Happy Halloween!

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Haunted House For Sale
Buyer Be Aware

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Surreal Estate, Inc.
Ima Gool, Agent 

Halloween Safety Tips

Trick or Treat! Halloween Apples! Check out these great trick or treating tips to keep your Halloween safe!

COSTUMES:

-Make sure to choose costumes that fit correctly so your little ones won't trip and fall. Long dresses or capes that drag on the floor may be cute, but not if your child ends up falling down. If using a mask, take care to check and see that your child can see and breathe properly. Face painting is a great alternative if you can't find a mask that fits well — just be sure to use washable, non-toxic paint or makeup that is safe for skin.

-Make sure your children's costumes has reflective tape to make their costumes visible in the dark. Also carry flashlights or glow sticks for more visibility to passing cars.


-Choose Halloween costumes that are labeled "flame-resistant" in case of accidental contact with an open flame.

-Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly

-Only carry flexible props that wont hurt a child if they were to fall or accidentally hit another person with it

Safe trick-or-treating

- Make sure that a responsible adult accompanies your children when they are out trick-or-treating.

-Plan your trick-or-treating route ahead of time so that you can check out the neighborhoods to make sure they are safe and well-lit. Only visit homes of people you know or homes with a porch light.

-If you are letting older tween or teens trick-or-treat in a group, make sure they are accompanied by an older, responsible teenager that you know and trust. Discuss the route they will follow ahead of time and set a curfew.

- Trick or treaters should walk, not run, and should never cut across lawns or driveways. Obstacles could exist that aren't readily visible in the evening.

-Make sure to remind your children not to go inside the homes or cars of anyone they meet. Talk about how they always need to stay together as a group.

-Never allow children to eat candy before it is inspected. Any opened candy should be thrown away, and unless you personally the families who make homemade goodies, it is recommended that you dispose of homemade treats. Immediately toss any items that are suspect in any way, and get rid of (either through donation or throwing away) any treats that your kid doesn't like. Some parents also put away some candy and save for later or set rules allowing kids to eat all they want for a designated period, then dispose of the rest.

Halloween alternatives

Trick-or-treating in your neighborhood isn't the only fun Halloween activity! Check your local paper for other safe and exciting Halloween alternatives in your community.

-Spook yourself silly by having a Halloween party in your own home. Carve pumpkins, have costume contests, serve creepy treats and play frighteningly fun Halloween games.

-Go trick-or-treating at the mall, zoo, museum or other safe location. Many businesses go all out throwing exciting Halloween events for families. Check their websites and discover all the spooky fun available in your city this Halloween.

Business For Sale! West End Pizza Shop

Independently owned and franchise operated pizza business focusing on organic quality ingredients, real mozzarella cheese and late night deliveries. Super location!!!!!




Offers Homemade Organic Whole Wheat or Organic White Crust Pizza and Gluten-Free Pizza made with Honey!!! Gourmet pizzas in both THICK or THIN crust.

http://donmortimore.point2agent.com/Listing/ViewListingDetails.aspx?listingid=68319993#.UJADj6QYyH0

Buyers take ‘wait and see’ approach for single family homes; condos holding their own

For the second month in a row, property sales on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) have decreased to historically low levels.  In September, a total of 857 sales were processed on the MLS®, a decrease of 26 per cent compared to 1,165 sales in September 2011 and 20 per cent fewer than in August.

Scott Olson is the president of the Board. “Our market was very stable up until July and then within two months it changed.

“The federal government’s tightening of mortgage rules this past spring may be having an effect. We’ve seen this pattern before when rules have changed and hopefully given the strength of our local economy and stability of interest rates, this slowdown will be short term.”
Olson adds that properties offering more affordability remain in demand. “Sales of more expensive homes – single family detached – have decreased disproportionately more than the sales of townhomes and apartments. In fact, apartment sales last month in Surrey, Langley and White Rock were higher or comparable to September of last year keeping prices across the Fraser Valley resilient.”
Over the last three months, prices for all three residential property types combined have decreased by 0.4 per cent while year over year they’ve increased by 2.1 per cent.  For single family detached homes, the benchmark price increased by 3 per cent in one year, going from $533,400 in September 2011 to $549,500 last month. 

For townhouses, the benchmark price in September was $300,500, a decrease of 1.7 per cent compared to $305,700 during the same month last year. The benchmark price of apartments in Fraser Valley in September was $207,000, an increase of 4.1 per cent compared to $198,800 in September 2011.

Last month, the Board received 4 per cent fewer listings than it did one year ago, 2,544 in September 2012 compared to the 2,651 in September 2011. The number of active listings finished at 10,348 in September, 2 per cent higher than the same month last year, yet on par with the number available on the market in August.

It took four days longer on average to sell a detached home last month compared to September 2011 – 49 days compared to 45. Townhouses sold in an average of 57 days in September compared to 52 last year and last month, apartments took 69.5 days on average to sell compared to 63 during September of last year.

