Amalia Liapis : Latest Blog Posts

Open House. Open House on Saturday, May 19, 2012 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Wed, 16 May 2012 04:03:55 GMT

Please visit our Open House at 307 1808 3RD AVE W in Vancouver.

Open House on Saturday, May 19, 2012 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Welcome to Kore! This luxury concrete condo has it all - located right in the heart of beautiful Kitsilano. NEW spacious one bedroom corner unit features high end finishings, large balcony, hardwood floors throughout, open-concept kitchen,stainless steel appliances, Caesartone & marble counters, gas cooktop, floor-to-ceiling windows and great city views. Priced to sell, no HST, don't miss this one! Open House May 19th, Saturday, 1-3pm

Seven tips for selling a home faster

Tue, 15 May 2012 23:53:00 GMT

There are things you can do to help sell your home faster.

1. Check your curb appeal
Drive down your street and view the front of your home. Make sure the outside is as attractive as the inside. Weed, cut the grass, edge the beds and drive, trim the hedges and plant flowers. Next, paint or power-wash your siding to give it a fresh appearance.

2. Make a great first impression
When it comes to selling a house, a good first impression can actually mean more money, so make sure the entryway is impeccable. Sweep the porch, dust the door, wash the windows, vacuum the mats -- give potential buyers a warm welcome.

3. De-clutter
There should be no clutter. All miscellaneous items should be removed or stored on shelves in attractive baskets. In the kitchen, clear the refrigerator of pictures, drawings and magnets. In fact, remove everything personal -- family photos, keepsakes, tchotchkes. Leave surfaces empty, with maybe one dramatic decorative piece as an accent. Your home will appear more spacious and open, which are key selling benefits.

4. Clean and/or paint
Walls should be freshly painted or, at a minimum, the trim should be touched up and clean. Chipped and peeling paint, scratches and dings on the walls can give the impression the home is not well cared for.

5. If it's broke, fix it
Ensure it is all in working order, especially when it comes to faucets, fixtures and drawers -- anything that's easy for people to test.

6. Tidy behind closed doors
Clean and organize your cabinets, drawers and closets. Yes, people will open them, and they'll form an opinion.

7. Look at it through a visitor's eyes
Be prepared to do the work on your home before listing it. After that, a critical eye is your best tool. Walk through your home and check every room to make sure it's clean and uncluttered.

And, when it comes to an open house or private tours, step aside and allow your Realtor to show the home and answer any questions.

Excerpt from Real Estate Weekly

Opportunity exists for BC Condo unit owners to challenge fairness of deductible downloading bylaws

Mon, 14 May 2012 17:36:00 GMT

B.C. condo unit owners have yet to take a run at challenging the fairness of deductible downloading bylaws of strata corporations, although case law seems aligned for such an opportunity.

Krista Prockiw of Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang LLP mentioned this state of affairs while discussing insurance law issues arising out of British Columbia’s Strata Property Act. She was speaking on May 10 at the Insurance Brokers Association of B.C.’s annual convention in Kelowna, B.C.

First, Prockiw observed the provincial act does not limit the ability of a strata corporation to sue a condo owner to recover a deductible. Such an action can proceed if the strata corporation has a valid bylaw or rule in place allowing the damage to be charged to a unit owner.

Second, a strata corporation can sue a unit owner for the insurance deductible if “the owner is responsible for the loss or damage.”

Prockiw suggested this scenario is akin to strict liability, meaning a condo unit owner can be found “responsible” for damage without requiring a finding of negligence on the part of the owner.

Consider, for example, OSP KAS 1019 v. Keiran, Simkus and Wawanesa Insurance. The owner of a condo unit had a pipe burst in the bathroom wall because high acid levels in the water caused a coupling to break down. The court determined the owner had a duty to repair and maintain the unit, which was not common property, and, therefore, was “responsible for the loss, regardless of the absence of fault or negligence on their part.”

Finally, as Prockiw and brokers attending the seminar noted, policy deductibles for some strata corporations are substantial, running anywhere from $25,000 to $500,000.

“If you live in a strata corporation, you share everything in proportionate shares,” Prockiw said. “You share maintenance fees, you share liability, so this whole idea that one owner is responsible for the entire deductible could be seen as contrary to [the common expense philosophy],” she added.

“No one’s ever taken a run at it, but we are certainly waiting for the case in which you do have an exceedingly high deductible, a strict liability bylaw and no negligence on the part of an owner. The owner might then take a run at [the deductible download] being significantly unfair.”

Four years ago, a case commenced relating to the Strata Property Act’s provisions on “significantly unfair” deductible downloads, Prockiw reported. But the case settled before trial, meaning B.C. courts still have not been called upon to interpret the standard of fairness.

“The courts have held that ‘significantly unfair’ is a really high threshold to meet,” Prockiw said. “It might not be possible to meet that.”

