Vancouver realtor Jay Banks just published pretty funny article about 10 most typical realtors you meet. Are you a eager beaver, an old gentleman, or a moonlighter? 07/22/2011

Condo rebound pushes new-home construction higher Metro Vancouver builders have returned to building condominiums in a big enough way to push up the region’s overall housing starts this year while the number of single-family homes is declining, according to new numbers from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. The pace of new-home construction in June declined from an unexpected frenzy of starts in May, according to Robyn Adamache, a Canada Mortgage and Housing analyst in Vancouver. However, the 8,472 total housing starts recorded in Metro Vancouver at the end of June represented a 23-per-cent increase from the same period of 2010. Of those starts, 6,813 were multi-family homes — condominiums and townhouses — which was a 51-per-cent increase from starts during the same period of 2010. On t... 07/20/2011

We love our Canadian neighbors!  And here in Sun City Shadow Hills we have an abundance of Canadian neighbors who are here with us up to 6 months out of the year.  When they return the block parties resume. Since we now have the Model Homes for sale this is an ideal time for our friends to purchase a model home and you can probably get a good deal on the furnishings!   Below are the Model Homes that Del Webb/Pulte still have available.  These have all the bells and whistles!   And they want to sell them before they move the sales office to Phase 3. Here are the available MODEL HOMES - NOW FOR SALE : Granada (1099 sq ft)       $235,000 (includes solar) Canterra (1257 sq ft)       $236,000 Del Oro (1880 sq ft)         $376,000 (golf course view) Santiago (2076 sq ft)       $445,000 (on t... 07/18/2011

  B.C. home prices will rise an average 13 per cent to $571,000 this year before edging back 2.5 per cent to $557,000 in 2012, the B.C. Real Estate Association said in its second quarter housing forecast released Thursday. The BCREA also predicted a moderate increase in housing sales this year and next. However, the 13-per-cent increase in housing costs this year is misleading, according to BCREA chief economist Cameron Muir. “The average price in the province is being skewed very high because of a higher proportion of single-detached homes selling in the pricier markets of Vancouver,” Muir said in an interview. “This is at a time when sales are a bit below the 10-year average. My expectation is for quite flat prices going forward.” Muir said that the average price in the Greater Vancou... 07/14/2011

What a great weekend we just had - beautiful weather - a bike ride with my dad - and to top it off, a great building inspection that resulted in a firmed up sale! Congratulations to my very happy buyers! You guys are gonna love it!! The West End was good to me this weekend, that's for sure!! For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of visiting Vancouver (yet!) - let me tell you about our West End. Located on the downtown pinisula, it's bordered by our downtown area on one side, Stanley Park on the other, and surrounded by water on the other sides. I love it here! It's filled with low rise buildings (many that are 100+ years old), big trees, and a feeling of calm that one doesn't usually find in a big city. The West End is a short walk to Robson Street (GREAT SHOPPING) - Davie Stree... 07/11/2011

OTTAWA — CIBC and Bank of Montreal announced Tuesday that they will be raising their mortgage rates. CIBC raised the rates on fixed-rate mortgages, following other major Canadian banks that did so Monday. CIBC raised rates on closed mortgages by 0.10 to 0.15 percentage points, with the popular five-year closed option rising 0.15 per cent to 5.54 per cent, in line with the new rates announced by Royal Bank, TD Canada Trust and Laurentian Bank on Monday. CIBC's new rates become effective Wednesday. BMO Bank of Montreal also announced its changes in residential mortgage rates, effective Wednesday. A five-year fixed rate closed is going up to 5.54%, a 0.15% increase. 07/10/2011

Great Day at Vancouver's famed Greek festival. All the elements of a greek party were there. Godess Athena, Posieden and King Lionidis were among the few walking and and taking part of what Greeks are known for. Diaskedesi (Have a party) Although with the constant reminder of the riot that broke out st the Stanley Cup playoffs and the black eye vancouver has taken, The day was great and I just could not be in a safer place. My kds were out and we had a ball.                                       The day was perfect, Souvlaki on a stick, baklava and of course...Dancing!   And you thought all I knew was how to sell real estate OPA!   06/28/2011

