“In recent weeks, REALTORS® have been working to help and guide their clients through this uncertain period. Many people have understandably chosen to put their home buying or selling plans on hold for now. Other people have more urgent housing needs and we’re trying to work with them to address these needs in the safest and most responsible way possible.”

There were 4,436 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in March 2020. This represents a 10.4 per cent decrease compared to the 4,949 homes listed in March 2019 and a 10.8 per cent increase compared to February 2020 when 4,002 homes were listed.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 9,606, a 24.8 per cent decrease compared to March 2019 (12,774) and a 4.5 per cent increase compared to February 2020 (9,195).

“Realtors were named among the province’s list of essential services last week,” Smith said. “This means that we have a responsibility to do what we can to help residents meet their housing and shelter needs while strictly following the most up-to-date public health orders and physical distancing requirements from our health officials and government agencies.”

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for March 2020 is 26.3 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 21.1 per cent for detached homes, 33 per cent for townhomes, and 28.9 per cent for apartments.

Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,033,700. This represents a 2.1 per cent increase over March 2019, and a 1.3 per cent increase compared to February 2020.

Sales of detached homes in March 2020 reached 852, a 61.1 per cent increase from the 529 detached sales recorded in March 2019. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,450,700. This represents a 0.7 per cent increase from March 2019, and a 1.2 per cent increase compared to February 2020.

Sales of apartment homes reached 1,179 in March 2020, a 35.1 per cent increase compared to the 873 sales in March 2019. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $687,000. This represents a 2.9 per cent increase from March 2019, and a 1.4 per cent increase compared to February 2020.

Attached home sales in March 2020 totalled 493, a 51.7 per cent increase compared to the 325 sales in March 2019. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $791,800. This represents a 2.5 per cent increase from March 2019, and a 0.9 per cent increase compared to February 2020.

GET THE FULL PDF PACKAGE

Can you sell a home during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 21:40:24 GMT

Here's Our Personal Perspective

How our world has changed in just a few short weeks. For most of us it means being confined to our homes only popping out for some fresh air, exercise and picking up groceries.

Jill and I want you to all know that during this crisis we will be working from home, taking calls and answering any of your inquiries. We think that for the most part, sales and new listing activity will slow down dramatically. That being said, there are always some home owners that have to sell for time sensitive reasons. For those few we want you to know that we are here to help. There are precautions that can be taken to minimize the health risk to all involved when it comes to listing and marketing a home.

If You Have to Sell

We are now implementing Virtual Open Houses, 3D Video tours of homes and procedures to ensure safety when it comes to in person viewings of a property.

During the pandemic there will be NO public open houses. All in person viewings will be handled in a controlled environment to ensure buyers enter a home 1 group at a time and use hand sanitizer prior to entering the home. Buyers will also be instructed to avoid touching any surfaces in the home. All buyers will be asked a series of questions to ensure they are not feeling unwell or have travelled in the past 14 days. Our clients & the public’s safety are our top priority during this challenging time.

For the majority of home owners and buyers, real estate may be far down on your list of priorities right now. We get it.

For most we all want to stay healthy and see this crisis behind us as soon as possible.

Jill and I want to wish everyone to stay safe and healthy and look forward to connecting with you soon.

March 2020 Market Update

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 01:01:00 GMT

Learn the latest trends in the Vancouver real estate market.

Let's Talk Real Estate, Vancouver Housing Market, January 2020 Update

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:44:56 GMT

Andrew Hasman, yor Vancouver Realtor, gives a quick recap on how the housing market has developed over the last year and where it stands currently, along with offering some helpful advice to anyone looking to sell their house this year.

January Market Update

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 22:44:00 GMT

Last year saw record low sales, this was due to new taxes on foreign buyers and uncertainty around that with both buyers and sellers, with some sub-markets such as the luxury housing sector seeing drops in price between 25% and 30%, while the larger market saw declines in price between 10 and 30%. We entered 2019 with many markets seeing more than 20 months of supply, that is enough houses on the market relative to buyers that it would take 20 months to sell them all. Prices tend to fall in markets where supplies of more than 9 months worth of houses persist for 3 months or more, 2019 was thus an extreme case of this and saw significant declines.

We feel that the market has picked up significantly since then, going from a buyer's market in the summer of last year to a more balanced market now, back to 10-year averages. We believe this was as buyers who had waited to see what would happen to the market with the introduction of the new tax, decided it was time to buy. By mid-october every house that we sold went into multiple offers, a clear indication that we had started to enter into a seller's market. We expect spring and summer sales are likely to be back at their traditional levels. So, while the market has rebounded since the loss last year, we also believe that it may be more stable moving forward as more of the demand comes from local buyers.

For those looking to sell their place, be sure to make it market ready, we can help with this, this can mean correcting issues that exist before the buyer finds them, and getting quotes on issues that you don't want to fix right now to give to the buyer. We suggest doing a pre-listing home inspection performed on your home, this is a very affordable service that can save you thousands of dollars later in negotiations with buyers. The last thing you want is buyers finding something that you weren't aware of in a home inspection and then wanting to negotiate a lower price with you because of it, or losing a buyer entirely. Don't rush your property to the market, you should rather spend 500 on a fix than have to renegotiate for $10,000.

A New Year greeting and a New Vancouver Property Assessment

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 00:12:00 GMT

Measured Architecture Inc | Seminar Series | Nov 21 2019

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 21:17:53 GMT

Jill and Andrew Hasman from RE/MAX Andrew Hasman & associates brings you an exclusive network of specialists to assist you with all your real estate needs as part of our ongoing Seminar Series. On November 21st from 7:30-9pm we will be providing a live market update on Vancouver real estate along with Clinton Cuddington from Measured Architecture Inc. who will be talking about renovating and building in Vancouver's dynamic and diverse landscape.

Measured Architecture is a full-service Vancouver-based studio practice focused on modern design, interiors and landscapes. Current projects include residential and vacation homes, multi-family housing, as well as public spaces. Their work is split equally between new builds and renovations.

If you'd like to find out the details and join us go to please click here to RSVP.

Look for our other up and coming speakers throughout the year.

Come see us at the Vancouver Fall Home Show, October 24-27

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 23:26:16 GMT

Lets talk real estate - at the Vancouver Fall Home Show, October 24-27

Few things are as important as your home. Considering the simple truth, we recognize that for most families, seniors and young people owning a home is the most expensive purchase you will make over your lifetime.

If you want to know how to present your home for the market, or want the tricks and tips on how to best be a buyer or a seller we have the inside track. We will be at the Vancouver Fall Home Show, October 24-27, 2019 and will be available to answer any of your Real Estate related questions whether its a specific home you have in mind or are just looking for some inspiration for a future home. We have you covered. Wear comfortable shoes and come by our booth #1219 to say hello.

We will also be doing a live Facebook draw on October 27th at 5pm for a large screen tv!

See you there!

The Experience is everything for this September Market

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 23:59:40 GMT

Best Places to Live: Vancouver

Fri, 10 May 2019 21:39:45 GMT

Located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Vancouver is the most populous city in the province with more than 600,000 people. Vancouver is a coastal seaport city with some of the warmest year-round temperatures in Canada. It boasts a beautiful landscape of sea and mountains and is a popular place for outdoor and urban enthusiasts.