May 11, 2012 canadianunderwriter.ca article, read online at http://www.canadianunderwriter.ca/news/opportunity-exists-for-b-c-condo-unit-owners-to-challenge-fairness-of-deductible-downloading-bylaws/1001253862/

May Market Statistics for Vancouver Market

Tue, 08 May 2012 17:17:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - from the desk of AMALIA LIAPIS

The political elections in Europe went as expected, the parties who promised MORE won but it is doubtful they will be able to keep most of their promises as they are so far in debt that there is simply no more to give. Markets worldwide went down as the reality of the results sunk in, more instability & market volatility over the next few months. Hollande, the new President of France, is already making his presence felt & could put the Franco-German relationship under threat. The last socialist president of France, Mitterand, nationalized the Banks & imposed a wealth tax. Hollande has already stated he will introduce a 75% tax on the wealthy, so maybe the banks are next. The wealthy are usually the wealth makers so they will leave France like they have done previously & like they have done in other countries when overtaxed. I seem to remember the Beatles leaving England after they were given an award in the Queen’s Honors list for bringing in so much foreign money in from their records sales etc. Then the Government introduced a wealth tax that sent the Beatles & most other high earning entertainers overseas; some never to return.

Greece appears to be in total confusion with no clear winner & this could result in further decline of Greek prospects of recovery. It was hopeless anyway. Rating agencies are still closely looking at the sovereign & bank risks in Europe. I believe we should expect further downgrades in Spain, France & Greece.

So what about our Vancouver Real Estate market?! Well to begin with we are still awaiting the Finance Minister to introduce an incentive package for First Time Buyers of New Condos. Developers screamed loud enough with the HST issue that this package looks like it might just become reality. It is expected to get voted around June 2012 and is only available until March/April 2013. This will help the new condo market.

I’ve been saying it for a couple of years now…Gastown is the favourite neighbourhood to live in…not a lot of product and what comes up for sale is usually gone quickly. The downtown condo market will remain steady though out the summer with an emphasis on the entry level purchases. Westside homes continue to be active with steady activity in the $5million and up market. Price and location will bring immediate results but the general market is still price sensitive...off by $10,000 or $20,000 and there will be little interest from Buyers. It’s still a buyer’s market overall but have to say the available inventory is rather average.

As always I am available for any questions.

Greater Vancouver housing market maintains a steady spring pace

Mon, 07 May 2012 22:07:00 GMT

Home sale and listing activity has maintained a consistent pace on the Mul- tiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Greater Vancouver in recent months, which has helped create balanced conditions for the region’s housing market.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 2,799 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April 2012. This represents a 13.2 per cent decline compared to the 3,225 sales recorded in April 2011 and a decline of 2.6 per cent compared to the 2,874 sales in March 2012.

April sales were the lowest total for the month in the region since 2001 and 16.9 per cent below the 10-year April sales average of 3,369.

“Although April sales were below what’s typical for the month, we continue to see, with a sales-to-active listing ra- tio of nearly 17 per cent, a balanced relationship between buyer demand and seller supply in our marketplace,” Eugen Klein, REBGV president said.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 6,056 in April 2012. This represents a 3.6 per cent increase compared to both March 2012 when 5,843 homes were listed and April 2011 when 5,847 homes were listed for sale on the region’s MLS®.

Last month’s new listing total was 6.7 per cent above the 10-year average for listings in Greater Vancouver for April. At 16,538, the total number of homes listed for sale on the region’s MLS® increased 8.5 per cent in April compared to last month and increased 16 per cent from this time last year.

“Recent activity has had a stabilizing effect on home prices at the regional level, although pricing can vary depend- ing on area and property type,” Klein said “To best understand conditions within your area of interest, it’s important to do your homework and consult a local REALTOR®.”

The MLS® HPI benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver currently sits at $683,800, up

3.7 per cent compared to April 2011 and an increase of 2.8 per cent over the last three months. The benchmark price for all residential properties in the Lower Mainland is $612,000, which is a 3.4 per cent increase compared to April 2011 and a 2.6 per cent increase compared to three months ago.

Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in April 2012 reached 1,126, a decline of 19.7 per cent from the 1,402 detached sales recorded in April 2011, and a 17.8 per cent decrease from the 1,370 units sold in April 2010. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 6.3 per cent from April 2011 to $1,064,800.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,190 in April 2012, a decline of 0.9 per cent compared to the 1,201 sales in April 2011, and a decrease of 22 per cent compared to the 1,526 sales in April 2010.The benchmark price of an apart- ment property increased 1.1 per cent from April 2011 to $375,900.

Townhome property sales in April 2012 totalled 483, a decline of 22.3 per cent compared to the 622 sales in April 2011, and a 21.6 per cent decrease from the 616 townhome properties sold in April 2010. The benchmark price of a townhome unit increased 1.7 per cent between April 2011 and 2012 to $487,300.

