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Spring months bring balance to Greater Vancouver housing market

 

While the number of home sales in Greater Vancouver continued to trend below the 10-year average in May, the balance of sales and listings meant continued market stability this spring.

 

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 2,882 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in May 2013. This represents a one per cent increase compared to the 2,853 sales recorded in May 2012, and a 9.7 per cent increase compared to the 2,627 sales in April 2013.

 

Last month’s sales were 19.4 per cent below the 10-year sales average for the month, while new listings for the month were 7.4 percent below the 10-year average.

 

“We’ve seen some steadying trends over the last three months,” Sandra Wyant, REBGV president said. “The number of homes listed for sale has been keeping pace with the number of property sales, leading to a balanced sales-to-listings ratio. This is having a stabilizing influence on home price activity.”

 

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 5,656 in May. This represents an 18.3 per cent decline compared to the 6,927 new listings reported in May 2012 and a 3.7 per cent decline from the 5,876 new listings in April of this year.

 

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® in Greater Vancouver is 17,222, a 3.4 per cent decrease compared to May 2012 and a 2.9 per cent increase compared to April 2013.

 

The sales-to-active-listings ratio currently sits at 17 per cent in Greater Vancouver. This is the third straight month that this ratio has been above 15 per cent. Previous to this, May 2012 was the last time this ratio was above 15 per cent.

 

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver is currently $598,400. This represents a decline of 4.3 per cent compared to this time last year and an increase of 1.8 per cent compared to January 2013.

 

Sales of detached properties reached 1,212 in May 2013, an increase of 2.7 per cent from the 1,180 detached sales recorded in May 2012, and a 22.8 per cent decrease from the 1,570 units sold in May 2011. The benchmark price for detached properties decreased 5.2 per cent from May 2012 to $917,200.

 

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,136 in May 2013, a decline of 1.7 per cent compared to the 1,156 sales in May 2012, and a decrease of 7.5 per cent compared to the 1,228 sales in May 2011. The benchmark price of an apartment property decreased 3.7 per cent from May 2012 to $365,600.

 

Attached property sales in May 2013 totalled 534, an increase of 3.3 per cent compared to the 517 sales in May 2012, and a 7.8 per cent decrease from the 579 attached properties sold in May 2011. The benchmark price of an attached unit decreased 3.2 per cent between May 2012 and 2013 to $454,900.

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Blanket Drive Warms Thousands

 

From the Ladner seniors who fundraised to buy socks to students gathering donations in Richmond, the 18th annual REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive collected blankets and warm clothing to help over 19,000 working poor and homeless people across the Lower Mainland.

 

Hundreds of real estate offices acted as drop-off locations during the November 26 – December 3 event. Volunteer REALTORS® collected, sorted and delivered thousands of donations to over three-dozen charities from Whistler to Hope.

 

Of the charities that benefit from the REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive, the Richmond Salvation Army is among those that receive a significant volume. For years, it has received enough donations to help provide warm clothing during the winter for an increasing number of clients.

 

“Without donations from the Blanket Drive, we would not be able to provide essential clothing and blankets to many families in our community,” said Major Mary Smith, pastor. “Unfortunately, the demand becomes greater each year, especially where children are concerned.”

 

The Squamish Helping Hands Society organizes a variety of shelter and food programs to assist those in need and is a recipient charity of the Blanket Drive.

 

“The blanket and clothing donations we get not only help our clients, the act of giving itself recognizes a much deeper understanding of the human need there is in our communities and how important it is for us to take care of each other,” said Maureen Mackell, executive director.

 

Since 1994, the Blanket Drive has grown to become the largest collection of its kind in the Lower Mainland assisting more than 205,000 people over those years.

 

Donations come from REALTORS®, their clients, the general public, corporations, retailers, community groups and schools. Everyone works together to make the Blanket Drive a success.

