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D’Arcy Harris – Weekly Real Estate Update March 21, 2006
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The way people search for real estate has taken a quantum leap in the last month or so. I haven’t really talked about it here simply because most of the new sites that are out there don’t service the Canadian market (yet). Too bad too, because if they did I would use them myself. Sites like http://www.zillow.com/ (brought to you by the guy who did expedia.com), http://www.trulia.com/ and http://www.redfin.com/ simplify the search process by overlaying the MLS data with a map of the city and offering lots of ways to simplify the process. Other sites are in the works for other cities across the U.S and it’s only a matter of time before Vancouver gets their own. Until then, you’re stuck with RealtyLink.org. Or we could set you up with a personalized search emailed directly to your inbox that’s 3 days ahead of everyone else. Up to you.
Enjoy this week’s newsletter,
D'Arcy R. Harris
Real Estate Broker
Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty
Tel: (604) 771 1637
Fax: (604) 488 0885
darcy@darcyharris.com
http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/
P.S: If you’re thinking of selling, now’s the time. Sign up for a free comparative analysis of your homes value.
P.P.S: If you are receiving this newsletter from someone else (or reading it on my blog) and would like to sign up to receive it directly, please click here
==============================================
Mortgage Hint: Reed Harris, CBM Mortgage Broker
==============================================
My goals this month are to Inform, Instruct and Assist you in the home buying process. So I've put together a couple of common misconceptions I hear all the time, to put them finally and permanently to rest! Enjoy.
Misconception: Since I've been with my bank for X-number of years, they will treat me well.
Reality: Your loyalty is one-sided. You may be loyal to your bank out of habit and good marketing, but miss two payments, or overdraw your account and see how loyal your bank is to you. Your account is one of 10 or 15 million at that bank, and its likely that no one knows your name except when you present your card. Some loyalty. For 10 things your banker doesn't want you to know about your mortgage, visit http://www.realestatefinancing.ca/lenderquestions.asp
Misconception: I have to renew with my current lender, or pay loads of penalties.
Reality:When you first bought your home, you probably used a mortgage broker to get 'wholesale' rates. Your lender will probably offer you 'retail' rates - but you should never pay retail. There are services such as http://www.renewalsonly.com/ , which provide renewal specialization. You can switch lenders (and get wholesale rates) at renewal for NO penalty or legal costs. Save interest cost, and its free. No brainer. Download the complete report at http://www.renewalripoff.com/ for more.
Misconception: I'm going to wait till I save a large downpayment before I buy.
Reality: In an upward moving market, waiting is losing. The house you want to buy today could cost you an extra $20,000 more in 6 months. By 'saving for a larger downpayment' you've just lost out on 20k in equity. If you have 5% down or more your rate does not change, so saving for 10% makes no sense whatsoever. Buy sooner rather than later.http://www.realestatefinancing.ca/deadlymistakes.asp
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From the News:
==============================================
House prices soar 26.5 per cent in past year
“Vancouver and Calgary lead gains in housing prices across Canada during the past year, the Canadian Real Estate Association reported Thursday. The association, using Multiple Listing Service data, said the average resale house price in Greater Vancouver hit $490,004 in February, up 26.5 per cent since February of 2005.”
Cooler housing market expected after rate hike
“BC. housing markets will "cool off and level out" this year as the fifth Bank of Canada interest-rate hike in the past six months creates conditions that dampen economic growth in the province, Business Council of B.C. executive vice-president Jock Finlayson said Tuesday.”
REAL ESTATE FRAUD PACKS A PUNCH
“Real estate industry insiders now peg the average case of real estate fraud at $300,000, meaning years of personal and financial repercussions for those who fall victim.”
==============================================
Insider Secrets Revealed:
==============================================
Wondering what your home is worth? Probably more than you think! Find out with an Over the Phone Market Evaluation.
I’ve put up all the past newsletters on a blog! So if your dog eats your email, you can always check it out by Clicking Here.
If you are receiving this newsletter from someone else and would like to sign up to receive it directly, please Click Here
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, and much more that DOESN’T fit in this newsletter: Click Here
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? Tired of leafing through hundreds of listings to find what you’re looking for? This is a free service and will allow you to view only the homes that you're interested in seeing. Become a Vancouver Real Estate VIP Buyer and beat other buyers to all the hot new listings.
==============================================
Weekly Real Estate Listings
==============================================
These are all the current listing out right now; in fact, some of them are so new they’re not even posted on Realtylink ors MLS.ca. Want to get them before they’re even in the newsletter? Sign up for the VIP Buyers Program. If they don’t load, cut and paste the links into your browser. If you want more information about the listings, email me with the MLS number and I’ll send you more info.
