Looking beyond a seemingly perfect house

If you’re in the market to purchase your first home or relocate to a new home, it’s easy to get caught up in the home-buying process and forget some of the details. The clock is ticking, rates have nowhere to go but up and you’ve found the perfect home on the perfect street. Nothing left now but to make an offer, right? Well, while location definitely matters, if you’re not careful and observant when making your new home choice, you could end up in a great location and still purchase a money pit. After all, in many cases, those anxious to sell their home have been known to make a few cosmetic adjustments or staging tricks to hide the areas where their house may require a little extra care or even some serious repairs. Pay special attention to and mention to your home inspector (if you reach that point) if you come across anything that seems out of the norm, including: 1. Freshly painted basements. We all know that basements are often prone to leaks. If you notice that a basement has recently been painted – particularly the floor of an unfinished

basement – make sure you ask why this was done. Also take a look around the outside perimeters of the home to see if there are other telltale signs of a possible basement leak. 2. Strong smells. Your senses are your first and one of your best methods of avoiding deception. Mould smells like mould. It’s easy to hide the visual signs of mould with paint, but it’s a hard smell to mask. Don’t be afraid to sniff around any area that makes you feel uneasy. 3. Suspicious piles and large plants. If something looks out of place, ask about it. A pile of bricks stacked against the side of the house could just be a pile of bricks, but it could also be a way of hiding a cracked foundation. The same holds true for a large plant or tree located in an odd area. One of the benefits of working with a qualified real estate professional is that we know what to look for in a home to ensure you’re not buying a money pit. If you see anything that doesn’t feel right, let’s discuss it. Follow your gut. Even after you’ve been through a home, answers to your questions and concerns are just a phone call or e-mail away!

BUSINESS JUST SOLD! Daycare/fine arts preschool

Q'Tees Daycare is truly a unique learning environment for the children of Abbotsford, BC Canada. A wide variety of Music and Dance programs are offered as well as a Fine Arts Preschool. The daycare is centrally located and is fully staffed with the option of relocating. There is an outdoor play area as well as it is walking distance to many community attractions. The business is 3 years established with growth potential

more pics here!

Fraser Valley market picks up in June

Sales processed on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) increased by 23 per cent in one month going from 1,477 sales in May to 1,815 in June. June’s numbers represent an 8 per cent decrease compared to the 1,982 sales during the same month last year.

Deanna Horn, president of the Board, says, “Historically, it’s not unusual for June sales to outperform May in the Fraser Valley. This has happened in nine of the last twenty years.

“However, a 23 per cent increase in one month is significant. We were busier than expected and it could be due to the combined effect of mortgage rates edging down, the Harmonized Sales Tax coming into effect July 1, as well as the tremendous selection of homes available in the Fraser Valley.

“Although we’re seeing a decrease in the number of new properties coming on stream, June buyers have only had this volume of homes to choose from two other times in our history, in 1995 and 2008.”

The total active inventory on Fraser Valley’s MLS® at month’s end was 11,110, 19 per cent more than was available in June 2009. The Board’s MLS® received 9 per cent fewer new listings in June compared to May, good news according to Horn.

“Listings typically do decrease in the summer, which will continue to stabilize the market.

“Over the last few months, we’ve seen residential benchmark prices leveling. Year-over-year, price increases may still appear dramatic depending on the property type and location because at this time last year, we hadn’t yet begun our recovery phase.

“In a stabilizing market, consumers know to rely on the expertise of a REALTOR® because prices are highly local and competitive.”

In June, the benchmark price for Fraser Valley detached homes was $518,355, a 9.9 per cent increase compared to $471,788 in June 2009.

The benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses in June was $328,080, a 9 per cent increase compared to $301,103 in June 2009. The benchmark price of apartments increased by 6.6 per cent year-over-year going from $231,014 in June 2009 to $246,351 in June 2010

Is your mortgage potable?

