With the BC Government loosening some of the restrictions this week, we are experiencing a shift in the real estate market. Buyers are becoming more active and I expect to see more listings come on the market over the next few weeks. 

It has been a slow couple of months but here's to hoping that our economy will begin the process of going back to normal. While real estate is an essential service, it may be a while until there are open houses so virtual showings and showings by appointment are encouraged for the time being. 

There are currently 44,000 new homes being built across Greater Vancouver with 37,000 of those being condominimums. In the past, nearly half of those units were being sold to investors who either rented them out or left them vacant. 

Economists and banks all have various predictions on the real estate market and the housing prices over the next few years. For those who have been able to get through COVID-19 and are thinking of buying your first home or moving into a bigger home, now is your opportunity. 

If you are thinking of buying or selling, now is a great time to start dipping your toes in! Give me a call, text or email to discuss your real estate plans and what you should do moving forward. 

Source: Vancouver Sun

As we head into day #4251 of isolation (not really, but doesn't it feel like it?), here is an update on the May 2020 Real Estate Market in Greater Vancouver. 

Currently, prices have remained stable across condos, townhouses and detached houses in Greater Vancouver. According to Mark Ting, a financial analyst, “the main reason house prices are not currently dropping is due to government intervention” through government programs that is subsidizing or deferring payments for utility bills, property tax, income tax and mortgage payments. “All these programs have bought struggling homeowners some time, and have taken the pressure off to sell their homes.”

However, the unemployment levels are increasing. According to Moody's analytics, "for every one per cent increase in unemployment, house prices typically drop about 4 per cent. Based on this ratio, if our unemployment rate were to double from pre-COVID-19 levels, home values would drop by roughly 20 per cent." 

As COVID passes or if these subsidy programs run out, I believe we will see many more listings on the market. At the same time, there are also many buyers (especially first time homebuyers) waiting on the sidelines once this passes.

What does this mean for buyers and sellers thinking of making a move in the real estate market right now? There are some great deals right now. There are homes just sitting vacant or have been sitting on the market for a while, waiting for a buyer to snatch it at a good deal. For sellers, consider that unemployment levels may continue to increase which may decrease the value of your home next week or next month. 

Source: CBC 

Congratulations on making it to another week!

My job is to live and breathe real estate 24/7 so here's a little update on the current market. There is a SHORTAGE of inventory and buyers on the market right now. What does that mean? Well, that means if you are thinking of buying, now is a great time to lock in some phenomenal prices! The homes that are being listed on the market are either vacant or are motivated to sell (because really, which seller would want strangers coming into their homes if they didn't really need to move right now!). 

I have had a few conversations with buyers lately on whether or not to buy real estate at this time. Over the past few weeks, I have had many buyers tell me that they have either lost their job or fear losing their job. All I can say is, hang in there - this will pass. If you haven't lost your job so far, kudos to you! Additionally, if you are thinking of buying real estate in the foreseeable future but are holding off because you fear losing your job, let's break it down together.

There are very legitimate concerns for the fear of losing your job right now. I think it is at the back of everyone's minds. But is it a perceived fear or a reality? Has your employer already started laying off workers? How is your company doing? How secure do you feel about your job? Without coming across as sounding insensitive or ignorant of each individual situation, our economy will definitely be hurting for quite some time. So if buying a home is a goal or on your radar, I would strongly encourage having an open conversation with your employer about your plans and if they can foresee anything happening to your job security. Once you have had that conversation with your employer and feel confident, ask for a letter of job confirmation so that you can get started on your financing pre-approval process! 

Since we don't know for sure how long this will last, we need to learn how to adapt to market conditions. I would be more than happy to help guide you through the home buying process to see if it is a good time for you to take advantage of the deals that are out there! 

Wow - it has been a while since I last blogged!

And boy, have things changed in this world since. So unless you have been hiding under a rock lately (which wouldn't be the worst thing in the world right now), you are aware of how much of an impact COVID-19 has had on our world and on our lives. It has changed the way we conduct the business of real estate as well.

Currently, there are no open houses being conducted. There are virtual open houses being scheduled online - you, as the buyer, can tune in at a particular time and watch the Realtor conduct a live open house. During this time, they can also answer any questions you may have, just like they would in person. 