Source October, 02 2012 09:54:26 am, by FVREB

Investing in Rental Property: Five Steps for Success

 Have you ever considered purchasing a rental property? Rental properties can be great investments, done right. In addition to realizing gains from property value appreciation, rental income can provide a monthly cash flow. Once the mortgage is paid off, much of your rental income will be profit, allowing you to work or to enjoy retirement.
Unlike your home, this investment isn't something that you will be personally using day-to-day, so the benefits of ownership differ. Rental property is a tangible asset you can visit, use, and personally impact the worth of your investment. With sound judgment, and by following some basic steps, you can own property and realize gains; both short and long term.

Purchase with a Plan

Investing in real estate differs depending on the type and location of the property you are buying. Will you want to use the property part of the year? Vacation rentals are enticing on many levels, though considering how you will use them during less desirable periods may affect your potential rental income. Purchasing a residence has different implications than a property that will be rented commercially. Some investors buy properties with multiple units so they can have rental income from one or more units while fixing up and/or living in remaining units. Properties with multiple units have more to consider and maintain than properties that will be rented by a single person or entity. Knowing the type of landlord you intend to be will provide some focus as you consider properties. It will also provide valuable knowledge for your realtor helping with your search.
Being pre-approved for an investment loan and ensuring that your own finances are in order is not only wise, but will make it clear if you have enough capital to proceed. When taking on another mortgage, remember - you will want to have a healthy reserve fund in the event that the property produces less income than expected. Before you look at properties, sit down with a mortgage broker or lender to see how you qualify for a loan.
Research the local rental market so you know what you can realistically expect to charge and better understand the potential cash-flow of potential rental property.

Understand Your Investment

It is important to understand the condition of the building and surrounding property you intend to buy. Unless you are particularly knowledgeable about construction, always make offers for purchase contingent upon professional inspections.
  Knowing the exact condition of the roof and foundation, plumbing and electrical, floors, appliances and other aspects of the property provides a much better sense of what you will need to repair, maintain, or upgrade for your tenants. In turn, this allows you to better understand the "bottom line" of your investment. After all, you are not likely to be present on a day-to-day basis to take note of any issues that arise. As the owner you have a vested interest in ensuring that the investment stays in good condition. You should have a budget for repairs and maintenance, and ensure that the purchase price enables you to make any necessary upgrades you might need to make prior to renting it to a tenant.
Additionally, you will want to know about locale, including parking and security issues and the zoning regulations that govern the property, including any multiple occupancy limitations and any restrictions on specific business activities. Your understanding of specific property, how it might be used, and the limitations you face when renting it out make you a better investor.

Evaluate Your Options

As you look at properties, consider your options - you have many. From location and style of building to type of rental and the number of units, each decision you consider will open new doors. Is this a long or a short-term investment? If the property is one that you think you will hold for a while, do you have a sense of what the future holds and how the neighborhood is changing? Buying properties in good locations is one of the best ways to ensure the steady flow of rental income.
And remember: properties don't always have to stay the same. Consider things you could conceivably do to the property that might affect your income or investment. For example, can you add on to the home easily? Can you build a garage or change parking? Is it possible to convert a garage to an extra room? Are there regulations regarding subdividing or renovating the home? Can you add a bathroom?
Some communities limit the number of rental properties, while others have height or size limitations when building. If something you desire is not an option, know that going in. Even if you are not planning to change the property in any way in the beginning, understanding what you can and cannot do is a good idea.

Get Insurance and Assurance

Legal documents, including rental agreements between you and your tenants, and service agreements between you and concerned parties are essential. And don't forget more mundane issues that can arise when renting out a property: If a community has fees for water, sewer, community clubs or other amenities, clarify responsibilities -- will these be the responsibility of the owner or renter? Getting the right information out of the gate and spelling it out for your tenants will aid you in the end. These agreements will give you peace of mind and provide legal recourse should you need it.
 A real estate lawyer is an invaluable asset when you purchase a rental property. Not only can a real estate lawyer look over your purchase and rental agreements, they can advise you in other aspects of your investment, including interpreting local regulations. Your realtor will undoubtedly be another great asset, as they are full of more general information regarding local issues and market trends and can likely provide referrals to local property management services should you be interested. The more resources you have on your side, the more assurance you will have that your investment will run smoothly.
Proper insurance includes insurance on the structure itself as well as liability insurance, in case someone is injured while on the premises. In some locations additional flood, earthquake, and storm related coverage is a further way to protect your investment. Since you are responsible for the mortgage, you will want to have the right types of insurance with sufficient coverage to protect your investment.