 

Soure: REBGV - January 11, 2013 http://members.rebgv.org/realtorlink/rebgv/publications/RLzine/RL_jan112013/files/BlanketDrive.html

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BCREA Mortgage Rate Forecast - Mortgage rates to stay flat until next year

 

Canadian mortgage rates have held steady since the end of the second quarter, and we anticipate they will continue to do so over the next year. The yield on five-year Government of Canada bonds, a common benchmark for five-year fixed rate mortgages, remains very low and is forecast to rise gradually over the next year.

 

The last increase in the five-year fixed-rate came when the five-year bond yield was roughly 30 basis points higher than it is today. Given our forecast for bond-yields over the next year, the five-year mortgage rate is unlikely to rise from its current level of 5.24 per cent until early-to-mid 2013.

 

Moreover, banks and other lenders will likely be in no hurry to raise rates as moderation in the national housing market further intensifies competitive pressures.

 

The one-year and variable mortgage rates are also likely to stay flat over the next six months while the Bank of Canada remains on the sidelines. We are forecasting that the current one-year rate of 3.1 per cent will prevail until mid-2013 while the variable rate will hold steady at the current Prime lending rate of three per cent.

 

Economic Outlook

 

The Canadian economy stumbled in the third quarter of 2012, growing just 0.6 per cent at an annualized rate.

 

The economy is clearly feeling the effects of still sluggish US economic growth as well as a wider slowdown in the global economy. Canadian exports fell by two per cent last quarter, the largest decline since the 2009 recession. Exports may not fare much better next year as the global economy faces ongoing uncertainty. The US economy is at a fiscal crossroads and will likely see sluggish growth for another year. Much of Europe is mired in either recession or near zero growth and even the Chinese economy appears to be slowing down.

 

Against this backdrop, the Canadian economy should continue to produce consistent, if underwhelming, growth near two per cent in 2013, before accelerating in 2014.

 

Interest Rate Outlook

 

The biggest news out of the Bank of Canada this year had nothing to do with changes in monetary policy, but rather changes in personnel as it was announced that Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney would be departing to helm the Bank of England. Some have compared the loss of Carney to the tragic memory of Canada losing Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings in the 1980s. However, like the powerful Edmonton Oiler teams of that decade, the Bank of Canada and the wider population of Canadian economists is rich in talent and replacing Carney with someone equally qualified should not be a problem.

 

Moreover, monetary policy in Canada is rules based, guided by a legislated inflation control mandate. Therefore, even the loss of a talented policy maker like Carney will likely have little impact on the path of Canadian interest rates.

 

The outlook for growth and inflation over the next eight quarters suggests that interest rates should start to tick higher around the middle of 2013. However, the Bank has been careful to note that a withdrawal of monetary stimulus will be contingent on a stable global economy as well as the state of household debt burdens. The Bank will likely be cautious in unwinding monetary stimulus if Canadian household debt, which has been growing at a more sustainable rate in the past few quarters, changes direction. We are forecasting that the Bank will leave its overnight rate unchanged through most of 2013 before raising rates by 25 basis points late next year.

 

Source: British Columbia Real Estate Association - January 11, 2013 http://members.rebgv.org/realtorlink/rebgv/publications/RLzine/RL_jan112013/files/MortgageRates.html

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Prices hold firm as home buyers and sellers conclude 2012 from the sidelines - January 3rd, 2012

 

The Greater Vancouver housing market experienced below average home sale totals, typical home listing activity and modest declines in home prices in 2012.

 

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that total sales of detached, attached and apartment properties in 2012 reached 25,032, a 22.7 per cent decline from the 32,387 sales recorded in 2011, and an 18.2 per cent decrease from the 30,595 residential sales in 2010. Last year’s home sale total was 25.7 per cent below the ten-year average for annual Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) sales in the region.

 

The number of residential properties listed for sale on the MLS® in Greater Vancouver declined 2 per cent in 2012 to 58,379 compared to the 59,539 properties listed in 2011. Looking back further, last year’s total represents a 0.6 per cent increase compared to the 58,009 residential properties listed in 2010. Last year’s listing total was 6.1 per cent above the ten-year average for annual MLS® property listings in the region.

