New Year Brings Strongest January on Record

The latest Statistics Package from the FVREB. Full report on the link below.

News Release: February 2, 

SURREY, BC – Fraser Valley’s real estate market showed no signs of slowing down, producing the strongest sales for January on record.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,338 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January, an increase of 57 per cent compared to January 2015 and 13 per cent fewer then were processed in December. Sales in January ranked at the top for the last ten years coming in 57 per cent over the 10-year average, and 5 per cent higher than the previous record of 1,270 sales in January 1992.

Jorda Maisey, President of the Board said, “Typically, we see January numbers slow down post-holiday season, but so far demand for Fraser Valley homes hasn’t let up. Homebuyers are reluctant to wait when the market is moving this fast.”

“There are a number of factors we can attribute this jump to, but most importantly, we’re seeing that the demand for owning a home continues to rise and inventory is struggling to keep up. Job creation and a strong BC economy are drawing more people to our region; and despite rising prices in some areas, many communities within the Fraser Valley remain affordable.”

The Board received 2,510 new listings in January, a decrease of 8 per cent compared to January of last year. The total active inventory for January was 4,790, down 34 per cent from last year’s 7,307 active listings.

Maisey explained, “Homeowners may be reluctant to sell because they love their home and where they live. However, for those looking to enter the market and perhaps are waiting for spring, we suggest you and your REALTOR® start planning now. There are a lot of people out there who will want your home.”

Across Fraser Valley, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in January 2016 was 33 days, compared to 55 days in January 2015.

The MLS® HPI benchmark price of a Fraser Valley single family detached home in January was $691,100, an increase of 20.9 per cent compared to January 2015 when it was $571,700.

In January, the benchmark price of townhouses was $334,400, an increase of 13.8 per cent compared to $293,800 in January 2015. The benchmark price of apartments also increased year-over-year by 7.8 per cent, going from $189,500 in January 2015 to $204,300 in January 2016.

Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package%20201601.pdf

It comes as no surprise that 2015 has has turned out to be the strongest year in the decade just shy of the region's previous sales high in 2005. According to the FVREB there were 33% more unit sales and four billion more in dollar volume than what was sold in 2014.

Looking forward to what 2016 brings... The latest Statistics Package from the FVREB. Full report on the link below.

News Release: January 5, 2016

FRASER VALLEY REAL ESTATE IN HOT DEMAND THROUGHOUT 2015

SURREY, BC – Fraser Valley real estate experienced its strongest year in a decade in 2015. This was the second highest year for property sales in Fraser Valley’s history, just shy of the region’s previous sales high in 2005.

The Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) processed 21,095 sales in 2015, 33 per cent more than the 15,840 sales in 2014, and 0.9 per cent fewer than the 21,282 sales in 2005. The total dollar volume of MLS® sales was a record setting $12.1 billion, four billion more than was sold in 2014.

In contrast, the Board received a typical volume of new listings in 2015 – 30,998 – comparable to the average over the last ten years, set at 31,296 new listings.

Jorda Maisey, President of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, attributes 2015’s market strength to a strong economy elevating consumer housing demand. “The Fraser Valley has always appealed to consumers looking for competitive pricing and a diverse range of housing options.

“Last year shows that consumers recognize the long-term value of property ownership in the Fraser Valley, particularly valuing the single family home, which they recognize is becoming a limited commodity. Sales of single family detached increased across all of our communities, in some instances more than doubling 2014’s sales.”

Sales during December were the highest for that month in Fraser Valley’s history. The Board processed 1,543 sales, an increase of 44 per cent compared to December of 2014. December’s total inventory in the Fraser Valley was 4,280 active listings; 33 per cent fewer than were available in December 2014.

The MLS® Home Price Index benchmark price of a detached home in December was $672,400, an increase of 17.3 per cent compared to December of last year when it was $573,100. The MLS® HPI benchmark price of townhouses increased 9.6 per cent going from $293,500 in December of last year to $321,800 last month. The benchmark price of apartments was $204,900, an increase of 7.3 per cent compared to $191,100 in December 2014.