Remember: You're In Business

Buying a rental property is essentially going into business. When the monthly income from tenants exceeds the amount you pay in mortgage, maintenance, taxes and other fees, you realize a positive cash flow in the short-term. Additionally, if all goes well, you will also realize a profit when selling the property. Doing your research as you look at properties and make your choices enables you to be as prepared as you can be for the ups and downs that you will face in managing your business. In fact, what you learn can make you much more successful in the end.
  Like all businesses where significant money will be changing hands, an accountant who is versed in real estate investing and tax implications will be valuable. You will be collecting rents and incurring expenses for repairs and services. Tax issues become more complex, and a professional will aid you in maximizing your returns on your purchase. Service providers like this can pay for themselves in the money that they save you. Once you know the bottom line with regard to your investment, you will be better equipped to determine a budget for projects related to the property.
Whether this is your first rental property, or you are a seasoned veteran of this sort of investment, your realtor is among your business contacts. Having a straightforward relationship where you present your needs and expectations up front enables you to get the help you need in making that critical step of executing the purchase. Additionally, realtors often have a wealth of knowledge and resources that they are willing share from handymen to potential tenants.
Success in business is not accomplished alone - developing a team of professionals from purchase through ultimate sale of the property is one key to achieving your goals. Follow these steps as you go into your new venture and you will start strong. The rest is up to you!

For Sale. Large House on Duplex Lot

Duplex lot, huge lot. This 3 bedroom home sits on a huge 90x165 lot. Well looked after, owners spent $$$ on this gorgeous 2 level home, workshop for the handyman. Totally renovated up and down, this home has a spacious 'cozy' living room, separate formal dining room, a 'spa' like bathroom complete with jacuzzi. Downstairs feature a 'log home' theme that you have to see to believe. 2 bedrooms and a recroom are a bonus in the basement. Back lane access. Don't miss this opportunity.
Click here for more pics

REBGV Market Update for September 2012 | Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

Check out this informative video!

REBGV Market Update for September 2012 | Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

Conditions continue to favour buyers in the Greater Vancouver housing market

The summer of 2012 drew to a close in September with home sale activity well below historical averages in the Greater Vancouver housing market.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales of detached, attached and apartment properties reached 1,516 in September, a 32.5 per cent decline compared to the 2,246 sales in September 2011 and an 8.1 per cent decline compared to the 1,649 sales in August 2012.
September sales were 41.6 per cent below the 10-year September sales average of 2,597.
 “There’s been a clear reduction in buyer demand in the three months since the federal government eliminated the availability of a 30-year amortization on government-insured mortgages,” Eugen Klein, REBGV president said. “This makes homes less affordable for the people of the region.”
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 5,321 in September. This represents a 6.3 per cent decline compared to September 2011 when 5,680 properties were listed for sale on the MLS® and a 31.6 per cent increase compared to the 4,044 new listings in August 2012.
At 18,350, the total number of residential property listings on the MLS® increased 14.1 per cent from this time last year and increased 4.5 per cent compared to August 2012.
“Today, our sales-to-active-listings ratio sits at 8 per cent, which puts us in a buyer’s market. This ratio has been declining in our market since March when it was 19 per cent,” Klein said.
The MLS HPI® composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver is $606,100. This represents a decline of 0.8 per cent compared to this time last year and a decline of 2.3 per cent over last three months.
“Prices in the region remain relatively stable overall, although we do see some reductions in the areas that have had some of the largest price increases over the last year or two,” Klein said.
Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in September 2012 reached 594, a decrease of 37.9 per cent from the 957 detached sales recorded in September 2011, and a 31.4 per cent decrease from the 866 units sold in September 2010. The benchmark price for detached properties decreased 0.5 per cent from September 2011 to $935,600.
Sales of apartment properties reached 676 in September 2012, a 26.7 per cent decrease compared to the 922 sales in September 2011, and a decrease of 30.4 per cent compared to the 971 sales in September 2010. The benchmark price of an apartment property decreased 0.7 per cent from September 2011 to $368,600.
Attached property sales in September 2012 totalled 246, a 33 per cent decrease compared to the 367 sales in September 2011, and a 35.8 per cent decrease from the 383 attached properties sold in September 2010. The benchmark price of an attached unit decreased 2.7 per cent between September 2011 and 2012 to $458,600.

REALTORS Care® ad: five years in print media

The ad pictured below appeared in The Vancouver Sun and Province newspapers on September 27, 2012. It profiles the contributions REALTORS® have made to charities since 2007.

The aggregated amount of $10.7 million resulted from our annual requests to members and real estate offices to let us know how much they donated or fundraised during the past five years. Members told us they gave $2.2 million to charities in 2011.

This is the fifth year REALTORS Care® has placed an ad in The Vancouver Sun to let the public know about our members’ good works.

Townhouse FOR SALE in East Newton NEW PRICE! 358800

Plenty of room for growth in this well kept 2100 sqft 3 level townhouse complete with fully finished walkout basement on to a beautiful park like setting. This end unit has some tasteful updates including a recent granite counter top and glass back splash in kitchen, stainless steel appliances, and laminate flooring. Not to mention the crown mouldings throughout main floor level plus new window coverings. BASEMENT boasts full bathroom with jacuzzi tub. Hyland elementary is literally steps away. This one is a must see so hurry before its too late!

Contact me for more info!Visit www.powerhouserealtor.ca for more pics and info.