The Harris Real Estate Group - Vancouver Real Estate Weekly Update: January 2006

Saturday, January 28, 2006

Vancouver Weekly Real Estate Update January 24, 2006

==============================================

D’Arcy Harris – Weekly Real Estate Update January 24, 2006

==============================================

I'm amazed how many people "just want to see listings." I get calls constantly - "can you send me listings?" I reply that listings are public, go to RealtyLink.org, knock yourself out.

There are lots of reasons why looking at listings, as a stand-alone activity, is a waste of time. One reason became very clear yesterday, when I called on a house in East Van that was listed as a grow op. Turns out, it was only one room that needed to be redone due to the grow op, AND there was a second house in the back that was legal and could rented for over $1,000 a month. Two houses for the price of one? That wasn’t in the listing!

But I only found that out by getting on the phone and working it over, doing the research. So when you're committed to buying real estate, call me for a meeting, for a relationship, and to work together.

On another note, what makes a successful real estate investor/home buyer? I'm still researching it, but here's my #1 point so far: successful real estate investors (and I mean home buyers and sellers too) have a "bias for action." They move fast and decisively. They have a low tolerance for procrastination and planning.

More next week,

D'Arcy R. Harris

Real Estate Broker

Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty

Tel: (604) 771 1637

Fax: (604) 488 0885

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:

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=homeeval.asp&t=list1

P.P.S: 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. Call me today.

==============================================

Success Story of the Week

==============================================

This week, congratulations to V. and J. a couple from out of province who swooped into town last month and just closed on a 3 bedder in the downtown core. Talk about bias for action, these two were tenacious and hard working. They knew what they wanted and set a time to complete. Also, as my clients, they made full use of me and my information. One of the joys of using a buyer agent is how much easier everything gets for you, the buyer. Congratulations to you both!

==============================================

Market Tidbit

==============================================

“The good news is, there aren't a lot of sound reasons to think real estate is ready to bust either. Home prices are what economists call "sticky" -- unlike stocks, homes can't be unloaded with the click of a mouse. And huge demographic forces continue to favor real estate: Baby boomers and first-generation Americans are still buying, and demand exceeds supply in many places.”

Read it all:

http://money.cnn.com/2006/01/19/real_estate/home_money_0602/index.htm

==============================================

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 or MLS.ca. Want to get them before they’re even in the newsletter? Sign up for the VIP Buyers Program. (http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=vip_buyer.asp&t=list1) If they don’t load, cut and paste the links into your browser.

Vancouver Lofts:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=191297988&s=BRC&t=BRC

Investment and Revenue Properties:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1026750674&s=BRC&t=BRC

Vancouver House Foreclosures:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=824351&s=BRC&t=BRC

Vancouver Apartment Foreclosures:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1311341750&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:

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=vip_buyer.asp&t=list1

==============================================

Insider Secrets Revealed:

==============================================

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:

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=gold_newsletter.asp&t=list1

If you are receiving this newsletter 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=list1

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 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=list1

==============================================

From the News:

==============================================

Will this renovation project pay off?

http://cgi.money.cnn.com/tools/renovation/renovation.html

From coach house to cottage

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2006/02/01/8367531/index.htm

3 rules for a happy retirement

http://money.cnn.com/2006/01/13/retirement/updegrave_money_0602/index.htm

==============================================

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.

Comments and suggestions are always welcome, thanks for reading!

D'Arcy R. Harris

Real Estate Broker

Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty

www.VancouverRealEstateInfo.ca

D’Arcy Harris – Vancouver Weekly Real Estate Update January 17, 2006

============================================== D’Arcy Harris – Vancouver Weekly Real Estate Update January 17, 2006

=============================================

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well, my hiatus is over and I’m back and ready to get back to it. I took some time off over the holidays to recuperate, pontificate and meditate on the coming year, and I’m very excited to get back to work helping people find/sell a home. My job is about making people’s dreams a reality, and I’m thankful to be able to do it full time. I get my job satisfaction helping people just like you, so thanks for the opportunity! What are your goals? Is one of them related to Real Estate? Email me (goals@darcyharris.com) what you want to accomplish this year, and let’s see if we can do it together. Let me be a part of YOUR team!

