Moving Tips for You!

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The process of moving can be overwhelming and very stressful. At BrokerSmart, we focus on helping you at every single step during the entire process of purchasing a home. As big of a job as moving is, we want to share with you a few moving tips to make it as smooth, easy, and organized as possible.

You Move Me is a moving company that is dedicated to helping move you, not just move your boxes. Here are their 8 tips for a smooth move!

1. Label Your Boxes

Write on the box what’s inside to help with organization and efficiency during the move.

2. The Heavier the Item, the Smaller the Box 

Make sure to not over pack one box with many heavy items. This is considered to be the Golden Rule!

3. One Box, One Room

Everything you put in a box should belong to the same room. Make it easy for when you’re unpacking.

4. Last in, First Out

Think about which items you will need first in your new home.

5. Paper Packing

Use regular paper instead of newspaper to avoid smears and stains on your items.

6. No Packing on Moving Day 

It’s a busy day today! Eliminate any extra stress by having your packing done beforehand.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Order Lots of Boxes

You just never know how many you will need. (Here is a plus: You Move Me will take back the unused boxes!)

8. Pack in All Sizes

With a variety of household items, a variety of boxes will allow to fit all of your belongings.

 

Simple moving tips to make the process as easy as possible. To check out You Move Me and how they can move you, click here.

The Client: The First Time Home Buyer

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Are you a first time home buyer? See how we can solve your challenges below with a common scenario.

The Client: The First Timer

Sarah is in her 20’s and holds an accounting position at a construction firm. She’s rented an apartment for the last couple of years but knows the value of home ownership and wants to buy a place to call her own. Sarah has been online and played around with a couple of mortgage calculators, getting an idea of how much she can afford with the hope that the money she’s saved is enough for a down payment. She also has her eye on living downtown but with so many units on the market to choose from, she doesn’t know where to start.

The Challenge

Many first time home buyers feel overwhelmed by the tasks of purchasing a home. Not knowing who to call or trust for advice can delay some from even starting the process. Sarah asks her parents for a contact at their bank and calls a realtor after a quick online search but she doesn’t get any form of reassurance that these people are willing to walk her through the entire process from start to finish. Plus, finding a banker or realtor that can work with her schedule or answer her questions in a timely manner becomes a challenge.

The Solution

Sarah uses the one-stop services of BrokerSmart. With dual-licensed agents to handle both the mortgage and real estate side of the purchase, BrokerSmart was able to answer all of Sarah’s questions, found the prefect place for her budget and negotiated on her behalf for a great mortgage rate. She was also able to sign all the necessary documents at a convenient location of her choice and at a time that fit her busy work schedule.

If you have any questions regarding the above, give us a call at 604-588-4466 or email us at info@brokersmart.ca

 

Are you busy professional? Are you interested in upgrading? Stay tuned for next week!

 

REBGV December Statistics

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Ending off 2013, the Greater Vancouver market saw modest home sale and price increases with an overall steadiness throughout the entire year. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) have released their December Statistics Report, including a summary of the market behaviour for 2013.

Key Stats of 2013: 

  • Total Sales: 28,524 of detached, attached and apartment properties, a 14% increase from 2012
  • Total Listed Properties for Sale: 54,742, a 6.2% decline from 2012
  • Benchmark Price: $603,400, a 2.1% increase from 2012

Sandra Wyant, REBGV Presidents states, “Home sales quietly improved last year compared to 2012, although the volume of activity didn’t compare to some of the record-breaking years we experienced over the last decade. It was a year of stability for the Greater Vancouver housing market.”

Key States of December: 

  • Total Property Sales: 1,953, an increase of 71% from December 2012
  • New Listings: 1,856, a 34.5% increase from December 2012 for detached, attached and apartment properties
  • Detached Homes Benchmark Price: $927,000, an increase of 2.5% from December 2012
  • Apartment Property Benchmark Price: $367,800, an increase of 1.8% from December 2012
  • Attached Unit Benchmark Price: $456,100, an increase of 1.2% from December 2012

*All statistics are from the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®)

To view the full report for the REBGV December Statistics, click here.

To download the complete stats package (PDF), click here.