Many listings now have virtual tours for you to view the property online. Ready to write an offer? Probably not. But many Listing Realtors will likely ask that buyers view the property online prior to making an appointment to view in person, to limit the amount of exposure these days. As a buyer, you also want to ensure you are financially pre-approved so that you know exactly how much you can afford and can hit the ground running.

Once COVID passes, I think virtual tours and open houses will be incorporated into the business of selling real estate. So we might as well start getting used to it!

So while the way we conduct real estate showings have changed lately, the business of buying and selling real estate is definitely still very much ON! 

With the beginning of September quickly approching (which is personally my favourite month because it is the start of crisp, autumn weather, warm vanilla lattes and my birthday), the Canadian government is also introducing the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive. It helps qualified first-time homebuyers reduce their mortgage, which in turn reduces their monthly mortgage payments and the amount of interest they have to pay on their mortgage. Many first-time homebuyers have asked me on this Incentive in the past few months.

What exactly is the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive? It is an interest-free loan on 5% of the purchase price (of a resale home). For example: if you are purchasing a $500,000, you will receive a $25,000 loan. You will not have to pay interest on this loan for 25 years. That means, you are reducing your mortgage amount by $25,000 - that's pretty awesome, if you ask me!

Who is qualified for the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive? It is available to first-time homebuyers whose annual incomes (combined) is $120,000 or less. Additionally, the first-time homebuyers' mortgage and incentive amount cannot exceed four times than their annual (combined) income. 

For more information on the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, send me a message or give me a call and I would be more than happy to connect you with a mortgage professional to get you started.

With the rise of electric vehicles in BC, the need for charging stations in condos are becoming an increasing priority among homeowners. I was showing some buyers around this weekend and among their concerns was the need for an outlet to charge their electric vehicle. Many strata buildings, especially older ones, are feeling the pressure to install electric charging stations but many stratas lack the cost, time and expertise. 

Then there is the issue on how to charge the electricity costs back to the homeowner. Some condo buildings, such as Princess Gate in Coquitlam, are charging a flat $25 monthly rate to the homeowner but face the issue of having to reassign parking stalls to accomodate these changes. New buildings are being built with the consideration of electric vehicles in mind. 

There is also the risk of strata not allowing you to charge, especially if the homeowner has not requested for permission in advance. I have heard of some savvy some savvy homeowners running extension cables to the nearest electrical outlet, but strata may ask you to refrain from doing so if they deem it a hazard to other residents in the building.

If you have an electric vehicle, or are the 1 out of 2 Canadian planning on buying an electric vehicle as their next car, you may want to consult with your Realtor on electric vehicle parking in your next home! 

For more information, check out this article at The Tri-City News.

Source: The Tri-City News

Buying a home can be a stressful experience for any buyer, regardless of whether you are buying for the first time or for your fifth time. When you are buying your home, you want a Realtor who will guide you through the homebuying process from beginning to end. Oh hi, that is where I come in!

The first step of the homebuying process is to get yourself pre-approved. Go to your local bank or mortgage broker and get pre-approved. That way, you will know how much you can afford. You will also be able to lock in your interest rates for typically a 90-day period while we shop around for your home. Of course, like any Realtor, you want to find a good mortgage broker. Ask me for some awesome mortgage brokers that will answer all your questions and get you started!

Step two. This is where I come in! I will look around for homes that are suitable for you. You will get to view the listings online, you pick out which ones you like and I will pick out ones that I think you will like, then bam - we go and view the homes together. Quite often, I will see a home that has just been listed and ask you if you are available to see it right away so we get in before other do - sometimes, timing is key. 

Lastly, you find a home you like and that is when I get busy! I will prepare the offer, advise and go over the terms and conditions with you step by step and work on getting you the home! 

See, there's nothing to it! All you have to do is find a home you love (and can afford it) and let me do the rest for you! 

Helpful Tip: If you have never purchase a home before, you are eligible for first-time homebuyer's benefits by purchasing a property under $500,000. You will save on the Property Transfer Tax, which is 1% on the first $200,000 of the purchase price and 2% on the balance up to $2,000,000, saving you potentially thousands of dollars. If the home is between $500,000 and $525,000, you will receive a partial refund on the Property Transfer Tax. 