Vancouver Lofts:
http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=363071048&s=BRC&t=BRC
Investment and Revenue Properties:
http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=711369919&s=BRC&t=BRC
Vancouver House Foreclosures:
http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1529938387&s=BRC&t=BRC
Vancouver Apartment Foreclosures:
http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=114797299&s=BRC&t=BRC
If you see any listings that interest you, simply reply to this email with the MLS number and the time that you’re available to view it and we’ll set up a private tour just for you. Or have them emailed to you daily rather than weekly, sign up for the VIP Buyers Program.
==============================================
Contact Info:
==============================================
I supply this information to you free of charge and without obligation with the hope that when you do 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 this newsletter from someone else and would like to sign up to receive it directly, please Click Here.
Comments and suggestions are always welcome, thanks for reading!
D'Arcy R. Harris
Real Estate Broker
Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty
Tel: 604 771 1637
Fax: 604 488 0885
darcy@darcyharris.com
www.VancouverRealEstateInfo.ca
==============================================
Quick Over-the-Net Home Evaluation
Become a VIP Buyer and Beat Other Buyers to all the New Listings
Access Vancouver Real Estate Information
==============================================
Thanks for reading!
To be taken off any future mailings simply reply with your request and I’ll take you off.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Monday, March 13, 2006
Vancouver Weekly Real Estate Update March 7, 2006
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D’Arcy Harris – Weekly Real Estate Update March 7, 2006
==============================================
Six months is a long time in this real estate market, and before you scroll down to the foreclosure listings, be sure to read the success story of the week and the Hot Listings section. These are the stories that people hear and then wish they had bought when ‘things were affordable’. Well folks, in six months, those people may be saying the same thing about today’s prices. Don’t be one of them, call us!
On another note, Vancouver magazine has just put out an excellent article about the real estate market and where it’s going. West of Denman is profiled and I hate to say it but: I told you so. Oh wait, I don’t hate saying that at all…
D'Arcy R. Harris
Real Estate Broker
Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty
Tel: (604) 771 1637
Fax: (604) 488 0885
darcy@darcyharris.com
http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/
P.S: Wondering what your home is worth? Probably more than you think! Find out with an Over the Phone Market Evaluation.
P.P.S: If you are receiving this newsletter from someone else (or reading it on my blog) and would like to sign up to receive it directly, please click here
==============================================
Success Story of the Week
==============================================
Here’s a little background: My clients M. and C. bought an apartment in the West End of Vancouver 6 months ago for $185,000. Last week, they listed it with us for $199,900. Our marketing kicked in and in less than a week there were 8 offers on it. It was sold for $220,000, which just happens to be $20,000 over the asking price (I know, I’m a math genius..) With the extra cash, they’ll be going to Papua New Guinea and Costa Rica. Love it. Congratulations to both of them. (View the sold listing Here)
Also, congrats to N., a wonderful lady who just listed and sold her duplex with us. It was listed at $562,000, and sold for $575,000 on the first day it was shown to anybody. There were 5 offers on it. N. said to take offers as they came in and after the dust had settled she accepted a no subject offer for $575,000. That’s how you sell a house. (View the sold listing Here)
If you’re thinking of selling, now is truly the time. Sign up for a free comparative analysis of your homes value.
==============================================
Hot Listing: Kendall Harris
==============================================
And now a word from my colleague and sister Kendall Harris, a Buyer's Agent specializing in finding you the best home or investment property for your needs.
“Do you ever look at the price on a downtown condo and think, 'If only I could go back 6 months and buy that place?' Well here's an exceptional listing that gives you a chance to do just that. 1903-1000 Beach Ave. looks right over Granville Island; enjoying a huge, unobstructed, south facing water view. One bed, 2 bath, beautiful hardwood floors, in a building with amenities like concierge, pool, gym, and hot tub. It doesn't get much better than this! Unless the price is as good as this: six months ago, this exact unit sold for $450,000. It is listed today at $449,000. The seller lives in Europe and wants it gone! You're essentially buying it at the price you could have gotten it for 6 months ago. Knowing what you know now, would you have bought six months ago? We don't see opportunities like this every day, call me! ”
Kendall can be reached at 778 233 7838 or email her at kendall@kendallharris.net.
