Friday, January 27, 2006

D’Arcy Harris - Real Estate Update May 30, 2005

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There’s a brand new loft building going up in Yaletown, be sure to check out the loft listings. Also this week, I’ve included an article about buying new developments: “10 Tips to Save You Time and Money When Buying a New Development.” Be sure to check it out if you’re in the market for new buildings. Have a look at my new listing in Coal Harbour. It’s a fully renovated and decorated 1 bedroom+den in the heart of the city. On the 29th floor, it’s a one of a kind view. Check it out: http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=silver_listingDetail.asp?ID=174622&t=listing

Regards,

D'Arcy R. Harris Real Estate Broker Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty

P.S: It’s a sellers market; find out what your home is worth with a free and confidential market evaluation:

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=homeeval.asp&t=list

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Today’s Real Estate Listings

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These are all the current listing out right now; in fact, some of them are so new they’re not even posted on Realtylink or MLS.ca. Now that’s an advantage most buyers don’t have! If they don’t load, hit refresh.

Vancouver Lofts

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/EmailView.asp?r=531847257&s=BRC&t=BRC ++++NEW Loft Building For Sale++++

Investment and Revenue Properties: http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/EmailView.asp?r=1903499271&s=BRC&t=BRC

Vancouver House Foreclosures:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/EmailView.asp?r=1853572354&s=BRC&t=BRC

Vancouver Apartment Foreclosures:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/EmailView.asp?r=745251034&s=BRC&t=BRC

Tired of leafing through hundreds of listings to find what you’re looking for? Would you like to have access to all the new listings that match your home buying criteria, including area, price range and style of home emailed to you directly? This is a free service and will allow you to view only the homes that you're interested in seeing.

Become a VIP Buyer and beat other buyers to all the hot new listings in Vancouver. How does it work? Visit:

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=vip_buyer.asp&t=list

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From the News

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Each month, I publish a series of articles of interest to homeowners- money-saving tips, household safety checklists, home improvement advice, real estate insider secrets, etc. Information that won’t fit in this newsletter, check it out:

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=gold_newsletter.asp&t=list

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Special Report:

10 TIPS TO SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY WHEN BUYING A NEW DEVELOPMENT. -----------------------------------------------------------------

1. Get in Touch with Your Agent. Before you visit your first model home, sit down with your agent and do your homework. You'll want to be prepared so that you can determine a comfortable price range for your new home. Determine a Comfortable Price Range - If you own a home, you'll first need to know the net proceeds from its sale in order to determine how much cash you'll have to work with. Don't simply estimate this but carefully calculate every possible selling cost. If you're a first time buyer, you'll need to first qualify your income. Determine the size of your downpayment, then work out a monthly debt load so you can determine a comfortable price range. 2. Sellers' Agents Versus Buyers' Agents. Here's a good point to remember. The sales agent in the model home represents the builder, not you. They are known as sellers' agents. As a buyer you can work with a buyers' agent at no additional cost. It's his/her business to best represent your needs by being knowledgeable about home construction, warranties, financing, differences in pricing, quality, even lot selection so that you get the best value for your money. 3. A Builder For All Reasons. Like all tradesmen, builders vary in their fields of expertise. For example there are builders who specialize in craftsmanship, others who are known for their innovative use of space, and those who offer below-market financing or customer attention during construction and after move-in. Determine your own specific needs r preferences then shop around for a builder that will best address your requirements. 4. Get the Facts About Your Builder. Before making a final decision, it is wise to check out the reputation and financial strength of the builder. Get "spec sheets" on home features covering everything from floor plans to energy efficiency, including lot availability and delivery of your home.

5. Check Out the Neighborhood. * Learn as much as you can about the community. * Discover what amenities it has to offer. * Investigate if financial reserves have been set aside to build or replace major amenities like schools or community roads. * Find out from local land-use officials what else is planned or could be constructed in the area, especially where vacant land is applicable. * Review the rules for the homeowner's association, or find out if one will be set up. * Think of how you will be affected by commuting routes and times. 6. Choosing Options and Upgrades. The least expensive the base price of the house is, the more options and upgrades you can add without fear of overpricing it for the neighborhood. Options are items the builder installs during construction, such as adding usable space like a sunroom or a powder room. These features can add the most to the resale value of your home. Upgrading means selecting quality above "builder standard" such as carpeting, ceramics, detailing, kitchen fixtures and appliances. Be sure to take advantage of builder incentives that offer free upgrades or credit off the sale price. 7. Negotiations. Often buyers don't realize that there may be room for negotiating price, upgrades or options. For example, you have some scope for negotiating with the builder if s/he has a completed a home but hasn't sold it. Also some "premium lots" are priced higher and are sometimes saved to be sold last. Keep in mind that typically, all lots cost the builder the same, so be sure to enquire about lot pricing. Builders may offer discounts or special financing to help close a sale.

8. Be Sure the Contract Works in Your Favor! When spelling out the particulars of an agreement with your builder, ensure you protect yourself by having safeguards written into the agreement, such as: * placing your deposit in escrow * detailing your upgrades; * allowing you access to the construction site to check on progress; * a 30-day advance notice of the closing date. * an explanation of what the fine print means in the warranties of the builder and manufacturer. Of course, if you’re working with a Buyers Agent, this will all be taken care of for you.

9. Financing - What's Best for You? Some builders, especially in high-volume communities that place large numbers of loans, can offer special financing packages. However, because "home loan" lending is highly competitive, you have many financing choices other than those being offered by the builder. Shop around for everything, from rates to lender fees. Appraisals, inspections, surveys, attorneys and closing fees can vary as well. 10. Just Because it's New - Doesn't Mean it's Perfect. Yes, it's new and typically it's built with modern materials that are durable, low maintenance, stronger, quieter, and safer. But because nothing is perfect, even if it's new, consider hiring a reputable, licensed home inspector. Then create a builder "punchlist" from what you've learned, to address any problems before closing. Consider budgeting for items to be modified or added later on. Many new homebuyers use a real estate agent to help them negotiate the best price and terms with the builder. I have instituted a ‘New Client Appreciation Program’. If you’re thinking about buying a new development, and want to get $1,000 cash back on top of all the other FREE services I offer, click: http://vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/gold_customform2.asp

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I supply this information to you free of charge and without obligation with the hope that when you decide to buy or sell your home, you’ll call me to help make it a reality. If I do all this for free, imagine what I do when we’re working together!

I invite you to forward this newsletter on to friends and family.

If you are receiving it from someone else and would like to sign up to receive it directly, please click here: http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=silver_customform.asp&t=list

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Thanks for Reading!

D'Arcy R. Harris Real Estate Broker Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty Tel: 604 484 6236 Fax: 604 488 0885 darcy@darcyharris.com

Quote of the week:

Everybody loves an accent. It you've been unlucky in love, consider pulling up stakes and moving to another country. Then you'll be the one with a neat foreign accent. - Marilyn Vos Savant -----------------------------------------------------------------

Quick Over-the-Net Home Evaluation: http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=homeeval.asp&t=list

Become a VIP Buyer and Beat Other Buyers to all the New Listings: http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=vip_buyer.asp&t=list

Access Vancouver Real Estate Information at: http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=default.asp&t=list

Thanks for reading!

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