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Hi everyone!  

 

Belated Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Vancouver's St. Paddy's Day parade was held earlier today - if you're curious about how the rest of the world celebrates, here's a photo tour

 

Who else is wondering when will spring arrive?!?  Wind, rain, snow, sun, snow, rain... and on, and on, and on again.  At least it's dry today.  Here's hoping there's some truth to the saying "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb".  For trivia buffs, Wikipedia has a page on weather lore - learn which folklores have some truth in nature and which don't.  

Real Estate Matters

I'll be attending the realtor preview of the new TELUS Garden development this Wednesday evening.  If you're interested in purchasing one of these residences, please let me know & I'll make sure you're kept up-to-date.  

  

Buying?  With 10 year mortgage rates so attractive here's a guide to help you decide to go long or go longer

 

Selling?  Fixed rate Mortgage penalites - why they matter now more than ever

 

Staying put?  Great tips on a kitchen reno under $25,000

 

Get ready for an active spring market:  Both buyers and sellers should take time to understand pricing strategies designed to get top dollar for homes.

 

Picture time!  A spectacular West Vancouver mansion listed for a cool $13.99M

 

Ever wonder what type of home a million dollars can get you across Canada?  More pictures...

The top 3 reasons to visit my website!

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Market in Action

A picture is worth a thousand words.  Below are selected homes that sold during February at prices near the benchmark prices in the next section.  If you'd like more information on any property or neighbourhood, let me know!

MLS# V930591 

  v930591

Vancouver West, Kerrisdale

List Price $2.2M

24 Days on Mkt

MLS# V925100

 v925100

Coquitlam, Ranch Park

List Price $719K

48 Days on Mkt

MLS# V93167

 v923644

Richmond, Westwind

List Price $998K

1 Days on Mkt

MLS# F1128865
 f1128865

  North Delta, Nordel

List Price $550K

82 Days on Mkt

MLS# F1129191

 f1129191

Surrey, East Newton

List Price $549K

56 Days on Mkt

MLS# V929585

 v929585

New West, Uptown New West

List Price $660K

15 Days on Mkt

Market Statistics for  February 2012

The February stats packages from the Real Estate Board of Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board are available on my website at How's the Market

  

Both real estate boards continue to report balanced conditions and stable prices.  But the spring market is starting to heat up and well-priced homes in desirable areas are selling fast, often over list price.  Sales and pricing can vary considerably depending on the neighbourhood and property type, so make sure you consult with your REALTOR.

  

Let's look more closely at single-family homes across the region.  Reminder: the House Price Index shows the percentage increase over 2005 prices.    

 

 

 

 

Area

Benchmark Price

$

1 Year Change

House Price Index

(base 2005)

 

Burnaby East

729,600

9.6%

165.6

 

Burnaby North

903,400

12.1%

175.8

 

Burnaby South

938,400

13.1%

181.8

 

Coquitlam

691,400

6.8%

152.6

 

Ladner

633,300

8.6%

152.1

 

Maple Ridge

467,500

2.7%

131.3

 

New Westminster

660,700

6.7%

166.4

 

North Vancouver

961,200

11.5%

151.9

 

Pitt Meadows

509,700

5.1%

141.3

 

Port Coquitlam

546,100

5.6%

145.8

 

Port Moody

799,000

5.5%

150.4

 

Richmond

1,026,100

6.0%

205.2

 

Tsawwassen

715,500

13.3%

153.9

 

Vancouver East

832,400

12.6%

185.4

 

Vancouver West

2,217,900

17.8%

226.5

 

West Vancouver

1,886,100

18.8%

175.3

 

North Delta

521,100

5.8%

151.3

 

North Surrey

535,900

6.7%

150.6

 

Surrey Central

546,000

6.1%

145.6

 

Cloverdale

559,700

4.4%

138.3

 

S Surrey/White Rock

909,100

17.2%

165.9

 

Langley

538,200

3.1%

133.8

 

Abbotsford

420,300

-1.5%

128.8

 

Mission

359,500

-0.7%

126.1

 

 

 

Closing Thoughts

 

Who do you know that:  is thinking of downsizing?  needs a larger home?  looking for investment properties? have children who are ready to buy their first homes?  I'm here to help - just call or email kplante@sutton.com and together we can explore the options.

 

Enjoy the day!

 

Kathy

 

************

Refer someone you care about to someone you trust

 

Kathy PlanteCan't see the image? Click the link above

604-329-1405

Sutton Group - West Coast Realty