Vancouver, BC – May 14, 2008. British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports residential sales dollar volume on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in BC dipped 1.4 per cent to $4.1 billion in April, compared to April 2007. Residential unit sales declined 11 per cent to 8,623 units during the same period. The average MLS® residential price in the province reached $478,044, up 11 per cent from April 2007.

“Rising inventories are providing more choice for consumers and exerting less upward pressure on home prices,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. Active MLS® residential listings in the province were up 37 per cent to 47,923 units in April. “The combination of a slower pace of home sales and some profit taking by investors is…

New regulations and licensing systems are going to be introduced by the BC government this fall to regulate the home inspection industry. This will ensure home inspectors have up-to-date training on buildings codes, electrical, natural gas, and fire code regulations. They are also discussing whether to make insurance mandatory for home inspectors to cover situations where consumers claim financial loss over a mistake made by an inspector.

Currently BC home inspectors are self-regulated with two organizations offering voluntary membership and certification. Online courses and a set of exams that lead certification, if desired, are available through the BC branch of the Canadian Association of Home and Property inspectors. Applicants are also allowed to…

RENOVATED and UPGRADED mobile home in Southgate MHP, close to all amenities and highway access.  This 2 bedroom, 1 bath home offers 672 sqft of living space along with new pine ceilings, new 30year roof, new electrical, plumbing, hot water tank, siding and skirting, and a new pressure treated wood deck and stairs. Pets, kids and rentals allowed. Just move in and enjoy!

Condominiums achieve unprecedented favour

among Canadian homebuyers

Double-digit sales gains reported in most major markets in 2007

After more than three decades of slow but steady growth, the condominium concept has finally clicked with Canadian homeowners.  The lifestyle has proven to be a solid investment in housing markets across the country, chalking up some of the most impressive gains in residential real estate in 2007, according to the RE/MAX Condominium Report.

 Their universal appeal is substantiated, with every market reporting increased momentum in condominium sales volume over 2006 levels.  In fact, 80 per cent of markets surveyed reported double-digit gains in sales year-over-year, with 53 per cent reporting increases over 20 per…

Willy Wonka look out! Great turnkey operations just in time for the Christmas season. The Hammond Bay Fudge Company is the number one stop for luxury chocolates, sugar free chocolate and fudge! It operates at two great locations with lots of public traffic. Positive sales stream with strong growth potential. Business for sale only.

Ideal retirement home offers 816 sqft of living space with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Some of the features of this home include newer carpet and linoleum, large enclosed porch, workshop, and nice size lot with its very own apple tree.  This park is 55+ and allows small dogs and cats and the monthly pad fee is $375 per month. Great location at the south end of Nanaimo close to amenities and on the bus route.

Consumers and real estate professionals alike are happy to see that Nanaimo’s housing market is continually climbing and holding strong. Vancouver Islands Real Estate Board number’s show:

• Average sale price of a single family home is up 8% from one year ago, from $319,000 to $346,000 (roughly).
• Unit sales are up from 107 in August 2006, to 152 August 2007.

These numbers are due to availability of listings, low interest rates aiding in affordability, and consumer confidence. Although the average price of a home in Nanaimo may seem high at $346,000, our prices are still good compared to the rest of BC, particularly Vancouver. The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board says they anticipate further increases in months ahead so now is the time to… Read Full Post

Here are some ideas and tips to get your home winterized and ensure its air is clean and the home is energy efficient during those chilly winter months.

• Duct Cleaning – removes 5 to 6 pounds of dirt from a home’s heating and cooling system and should be done every four or five years.
• Filter Cleaning – This includes furnaces and central air conditioning systems which should be checked annually by a licensed professional and the filters should be replaced or cleaned every three months. This will help to prevent breakdowns.
• System replacement – Often older furnaces and central air conditioning systems work well enough to do the job but it is worth considering the installation of a new system before the old one wears out. Today’s technology…