Maisey adds, “The market remains buoyant, and with very low inventory currently there is tremendous opportunity for sellers. For buyers finding it challenging in their search, REALTORS® are recommending they consider a variety of housing options and communities they may not have considered. There’s a lot of choice out there, you just need to know where to look.”

Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package%20201512.pdf

Time to get the Hot Chocolate and load the kids in the van... Here is a list of the best houses to see in the Fraser Valley. 

CLOVERDALE:

• 16951 Jersey Drive, Cloverdale - Thousands of lights, some of them are synchronized to music, plus dozens of Christmas characters and a Nativity Scene. Collecting donations for the Variety Club Telethon.
• 6369 165A St., Cloverdale - Gheorghe and Rodica Grigore put up another Christmas lights spectacular with over 50,000 lights, including 200 icicles on top of the house plus an 8-foot and 12-foot Santa Claus. There is also a musical Christmas lights show with 20 different songs. We invite you all to come to see us between 5 and 11 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and weekends 5 p.m. to midnight. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's all night.
• 16956 60A Ave., Cloverdale - The Kinna family in Cloverdale have their lights up once again and are collecting money for Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation. Donations will go towards the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Dec. 1 to Jan. 2, Sunday to Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• 18244 57A Ave., Cloverdale - 15,000 + lights, navity scene and collecting Food Bank donations.

SURREY:

• 11376 154A Street, Surrey - We currently have over 15,000 lights plus a large assortment of displays, inflatables, etc.
• 15466 91A Ave, Surrey - The Lagerstroms' Christmas Light Show is on nightly until Dec. 31, 2012: Sunday-Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5 to 11 p.m. Christmas and Boxing Day, 5 p.m. to midnight. New Year's Eve, 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. More information at lightup.ca.
• 15097 90A Ave., Surrey - Bring the kids and see the North Pole right here in Surrey! There are over 10,000 lights to see. Also take in the Nativity scene. On Dec. 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. Santa and Frosty will be on site to visit. There will be candy canes and hot chocolate for the kids and hot coffee for the grownups. Bring your cameras and have some fun! Walk through or just drive past, every night from 6 to 10 p.m. until Jan. 1
• 14380 66th Ave, Surrey - This year's display features 5,007 L.E.D lights, including a beautifully lit tree in the front yard.
• 12880 104A Ave., Surrey - Come see the light display at the Griswolds' home!
• 12755 114A Ave., Surrey - Christmas lights synchronized to music: Dial 107.1 FM to hear the music.
• 11478 139th Street, Surrey - The Fox family's display is a large and colourful one with many new additions this year. Open 5-10 p.m. until the New Year.
• 11084 153A St., Surrey - An assortment of Disney characters and bright lights.
• 11082 Jay Cres., Surrey - The Lambert House has done it again! This fantastic display features more than 10,000 lights synchronized to music. The show runs every half hour Sunday-Thursday from 5-10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 5-11 p.m., and is also broadcast on 89.1 FM

SOUTH SURREY / WHITE ROCK:

• 3326 Rosemary Heights Cres., South Surrey - This fantastic Christmas light display was spotted in South Surrey. They have the lights wired into Christmas songs and are choreographed to it. People can listen through their car radio thanks to this house's FM transmitter.
• 12953 20th Ave., South Surrey - St. Mark's Anglican Church's 13th annual Journey of Christmas guided outdoor display, Dec. 15-23 and 26, 27, 6-9 pm. Dec. 24 3:30-9 pm.
• 15499 22nd Ave., South Surrey - Ken & Bonnie Fletcher have thousands of lights and decorations and encourage donations to the local food bank.

LANGLEY:

• 20681 44 Ave, Langley - WISH UPON A STAR: 40,000 lights with Santa and his sleigh flying overhead, an interactive musical snowman, light show, many animated characters, photo op with Rudolph, Bumble and friends while sipping hot chocolate. Donations accepted for B.C. Children's Hospital
• 20169 32nd Ave., Langley - Enjoy an evening with Santa and his friends in his magical castle.
• 232nd Street at 0 Avenue, Langley - Parallel Acres in south Langley will have their Christmas display on from 5 to 9:30 p.m. daily except for Christmas Day. All welcome, but no dogs please.
• 4086 – 205B St., Langley - 26,000 lights and you have to tune your FM radio to 99.7 so you can watch and hear the lights dance to music.
• 2328 Wakefield Dr., Langley - The Basran family are lighting up the neighbourhood again this year with their huge, festive light display. The lights are on nightly from 5-10:15 p.m.
• 19646 49th Ave., Langley - Lots of flashing lights with accompanying music, plus animated figures and more. Lights are on every night until Jan. 6th, 2014 from 5-11 p.m.
• 20997 86A Avenue, Langley - Walnut Grove Dancing Lights. Completely computerized and synchronized to music – just tune your radio to 99.7 FM as you drive up. The computer controlled show has more than 25,000 lights on 144 separate Light-o-rama channels. It runs until Jan. 4, from 5-11 p.m. each Sunday to Thursday and 5 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. On Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, it will also run until midnight.

Christmas light displays across the Lower Mainland:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zpJgvqM5XzrQ.kXyhnuxRGh7k&usp=sharing 

FVREB experienced their second busiest November on record!

The latest Statistics Package from the FVREB. Full report on the link below.

News Release: December 2, 2015

MARKET MOMENTUM CONTINUES FOR FRASER VALLEY REAL ESTATE

SURREY, BC – Homebuyers showed no signs of slowing down last month as Fraser Valley REALTORS® experienced their second busiest November on record.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,766 property sales on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in November compared with 1,136 in 2014, an increase of 55 per cent. The previous high of 2,154 sales was set in November, 1989.

Jorda Maisey, President of the Board, says, “November is not normally this busy. We’ve experienced our usual, seasonal dip in the number of new listings, but we’re just not seeing a decline in the demand.

“If you’ve been thinking about selling your home to capitalize on any equity you’ve acquired, now is a very good time.”

The Board received 1,854 new listings last month, 14 per cent fewer than were received in October and 6 per cent more than were received during November of last year. Last month’s total inventory in the Fraser Valley was 5,761 active listings; 31 per cent less than were available during November 2014.

Maisey says, “Our housing inventory overall hasn’t been this low since spring of 2006, however it’s important to emphasize that conditions vary depending on property type. Ground-oriented homes are the highest in demand currently with about one out of every two active listings selling. For apartments, one in five is selling, so condo shoppers will find more selection and have greater negotiating power on price when it comes time to buy.”

The MLS® Home Price Index benchmark price of a detached home in November was $659,700, an increase of 14.7 per cent compared to November of last year when it was $575,400. The MLS® HPI benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses increased 6.7 per cent going from $298,900 in November of last year to $318,800 last month. The benchmark price of apartments was $207,100, an increase of 9.3 per cent compared to $189,400 in November 2014.

Maisey adds, “We understand that it is challenging buying a home in a market this competitive and that’s why we’re here, to help our buyers develop a successful strategy to secure the best home for them at a price they can afford.”

Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package%20201511.pdf

With 26% fewer listings it continues to be a sellers market... The latest Statistics Package from the FVREB. Full report on the link below.

No sign of slowdown for Fraser Valley real estate market

SURREY, BC – Fraser Valley’s housing market remained in a seller’s market in October, fuelled by low interest rates and strong consumer demand, according to the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board.

There were 1,772 sales processed on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in October compared with 1,448 in 2014, an increase of 22 per cent. For the month, sales are on par with the previous high in October 2005; and historically, only surpassed by the markets of October 1992 and 1989.

Jorda Maisey, President of the Board, says she’s not surprised that October sales were near historic levels, “BC continues to be an economic growth leader in our country and we’re seeing the impact of that in our housing market.

“In the Fraser Valley, demand is strongest for ground-oriented homes. Single family homes and townhomes garnered 83 per cent of our residential market last month. The reasons are due to low interest rates, pent-up demand and most importantly, price. People can afford to own their own single family home in the Fraser Valley.”

The Board received 2,155 new listings last month, 10 per cent fewer listings compared to October of last year. The total active inventory for October was 6,535, down 26 per cent from last year’s 8,807 active listings.

Maisey says with the lack of listings, sellers have had the advantage, “In some of our areas, active inventory of single family detached is down a third to a half of what was available this time last year. The fewer homes available, the more in demand they become, which is why we have seen an impact on prices, most notably on single family detached homes.”

