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Hi everyone, welcome to the Christmas edition of my newsletter!  

 

I don't know about you, but when December rolls around I'm always amazed at how quickly the year passed by!  (And how much there is left to do between now and the 25th...)  Well if you happen to have some spare time, here are 15 unmissable Vancouver Christmas events.  And for those of you who are keeping track (only 5 more sleeps), here's a site to bookmark: Norad Tracks Santa

Helping Others - Thank you!!

Many thanks to all of you who donated to the REALTORS CareŽ Blanket Drive earlier this month!  Check out a day in the life of a volunteer and those who the Blanket Drives Drive helps. 

 

There are many other charities that rely on our support at this time of year - so 'thank you' to all of you who have been generous with your time, money or donations!  Well done!

Real Estate Matters

Check out these great photos of Christmas lights in Vancouver!

 

"What's all the fuss about a market correction?"  Check out Peter Kinch's insightful perspective (video and text versions).  Thanks Peter!

 

Are we worrying ourselves into a housing crash?  Benjamin Tal, deputy chief economist at CIBC predicts that prices will fall but by a moderate level that does not resemble the U.S. crash.

 

Concerns about affordable housing in Vancouver are not new; it's been a concern for over a hundred years!

 

Finally, here's how the rich are investing in real estate right now 

The top 3 reasons to visit my website!

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Market Statistics for November 2012
The real estate boards have reported that November sales and new listings are down year over year, and when compared to historical averages.  However, real estate is 'local' and it's really important to drill down and see what's happening in specific areas and then relate this to your specific circumstances (and I can help with that part!). 
 
The reports below can provide those details:
   Van, West Van, North Van & Richmond, and NEW:  Ladner & Tswassen click here

   Burnaby, Coquitlam, New West, PoCo, Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge, click here

   For Fraser Valley municipalities - click here

  

The MLS HPI is the best way to measure changes in home prices (HPI is similar to CPI). The stats package from the REBGV and FVREB contain HPI price changes, by city & property type.  You can also find the reports on my website at How's the Market? 
Closing Thoughts

My wish for all of you is to enjoy a wonderful and safe holiday season!  My brokerage (Sutton West Coast) is a proud sponsor and supporter of the safety and
education efforts of the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund.  I hope
you will find these tips from fire fighters and police very helpful.  Feel free to pass them on!

 

From our home to yours:  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Cheers, Kathy, Ben, Kevin and Michelle

 

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

604-329-1405

Sutton Group - West Coast Realty