Excerpt from realtylink, 2012

50 Ways to Green Your Home and Save $$$ in Greater Vancouver

Tue, 01 May 2012 19:09:00 GMT

LOCATION
Choosing where you live

1. Green neigbourhoods
Buy a home in a neighbourhood close to work, transit, shopping, community centres and other services

2. Transit-orientated density (TOD)
New, compact, complete green neighbourhoods are being built with transit as their focus. Instead of owning a car, join a car share cooperative, take transit, cycle or walk.

3. Lower Cost Luxury
If it's features such as a gym, or pool you want, buy a strata unit with these amenities and share costs.

4. Score your location
Walkable neighbourhoods offer health, environmental, financial and community benefits. Enter your address or the address of a home you want to buy at www.walkscore.com. This tool calculates a walkability soce based on the home's proximity to transit, grocery stores, schools and other amenities.

HOME IMPROVEMENT
Heating and Cooling

5. Get an energy audit
LiveSmart BC will cover $150 of the cost.

6. Install a high-efficiency heating system
Make sure it's ENERGY STAR rated.

7. Weatherize your home
From windows (BC Hydro provides grants of $60-$120) to doors to insulation and weather stripping. Don't forget to seal your ducts.

8. Insulate your pipes
It will prevent costly heat loss. Here's how.

9. Insulate your hot water heater
Buy a pre-cut jacket or blanket for $10-$20. You'll save up to 10% on heating costs.

10. Install a programmable termostat
Set it lower at night and during the day when you're away. Lower the temperature. Each degree below 20C saves you 3-5% on heating costs.

11. Clean your furnace filter
This optimizes performance.

12. Get the most from your fireplace
Here's how to make it efficient.

13. Use curtains
In the daytime during summer, close to help cool your home.

14. Install ceiling fans
The energy it takes to run a fan is less than an air conditioner. In summer, make sure the fan's blades are rotating anti-clockwise for a cooling effect. In winter, the fan should be running clockwise, pushing the warm air down.

15. Use an electric fan
Skip the air conditioning. On hot summer days, place a bowl of ice in front of a fan to cool down.

WATER

16. Fix leaks. Fix leaking taps
One drop per second equals to 7,000 litres of water wasted per year.

17. Instal a filter
Stop buying costly bottled water which adds to the landfill.

LIGHTING

18. Change your light bulbs
Lighting accounts for 15% of your energy bill. Replace old bulbs with ENERGY STAR rated bulbs. Check for rebates.

19. Sensor lights
Turn lights off outside when not in use.

20. Keep it dark
Light pollution is an increasing problem. Turn off outdoor lights to save energy and encourage night life such as bats and frogs. A single bat can eat tens and thousands of mosquitoes nightly. If you have safety concerns, use motion detector lights - which come on, only as needed.

21. Holiday lights
Use LED lights.

KITCHEN

22. Replace your fridge
An old energy guzzling fridge costs you about $85 a year to operate. Replace it with an ENERGY STAR Fridge, BC Hydro will rebate you $50. BC Hydro will also not only come and pick up your old fridge for free-of charge, they'll rebate you $30.

23. Replace your dishwasher
Buy an ENERGY STAR appliance. BC Hydro will rebate you $25.

24. Replace your freezer
Buy an ENERGY STAR appliance and BC Hydro will rebate you $25.

BATHROOM

25. Low flow shower
Hot water accounts for 25% of your energy costs. For a $15 investment you can save half the water of a standard shower say experts.

26. High efficiency or dual flush (you choose the amount of water used) toilets
These are now required in new homes because of water savings.

OFFICE

27. Use smart strips
Also know as power bars, this lets you power off all equipment at the same time.

28. Buy energy smart electronics
There are rebates available.

29. Recycle your old electronics
Here's how.

YARD IMPROVEMENT

30. Conserve Water
Fresh water comprises just 3% the world's total water supply, so conserve. Get a rain barrel and harvest water you can use in your garden. Local governments such as Vancouver and Richmond will subsidize the cost.

31. Drip irrigation
It saves water compared to sprinklers.

32. Elbow grease
Don't power wash your driveway. Sweep it or use a scrub brush and pail.

33. Less lawn
Lawns waste water. Instead conserve and beautify using indigenous plants such as ferns, tiger lillies and hostas.

34. Grow your own
How much more will you spend on food this year. Even a few miniature fruit trees and a small vegetable garden in a raised bed or in containers will help keep you healthey and save you dollars. Lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries and blueberries thrive in our climate. Here's how.

35. Presever your produce
Invest in home canning jars and equipment and a small freezer and enjoy your produce year round - at considerable savings. Here's how.

36. Bee friendly
We need bees to polinate, so get a few plant bee friendly annuals such as asters, marigolds, sunflowers, zinnias; or perennials such a clematis, foxgloves, hollyhocks, roses or shrubs such as Buddleia.

37. Go chemical-free
"Get rid of weeds without using chemicals that harm us and our pets," advises REALTOR and Rechmond City counselor, Derek Dang, who led the way to a bylaw banning cosmetic pesticides. His suggestion, "Use dish detergent or weed by hand."