Selling your current home and moving into a new one can be stressful enough, let alone worrying about your current mortgage and whether you’re able to carry it over to your new home. Porting enables you to move to another property without having to lose your existing interest rate, mortgage balance and term. And, better yet, the ability to port also saves you money by avoiding early discharge penalties. It’s important to note, however, that not all mortgages are portable. When it comes to fixed-rate mortgage products, you usually have a portability option. Lenders often use a “blended” system where your current mortgage rate stays the same on the mortgage amount ported over to the new property and the new balance is calculated using the current interest rate. With variable-rate mortgages, on the other hand, porting is usually not available. As such, upon breaking your existing mortgage, a three-month interest penalty will be charged. This charge may or may not be reimbursed with your new mortgage.

Porting Conditions While porting typically ensures no penalty will be charged when you sell your existing property and buy a new one, some conditions that may apply include: Some lenders allow you to port your mortgage, but your sale and purchase have to happen on the same day. Other lenders offer a week to do this, some a month, and others up to three months. Some lenders don’t allow a changed term or force you into a longer term as part of agreeing to port your mortgage. Some lenders will, in fact, reimburse your entire penalty whether you are a fixed or variable borrower if you simply get a new mortgage with the same lender – replacing the one being discharged. Additionally, some lenders will even allow you to move into a brand new term of your choice and start fresh. There are instances where it’s better to pay a penalty at the time of selling and get into a new term at a brand new rate that could save back your penalty over the course of the new term. While this may sound like a complicated subject, your mortgage professional or lender will be able to explain all of your available options.

JUST SOLD !Taco Franchise location For Sale in Cloverdale

55,000. Well established franchise in busy Clayton Crossing. 24 seats eat-in or take-out restaurant. Beautiful store. Fun decor, easy to operate. Delicious and popular California style burritos, tacos, salads etc. Plenty of parking. Business has been running since March of 2006. Don't miss this excellent opportunity Low lease! Taco Del Mar franchise is busy, Clayton Crossing Shopping Centre. This neighborhood is booming with new developments. This is a super opportunity to get into a great franchise. All franchisees pay a 6% royalty fee along with a 1% advertising fee. "Whether it's a mondo burrito, rippin' fish tacos, nachos, enchiladasor any other made-to-order item, Taco Del Mar guarantees thequality, freshness and taste of every item we serve.Taco Del Mar offers the fresh, fast and fun alternative to traditional Mexican food, serving mondo burritos and ripping fish tacos with a friendly, relaxed Baja style.We feature large, hand-rolled burritos and fish tacos, made to order with the freshest, healthiest ingredients, just the way you want them. Our service is fast, our people are enthusiastic, our store environments are inspired by beach culture and we're growing, growing, growing.So grab your surfboard, let's head out and catch the next wave together. It's a real possibility when you hook up with one of America's hottest concepts, Taco Del Mar. "
More Pictures Here!

Realtor Professionalism

Not every real estate representative can call themselves a REALTOR®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark used only by members of the Canadian Real Estate Association. To become a member, individuals pledge to uphold the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice.

REALTORS® are committed to:

• professionally competent service;
• absolute honesty and integrity in business dealings; and
• co-operation with and fairness to all.

Members of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board also abide by the Rules of Cooperation, a common set of rules agreed to by the three real estate Boards operating in the Lower Mainland of BC. These rules are a model of cooperation and ensure consistency of service across our geographic boundaries.

In addition to our commitment to ethics and professionalism, our members abide by the legal regulations set out by the Province of British Columbia. Any violations to our Code, Standards, Rules, or legislation are brought forward for investigation and disciplinary action at both the Board level and at the provincial level, through the Real Estate Council of BC.

Professional Education

Most consumers take comfort in knowing that the professionals they hire are required to be life-long learners. REALTORS® are no exception. It is critical that, as professionals, our members are abreast of legislative changes, real estate practice topics such as agency and legal issues.

As a condition of membership, our REALTORS® are required to complete a number of accredited professional development courses. Requirements for our Professional Development Program surpass the basic requirements set out in provincial legislation.

Powerful data, powerful technology

Through the Multiple Listing Service®, our members have access to vast amounts of historical and current data to assist their clients in the sale or purchase of a property. Our members also have a variety of powerful technology tools to search and analyze this data for their clients.