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Open House. Open House on Saturday, February 2, 2019 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Please visit our Open House at 91 STRONG RD in Anmore.
Open House on Saturday, February 2, 2019 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Pride in ownership is evident in this stately Anmore home & property. Great curb appeal with its brick facade & trees surrounding the private yard. Living rm with 2 storey ceilings & floor to ceiling windows that overlook the greenery of the rear yard. Adjacent formal dining rm with French doors to the patio. Beautiful hardwood floors through main floor. Large kitchen w/ huge center island, separate eating area, family rm with gas fireplace & mud rm from the garage with washer/dryer hook up. Master bdrm on main has walk in closet & 5 piece ensuite. Up are 3 more bdrms including an open space at the top of the stairs. Down is a rec room, craft room, workshop, office, laundry & storage. Many updates to the home including appliances, flooring, painting & ensuite.Open House Saturday Feb 2, 2-4
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With basic carpentry tools, a wheelbarrow, and some tinted concrete, you can build this sturdy home for houseplants.

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Concrete planters are a great addition to any home. Concrete is just as useful and versatile today as it was when the Romans discovered how to make it 2000 years ago. Early masons used the humble mix of cement, sand, stone, and water to build impressive structures such as the Pantheon (A.D. 126), which is still in use as a house of worship. With its stout granite columns and massive concrete dome, the Pantheon gives new meaning to "built to last."
1How to Build a Concrete Planter
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Today, we use concrete for everything from home foundations to kitchen counters. It's also a great material for making smaller items, such as the planter shown here. Super-sturdy but simple to build, it requires the construction of inner and outer wood forms to mold the finished product. Basic carpentry tools, a wheelbarrow, and an 80-pound bag of concrete mix are all you need to do a job that would make a Roman proud.
2Form and Cast
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Screw together the inner and outer forms. Coat the exterior of the inner form with glue, and cover the surface with aluminum foil. Do the same for the inside face of the outer form. Spray cooking oil on the foil surfaces.

Place the inner form, top-down, on the mounting board. Screw through the bottom of the board into the form's cross supports. Place the outer form over the inner one, and use angle brackets to secure the outer form to the mounting board.

Empty an 80-pound bag of Quikrete Countertop Mix into a wheelbarrow. Add about 5 ounces of buff liquid cement color to 1 gallon of water in a bucket. Add the tinted water to the powdered concrete a couple of cups at a time until the mixture is malleable but not runny.

Pour the concrete into the form. Repeatedly plunge a scrap-wood stick into the concrete to consolidate it. Overfill the form, then run an oscillating sander (without sandpaper) over the entire form to vibrate out voids. Strike off excess concrete. Form drain holes by pushing two dowels coated with petroleum jelly through the concrete.

3Strip the Outer Form
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After letting the concrete set for 18 hours, unscrew and disassemble the outer form. Grab and twist out the dowels with pliers.

 
4Pull the Inner Form
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Remove the screws driven through the bottom of the mounting board and into the inner form. Tip the planter over and pull out the inner form). After the concrete has cured for 24 hours, apply a liberal coat of clear masonry sealer to the entire planter. Once the sealer cures, you're ready to plant!
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Councillor Jean Swanson says rents will keep rising unless vacancy control and rent freezes are implemented

 

 

We've all heard Vancouver house prices described as "bubbly" – but are rents about to do the same thing? 

Rental prices are expected to go up by an average of 7 per cent in 2018, despite the provincial rent control caps now in force, according to a Rentals.ca forecast issued January 21.

 
 That’s the third-steepest predicted rise in the country, after Toronto (where rents are forecast to increase 11 per cent) and Ottawa (9 per cent), said the national report.

Local housing experts interviewed by the rental website for its annual forecast said that it’s going to become increasingly difficult to find an affordable rental apartment in Vancouver. This is despite new measures that tie the annual rental increase for a sitting tenant to inflation, which is 2.5 per cent in 2019.

 
 

“The dynamic is shifting away from ‘bubbly’ house prices to ‘bubbly’ rental rates,” wrote report author Ben Myers, president of Bullpen Research & Consulting Inc..

“With expanded rent control implemented in 2017, tenants are incentivized to stay in their current home. This is not ideal, as some people may choose not to take a job in another part of the city because of higher rents. As fewer units are turned over, there is less supply, and rental rates [on any newly advertised units] increase further.”

Councillor Colleen Hardwick told the rental listing website that Vancouver’s ultra-tight rental market is having a serious social impact. “Seniors are being forced out of their homes. There are rental evictions; aggressive buyouts.” She said that rising interest rates, housing price stabilization, flipping properties, and newer rentals replacing older buildings are the key issues to watch in 2019.