38. Plant fruit trees
They'll give you shade and fruit. Plum, apple, pear and more.

39. Compost
It will make your garden grow and divert waste from the landfill.

GREEN AND CLEAN

40. Clean freen
Vinegar, baking soda and lemons clean as well as expensive, chemical filled cleaning supplies for a fraction of the cost.

41. Green Laundry detergent
Use phosphate-free, biodegradable detergent.

42. Upgrade your washing machine
Replace your old washing machine with an ENERGY STAR washer that gets clothes clean using cold water and BC Hydro will rebate you $75. Wait until you have a full load instead of washing clothes as you need them. Clean your lint trap after every use.

43. Install a clothesline
Dryers use a huge amount of energy.

44. Get a rack
If your neighbourhood or strata prohibits clotheslines, buy a small drying rack.

LIVING GREEN

45. Recycle

46. Buy local
your food doesn't travel long distances, you support local farmers and the local economy and you consume less pesticides.

47. Don't use paper or plastic
Use cloth bags when you shop or reuse your plastic bags.

FINANCING

48. Borrow green
Most financial institutions offer "green" mortgages, including:
• BMO Eco Smart Mortgage offers home buyers a 3.89% rate on qualifying green properties.
• RBC Energy Saver Mortgage gives home buyers a $300 rebate for a home energy audit and five-year 4.34% rate.
• TD Canada Trust offers a Green Mortgage and Green Home Equity line of credit - for each green mortgage TD donates $100 to the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.
• Vancity offers a Bright Ideas home renovation loan - at prime +1% to home buyers and owners making green renovations.
• The City of Vancouver with Vancity offers a home energy loan program for home buyers and owners makeng energy efficient upgrades and 4.5% fixed rate over 10 years. The loan program is a 12 month pilot project with a goal of 500 homes participating. It will wrap up October 21, 2012. For more information attend a loan info workshop or call 604-374-0507.
• CMHC offers a 10% Mortgage Loan Premium refund a possible extended amortization for buyers purchasing and energy-efficient mortgage or making energy saving rennovations.

RESOURCES

49. Green Tool Kit
BC Real Estate Association's Green Tool Kit provides information, references and links. It also provides comprehensive information of rebates and incentives.

COMING SOON

50. Loan programs
Pay-as-you-Save (PAYS) loan program will help home owners and businessed finance energy efficiency improvements through a loan from BC Hydro or FortisBC. Expected to launch in 2012.

February 6, 2012, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Article

Open House. Open House on Sunday, May 6, 2012 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Tue, 01 May 2012 04:04:38 GMT

Please visit our Open House at 307 1808 3RD AVE W in Vancouver.

See details here

Open House on Sunday, May 6, 2012 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Top 28 grants and rebates for property buyers and owners

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:31:00 GMT

1) Home Buyers’ Plan
Qualifying home buyers can withdraw up to $25,000 (couples can withdraw up to $50,000) from their RRSPs for a down payment. Home buyers who have repaid their RRSP may be eligible to use the program a second time.
Canada Revenue Agency www.cra.gc.ca. Enter ‘Home Buyers’ Plan’ in the search box.
1.800.959.8287

2) GST Rebate on New Homes
New home buyers can apply for a rebate of the federal portion of the HST (the 5% GST) if the purchase price is less than $350,000. The rebate is up to 36% of the GST to a maximum rebate of $6,300. There is a proportional GST rebate for new homes costing between $350,000 and $450,000.
Canada Revenue Agency www.cra.gc.ca. Enter ‘RC4028’ in the search box.
1.800.959.8287

3) BC New Housing Rebate (HST)
Buyers of new or substantially renovated homes priced up to $850,000 are eligible for a provincial enhanced New Housing Rebate of 71.43% of the provincial portion (7%) of the 12% HST paid to a maximum rebate of $42,500. Homes priced at $850,000+ are eligible for a flat rebate of $42,500.
www.hstinbc.ca
1.800.959.8287

4) BC New Housing Rebate (HST) for Secondary Vacation or Recreational Homes
Buyers of new or substantially renovated secondary or recreational homes outside the Greater Vancouver and Capital Regional District priced up to $850,000 are eligible for a provincial enhanced New Housing Rebate of 71.43% of the provincial portion (7%) of the 12% HST paid to a maximum rebate of $42,500. Homes priced at $850,000+ are eligible for a flat rebate of $42,500.
www.hstinbc.ca/buying_goods/buying_a_home/new_ home_tax_calculator
1.800.959.8287

5) BC New Rental Housing Rebate (HST)
Landlords buying new or substantially renovated homes are eligible for a rebate of 71.43% of the provincial portion (7%) of the 12% HST, up to $42,500.
www.hstinbc.ca
1.800.959.8287

6) BC First-Time New Home Buyers’ Bonus
First-time new home buyers may be eligible for a one-time grant equal to 5% of the purchase price of the home, or if you are building a home, 5% of the land and construction costs, up to $10,000. The bonus is based on the net income of the home buyer. This program ends March 31, 2013.
www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/documents_library/notices /FTHB_Bonus.pdf
1.877.387.3332