==============================================
Mortgage Hints
==============================================
Did you know that you can switch lenders for FREE at your mortgage renewal date? Most homebuyers spend a good amount of time shopping for the best mortgage rate when they purchase. But when it comes time to renew their mortgage, a huge majority of homeowners simply accept their lenders' renewal offer. We're busy people, and don't have the time or the inclination to haggle with lenders for hours at a time. That’s where http://www.renewalsonly.com/ enters the picture. They have an innovative new service that allows you to quickly and easily choose the rate you want. Their systems will identify potential lenders, and provide you with the most competitive rate for your mortgage renewal.
Saving money at renewal time shouldn't be a headache for you. Visit http://www.renewalsonly.com/ when you get your renewal notice.
==============================================
From the News:
==============================================
Inflated Market? Sellers Market? Buyers Market?
“Lots of homebuyers hit the markets and closed deals last month, keeping B.C. realtors busy. More than 5,200 homes, worth more than $1.92 billion, were sold in B.C. in January, a 13.2-per-cent hike over the number of homes sold in January 2005. The increase is yet another example of B.C.'s consistently strong real estate market, said B.C. Real Estate Association president Dave Barclay. “Read more: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/Business/2006/02/24/1459884-sun.html
==============================================
Insider Secrets Revealed:
==============================================
I’ve put up all the past newsletters on a blog! So if your dog eats your email, you can always check it out by Clicking Here.
If you are receiving this newsletter from someone else and would like to sign up to receive it directly, please Click Here
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, and much more that DOESN’T fit in this newsletter: Click Here
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? Tired of leafing through hundreds of listings to find what you’re looking for? This is a free service and will allow you to view only the homes that you're interested in seeing. Become a Vancouver Real Estate VIP Buyer and beat other buyers to all the hot new listings.
==============================================
Weekly Real Estate Listings
==============================================
These are all the current listing out right now; in fact, some of them are so new they’re not even posted on Realtylink ors MLS.ca. Want to get them before they’re even in the newsletter? Sign up for the VIP Buyers Program. If they don’t load, cut and paste the links into your browser. If you want more information about the listings, email me with the MLS number and I’ll send you more info.
Vancouver Lofts:
http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=908661640&s=BRC&t=BRC
Investment and Revenue Properties:
http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=703110039&s=BRC&t=BRC
Vancouver House Foreclosures:
http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=483846343&s=BRC&t=BRC
Vancouver Apartment Foreclosures:
http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=6939555&s=BRC&t=BRC
If you see any listings that interest you, simply reply to this email with the MLS number and the time that you’re available to view it and we’ll set up a private tour just for you. Or have them emailed to you daily rather than weekly, sign up for the VIP Buyers Program.
==============================================
Contact Info:
==============================================
I supply this information to you free of charge and without obligation with the hope that when you do 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 this newsletter from someone else and would like to sign up to receive it directly, please Click Here.
Comments and suggestions are always welcome, thanks for reading!
D'Arcy R. Harris
Real Estate Broker
Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty
Tel: 604 771 1637
Fax: 604 488 0885
darcy@darcyharris.com
http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/
==============================================
Quick Over-the-Net Home Evaluation
Become a VIP Buyer and Beat Other Buyers to all the New Listings
Access Vancouver Real Estate Information
==============================================
Thanks for reading!
D’Arcy Harris – Weekly Real Estate Update March 7, 2006
==============================================
Six months is a long time in this real estate market, and before you scroll down to the foreclosure listings, be sure to read the success story of the week and the Hot Listings section. These are the stories that people hear and then wish they had bought when ‘things were affordable’. Well folks, in six months, those people may be saying the same thing about today’s prices. Don’t be one of them, call us!
On another note, Vancouver magazine has just put out an excellent article about the real estate market and where it’s going. West of Denman is profiled and I hate to say it but: I told you so. Oh wait, I don’t hate saying that at all…
D'Arcy R. Harris
Real Estate Broker
Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty
Tel: (604) 771 1637
Fax: (604) 488 0885
darcy@darcyharris.com
http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/
P.S: Wondering what your home is worth? Probably more than you think! Find out with an Over the Phone Market Evaluation.
P.P.S: If you are receiving this newsletter from someone else (or reading it on my blog) and would like to sign up to receive it directly, please click here
==============================================
Success Story of the Week
==============================================
Here’s a little background: My clients M. and C. bought an apartment in the West End of Vancouver 6 months ago for $185,000. Last week, they listed it with us for $199,900. Our marketing kicked in and in less than a week there were 8 offers on it. It was sold for $220,000, which just happens to be $20,000 over the asking price (I know, I’m a math genius..) With the extra cash, they’ll be going to Papua New Guinea and Costa Rica. Love it. Congratulations to both of them. (View the sold listing Here)
Also, congrats to N., a wonderful lady who just listed and sold her duplex with us. It was listed at $562,000, and sold for $575,000 on the first day it was shown to anybody. There were 5 offers on it. N. said to take offers as they came in and after the dust had settled she accepted a no subject offer for $575,000. That’s how you sell a house. (View the sold listing Here)
If you’re thinking of selling, now is truly the time. Sign up for a free comparative analysis of your homes value.