Jean Swanson, City of Vancouver councillor, said she is also worried about affordability. “The issue is scarcity; the vacancy rate is low,” she said. “Owners are buying out buildings at inflated prices, and without vacancy control they are buying out the tenants… the older the building, the more vulnerable the tenants.“

Swanson believes that vacancy control, which would prevent landlords from raising rents between tenants, along with a rent freeze that would prevent yearly increases, would solve the problem.

The idea of vacancy control has seen a major backlash from the development community. The Urban Development Institute has claimed it would be the “death knell”of purpose-built rental supply and would do more harm than good.

B.C.’s Rental Housing Task Force seemed to agree, rejecting vacancy control as one of its 28 recent recommendations in the overhaul of the Residential Tenancy Act.

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New property listed in Heritage Woods PM, Port Moody
I have listed a new property at 103 CEDARWOOD DR in Port Moody.
Priced $100K below assessed value!! BRIGHT 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom detached home situated on HUGE lot in Heritage Woods! Well-appointed living room with gas F/P overlooks the quiet cul-de-sac. Enjoy southwest views of Burnaby Mountain from the dining room, kitchen & family room. LARGE master suite with spacious walk-in closet & spa inspired ensuite. 3 other big bedrooms & bath complete the upper floor. Basement includes finished rec room & storage. Unfinished area with lots of potential; possible suite with separate entry. Air conditioning, HUGE patio & yard - loads of possibilities! Close to all levels of schools; 15 min walk to Heritage Woods Secondary, one of the top rated high schools in the Tri Cities, Aspenwood Elementary & Eagle Mtn Middle. Close to parks & public transit
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Many first-time buyers are taking a wait-and-see approach,

in case home prices drop further - is that the best strategy?

 

 

Recently I was asked to guest live on CityTV’s BT Vancouver morning news show to recap a range of industry predictions for real estate in 2019. During the interview, I was asked what strategy first-time buyers should adopt if they’re hoping to get into the market but are waiting to see what will happen. 

This question, of trying to time the market, is one that comes up time and time again — no matter whether we’re in a rising market, in a down market, or in a steady market (which, in fact, we have now, in terms of prices for entry-level homes). People have a terror of buying a home at the “peak” of the market, or at another point where prices will drop after they’ve bought the home  but I don’t think this is something to fear.

 
 

To make my interests clear: I’m not a real estate agent or adviser, I’m a writer and editor who specializes in real estate and spends her days analyzing and reporting on market statistics. I have nothing to gain from advising anyone to buy homes, and I am not paid by anyone other than the media company for which I work, which gives me free rein to share my views as I see fit. I own a condo (my home) plus a long-term investment studio in Vancouver. I don’t offer advice to try to buoy the market, but simply because I’ve been lucky enough to get into this position (largely by ignoring those who told me not to buy yet) and I want to share what I’ve learned.


The very smart senior analyst of the Real Estate Investment Network, Don Campbell, once said to me, “The past two decades are littered with the bones of those who stayed on the sidelines of the real estate market.” That phrase stayed with me, as I see it all the time  friends in their 50s and 60s who are still renting, and will now likely pay rent throughout their retirement years. They all tell me, “I wish I’d bought when I was younger. Homes seemed soexpensive, even back then - but that’s nothing compared with what they are now.”

 

Exactly. The £182,000 (British pounds) I paid for my tiny first flat in South London, a 50-minute commute from work, seemed astronomical 15 years ago. I could only raise a 5 per cent down payment and take out an interest-only mortgage. And everyone told me not to buy it, as “we’re at the peak of the market.” They said the same thing when I moved up to a larger place even further out of town, for £240,000, in 2008. That really was the then-peak of the market, as immediately after I bought it, the recession hit and its value dropped by 15 per cent.

But no matter. I was still above water, as my mortgage was still only £175,000, and over the next few years the value more than recovered. I sold it for £280K in 2014, and that’s how I had a down payment to buy a condo in downtown 

Vancouver. 


 


That’s how real estate works. There is no price “peak,” only a fluctuating, but generally upward, line. If you’re looking at holding onto a home for a reasonable length of time, if you can afford the mortgage and if you have a decent down payment, just go for it  trying to time the market is a fool’s errand. Those price predictions I spoke about last week differ considerably, so nobody really knows what will happen this year, or next. Sure, the general consensus is that here in Metro Vancouver, average home prices might dip by a couple of per cent this year. But even if that happens, interest rates are rising. So a lower average home price a) doesn’t mean the specific home you want to buy will be any cheaper and b) even if it is, it doesn’t mean it’s more affordable, if mortgage costs are going up. 

The only buyers I’d recommend to wait are speculators looking for a quick flip. For everyone else, if you hold on to your home for long enough, it will always end up higher than you bought it for.