NEXT WEEK - I will discuss the benefits of buying New Home Construction! 

The 2019 Federal Budget was announced yesterday, including incentives for first-time homebuyers that make less than $120,000 in combined household income per year. 

Between the Liberals’ renewed focus on making housing more affordable for Millenials, the NDP’s recently defeated proposed measures to increase supply with 500,000 new affordable units over the next decade, and the Conservatives sympathizing with Canadians about a so-called housing crisis – it’s clear that they’re just as uncertain about the market as Canadian homebuyers are. 

The government is increasing the amount that first-time buyers can withdraw from their RRSPs, from $25,000 per individual to $35,000 — or $70,000 per couple. That limit hasn’t been adjusted for 10 years, despite consistent growth in the housing market.

Prospective buyers who have the minimum down payment for a home can apply to finance between 5 and 10 per cent of their mortgage via a shared equity program administered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The 10 per cent cap applies to newly constructed homes.

Details of these incentives hasn't been released yet, but they are aiming to launch these programs in September 2019 in hopes of making housing more affordable across Canada. 

Find out how much your home is worth in less than five seconds. 

If you ever want a quick estimate on how much your home is worth, simply click on the link below, punch in your address and boom! You have an estimate on the market value of your home.

https://www.remax.ca/home-estimates

I just put in my address and got a pretty accurate value of what my place is worth - or at least what I hope it's worth! All it took was five seconds.

Happy Lunar New Year!

Here are the predictions for your zodiac sign! Do you have some luck coming your way - new house, big moves ahead - let me know!

PIGS:

During the Year of the Pig, Pigs will have some luck – it’s the luck of planning and preparation. This is the time to set your goals, the big goals. Your 10 year goals. Think about what you want down the road, work on putting together a strategy of how to achieve it. Take advantage of this time and this energy to generate the momentum you need to make it happen. This is a gift. Not everyone can say in a given year that they have the opportunity – and the time! – to truly reflect on their dreams with the resources in place to realise them. 

Three resolution stars can help Pigs this year overcome their challenges. Remember though that there is give and take. You can’t gain unless you help out. 

All Pigs are encouraged to be cautious this year. See a dentist and/or your doctor for a checkup in the next couple of weeks for bloodwork. Be safe and pay attention to your surroundings because it won’t matter how promising your plans are if you aren’t healthy enough to see them through. 

1947 Pigs could be very active this year, with a lot on the go. It’s important to manage your energy, stay healthy, and watch what you eat. 

1959 Pigs should be mindful of competitive adversaries at work. Don’t cut corners. Do not cheat. Keep everything on the up and up and focus on the details. Work at your own pace instead of rushing on someone else’s timetable. If your parents are no longer with you, plan a big 60th birthday celebration. Otherwise a low key celebration with friends and family is recommended. 

1983 Pigs may want to keep a low profile this year and remain humble. You don’t need to be front and centre. You don’t want to be a heatscore. Hang back, stay locked into your goals. 

There may be romantic challenges for Pigs during the Year of the Pig so to avoid conflict, show your appreciation. Try not to be so stubborn and compromise when you can. Sometimes pushing for a petty win can result in a major loss. Small provocations and overreactions can sacrifice a family. 

In April and May, be vigilant about your personal safety. 

In May and June, you should avoid conflict. Don’t fuel a fight. It could turn into a fire. Maximum the power of those resolution stars. 

In August and September, Pigs may want to focus on health – get more sleep, exercise, be good to your body and mind. 

In November and December, be careful driving and avoid high risk activities. There is an injury alert. 

Pigs may feel that this is an unpredictable year. There could be some highs and lows, finding balance is the key to future success. Side hustle gains look promising though so stay focused on those big

Typically, when it’s “your” year, it doesn’t mean that it’s the best year. Think of it like the sun in photographs. You don’t always get the best light when the sun is directly over you. Sometimes the best light happens when the light is coming at you from an angle.    

