Growing sales in Fraser Valley met with bump in new inventory

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley saw a much-needed increase to new housing inventory entering the market in May, supporting growing demand for residential properties in the region. Last month marked the highest level of sales for the Fraser Valley since June of last year, and the second-highest level for a May historically.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 2,707 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in May, a decrease of 7 per cent compared to the 2,911 sales in May of last year, and a 21.4 per cent increase compared to the 2,230 sales in April 2017.

Of the 2,707 sales processed last month, 620 were townhouses and 609 were apartments. Attached home sales combined continued the 10-month trend of surpassing detached sales in the region.

“The further we get into this year’s market, the less 2016 looks like an anomaly in terms of demand and sales activity. If it wasn’t clear before, the Fraser Valley is now a prime, highly sought-after destination for home owners of all types," said Gopal Sahota, Board President.”

In May the total active inventory for the Fraser Valley was 5,203 listings, a decrease of 9.5 per cent year-over-year, and an increase of 5.9 per cent compared to the available inventory in April 2017.

The Board received 3,712 new listings in May; a 1 per cent increase from last year’s 3,674 new listing for the month, and a 25.8 per cent increase compared to April 2017’s incoming listings.

"We’re very happy to see the bump inventory we were looking for in April. I think sellers will certainly be glad that demand hasn’t let-up since the start of the spring market and more options for potential buyers is always a good thing.”

For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in May 2017 was 23 days, compared to 16 days in May 2016.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity 

• Single Family Detached: At $915,800, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley increased 3 per cent compared to April 2017, and increased 9.8 per cent compared to May 2016.

• Townhomes: At $458,900 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 2.9 per cent compared to April 2017, and increased 25.7 per cent compared to May 2016.

• Apartments: At $295,000, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 3.4 per cent compared to April 2017, and increased 31 per cent compared to May 2016.

Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201705.pdf

Imagine finding the perfect home, only to discover there is serious interest from at least a dozen other buyers. It’s like scrambling for the last piece of cake at a buffet!

Fortunately, there are things you can do to help get the home you want, even in a highly competitive market. Here are just a few ideas:

• Only view a few ideal properties at a time. If you see too many, and thus spread yourself too thin, you risk homes slipping through your fingers.

• Be realistic about price. Focus on finding a great home that you can afford, rather than trying to find a bargain.

• Consider homes that need some work. They get less interest than perfectly staged properties, yet can turn out to be a dream home.

• Be prepared to make an offer with as few conditions as possible. An offer conditional on passing inspection is usually fine, but in a competitive situation, offers with other conditions will likely be turned down flat.

• Make your decisions quickly. If there are likely to be other interested buyers, you want to get your offer in early.

• Make the right offer. To win the deal, you want your offer to be as enticing as possible to the seller — especially when it comes to price.

Yes, it can be tough finding an ideal home in a hot market, but I can help. Give me a call and I’ll show you how. 

Thanks 

AA

Another solid month for Fraser Valley real estate

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley real estate market continued to show strength in April, reaching the highest sales level for the region in the past ten months.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 2,230 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April, a decrease of 24.9 per cent compared to the 2,969 sales this time last year and a 0.8 per cent increase compared to the 2,213 sales in March 2017.

Of the 2,230 sales processed in April, 438 were townhouses and 567 were apartments.

Gopal Sahota, President of the Board, on the pace of the market in April, “Growing demand is catching up to the limited inventory we have available currently, and that’s creating a less-than-ideal environment for both buyers and sellers. People want to live in the Valley right now and we need more listings to support that.”

Total active inventory for the Fraser Valley last month was 4,913 listings, the lowest seen for an April in ten years. Inventory levels decreased 13.8 per cent when compared to April 2016, but did increase slightly by 2.2 per cent month-over-month.

The Board received 2,950 new listings in April, a 4 per cent decrease from March 2017, and a 25.2 per cent decrease compared to April 2016’s 3,942 incoming listings.