 

"For much of 2012 we saw a collective hesitation on the part of buyers and sellers in the Greater Vancouver housing market. This behavior was reflected in lower than average home sale activity and modest fluctuations in home prices,” Eugen Klein, REBGV president said.

 

Residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 1,142 in December 2012, a decrease of 31.1 per cent from the 1,658 sales recorded in December 2011 and a 32.3 per cent decline compared to November 2012 when 1,686 home sales occurred.

 

December sales were 38.4 per cent below the 10-year December sales average of 1,855.

 

Since reaching a peak in May of $625,100, the MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver has declined 5.8 per cent to $590,800. This represents a 2.3 per cent decline when compared to this time last year.

 

“We saw home prices come down a bit during the latter half of the year. During the same period, we saw fewer home sales and listings,” Klein said.

 

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 1,380 in December 2012. This represents a 15.3 per cent decline compared to the 1,629 units listed in December 2011 and a 50 per cent decline compared to November 2012 when 2,758 properties were listed.

 

Sales of detached properties in December 2012 reached 425, a decrease of 32.5 per cent from the 630 detached sales recorded in December 2011, and a 44.7 per cent decrease from the 769 units sold in December 2010. The benchmark price for detached properties decreased 2.7 per cent from December 2011 to $904,200. Since reaching a peak in May, the benchmark price of a detached property has declined 6.5%.

 

Sales of apartment properties reached 504 in December 2012, a decline of 34.9 per cent compared to the 774 sales in December 2011, and a decrease of 37.9 per cent compared to the 811 sales in December 2010. The benchmark price of an apartment property decreased 1.9 per cent from December 2011 to $361,200. Since reaching a peak in May, the benchmark price of an apartment property has declined 12.8%.

 

Attached property sales in December 2012 totalled 213, a decline of 16.1 per cent compared to the 254 sales in December 2011, and a 33.2 per cent decrease from the 319 attached properties sold in December 2010. The benchmark price of an attached unit decreased 2.6 per cent between December 2011 and 2012 to $450,900 

Since reaching a peak in April, the benchmark price of an attached property has declined 4.4%.

 

“Activity continues to vary depending on area so it’s important to work with your REALTOR® and other professionals to understand the trends in your area of interest,” Klein said.

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BC home sales forecast to grow in 2013 - BCREA 2012 Fourth Quarter Housing Forecast

 

BC Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales are forecast to decline 9.8 per cent to 69,200 units this year, before increasing 8.3 per cent to 74,920 units in 2013. The fifteen-year average is 79,000 unit sales, while a record 106,300 MLS® residential sales were recorded in 2005.

 

“Despite stronger consumer demand in the interior, BC home sales will fall short of last year’s total,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist.

 

“A moderating trend in Vancouver has recently been exacerbated by tighter high-ratio mortgage regulation. The resulting decline in purchasing power has squeezed some potential buyers out of the market. However, strong full-time employment growth, persistently low mortgage interest rates and an expanding population base point to more robust consumer demand in 2013.”

 

“While the average MLS® residential price is forecast to decline 7.6 per cent to $518,600 this year, the change is largely the result of luxury home sales returning to more normal levels after an unusually active 2011,” added Muir. In addition, the Lower Mainland’s share of provincial home sales is expected to decline to 57 per cent this year from 62 per cent in 2011.The average MLS® residential price in BC is forecast to edge up 0.7 per cent to $522,000 in 2013.

 

For more information and the full article please visit: http://members.rebgv.org/realtorlink/rebgv/publications/RLzine/RL_nov162012/files/BCREAForecast.html

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18th Annual REALTORS® CareBlanket Drive - Share the Warmth!

 

Gather your old blankets, sleeping bags and clothes for the 16th Annual REALTORS® CareBlanket Drive. Between November 26th and December 3rd, participating real estate offices of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board are collecting donations for people in need of warmth this winter.