DOGS:

Dogs could have opportunity to meet new people this year, solidly increasing romantic prospects. It’s a good year for marriage and the best times for a wedding are June 6 – July 7 and December 7 – January 5, 2020. If you are a single Dog, this year is go time. Get out there and meet someone. If you are a coupled Dog, celebrate your anniversary. Honour your relationship. 

1958 Dogs should be open to new friendships but be careful not to rush into decisions, don’t make hasty choices that become permanent. 

1970 Dogs may be helped by a benefactor who will elevate and promote you. But you must not take this person for granted. 

1982 Dogs are the luckiest of all Dogs this year but there will be a lot of temptation. Do not bring that drama into your life. 

1994 Dogs could see career advancement and success in their side hustles. Study more, learn new things, enroll in classes, dedicate yourself to improvement. It may pay off in future cycles.

What all Dogs should remember this year – and this is the most critical piece: learn how to say no. 

In February and March, there’s a swindle alert and legal issues might present themselves. You should not let your enthusiasm cloud your reason.

In April and May, be mindful of your money, especially among friends. Remember the part about “saying no”. This may come into play.

In June and July, you may want to control your impulses, particularly around food and drink. Take care of your body. This is not a time for excess. 

Learning how to say no means knowing your limits and it’s one way to find balance. Feng shui is all about balance. 

ROOSTERS:

Roosters, because of their relentless pace, have some confidence issues. Which is why Roosters must be careful this year. It’s more important than ever to pay attention to the details. There’s a Chinese saying that roughly translates to “it’s only a step between heaven and hell” so keep your eyes open and stay focused. Don’t get so busy that you miss the right path. And if you do find yourself overwhelmed, remember your hobbies, old and new. You may find that you are more interested than ever in reading and or cooking. Spend time on these activities. They will relax and recharge you.  

1969 Roosters may encounter competition at work this year. Don’t run yourself down and watch for cuts. Spend time with family and friends on your birthday. 

1981 Roosters could be helped by benefactors. Do not refuse help. It may not be extended in the future if you turn it down. 

1993 Roosters are advised to be more humble and extra cautious. Reduce high risk activities, keep your eyes open, and stay alert.  

2005 Roosters may require additional parental supervision. There’s a wayward alert due to bad influences. 

Romance for all Roosters this year is a possibility. And it might happen when you least expect and when you’re not looking. 

Mental health must be a priority for Roosters because it’s going to be so busy. Reduce stress every chance you get and resist the urge to be alone. Don’t hide or lock yourself away. You may find that when you engage and share, solutions will present themselves. Change is afoot for the Rooster. It’s going to happen, there’s no avoiding it. Go where the change takes you. 

In February and March, see the doctor for a checkup and bloodwork.

In March and April, even though you want to do, you may not be able to help when asked. Because you don’t have luck to give away this year. Of course you want to be of assistance to others. But your true value this year might be not providing it yourself but connecting the person who needs it to someone else. 

In May and June, be mindful of injuries. When we get busy, we get careless. Carelessness can have serious consequences for Roosters, especially this year. 

For Roosters, this is not a year to be aggressive. Go time will happen but it’s just not now. Keep a low profile and this in mind: you are your own battery. Which, sure, can be scary. Because you can only depend on you. But also? It’s exciting. Because you can be your own boost. Think of this year as a charging year. You are generating your own power so that you can spend it when you’re ready. 

MONKEYS:

There are four stars protecting the Monkey this year and a young Monkey might see the beginning of career and financial advancement. But two dark stars will hover and they could bring on legal issues. Be mindful of this when you seek the spotlight. Monkeys want their shine this year, and freedom too. And Monkeys will have more than enough opportunities presented to them. Consider carefully the options that are right for you. Don’t force through what you think you want over and above what’s reasonable. Pushing for things will only make them more elusive. For Monkeys, it’s a good idea during the Year of the Pig if you are spiritual to reconnect with your faith. If you are not spiritual, taking time to clear your mind and meditating, spending time in community and volunteering will help too. The problems that have been vexing you should resolve.     

1956 Monkeys should prioritise health and avoid overextending themselves. 

1968 Monkeys may find they have a lot of extra energy this year and you’ll want to do it all. Mind your finances though. Don’t overspend. 

