Hi everyone!

Spring has sprung & lots of folks are sprucing up their yards and gardens. VanDusen's famous plant sale will be on April 26 this year. And here's a handy list of other garden club sales happening over the next few weeks. Enjoy!

Real Estate Matters

Here's the March 2015 Housing Market Update from the REBGV. Fewer listings than average, and increased buyer demand is keeping prices high. This month's REALTOR view segment describes how to navigate a strong market.

March 2015 Housing Market Update - The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

The report everyone's been talking about: Vancouver home prices will climb to $2.1M by 2030

Rising prices mean buyers need to find creative ways to make home ownership more affordable

Affordability fears are not new; they've been a century-long concern

A lot of media attention is on Chinese buyers, but there's been a recent spike in American buyers, given the low Canadian dollar.

Some tips to pass onto the young home buyers in your life:
1) How to save for a house under tighter mortgage rules, and
2) Seven mistakes to avoid when buying real estate

Email Kathy

604 329 1405

Market Statistics for March 2015

SnapStats Reports are a great way to keep on top of what's happening in specific cities an neighbourhoods across the Lower Mainland each month:

- The Metro Vancouver report covers Vancouver, West Van, North Van & Richmond

- Burnaby, New West, Tri-Cities & Ridge Meadows, are in the Greater Vancouver report

- Fraser Valley report covers, you guessed it, Fraser Valley to Abbotsford/Mission

Keep an eye on price trends! Yr over yr price gains for single family homes ranged from 4.4% on the Sunshine Coast to a high of 14.5% in East Vancouver

To better understand house price trends, check out the statistics from the Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley real estate boards. They report on Home Price Index changes by city & property type (similar to the CPI). You can also find copies of these reports on my website on the tab How's the Market?

Market in Action

Did you know that nearly half of first-time home buyers in Metro Vancouver are purchasing condos? (Which may not surprise you at all). Here's a sampling of 2 bedroom condos across the Lower Mainland. If you need any more details, just ask!

CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO SEE ADDITIONAL PICTURES.

Lower Lonsdale North Vancouver	Yaletown Vancouver	Steveston South Richmond

SW corner unit with stunning views of harbour & downtown. 1200 sf, built 2008 List $698K	37th floor at Marinaside. Built 2002, newly reno'd kitchen & hardwood floors. List $1.038M	Sunny south exposure with river views. 1100 sf, 2 bed, open concept & in great condition. List $539K

Guildford Surrey	Port Moody Centre	Fort Langley

Well-maintained 1992 building. 1100 sf, 2 bdrm, updated kitchen. 15th flr with great views! List $329K	Floor to ceiling windows with SW views. Canoe Club offers 3000+ sf of amenities List $548K	Waterfront, top floor, 14ft vaulted ceilings at Bedford Landing. Nearly new, 995sf List $560K

Closing Thoughts

Spring is such a wonderful time of year, particularly in sunny Vancouver! But for fun, checkout 14 other Canadian places that are magical in springtime - the photos are wonderful!

If you have ANY questions about today's real estate market, or what your home might be worth (even if you have no intention of selling right now), let me know - I'm happy to help out!

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