 

The Blanket Drive is looking to collect clean blankets, tarps, sleeping bags, and warm clothing of all shapes and sizes. Donations are distributed through local charities, churches and community service organizations. My office will be collecting donations for the REALTORS® CareBlanket Drive. Our address is 2185 Austin Avenue, Coquitlam, BC, V3K 3R9. For a list of these charities and a list of donation drop-off locations see over or go to http://www.rebgv.org/blanket-drive

 

The REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive story

 

Way back in 1995, some caring REALTORS® in Vancouver observed the homeless situation in the city’s eastside and said to themselves, we’ve got to do something.


They put out an appeal to their fellow colleagues for warm blankets and coats and collected 600 bags of donations specifically dedicated to Vancouver’s homeless in the downtown core.


That single act of kindness has blossomed into one of the largest annual collections of warm clothing and blankets, helping homeless people and the working poor in every single community in the Lower Mainland.


Seventeen years later, thousands of REALTORS® from Whistler to Chilliwack have collected enough donations to help more than 166,000 people in need. Each year, more than 75 dedicated members actually pick-up and deliver all the donations, and well over 100 real estate offices in the Lower Mainland act as collection depots.


The annual REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive now collects an astonishing 5,000 plus bags of warm, winter items on behalf of dozens of local charities.

 

If you have any further questions or would like more information on the event, please feel free to call 604 319 4700.


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Our debt isn’t like their debt


http://business.financialpost.com/2012/10/30/canada-need-not-fear-u-s-style-housing-crash-cibc/

 

CIBC Deputy Chief Economist Benjamin Tal sounds like he’s getting tired of the comparisons linking the Canadian housing market to a U.S. style crash.

 

Canada is just not going to have a severe crash, he says in a report dubbed “Should We Worry About a U.S. Style Housing Meltdown?

 

You could lose a “night’s sleep” if you glance at charts comparing U.S. household debt and prices before their correction with today’s Canadian housing market but Mr. Tal says a closer look reveals vast differences.

 

“To be sure houses prices in Canada will probably fall in the coming year or two but any comparison to the American market of 2006 reflects a deep misunderstanding of the credit landscapes of the pre-crash environment in the U.S. and today’s Canadian market,” says the economist.


 

He lays out a number of myths used to compare the two markets, listing everything from the difference in the quality of debt to the false assumption that most Americans had long-term 30-year mortgages before the crash.

 

 

“I just think the comparisons are irrelevant,” says Mr. Tal. “There are two different questions. Are we slowing? Yes, we are slowing. But not every slowdown should be a U.S. type crash. Just because it happened there doesn’t mean it happens here.”

 

The Canadian Real Estate Association said this month that September sales across the country were down 15.1% from a year ago. Many commentators expect prices to fall next but CREA said last month’s average sale price of was up 1.1% from a year ago.

 

 

Interestingly enough, Mr. Tal says some of the defences used to explain how the Canadian housing market is different than the U.S. probably are not valid.

 

 

For starters the low rate of mortgage arrears means nothing, it was just as low before the U.S. crash. Canada is a recourse country where borrowers in every province but Alberta can go after a homeowner’s other assets but that’s not much different than America where only 12 states are non-recourse states. Mortgage industry deductibility has long been seen as a contributor to the U.S. housing crash but only about 15% of Americans use that tax break, says Mr. Tal.

 

 

But the economist doesn’t need those excuses. He says the debt-income ratio in Canada is high but look at the quality of debt which rose quickly in the U.S. with almost 22% of the market considered risky — some of those people with a negative equity position even before prices crashed. In Canada, you must have a minimum of a 5% down payment.

 

 

While the 30-year fixed rate mortgage has long been the U.S. standard, 80% of new mortgages in the U.S. went for an adjusted rate mortgage leading up to the crash. Those mortgages had teaser rates for two to three years that were almost 4.25 percentage points below prevailing rates.

 

 

“[That teaser] expires and overnight you’ve got two years worth of [Federal Reserve] increases in one day, that’s a shock,” says Mr. Tal.

 

 

He says the Canadian market has room for a soft landing which is what Australia experienced recently. “They demonstrated there is such a thing as a soft landing, interest rates went up and prices went down by 7% to 8%.”