We know that Canadian’s truly celebrate the liveabililty factors of their neighbourhood – the qualities that give homeowners the true satisfaction of their home within the context of a neighbourhood. In fact a Leger survey conducted by RE/MAX revealed that 89% of Canadians recommend their neighbourhoods to others. Unlike your home, neighbourhoods cannot be changed, so it is important to assess what qualities are important to you before you purchase. Luckily, when it comes to Vancouver, there is a lot of celebrate in terms of liveability.

A survey of RE/MAX Brokers revealed that the best places to live in Vancouver are Main, West End and Kerrisdale rank as the top three neighbourhoods in Vancouver for access to green spaces and parks, walkability, retail and restaurants and the ease of getting around/public transit.

In the same Leger survey, six-in-10 Canadians put easy access to shopping, dining and green spaces at the top of their liveability criteria. Proximity to public transit (36 per cent), work (30 per cent) and to preferred schools (18 per cent), as well as cultural and community centres (18 per cent) fall out of the top five neighbourhood wants and expectations. So how does Vancouver stack up?

If you are searching for the best place to live in Vancouver, Main ranks as the top hidden gem neighbourhood, while Mount Pleasant, Downtown – Vancouver West and Renfrew-Collingwood rank as the top three neighbourhoods for affordability and good supply of housing inventory.

Interested in seeing how Vancouver compares to other cities across Canada? Explore the RE/MAX Liveability Report to learn more about the features Canadians value when it comes to the places they live.

Best Places to Live: Canada Liveability Report

Fri, 10 May 2019 21:29:19 GMT

Canadians love where they live; RE/MAX Report explores some of the best places to live in Canada

89 per cent of Canadians would recommend their neighbourhoods to others
Major Canadian cities are a beacon for liveability

Canadians genuinely celebrate the liveability factors — the qualities that give each homeowner the true satisfaction of his/her home within the context of a neighbourhood — when it comes to choosing a property to buy and live in. In fact, 89 per cent of Canadians would recommend their neighbourhood to others according to a recent RE/MAX survey conducted by Leger. The latest RE/MAX report examined a variety of quality of life factors and how they impact Canadians’ home-buying decisions.

“Housing is often a contentious topic in Canada, with affordability and inventory being persistent problems from coast to coast,” says Christopher Alexander, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Ontario-Atlantic Canada. “However, when buyers are looking for a home, the search begins at the neighbourhood level. And the good news is that Canadians have lots of choice when it comes to ‘liveable’ cities and neighbourhoods.”

Six-in-10 Canadians put easy access to shopping, dining and green spaces at the top of their liveability criteria. Proximity to public transit (36 per cent), work (30 per cent) and to preferred schools (18 per cent), as well as cultural and community centres (18 per cent) fall out of the top five neighbourhood wants and expectations.

The proximity and availability of these liveability factors is so important that Canadians spend more than two-thirds of their time in their own neighbourhood. This rate is higher among Baby Boomers compared to Gen Z, Millennial and Gen X Canadians.

“While price and value are always top of mind for buyers, there are some aspects about a home that you can’t change,” says Alexander. “These liveability factors are what make your home more than just the place you live. They are at the heart of the Canadian experience, especially when you consider the survey results.”

RE/MAX brokers were also asked to tap into their neighbourhood expertise and rate their city on each liveability factor.

In the west, Calgary ranked high in seven out of 11 categories, including offering good access to employment opportunities, population growth, housing supply, housing affordability and easy access to bike lanes and/or walking paths. Confederation and Nose Hill Park are two of the most popular parks in the city and the Rotary Mattamy Greenway is the cycling equivalent to the ring road. Inglewood, Hillhurst and Charleswood rank as the top three all-around liveable neighbourhoods. Edmonton also ranked high in access to employment opportunities, number of top rated/preferred schools and easy access to bike lanes and/or walking paths.

“Despite reports of slowing economic conditions and a relatively flat real estate market in Alberta, Calgary and Edmonton shine as beacons of liveability,” says Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada. “This is a promising sign for any buyers considering a purchase in either city as they continue to develop as liveable cities in their own right.”

Toronto ranked medium for access to green spaces and parks but high for availability of big and small retail stores, population growth and access to healthcare facilities. The neighbourhoods that rated highest for access to green space and parks – Rosedale, Leaside and The Beaches – are also the most expensive. Conversely, Toronto’s most affordable neighbourhoods include parts of Scarborough and East York.

Vancouver ranked medium for availability of big and small retail stores, population growth and housing supply. However, it ranked high in availability of public transit, where the Skytrain and bus system prove exceptional; and walkability, especially in Yaletown. Main, West End and Kerrisdale are the top three all-around liveable neighbourhoods in Vancouver while Mount Pleasant, Downtown and Renfrew-Collingwood are the most affordable.

Other regions include Ottawa, where The Glebe neighbourhood is the best for walkability and public transit; Halifax, where Clayton park boasted high inventory; Hamilton, where Beasley was best for affordability; Winnipeg, where Transcona is a hidden gem neighbourhood; Saskatoon, where Nutana is the all-around best neighbourhood for liveability; and Nanaimo, where Central Nanaimo is best for affordability.

“Liveability encompasses the many intangibles when buying and selling a home than an algorithm will never sufficiently capture. You need word of mouth and the on-the-ground expertise of a REALTOR® who has genuine locale knowledge like few others,” adds Ash.

Key findings from the 2019 RE/MAX Liveability Report Survey

Learn more about Vancouver in this report by clicking here.

A lack of foreign buyers to blame for plummeting home prices

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 00:22:00 GMT

January real estate numbers show further softening of the Metro Vancouver real estate market, and nowhere is that effect more dramatic than on Vancouver's West Side.

I say the lack of foreign buyers is why homeowners who bought in the pricey part of the town a few years ago are now selling for huge losses.

Vancouver East and West Real Estate Stats for November 2018

Sun, 09 Dec 2018 00:12:00 GMT

The Novemebr Market stats are out and available for download. You get the following graphs and charts for both Vancouver East and Vancouver West.

Activity Snapshot by Property Type
Detached Properties Report and Graph
Condo Report and Graph
Townhomes Report and Graph
Benchmark Price Graph
Average Price Per Square Foot

If you are interested in a report like this is for other areas, please contact me to request it and I'll send it to you.

DOWNLOAD VANCOUVER EAST

DOWNLOAD VANCOUVER WEST

Metro Vancouver homes sales down across all property types

Fri, 07 Dec 2018 00:06:00 GMT

VANCOUVER, BC – December 4, 2018 – Home buyer demand remains below long-term historical averages in the Metro Vancouver* housing market.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales totalled 1,608 in the region in November 2018, a 42.5 per cent decrease from the 2,795 sales recorded in November 2017, and an 18.2 per cent decrease compared to October 2018 when 1,966 homes sold.

Last month’s sales were 34.7 per cent below the 10-year November sales average and was the lowest sales for the month since 2008.

“Home buyers have been taking a wait-and-see approach for most of 2018. This has allowed the number of homes available for sale in the region to return to more typical historical levels,” Phil Moore, REBGV president said. “This activity is helping home prices edge down, across all property types, from the record highs we’ve experienced over the last year.”

There were 3,461 detached, attached and apartment homes newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in November 2018. This represents a 15.8 per cent decrease compared to the 4,109 homes listed in November 2017 and a 29 per cent decrease compared to October 2018 when 4,873 homes were listed.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 12,307, a 40.7 per cent increase compared to November 2017 (8,747) and a 5.2 per cent decrease compared to October 2018 (12,984).