Does Mrs. Danvers Live Here? - Home Staging Vancouver, B.C. I recently read a funny post  by Alan May.  The gist of the post was that he went into the creepy basement of a home, and there was a make-shift bedroom in what normally would amount to a basement storage area.  My comment to him was that it looked like the quarters of the Housekeeper from the old, classic movie, Rebecca.  Remember Mrs Danvers?  She was the Housekeeper who tried to slowly drive the new Mrs. DeWinter crazy.  Mrs. Danvers would creep around the cold, stark mansion, causing trouble and havoc and succeeded in making the new bride very  uncomfortable.  Anytime the new Mrs. DeWinter would suggest changing something in the house, Mrs. Danvers would do her utmost to ensure that  nothing was ever moved or changed. How m... 06/23/2011

First of all - on behalf of Vancouver, I apologize. I want you to know - we're truly embarrassed by our actions last night. It was a horrible deja vous of the 1994 Stanley Cup riot. Only this time it was worse. I'm embarrassed - we're ALL embarrassed. People looted stores, many cars were flipped over cars and torched (including two police cars) nearly 150 injured (with one man fighting for his life). All of this over a HOCKEY GAME? Honestly - I believe that this would have happened whether we won or lost. Unfortunately - I believe that the mischief makers had this planned from the get go. It was a small group of people initially doing the damage - but as people hung around to take pictures and film it - the crowds grew troublesome (and pretty darn drunk). There were WAY too many people ... 06/16/2011

My Name is Johnny Canuck - Go Canucks Go I couldn't resist posting about an event that is taking over our city.  As I sit in my nice, comfortable living room, in front of the flat screen t.v., there are over 10,000 fans in downtown Vancouver waiting for hockey history to unfold.  Yes, the Vancouver Canucks have a chance to finally walk away with the Stanley Cup trophy if they succeed in beating the Boston Bruins, a feat that has never been achieved by the history of this hockey team.  I have my fingers and toes crossed - oh heck, I'll admit it - I'm a human pretzel right now - anything to send good luck to this wonderful hometown team.  Here's a Youtube video that apparently has gone viral.  It's very clever, and I thought there may be some of you out there who would enjoy it.  It's cal... 06/15/2011

It's Game 5 Day in the Stanley Cup Final(ice hockey for the uninitiated) tonight in Vancouver against the Boston Bruins!  I took this photo on Dallas Road beach in Victoria this week. A typical west-coast artist's (fan) showing support for the Vancouver Canucks. With a tied 2 games each it's going to be an exciting evening. The first 2 games were won by the Canucks and the second two were won by the Bruins, who roared back to even the series. So, tonight's game is going to be the ultimate character test for our Canucks. Henrik Sedin, the team Captain, told the media: "We're going back home in front of our fans we're going to do a better job. That's our only focus." These last games are the best of 3, with 2 of them being at home. So - come on guys! Let's bring the Stanley Cup back home ... 06/10/2011

Residential Attached at 306 1450 7TH Avenue East Vancouver Search All MLS Listings  |  See More Listings  |  See Full Listing Details Description: This 1 BR south-facing unit is one of a kind. Not your typical box! The vaulted ceiling in the bedroom has been converted to a unique space where you can sleep, read, relax, or store things. The bathroom has new tub + tile, toilet, vanity +floors. The BR + lvg area has durable laminate installed + the kitchen boasts new appliances. Nestled in one of the healthiest bldgs near Commercial Dr. Rainscreened Sept 07, repiped Jan 08, new parkade memb 05, new common carpets + paint 08, plus almost $90000 in reserves. Comes with parking + storage. Fido welcome. 1 rental open. All this located near colourful and exciting Commerial Dr, an area known fo... 06/09/2011

Sometimes It's the Small Picture that Helps Sell a Home - Home Staging Vancouver, B.C.     We're often concerned with the "big picture" when staging homes.  Sorting out furniture that needs to be brought in, or rearranging existing furniture is extremely important.  The big picture concerns itself with where art should be placed, adding area rugs and dressing the sofas with coordinating cushions.  Once the big picture is complete, the rooms usually look very nice.  However, you can't just stop at the big picture.  Staging is all about layers, and another layer would be to now focus on the small picture, or the tiny details that are very subtle, and yet speak to a buyer's psyche. The small picture can be a little vignette here, or a small grouping there.  In my opinion, the small picture... 05/30/2011

It Aint All Glamour, Ya Know! - Home Staging in Vancouver, B.C. When we first get into the business of Home Staging, we have images of flitting around a property, wearing designer clothing, and gently placing a vase here, and an orchid there.  Our nails are all finely manicured and painted the latest soft pink.  We gently brush back a rogue hair away from our brow, as we contemplate the placement of our vase and move and rearrange said item until we are perfectly satisfied, before moving on to the next "objet".   Then reality strikes us like Dorothy's house crashing down, and we exclaim "Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore"...  The fact is, being a Home Stager is far from glamorous work.  In fact, it's just darn hard work!  I use the verb "schlepp" a lot, because I seem to do a lot of sch... 05/29/2011