If you have any questions regarding the above, please give us a call at 604-588-4466 or email us at info@brokersmart.ca

FVREB December Statistics

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The Fraser Valley housing market is characterized as quiet with balanced conditions throughout 2013. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) have released their December Statistics Report along with a summary of the activity throughout the entire year.

Key Stats of 2013: 

  • Total Sales Volume: 13,663 a decrease of 1.5% from 2012
  • Listed Properties: 29,338, a 5.4% decrease compared to 2012
  • Active Listings: 7,541 a 5% increase from 2012

Ron Todson, President of the FVREB states,”It wasn’t the best of years, nor was it the worst. Generally speaking, 2013 overall was quiet. earlier in the year, we didn’t see significant price declines because our inventory also remained lower. When both buyers and sellers take a breather it has a balancing effect on the market where neither has the upper hand.”

Key Stats of December: 

  • Detached Home Benchmark Price: $549,000 , a 1.9% increase compared to December 2012
  • Townhouse Benchmark Price: $293,000, 1% decrease from December 2012
  • Apartment Benchmark Price: $192,600, a decrease of 3.7% from December 2012

*All statistics are from the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®)

 

To view the full FVREB December Statistics report, click here. 

If you have any questions regarding the above, please give us a call at 604-588-4466 or email us at info@brokersmart.ca

Happy New Year 2014!

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It’s 2014!

Today marks the first blank page of a 365 page book. A day to contribute to goals, dreams, plans and resolutions. At BrokerSmart, we wish you a year full of good health, happiness and prosperity.

happy new year

Source: Google

Check out our Painted Picture to see what we will be continuing to work towards this year to reach our goals.

 

Happy New Year 2014!

– The BrokerSmart Team

REBGV November Statistics

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The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) have released their November Statistics Report. The housing market in this area has continued to be steady.

The Key Stats:

  • Residential property sales totaled 2,321 in November, a 37.7% increase from November 2012
  • The sales-to-active ratio (the number of properties for sales divided by number of active listings) is at 16.6%
  • Benchmark price for residential properties is currently $603,000
  • Detached home sales totaled 926, an increase of 47.2% from November 2012, benchmark price is $924,800
  • Apartment sales totaled 969, an increase of 29.2% from November 2012, benchmark price is $367,800
  • Attached property sales totaled 426, an increase of 38.8% from November 2012, benchmark price is $458,000

*All statistics are from the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®)

Sandra Wyant, President of REBGV says, ““We’ve seen steady and consistent trends the Greater Vancouver housing market for much of this year. This year’s activity has resulted in gradual and modest increases in home prices of approximately one per cent over the last 12 months in the region.”

To view the full REBGV November Statistics report, click here.

If you have any questions regarding the above, please give us a call at 604-588-4466 or email us at info@brokersmart.ca

 

FVREB November Statistics

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The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, FVREB, have released their November Statistics Report. Not only has the weather cooled down this past month, but so has the housing market.

The Key Stats:

  • Property sales recorded 986 in November, a 21% decrease compared to October 2013
  • 24% decrease of new listings
  • Average number of days to sell a detached home, 57, townhomes, 58, and apartments 78 days
  • Benchmark price for homes increased by 1% from $544,700 in November 2012

Ron Todson, President of the FVREB says, “We typically see a slowdown just before the holidays and this year it started a little sooner reflecting what we are seeing in our overall economy.”

“Similar to last November, sales are hovering at about 14 per cent off normal levels, but so are new listings. They’re down about 7 per cent compared to the 10-year average, so what we’re seeing is a slower but steady market keeping home prices in check and the average number of days to sale stable.”

 

*All statistics are from FVREB’s Multiple Listing Services (MLS)

To see the full FVREB November Statistics Report click here.

If you have any questions regarding the above, please give us a call at 604-588-4466 or email us at info@brokersmart.ca

BrokerSmart’s 1st Anniversary!

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Today, December 1, not only marks the first day to open up a chocolate in your advent calendar, but it also marks the 1st Anniversary of BrokerSmart!

Over the past year we have had the pleasure of helping the needs of many clients such as first time home buyers, upgraders, downsiders, and investors with their real estate, mortgage, legal, and now moving needs.

