There's no doubt about it. Vancouver's real estate market is once again red hot! Strong demand fuelled by record low interest rates, strong local economy, and immigration has put upward pressure on house prices once again.

In the past few years I have seen homeowners sell their homes thinking we were at the top of the market. Their intention was to step out of the market and wait for the looming correction so they could step back in. It’s not so easy to time markets, and many of these former property owners have watched their buying power diminish as home prices have increased.

I've spoken to many first time home buyers who are totally discouraged with the buying process. Many have been involved in multiple bidding wars and have so far been unsuccessful in securing a home. At the same time, many of these home owners make the decision to step aside and wait for the market to cool. We have clients that have been trying to buy a home for over a year. They would wait for that looming correction only to watch home prices climb another 10% to 15%.

As you can see, it's truly impossible to time markets! If you want to own a home in Vancouver and in one of the sought after East or West Side neighbourhoods, you simply have to step up and go for it. All our clients who have taken on this attitude have never looked back!

This is truly a tough market to get into. You really have to pay what feels like top dollar. If you are looking for the silver lining, it's the cost of money. Interest rates are rock bottom and will most likely never go lower!  If you want to own a home, step in and stay invested. It's a great way to build your nest egg.

If you have questions, we'd be happy to help you. Just give us a call at 604-657-7936!

We’ve been having some glorious weather lately, and spring break is around the corner, so we thought we’d compile a list of fun things to do around town for anyone planning a Staycation, or just looking inspiration.

1. Twilight Drive-In
This is Metro-Vancouver’s only drive-in movie theatre, and it will be a fun experience to have with the family. Each vehicle is entitled to one parking space, but they are large enough to fit two. That means you can cozy up with blankets and lawn chairs outside your vehicle too!

2. The Museum of Anthropology
Of course we know the Vancouver Art Gallery, but let’s not forget the MOA! Aside from housing a world of arts and cultures, it has a special emphasis on the First Nations cultures of BC so that you can learn about some of BC’s cultural roots all in one go. Not only that, but enjoy the outside surroundings of West Coast panoramic views, too!

3. FlyOver Canada
If you’re still looking for the feel of a destination getaway, pop into FlyOver Canada at Canada Place. FlyOver Canada incorporates state-of-the-art technology where you get to experience 4D suspended in a 20m spherical screen! Adventure on a virtual journey over Canada from coast to coast. Don’t forget to explore the rest of Canada Place, as it offers other exhibits and spectacular views, as well!

Perhaps you’re looking for fun activities for your kids? We have that covered, too.

1. Arts Umbrella
The Arts Umbrella have Spring Break Programs where children and youths have fun learning about theatre, dance, and visual media arts through hands-on activities. They will have the opportunity to focus on creative learning without the pressure of their regular school work.

2. Pear Tree Education
Conveniently located in the West Side, Pear Tree also offers a Spring Break program. Their focus is for children to spend more time out of the classroom to experience education outside the box. Pear Tree believes in connecting education to real life! They will learn a variety of skills including leadership, teamwork, technology, public speaking, and critical thinking on top of the main subjects they receive in school.

3. Grouse Mountain
With Grouse Mountain’s Spring and Summer Adventure Camps, kids and youth get to play with nature starting from the base of the mountain all the way to the peak. They will get to try their hands with a Bungee run, learn survival skills in the outdoors, learn about environmental awareness and wildlife biology, hike, ice skate, and more!

And if this list doesn’t inspire you, take a look at Bored in Vancouver --they have their finger on the pulse when it comes to having a good time in and around Vancouver!

Happy Staycation!

(Photo: flickr.com/_benanderson_)

Spring is just around the corner, and you know what that means –spring cleaning! It doesn’t have to be a drag. In fact, you don’t even have to worry about it at all because there are some great  businesses in Vancouver that specialize in these tasks! Whether you are looking for inside or outside work, these companies will get the job done. Here are some of our recommendations:

1. T & O Janitorial Solutions
One company we’ve worked with and would like to recommend is T & O Janitorial Solutions. T & O sends a team of experienced cleaners to thoroughly clean your home. They offer a variety of services, including carpet cleaning, floor stripping & waxing, ovens, fridges and freezers, power washing, windows, balconies, and, whatever else you can think of. They are more than just having a cleaning lady drop by.

2. AspenClean
If you take environmental-sustainability as seriously as the cleanliness of your home then AspenClean is for you. Unlike many other house cleaning services, they use 100% natural, eco-friendly cleaning products that will do the job without leaving chemical residues or toxins in the air. Rather, they leave you a home that is safe and clean for you, your family, and the environment!

3. Climbing Vine Gardens
If you’re looking to spruce up your property, Climbing Vine Gardens is a full service landscape design company, that takes care of installation, and maintenance too. Dan believes every project is unique on its own and will consult with you so that his team will give you the best results suited to your needs.

4. COIT
Need cleaning for all the nooks and crannies in your home? COIT’s cleaning services cover carpets, upholstery, tile & grout, air ducts, wood floors, drapery, natural stone, and they even offer emergency and restoration services. They’ve been providing quality service for 65 years, and are a trusted Vancouver company.

5. Holland Home Services
Holland Home Services can take care of your heavy duty cleaning for the outsides of your home from wear and tear and the elements. They specialize in window cleaning, pressure washing, gutter maintenance, moss & algae removal, concrete & aggregate sealing, and even roof repairs. We’ve worked with Holland Home Services before and they are now a go-to for us!

Tip of the Day:  This morning, we spoke to Amber Hamilton, owner of the eco-friendly cleaning company, Maid Naturally. She says that giving each room in your home an extra 5 minutes each week can eliminate the need for a big spring cleaning. Look for an ongoing professional company who offers this level of service. Currently, Maid Naturally is booked to capacity.

(photo: flickr.com/tusnelda)

Over the past 2 decades we have spoken with thousands of homeowners only to learn that so many have had a negative experience when dealing with a real estate agent. So many buyers & sellers make the mistake of hiring a REALTOR® based on the wrong selection criteria. Many only interview one agent.

Selling a home is probably one of the most important and biggest dollar value transactions the average person will ever enter into. You’d think it would only make sense to hire a seasoned professional to navigate your sale.

Before selecting your REALTOR® to help you in your next real estate transaction here are a few tips to ensure you make the right decision.

Firstly, it’s always wise to speak with 3 REALTORS® to ensure what you are hearing makes sense. Some questions to ask:

1. How many sales do they have in the immediate neighborhood where you are buying or selling. It always makes sense to select a REALTOR® who works in your neighborhood.

2. How many listings and or how many buyers are they presently working with. A REALTOR® with 20 or more active listing may to be busy to provide you with the service you expect.

3. How many associates does the REALTOR® have working with them? If your agent is part of a team who’s the one will you be dealing with. Who will be showing your home? Is it important for you to have your agent showing up to show the home & be present at open houses? If they cannot commit chances are you are going to have an assistant show your home. Are you ok with that?

4. Ask your agent if they are planning on taking any vacation time during your listing period. While everyone deserves a vacation I think it’s important to know whether their vacation will take place while you are selling your home.

Does your agent live in the neighborhood or in close proximity to where you are buying or selling. Hiring a REALTOR® who is not knowledgeable about property values in your area can cost you big time. Don’t list or buy with a friend who lives 25 miles away. Have them refer you to a local agent.

Asking a few simple questions can ensure you a better outcome when selling or buying your next property.

Happy Selling,

Andrew & Jill Hasman