The Secret Garden - Afternoon Tea in Vancouver, B.C. Who doesn't enjoy the wonderful tradition of Afternoon Tea?  We recently had a lovely day visiting the Kerrisdale area for a little shopping, girl talk and tea.  My mum was over visiting from Vancouver Island, so my sister and I rounded up our teenage daughters, and we made an outing of it.  First stop were the various little boutiques and food shops along 41st, where we found all sorts of unusual items to purchase.  Yes, I even picked up a few unusual accessories for my Home Staging business. Of course, shopping works up an extreme thirst, so at noon we visited The Secret Garden, a lovely, little oasis in the shopping jungle, for a full on British Afternoon Tea.  The first taxing decision was to decide what kind of tea to order.  The... 05/28/2011

Vancouver Home Staging Meets Bells and Cloches As a Vancouver Home Stager, I'm always looking for interesting accessories which add a certain panache to a home.  We've all seen the usual vase of flowers or set of candles, to adorn a space.  Pretty predictable items to find in a home that has been staged for sale.  And hey, there's nothing wrong with that.  Sometimes, however, I like to add an item that is a little different, a little out of the ordinary, something approaching more like a "curio".   One item that I've often enjoyed is a glass cloche.  The word "cloche" is a French word, meaning "bell", and these bell shaped domes were created to help protect and grow plants from the harsh elements.  I was out shopping the other day, when I came upon these beautiful cloches in the high en... 05/25/2011

Country Furniture Vancouver showcases Edible Garden author, Andrea Bellamy What does one do on a rainy, grey Saturday afternoon?  I sure needed a pick-me-up.  One of my favourite things to do is visit Country Furniture, on South Granville in Vancouver.  Ok, honestly, I really think they should re-name the furniture store "French Country Furniture", because what keeps me coming back is all the French influenced furniture and accessories. Today was the result of receiving Country Furniture's newsletter a little while back.  The store kept advertising a local Vancouver author, Andrea Bellamy, who has recently released a book called Sugar Snaps and Strawberries.  If the title isn't enough to warm your heart, then flipping through the pages of this delightful book certainly will.  As a visua... 05/21/2011

A really fantastic thing to fit in to your Sunday schedule in Vancouver, BC! Last night, I met up with an old friend of mine to catch up over a glass bottle of wine. We decided on the Yew Restaurant - LOVED IT!! Yew Restaurant is located in the Four Season's Hotel - one of the lifer hotels here in Vancouver, BC. The full address for those who'd like to visit is: 791 West Georgia Street Vancouver, Canada V6C 2T4 604.692.4939 (4YEW) at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver. I loved it all! I loved the ambiance - the HUGE wine room, the spicy tuna roll - and of course, the beautiful bottle of Burrowing Owl - YUM (Thanks so much Ronniebaby!!) It was lovely - then the waiter told us about Sundays - which is around the point that I fell in love. 50% off all wines. I LOVE it when restaurants do thi... 05/14/2011

HomeSav - The Online Home Decor Store Have you heard of the latest online home decor site, HomeSav?  You've got to check out the latest and hottest way to purchase home accessories and furniture at up to 70% off the retail price at www.HomeSav.com! I've been a HomeSave member for about a month now.  Here's how it works.  Every day, you're sent an email with today's offer.  The offers are always home decor related, so you don't have to keep deleting emails for 50% off some local restaurant!  The offer is only available for a limited time period, varying from 24 hours to 96 hours, depending on the offer.  If you're interested in an item, you simply pop it in your cart and proceed to check out.  Some items only have a few remaining, so you do have to act quickly. I just recently purchased ... 05/11/2011

Does this House Move You? - Staging a House with Emotion Home staging is not just about placing furniture in a vacant property, or adding fresh towels in the bathroom or throwing some colourful toss cushions on a sofa and calling it a day.  At Exit Stage Right, we believe there is so much more to home staging than meets the eye.  I always find it rather amusing, those who feel they can stage a property themselves and think they don't need a professional Home Stager.  A really good Home Stager will take an uninteresting corner and turn it into an interesting feature.  They will add something that tugs at your heart strings, or makes your heart skip a beat.  It will be a little touch here or a little interesting grouping there that makes you sigh or catch your breath, either consciously o... 05/11/2011