The MLS® Home Price Index benchmark price of a detached home in October was $649,200, an increase of 13.2 per cent compared to October of last year when it was $573,500. The MLS® HPI benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses increased 5.1 per cent going from $298,500 in October of last year to $313,700 last month. The benchmark price of apartments was $203,100, an increase of 5.5 per cent compared to $192,600 in October 2014.

Maisey adds, “Our inventory shortage of ground-oriented homes has had a positive spin-off on our condo market. We’ve advised many of our entry-level buyers to consider an apartment rather than a townhome because the selection is far superior and prices, on average, $100,000 less. Many buyers just aren’t aware of the new and resale options available to them.”

Find the October Statistics Package here.

Looks like it continues to be a sellers market... The latest Statistics Package from the FVREB. Full report on the link below.

SELLER’S MARKET CONTINUES FOR SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED AND TOWNHOMES IN FRASER VALLEY

SURREY, BC – Property sales in the Fraser Valley remained strong in September, consistent with the near-record setting pace of the last six months.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,727 sales, an increase of 22 per cent compared to 1,419 sales during September of last year. Last month’s sales were on par with September 2005 and second to September’s all-time high for sales in 1992.

Jorda Maisey is the Board’s President. “Sales remain brisk depending on the property type and location. We’re continuing to see many family homes that are priced right receive multiple offers and sell in a matter of days. People actively looking for a home will already know that in some communities, selection is very tight.

“In Langley where I live and work, we have less than two months supply of single family homes and townhomes, which means buyers and their REALTORS® have to be informed, prepared and have a strategy.”

In September, the total number of active listings in the Fraser Valley was 7,122. This represents a 4 per cent decrease compared to August and a 22 per cent decrease compared to September of last year. For September, this is the lowest inventory levels have been since 2006.

Maisey says, “Where we have the best selection currently is within our Fraser Valley condo market. That market is currently in balanced conditions. In most communities, buyers have a healthy choice of both new and resale units and steady sales over the last few months have led to modest increases in prices, which is good news for sellers.”

The MLS® Home Price Index benchmark price of a detached home in September was $639,500, an increase of 12.2 per cent compared to September of last year when it was $569,800. The MLS® HPI benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses increased 3.1 per cent going from $299,600 in September of last year to $308,900 last month. The benchmark price of apartments was $197,500, an increase of 2.0 per cent compared to $193,600 in September 2014.

Maisey adds, “Our market this year has reflected consumers’ confidence in the economy and in the Fraser Valley. We have amongst the most affordable real estate in the Lower Mainland in some of the fastest-growing, dynamic communities in BC. It’s a smart place to invest.”

Find the September Statistics Package here.

Why us?

There are so many agents out there, so what make one better than the other?

Being a new agent I have started working on my listing presentation package. This is what I will bring with me on my listing presentation and is intended to "WOW" potential clients. I have spent a lot of time researching competitors packages and evaluating their "Why me". What I found is that everyone is offering essentially the same service, but the differance is in the details. 

Below is the top five things that I think II bring to the table:

I am a trusted professional - Over 20 years as a successful bussiness owner and team leader. I established an excellent reputation (and many friendships) over this time throughout the Fraser Valley.

Expert in the Market - Born, raised and worked in the Fraser Valley. I have always lived in the market I specialize in. I also attend all MLS tours.

Experienced Negotiator - Over 20 years I have become a skillful negotiator. Face to face negotiation is what I love to do. I can negotiate top dollar for your home.

Marketing Know How - To get your home as much exposure as possible. I make extensive use of both on-line & print media. Getting you noticeable results.

Out of the Box Thinker - Problem solver and solutionist. My unique experiences have tought me to look at thing differently, and find a solution for any problem.

I feel that my past business experience has prepared me for the challenge of Real Estate. I am looking forward to helping my clients find there new dream home. Feel free to reach out and contact me with any questions you may have.

Why not...

AA

The latest Statistics Package from the FVREB. Full report on the link below.

