http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/ Schipper-Cyr, Top REMAX Realtors Share their thoughts and findings on lifestyle, community, real estate activities, family, shows, pets, city events, tradeshows, interest rates, news neighborhoods, Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:53:00 +0000 http://ubertor.com/?v=1.0 en This is an XML content feed. It is intended to be viewed in a newsreader or syndicated to another site, subject to copyright and fair use. Your eye on Yaletown's Events & NewsSociety & Culture/Places & Travel1655893http://www.feedburner.com http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YaletownRealtor/~3/481171516/ http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/693/#comments Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:38:09 +0000 YourYaletownReporter Listings http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/693/ I just sold this Condo at 607 1200 W Georgia Street, Vancouver BC , BC .
View this recently sold Condo or see all my home sales Read More]]> I just sold this Condo at 607 1200 W Georgia Street, Vancouver BC , BC .
View this recently sold Condo or see all my home sales Read More ]]> http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/693/#comments http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/693/ http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YaletownRealtor/~3/481171517/ http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/691/#comments Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:26:04 +0000 YourYaletownReporter Market Trends http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/691/ Bank of Canada lowers overnight rate target by 3/4 percentage point to 1 1/2 per cent OTTAWA –


 


The Bank of Canada today announced that it is lowering its target for the overnight rate by three-quarters of a percentage point to 1 1/2 per cent.


 


The operating band for the overnight rate is correspondingly lowered, and the Bank Rate is now 1 3/4 per cent. The outlook for the world economy has deteriorated significantly and the global recession will be broader and deeper than previously anticipated. Global financial markets remain severely strained. Measures taken by major governments are beginning to encourage credit flows, although it will take some time before conditions in financial markets normalize. In addition, a series of recently announced monetary and fiscal policy actions will also support global economic growth.


 


While Canada's economy evolved largely as expected during the summer and early autumn, it is now entering a recession as a result of the weakness in global economic activity. The recent declines in terms of trade, real income growth, and confidence are prompting more cautious behaviour by households and businesses.


 


All of these factors imply a lower profile for core inflation than had been projected at the time of the last Monetary Policy Report in October.


 


Several factors are helping to counterbalance the negative drag from the global economic and financial developments. The depreciation of the Canadian dollar will continue to provide an important offset to the effects of weaker global demand and lower commodity prices. As well, money markets and overall credit conditions in Canada are responding to significant and ongoing efforts to provide liquidity to the Canadian financial system.


 


In light of the weakening outlook for growth and inflation, the Bank of Canada lowered its policy interest rate by a total of 75 basis points in October and by an additional 75 basis points today. These monetary policy actions provide timely and significant support to the Canadian economy.


 


The Bank will continue to monitor carefully economic and financial developments in judging to what extent further monetary stimulus will be required to achieve the 2 per cent inflation target over the medium term. Information


 


note: The Bank of Canada's next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is 20 January 2009. A full update of the Bank's outlook for the economy and inflation, including risks to the projection, will be published in the Monetary Policy Report Update on 22 January 2009.

Read More]]> Bank of Canada lowers overnight rate target by 3/4 percentage point to 1 1/2 per cent OTTAWA –


 


The Bank of Canada today announced that it is lowering its target for the overnight rate by three-quarters of a percentage point to 1 1/2 per cent.


 


The operating band for the overnight rate is correspondingly lowered, and the Bank Rate is now 1 3/4 per cent. The outlook for the world economy has deteriorated significantly and the global recession will be broader and deeper than previously anticipated. Global financial markets remain severely strained. Measures taken by major governments are beginning to encourage credit flows, although it will take some time before conditions in financial markets normalize. In addition, a series of recently announced monetary and fiscal policy actions will also support global economic growth.


 


While Canada's economy evolved largely as expected during the summer and early autumn, it is now entering a recession as a result of the weakness in global economic activity. The recent declines in terms of trade, real income growth, and confidence are prompting more cautious behaviour by households and businesses.


 


All of these factors imply a lower profile for core inflation than had been projected at the time of the last Monetary Policy Report in October.


 


Several factors are helping to counterbalance the negative drag from the global economic and financial developments. The depreciation of the Canadian dollar will continue to provide an important offset to the effects of weaker global demand and lower commodity prices. As well, money markets and overall credit conditions in Canada are responding to significant and ongoing efforts to provide liquidity to the Canadian financial system.


 


In light of the weakening outlook for growth and inflation, the Bank of Canada lowered its policy interest rate by a total of 75 basis points in October and by an additional 75 basis points today. These monetary policy actions provide timely and significant support to the Canadian economy.


