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The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) has released the latest stats from January for the local market, citing an 8.7% increase in residential property sales over January 2014. See below for some highlights from the report. 

 

- Residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 1,913 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January 2015 compared to the 1,760 sales recorded in January 2014, and a 9.6 per cent decline compared to the 2,116 sales in December 2014.

 

- Last month’s sales were 14.9 per cent above the 10-year sales average for the month.

 

- New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver1 totalled 4,737 in January. This represents an 11.4 per cent decline compared to the 5,345 new listings reported in January 2014.

 

- The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $641,60022. This represents a 5.5 per cent increase compared to January 2014.

 

“While demand remains steady, we’re seeing fewer homes for sale at the moment,” Ray Harris, REBGV president, said. "This is creating greater competition amongst buyers, particularly in the detached home market. The number of detached homes listed for sale today is the second lowest we’ve seen in four years.”


To view the full article from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, click here

 

If you are thinking about selling your home in 2015 and have some questions about the local market and how to price your home competitively to appeal to buyers & help it sell fast, contact us to schedule a meeting. 


Image source: Working in Peel Halton

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Happy new year! We hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season!

 

Now that we're into the new year we thought it would be a good time to share some tips about home maintenance throughout the year. What better time to start getting organized than the beginning of a new year? See below for some great tips throughout the seasons from targetwoman.com.

 

 

Spring 

This is an important season for home maintenance- ever wonder why it's called 'spring cleaning'? Focus on the interiors to prepare for the ensuing summer heat after months of humidity.

 

  • Cleaning of windows takes top priority. And storm windows have to be replaced with screens. For instance if a hole is missed in the window screen, bugs might make their way inside. Duct tapes may be good for a quick fix but not a permanent solution.

  • Smoke detectors must be checked for batteries. Fire hazards must be checked for, say, overloaded extension cords. Carbon monoxide detectors have to be checked.

  • It is important to check if all the exits such as hallways and stairs are clutter free. Similarly, locks, latches, and hinges on doors and windows have to be checked and replaced. Inspect for roof leaks, debris and loose shingles.

  • Clean garbage, car park and shed, basement and attic. 

  • Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank.

  • Gutters, driveways, yards and walkways have to be clear of debris. Remove leaves, branches and debris from gutters and ensure that waterways are properly drained from the house. Repair damaged gutter components if necessary. The clothes dryer vent system must be cleaned as lint can build up and cause the dryer to run longer than required, thereby wasting energy.

  • Ensure that stairs, both indoor and outdoor are slip proof.

  • Caulking around sinks, tubs and showers should be examined.

  • Broken pavements on stairs need to be fixed. Also fix broken, gates, doors and fences. Inspect if they are functioning properly and replace if necessary. 

  • Check for pests, termites and rodents. If infestation problem persists, take professional help. 
  • Get the air conditioner ready for the ensuing summer. DIY tips can help to fix up any issue and user guides are available for regular maintenance. 

  • Ensure that puddles do not stand around the house for more than 24 hours. The pavement may be raised with some professional help so that water is drained away from home.

  • Trees and shrubs in the backyard have to be trimmed and hanging branches eliminated. There is always the danger of plants weaseling their way into cracks and holes on the exterior of the house. It is better to nip them in the bud as they can cause extensive damage to the homes. Trees also have to be checked for interference with electric lines.

  • Make sure that the swimming pool has pumps and filtration systems that work effectively.

  • Check the exteriors of the house for paint requirements. Check if there are any holes in the brick work or any cracks in the foundation. 

 

Summer 

Summer is the perhaps the best time of the year to focus on the exterior of the home as well as gardens and lawns. This is the right time to put the garage to use by utilizing the prolonged daylight to neaten it up and complete projects that were left for another time.

Summer home maintenance check list includes:

 

  • First and foremost is to mow the lawn and trim the bushes. Weak and rotten trees or branches have to be removed. Clean garden lawn furniture and grills. Garden hoses may be checked for leaks. 

  • Better install window air conditioners or central air cooling systems or inspect if the existing ones are in good order.

  • Home security system needs to be addressed. Security guard system also has to be checked, or install one. 

  • Door and window screens to be checked and windows repaired or replaced as the need be. Door locks and door knobs to be ensured that they are working fine and deadbolts on doors can be installed if they are not found.

  • Lights and bulbs outside the house need to be checked and replaced. 

  • Ensure that septic tanks are in good working condition and the sewer lines are inspected.

  • Driveways, walkways and sideways, patios and walls need to be checked for cracks if any and replaced/repaired as needed. In general, it is better to give them a good washing.

  • Tubs, sinks, showers and drains must be cleaned. Faucets and toilets may be checked for leaks. 

  • Similarly, decks, steps and wooden structures must be checked for rot and repaired. 

  • Wooden surfaces may be checked for weather proofing if they are over two years or more.

  • Since summer is a playground for many an insect, chimneys and roofs can be checked and removed for flying insect nests. Ants, spiders, moths etc may also be common in homes - keep cobwebs cleared and ant poison handy.

