Hi everyone!

Low inventory, low interest rates, low Canadian dollar and high buyer demand were fuelling a hot seller's market in April. May is shaping up to be the same. Is it the right time to buy or sell? Working with an experienced Realtor® is the only way to navigate this market (mind you, a crystal ball would come in handy too...)

Speaking of hot, did you know that the weather this summer is forecast to be hotter than normal?

Real Estate Matters

Here's the REBGV's April 2015 Housing Market Update. Last month, the sales to active listings ratio was 33.6% - the highest it's been since 2007!

Overcoming bidding wars: How to compete in Vancouver's red-hot market. Note: creative strategies may do the trick!

Good news: CMHC house price analysis says Vancouver's real estate market is a low risk for a price correction

Globe & Mail's advice to twentysomethings itching to get into the housing market - there's a case for waiting until your thirties

For fun: 50 great historical Vancouver photographs (1887-1986)

Email Kathy

604 329 1405

Market Statistics for April 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 the south side of the river to Abbotsford/Mission

Keep an eye on price trends! East Vancouver continues to be one hot market, with prices for single family homes up 16.2% over last year. North Van is right behind, up 15.7%

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

Below are homes that sold in the last 30 days in 6 of the hottest markets. They were listed at or near the benchmark prices for these cities, and sold well over list! If you need any more details, just ask.

CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO SEE ADDITIONAL PICTURES.

Nordel North Delta	South Meadows Pitt Meadows	Oxford Heights Port Coquitlam

Well-maintained 1974 home. 2066 sf, 4 bdrm, easy access to bridges/highway List $579K	Family home on wonderfully landscaped 7300 sf lot. Updated kitchen & spa bath List $560K	3 bdrm & den rancher on quiet cul de sac, backing onto green belt. Mint condition. List $627K

Lynn Valley North Van	Knight Vancouver East	West End New Westminster

Beautifully renovated 5 bdrm home on 6100 sf landscaped lot, suite potential. List $1.128M	Original owner Vancouver Special. View lot. Reno project or building lot List $1.050M	2000sf home built in 1944, 3 bdrms, mortgage helper in bsmt, great location List $768K

Closing Thoughts

Yes, the market's crazy with homes selling over list in the blink of an eye! If you have any questions about what's happening in your neighbourhood, let me know - I'm happy to help!

I hope everyone has plans to enjoy the Victoria Day weekend! If you haven't made any yet, here's a creative take on the top 10 things to do to celebrate the unofficial start of summer.

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