7) BC Property Transfer Tax (PTT) First-Time Home Buyers’ Program
Qualifying first-time buyers may be exempt from paying the PTT of 1% on the first $200,000 and 2% on the remainder of the purchase price of a home priced up to $425,000. There is a proportional exemption for homes priced up to $450,000.
BC Ministry of Small Business and Revenue
www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/business/Property_ Taxes/Property_Transfer_Tax/ptt.htm
250.387.0604

8) First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC)
This federal non-refundable income tax credit is for qualifying buyers of detached, townhome, apartment condominiums, mobile homes or shares in a cooperative housing corporation. The calculation: multiply the lowest personal income tax rate for the year (15% in 2011) x $5,000. For the 2011 tax year, the maximum credit is $750.
Canada Revenue Agency
www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/rtrn/cmpltng/ddctns/lns360-390/369/menu-eng.html
1.800.959.8281

9) BC Home Owner Grant
Reduces property taxes for home owners with an assessed value of up to $1,285,000. The basic grant gives home owners:
• a maximum reduction of $570 in property taxes on principal residences in the Capital, Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley regional districts;
• an additional grant of $770 to rural homeowners elsewhere in the province; and
• an additional grant of $275 to seniors aged 65+, those who are permanently disabled and war veterans of certain wars.
BC Ministry of Small Business and Revenue www.rev.gov.bc.ca/hog or contact your municipal tax office.

10) BC Property Tax Deferment Programs

Property Tax Deferment Program for Seniors.
Qualifying home owners aged 55+ may be eligible to defer property taxes.

Financial Hardship Property Tax Deferment Program.
Qualifying low-income home owners may be eligible to defer property taxes.

Property Tax Deferment Program for Families with Children.
Qualifying low-income home owners who financially support children under age 18 may be eligible to defer property taxes.

BC Ministry of Small Business and Revenue
www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/individuals/Property_ Taxes/Property_Tax_Deferment/ptd.htm

11) Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMHC) Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) Grants.
This federal program provides financial aid to qualifying low-income home owners to repair substandard housing. Eligible repairs include heating, structural, electrical, plumbing and fire safety. Grants are available for seniors, persons with disabilities, owners of rental properties and owners creating secondary and garden suites.
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/prfinas/prfinas_001.cfm
1.800.668.2642 | 604.873.7408

12) Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI)
A new program jointly sponsored by the provincial and federal governments provides up to $20,000 to help eligible low-income seniors and disabled home owners and landlords to finance modifications to their homes to make them accessible and safer.

BC Housing www.bchousing.org/Options/Home_Renovations
604.646.7055 or toll-free 1.800.407.7757 extension 7055

13) CMHC Mortgage Loan Insurance Premium Refund
Provides home buyers with CMHC mortgage insurance, a 10% premium refund and possible extended amortization without surcharge when buyers purchase an energy efficient mortgage or make energy saving renovations.
www.cmhc.ca/en/co/moloin/moloin_008.cfm#reno
604.731.5733

14) Energy Saving Mortgages
Financial institutions offer a range of mortgages to home buyers and owners who make their homes more energy efficient. For example, home owners who have a home energy audit within 90 days of receiving an RBC Energy Saver™ Mortgage, may qualify for a rebate of $300 to their RBC account.
www.rbcroyalbank.com/products/mortgages/ energy-saver-mortgage.html
1.800.769.2511

15) Low Interest Renovation Loans
Financial institutions offer ‘green’ loans for home owners making energy efficient upgrades. Vancity’s Bright Ideas personal loan offers home owners up to $20,000 at prime + 1% for up to 10 years for ‘green’ renovations. RBC’s Energy Saver loan offers 1% off the interest rate for a fixed rate installment loan over $5,000 or a $100 rebate on a home energy audit on a fixed rate installment loan over $5,000.
For information visit your financial institution.

www.vancity.com/Loans/BrightIdeas

www.rbcroyalbank.com/ products/personalloans/energy-saver-loan.html

16) LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program
Home owners improving the energy efficiency of their homes may qualify for cash incentives through this provincial program provided in partnership with FortisBC and BC Hydro. Rebates are for energy efficient products which replace gas and oil furnaces, pumps, water heaters, wood stoves, insulation, windows, doors, skylights and more. The LiveSmart BC program also covers $150 of the cost of a home energy assessment, directly to the service provider.
www.livesmartbc.ca/rebates
1.866.430.8765

17) BC Residential Energy Credit
Home owners and residential landlords buying heating fuel receive a BC government point-of-sale rebate on utility bills equal to the provincial component of the HST.
www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/business/consumer_taxes/residential_ energy/residential_energy.htm
1.877.388.4440

18) BC Hydro Appliance Rebates
Mail-in rebates for purchasers of ENERGY STAR clothes washers, refrigerators, dishwashers, or freezers.
www.bchydro.com/rebates_savings/appliance_rebates.html
1.800.224.9376

19) BC Hydro Fridge Buy-Back Program
This ongoing program rebates BC Hydro customers $30 to turn in spare fridges in working condition.
www.bchydro.com/rebates_savings/fridge_buy_back.html
604.881.4357

20) BC Hydro Windows Rebate Program
Pay no HST when you buy ENERGY STAR high-performance windows and doors.
www.bchydro.com/rebates_savings/windows_ offers/current_offers.htm
604.759.2759 for a free in-home estimate.