"Pricing continues to be impacted by the persisting demand for our region. However, there’s lots of opportunity throughout the Valley where homes – especially attached homes – remain affordable and available. Talk you your REALTOR® to see what’s out there, and might be right for you,” added Sahota.

For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in April 2017 was 26 days, compared to 15 days in April of last year.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity 

• Single Family Detached: At $888,900, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley increased 2.3 per cent compared to March 2017, and increased 14.5 per cent compared to April 2016.

• Townhomes: At $446,000 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 3.2 per cent compared to March 2017, and increased 26.2 per cent compared to April 2016.

• Apartments: At $285,400, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 3.1 per cent compared to March 2017, and increased 29.8 per cent compared to April 2016.

Full package:

http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201704.pdf

When you list your home for sale, you want as many buyers as possible to find out about it. So consider how many friends, neighbours and work colleagues you have. Then think about how many people they know.

The number is likely in the hundreds. One of those people could be looking for a property just like yours.

That’s why getting your friends to spread the word about your listing is so effective. How do you do that?

One strategy is to have a moving party. This gives you an opportunity to ask your friends, as a group, to tell others about your listing. You can also encourage your friends to bring a guest who is currently in the market for a new home.

Another good idea is to put a profile of your listing on Facebook. This is the fastest and most convenient way for your Facebook friends to point others to your listing.

Do you have friends who work at larger organizations like banks and factories? They probably have access to an employee lunch room with a bulletin board. You can spread the word by asking them to put up an information sheet on your listing.

Try one or more of these ideas. Combined with my marketing plan for you, they can help get more qualified buyers to your doorstep.

Want more tips on promoting your listing? Call today, I am here to help.

Thannks,

AA

Attached home sales thrive as overall inventory remains scarce

SURREY, BC – Propelled by significant activity in attached categories, March housing sales in the Fraser Valley reached their second highest point in ten years, trailing only last year’s extraordinary market levels.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 2,213 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in March, a decrease of 26.4 per cent compared to the 3,006 sales in March of last year, and a 58.5 per cent increase compared to the 1,396 sales in February 2017.

Of the 2,213 sales processed last month, 526 were townhouses and 638 were apartments, representing over half of the region’s total sales of all property types for the seventh straight month.

“Inventory levels aren’t where we’d like them to be, especially with demand picking up as we move deeper into the spring season," said Gopal Sahota, Board President. “However, that being said, it’s great to see more buyers turning to our bourgeoning apartment and townhome markets and taking some of the pressure off of detached homes.”

Last month the total active inventory for the Fraser Valley was 4,808 listings, the lowest level seen for a March in ten years. Active inventory increased by 3.5 per cent month-over-month, and decreased 12.3 per cent when compared to March 2016.

The Board received 3,072 new listings in March, a 41.5 per cent increase from February 2017, and a 24.3 per cent decrease compared to March 2016’s 4,057 new listings.

"We've never seen sales like this for our attached category homes. Whereas buyers may have had a more relaxed experience looking for a townhome a few years ago, things have certainly changed: competition is up, and listings are moving fast”, added Sahota.

“Talk to your REALTOR® to help you understand what’s happening in your community. The support of a local expert goes a long way when navigating a busy spring market here in the Valley.”

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $869,000, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley increased 1.1 per cent compared to February 2017, and increased 17.3 per cent compared to March 2016.

• Townhomes: At $432,100 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 2.3 per cent compared to February 2017, and increased 25.5 per cent compared to March 2016.

• Apartments: At $276,900, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 3.7 per cent compared to February 2017, and increased 27.5 per cent compared to March 2016.

Full package:

http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201703.pdf

When you’re preparing your home for sale, it’s not unusual to need to fix up a few things around the property. After all, you want your home to look its best to buyers, so that you get good offers, quickly. What do you need to fix?

Here are three categories that will help you create and prioritize your list.

1. Anything that squeaks or creaks. Is there something in your home that makes a noise it shouldn’t be making? Perhaps it’s a rattling closet door or a creaking floor board? You may be so used to it you no longer notice the sound. But buyers will. Be sure to get those items fixed.