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for November 2018 is 13.1 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 8.9 per cent for detached homes, 14.7 per cent for townhomes, and 17.6 per cent for apartments.

Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“Home prices have declined between four and seven per cent over the last six months depending on property type. We’ll watch conditions in the first quarter of 2019 to see if home buyer demand picks up ahead of the traditionally more active spring market,” Moore said.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,042,100. This represents a 1.4 per cent decrease over November 2017 and a 1.9 per cent decrease compared to October 2018.

Detached home sales in November 2018 reached 516, a 38.6 per cent decrease from the 841 detached sales recorded in November 2017. The benchmark price for detached homes is
$1,500,100. This represents a 6.5 per cent decrease from November 2017 and a 1.6 per cent decrease compared to October 2018.

Apartment home sales reached 810 in November 2018, a 46.3 per cent decrease compared to the 1,508 sales in November 2017. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $667,800. This represents a 2.3 per cent increase from November 2017 and a 2.3 per cent decrease compared to October 2018.

Attached home sales in November 2018 totalled 282, a 36.8 per cent decrease compared to the 446 sales in November 2017. The benchmark price of an attached home is $818,500. This represents a 2.6 per cent increase from November 2017 and a 1.3 per cent decrease compared to October 2018.

GET THE FULL REPORT

Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Latest Market Stats

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 05:51:00 GMT

The September Market stats are out and available for download. You get the following graphs and charts for both Vancouver East and Vancouver West.

Activity Snapshot by Property Type
Detached Properties Report and Graph
Condo Report and Graph
Townhomes Report and Graph
Benchmark Price Graph
Average Price Per Square Foot

If you are interested in a report like this is for other areas, please contact me to request it and I'll send it to you.

DOWNLOAD VANCOUVER EAST

DOWNLOAD VANCOUVER WEST

Vancouver East and West Sales Stats Packs for August

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 00:15:00 GMT

Home buyer demand stays below historical averages in August

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 1,929 in August 2018, a 36.6 per cent decrease from the 3,043 sales recorded in August 2017, and a 6.8 per cent decline compared to July 2018 when 2,070 homes sold.

Last month’s sales were 25.2 per cent below the 10-year August sales average.
“Home buyers have been less active in recent months and we’re beginning to see prices edge down for all housing types as a result,” Phil Moore, REBGV president said. “Buyers today have more listings to choose from and face less competition than we’ve seen in our market in recent years.”

Download the Eastside stats pack here

Download the Westside stats pack here

Vancouver East and West Sales Stats Packs

Fri, 06 Jul 2018 22:00:00 GMT

With home sale activity dipping below long-term historical averages, the supply of homes for sale in Metro Vancouver* reached a three-year high in June.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 2,425 in June 2018, a 37.7 per cent decline from the 3,893 sales recorded in June 2017, and a 14.4 per cent decrease compared to May 2018 when 2,833 homes sold.
Last month’s sales were 28.7 per cent below the 10-year June sales average.

Download the Eastside stats pack here

Download the Westside stats pack here

Vancouver Housing Statistics for February 2018

Mon, 05 Feb 2018 21:49:34 GMT

Vancouver Housing Statistics for January 2018

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 21:05:00 GMT

Top Tips for Choosing the Best Family Vacation Spot

Fri, 24 Mar 2017 22:23:34 GMT

With Spring Break and Summer vacation in sight, you might be dreaming of escape to other climates. While your Vancouver home is where your heart is, vacation is a good way to rest and recharge so you can tackle that To Do List with a fresh, clear mind. Whether it’s prepping your Eastside house or Westside condo for the spring real estate market, or unpacking those last few boxes into your new home; a little holiday could be just the thing. But first, choosing the right destination can make or break your next family vacation.

How to Choose the Right Resort for All-Ages

It might not even be a resort! Be it a campground, all-inclusive, or Air BnB, choose your vacation ‘home’ carefully. It’s not just you (and your partner) anymore! Paying that little extra for a 1- or 2-bedroom suite so you and the kids --or grandparents!-- have your own sleeping areas is well worth the money to ensure everyone is well-rested for the days ahead. Whether you’ve got children, teens, or seniors along, researching ahead of time what amenities your hotel has for those age groups or are in the vicinity will save you wasting precious vacation time later.

Use the big sites like Expedia.com, Booking.com, and Hotels.com as a jumping off point, then visit the hotel’s website directly for room options, availability, and amenity details.

Keep Your Options Open

If an all-inclusive sounds like heaven to you, keep in mind that you’ll want to keep your options open. While it’s fine to simply sit by the pool day in-and-out, the others in your group might not feel the same. There’s plenty of fun to be had beyond the hotel wall: do a little leg-work on what’s available for sightseeing around the property. Most destinations have kid-friendly parks, and make sure there’s something for adults, too! Choosing a vacation that’s solely for one age-group won’t be much fun for everyone.

Direct Is Best

Choosing your perfect family vacation spot can be as simple as picking one with a direct flight. Long travel days wear on everyone; little ones to unaccustomed adults alike. Also, by choosing a home-away-from-home that’s central to all the things you want to do, you’ll save on the hassle of transporting multiple people--and the possibility of meltdowns. Keeping your expectations low and daily To See list short are also key.

#1 Way to Ensure Family Vacation Bliss

BE FLEXIBLE. Over the years as airport and border security have tightened with more stringent rules and international destinations come with a whole new set of tricky obstacles to maneuver, it’s become key to plan ahead. However, unexpected things will crop up. Also, take into account traveling with more people automatically means things will take more time and it’s important to keep that in mind. Sometimes, it’s best to just go with the flow, keep your cool, and everyone will have a better time for it! Remember the cardinal rule of travel: it’s supposed to be fun.

Let us know your favourite family vacation destinations in the comments below!

Low Housing Supply Limits Metro Vancouver Housing Market Activity

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 20:43:59 GMT

February 2017 saw the lowest number of new listings registered for the month since 2003, and the sales were 7.7% below the 10-year average.

However, “While home sales are not happening at the pace we experienced last year, home seller supply is still struggling to keep up with today’s demand. This is why we’ve seen little downward pressure on home prices, particularly in the condominium and townhome markets,” said Dan Morrison, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver president.

The numbers are being attributed to limited supply and the unexpected and prolonged snowy weather. Residential home sales totalled 2,425; a 41.9% decrease from February 2016 but a whopping 59.2% increase from January 2017.

The February 2017 Vancouver Housing Market by the Numbers:

New Listings (detached, attached, and apartment): 3,666
36.9% decrease from February 2016
11.4% decrease from January 2017

Total Active listings on MLS®: 7,594
4.0% increase from February 2016
4.9% increase from January 2017

Sales-to-Active Listings Ratio: 31.9%

Benchmark price for all residential properties: $906,700
1.2% decrease from January 2017

Benchmark price for a detached property is $1,474,200
6.5% decline over the past 6 months
0% change from January 2017

Detached property sales totaled 745
58.1% decrease from February 2016

Benchmark price for an apartment property is $526,300
2.3% increase over the past 6 month
2.7% increase from January 2017

Apartment property sales totaled 1,275
28.8% decrease from February 2016

Benchmark price for an attached unit is $675,500
0.3% decrease over the past 6 months
1.3% increase from January 2017

Attached property sales totaled 404
33.1% decrease from February 2016

For a complete comparison, visit rebgv.org. Want to sell, buy, or require a consultation? Contact us today!