21) BC Hydro Mail-in Rebates/Savings Coupons
To save energy, BC Hydro offers rebates including 10% off an ENERGY STAR cordless phone. Check for new offers and for deadlines.
www.bchydro.com/rebates_savings/coupons.html
1.800.224.9376

22) FortisBC Rebate Program
A range of rebates for home owners include a $50 rebate for upgrading a hot water tank, $300 rebate on an Ener-Choice fireplace and a $1,000 rebate for switching to natural gas (from oil or propane) and installing an ENERGY STAR heating system.
www.fortisbc.com/NaturalGas/Homes/Offers /Pages/default.aspx
1.888.224.2710

23) FortisBC Efficient Boiler Program
For commercial buildings, provides a cash rebate of up to 75% of the purchase price of an energy efficient boiler, for new construction or retrofits.
www.fortisbc.com/NaturalGas/Business/ Offers/Pages/default.aspx
1.888.477.0777

24) City of Vancouver Rain Barrel Subsidy Program
The City of Vancouver provides a subsidy of 50% of the cost of a rain barrel for Vancouver residents. With the subsidy, the rain barrel costs $75. Buy your rain barrel at the Transfer Station at 377 W. North Kent Ave., Vancouver, BC. Limit of two per resident. Bring proof of residency.
http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/watersewers/water/ conservation/programs/rainbarrel.htm
604.736.2250
Other municipalities have similar offers.

25) City of Vancouver Greenest City 2020 Pilot Home Energy Loan Program
The City of Vancouver in cooperation with Vancity, FortisBC, BC Hydro and Natural Resources Canada offers access to loans for energy retrofits including heating systems, insulation and air sealing. The Home Energy Loan from Vancity is a 12 month pilot program that will end October 21, 2012. For more information attend a workshop (see third link below). The goal is 500 homes, and loans are offered at 4.5% fixed rate over 10 years. The program also helps with accessing grants from the federal ecoENERGY program, the provincial LiveSmart BC program and FortisBC.

www.vancouver.ca/energyloan

www.vancity.com/Loans/homeenergy

http://energyloan.eventbrite.com
Email: energyloan@vancouver.ca
604.374.0507

26) Vancity Green Building Grant
In partnership with the Real Estate Foundation of BC, Vancity provides grants up to $50,000 each to qualifying charities, not-for-profit organizations and co-operatives for projects which focus on building renovations/retrofits, regulatory changes that advance green building development, and education to increase the use of practical green building strategies. The deadline for applications was January 23, 2012. If you are still interested in this grant, open the link and consider contacting Vancity to express your interest.
www.vancity.com/MyCommunity/NotForProfit/Grants /ActingOnClimateChange/GreenBuildingGrant
604.877.7000

27) Local Government Water Conservation Incentives
Your municipality may provide grants and incentives to residents to help save water. For example, the City of Coquitlam offers residents a $100 rebate and the City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver, and District of West Vancouver offer a $50 rebate when residents install a low-flush toilet. Visit your municipality’s website and enter ‘toilet rebate’ to see if there is a program.

28) Local Government Water Meter Programs
Your municipality may provide a program for voluntary water metering, so that you pay only for the amount of water that you use. Delta, Richmond and Surrey have programs and other municipalities may soon follow. Visit your municipality’s website and enter ‘water meter’ to find out if there is a program.

April 5, 2012, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Article

Open House. Open House on Sunday, April 29, 2012 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:03:59 GMT

Please visit our Open House at 307 1808 3RD AVE W in Vancouver.

See details here

Open House on Sunday, April 29, 2012 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

April Market Statistics for Vancouver Market

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:06:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - From the desk of AMALIA LIAPIS

About 3 weeks ago I noticed a change in the Vancouver market – things went relatively quiet.

Looking forward into the summer I predict the general market will continue that trend. What that means is that there will continue to be moderate activity overall. The properties that are receiving the most amount of attention are homes on the East Side of Vancouver in the $1,000,000 range (and yes this is considered good value). Any property; house, townhome or apartment that is on waterfront (or with a great view) and priced well is getting immediate attention. Vancouver West homes from $3,000,000 and up are selling steadily. But it all comes down to price so if the property has any shortcomings then an adjustment in price will be needed to gain a buyers interest.