2. Anything that’s unsightly. You don’t have to make your home look perfect. However, things that are unsightly will likely get buyers’ attention. You want them to focus on the terrific features of your property, not the scuff on the wall. Take a walk through your property, including the yard. Pretend you’re the buyer. Do you notice anything that doesn’t look good? If so, tidy it up, fix it up or replace it.

3. Anything that’s broken. If there’s anything that needs repair — an outside tap that’s not working, or a sliding door that regularly careens off its runner — call the contractor or fix it yourself.

Getting these items fixed will go a long way toward making your home appealing to buyers. Want more tips on preparing your home for sale? Call today

Thanks,

AA

Fraser Valley enjoys healthy market in February

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley housing market returned to more typical levels in February, with sales and new listing intake on-par with the 10-year average for the month.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,396 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February, a decrease of 41.5 per cent compared to the record-breaking 2,387 sales in February of last year, and a 43 per cent increase compared to the 976 sales in January 2017. The 10-year average for February sales is currently 1,288 transactions.

Of the 1,396 sales processed last month, 369 were townhouses and 391 were apartments.

“This is the kind of February we like to see. Last year at this time, the incredible demand created a market that was difficult for consumers. Now, we have sales moving upward from the winter months at a typical, healthy pace and a growing inventory to support it," said Gopal Sahota, Board President.

The Board received 2,171 new listings in February, a 0.3 per cent decrease from January 2017, and a 33.9 per cent decrease compared to February 2016’s 3,283 new listings.

For February the total active inventory in the Fraser Valley finished at 4,645 available listings, increasing by 5.5 per cent month-over-month, and decreasing 9.4 per cent when compared to February 2016.

"While the pace of the market has returned to more normal levels, pricing is still heavily impacted by the activity and demand seen throughout 2016. Understandably, this can create a challenging environment for consumers. If you’re struggling finding the right home or buyer, talk to a REALTOR® who can help guide you towards success in the market.”

For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in February 2017 was 38 days, compared to 21 days in February 2016.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $859,300, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley increased 0.4 per cent compared to January 2017, and increased 20.4 per cent compared to February 2016.

• Townhomes: At $422,400 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.5 per cent compared to January 2017, and increased 25.2 per cent compared to February 2016.

• Apartments: At $267,000, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 1.8 per cent compared to January 2017, and increased 26.5 per cent compared to February 2016.

Full package:

http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201702.pdf

You don’t have to freeze in the winter or start reading by candlelight to reduce your electricity bill. There are many simple ways to use less power with little, if any, impact on your lifestyle.

A good place to start is with your electronics. According to the David Suzuki Foundation, “Any gizmo that has a clock, digital timer, remote control or standby mode is sucking energy when it's not being used (it's called 'phantom electricity' — and it's scary how much of it there is).” So keep them unplugged as much as possible.Also, unplug charger cords for phone and computers when not in use. Even when not connected to the device, they still suck power.

Another easy change to make involves your lights. Switching to compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED light bulbs can save you a lot of energy. They’re 75% more efficient. Finally, the old-fashioned method of insulating doors and windows can work wonders for lowering your electricity bill. In fact, some particularly drafty homes can lose up to 40% of their heat. Check for drafts regularly and repair or replace insulation as needed.

None of these ideas will impact your day-to-day living. Yet, they could potentially save you a bundle.

Imagine finding a home you love, making an offer, and then finding out there are other competing offers on the table. Ouch.

If you’re looking for a property in a competitive market, it is likely that there will be multiple offers. Even just one can create the risk that you’ll lose the home. So how do you make sure your offer is enticing enough to win over the seller? Here are some ideas:

• Don’t make a low-ball offer. If you do, it might be dismissed and you probably won’t get another chance to bid — especially if the other competing offers are near the listing price.

• Have a pre-arranged mortgage and include that with your offer. This reassures the seller there won’t be any money issues. (Most lenders will provide you with a pre-arranged mortgage certificate for this purpose.)

• Go in with a price high enough that the seller will be interested, but not so high as to be leaving money on the table. This is tricky and requires a savvy knowledge of the current market.