 

 

So why are we so obsessed with comparing ourselves to the U.S.? Mr. Tal says it’s normal. “It makes sense because it happened in the U.S. and everybody was talking about it and we are going through a significant increase in house prices. I can understand why people do it but it should be based on fact.”


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Interest rates to rise before end of 2014, governor Mark Carney suggests

 

by Julian Beltrame on Wednesday, October 31, 2012 6:06am

 

 

OTTAWA – Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney is suggesting interest rates will likely rise before the end of 2014.

 

It’s one of the clearest indications Carney has given as to when he might raise the bank’s key benchmark, which has been held at one per cent for more than two years.

 

Responding to a question in the Commons finance committee Tuesday afternoon, the bank governor said the bank’s current thinking was that monetary policy will need to be tightened before 2015.

 

Last week, Carney inserted the phrase “over time” to give markets guidance on when the bank’s trendsetting rate might be increased. Tuesday’s response was somewhat more detailed, but still pointed to no immediate plans.

“We have in this projection … some modest withdrawal of monetary policy stimulus over the course of the projection, which runs until the end of 2014,” he said. “In other words in advance of 2015.”

 

Carney added that whenever he does move, it will be when global and domestic factors dictate. And he reiterated his recent guidance that he will also take into account household debt in his decision.

 

At the moment, he said the country still needs super-low interest rates to stimulate the economy and create jobs.

Canada may have recovered all the jobs it lost in the recession, and added an additional 380,000, he said, but the economy still has a way to go before returning to what would be considered full employment.

 

“We are in still in position where there are more Canadians who want to work than are working, and the level of involuntary part-time (workers) is still elevated,” he explained.

 

“They illustrate a degree of slack that still exist in the labour market, which is one reason our monetary policy continues to be and should be accommodative.”

 

Most private sector economists have pencilled in late 2013 or early 2014 for the first bank action.

 

The bank governor was appearing before the committee to explain his latest economic outlook released last week that projected growth of 2.2 per cent for this year, followed by a 2.3 per cent advance in 2013 and 2.4 in 2014.

 

That is slightly more optimistic than the economists’ consensus estimate handed to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty on Monday for the government’s fall update projections, which will be released in a few weeks.

 

Carney continued to blame global factors for most of the drag on the economy. But he said government restraint is also contributing to slower growth, although not as much as some have suggested.

 

He estimated the public sector will contribute about 0.3 percentage points to growth in 2013 and 2014. That’s about half the historic level and well down from when Ottawa and provincial governments were pumping billions into the economy during the 2008-09 recession and early stages of the recovery.

 

“So it’s positive but not as much as previously,” he said. Government restraint was a modest 0.2 percentage point constraint in 2012, however, the bank report shows.

 

Carney even ventured to assess the economic impact of the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy, which early estimates put at $20 billion.

 

While the economy will take a hit immediately, over the long term needed reconstruction in the eastern U.S. states will largely recoup the losses.

 

“There are activities that can never be redone, for instance a visit to a restaurant. Then there is restructuring (which creates economic activity). In general, it tends to be a relatively negligible impact over time,” he said.

 

For the full article and details visit Macleans at http://www2.macleans.ca/2012/10/31/interest-rates-to-rise-before-end-of-2014-governor-mark-carney-suggests/

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Housing Market sees slight changes in October - REBGV, November 2nd, 2012

 

The Greater Vancouver housing market saw a slight increase in the number of home sales, a slight reduction in the number of listings, and a slight decrease in home prices in October compared to the summer months. With those changes, the sales-to-active-listings ratio increased to 11 per cent in October from 8 per cent in September.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reported 1,931 residential property sales of detached, attached and apartment properties on the region’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in October, a 16.7 per cent decline compared to the 2,317 sales in October 2011 and a 27.4 per cent increase compared to the 1,516 home sales in September 2012.

October sales were 28.5 per cent below the 10-year October sales average of 2,700.