World activities have had an effect on the real estate markets as well. Recent manufacturing data out of China indicates that the economy is still contracting, however at a slower rate than previously expected. The political problems in Europe continue to surface as seen in the resignation of the Dutch cabinet over night & the weekend’s French election result. These events together with some weaker economic data saw the European markets tumble & Bond rates rose. The sovereignty risk rose in Greece, Spain & Italy when government control was weakened through political unrest. The Dutch problem arose last week when Fitch said it would put Holland (AAA) on ratings review if the government failed to take action to cut their budget deficit & stop their debt from rising. Now Holland will head to elections, earlier than expected, after 7 weeks of negotiations among the ruling coalition parties on budget cuts of Euro 14billion collapsed on Saturday. The Dutch economy is feeling the pinch including a housing market slump. Sounds familiar. Greece, Ireland & Spain revisited? Italy & Portugal?

Most European countries are living well above their means, especially those with pensions, welfare & unemployment benefits. Those earning incomes don’t want earn less through paying more tax in order to help keep these benefit payments at the same level. Who is going to pay? There is no short term fix & so far the decisions made amount to just kicking a can down the road. The debt remains as long as the will to reduce it to manageable levels falls into the political too hard basket. One step at a time, Europe will unravel. The first step could come from the French as they desert their president Nicolsas Sarkozy for a socialist government who would not cooperate with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in keeping Europe afloat. Sarkozy & Merkel have been the glue to keep the Euro together as most other leaders have only been interested in their own problems.

US reporting season continues & this is going well but not standout unless you are one of the favored Tech companies like Apple & Microsoft. GE & McDonalds were also better than expected. Investors have been disappointed with some of the Banks & some of the guidance given for future quarters. Despite its debt worries, the US market has outperformed the ASX thanks to QE1 & QE2.

Overall it’s the worry about Europe that keeps the US market on its toes. Everybody seems to be watching someone in today’s market & just shows what a small world we live in.

New Mortgage Code of Conduct

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:40:00 GMT

As of November 5, 2012, federally-regulated financial institutions will be required to disclose information to borrowers about prepayment and refinancing options, amounts and charges, penalties and ways to avoid them. The Mortgage Prepayment Information Code of Conduct also requires lenders to make this information available on a website which includes calculators and guidance to borrowers. Lenders must also provide toll-free telephone help and a written statement of prepayment charges as requested by borrowers. The federal goverment did not standadize the penalty calculation formula in this new code.

For information visit: www.fin.gc.ca/n12/12-025-eng.asp

The Federal Budget - some good news for home owners

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:10:00 GMT

Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty tabled the 2012 Federal Budget on March 29, 2012. Eliminating the deficit by 2015 is a key goal and the government plans to do this by cutting spending by $1.4 billion in 2012/13 and by $3.9 billion in 2013/14 for a total of $5.3 billion. With unemployment steady at 7.5% and record household debt, property buyers and owners were looking for any glimmer of good news. The government did offer some hope.

Spending

• $205 million to extend the Hiring Credit for Small Business program to encourage hiring. A small-business employer can receive credit of up to $1,000 to help offset employment insurance premiums.

• $165 million over 2 years for responsible resource development which creates jobs and protects the environment.

• $150 million over two years on the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund for repairs and improvements to community facilities.$99.2 million over three years to help provinces develop permanent flood mitigation measures.

• $67 million through the National Research Council on business-led, industry-relevant research.

• $60 million over two years to protect wildlife at risk.

• $35.7 million over two years for inspections and emergency preparedness to improve oil tanker safety.

Spending on innovation

• $500 million over five years, (to begin in 2014) to the Canada Foundation to support innovation in advanced research infrastructure.

• $105 million over two years to support forestry innovation and market development.

• $100 million to the Business Development Bank of Canada to support its venture capital activities.

• $37 million annually to granting councils to enhance support for industry-academic research partnerships.

Cutting red tape

• Streamline the multiple-step regulatory process to a single-step review known as “one project, one review.” This will include amending the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

• Streamline the process for approving major economic projects.

• Introduce a legislative amendment clarifying the prohibition against banks selling life insurance.

There will be no new personal or corporate taxes or tax increases.

Excerpt from April 20, 2012 Realtor Link Article

I have sold a property at 949 East 39th AVE in Vancouver

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:56:01 GMT

I have sold a property at 949 East 39th AVE in Vancouver.

See details here

Welcome to this fabulous custom built & one owner home. House with a total of 6 BDRM & 4 BATH. Top floor has 3 BDRM with Large Master Bdrm & 2 full bath. Bottom floor has 3 BDRM (2+1 Bdrm) fully equipped with separate entrance. Home features: 9' ceilings, radiant floor heating, tile roof, thick granite counters kitchen and Bath, Granite flr entry, Crown moulding, laminate floors, 1 fireplace, 2 alarm systems, 2 skylights, double detach garage, back lane access, brand name appliances, maytag washer/dryer. Freshly repainted on main floors. House in pristine condition, never rented before. Very desirable location steps to Elementary school, Park & transit. Don't miss out.

I have sold a property at 102 2140 12TH AVE W in Vancouver

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:45:21 GMT

I have sold a property at 102 2140 12TH AVE W in Vancouver.