*REBGV Editor’s Note: Areas covered by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and South Delta.

Best Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Vancouver

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 20:19:38 GMT

Forget Canada Day and the 4th of July; if there’s one National ‘holiday’ that’s gone international, it’s St. Patrick’s Day! Despite its Irish Catholic origins, the deeper meaning behind March 17th festivities has given way to a reason to let loose and party like the Irish. So in celebration of all things Celtic, here’s a list of the Top 5 things to do around Vancouver for St. Patrick’s Day.

Pick a Pub

Vancouver isn’t short on good watering holes, and when it comes to Irish pubs, we have a few of the best on the West Coast. So in keeping with tradition, raise a pint to St. Patty at one of these fine establishments:

Doolin’s Irish Pub (654 Nelson St) features live music.

The Irish Heather (210 Carrall St) is a Gastown landmark and also has a Whiskey bar

Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub (1601 Main St) will have an all-day St. Patty’s day party with live music and Irish dancers

Mahony & Sons Pub for a good Irish time, choose from its 3 locations.

St. Patrick’s Day Eve Party + Festival at The Blarney Stone

Just like their poster promises, be the first person at The Blarney Stone for the big day by spending St. Patrick’s Day Eve partying with live music and a balloon drop at midnight. Then, join their St. Patrick’s Day Festival from 9am - 3am, March 17th. The Blarney Stone will be serving up fun for the whole family. Live music, face painters, entertainment and Irish inspired food.

Catch a Play for St. Paddy’s Day

For something a little different, forgo the drinks in favour of entertaining stage plays--with an Irish twist. Catch the darkly comic Almost a Stepmom at the Havana Theater and Belfast Girls at the Cultch as part of Celtic Fest.

CelticFest 2017

This annual tradition brings East and West Vancouver together with various celebrations going on around town. From pub crawls to plays, and a Celtic Village in Robson Square Friday the 17th - Saturday the 18th, check the official CelticFest website for a complete schedule of the 9-day event and to get your tickets.

St. Patrick’s Day 5K

It’s not too late to sign up for the BMO St. Patrick’s Day 5K Saturday, March 18th. Save your drinking plans for a toast post-race and feel good about those extra pints you plan to have!

Cheers! Or as the Irish say, Slainté!

Top Tips for Cutting Your Electricity Bill

Fri, 03 Mar 2017 21:59:41 GMT

It seems winter just doesn’t want to quit this year! As the colder weather persists in Vancouver, so does the drain on your wallet as we use more electricity to heat our homes. Looking for ways to offset your climbing heating bills?

If you’re thinking of listing your Vancouver house for sale, then we’ve rounded up our top tips to curb your electricity usage and prevent you from pouring more money into it while you wait to sell.

Window + Door Coverings

Keep window coverings closed to avoid heat-loss through windows. Conversely, when the sun decides to arrive for the season, this will keep indoor temperatures regulated and reduce your need for an air conditioner! Storm doors will do the same for doors.

Invest in a little weather-stripping, or a lot in proper insulation. Both will help prevent heat-loss and high energy bills.

Lighting

Consider replacing your bulbs with LEDs, which use approximately 90% less energy than incandescents. Don’t forget, nightlights count! The high cost of LED lightbulbs can be a deterrent, but long-term they will save you money. Another trick is to install dimmer switches. That way, you’ll only use the amount of light you need.

Your Fridge + Freezer

Stock your fridge and freezer well; food acts as insulation so your refrigerator doesn’t have to work so hard. Also, only store covered food and dishes that have already cooled off so your fridge doesn’t have to do double-duty.

Those Other Appliance Drains

You know all those TVs and accessories, kitchen appliances and computers that glow with the time and other settings? They’re draining your electricity. Consider plugging them into a power strip, then switch it off between uses.

Other ways to stop the drain is to turn off the “Heated Dry” on your dishwasher, only do dish and laundry loads when you have a full load, and always wash laundry on cold. Also, check when your off-peak hours are and only run appliances then for cheaper electric rates.

Hot Water Tanks

Insulate it well and drain it twice per year of sediment to keep it running at top efficiency. If you install a water heater timer so the tank only runs when you need it most, you have the opportunity to see a 5 - 12% reduction in your hot water heater’s energy costs.

If you’ve just bought your dream house on Vancouver’s Westside or are calling the East Side home now, these money-saving tactics will also help you ease into homeowner bliss!

The Best Valentine’s Spots in Mt. Pleasant

Tue, 14 Feb 2017 18:12:42 GMT

Why save all the hearts and flowers for just one day? Tell whomever you love that you do--and often. Love is what makes a house a home, after all! But if you’re keen to celebrate this February 14th and recently buy a house in Vancouver, we’ve compiled a list for those of you new to the Mt. Pleasant neighbourhood where to splurge on your favourite person (and yourself!).

Vancouver Harbour Cruise for Two

Cruise the harbour for a three-hour dinner and dance. Featuring a live DJ, cash bar and complimentary glass of champagne, Spirit Cruises’ annual Vancouver Valentine’s Day Cruise is a memorable way to spend the most romantic day of the year, gliding along the water with the twinkling city lights as a backdrop. Ship off at 6:30 on Valentine’s, get your tickets here.

Indulge in Vancouver’s Annual Hot Chocolate Festival

Toast to the day of love and friendship with a steaming mug of cocoa, devised by some of Vancouver’s best chefs especially for the Hot Chocolate Festival. February 14th marks the last day of this annual event; a must-do on the list for new residents. Indulge at Mt. Pleasant institution French Made Baking, then download the free walking map to check out the rest of the best.

Valentine’s for One at the Last Crumb Bakery

Get cozy at the Last Crumb Bakery. Nostalgic baked goods and savoury treats await at this Mt. Pleasant cafe, and everything is made fresh and in small batches with no preservatives. So you can feel good about eating out for 1, because you are your best first love! Treat yourself well.

Romantic Dinner for Two at Burdock and Co. in Mt. Pleasant

Enjoy an elegant, candle-lit dinner for two at one of Mt. Pleasant’s most delicious restaurants. A celebration of what makes the Canadian Pacific Northwest so special, Burdock and Co. offers up an artisanal feast of natural West Coast flavours, craft beers and local wines.

Where’s your favourite local spot to celebrate Valentine’s? Share with us on Facebook!

Tips for Dealing with Winter in Vancouver

Thu, 09 Feb 2017 22:31:07 GMT

As Vancouver residents deal with one of the snowiest winters in decades, we’ve collected our favourite tips to keep your East Vancouver real estate protected from the unexpected wintery onslaught.

Shovel Early and Often

This is your #1 best bet to keeping your walkways, driveway, drains and landscaping safe and skid-free. As snow compacts, you’ll be facing ice that needs taking care of as well as slushy times ahead.

Slow Down It’s Slippery Out There!

Beware of slush! Whether you’re walking or driving around Mt. Pleasant and beyond, it has the potential to freeze so keep your front walk area free of this hazardous winter by-product. Same goes for Black Ice; this invisible peril is the result of snow melting as temperatures rise, then rapidly drop especially in shaded areas and as the sun goes down. Be aware, and go slow!