Thank you for allowing us help you with all your financial needs. We look forward to the many years to come continuing to provide a one-stop shop experience that makes it simple and easy for you.

Check out Our Painted Picture of where we see our future on December 31, 2015 by clicking here.

What are Consumers Saying About their Mortgage Debt Level?

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Yesterday, CAAMP (The Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals) released their annual fall Consumer Survey Report on residential mortgages. Those consumers who participated in the survey, said they are comfortable with their current mortgage debt levels.

Jim Murphy, AMP, President and CEO of CAAMP says in the press release that, “Consumer confidence in the mortgage market remains high, especially among those who have owned homes for a longer period. Consumers are paying off their mortgages faster, selecting five year fixed term rates and agreeing real estate is a good long-term investment.”

Why are consumers feeling so comfortable about their mortgage debt level?

  • taking aggressive actions to pay their mortgages off 
  • make new investments or leverage their equity to consolidate debt
  • taking advantage of the low interest rates
  • more are relying on mortgage brokers to fulfill their needs compared to the major bank institutions

Some key statistical findings from the survey:

  • 40% of mortgages this year were obtained through brokers, increasing the broker share to 28% (previously reported at 25%)
  • 80% of homeowners selected comfortable, confident, content, and/or secure when describing their emotion towards their current mortgage debt level
  • 96% will see a lower rate if planning to renew within the next six months

The report was authored by Will Dunning, Chief Economist of CAAMP.

For detailed information on the Consumer Survey Report, click here.

For the Press Release, click here.

For the Significant Statistics, click here.

If you have any questions regarding the above, please give us a call at 604-588-4466 or email us at info@brokersmart.ca

 

10 Things to Know About Your New Neighbourhood

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Are you the new kids on the block? Sometimes it can be overwhelming thinking about moving into a new neighbourhood. Here are 10 things to keep in mind!

1. What are your neighbours like? 

Take time to get a feel for the locals and how you might fit in. Does the area attract empty nesters and retirees, for example, or is it characterized by young families? We can help inform you about demographic trends.

2. Does it fit your lifestyle?

Your homebuying checklist may include amenities that are must-haves for your lifestyle, such as access to public transit, a strong community centre, a place of worship, or even a great dog-walking park for your pooch.

3. What are the schools like?

Some schools are in such demand that parents will seek out a home in that area. Even if you don’t have young ones at home, a location in a desirable school district can give you an advantage if you decide to resell.

4. What will your commute be like?

If you drive to work, test your prospective new route in rush-hour conditions. Add up any additional costs you might incur for fuel, parking, or public transit.

5. Is there commercial activity nearby?

Shops and recreational facilities can help an area thrive economically and may add to a neighbourhood’s attractiveness to some buyers. On the other hand, consider if the traffic levels or noise will be an issue.

6. Is there a homeowner’s association?

Condo or neighbourhood associations can bring people together, instill a sense of belonging and advance the needs of the community. Many have their own volunteer-run websites, so search the Internet or inquire at city hall.

7. Is the neighbourhood new?

Don’t judge a new development solely by the plans. If you can, go to the building site to see where things will be in relation to a lot of building, such as street lighting, fire hydrants, transformers, driveways, or intersections. Find out where schools, retail space, or other amenities are planned. Raise any questions with the builder or representative before you buy.

8. How is an older neighbourhood showing its age? 

Consider the area’s infrastructure, from roads to utilities to school and other pubic facilities. Are improvements part of a city or town’s long-term plan?

9. Will there be new development? 

If you love a home for its adjacent green space of unobstructed views, don’t just assume it will stay that way. A real estate professional can tell you about zoning changes or planned construction that may affect enjoyment of your home. Keep in mind that well-planned development can also enhance the value of a neighbourhood and improve it’s infrastructure.

10. Are there restrictions?

Some municipalities have unique bylaws to restrict things such as new driveways, pools, or sheds. In some private developments, land title may include restrictive covenants to limit you from anything from stringing a clothesline to painting your front door an odd colour. Ask early to avoid any surprises at closing time.

 

For more blog posts on real estate and mortgages, click here.