Regards,

D'Arcy Harris

Real Estate Broker

Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty

Tel: (604) 771 1637

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:

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=homeeval.asp&t=list1

P.P.S: If you are receiving this newsletter 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=list1

==============================================

Success Story of the Week

==============================================

Congratulations and a great big thank you to all of my clients of 2005, I love my job and you allowed me to do it. I wouldn’t be where I am today without your trust and support, so thank you and I look forward to working with you again very soon! Here’s to your success in 2006!

==============================================

Market Tidbit

==============================================

”In 2005, the average price of a house in Greater Vancouver reached $585,000. The required household income to buy it: $132,000 per year, with a 10 percent down payment, according to the mortgage calculators at www.canadianmortgage.com. That’s more than twice the median household income of Vancouverites, $56,931. During 2005, average townhouse prices reached $358,000 (monthly income needed: $7,000, or $84,000 per year), and apartments grew to $295,000 ($6,000/$72,000). In the fall, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation lightly sounded the alarm, with its publication Housing Market Outlook: “Smaller price increases in 2006 will be the result of declining affordability beginning to erode consumer demand. Condominium apartments, long considered an affordable housing option, will have increased 50 percent in the 2003 to 2006 period.”

Read it all:

http://www.straight.com/content.cfm?id=15308

==============================================

Weekly Real Estate Listings

==============================================

Vancouver Lofts:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1045779270&s=BRC&t=BRC

Investment and Revenue Properties:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=112543638&s=BRC&t=BRC

Vancouver House Foreclosures:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1115692104&s=BRC&t=BRC

Vancouver Apartment Foreclosures:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=949955937&s=BRC&t=BRC

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=vip_buyer.asp&t=list1

==============================================

Insider Secrets Revealed: ==============================================

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=gold_newsletter.asp&t=list1

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=vip_buyer.asp&t=list1

==============================================

From the News:

==============================================

Condominium developer teams up with Future Shop

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/business/story.html?id=d5e03a1d-5bb8-4399-9c42-649a6fb4b2c4

North Van set to release home safety report

http://www.cbc.ca/bc/story/bc_north-van20060116.html?ref=rss

==============================================

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:

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=silver_customform.asp&t=list1

Comments and suggestions are always welcome, thanks for reading!

D'Arcy R. Harris

Real Estate Broker

Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty

www.VancouverRealEstateInfo.ca

Christmas Real Estate Update, December 23, 2005

==============================================

D’Arcy Harris – Christmas Real Estate Update, December 23, 2005.

==============================================

My last newsletter of the year! Thank you all so much for reading this newsletter, I try to make it as relevant and meaningful as possible to you as a future real estate buyer and/or seller. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my clients for their business this year, and to wish you all a healthy and prosperous new year. I love my job, and it’s you who allows me to do it, so thank you!

I have a feeling next year is going to be very interesting to say the least, and I look forward to hearing from you then. I’m taking a break from writing over the holidays, but look for me in 2006!

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

D'Arcy R. Harris

Real Estate Broker

Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty

www.VancouverRealEstateInfo.ca

==============================================

Success Story of the Week

==============================================

Congratulations to C. and J. a badass father and son team who decided to buy a place not 2 weeks ago and closed the deal today. An excellent 2 bed/2bath in one of the newest buildings in downtown, the Electric Ave. If you haven’t been to the theatres there I highly recommend it, it’s a beautiful development.

Congratulations!

==============================================

Market Tidbit

==============================================

This is interesting:

Is the Market Overvalued?

Growth in real MLS® home prices in British Columbia averaged 4.8 per cent between 2000 and 2004, while real after-tax income increased at an average annual rate of 1.9 per cent. While inflation-adjusted prices are rising faster than inflation-adjusted after-tax incomes, the disparity during the current up-cycle is small compared to past upswings.

During the 1986 to 1989 housing expansion, real MLS® prices grew at a 13.5 per cent annual rate compared to a 0.6 per cent annual increase in real after-tax income. In 1990, real house prices fell by 1.3 per cent, a modest correction. The real price growth of the current up-cycle is more in line with real income growth than experienced in the past.

While house prices are rising in British Columbia, this indicator suggests there is no real estate bubble.