Clearing Snow Will Save your Cement

While the City of Vancouver is doing it’s best to clear roads and walkways, doing your part to keep your corner of the neighbourhood relatively snow-free is beneficial to everyone. Not only will you avoid a possible fine, but keeping walkways in front of your home and driveways clear will save the cement they’re made from. Ice can get into fine cracks and as it expands and melts, create craters in the material which will have to be filled in the Spring. So grab a shovel and enjoy the fresh air!

Salt Vs. Sand

Rock Salt lowers the freezing point of water and is traditionally used to keep snow from turning into ice. This mineral form of table salt is a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-get option. However, the salt residue can be harmful to your grass and shrubbery that line the drive and walkways. It can also eat away at concrete and steel over time, which isn’t good news in the long run for your driveway.

Sand on the other hand provides traction at any temperature without physically melting the ice. So if it gets buried by more snow, you’ll have to reapply this option more frequently. Be mindful when shoveling as the sand can clog drains which will be a problem later in the spring rainy season. Sandbox sand is your best bet for size of grain and availability.

Icicles and Ice Dams

Icicles may look lovely, but these frozen daggers pose a serious threat of injury as well as harm to your home. As it gets warmer out, they’ll start to melt and potentially break off; puncturing anything beneath them. They can also create ice dams which could lead to meltwater getting inside your home if there are any air leaks or inadequate insulation.

Share your best snow and ice coping methods with us on Facebook and from your Vancouver real estate experts: Be safe out there!

2017 Metro Vancouver Housing Market Off to a Quiet Start.

Thu, 09 Feb 2017 17:22:00 GMT

The 2017 Metro Vancouver real estate market opened at 10.3% below the 10-year sales average for January.

“From a real estate perspective, it’s a lukewarm start to the year compared to 2016,” said Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver president Dan Morrison. “While we saw near record-breaking sales at this time last year, home buyers and sellers are more reluctant to engage so far in 2017.”

1,523 residential properties sold last month, a 39.5% decrease from the 2,519 sales in January 2016 and a 11.1% decrease from the 1,714 sold in December 2016.

Property type is proving to be a key factor as townhome and condominiums continue to be active markets while detached homes are declining in popularity by about 7% since their peak last July.

An in-depth look at January 2017 Sales:

The 2017 Metro Vancouver real estate market opened at 10.3% below the 10-year sales average for January.

1,523 residential properties sold last month, a 39.5% decrease from the 2,519 sales in January 2016 and a 11.1% decrease from the 1,714 sold in December 2016.

Property type is proving to be a key factor as townhome and condominiums continue to be active markets while detached homes are declining in popularity by about 7% since their peak last July.

An in-depth look at January 2017 Sales:

New Listings (detached, attached, and apartment): 4,140
6.8% decrease from January 2016
215.5% increase from December 2016

Total Active listings on MLS®: 7,238
9.1% increase from January 2016
14.1% increase from December 2016

Sales-to-Active Listings Ratio: 21%

Benchmark price for all residential properties: $896,000
0.2% decrease from December 2016

Benchmark price for a detached property is $1,474,800
6.6% decline over the past 6 months
0.6% decrease from December 2016

Detached property sales totaled 444
57.6% decrease from January 2016

Benchmark price for an apartment property is $512,300
0.3% increase over the past 6 month
0.4% increase from December 2016

Apartment property sales totaled 825
24.7% decrease from January 2016

Benchmark price for an attached unit is $666,500
0.4% decrease over the past 6 months
0.7% increase from December 2016

Attached property sales totaled 254
32.4% decrease from January 2016

For a complete comparison, visitrebgv.org. Want to sell, buy, or require a consultation? Contact us today!

Vancouver West - The January Report

Tue, 07 Feb 2017 23:12:48 GMT

Vancouver East: The January Report

Tue, 07 Feb 2017 21:42:36 GMT

Luxury Winter Escapes Near Vancouver

Fri, 20 Jan 2017 19:05:50 GMT

You won’t have to travel far this winter to indulge in some of the best winter escapes that BC has to offer. If you’re thinking of listing your Mt. Pleasant house or condo for sale soon, now is the time to indulge in a little R and R before the packing begins.

The Best Winter Adventure in Whistler

Kick your ski trip up a notch with Whistler Heli-Skiing. Expect breath-taking views and heart-stopping slopes as you experience 432,000 acres of vast mountain terrain including 173 glaciers. With 475 runs to choose from ensuring no snowboarding or skiing run will be the same, an experienced team to guide you, and freedom from the daily grind; what more could you ask for to beat those winter blues away?

World Class Luxury in Tofino

If fresh local culinary delights with 240 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, an afternoon of indulgence at the Ancient Cedars Spa, and world class accommodations are more your style, it’s time to visit the Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino. Check in to a fireplace-warmed suite and enjoy Storm Season in one of BC’s most beautiful spots, celebrating “20 years of rustic elegance on nature’s edge.”

The Best Friends Getaway at Grouse Mountain

Grab your favourite group of people and head up the mountain for the Grouse Mountain Snowshoe Fondue. Reservations are required for this private snowshoe tour, which includes an experienced guide, your rental, and an après snowshoeing fondue in Altitudes Bistro. With cheese, broth, and chocolate courses, this social dining experience on the peak of the North Shore is the perfect antidote to dreary weather days.

Find Whole Body Health at Sparkling Hills Resort

Just north of Kelowna, BC lies the European-inspired wellness resort Sparkling Hills. The world’s first and only Swarovski Crystal (3.5 million crystals adorn the property) hotel, the first class escape offers up fresh fine dining, stunning views of the Okanagan Valley, and a holistic health spa. KurSpa features 7 crystal-infused steam and saunas, several pools and a vast wellness spa menu.

So whether you’re planning to list, or buying real estate in the Mt. Pleasant area, these winter destination gems are just a hop, skip, and short plane or car ride away. Just a few of the reasons we love beautiful BC so much as your Vancouver real estate experts.

Your Best Bets for a Dine Out Date in Mt. Pleasant

Tue, 17 Jan 2017 23:20:40 GMT

Besides the beautiful scenery, happening cultural scene and healthy lifestyle that makes our city so covetable, annual traditions like Dine Out Vancouver January 20th - February 5th is what makes Vancouver real estate so hot. We love this particular tradition that allows us to taste and savour some of the best cuisine the Lower Mainland has to offer, for all budgets and palates. Did you recently buy a home in Mt. Pleasant? You’re in for a treat: here’s our favourite Dine Out options right on your doorstep.

Vegetarian Restaurant Acorn’s Fresh Offering For Dine Out Vancouver

One of Scout Magazine’s Top 25 Restaurants of 2016, award-winning Acorn offers up seasonal vegetarian plates and cocktails in a fashionable atmosphere. Check out their special Dine Out menu here, and don’t forget to book ahead! Space is limited, but the service makes up for it. 3995 Main St.

Grab a Pint and Dine Out at the Historic Steel Toad Brew Pub

Limited seating is never an option at the Steel Toad Brew Pub & Dining Hall. The 200 seat pub and adjacent 75 seat restaurant beside the Olympic Village may be large, but this converted steel fabricating plant isn’t short on fresh pints, good food, and pleasant staff. Book now for your hearty Dine Out experience. 97 East 2nd Ave.