1992 Monkeys are advised to celebrate their birthdays. Doesn’t have to be a blowout, but have your family and friends around you, surround yourself with love and support. 

2004 Monkeys could experience a renewed interest in their studies but should be careful making friends. Spending time with the wrong people could derail your goals. 

Relationships could be volatile for Monkeys this year. There’s a fight risk. There may be a lot of tension. 

Minor legal skirmishes might affect your mental health. Try to reduce stress as much as possible – stay fit, hit the gym, rest, relax, take care of your body and your mind. 

Sometimes, in some years, ambition and luck don’t match up. This year though, for Monkeys, ambition is good. You can go for it but only after you assess all your options, think things through thoroughly. 
Ambition is one thing but you still have to be prepared. 

In February and March, look out for those new opportunities but do not rush and do not be greedy. 

In June and July, pay attention to the signals your body is sending you as small health matters might mean you’ll have to spend some money to take care of them. Kick back as much as you can. 

Fitness and spirituality are key to Monkey luck this year. Keep your body strong, be kind to your mind, and feed your soul. 

GOATS:

Three lucky stars are working against two dark stars this year for the Goat who may enjoy power, career and financial success but things might also move too quickly, happen too fast which could lead to the Goat losing focus. The Goat must stay on track this year and not get distracted. Because good luck can attract usurpers. There’s a backstabber alert. People will try to get close to you and you are advised not to trust too easily. Because people could be a problem for the Goat in the Year of the Pig. Some will frustrate you. Some will be jealous of you. So as you’re riding the upswing, try not to flash and flex too hard – attention will only make you a bigger target. The key is being humble. 

1943 Goats should be mindful of health and avoid getting mixed up in other people’s drama. 

1955 Goats could be presented with many new opportunities. It may be a good idea to teach. 

1967 Goats may see financial gains but there might also be pressure at work. Exercise often and find balance. 

1979 Goats could experience a competitive year. You are always up for the challenge but be cautious of petty people. And also look out for the health of your family members. Celebrate your birthday. Not a big party but make sure you observe it with family and or friends. 

Relationships and romance seem to be stable for all Goats this year but if you are dating, don’t let a third party ruin a developing situation. That doesn’t necessarily mean there’s infidelity involved either. It could also be mouthy people jamming themselves into your business. 

Female Goats should be mindful of their mental health. Northwest is a better direction for you this year. Head there for respite. Avoid Southwest and Northeast.

All Goats are advised to check their anger – don’t lose your temper and stay away from conflict. Conflict is a luck repeller. 

In May and June there’s the possibility of conflict with a business partner. Stay calm and avoid drama.

In June and July you should consider resting more. There’s a higher risk of cuts and injury. 

In November and December, a petty person might cause trouble. You’re doing well, so don’t give them their space. Otherwise they will steal your luck and it’ll have an impact on your finances next January and February so keep your eyes open for this luck usurper and steer clear. 

HORSES:

There’s a kindness star that’s guiding the Horse during the Year of the Pig. That kindness star reacts to your own kindness so the Horse is encouraged to give back to others. It will make the star even brighter as it lights your path. As the Horse gets brighter though, potentially attracting more money, it can also draw the negative kind of attention. And temptation. Horses must be careful to not be lured. It’s slippery out there, especially for winter-born Horses. Be very careful driving. 

1966 Horses will be busy at work. Remember to rest and find balance. 

1978 Horses could encounter professional competition. Take things step by step. Do not rush through your work. Male Horses born this year may have a hurdle to cross. Celebrate birthdays and anniversaries – don’t go all out but make sure you’re around people who love you. 

1990 Horses might have benefactors supporting them, adding to their shine. Be grateful to the ones who help you. 

All Horses, again, should be mindful of temptation. Do not let distractions affect your relationships. It could wash out your luck. September and next February are ideal times to get married. Horses born in fall and winter should watch what they eat. Feed your body with good things. 

In February and March you may have challenges in your friendships and other personal relationships. Be clear with your boundaries and stick to your decisions. 

In March and April, it’s a good time to party, celebrate. Be around festiveness. 