Read more: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/index.cfm

==============================================

Weekly Real Estate Listings

==============================================

Vancouver Lofts:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=308266441&s=BRC&t=BRC

Investment and Revenue Properties:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1107589939&s=BRC&t=BRC

Vancouver House Foreclosures:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1589389937&s=BRC&t=BRC

Vancouver Apartment Foreclosures:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=139114402&s=BRC&t=BRC

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=vip_buyer.asp&t=list1

==============================================

Calling All Investors: Vancouver Financial Forum

==============================================

The Vancouver Financial Forum will take place at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre February 3-5, 2006. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet face to face with other investors and learn about the latest market and wealth management trends.

For more information or to register for this event, visit www.financialforum.ca.

==============================================

Insider Secrets Revealed!

==============================================

Wondering what your home is worth? Probably more than you think! Find out with an Over the Phone Market Evaluation:

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=homeeval.asp&t=list1

I supply this information to you free of charge and without obligation with the confidence that when you do decide to buy or sell your home, you’ll call me to help make it a reality. (604) 771 1637.

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=vip_buyer.asp&t=list1

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=gold_newsletter.asp&t=list1

==============================================

From the News

==============================================

Home Buying Step by Step:

http://www.cmhc.ca/en/bureho/buho/hobustst/index.cfm

==============================================

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.

Comments and suggestions are always welcome, thanks for reading!

D'Arcy R. Harris

Real Estate Broker

Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty

Vancouver Weekly Real Estate Update, December 13, 2005

==============================================

D’Arcy Harris –Weekly Real Estate Update December 13, 2005.

==============================================

Yesterday I was speaking with a client who was thinking of selling her home, and she asked me my opinion on when would be the best time to list her property. She thought maybe it would be best to wait until January, but I disagreed and here’s why: 1. People who look for a home during the Holidays are more serious buyers! 2. Serious buyers have fewer homes to choose from during the Holidays and less competition means more money for you! 3. Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January... there will be less demand for your home at that time. Less demand means less money for you! 4. Homes always show better when decorated for the Holidays! 5. Buyers are more emotional during the Holidays, so they are more likely to pay your price! 6. Buyers have more time to look for a home during the Holidays than they do during a regular week! (This is why Buyers shouldn’t drop out until January either!) 7. Some people have to buy before the end of the year for tax reasons! 8. January is a month that a lot of employees begin new jobs. Since transferees cannot wait until the spring to buy a home, you must be in the market now to capture those buyers! 9. You can still be in the market, you have the option to restrict showings as much as you want! 10.You can sell now for more money and we can provide for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until next year! 11.By selling now, you have the opportunity to be a buyer in the spring, when more homes will be on the market!

Hope that helps! I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

D'Arcy R. Harris

Real Estate Broker

Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty

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:

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=homeeval.asp&t=list1

==============================================

Success Story of the Week

==============================================

This week, no deals have gone through, which is endemic of the current market. A lot of my VIP Buyers have decided to take some time off, so I would like to award this week’s Success Story to the people who are still out there kicking the tires and writing offers. It’s nice for me to be able to concentrate my energy on a select number of highly motivated buyers. These people are the reason why the holidays are a good time to sell! Kudos to you all!

==============================================

Market Tidbit

============================================== Thought you might enjoy this, I got it in my email when it was snowing last week (for all of you reading this outside of Vancouver, the weather is beau-ti-full), and I don’t know who wrote it so I can’t give credit, except to say that I laughed when I read it!

Vancouver Blizzard 2005 Vancouver (Reuters) Day 2 - Vancouver Blizzard 2005 - Revenge of the Commuters Chilled Vancouver commuters faced their second day of winter hell today, as an additional .5 centimetre of the peculiar white stuff fell, bringing the lower mainland to its knees and causing millions of dollars worth of damage to the marijuana crops. Scientists suspect that the substance is some form of frozen water particles and experts from Saskatchewan are being flown in. With temperatures dipping to the almost but not quite near zero mark, Vancouverites were warned to double insulate their lattes before venturing out. Vancouver police recommended that people stay inside except for emergencies, such as running out of espresso or biscotti to see them through Vancouver's most terrible storm to date. The local Canadian Tire reported that they had completely sold out of fur-lined sandals. Drivers were cautioned to put their convertible tops up, and several have been shocked to learn that their SUV's actually have four wheel drive, although most have no idea how to use it. Weary commuters faced soggy sushi, and the threat of frozen breast implants.