Now we are facing an influx of one million additional people in Metro Vancouver by 2050. Political migration, climate migration, our relatively stable economy, our Pacific Rim position, and many other factors will, in my opinion, mean that even if prices dip in the next year or so, they will at some point over the next decade exceed their previous peak. And by the time we get to 2050, I predict that today’s Millennials will be wishing they had bought 30 years previously, when the average cost of a condo was “only” $600,000 and they could’ve gotten a great little pad in Surrey for $250K. 

You really don’t want to be on the wrong side of the price rises that could be ahead of us over the next 10 or 20 years. So if you're lucky enough to be able to buy a home  whichever location you can afford, and in whatever size home  just go for it. I did, and I’ve never regretted it.


Article by Joannah Connolly / Vancouver Courier

 
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New property listed in Coquitlam East, Coquitlam
I have listed a new property at 124 3000 RIVERBEND DR in Coquitlam.
Welcome to Riverbend; a quiet, safe enclave tucked away in East Coquitlam. This bright home, over two levels, has many recent updates to enjoy. Huge kitchen renovated with custom cabinetry, quartz counters, subway tile, eating area, stainless steel appliances and all with access to the enclosed sun room. Living room with gas fireplace & vaulted ceilings. New flooring; tile & Ash engineered hardwood & new blinds throughout the home. 3 bedrooms are up; master with updated 4 piece ensuite. Down enjoys recreation room, another large bedroom with ensuite, den/office that could be the 5th bedroom and laundry. Close to the walking trails along the Coquitlam River, restaurants and shopping. 2 enclosed sun rooms, A/C, patio, planter boxes & shed. Open House Sat. Jan 19th, 2-4pm
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Open House. Open House on Saturday, January 19, 2019 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Please visit our Open House at 124 3000 RIVERBEND DR in Coquitlam.
Open House on Saturday, January 19, 2019 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Welcome to Riverbend; a quiet, safe enclave tucked away in East Coquitlam. This bright home, over two levels, has many recent updates to enjoy. Huge kitchen renovated with custom cabinetry, quartz counters, subway tile, eating area, stainless steel appliances and all with access to the enclosed sun room. Living room with gas fireplace & vaulted ceilings. New flooring; tile & Ash engineered hardwood & new blinds throughout the home. 3 bedrooms are up; master with updated 4 piece ensuite. Down enjoys recreation room, another large bedroom with ensuite, den/office that could be the 5th bedroom and laundry. Close to the walking trails along the Coquitlam River, restaurants and shopping. 2 enclosed sun rooms, A/C, patio, planter boxes & shed. Open House Sat. Jan 19th, 2-4pm
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Open House. Open House on Sunday, January 20, 2019 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Please visit our Open House at 91 STRONG RD in Anmore.
Open House on Sunday, January 20, 2019 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Pride in ownership is evident in this stately Anmore home & property. Great curb appeal with its brick facade & trees surrounding the private yard. Living rm with 2 storey ceilings & floor to ceiling windows that overlook the greenery of the rear yard. Adjacent formal dining rm with French doors to the patio. Beautiful hardwood floors through main floor. Large kitchen w/ huge center island, separate eating area, family rm with gas fireplace & mud rm from the garage with washer/dryer hook up. Master bdrm on main has walk in closet & 5 piece ensuite. Up are 3 more bdrms including an open space at the top of the stairs. Down is a rec room, craft room, workshop, office, laundry & storage. Many updates to the home including appliances, flooring, painting & ensuite. Open House Sunday January 20,
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Open House. Open House on Saturday, January 19, 2019 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Please visit our Open House at 9284 GOLDHURST TERR in Burnaby.
Open House on Saturday, January 19, 2019 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Beautifully maintained duplex style townhome in desirable Forest Hills. You will love the many upgrades to this home including new flooring throughout; Maple engineered HW, vinyl plank, tile & carpeting, fresh paint & totally renovated kitchen, ensuite and powder room. Spacious living room features a bay window & cozy gas fireplace. Kitchen with quartz counters, stainless steel appliances & Maple shaker style cabinetry including built-in pantry & china cabinet. Rounding out the main floor is a large dining room with access to the deck & den. Up are 3 bedrooms, master with tons of closet space & ensuite with heated flooring, glass shower, separate tub & quartz counters. Downstairs is a rec room, bedroom, laundry/bath & wet bar. Double garage, built-in vacuum. Close to SFU, Production Skytrain Station and bus. Also within half hour walking distance to Stoney Creek Community Elementary and Burnaby Mountain Secondary Schools.
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Open House. Open House on Saturday, January 12, 2019 1:00PM - 3:00PM