 


The Bank will continue to monitor carefully economic and financial developments in judging to what extent further monetary stimulus will be required to achieve the 2 per cent inflation target over the medium term. Information


 


note: The Bank of Canada's next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is 20 January 2009. A full update of the Bank's outlook for the economy and inflation, including risks to the projection, will be published in the Monetary Policy Report Update on 22 January 2009.

Read More ]]> http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/691/#comments http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/691/ http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YaletownRealtor/~3/479327039/ http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/689/#comments Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:36:24 +0000 YourYaletownReporter Listings http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/689/ This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful Downtown VW.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Downtown VW Condo for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604.818.8265 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Adriaan Schipper
RE/MAX Crest Realty(Westside) Read More]]> This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful Downtown VW.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Downtown VW Condo for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604.818.8265 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Adriaan Schipper
RE/MAX Crest Realty(Westside) Read More ]]> http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/689/#comments http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/689/ http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YaletownRealtor/~3/479327041/ http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/687/#comments Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:35:57 +0000 YourYaletownReporter Listings http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/687/ This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful Downtown VW.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Downtown VW Condo for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604.818.8265 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Adriaan Schipper
RE/MAX Crest Realty(Westside) Read More]]> This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful Downtown VW.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Downtown VW Condo for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604.818.8265 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Adriaan Schipper
RE/MAX Crest Realty(Westside) Read More ]]> http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/687/#comments http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/687/ http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YaletownRealtor/~3/479327043/ http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/685/#comments Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:33:29 +0000 YourYaletownReporter Listings http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/685/ This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful Downtown VW.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Downtown VW Condo for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604.818.8265 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Adriaan Schipper
RE/MAX Crest Realty(Westside) Read More]]> This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful Downtown VW.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Downtown VW Condo for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604.818.8265 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Adriaan Schipper
RE/MAX Crest Realty(Westside) Read More ]]> http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/685/#comments http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/685/ http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YaletownRealtor/~3/479327045/ http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/683/#comments Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:32:49 +0000 YourYaletownReporter Listings http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/683/ This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful Downtown VW.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Downtown VW Condo for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604.818.8265 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Adriaan Schipper
RE/MAX Crest Realty(Westside) Read More]]> This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful Downtown VW.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Downtown VW Condo for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604.818.8265 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Adriaan Schipper
RE/MAX Crest Realty(Westside) Read More ]]> http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/683/#comments http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/683/ http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YaletownRealtor/~3/478241030/ http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/681/#comments Sun, 07 Dec 2008 12:06:00 +0000 YourYaletownReporter Listings http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/681/ I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 1008 1001 HOMER Street, Vancouver West, British Columbia
Affordable 1 bdrm & den suite at the fabulous 'BENTLY'; quality built by 'POLYGON'. This smartly laid-out '08' unit feat a gourmet kitchen w/ granite counters, dark rich cabinetry, gas range & SS appliances. Other highlights are the walk-in closet, balcony & great amenities in the bldg that inclu a well equipped exercise centre & hot tub/swirl pool. Located in the heart of Yaletown, the best restaurants, shopping, Urban Fare & the seawall are well within walking distance. Comes w/ underground prkg stall. Read More]]> I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 1008 1001 HOMER Street, Vancouver West, British Columbia
Affordable 1 bdrm & den suite at the fabulous 'BENTLY'; quality built by 'POLYGON'. This smartly laid-out '08' unit feat a gourmet kitchen w/ granite counters, dark rich cabinetry, gas range & SS appliances. Other highlights are the walk-in closet, balcony & great amenities in the bldg that inclu a well equipped exercise centre & hot tub/swirl pool. Located in the heart of Yaletown, the best restaurants, shopping, Urban Fare & the seawall are well within walking distance. Comes w/ underground prkg stall. Read More ]]> http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/681/#comments http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/681/ http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YaletownRealtor/~3/476398352/ http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/679/#comments Fri, 05 Dec 2008 21:08:35 +0000 YourYaletownReporter Listings http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/679/ I just finished uploading this Apartment for sale, 2202 1005 Beach Avenue, Vancouver , BC
The Alvar - rarely available Beach Ave APARTMENT FOR RENT with sweeping English Bay views! This 1562 sqft 2 bedroom + den is situated on the SW corner of a much sought after building.

Fabulous open floorplan for entertaining with over-height ceilings, hardwood floors, granite counters and stainless steel appliances.

The suite has air conditioning and forced air heat and comes with 2 parking stalls and a locker.

