Grilling Tips

Now that the summer season is kicking off, it's time to get back in the grilling groove. According to the National Fire Protection Association, gas and charcoal grills cause more than 8,000 house fires each year. Before firing up the grill, homeowners should consider these safety tips:






Grills should be located no closer than 10' (3m) from any structure. Never use a grill under a porch, deck, overhang, carport, or in a garage. Make sure the grill rests on a stable surface and can't be tipped over.

Never use a propane or charcoal grill indoors.

Check hoses and connections on gas grills periodically throughout the grilling season. Replace any cracked or brittle hoses before using the grill. Propane cylinders should never be stored inside a garage or other structure at any time.

Start charcoal fires using a chimney starter instead of charcoal fluid. Not only is a chimney starter safer, but your meal will taste better. If charcoal fluid is used, never add it to the coals once the fire has been lit.

Once the grill is lit, never leave it unattended. It can take just a few seconds for a serious fire to erupt.

While lighting and cooking on the grill, do not wear clothes that are loose-fitting or that have wide sleeves that could catch fire. Use long-handled utensils to handle food while cooking. Wear close-toed shoes while at the grill - you can always change to flip flops later.

Control flare ups by lowering the heat on a gas grill. On charcoal grills, remove the food from the grill and distribute the coals more evenly. If necessary, a flare up can be put out with water from a spray bottle, but remove food from the grill first to avoid smoke contamination.

To help prevent grease fires, remove any accumulated grease and residue from inside the lid of the grill at least every 5-6 uses. Baking soda can be used to extinguish a grease fire still contained within the grill unit.

Always keep young children and pets away from the grill during and after cooking. The grill's exterior can remain hot long for a long time.

Courtesy Pillar to Post

Commercial Building For Sale

33'x100' lot. 644 & 646 KINGSWAY. Great investment property - Commercial zoning - Kingsway & Fraser. High traffic exposure. Both addresses leased to same tenant. Kitchen equipment owned by landlord.

New Mortgage changes taking effect July 9, 2010

This morning the Government announced four measures for new government-backed insured mortgages with loan-to-value ratios of more than 80 per cent.  The changes come into July 9, 2012. What does this mean?  If you have less than 20% down payment these changes could affect you.  If you have been thinking about refinancing and you do not have more than 20% equity in your property these changes could affect you.   If you have any questions please call me. The changes are as follows: Reduce the maximum amortization period to 25 years from 30 years. Fix the maximum gross debt service ratio at 39 per cent and the maximum total debt service ratio at 44 per cent. Limit the availability of government-backed insured mortgages to homes with a purchase price of less than $1 million. Lower the maximum amount Canadians can borrow when refinancing to 80 per cent from 85 per cent of the value of their homes. What do these mean in plain English? You now can only do a mortgage for 25 years, this will effect the amount you can qualify for. These ratio’s we use to make sure you can afford your mortgage, they are lowering them a little to make sure when you are qualifying you can make the payments, this could result in qualifying for less. If the property is over $1 million you have to have at least 20% down. * Some lenders have what is called a sliding scale and you may need more that 20% down. If you want to refinance you must leave 20% equity in the home. These changes just came out this morning and we will know more details as the days pass but I really wanted to let you know what is going on. If you have a purchase or refinance that has been approved, you are fine.  If you have a pre-approval but have not found a property these changes affect you!  If you do not have an offer in by July 9, you have to use the new rules. If you are thinking about purchasing or refinancing we need to have the approval by July 9 of you want to take advantage of the 30 years.

Buying a Home? Who do you need on your team!

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. So when it comes time to signing on the dotted line, make sure you don’t make that decision alone. To help you put together the right team of professionals, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers the following who’s who list of experts and what they should bring to the table:

•Real estate agent. Among other services, your real estate agent will help you find a home, write an Offer of Purchase, negotiate a purchase on your behalf and save you a considerable amount of time, trouble and headaches. When choosing the agent you want to work with, ask for references and don’t be afraid to ask questions or call your local real estate association for advice.

•Lender or mortgage broker. Many different institutions lend money for mortgages, including banks, trust companies, credit unions, finance companies and more. It can be a good idea to shop around and speak with more than one lender before you make a choice. Many Canadians choose to work with a mortgage broker because they don't represent any specific lending institution. They can often help you find a mortgage with terms and rates that will suit your needs.