  • Dryer vent systems and electrical cords can be checked for wear and tear. While the dryer is running, check if the exhaust is coming out. It should smell of fresh laundry. 

  • Garage cleaning is a summer ritual one must follow. Keep it clean and tidy. Give it a thorough going through at least once a year.

  • Grout in bathroom and kitchen has to be repaired as this will prolong the life of tiled surfaces

 

Fall

This is a perfect season to tackle important home improvement projects. This is the time of the year when the weather is dry and temperatures are moderate. Examine both the interior and exterior of the house. Although it is all right to manage many of the maintenance items on our own, it is better and safer to call for assistance whenever required.

 

  • It is a must to rake leaves and aerate the lawn.

  • Clean and inspect the gutters for spouts and leaves. Test the sump pump to find if it is working fine. 

  • Better inspect the attic for birds, squirrels, bats and other such guests and seal off entrance holes.

  • The house has to be weatherized to withstand the cold weather and insulate, weather strop, caulk, plaster, or replace windows.

  • This is the time to get the heating system ready for winter. Check and clean the furnace for air filters. Inspect and clean the hearth and stock up on firewood. Clean the chimney flue.

  • Clean the clothes dryer vent system as lint buildup can cause the dryer to run longer and this wastes energy and can lead to a fire. 

  • Remove unused lawn furniture, grills, hoses and other outdoor items.

  • Keep sidewalk salt, good shovels ready and you would never guess when the first snowflakes would come.

  • Close the swimming pool properly and ensure that water is drained from pipes. Better to cover the pool and keep it clean during the 'off' season.

  • An emergency survival kit for bad weather can be created with batteries, candles, water and packaged food.

  • Clean window air-conditioners and change screens to storm windows. It is better to get prepared for the ensuing winter by closing the outside unit with plastic sheeting and secure with bungee cords.

  • This is the time of the year when your home gets ready for winter; so check on the heater and remove sediments to make it efficient.

 

Winter

This is the time to go around through the interiors and check even for small things which she might have overlooked during the earlier seasons. This is also the season to get done projects be it painting or building shelves.

 

  • Icicles can be dangerous for those standing beneath them as they are incredibly heavy and can damage the house. Even the foundation of the house can be affected by water damage when they melt. Hence, de-icing is the first and foremost thing this winter season.

  • Test electricity with utmost care. Check whether all outlets are working. 

  • Car should be equipped with blanket, shovel, sand and first aid kit.

  • Canned goods and household items need to be stocked up - light bulbs and batteries. 

  • Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. 

  • Check refrigerator and freezer gaskets. A vacuum with brush attachment can be used to clean the coils at the back of the refrigerator.

  • Identify and repair any leaks in toilets. 

  • Not only inside the home, keep paths and driveways clear of snow and ice. 

  • Check for proper lighting inside and outside the house. Make sure that holiday lights inside and outside the house are in good working order.

  • Sinks, tubs, toilets may be checked for leaks in faucet and tank. 

  • Handles, knobs, racks need to be tightened for loose screws.

  • Caulking around showers and bath tubs needs to be repaired.

  • Clean shower of sediments so that their life is prolonged.

  • Deep clean basements and dust them up. Make sure that there is no mold anywhere around and ensure that the basement is given a good inspection at least once a year.

 

A home maintenance calendar should help to maximize your efficiency by actually getting these tasks done. Jot down the points on paper or your Smartphone and regularly monitor them for completion.

 

If you're planning on selling your home in 2015 getting a jump start on cleaning & maintenance now can save you time and reduce stress when it comes time to put your house on the market. We'd love to be the realtor team to help you sell your home (and help you find the next!). Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have and to schedule an appointment.

 

Source: Target Woman

 

Image Source: Sew Woodsy

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It's been a busy year for Drew & Team Steeves!

 

We've had the pleasure of helping many clients list and sell their homes and find the perfect new nest to call home.


Throughout the Fraser Valley we have sold a variety of properties ranging from condos and apartments to spacious detached homes- we've done it all! Each property and client unique from the next.


We work hard to make sure our clients have a stress- free experience and take pride in the quality of service and attention we give our valued clients.

 

We know how busy and stressful moving can be (we know, we moved this year too!) and we want to do everything we can to make the process as smooth and quick as possible.

 

We hope 2014 was a good year for you and your family and we look forward to continuing to serve our clients in 2015.

 

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year!

 

Warmly,

 

Drew & Team Steeves.



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During the Fall and Winter months we see our utility bills increase as we use more resources to heat our homes and stay cozy. However, without even knowing it, you can waste money by overlooking a few simple areas of your home. Here are a few tips to help you save on your energy bills this season.

 

1. Fix leaky faucets

If you live somewhere where you pay for your water consumption separately, you can be washing money down the drain- literally- with something as simple as a leaky faucet. To check, make sure your faucet is completely closed; if  drips of water continue to come out, check the washer or valve cartridges (in washerless models) and replace them if they are damaged or worn. 