==============================================
Hot Listing: Kendall Harris
==============================================
And now a word from my colleague and sister Kendall Harris, a Buyer's Agent specializing in finding you the best home or investment property for your needs.
“Do you ever look at the price on a downtown condo and think, 'If only I could go back 6 months and buy that place?' Well here's an exceptional listing that gives you a chance to do just that. 1903-1000 Beach Ave. looks right over Granville Island; enjoying a huge, unobstructed, south facing water view. One bed, 2 bath, beautiful hardwood floors, in a building with amenities like concierge, pool, gym, and hot tub. It doesn't get much better than this! Unless the price is as good as this: six months ago, this exact unit sold for $450,000. It is listed today at $449,000. The seller lives in Europe and wants it gone! You're essentially buying it at the price you could have gotten it for 6 months ago. Knowing what you know now, would you have bought six months ago? We don't see opportunities like this every day, call me! ”
Kendall can be reached at 778 233 7838 or email her at kendall@kendallharris.net.
==============================================
Mortgage Hints
==============================================
Did you know that you can switch lenders for FREE at your mortgage renewal date? Most homebuyers spend a good amount of time shopping for the best mortgage rate when they purchase. But when it comes time to renew their mortgage, a huge majority of homeowners simply accept their lenders' renewal offer. We're busy people, and don't have the time or the inclination to haggle with lenders for hours at a time. That’s where http://www.renewalsonly.com/ enters the picture. They have an innovative new service that allows you to quickly and easily choose the rate you want. Their systems will identify potential lenders, and provide you with the most competitive rate for your mortgage renewal.
Saving money at renewal time shouldn't be a headache for you. Visit http://www.renewalsonly.com/ when you get your renewal notice.
==============================================
From the News:
==============================================
Inflated Market? Sellers Market? Buyers Market?
“Lots of homebuyers hit the markets and closed deals last month, keeping B.C. realtors busy. More than 5,200 homes, worth more than $1.92 billion, were sold in B.C. in January, a 13.2-per-cent hike over the number of homes sold in January 2005. The increase is yet another example of B.C.'s consistently strong real estate market, said B.C. Real Estate Association president Dave Barclay. “Read more: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/Business/2006/02/24/1459884-sun.html
==============================================
Insider Secrets Revealed:
==============================================
I’ve put up all the past newsletters on a blog! So if your dog eats your email, you can always check it out by Clicking Here.
If you are receiving this newsletter from someone else and would like to sign up to receive it directly, please Click Here
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, and much more that DOESN’T fit in this newsletter: Click Here
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? Tired of leafing through hundreds of listings to find what you’re looking for? This is a free service and will allow you to view only the homes that you're interested in seeing. Become a Vancouver Real Estate VIP Buyer and beat other buyers to all the hot new listings.
==============================================
Weekly Real Estate Listings
==============================================
These are all the current listing out right now; in fact, some of them are so new they’re not even posted on Realtylink ors MLS.ca. Want to get them before they’re even in the newsletter? Sign up for the VIP Buyers Program. If they don’t load, cut and paste the links into your browser. If you want more information about the listings, email me with the MLS number and I’ll send you more info.
Vancouver Lofts:
http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=908661640&s=BRC&t=BRC
Investment and Revenue Properties:
http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=703110039&s=BRC&t=BRC
Vancouver House Foreclosures:
http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=483846343&s=BRC&t=BRC
Vancouver Apartment Foreclosures:
http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=6939555&s=BRC&t=BRC
If you see any listings that interest you, simply reply to this email with the MLS number and the time that you’re available to view it and we’ll set up a private tour just for you. Or have them emailed to you daily rather than weekly, sign up for the VIP Buyers Program.
==============================================
Contact Info:
==============================================
I supply this information to you free of charge and without obligation with the hope that when you do 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 this newsletter from someone else and would like to sign up to receive it directly, please Click Here.
Comments and suggestions are always welcome, thanks for reading!
D'Arcy R. Harris
Real Estate Broker
Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty
Tel: 604 771 1637
Fax: 604 488 0885
darcy@darcyharris.com
http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/
==============================================
Quick Over-the-Net Home Evaluation
Become a VIP Buyer and Beat Other Buyers to all the New Listings
Access Vancouver Real Estate Information
==============================================
Thanks for reading!
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