“Buyer demand increased slightly in October compared to the previous few months,” Sandra Wyant, REBGV president-elect said. “Overall conditions in today’s market remain in favour of buyers, with low interest rates, more choice, and less time pressure in terms of decision-making. This translates into a calmer atmosphere for those looking to buy a home and it places more onus on sellers to ensure their homes are priced to compete in today’s marketplace.”

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 4,323 in October. This represents a 1.2 per cent decline compared to October 2011 when 4,374 properties were listed for sale on the MLS® and an 18.8 per cent decline compared to the 5,321 new listings in September 2012.

At 17,370, the total number of residential property listings on the MLS® increased 12 per cent from this time last year and declined 5.3 per cent compared to September 2012.

Since reaching a peak of $625,100 in May, the MLS Home Price Index® (MLS HPI®) composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver declined 3.4 per cent to $603,800 in October. This represents a 0.8 per cent decline compared to last year.

“There’ve been modest price changes since they peaked in the spring. The largest reductions have occurred in the areas and property types that experienced the biggest price increases over the last few years,” Wyant said.

Since hitting a record high in April, the benchmark price of a detached home on the Westside of Vancouver has declined 8.6 per cent while detached homes in Richmond and West Vancouver have seen declines of 6 per cent over the same time period.

Sales of detached properties in Greater Vancouver reached 790 in October, a decrease of 18.9 per cent from the 974 detached sales recorded in October 2011, and a 19.1 per cent decrease from the 976 units sold in October 2010. Since reaching a peak in May, the benchmark price for a detached property in Greater Vancouver has declined 4.1 per cent to $927,500.

Sales of apartment properties reached 803 in October 2012, a 16.2 per cent decrease compared to the 958 sales in October 2011, and a decrease of 18.4 per cent compared to the 984 sales in October 2010. Since reaching a peak in May, the benchmark price for an apartment property in Greater Vancouver has declined 2.9 per cent to $368,800.

Attached property sales in October 2012 totalled 338, an 11.5 per cent decrease compared to the 382 sales in October 2011, and a 10.3 per cent decrease from the 377 attached properties sold in October 2010. Since reaching a peak in April, the benchmark price for an attached property in Greater Vancouver has declined 2.9 per cent to $457,700.

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Metro Vancouver apartment building sales on par with 2011

But values are up, mostly in part to the major renovation of older buildings in the city

By Brian Morton, Vancouver Sun July 28, 2012


Metro Vancouver apartment building sales are on par with last year, although values have soared in the central city, according to a recently released report.

“They [buyers] are buying tired buildings that haven’t been kept up and then spending a lot of money on renovating them,” said apartment broker David Goodman, co-owner of HQ Commercial Real Estate Services and author of the Goodman Report, a Metro Vancouver apartment building market review.

The report concluded that in the first six months this year, 53 buildings changed hands compared to 52 by this time last year, with 28 of the 2012 sales in the city of Vancouver and 25 in other municipalities.

However, the 2012 dollar volume in Vancouver rose 98 per cent to $216 million from $109 million in 2011, although suburban areas saw a five-per-cent increase to $202 million in sales value compared to $193 million last year.

As well, the report noted, “the total number of suites sold in the city of Vancouver for 2012 was 778, 54 per cent more than 2011, while the city’s average price per unit was $277,135, a 28-per-cent increase from $216,450 in 2011.”

Goodman said that much of the city’s sharp increase in dollar volumes came from a single sale of a 214-suite building at 1323 Haro for $78.6 million.

But he also noted major renovations are playing a part, with buyers — mainly local — purchasing buildings and upgrading them extensively before selling again.

“It might have sold for $150,000 a suite four years ago and is now [selling for] $200,000 to $250,000 a suite because they’ve been modernized.”

Goodman said that while rents are usually higher in the modernized buildings, renters still get good value compared to newer condos rented out by investors.

Meanwhile, Goodman said three new highrise rental towers to be built beside Rogers Arena by Aquilini Developments and Construction — approved by Vancouver city council this week — will be good news for downtown renters.