•Lawyer (or notary in Québec). A lawyer can protect your legal interests by ensuring the property is clear of liens, charges or clean-up orders and will review all contracts before you sign them and your Offer (or Agreement) to Purchase. Make sure your lawyer or notary is a licensed, full-time professional who understands the local laws and regulations, has reasonable fees and can explain things to you in plain language.

•Home inspector. When considering purchasing a home, you should hire a knowledgeable and professional home inspector. He or she will be able to tell you if something in the home is not functioning properly, what repairs need to be done and whether there may have been any problems in the past.

•Insurance broker. An insurance broker can help you purchase property and mortgage life insurance. Your lender can also help you with mortgage life insurance.

•Appraiser. An appraiser will assess your property’s worth and help protect you from paying too much.

•Land surveyor. You may need the services of a land surveyor if the seller does not have a current Survey or Certificate of Location

Source: cmhc.ca

To sell or not to sell? that is the question.

Time for an upgrade? Thinking of taking advantage of the current buyers market conditions and low mortgage rates? But don't want to sell in this market? Many homeowners are taking advantage of today's market conditions to buy a new home while opting not to sell and renting out their current properties.

Renting maybe an option for you however here are many things to consider. Here are just a few:

Pros:
-Earn extra money: If the rent's higher than your monthly costs (mortgage, insurance, property taxes, upkeep) , you will have a positive cash flow.
-The tenants pay your mortgage.
-Wait out the current market and hopefully gain some equity.
-Possible tax advantages.

Cons:-The rent may not cover all your monthly expenses
-Risk that tenant may become behind on rent.
-It is hard to stay detached emotionally and take on the roll of landlord.
-Many tenants may not treat your home as you did. When you decide to sell, it may not be in same condition as when you owned it.
-You are on-call for emergencies and general maintenance
-Possible tax implications.

Becoming a landlord requires putting on your business hat and treating your rental home as a business:
-Make sure you weigh ALL the pros and cons.
-Make sure to evaluate your local rental market.
-Research the landlord and tenant laws thoroughly.

If renting isn't an option for you , I can offer you advice on how to sell your home quickly and for top dollar.

not intended to solicit those currently under contract

Leaky Roof - what to look for

--Water dripping or water stains on your ceiling is the most obvious sign of a roof problem. Water can travel a far from its source before becoming visible in your home. Stains and drips may also could be coming from plumbing or air conditioning vents.

--Mold or moisture around openings such as chimneys, vents, skylights etc. Check for wet insulation around these areas.

--Cracked /missing shingles or damaged flashing. Roof flashing is commonly found at chimneys, eaves, skylights, ridges and where the roof meets the wall.

--Keep your gutters clean and always watch gutters/downspouts for excessive asphalt granules. Also, shingles that are curled or buckled may indicate that your roof may is reaching the end of its natural life.

A leaky roof does not always require a new roof. Repairing or purchasing a roof is an important investment so please take the time to evaluate your roofing contractor and get at least 3 quotes.

What Moves You?

What moves you? Share your story for your chance to win some fantastic prizes — including a $10,000 GRAND PRIZE and one of eight weekly $750 Apple gift card prizes.

Pivotal life moments — marriage, a new baby, kids going off to college, landing the right job — are the reasons you buy or sell a home. You’ve trusted your RE/MAX agent to help you make that move and, in the process, RE/MAX has become a part of your life.

Now we want to know: What moves you?  Click here to Share your story for your chance to win some fantastic prizes — including a $10,000 GRAND PRIZE and one of eight weekly $750 Apple gift card prizes.

Spring activity remains balanced in the Greater Vancouver housing market

Monday, June 4, 2012

VANCOUVER, BC - The number of properties listed for sale continued to increase in the Greater Vancouver housing market in May. The number of sales decreased year over year, but remained relatively constant compared to recent months.
        