Although Dr. John Blatherwick, of the Coastal Health Authority reassured everyone that most breast implants were perfectly safe to 25 below, down-filled bras are flying off the shelves at Mountain Equipment Co-op. "The government has to do something," snarled an angry Trevor Warburton. "I didn't pay $540,000 for my one bedroom condo so I could sit around and be treated like someone from Toronto".

HA!

==============================================

Weekly Real Estate Listings

==============================================

Vancouver Lofts:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1658654467&s=BRC&t=BRC

Investment and Revenue Properties:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1543856632&s=BRC&t=BRC

Vancouver House Foreclosures:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1352463123&s=BRC&t=BRC

Vancouver Apartment Foreclosures:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1555875158&s=BRC&t=BRC

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=vip_buyer.asp&t=list1

==============================================

Insider Secrets Revealed!

==============================================

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=gold_newsletter.asp&t=list1

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=vip_buyer.asp&t=list1

============================================== From the News ==============================================

Grow-ops a real-estate nightmare

http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/business/story.html?id=13fbaac6-f751-4599-adbf-62ed0b727d93

B.C. resort targets Puget Sound skiers

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10433240/

Know when to let go: Selling real estate may finance retirement

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10433240/

==============================================

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:

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=silver_customform.asp&t=list1

Comments and suggestions are always welcome, thanks for reading!

D'Arcy R. Harris

Real Estate Broker

Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty

www.VancouverRealEstateInfo.ca

Vancouver Weekly Real Estate Update December 5, 2005

-----------------------------------------------------------------

D’Arcy Harris –Weekly Real Estate Update December 5, 2005.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Okay, Christmas is almost upon us, followed by New Years, which tends to take up a lot of our time. (Understatement? Oh yeah.) Usually between now and January, most people are too preoccupied with presents, family, snow and egg nog to worry about the real estate market. Most people would rather sit by the fire or go skiing, and who can fault them? But there is always a group of people who don’t have the luxury of waiting till after the festivities to move, and will keep showing their home in the hopes that they’ll be able to pay off their debt/transfer jobs/finalize their divorce/close on they other house they bought/move before the holidays etc. etc. etc.

And this goes for both buyers and sellers. The fact is that this is a great time to buy or sell because you know that everyone who is still in this market is serious, ready and willing.

The question is, are you willing to sacrifice some of your holiday time to find the home of your dreams? For those that say yes, maybe spending next Christmas in the perfect home is worth the sacrifice now. Something to think about? I hope to hear from you!

Regards,

D'Arcy R. Harris

Real Estate Broker

Sutton Group

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, sign up here:

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=homeeval.asp&t=list1

P.P.S: 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:

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=gold_newsletter.asp&t=list1

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Success Story of the Week

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Congratulations to E. and N. who went ahead with the purchase of their new townhouse in Downtown Vancouver. There was some concern about the building, but once the inspector went through and the docs were read and approved, they realized that we got a great deal. The lesson here is that sometimes it pays NOT to listen to other people, and that some time spent researching everything for yourself will pay huge dividends!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Market Tidbit

----------------------------------------------------------------- ”Former B.C. Premier, Bill VanderZalm, will be selling 85 acres of exclusive waterfront recreational property at Thursday's Vancouver Ritchie Bros. auction. The property is located near 100 Mile House and will be sold in the Surrey unreserved public auction”

Read it all:

http://www.ccnmatthews.com/news/releases/show.jsp?action=showRelease&searchText=false&showText=all&actionFor=570645

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Weekly Real Estate Listings

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Vancouver Lofts:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1708157699&s=BRC&t=BRC

Investment and Revenue Properties:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=288150333&s=BRC&t=BRC

Vancouver House Foreclosures:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1022824422&s=BRC&t=BRC

Vancouver Apartment Foreclosures:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=289514651&s=BRC&t=BRC

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=vip_buyer.asp&t=list1

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Insider Secret Revealed!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=vip_buyer.asp&t=list1

-----------------------------------------------------------------

From the News -----------------------------------------------------------------

Cushman-Royal LaPage Marriage Complete, Toronto Unit Seeks to Cash In December 05, 2005 By Paul Miller, News Editor http://www.cpnonline.com/cpn/property_type/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001614331

Increased costs will hit homeowner’s hard by Bill McCarthy http://www.burnabynow.com/issues05/121105/features.html

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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:

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=silver_customform.asp&t=list1

Comments and suggestions are always welcome, thanks for reading!