In August and December, if you are going abroad, you are advised to be vigilant about personal safety. Drive carefully, whether it’s at home or when you’re travelling. Rest more than you think you need. Reduce stress.  

Between December 7 and January 5 in particular, especially if you are a winter-born Horse, observe extra caution when you are travelling and, if possible, keep your home very, very clean. 

All Horses should see a doctor at the beginning of the year for routine checkups and bloodwork and don’t forget about that kindness star. When you help others, you help yourself. 

SNAKES:

For the Snake during the Year of the Pig, everything is unpredictable. This might make you anxious and you’ll also be kept busy by the winged horse that wants to keep moving. So you may want to be open to changes, to shake up your luck. Change can redirect luck and it could mean a career move or a physical move or a major redirection in perspective. The point is – Snakes, especially Snakes born in the summer, should lean into their best asset: adaptability. 

It is recommended that Snakes stay healthy this year, mentally and physically. Exercise whenever you can. This is the priority. Because there are four dark stars that could mess with your thoughts, your clarity, and it could be difficult to make decisions, especially when it rains, since this is a water year and too much water will drown out your luck. Get out in the sun whenever you can. Watch for cuts and minor injuries. You may want to prepare for a dilemma. 

1953 Snakes must be really good to their bodies and their minds. Rest, meditate, relax, sleep. Reduce as much stress as you can. 

1977 Snakes will be non-stop during the Year of the Pig. SO busy, so much going on. You’ll want to do it all. But stay focused, do not be easily distracted. Make safety a priority or you may get hurt if you’re not paying attention. 

1989 Snakes should be extra careful driving. Put your head down and get to work, work out, stay fit. And when you encounter obstacles, don’t hide but rather share with others, talk through and vent your frustrations. Don’t try to conquer them alone. 

There could be romance and relationship changes for all Snakes this year. Try not to force things or make major commitments. Otherwise, you may risk temptation. 

In March and April, Snakes may feel lonely and low. Listen to your body and rest, even if it means missed opportunities. Don’t stress about not taking them. 

Through the second half of the year, August, September, and October especially, keep an eye on legal matters and contracts. If you get a speeding ticket, or are assessed a minor infraction, let it go. The small inconveniences may block the bigger ones. 

At the beginning of the year, see the doctor, get your bloodwork done, give back to others, and if you are spiritual, reconnect with your faith. Donations are a very good idea this year, especially before February 2020. All Snakes should be vigilant in the car. And be mindful of internal health – bladders, intestines, etc. 

For Snakes, this is a year to harvest, not a year to hit the accelerator. Sometimes it’s best to secure the foundation, to take the foot off the gas and conserve. Go time can’t happen every year and you can’t have go time without prep time. So even though this may not be the year to be aggressive, look at this year as a recharge so that you’ll be ready for full blast once your luck is on the rise. 

DRAGONS:

Dragons are all about the extremes – when they’re lucky, they’re luckier than any other sign; when they’re unlucky, they’re unluckier than any other sign. Last year the Dragon was on a low swing and was cautioned to conserve and harvest, banking for future reward. If the Dragon was responsible about its luck last year, well, this year is the payoff. Big payoff. The Dragon is the luckiest sign during the Year of the Pig. 

Two lucky stars oversee the Dragon this year which means financial stability and career improvements are possible. That said, arrogance can often push away good luck. Do not take things for granted. Do not lose focus of the details and the fine points. Be careful on legal matters, like contracts and other deals. Strengthen your foundation. The Dragon may be lucky but some things are out of their control. Be extra cautious of the weather, natural disaster warnings, and random acts of violence. 

1964 Dragons may experience smooth cash flow during the Year of the Pig – cash could be coming in from the front door and from the side door, perhaps a side hustle? 

1988 Dragons could have a very active, almost overwhelmingly busy social life this year. Take things step by step and don’t overschedule.  

For all Dragons, a wedding is a good idea during the Year of the Pig. Dragons marrying this year have a better chance at a long-lasting successful marriage. There’s also the potential of an unexpected pregnancy. 

Fall born Dragons should watch their internal health, paying close attention to bladder and intestines. 

In February and March, be cautious about safety and injury. 