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 2,853 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in May 2012. This represents a 15.5 per cent decline compared to the 3,377 sales recorded in May 2011.
May sales were the lowest total for the month in the region since 2001 and 21.1 per cent below the 10-year May sales average of 3,617. However, sales have been constant throughout the spring months, with 2,874 sales in March and 2,799 sales in April.
“Home sellers have outpaced buyers in recent months, however, there continues to be an overall balance between supply and demand in our marketplace,” Eugen Klein, REBGV president said.
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 6,927 in May 2012. This represents a 16.8 per cent increase compared to May 2011 when 5,931 homes were listed for sale and a 14.4 per cent increase compared to April 2012 when 6,056 homes were listed for sale on the region’s MLS®.
Last month’s new listing total was 15.3 per cent above the 10-year average for listings in Greater Vancouver for May.
At 17,835, the total number of homes listed for sale on the region’s MLS® increased 7.9 per cent in May compared to last month and increased 21 per cent from this time last year.
“Our sales-to-active-listing ratio sits at 16 per cent, which is indicative of balanced market conditions,” Klein said. “As a result of this stability, home prices at the regional level have seen little fluctuation over the last six month.”
The MLS® HPI benchmark price* for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver currently sits at $625,100, up 3.3 per cent compared to May 2011 and up 2.4 per cent over the last three months. The benchmark price for all residential properties in the Lower Mainland** is $558,300, which is a 3 per cent increase compared to May 2011 and a 2.3 per cent increase compared to three months ago.
Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in May 2012 reached 1,180, a decline of 24.8 per cent from the 1,570 detached sales recorded in May 2011, and a 6.1 per cent decrease from the 1,256 units sold in May 2010. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 5.1 per cent from May 2011 to $967,500.
Sales of apartment properties reached 1,156 in May 2012, a decline of 5.9 per cent compared to the 1,228 sales in May 2011, and a decrease of 14.6 per cent compared to the 1,354 sales in May 2010.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 1.7 per cent from May 2011 to $379,700.
Townhome property sales in May 2012 totalled 517, a decline of 10.7 per cent compared to the 579 sales in May 2011, and a 5.3 per cent decrease from the 546 townhome properties sold in May 2010. The benchmark price of a townhome unit increased 0.9 per cent between May 2011 and 2012 to $470,000.
*Editor’s Note: Benchmark prices underwent a re-calculation this month in order to more accurately reflect trends measured by the MLS® Home Price Index. There were no changes to the calculation of index values.
This re-calculation involved aggregating benchmark prices using the sales weighted approach for the reference period (i.e. January 2005) and thereafter linking movements in aggregate benchmark prices to their corresponding MLS® HPI.
The methodology, available at www.homepriceindex.ca, will be updated later this week.
**Lower Mainland: Includes areas covered by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board.

Spotlight on Greater Vancouver home prices:

Detached

Home price measure	May 2012	1 month change %	6 month change %	1 year change %
MLS HPI® benchmark price	$967,500	+0.4%	+3.4%	+5.1%
Average price	$1,073,018	-4%	-5.4%	-12.2%
Median price	$847,750	-3.7%	-0.03%	-5.4%

Townhome

Home price measure	May 2012	1 month change %	6 month change %	1 year change %
MLS HPI® benchmark price	$470,000	-0.3%	+1.3%	+0.9%
Average price	$551,445	-4.9%	-2.1%	-0.2%
Median price	$505,000	-0.8%	-0.6%	+2.5%

Condominium

Home price measure	May 2012	1 month change %	6 month change %	1 year change %
MLS HPI® benchmark price	$379,700	+1.1%	+3%	+1.7%
Average price	$460,671	+3.4%	+6.7%	-1.1%
Median price	$379,950	+1.3%	+4.1%	-1.3%

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is an association representing more than 11,000 REALTORS® and their companies. The Board provides a variety of member services, including the Multiple Listing Service®.For more information on real estate, statistics, and buying or selling a home, contact a local REALTOR® or visit www.rebgv.org.

Source: rebgv.com

Commercial / Residential Buidling

NEW PRICE! 1100000. Court ordered sale. All offers subject to court approval. 2 story mixed commercial and residential building. 2 two bedroom suites on upper floor rented for a total of $2500. Commercial unit currently being used as restaurant will be vacant upon completion. Bring your ideas. Back lane access with parking. In prime redevelopment area. Buy and hold for the developers.

check here for pictures and info: http://www.powerhouseagents.ca/Vancouver/British_Columbia/Commercial_Real_Estate/Knight_Street/Agent/Listing_59134339.html

Landscaping Business For Sale

Fantastic landscaping business with high reputation within the industry. Long term contracts and trucks, equipment. Long term staff with 2 terms totaling 14 employees yearly sales over 600K/ STRONG DEMAND TO INCREASE VOLUME.