D'Arcy R. Harris

Real Estate Broker

Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty

www.VancouverRealEstateInfo.ca

D’Arcy Harris –Weekly Real Estate Update November 28, 2005

-----------------------------------------------------------------

D’Arcy Harris –Weekly Real Estate Update November 28, 2005

-----------------------------------------------------------------

People talk about what is likely to happen when the market corrects, and if it does, what will happen. The reality is that real estate corrections aren’t drastic one day events, but rather move slowly and surely in one direction over extended time periods. The only thing stopping a downward trend? More buyers, and having a listing under 200K in Vancouver really opened my eyes to the number of people who are looking in that (near) impossible price range. They are the people who are waiting on the sidelines for any correction, and they are the ones who are going to jump in and scoop up properties that make sense for them at that time.

As a market trends downward, buyers who wouldn’t normally pay attention are all of a sudden activated by the opportunity a price correction represents, thereby adding more buyers to the market. In this realtors humble opinion, and barring any unforeseen economic disasters, this real estate market is well shored up to withstand any correction, so stop worrying and get out there...

Regards,

D'Arcy R. Harris

Real Estate Broker

Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty

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, sign up here:

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=homeeval.asp&t=list1

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=gold_newsletter.asp&t=list1

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Success Story of the Week

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Congratulations to J., proud (former) owner of my listing on W. 6^th. The unit sold on Monday for $500.00 under the asking price ($187,500), making it one of the best deals in town. The building needs some work, and it took a very specific sort of buyer to make it happen. They decided to keep the tenant and collect the checks, which is a great way to buy real estate.

Also, congrats to K. and J. who are moving into their new homes this week.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Market Tidbit

----------------------------------------------------------------- “The Canadian Real Estate Association expects demand for homes to slow down in 2006, but not by much. Prices will still rise, although not as quickly as in the past few years, said chief economist Gregory Klump. And since the easing will be so gradual, it won't have a widespread effect in Canada, unlike in the United States, he said.”

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20051122/RCREDIT22/TPRealestate/

Also, just so you know:

"The property transfer tax is charged at one per cent of the first $200,000 of a property's value and two per cent on the remainder. First-time buyers are exempt if they spend less than $325,000 in Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Victoria, or $265,000 elsewhere."

Read about getting rid of this tax grab, something I think is worth supporting:

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/story.html?id=017561f5-a7d9-4e91-ba0f-872a7685b4d3&k=67974

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Weekly Real Estate Listings

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Vancouver Lofts:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1518660877&s=BRC&t=BRC

Investment and Revenue Properties:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=26885437&s=BRC&t=BRC

Vancouver House Foreclosures:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1740246003&s=BRC&t=BRC

Vancouver Apartment Foreclosures: http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1770233808&s=BRC&t=BRC

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=vip_buyer.asp&t=list1

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Insider Secret Revealed!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=vip_buyer.asp&t=list1

-----------------------------------------------------------------

From the News -----------------------------------------------------------------

Home Credit Boom Slowing: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20051122/RCREDIT22/TPRealestate/

Cut Transfer Tax, Says Committee

Government urged to help first-time buyers enter property market by reducing or scrapping tax

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/story.html?id=017561f5-a7d9-4e91-ba0f-872a7685b4d3&k=67974

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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:

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=silver_customform.asp&t=list1

Comments and suggestions are always welcome, thanks for reading!

D'Arcy R. Harris

Real Estate Broker

Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty

www.VancouverRealEstateInfo.ca

D’Arcy Harris – Vancouver Real Estate Update November 22, 2005

-----------------------------------------------------------------

D’Arcy Harris – From the Trenches November 22, 2005

-----------------------------------------------------------------

So is the market going down? Well, predicting market downturns is like predicting snow in Alaska in winter. It's a no-brainer. Markets go up, markets go down. Woo-woo, big surprise. How much and how fast, who knows.

So the question becomes, what to do? Well, keep buying if you're an investor. Sharp buyers who work with savvy brokers and look at all inventory in their neighbourhoods, will always do well. They will find and buy the 1/50 that actually makes sense, whether the market is cooling or heating up.

Same goes for homebuyers. If you're home shopping, DON'T STOP. In a cooling market, you can put those sellers over a barrel and get your revenge for the last four years of them being complete jerks. Now it's THEIR turn to bite the bullet. Remember, only 1 out of 50 will represent a great buy, so do your homework.