An elegant building located across the street from the beach and seawall, Granville Island shopping just across the creek and Stanley Park within walking distance. References a must! Read More]]> I just finished uploading this Apartment for sale, 2202 1005 Beach Avenue, Vancouver , BC
The Alvar - rarely available Beach Ave APARTMENT FOR RENT with sweeping English Bay views! This 1562 sqft 2 bedroom + den is situated on the SW corner of a much sought after building.

Fabulous open floorplan for entertaining with over-height ceilings, hardwood floors, granite counters and stainless steel appliances.

The suite has air conditioning and forced air heat and comes with 2 parking stalls and a locker.

An elegant building located across the street from the beach and seawall, Granville Island shopping just across the creek and Stanley Park within walking distance. References a must! Read More ]]> http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/679/#comments http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/679/ http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YaletownRealtor/~3/476398353/ http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/677/#comments Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:55:58 +0000 YourYaletownReporter Listings http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/677/ This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Townhouse for sale in beautiful Lower Shaughnessy.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Lower Shaughnessy Townhouse for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604.818.8265 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Adriaan Schipper
RE/MAX Crest Realty(Westside) Read More]]> This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Townhouse for sale in beautiful Lower Shaughnessy.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Lower Shaughnessy Townhouse for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604.818.8265 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Adriaan Schipper
RE/MAX Crest Realty(Westside) Read More ]]> http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/677/#comments http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/677/ http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YaletownRealtor/~3/476398354/ http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/675/#comments Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:23:52 +0000 YourYaletownReporter General http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/675/


Source - Vancouver Sun - Dec 5th 2008


by: David Watt - President of the Real Estate Board Of Greater Vancouver 


 


Making sense of today’s housing market In recent months, economists have had the unenviable task of trying to calculate the direction the housing market is likely to take, factoring in things like unemployment rates, population and immigration figures, economic growth, mortgage rates, and that most nebulous of criteria: consumer confidence.


 


They agree that the decrease in housing sales and prices bears little relation to the economic indicators in BC. What has changed is public perception of our financial security, triggered by the troubled global financial markets.


 


As realtors, people are asking us to help make sense of the housing market.


 


Sellers are asking if the market value of their home is decreasing.  Buyers want to know if they should wait for further price reductions. Homeowners not in the market to buy or sell want to understand the impact on their equity, which may affect decisions like plans for renovations.


 


Investors are asking about short-term impact – is it a good time to buy, renovate, and re-sell for a profit? And long-term impact – is quality real estate now available at lower prices?


 


First-time buyers want to know how much they need for a down-payment, whether they can afford the monthly mortgage payment, and if they can get financing in these uncertain times.


 


There are no easy answers. Around the Lower Mainland’s kitchen tables, realtors are helping people assess their individual situations.


 


Circumstances cause each of us to make decisions despite uncertainties related to global economies and politics. Someone gets a job in another city. A family must consider estate planning for a parent. A young couple wants to start investing in their own home, rather than renting.


 


Our MLS® statistics and Housing Price Index (HPI) tell us that, since May, residential home sales and prices have been decreasing. After five years of unprecedented growth in home values in the Lower Mainland, that’s not particularly surprising or necessarily unwelcome.


 


Between 2003 and 2008, the HPI benchmark price of a detached home in Greater Vancouver increased nearly 70 per cent to $761,000 from $449,000. Condominiums over the same period increased 82 per cent to $387,000 from $213,000. Left unchecked at this rate, by 2013 the benchmark price of a detached home would top $1.2 million and condos more than $700,000.


 


Current trends offer moderation to a market where affordability, for much of this decade, was eroding, making home ownership unattainable to an expanding segment of our community.


 


Since May, residential home prices have declined 12.8 per cent, resulting in an 8.3 per cent year-to-date price reduction for detached, attached and apartment properties across Greater Vancouver.


 


These moderating home prices should not be confused with the U.S. housing downturn. Since 2005, prices in the U.S. have been edging downward due in large part to imprudent ‘sub-prime’ lending practices. Mortgages in Canada are tightly regulated and underpinned by a solid banking structure. The World Economic Forum recently identified Canada as having the world's “soundest” banking system.


 


The local real estate market is not immune to global economic challenges; however, Canada’s disciplined lending structure has kept the mortgage landscape steady in these uncertain times.


 


While the current rate of foreclosures in the U.S. is nearly five per cent, only 0.28 per cent of mortgages in Canada are in arrears, a proportion that is not only low but steady, according to the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals (CAAMP).


 


Low prices are not the concern as much as the view that prices are falling. Buyers are waiting to see of the real estate market has hit bottom. Identifying the “bottom” of a market is difficult, given that certain variables must remain constant to attain real savings. For example, interest rates must remain low and that perfect house must remain available at an acceptable price.