• Have a REALTOR® present the offer on your behalf.

A REALTOR® will know how to do so professionally, and in a manner that gives you the best chance of getting the home. In a competitive situation, working with a REALTOR® who is an expert on the local market — and a skilled negotiator — is crucial.

Looking for a REALTOR® like that? I am here to help.

Thanks,

AA

Demand diversifies for Fraser Valley real estate in January

SURREY, BC – Fraser Valley real estate kicked-off the New Year strong with sales reaching above the ten-year average for January, and a healthy intake of new inventory.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 976 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January, a decrease of 27.1 per cent compared to the 1,338 sales in January of last year, and a 1 per cent increase compared to the 966 sales in December 2016.

Of the 976 sales processed last month, 212 were townhouses and 276 were apartments, representing exactly half of the month’s market activity.

“The impacts of 2016's tremendous real estate surge continue to be felt as we enter the New Year, and a new market.

Notably, the distribution of sales across our residential property types levelled-off even further in January. As well, prices continue to adjust to match more typical demand, albeit slowly," said Charles Wiebe, Board President.

The Board received 2,178 new listings in January, a significant 162.7 per cent increase from December 2016, and a 13.2 per cent decrease compared to January 2016’s 2,510 new listings.

In January the total active inventory for the Fraser Valley was 4,401 listings, a decrease of 8.1 per cent year-over-year and the lowest level seen for a January in ten years. However, active inventory increased by 12 per cent month-over-month compared to December’s 3,930 active listings.

"This is a great time to list in the Fraser Valley; buyers are looking at a wider range of homes and the market is still lacking inventory needed to match demand. If you need help figuring out your next step, talk your local REALTOR® and they can help you get to market quickly and stress-free.”

For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in January 2017 was 49 days, compared to 33 days in January 2016.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $856,300, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley did not change compared to December 2016, and increased 24.3 per cent compared to January 2016.

• Townhomes: At $420,400 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.9 per cent compared to December 2016, and increased 28.8 per cent compared to January 2016.

• Apartments: At $262,300, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 1.3 per cent compared to December 2016, and increased 27.6 per cent compared to January 2016.

Full package:

http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201701.pdf

You’ve probably seen signs around the area for Open Houses. You may have even attended a few. These are open invitations for potential buyers to drop by on a certain day and time, to check out the property and get more information.

When you’re listing your home for sale, you might wonder whether you’ll need to have an Open House.

To answer that question, you’ll need to consider the pros and cons. Planning and hosting an open house isn’t as easy as it may seem. There’s a lot of preparation involved. In addition, you’ll likely spend hours making your property look its best and you’ll need to be away from your home for a good part of that day.

That being said, an Open House has many advantages.

• It helps showcase features of your property that may not come across well in advertisements and listing descriptions.

• It attracts potential buyers who, for any number of reasons, might not otherwise call to view the home.

• It generates a buzz and publicity about your listing.

However, an Open House might not be necessary if there is high demand for properties like yours and you’re likely to get multiple offers. If you have any questions about open houses or any other Real Estate matter feel free to give me a call. I am here to help.

Thanks,

AA

BC Assessment has mailed 2017 assessment notices to home owners throughout the province. Below are a few links that will help guide you regarding your recent assessment, and provide more information:

• e-valueBC webpage to search for assessments online
• BC Assessment’s full media release for the Fraser Valley region
• Fraser Valley’s Top 100 highest valued residential properties
• Video on BC’s 2017 Property Assessments by region
• Map of property assessment changes by jurisdiction
• BC Assessment’s resources on understanding the assessment process
• BC Assessment’s contact information for Fraser Valley offices (Surrey and Abbotsford)

In light of the impact of this year’s assessment increases, the BC Government announced this week that they will be reviewing the homeowner grant threshold level.

According to Landcor Data Corporation, for the first time in Metro Vancouver’s history, more homeowners will NOT qualify for the Homeowners’ Grant this year compared to those who will qualify.

Here are Landcor’s numbers:

• 213,412 households will lose all or part of the grant
• 206,745 households will keep the grant