Chicha Serves Up Peruvian Fare with Flair

Small share plates and a casual modern ambiance epitomize the creative flavours inspired by Peruvian culture at Chicha. Named after the popular purple corn, spices, pineapple and citrus Peruvian drink, the Chicha Morado, Chicha is the quintessential Date Night place, sure to become your go-to place for good eats in a fun atmosphere. Their Dine Out menu does not disappoint. 136 East Broadway.

Exotic Flavours from the Far East Spice Up Date Night

East is East, Chai Lounge captures the vibrant energy of the ancient Silk Road and its colourful eateries (dhabba’s) and vendors. The East side’s locale of this Vancouver institution’s extensive Dine Out menu of diverse flavours including gluten-free and vegetarian options. 4433 Main St.

For more Mt. Pleasant restaurants participating in Dine Out Vancouver, see their official site. Enticed to check out the neighbourhood? As your east side realty experts, we’re always available for a consultation.

The 2016 REBGV Report Recap

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 23:20:26 GMT

Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver president, Dan Morrison, summed up 2016 best, saying it was “an eventful year for real estate in Metro Vancouver.” While it was Metro Vancouver’ housing market’s third highest selling year behind 2015 and 2005 with sales totaling 39,943; 2016 still ended on an uncertain note.

“As prices rose in the first half of the year, public debate waged about what was fuelling demand and what should be done to stop it. This led to multiple government interventions into the market. The long-term effects of these actions won’t be fully understood for some time.” said Morrison. He went on to say, “The supply of homes for sale couldn’t keep up with the homebuyer demand for much of 2016. This allowed home sellers to raise their asking price. It wasn’t until the last half of the year that prices began to show modest declines.”

2016 topped out at $897,600 as the benchmark price for all residential properties. This was with only a 2.2% decrease through the latter half of the year, yet still a 17.8% increase compared to December 2015. December’s sales alone were 8.1% below the 10-year average for the month.

Vancouver Real Estate Statistics Report December 2016:

Total December Sales: 1,714

39.4% decrease from December 2015
22.6% decrease from November 2016
8.1% below the 10 year average

New Listings (detached, attached, and apartment): 1,312

35.1% decrease from December 2015
58.3% decrease from November 2016

Total Active listings on MLS®: 6,345

5.3% increase from December 2015
24.3% decrease from November 2016

Benchmark price for a detached property is $1,483,500

18.6% increase from December 2015
1.8% decrease from November 2016

Detached property sales totaled 541

52.4% decrease from December 2015

Benchmark price for an apartment property is $510,300

17.3% increase from December 2015
0.3% increase from November 2016

Apartment property sales totaled 915

25.3% decrease from December 2015

Benchmark price for an attached unit is $661,800

20.4% increase from December 2015
0.8% decrease from November 2016

Attached property sales totaled 258

44.6% decrease from December 2015

If you’re interested in seeing the complete breakdown, visitrebgv.org for all of the detailed comparisons. Want some advice on how your home fits in? Call us for a consultation today!

*REBGV Editor’s Note: Areas covered by Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and South Delta.

Your Guide to Local Vancouver Skiing

Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:11:00 GMT

Tis the season to pack up and head for Vancouver’s best slopes. Whether you’re looking to get fit as one of your New Year’s resolutions or simply want to breathe in the crisp mountain air, three of BC’s finest hills for hitting the powder are right in our backyard. So if you’re new to the city or looking to reacquaint yourself, break out the wax, don your winter duds and grab our guide to decipher which peak is for you.

The View: Grouse Mountain

Standing guard over our shores is undoubtedly one of Vancouver’s top tourist attractions. Grouse Mountain also happens to offer skiers incomparable views from the slopes and the best part: 14 of their 26 runs are open for night skiing from 4pm - 10pm. Take in panoramic views of Vancouver’s glittering lights and the Pacific Ocean from the gentle slope of The Cut at sunset for an unforgettable experience. Day group and private lessons are also available for beginners.

Snowboard Heaven: Cypress Mountain

Cypress Mountain’s claim-to-fame is host to the 2010 Winter Games’ snowboard half-pipe event. Offering three mountains of varied terrain only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, The District is where you’ll find the experienced boarders while beginners and experimenters appreciate the airbag safety net at Patio Park. Skiers will enjoy 53 downhill runs to choose from, including Vancouver’s highest vertical along with the Top Gun mogul challenge. There’s also a Nordic Area featuring snowshoeing and cross country trails, and a tubing park.

The Contender: Mt Seymour

200 acres of snowboard and skiing terrain featuring 40 trails make Mt. Seymour a serious contender for great local winter mountain sports this side of the Sea-to-Sky highway. The multi-purpose mountain also has a tube park, tobogganing hill, snowshoeing and lessons available for all ages. Several of Mt. Seymour’s runs are open for night skiing if you’re craving an exhilarating ride after work.

Keep in mind it’s always a good idea to have a solid set of winter tires on your vehicle before heading up the mountain. Shuttles are available as well and more detailed information can be found on each destination’s website.

image credit: By CanucksWhitecaps (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons

How To Make Your New Year’s Financial Resolutions Stick

Mon, 26 Dec 2016 18:46:00 GMT

We all do it. Every year, the clock strikes midnight on December 31st and we’re flooded with hope: this year will be different, better. This year, you’ll be able to buy that dream home despite Vancouver’s resilient real estate market. Perhaps you already own a condo and want to upgrade to a detached house, or purchase an investment property to add to your portfolio. Whatever your real estate goals, there are a few ways you can make your financial resolutions stick for 2017.

Make A Budget

Tried and true, the oldest way is the best way. Tedious, yes, but your best chances at succeeding at your financial goals is to create monthly budget, and stick to it. And what’s the best way of doing that? Paying in cash. In our digital age it’s far too simple to spend too much money; online, via plastic, it’s almost like it’s not real. Designate your cash allotments and it’ll be much easier to keep track, and harder to part with, your hard-earned cash.

Put It In Writing

Making a plan is great, putting it on paper for constant reference is a proven way to succeed at achieving your goals. Create a list of financial resolutions--be as detailed as possible--and post it somewhere that you can’t miss. Include deadlines, as well. Even if they’re self-imposed, the idea that there is outward pressure can have a positive impact.

Be Accountable

Get your spouse or partner involved for accountability; finances can be a tricky conversation, but worth it to be on the same page if you’re saving for something like a down payment together. Telling someone else your plan to financial stability puts it on you to follow through on your goals.

Start Small

Create momentum by doing what you can, as soon as you can. Don’t wait for that elusive, “perfect day” to start a Tax Free Savings Account or RRSP. No matter how small, watching it build will be incentive enough to continue. Along those lines is another goody: keep it short and simple. Sure, it’s always good to visualize big, broad dreams like owning a home or additional investment property. But break it down; start by opening a special savings account. Then, lay out new steps at the start of each month, and before you know it, that big goal will be achieved.

Leave It To The Professionals

If navigating the Vancouver real estate market is on your list of resolutions, as always we recommend consulting with an honest, dependable realtor to ensure your financial stake from the sale or purchase of property goes smoothly, and happens at the greatest benefit to you.

As one of Vancouver Westside’s top realtors, we’re always happy to sit down for a consultation; Contact us today. Wishing you all a very happy and successful New Year!

Saying good bye to 2016

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 03:50:00 GMT

For those of you watching the real estate market in 2016 every day brought us another housing story. The year started off just like 2015, ending with an unprecedented level of sales activity and upward pressure on price. No one could have predicted a year ago that Vancouver house prices would climb another 25% in the first 6 months of 2016.