STRONG SALES ACTIVITY CONTINUES THROUGH AUGUST

SURREY, BC – In August, home sales in the Fraser Valley moderated in comparison to July’s record-setting pace, however, they remained elevated compared to historical norms for the month.

There was a total of 1,734 property sales processed in August, an increase of 33 per cent compared to 1,302 sales during August of last year and a decrease of 21 per cent compared to July’s 2,184 sales.

Jorda Maisey is the Board’s President. “High consumer confidence and low mortgage rates continue to drive the activity we’ve seen in our market this summer.

“Even with the holiday season, sales last month remained 25 per cent higher than the Board’s 10-year average for August. This year marks one of the busiest summer markets we’ve ever had in the Fraser Valley, second only to 2005.”

In August, the total number of active listings in the Fraser Valley decreased 4 per cent compared to July, dropping to 7,407 listings. This represents a 21 per cent decrease from last year’s 9,403 active listings. The MLS® received 2,457 new listings in August, an increase of 3 per cent compared to August of last year.

Maisey adds, “In our market, price is key. Demand remains strongest for single family detached homes and townhomes that are priced correctly. Sellers who hope to take advantage of the current market will find that neither buyers nor their lenders are prepared to over pay.

“We anticipate more inventory will be coming on stream come fall, and we advise our buyers who can wait, to wait.”

The MLS® Home Price Index benchmark price of a detached home in August was $629,400, an increase of 10.5 per cent compared to August of last year when it was $569,800. The MLS® HPI benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses increased 2.7 per cent going from $298,500 in August of last year to $306,700 last month. The benchmark price of apartments decreased year-over-year by 2.4 per cent, going from $196,700 in August of last year to $191,900 last month.

Maisey adds, “First time buyers and investors are noticing that of the three main property types, the best selection in the Fraser Valley is in the condo market. In August, we saw apartment sales pick up specifically in White Rock, Langley and North Surrey.”

Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package%20201508.pdf

Welcom to my first blog post. If you are thinking you want to sell your property and buy property you may want to seriously look into professional help. Most of us have fairly busy and hectic lives between work and spending time with loved ones. When our plates are full with many different things going on it really makes it hard to find time to research the housing market ourselves. Not only finding the time but we really don’t know all the ins and outs of the real estate market compared to someone who is trained in this field. Here are some reasons why you should consider hiring a realtor.

They are Professional: With knowledge and training in marketing strategy, negotiation tactics, and the workings of the current real estate market, a Realtor will be able to guide you through the steps of the home-selling process and be able to explain exactly what to expect. He will make you aware of your rights and responsibilities, work with you to strategize the best moves according to your own goals, discuss financing options, and point you in the direction of other specialized professionals who will aid you in different stages of the process. 

They will get you the Best Price:Realtors have their fingers on the pulse of the current real estate market, and will know what comparable properties in your area are selling for. They have the resources and knowledge to establish the best asking price and to attract the highest selling price. With access to their company’s professional marketing resources and connections, they will ensure potential buyers are immediately made aware of your home and market the property to sell as quickly as possible and for the most money.

Showing Your Home: Your Realtor will know the importance of a property’s first impression. He will have experienced first-hand, for example, the impact a property’s “drive-up appeal” has on the rest of a potential Buyer’s experience of your home. Your Realtor will be able to offer you tips and information on how to get your home in the best selling shape possible, in order to sell your property quickly and for top dollar.

Access to Qualified Buyers:Realtors save time and effort by dealing only with qualified buyers. They have access to a pool of pre-screened and pre-qualified buyers who are serious about buying a home in your neighbourhood. Realtors work hard to develop this base of qualified buyers which will become an invaluable resource for you.

Negotiation Skills:Realtors serve many functions, but perhaps the most important is their role as primary negotiator on your behalf. Your Realtor realizes your goal is to sell your home as quickly as possible, and for the most money possible, and will work closely with you during the negotiation process to facilitate this goal. Realtors bring to the process the knowledge and skills to draw up legally binding contracts, to assist in negotiating offers and counteroffers, and to offer counsel and perspective as you work toward your selling goals

Selling your home is a complex process that can be stressful and time-consuming. An experienced Realtor has the knowledge, skills, and connections to help you through the process every step of the way.