If you're considering selling at all in the next few years, it's a good time to do so now. Remember when prices started going up, how long it took Joe Public to catch on and decide to buy? Well, selling works the same way. Beat the herd.

D'Arcy R. Harris

Real Estate Broker

Sutton Group - Westcoast Realty

P.S: Here's a thought: "I'm waiting until after the holidays to buy/sell." That might not be such a good idea. During the next 2 months, there will be:

-Less competition for buyers and sellers both

-More time to look

-Emotional and motivated buyers and sellers. A good negotiator can max that to your benefit (that would be me).

-Houses show better when decorated for the holidays!?

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=gold_newsletter.asp&t=list1

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Success Story of the Week

-----------------------------------------------------------------

I may be getting a listing in Burnaby shortly; asking will be around $260,000 for a two-bed/2 bath. If you’re looking for HUGE views, then this is the place to see. The building also has $400,000 in the contingency fund AND it’s all concrete. No leaky condo here people.

This is the kind of place that will be worry free (and assessment free!) for years to come. Hopefully I’ll be listing it this week. If you want to get in BEFORE it’s on the MLS, just reply to this email and I’ll set it up.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Market Tidbit

----------------------------------------------------------------- This from a Realtor "how-to" book:

"If you are selling, if prices are declining, your sellers must actually price their property under the comparable sales. If they don't get ahead of the decline, they will be "chasing the market down." Losses can be substantial. To assist your seller in obtaining the highest price possible in a declining market, you must first identify how much inventory is on the market and how quickly it is selling. Second, you will also need to identify how much their price is declining each month. You then have the actual cost of holding the property each month. When sellers see the true numbers, the shock is stunning. Back in the disastrous LA market in 1990-1993 where prices declined 33% in just 18 months, almost all of my sellers (I represented REO for 15 different banks), sold their properties because they were willing to take a slightly lower price to move the inventory immediately. Sadly, most residential agents are not trained to have this critical conversation that can maximize the seller's return in a tough market."

Something to think about, especially as more and more people are talking about a downturn, or a correction, or a bubble bursting. The psychology of the masses set markets in motion, so if you’re thinking of selling anytime soon, DON’T CHASE IT DOWN. Price accordingly. Oh, and list your house with me.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Weekly Real Estate Listings

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Vancouver Lofts:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1784204662&s=BRC&t=BRC

Investment and Revenue Properties:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=481839578&s=BRC&t=BRC

Vancouver House Foreclosures:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1893023140&s=BRC&t=BRC

Vancouver Apartment Foreclosures:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1260046586&s=BRC&t=BRC

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=vip_buyer.asp&t=list1

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Insider Secrets Revealed!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Wondering what your home is worth? Probably more than you think! Find out with an Over the Phone Market Evaluation, sign up here:

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=homeeval.asp&t=list1

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=vip_buyer.asp&t=list1

-----------------------------------------------------------------

From the News

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Serves them right:

Slope Unstable After Clearcut.

65 trees illegally removed from property, city says, leaving 'potentially unsafe condition'

http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/news/westcoastnews/story.html?id=a240c1ee-2ee3-4a7e-b73b-7d38e998f2f7

In British Columbia, Real Estate is King Forget politics, forget the Olympics. All anyone talks about here is real estate and the great building boom ushering in the 21st century. ...

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20051117/BCMASON17/TPComment/Columnists

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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:

http://www.vancouverrealestateinfo.ca/redir.asp?page=silver_customform.asp&t=list1

The Harris Real Estate Group - Vancouver Real Estate Weekly Update

Saturday, January 28, 2006

Vancouver Weekly Real Estate Update January 24, 2006

D’Arcy Harris – Vancouver Weekly Real Estate Update January 17, 2006

Success Story of the Week

Market Tidbit

Weekly Real Estate Listings

Christmas Real Estate Update, December 23, 2005

Vancouver Weekly Real Estate Update, December 13, 2005

Vancouver Weekly Real Estate Update December 5, 2005

D’Arcy Harris –Weekly Real Estate Update November 28, 2005

D’Arcy Harris – Vancouver Real Estate Update November 22, 2005

About Us

Find us on Facebook

Blog Archive

For more information...