The buying frenzy kept us all glued to day to day market news. Terms like Shadow Flipping became a regular topic for discussion.

After months and months of rising prices, Vancouver residents began to shout louder and louder about the affordability crisis. There was such an uproar from the public that government officials began to enact new policies to slow the market.

Shadow Flipping & Assignments of contracts were clamped down on. The incentives for individuals to get involved in such practices were eliminated. This took many speculators out of the market.

The Property Transfer Tax on transactions over $3 million was increased to slow the high end of the market. Then the Foreign buyers were clamped down on by adding a flat 15% Purchase Tax onto the already existing PTT which became law after only one week of being enacted.

We began to see numerous media stories about illegal laundered money and shady real estate transactions involving foreign buyers and their local realtors. This resulted in a complete revamp of the real estate industry and how it is to be governed moving forward.

With low vacancy rates, scarce rentals and offshore owned empty houses, next came the Vacancy Tax. The city is hoping this will force investors to rent out there empty properties and ease the lack of available rentals in the city.

By fall, the government became worried about spiralling mortgage debt and rules were enacted to tighten mortgage lending. If you were a buyer with less than 20% down, overnight your buying power diminished by 20%. Banks also tightened rules for non residents, making it much more difficult to get a mortgage.

All these new policies caused our market in Vancouver to cool off dramatically, and prices begin to fall by as much as 15% by year end.

So many buyers and sellers moved to the sidelines by year-end to watch and see how the next chapter of Vancouver Real Estate plays out.

No one knows the direction we will see in 2017 and there are plenty of opinions, from prices levelling out to prices continuing to fall.

We tell all our clients to make their real estate decisions based on their own personal circumstances, risk tolerance and information we have at present. If you listen to the news media, friends, relatives and so-called experts, you get such a wide range of opinions.

At this time of year, we want to thank all our clients - past and present - for your continued support over the years, and we wish you all a wonder Holiday Season and New Year ahead. We have so much to be thankful for. If you have any real estate questions, or friends or family in need of assistance, please pass on our contact information. We are here to help.

Happy Holidays!

Andrew & Jill Hasman

Vancouver Real Estate Averages Hover at Historical Levels

Wed, 07 Dec 2016 18:55:45 GMT

Home sales in Metro Vancouver were only 7.6% below the 10-year sales average for November. “While 2016 has been anything but a normal year for the Metro Vancouver housing market, supply and demand totals have returned to more historically normal levels over the last few months,” said Dan Morrison, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver president.

Overall, residential home sales totalled 2,214; a decrease of 0.9% from October 2016 and a 37.2% decrease from November 2015. Detached homes are seeing the most impact at the moment, as demand (relative to supply) for them is lower than for townhomes and apartments. This is causing a stabilizing effect on prices for townhomes and apartments, while detached homes are on a modest price decline.

The November Numbers:

New Listings (detached, attached, and apartment): 3,147
7.2% decrease from November 2015
20.9% decrease from October 2016

1.2% below the 10-year average for the month

Total Active listings on MLS®: 8,385
3.6% increase from November 2015
8.3% decrease from October 2016

Sales-to-Active-Listings ratio: 26.4%

Benchmark price for all residential properties: $908,300
20.5% increase from November 2015
1.2% decrease from October 2016

Benchmark price for a detached property is $1,511,100
23% increase from November 2015
2.2% decrease from October 2016

Detached property sales totaled 638
52.2% decrease from November 2015
2.1% decrease from October 2016

Benchmark price for an apartment property is $512,100
18% increase from November 2015
0% increase from October 2016

Apartment property sales totaled 1,200
22.7% decrease from November 2015
1.9% increase from October 2016

Benchmark price for an attached unit is $667,100
23% increase from November 2015
0.3% decrease from October 2016

Attached property sales totaled 376
40.9% decrease from November 2015
6.7% decrease from October 2016

Download the sales reports here:

For a complete comparison, visit rebgv.org. Want to sell, buy, or require a consultation? Contact me today!

Image credit: Shaundd

Things to See and Do at the 2017 Vancouver International Boat Show

Fri, 02 Dec 2016 21:02:01 GMT

Dreaming of the open ocean? Even if buying a boat isn’t at the top of your list, the Vancouver International Boat Show is still one of the best destinations for things to see and do. Western Canada’s largest of its kind, the Boat Show will be held Wednesday, January 18th - Sunday, January 22nd at BC Place and Granville Island. Beyond home ownership, owning a boat is at once luxurious and authentic, an adventure that takes real passion and dedication. Want a taste?

Education and Events

From new boaters to seasoned mariners, the Boat Show offers a variety of entertaining seminars from exceptional professionals. These hands-on opportunities showcase everything from risk-free virtual boating skills training to informative panels by the experts on finding the right boat for your lifestyle and budget. Get boat buying tips here. Other events include sport fishing in BC seminars and the dockside grill cooking series on how best to cook in tight spaces to Brush up before the event with A Beginner’s Guide to Boating: Welcome to the Water.

New Product Showcase and Exhibitors

Be one of the first to see what the boating industry has to offer for 2017. If it’s new to the market, guaranteed this is where it’ll make its debut. Check out all of the new boat models, water sport accessories, and more in the online catalogue before the real deal in January. For a complete list of exhibitors and what they offer, visit the official site.

Floating Show and Free Boat Rides

Free shuttle buses and water ferries will run continuously between BC Place to Granville Island, where boater’s paradise is prevalent year-round; the perfect host to the in-water boat display. The Floating Boat Show also features free 30-minute boat rides. Sign up early at the Discover Boating tent for a taste of the mariner’s lifestyle. You can also check out the hands-on skills training workshops and speak with skippers from the Bluewater Cruising Association onboard a fully equipped, offshore-ready boat about what it’s really like to live the dream: from crossing the ocean to idyllic, isolated anchorage.

Stay updated on event info on the Vancouver International Boat Show Facebook page, and get your tickets to this boater’s paradise now.

Vancouver Real Estate Market November Statistics: Home sales and listings just below 10-year average

Fri, 02 Dec 2016 18:43:29 GMT

VANCOUVER, BC – December 2, 2016 – Home buyer and seller activity remains near historical averages in the Metro Vancouver* housing market.

Residential home sales in the region totalled 2,214 in November 2016, a decrease of 0.9 per cent from the 2,233 sales recorded in October 2016 and a decrease of 37.2 per cent compared to November 2015 when 3,524 homes sold.

Last month’s sales were 7.6 per cent below the 10-year sales average for the month.

“While 2016 has been anything but a normal year for the Metro Vancouver housing market, supply and demand totals have returned to more historically normal levels over the last few months,” said Dan Morrison, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) president.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 3,147 in November 2016. This represents a decrease of 20.9 per cent compared to the 3,981 units listed in October 2016 and a 7.2 per cent decrease compared to November 2015 when 3,392 properties were listed.

Last month’s new listing count was 1.2 per cent below the region’s 10-year new listing average for the month.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 8,385, an 8.3 per cent decrease compared to October 2016 (9,143) and a 3.6 per cent increase compared to November 2015 (8,096).