In March and April, there could be friction with a business partner. Avoid drama. Don’t pursue conflicts. Rest and relax instead. Let things go because otherwise, the tensions will push the money away....

Over the years, I have seen many Chinese buyers book a showing and pass by the house without even stepping foot inside. If the house has bad feng shui outside, they wouldn't even bother seeing the home. What then, makes a home have good feng shui?

Location, Neighborhood and Plot Placement

Strong Front Door

Door Alignment

Main Entrance

Chinese New Year is coming up on Tuesday, February 5th.2019 is the Year of the Pig.

In anticipation of Chinese New Year, here are some tips on how you can prepare.

House-Cleaning

Beginning on January 28 2019, Chinese people carry out a thorough ‘winter-cleaning’ of their houses. This is called "sweeping away the dust", and represents a wish to put away old things, bid farewell to the old year, and welcome in the New Year.

New Year Shopping

Before New Year’s Eve, people buy New Year’s food and snacks, New Year’s decorations, and New Year’s clothes. Chinese New Year in China, like Christmas, is a boom time for shopping.

Chinese people may be thrifty most of the time, but they seem to spend generously during their traditional festivals. For example, they buy everyone new clothes for the festival, whether they need them or not. On the days leading up to the festival, there are many New Year’s street markets.

New Year's Eve  (Feb. 4, 2019)

Putting Up New Year Decorations

Although some people decorate their houses several days before the festival, most people do it on New Year's Eve. Houses are decorated with red lanterns and New Year’s paintings. 

Puting up those decorations are thought to keep evil away and pray for blessing, longevity, health, and peace. 2019 is the Year of the Pig, so pig images will appear on decorations. 

Offering Sacrifices to Ancestors

Offering sacrifices to ancestors shows respect. In addition, ancestral spirits are believed to protect their descendants and help them become prosperous.

Many worship on New Year's Eve, before the reunion dinner, to show that they are letting their ancestors "eat" first. Offerings of meat and wine are placed in front of the shrine/grave.

Enjoying a Reunion Dinner

Chinese try very hard to make this family event, often traveling long distances. 

Big families including several generations sit at round tables and enjoy the food and time together. Dishes with lucky meanings must be included in the dinner such as fish, dumplings, niangao (sticky rice cake),and spring rolls. 

Giving Red Envelopes (Lucky Money) to Kids

Parents usually give their children red envelopes after the reunion dinner, wishing them health, growth, and good studies in the coming year. Money in red envelopes is believed to bring good luck, as red is China's lucky color, so it's called lucky money.

Staying Up Late

In the past, Chinese people used to stay up all night, but now most stay up only until the midnight firecrackers and fireworks die down.

Chinese New Year's Day (Feb. 5, 2019)

Chinese people believe that what they do on the first day of the lunar year will affect their luck during that year.

Putting on New Clothes and Extending New Year Greetings

On the first day of New Year, Chinese people put on new clothes, and say "gongxi" (恭喜/gong-sshee/literally ‘respectful joy’, meaning ‘greetings’ or ‘best wishes’), wishing each other good luck and happiness in the New Year. It is customary for the younger generation to visit their elders, and wish them health and longevity.

Watching Lion and Dragon Dances

Lion and dragon dances are also seen on New Year's Day.

Visiting Family

Children often visit their family in the week following Chinese New Year, especially their elders to pay respect.

All homeowners are required to fill out their declaration of exemption of the speculation tax by March 31, 2019. 

I just received mine in the mail today and did it online right away at gov.bc.ca/spectax - it's super easy!

You will need your SIN and codes from the letter when declaring your exemption online, so make sure you have your letter in hand when declaring it online.

If you have multiple homeowners on title of the property, each person needs to declare separately.

Let me know if you have any questions on how this affects you. 

"Where Do I Move Next?"

It is a recurring question homeowners have been asking me for the past couple of weeks. They love their home, they love their neighbourhood, but there is always just one little thing they would change. More space is a common answer. Othertimes, they simply want to move out of their complex for a change of scenery. 

With the average residential housing prices expected to drop over the next year, now is your opportunity to move up.

