Brian White

Have you been dreaming about finding a new home but can't figure out why it's not happening?

Are you making excuses over and over why you are still sitting in the same place?

It's not the right time! It's not the right place! There are no good houses or lots left! How's that mindset working for you? What are you doing to make that new home dream come true? 

First off, how much do you really want it?  Unlike trivial objects, wanting  a great home and neighbourhood versus just needing some different space is very good place to start. 

Here are a few basic steps to get you moving in the right direction: 

1. Make the decision, "I want to find a great home and am committed to make it happen"! 

2. Believe in Yourself, "I am ready for a new home and would be a great neighbour"! 

3. View properties in person, not on social media!  Put on your 'open mind' hat and make sure you are putting your best foot forward. (emotionally and financially).

4. Keep an open mind! What looks good on paper does not necessarily look good in person, an unassuming house may surprise you if you give it a chance!  

5. Be positive about yourself, your needs your wants in general, look for the positive and you will find it. (Note: if you are looking for the negative you will find that too!)

I know this all sounds straight forward but you would be surprised how many people overlook these very simple steps while they are busy making excuses.

Now get out there and find that perfect place and if you need a little help, call me! 

Matching homes and owners since 1990 - Brian White 604-961-4104

Bank of Canada Interest Rate Announcement - May 27, 2015

The Bank of Canada announced this morning that it is maintaining its target for the overnight rate at 0.75 per cent. In the press release accompanying the decision, the Bank noted that inflation in Canada continues to evolve as forecast with core inflation boosted by a lower dollar while CPI inflation remains near the bottom of the Bank's 1-3 per cent control range due to the transitory effects of lower energy prices. The Bank sees the underlying trend of inflation at 1.6 to 1.8 per cent, which is consistent with persistent slack in the economy. The Bank's outlook for economic growth remains largely unchanged from its previous forecast with expectation of a solid recovery beginning in the second quarter. 

With oil prices stabilizing and core inflation firming around its 2 per cent target, a further loosening of monetary policy is becoming more unlikely. If growth recovers as the Bank forecasts over the next couple of quarters, attention will shift once again to the timing of future rate increases. While we do not expect the Bank to act on interest rates for the remainder of the year, long-term bond yields and therefore mortgage rates are likely to rise from their current lows as growth improves and the US Federal Reserve begins raising its own target rate later this year. 

If you are looking to make a move in housing or investing in rental properties now is a very good time. Get in, lock in watch your money grow. Contact me anytime for a market update in your area.

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 9,952 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in May, up 28.7 per cent from the same month last year. Total sales dollar volume was $6.3 billion, a 45.5 per cent increase in comparison to the previous year. The average MLS® residential price in the province rose to $634,744, a 13 per cent increase since last May.

“Last month was the strongest April for home sales in a decade,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “The elevated level of buying activity this spring is now expected to push 2015 home sales to their highest level since 2007.”

“Consumers are taking full advantage of rock bottom interest rates and are demonstrating significant confidence in the housing market,” added Muir. “However, dwindling inventories combined with competition for detached homes in the province`s large urban markets is pushing home prices higher.”

During the first four months of 2015, BC residential sales dollar volume rose 37.1 per cent to $19 billion, when compared with the same period in 2014. Residential unit sales increased by 24.5 per cent to 30,091 units, while the average MLS® residential price rose 10.1 per cent to $631,860.

If you want to know what your home is worth in today's market, call or email me to arrange an appointment.

Vancouver, BC – April 16, 2015.

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 9,101 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in March, up 37.6 per cent from the same month last year. Total sales dollar volume was $5.8 billion, an increase of 57.1 per cent compared to a year ago. The average MLS® residential price in the province rose to $641,799, up 14.1 per cent from the same month last year.

"BC home sales climbed significantly in March," said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. "More homes traded hands last month than any March since 2007. On a seasonally adjusted basis, March posted the most home sales of any month since December of 2009."

"Rock bottom interest rates and rising consumer confidence have strengthened housing markets in most regions of the province, added Muir. "Many board areas are now exhibiting sellers' market conditions with home prices advancing well above the overall rate of inflation."

During the first quarter, BC residential sales dollar volume was up 33.2 per cent to $12.7 billion, compared to the same period last year. Residential unit sales were up 22.5 per cent to 20,139 units, while the average MLS® residential price was up 8.7 per cent at $630,435.

In March, sales on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) reached the highest they’ve been in nine years. The Board processed 1,857 sales, a 47 per cent increase compared to the 1,259 sales in March of last year. Sales during March of 2006 were 2,072.

Jorda Maisey, President of the Board, attributes the strength in the market to a number of factors. “Our population is growing, interest rates continue to remain supportive of housing demand and consumers are confident. It all adds up to a desire to invest in real estate now.”

In March, the Board processed 11 per cent more new listings compared to March 2014, however higher sales eroded the number of active listings. March finished with 8,193 active listings of all property types, 7 per cent fewer than available during the same month last year.

Maisey adds, “It’s important to emphasize that supply and demand vary depending on property type and location. Currently, demand for single family detached homes is outpacing supply in most Fraser Valley communities resulting in lower inventory levels, upward pressure on prices and homes selling faster than they did last year.

“For buyers looking for a detached home or in certain areas a townhome, your REALTOR® will advise that selection is limited, you will have less time to make decisions and their ability to negotiate a lower price for you is diminished. This is not the case if you’re looking to invest in an apartment or an acreage property where the market continues to favour buyers.”

The MLS® HPI benchmark price of a Fraser Valley single family detached home in March was $588,500, an increase of 4.5 per cent compared to March 2014 when it was $563,400.

In March, the benchmark price of townhouses was $299,700, an increase of 0.9 per cent compared to $297,100 in March 2014. The benchmark price of apartments decreased year-over-year by 2.4 per cent, going from $195,400 in March 2014 to $190,800 in March 2015.

In March, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in the Fraser Valley was 38 days, down from 44 days in 2014. Townhomes took 48 days on average to sell, while apartments took 61 days, both comparable with March of last year.