 

2. Check your toilets

The same as above applies. Don't flush money away by having your toilet leaking water. To check, simply add some coloured bowl cleaner into the tank and wait several hours to see if it leaks into the bowl without flushing. If a leak is present, consider replacing the stopper in the bottom of the tank. 

 

3. Turn down your hot water tank

You might think you'll notice a difference in water temperature, but chances are you'll only notice a lower utility bill. You don't need to have your tank set to the highest heat to get the water to a satisfactory temperature. It can be surprising to see how much it's costing you to simply maintain the water at a certain temperature.

 

4. Look for drafts around doors & windows

You're spending hard- earned money to heat your home, and you don't want the warm air escaping through cracks around doors and/ or windows. If you notice a draft, chalking around frames can solve the problem. In some cases you may need to repair or replace windows or doors that are cracked or damaged.

 

Having an energy- efficient home not only saves you money, it's also a selling feature when you go to sell. Even at this time of year there is still plenty of competition in the market, usually with motivated sellers. Set your home apart and pay attention to details. For more info about selling at this time of year and to book an appointment, contact us today.


Image Source: Remodelaholic

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The leaves are changing colour, the air is getting a crisp edge, and soon Fall will transition into Winter. Just because the warmer months are behind us doesn't mean that listing your home at this time of year isn't without it's benefits. We found this great article from Morning Call that outlines the benefits to selling your home in the Fall & Winter. Read on to learn more.




Many home sellers choose to sit on the sidelines during the colder autumn and winter months and get in the game come springtime, when they expect greater interest from buyers. But with the right preparations, smart sellers can list now and sell quicker than expected, without hibernating through the winter, the experts say.

 
Many people consider fall and winter as the off season for real estate, with fewer shoppers hunting for homes and fewer listings from which to choose. That shouldn't necessarily dissuade people from listing their homes during the cold season, though, says Bruce Taylor, president of ERA Key Realty Services in Whitinsville, Mass.
 
The pool of prospective purchasers may be smaller, shoppers out hunting in fall and winter are usually more motivated and serious, often with a pressing need to close quickly and move in soon due to a job relocation or major life change. "These buyers out in the cold looking at homes are not 'tire kickers.' They want to buy a home and get moved in now," Klebba says.

 

Another advantage to listing now versus later is that there is less competition from other sellers."There are fewer houses on the market in the fall and winter, which may lead to more demand for your house," says Jack Gloriod, owner/agent with The Becky Gloriod Team, Colorado Springs, Colo.



 

Additionally, "Houses tend to show very well when decorated tastefully for the holidays, and buyers enjoy this," Klebba says. "And listing and selling in fall or winter could make it so the timing works out for the seller to take advantage of the coming new spring inventory and increase their odds of finding the perfect next home."


Exert from Off- season selling: Listing your home during the fall or winter brings advantages. Published on The Morning Call.


We're always looking to take on clients, even in the months that people view to be the 'slow season' in real estate. It's usually anything but slow! As realtors, we appreciate your referrals and are happy to work with clients we have developed relationships with, and new ones alike. If you or someone you know is thinking about selling this Fall or Winter, we would love to be the real estate team to help. Contact us to get things started!

- Drew & Team Steeves


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Yahoo Homes

Between Naps on the Porch

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We are pleased to present this beautiful new listing in the Daventry townhouse complex!

 

This spacious townhome has been completely updated and boasts more than 1,600 square feet with 2 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms complete with vaulted ceilings, a walk- in closet in the master suite, and walk- out patio with private yard. 

 

We will be hosting an open house this Sunday from 2- 4pm so make sure you come and see it for yourself!


If you would like to book a private viewing or are interested in similar properties, contact us and we'll help you find the perfect home for you!

 

Click here to view virtual tour. 

 

For more photos and info about this listing, click here.

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We're wrapping up the Summer with some more great listings! We're working hard to help sell these great properties to buyers like you! Click on the links below to see the info on 3 properties we just listed. To see more of ours listings, click here.




#18 6238 192 St, Surrey

A great family complex with updates throughout.

3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 1,378 sq ft


14412 58 Ave, Surrey

Great opportunity to purchase a piece of property!


5780 144 St, Surrey

Spacious home on large 9,500+ sq ft lot.

6 bedrooms, 6 baths, 4,582 sq ft

 

Thinking about selling? We'll help you sell your home fast and find your next dream home. Contact us today to get the ball rolling! We look forward to hearing from you.


Image Source: ComFree

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Just listed!

 

Beautiful 4 level split in Morningside Estates

 

5 bedrooms - 3 bathrooms

3,221 sq ft on a 14,723 sq ft lot

Enjoy vaulted ceilings, large rooms, hardwood floors, and spacious updated kitchen!

 

Here's a few photos:

 

For more photos and information, click here.

 

Contact us today to book a viewing of this beautiful home!

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