Contact me or visit www.powerhouserealtor.ca under businesses for sale!

3 bedroom Townhouse Cloverdale For Sale 389,000

Beautiful, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom town house in Montebello complex - built by renowned Platinum Group, mere steps away from new park. Featuring 9' ceiling, a nice sized balcony, family room, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, crown mouldings & double garage. Prewired for home theatre in rec.room downstairs and also for speakers & security alarm throughout the house. Upgrades include: built in vacuum system, built in shelving units in all closets and garage for easy organization. Great location with lots of available parking in this complex and close to all amenities like park, school, golf course, shopping mall, transit and easy access to major highways. Pics at www.powerhouserealtor.ca

Salon Business For Sale

WOW!!! OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS. IF YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO OWN YOUR OWN SALON THIS IS IT. ALL BUT ONE CHAIR RENTED WHICH COVERS LEASE PAYMENT. WELL ESTABLISHED WITH LONG TERM HAIRDRESSERS. ANCHOR TENANT - VANCITY. HIGH, HIGH EXPOSURE. Great storefront exposure located across from VANCITY. Super visibility and high traffic. Lots of parking for the clients. Hurry, this one won't last. The location alone speaks for itself.

Don Mortimore
Remax Metro Realty
www.powerhouserealtor.ca

Should you buy an existing business?

Advantages of Buying an Existing Business

1. The necessary permits and licenses to operate the business are already filed with the proper agencies. You will also be the owner of valuable proprietary rights – patents, trade names, brand names, copyrights and the like.
   
   
2. It is easier to obtain a loan from the bank or from investors – both are more comfortable lending money to a business with a proven track record.
   
   
3. The business already has an existing product or service for sale, while a start-up business still has to develop a product or service and market it with no assurance of success.
   
   
4. The customer base is already established. You only have to maintain the existing customers and you can try to increase sales by exercising the same standards that brought the company to where it is now. It will take a new business many years to build a customer base.
   
   
5. An existing business already generates cash flow and profits.
   
   
6. The business has built a reputation in the industry and market. Just advertise that the business is under new management. A starting business, though, has to spend a lot of money on advertising to introduce the company, what it offers and where it is located. It also has no track record or reputation.
   
   
7. There is an existing network of vendors or suppliers. Business systems for marketing, inventory, operations, maintenance, sales, etc. are already in place. These may need only some minor modifications.
   
   
8. Knowledgeable employees already familiar with running the business are in place whereas a new business needs some time to find employees and train them.
   
   
9. The risk of failure is far less as you can learn from real historical performance to help you make decisions. Problems or kinks on most aspects of the business have already ironed out.

Source: globalbx.com

2 bedroom Townhouse For Sale

This is a Rare find at The COMPASS. Bright & Spacious floor plan. Featuring a 2 Bedroom & rare 3 Bathrooms. Front of townhouse facing South for great sunlight exposure. Open concept on main floor with upgraded laminate flooring Rare 2 piece powder on main with Tile.Living room with Gas fireplace. Kitchen with Stainless Steel appliance & Granite countertops & breakfast bar. Walk out to fenced b/yard from kitchen. Master bdrm with 4 piece ensuite has His & Her sinks & Tile floor. 100 sq ft larger than most of the 2 bedroom townhouses in the complex. Built in Vaccum system , Gas BBQ hook up on Patio.Tons of room in the Tandem car garage. Just steps to Grocery Shopping, Starbucks, Dublins Crossing Pub, lots of parks, schools & transit. more pics here: http://donmortimore.point2agent.com/Surrey/British_Columbia/Homes/Clayton/Agent/Listing_59029659.html

3 bedroom home in Panorama Ridge for sale $658000

HUGE LOT Over 30,000 sq.ft lot with RANCHER and detached work-shop/garage rented. Great price- ACT FAST.

Donair Shop For Sale- Downtown Vancouver

Business For Sale! Fantastic opportunity to own your own Pizza Donair restaurant is a very high car and foot traffic area. Location at the doors of a office building and parking garage. Seller wants if sold fast. Make your offer NOW!!!

Photos and Info Here!!