“I think it’s a wonderful addition to our city,” said Goodman of the $300-million plan, which will see 614 one-, two- and three-bedroom rental units built in stages with the last of the towers completed in the spring of 2016. “It’s a long-term hold for the Aquilinis. They won’t make money overnight on this.”

Goodman feels there will be little trouble renting out the units — rents will range from $1,100 to $2,200 a month — because they will be modern suites.

The Goodman Report, which noted that low vacancies, lack of available product and low interest rates are contributing to the growth in sales, also concluded that municipalities are increasingly motivated to promote purpose-built rental projects.

Robyn Adamache, CMHC’s senior market analyst for Metro Vancouver, said recently that demand for rental housing is strong in the region.

Adamache said there were 1,755 rental units built in Metro Vancouver in 2011, up significantly from the 447 built in 2009. The average number of rental units built per year from 2002 to 2011 was 871 in Metro Vancouver.


Click here for the full article: http://www.vancouversun.com/business/commercial-real-estate/Metro+Vancouver+apartment+building+sales+with+2011/7003629/story.html

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New Development: Trapp + Holbrook by The Salient Group in New Westminster

 

Modern Living in Historic New Westminster

 

New Westminster. Used to be the capital of BC. Used to be. Now, it's possibly the most overlooked area in the lower mainland. And, because it was Western Canada's first city, it has an historic downtown core. The historic Trapp and Holbrook Blocks sit facing Columbia Street and back onto Front Street. The modern reinvention of this site will retain the complete historic façade of the Trapp Block and Holbrook Building with new construction behind that is born out of the existing buildings and their historic context. But, it will be a thoroughly modern living  experience with an urban style unique in New Westminster.

 

Historic New West has all the markings of a hot, emerging neighbourhood. Enjoy your one-block walk to New Westminster SkyTrain Station, the newly reborn River Market for sustainable produce, Metro Vancouver’s most progressive Asian fusion restaurant, Wild Rice, plus Columbia Street boutiques, cafés and exciting new eateries right outside your door!

 

There are 196 homes at Trapp + Holbrook with 100 suites available under $299,900! Thus offering a rare combination of quality and value. Buying as a principle residence or an investment is a no-brainer.

 

Trapp + Holbrook features:

 

- Water views of the Fraser River starting from the 5th floor and up

- Carefully reconstructed building façades from the original Trapp and Holbrook Blocks in 1913

- 5th floor amenity space featuring lush green spaces, community garden plots, river-view sundeck, BBQ facility, fireside lounge, fully-equipped fitness centre, and meeting room

- New concrete construction backed by Travelers 2-5-10 New Home Warranty

- Stylish interiors that developer The Salient Group has become well-known for, including streamlined kitchens with Blomberg integrated refrigerator, wide-plank laminate flooring, sleek roller shades, and more!

 

Tower Suites

Levels 5-19

1 Bedroom Homes from $219,900

2 Bedroom Homes from $339,900

2 Bedroom + Den Homes from $421,900


Holbrook Suites

Levels 3-7

1 Bedroom Homes from $234,900

1 Bedroom + Den Homes from $277,900


Penthouse Suites

Levels 20-21

2 Bedroom Homes from $429,900

2 Bedroom + Den Homes from $579,900

 

Floorplans available upon request

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National Garage Sale for Shelter

 

GREAT DEALS FOR A GREAT CAUSE

 

A fun charity event in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. Restoring hope for more than 30,000 women and children acress Canada and in our community each year.

 

Don't miss our third annual Charity Garage Sale, last year was amazing, this year will be even better! Huge sale, BBQ, bake sale, colouring contest, balloons, face painting and more - a great event for a great cause!

 

Saturday, May 12th, 2012 at 2200 Austin Avenue, Coquitlam, BC between 9am-2pm.

 

100% of the proceeds go to a local women's shelter and to education and violence prevention programs in our community. In this case all of the proceeds will be donated directly to Tri-City Transitions www.tricitytransitions.com/ 

 

For more information on this national cause please visit www. royallepage.ca/shelter

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