See details here

RARELY available studio. This amazing Kitsilano townhouse-style studio includes secure parking, an outdoor patio, a separate storage locker, cozy gas fireplace, in-suite laundry and more! Move-in ready and exceptionally spacious for a studio, with ample room for a living room, dining room and bedroom without feeling cramped. Located in the heart of Arbutus Walk, this home offers 2 seperate entrances - including its own private gated entrance from the street. Perfect location, terrific value & lovingly cared-for building! Don't miss this one. Open House March 17th, Saturday, 1:00-3:00

RE/MAX Platinum Club membership achieved for 2011

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 20:14:00 GMT

February 17, 2012

Dear Amalia,

Congratulations on achieving membership in the Platinum Club for 2011! You should be very proud of your accomplishment and we consider ourselves honoured to have you on the RE/MAX Team.

RE/MAX Associates are truly “Canada’s Most Productive Agents.” Your production and obvious customer-orientated service is a prime example of why RE/MAX is ‘Above the Crowd!®’.

As the real estate network with the most market share and greatest brand recognition, we have the most to offer home buyers and sellers. Due to professionalism exhibited by Sales Associates such as yourself, RE/MAX can lay claim to the phrase: “RE/MAX Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Results®”

We missed not being able to present this award to you personally at our recent 29^th Annual RE/MAX of Western Canada Conference in Victoria, BC, however, it gives us great pleasure to present it to you now!

We are proud to have you on the RE/MAX Team and wish you continued success for 2012!

Yours truly,

RE/MAX of Western Canada (1998), LLC

Open House. Open House on Sunday, April 15, 2012 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 04:03:40 GMT

Please visit our Open House at 307 1808 3RD AVE W in Vancouver.

See details here

Open House on Sunday, April 15, 2012 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Open House. Open House on Sunday, April 8, 2012 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 04:03:20 GMT

Please visit our Open House at 307 1808 3RD AVE W in Vancouver.

See details here

Open House on Sunday, April 8, 2012 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Open House. Open House on Saturday, March 17, 2012 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 04:06:55 GMT

Please visit our Open House at 102 2140 12TH AVE W in Vancouver.

See details here

Open House on Saturday, March 17, 2012 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Open House. Open House on Sunday, March 18, 2012 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 04:06:55 GMT

Please visit our Open House at 307 1808 3RD AVE W in Vancouver.

See details here

Open House on Sunday, March 18, 2012 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Greater Vancouver housing market trends near long-term averages as spring market approaches

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Closer alignment between home buyer and seller activity helped to bring greater balance to the Greater Vancouver housing market in February.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 2, 545 on the MLS System in February 2012. This represents a 61.4 per cent increase compared to the 1,577 sales recorded in January 2012, a decline of 17.8 per cent compared to the 3,097 sales in February 2011 and a 2.9 per cent increase from the 2,473 home sales in February 2010.

February sales in Greater Vancouver were the third lowest February total in the region since 2002, though only 151 sales below the 10-year average.

“With a sales-to-active-listings ratio of 18 per cent, we fairly balanced conditions in our marketplace as we move into the traditionally busier spring season,” Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president said.

New listings for detached, attached, and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 5,552 in February 2012. This represents a 2.5 per cent decline compared to February 2011 when 5,693 properties were listed, and a 3.5 per cent decline compared to January 2012 when 5,756 homes were added to the MLS in Greater Vancouver.
Last month’s new listing count was the second highest February total in Greater Vancouver since 1996.

At 14, 055, the total number of residential property listings on MLS increased 12 per cent in February compared to last month and increased 17.9 per cent from this time last year.

“Region-wide we’ve seen relative stability in home prices over the last six months, but it’s important to do your homework and consult your REALTORS because pricing can vary considerably depending on the neighbourhood and property type,” Setticasi said.

The MLS HPI benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver currently sits at $670,900 up 6 per cent compared to February 2011 and an increase of 0.9 per cent compared to January 2012. The benchmark price for all residential properties in the Lower Mainland is $601,300 an increase of 5.5 per cent compared to February 2011.

Sales of detached properties on the MLS in February 2012 reached 1,101 a decline of 21.5 per cent from the 1,402 detached sales recorded in February 2011, and a 12 per cent increase from the 983 units sold in February 2012. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 10.5 per cent from February 2011 to $1,042,900.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,020 in February 2012, a decline of 15.4 per cent compared to the 1,206 sales in February 2011, and a decrease of 5 per cent compared to the 1,074 sales in February 2010. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 2.8 per cent from February 2011 to $373,300.

Townhouse property sales in February 2012 totalled 424, a decline of 13.3 per cent compared to the 489 sales in February 2011 and a 1.9 per cent increase from the 416 townhouse properties sold in February 2010. The benchmark price of a townhouse unit increased 0.7 per cent between February 2011 and 2012 to $472,800.

March 12, 2012 REBGV Article available online at http://www.rebgv.org/news-statistics/greater-vancouver-housing-market-trends-near-long-term-averages-spring-market