 


Most of us sell a home and buy a home within the same market; while we may be selling at a lower price, we’re also buying within that lower-priced market.


 


Deciding to buy or sell a home should be a milestone moment based on your financial and personal circumstances, and the market conditions within your neighbourhood of choice. For those whose finances allow it, there are excellent opportunities in today’s housing market. This is a good market for long-term investors.


 


The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver has existed for nearly 90 years and witnessed numerous market cycles. Sales increase and decrease. Prices go up and down. Historically, the values at the peak of the next cycle inevitably surpass the ones before. (Dave Watt, president of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver)

Read More]]>


Source - Vancouver Sun - Dec 5th 2008


by: David Watt - President of the Real Estate Board Of Greater Vancouver 


 


Making sense of today’s housing market In recent months, economists have had the unenviable task of trying to calculate the direction the housing market is likely to take, factoring in things like unemployment rates, population and immigration figures, economic growth, mortgage rates, and that most nebulous of criteria: consumer confidence.


 


They agree that the decrease in housing sales and prices bears little relation to the economic indicators in BC. What has changed is public perception of our financial security, triggered by the troubled global financial markets.


 


As realtors, people are asking us to help make sense of the housing market.


 


Sellers are asking if the market value of their home is decreasing.  Buyers want to know if they should wait for further price reductions. Homeowners not in the market to buy or sell want to understand the impact on their equity, which may affect decisions like plans for renovations.


 


Investors are asking about short-term impact – is it a good time to buy, renovate, and re-sell for a profit? And long-term impact – is quality real estate now available at lower prices?


 


First-time buyers want to know how much they need for a down-payment, whether they can afford the monthly mortgage payment, and if they can get financing in these uncertain times.


 


There are no easy answers. Around the Lower Mainland’s kitchen tables, realtors are helping people assess their individual situations.


 


Circumstances cause each of us to make decisions despite uncertainties related to global economies and politics. Someone gets a job in another city. A family must consider estate planning for a parent. A young couple wants to start investing in their own home, rather than renting.


 


Our MLS® statistics and Housing Price Index (HPI) tell us that, since May, residential home sales and prices have been decreasing. After five years of unprecedented growth in home values in the Lower Mainland, that’s not particularly surprising or necessarily unwelcome.


 


Between 2003 and 2008, the HPI benchmark price of a detached home in Greater Vancouver increased nearly 70 per cent to $761,000 from $449,000. Condominiums over the same period increased 82 per cent to $387,000 from $213,000. Left unchecked at this rate, by 2013 the benchmark price of a detached home would top $1.2 million and condos more than $700,000.


 


Current trends offer moderation to a market where affordability, for much of this decade, was eroding, making home ownership unattainable to an expanding segment of our community.


 


Since May, residential home prices have declined 12.8 per cent, resulting in an 8.3 per cent year-to-date price reduction for detached, attached and apartment properties across Greater Vancouver.


 


These moderating home prices should not be confused with the U.S. housing downturn. Since 2005, prices in the U.S. have been edging downward due in large part to imprudent ‘sub-prime’ lending practices. Mortgages in Canada are tightly regulated and underpinned by a solid banking structure. The World Economic Forum recently identified Canada as having the world's “soundest” banking system.


 


The local real estate market is not immune to global economic challenges; however, Canada’s disciplined lending structure has kept the mortgage landscape steady in these uncertain times.


 


While the current rate of foreclosures in the U.S. is nearly five per cent, only 0.28 per cent of mortgages in Canada are in arrears, a proportion that is not only low but steady, according to the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals (CAAMP).


 


Low prices are not the concern as much as the view that prices are falling. Buyers are waiting to see of the real estate market has hit bottom. Identifying the “bottom” of a market is difficult, given that certain variables must remain constant to attain real savings. For example, interest rates must remain low and that perfect house must remain available at an acceptable price.


 


Most of us sell a home and buy a home within the same market; while we may be selling at a lower price, we’re also buying within that lower-priced market.


 


Deciding to buy or sell a home should be a milestone moment based on your financial and personal circumstances, and the market conditions within your neighbourhood of choice. For those whose finances allow it, there are excellent opportunities in today’s housing market. This is a good market for long-term investors.


 


The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver has existed for nearly 90 years and witnessed numerous market cycles. Sales increase and decrease. Prices go up and down. Historically, the values at the peak of the next cycle inevitably surpass the ones before. (Dave Watt, president of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver)

Read More ]]> http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/675/#comments http://adriaanschipper.com/ViewBlog/675/ Your eye on Yaletown's Events & NewsYourYaletownReporternonadult