The sales-to-active listings ratio for November 2016 is 26.4 per cent. This is up two per cent from last month (24.4 per cent). Downward pressure on home prices can occur when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark for a sustained period, while home prices can experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“Demand, relative to supply, for detached homes is lower right now than demand for townhomes and apartments,” Morrison said. “This is causing prices to remain stable, or flat, for townhomes and apartments, while detached homes are seeing modest month-over-moth declines.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $908,300. This represents a 1.2 per cent decrease compared to last month and a 20.5 per cent increase compared to November 2015.

Sales of detached properties in November 2016 reached 638, a decrease of 2.1 per cent from the 652 detached sales recorded in October 2016 and a 52.2 per cent decline over November 2015. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,511,100. This represents a 2.2 per cent decline compared to last month and a 23 per cent increase compared to November 2015.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,200 in November 2016, an increase of 1.9 per cent compared to the 1,178 sales in October 2016 and a 22.7 per cent decrease compared to November 2015.The benchmark price of an apartment property is $512,100. This is unchanged from last month and is an 18 per cent increase compared to November 2015.

Attached property sales in November 2016 totalled 376, a decrease of 6.7 per cent compared to the 403 sales in October 2016 and a 40.9 per cent decline compared to November 2015. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $667,100. This represents a 0.3 per cent decrease compared to last month and a 23 per cent increase compared to November 2015.

*Editor’s Note: Areas covered by Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and South Delta.

Download the full stats package here.

Image Credit: Wonderlane

Tips for Acing the Holiday Office Party

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 21:31:33 GMT

Love it or hate it, a fact of corporate life is the obligatory holiday office party. Whether you look forward to this annual event or drag your RSVP out to the last minute, this year, break the office party mold and celebrate the holidays like a pro with these etiquette tips.

Get Social

Don’t hang around the food all evening! Break social barriers between departments and introduce yourself, or your immediate coworkers, to others in the company; it’ll liven up the evening for everyone involved. The key to a good introduction is making it memorable. Add an anecdote, play with mnemonics, and always make it accurate and sincere.

Make a Statement

So you’ve exited your comfort zone and spoken with people you don’t know, now it’s time to decide how much you really want to party. Keep in mind: this is still a business holiday event, so keep it fun but tasteful. This is your chance to shine outside-the-box, so play up your strengths. While being master of the dance floor is one thing, boozing it up is quite another. Don’t be the one that’s had too much to drink. Do be the one they’ll want to seek out at next year’s party.

What Did the Invite Say?

You don’t want to be remembered for wearing your ugly Christmas sweater to the semi-formal. Pay attention to the details: start and end times, dress code, and if a Secret Santa gift* is required.

*Side note: choosing your own gift in the present exchange is probably frowned upon! See: Make a Statement.

Timing is Everything

That goes from not showing up ten minutes before the party is over just to save face--they’ll notice, trust us--to etiquette at the buffet line. Keep your plate minimal, and if they pass around hors d'oeuvres, avoid transferring the food directly from the tray to your mouth. They hand out those little napkins for a reason. Lastly, proving you can still pull an all-nighter won’t get you any brownie points either.

In the end, these holiday office parties are a way to connect. You might see these people on a daily basis, others you may not, this is your chance to show warmth, enthusiasm, and spirit. And humility goes a long way. Have fun out there!

5 Festive Date Night Activities In Vancouver

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 00:38:00 GMT

From the traditional to one of the city’s best kept not-so-secret annual traditions, we’ve put together a list of festive fun for date night to keep you on the “Nice” list. Whether you’re looking for a distraction from packing up before the big move, or a new Vancouver homebuyer, here’s some of the best ways to celebrate the season in the city.

Get a Christmas Tree

Nothing says Christmas like a fresh cut tree. True, some stratas don’t allow the real thing, but it’s still fun to grab a hot cocoa and wander through the lot ogling towering firs. Run by volunteers, Aunt Leah’s Tree Lots around the Lower Mainland have been providing Vancouverites with their trees for 20 years, all in the name of charity. 100% of their profits this year will go to foster youth at risk of homelessness and mothers in need. For locations and hours, check out AuntLeahs.org.

7th Annual Vancouver Christmas Market

Get into the spirit with a mug of traditional Glühwein, the mulled wine beverage of choice for the holidays, as the Vancouver Christmas Market returns for its 7th year on November 26th until Christmas in its new seaside location at the Jack Poole Plaza under the Olympic Cauldron. Shop for edibles and artisanal goods from home and abroad.

VSO’s A Traditional Christmas

Go classy and get tickets for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s annual Traditional Christmas concerts, hosted by Christopher Gaze and featuring EnChor and the UBC Opera Ensemble lead by VSO’s new Assistant Conductor, William Rowson. Concerts start December 8th.

Winter Solstice Lantern Festival

Celebrate the solstice as a community Wednesday, December 21st. Starting at 6pm with a lantern procession in Yaletown, Granville Island, and Chinatown/Strathcona, there will be multicultural performances and activities in each of the neighbourhoods to follow. Each celebration is unique to its neighbourhood, reflecting the community by illuminating the darkest night of the year.

The Original Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Grant a wish for a child with a life threatening illness by taking your dearest to the ugliest party in town. Friday, December 23rd the Commodore Ballroom hosts the 15th Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party in benefit of the Children’s Wish Foundation. Featuring live music, DJ, contests, carollers and more.

What’s your favourite way to celebrate the season? Share with us on Facebook!

Photo: Vancouver Christmas Market

Vancouver Home Sales and Listing Activity No Longer Above Average

Fri, 04 Nov 2016 18:35:16 GMT

The changing Metro Vancouver real estate market dynamics that started to see a decline in homes sales earlier this fall continued last month. Less homes were listed, and fewer sales were made, resulting in a 38.8% decrease from 3,646 sales in October 2015 to 2,233 in October 2016. It’s also a marginal 0.9% decrease from September 2016. Overall, October sales were 15% below the 10-year average for the month.

“Changing market conditions compounded by a series of government interventions this year have put home buyers and sellers in a holding pattern,” Dan Morrison, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) president said. “Potential buyers and sellers are taking a wait-and-see approach to try and better understand what these changes mean for them.”

Morrison went into further detail by stating the detached market has seen the largest reduction in homebuyer demand. He concluded with the tip: “It’s important to work with your local REALTOR® to help you navigate today’s changing trends.”

October Real Estate Market Stats:

New Listings (detached, attached, and apartment): 3,981
3.5% decrease from October 2015
17% decrease from September 2016
9.5% below 10-year average for October

Total Active listings on MLS®: 9,143
4.5% decrease from October 2015
2.3% decrease from September 2016

Sales-to-Active-Listings ratio: 24.4%

Benchmark price for all residential properties: $919,300
24.8% increase from October 2015
0.8% decrease from September 2016

Benchmark price for a detached property is $1,545,800
28.9% increase from October 2015
1.4% increase from September 2016

Detached property sales totaled 652
54.6% decrease from October 2015

Benchmark price for an apartment property is $512,300
20.5% increase from October 2015
0.3% increase from September 2016

Apartment property sales totaled 1,178
23.7% decrease from October 2015

Benchmark price for an attached unit is $669,200
25.7% increase from October 2015
1.1% decrease from September 2016

Attached property sales totaled 403
39.5% decrease from October 2015

For a complete comparison, visitrebgv.org. Want to sell, buy, or require a consultation? Contact me today.

Correction notice:

Altus Group, provider of the national MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI), miscalculated in their September 2016 reporting which resulted in variances of between 0.1% and 5% in the benchmark prices the REBGV released last month. Click here for the updated report.