Happy New Year everyone!

I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and New Year's with family and friends. 2016 started off right with gorgeous sunshine for the Polar Bear Swim.

In contrast, the earthquake on Dec 29 provided a wake-up call for many of us. If one of your resolutions is to 'be prepared', the real estate board has some great resources to help.

Real Estate Matters

Wow! Last month was the highest selling December on record, capping off a record year. Inventory levels couldn't keep up with demand, pushing the price for a detached home up 24.3% over 2014. Full steam ahead into the spring market, with predictions that 2016 will be a strong year too!

Selling: The biggest financial priority for Boomers is what to do with the family home

Buying: Here's how the new 10% minimum down payment works and how they'll help create a sustainable housing market

Get ready for the spring market: Top 10 cheapest ways to increase a home's value

2016 Property Assessments are a hot topic. Do you live in one of the 53 neighbourhoods that joined Metro Vancouver's million dollar club this year??

Email Kathy

604 329 1405

Market Statistics for December 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!

The number of homes for sale hasn't been keeping with demand, continuing to place upward pressure on prices. For the details, 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

So what can one buy for $500K?? Here's a selection of homes currently on the market across the Lower Mainland at that price. If you want any additional information, let me know!

CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO SEE ADDITIONAL PICTURES.

Kerrisdale Vancouver	Highgate Burnaby	Central Coquitlam

Reno'd 1 bdrm, 748 sf with in-suite storage. Built 1994, rainscreen and new roof List $499K	2 bdr, corner unit with great city view. Built 2011. Two parking, fitness centre, List $495K	"The Austin" at Austin & Blue Mountain, 2 bdrm, breathtaking views. 907 sf List $505K

Roche Point North Vancouver	Morgan Creek South Surrey	Albion Maple Ridge

1100 sf, 2 bdrm & den, close to Cates Park, Deep Cove, Mnt Seymour. 2 parking. Clubhouse List $499K	1500 sf townhome, with 4 bdrm, 3baths. incl membership to "The Rowing Club" w/ pool &gym List $500K	13 yrs young, 5 bdrm family home. Bsmt rec room, 2 car garage and air conditiong $490K

Closing Thoughts

For fun, here are 14 stunning photos of our beautiful province. I think we need to plan a road trip soon!

If you have questions or want advice on today's real estate market, just let me know!

Please reply back to this email, or text/call 604-329-1405.

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