Please visit our Open House at 1310 SHAUGHNESSY ST in Coquitlam.
Open House on Saturday, January 12, 2019 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Perfect home for families in a great location,with 3 good sized bedrooms up on the main floor. Spacious kitchen with eating area, dining room and living room with access to the large deck across the front of the home. New hardwood flooring, freshly painted, new kitchen appliances & the washer & dryer replaced in 2018. Double pane windows and roof replaced in 2017. Down you have a bright recreation room and flex area with access to the patio and den/office that could be used as an additional bedroom. Very easy to add a mortgage helper. Private fenced back yard. Close to Coquitlam River, Elementary School, Crystal Falls trail and shopping.
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Open House. Open House on Saturday, January 12, 2019 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Please visit our Open House at 91 STRONG RD in Anmore.
Open House on Saturday, January 12, 2019 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Pride in ownership is evident in this stately Anmore home & property. Great curb appeal with its brick facade & trees surrounding the private yard. Living rm with 2 storey ceilings & floor to ceiling windows that overlook the greenery of the rear yard. Adjacent formal dining rm with French doors to the patio. Beautiful hardwood floors through main floor. Large kitchen w/ huge center island, separate eating area, family rm with gas fireplace & mud rm from the garage with washer/dryer hook up. Master bdrm on main has walk in closet & 5 piece ensuite. Up are 3 more bdrms including an open space at the top of the stairs. Down is a rec room, craft room, workshop, office, laundry & storage. Many updates to the home including appliances, flooring, painting & ensuite. Open House Sat Jan 12, 2-4pm
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I have sold a property at 3 2150 SALISBURY AVE in Port Coquitlam
I have sold a property at 3 2150 SALISBURY AVE in Port Coquitlam.
Looking to upgrade? The time is NOW! Spectacular, 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom townhouse with many great detail-oriented features. Huge modern kitchen with centre island, quartz countertops, spice drawer, spacious pantry and toe-kick vacuum in kitchen. Built-in surround sound in living room and speakers in kitchen and dining areas of the main floor, great for entertaining! 3 bedrooms upstairs, including master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in closet. Additional bedroom and bathroom downstairs on ground level - perfect for guests! Family-oriented neighbourhood. Fantastic corner unit located on quiet, residential street. Minnekhada Middle School is just down the street. Close to shopping, restaurants, bus, dog park, 25 km Traboulay trail along the Coquitlam River and parks.
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New property listed in River Springs, Coquitlam
I have listed a new property at 1310 SHAUGHNESSY ST in Coquitlam.
Perfect home for families in a great location,with 3 good sized bedrooms up on the main floor. Spacious kitchen with eating area, dining room and living room with access to the large deck across the front of the home. New hardwood flooring, freshly painted, new kitchen appliances & the washer & dryer replaced in 2018. Double pane windows and roof replaced in 2017. Down you have a bright recreation room and flex area with access to the patio and den/office that could be used as an additional bedroom. Very easy to add a mortgage helper. Private fenced back yard. Close to Coquitlam River, Elementary School, Crystal Falls trail and shopping.
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New property listed in Westwood Plateau, Coquitlam
I have listed a new property at 2902 CLIFFROSE CRES in Coquitlam.
Bring the large family to this immaculate home! You will love the floor plan and it's many updates. Living room with soaring ceilings, gas fireplace & adjacent formal dining room. Kitchen enjoys shaker style cabinetry, large center island, eating area, granite counters, high end stainless steel appliances & sunken family room with access to the huge deck across the back of the home. Bonus bedroom/den, powder room & laundry round out the main floor. Up you have 4 bedrooms with media/games room, master bedroom with spa inspired 5 piece ensuite & walk in closet. Down is the recreation room, games room, gym & lots of storage space. South facing rear yard with deck, patios, hot tub & storage shed. Close to all levels of schools, Evergreen skytrain, Coquitlam Centre & shopping.
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Open House. Open House on Saturday, January 5, 2019 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Please visit our Open House at 9284 GOLDHURST TERR in Burnaby.
Open House on Saturday, January 5, 2019 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Beautifully maintained duplex style townhome in desirable Forest Hills. You will love the many upgrades to this home including new flooring throughout; Maple engineered HW, vinyl plank, tile & carpeting, fresh paint & totally renovated kitchen, ensuite and powder room. Spacious living room features a bay window & cozy gas fireplace. Kitchen with quartz counters, stainless steel appliances & Maple shaker style cabinetry including built-in pantry & china cabinet. Rounding out the main floor is a large dining room with access to the deck & den. Up are 3 bedrooms, master with tons of closet space & ensuite with heated flooring, glass shower, separate tub & quartz counters. Downstairs is a rec room, bedroom, laundry/bath & wet bar. Double garage, built-in vacuum. Close to SFU, Production Skytrain Station and bus. Also within half hour walking distance to Stoney Creek Community Elementary and Burnaby Mountain Secondary Schools. Open House Saturday January 5, 2-4pm
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