Detached housing prices have been dropping steadily for a while now. When you factor in your monthly payments for the average townhouse in the Lower Mainland, including your mortgage payment, strata fees, and any special levies/assessments, you may find it worthwhile to invest in an older, detached house with your own dirt. Now here's a bonus - if you get a house with a secondary suite or the potential to be converted to a secondary suite to use as an additional mortgage helper, your tenants can contribute a hefty chunk to your mortgage payments (you can't get that with a townhouse!) 

Same goes for a condo - if you're looking for more space, now is your chance to move up into a townhome while prices for condos are still higher!

Call me for a complimentary market evaluation on your home so we can discuss your real estate goals. 

JUST SOLD!

2640 Venables Street, Vancouver

I have been wearing the biggest smile all week! I'm so happy to have helped find the most perfect, forever home for my clients Fran & Tim. After months of looking at mostly fixer uppers in East Vancouver and even branching into New West, this gem of a home came knocking. We went into multiple offers on Monday night and my buyers were able to secure the home that same night. While we were expecting to find something to fix up, this beauty came fully renovated in the neighbourhood they love - nothing to do but move in. And here is a first - we were even able to negotiate the kitty cat into the offer (update: all jokes aside, the cat won't be staying, they have enough dogs!). Nothing makes me happier than finding the perfect home for my clients.

Over the past week, I have been doorknocking on townhouses and bareland strata properties in Port Coquitlam. I have spoken to local residents, many of whom have lived here for decades. Others have lived here for a few years or have just moved in over the past year. Whether they just moved in last week or have been here longer than I have been alive, the underlying message was that they all love it here. 

I agree.

My family moved here from West Vancouver when I was a year old, so I can proudly say that I am a native of Port Coquitlam. I grew up in Citadel; I went to school at Castle Park Elementary (starting in grade 1 when it first opened) then Citadel Middle and eventually Riverside Secondary. I love my neighbourhood. I still live in Port Coquitlam. I live five minutes away from my parents and all my high school friends still live close by. 

Many of the features that I loved about Port Coquitlam growing up are the reasons why I decided to make it my home into my adult years. I love that I am a stone's throw from the parks and trails. I love to run, so it is so easy for me to get onto the Coquitlam River trail where I can train for my upcoming marathon later this year. 

When I am not working or going far, I try to walk as much as I can. The shops along the downtown stretch of Port Coquitlam are within 10 minutes of my home. There's Donald's Market and Safeway down the street, also Starbucks and Waves if I want to get some coffee. My favourite sushi place (Asahi Sushi) is down the street and so is Poco Chinese Restaurant. If I want to get my hair done, I go to In a Wink Boutique and the girls are fantastic there.

By summer 2021, the 205,000-square-foot Port Coquitlam Community Centre will include a leisure pool, three ice sheets, library, multi-use spaces, games room and lounge, café, gym, fitness centre, outdoor plaza and more. 

❤

Jade's Faves in Port Coquitlam (best of all, they are all so close!)

Fave Restaurant: Izba Bistro 

Fave Chinese: Poco Chinese Restaurant

Fave Dim Sum: Eastern Pearl Seafood Restaurant

Fave Thai: Tip Thai

Fave Sushi: Asahi Sushi

Fave Pizza: San Remo Pizza

Fave Bar: The Cat & Fiddle (especially on Wednesday Wing Night!) 

Fave Breakfast: The Big Flat Pancake

Fave Bakery: European Bakery

Fave Spa: In A Wink Boutique

Fave Gym: Gold's Gym

Fave Shop to Browse: Art Knapp

Fave Home Repair Store: Home Depot 

Fave Coffee Shop: Tim Hortons

Fave Bank: TD Canada Trust

Fave Auto Repair Shop: Kirmac Collision & Autoglass

Fave Grocery Store: Donald's Market... or Costco 

While most of us are pretty giddy with anticipation on the new and exciting possibilities that 2019 may bring us, let me take a quick moment to recap on the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Market in 2018. 

According to the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, sales in 2018 had dropped just over 30% since the previous year. It had been the slowest year according to number of sales since 2000, with 24,619 sales of detached and attached properties listed on the Multiple Listing Service, compared to 35,993 sales in 2017. There were 53,614 homes listed in 2018. 

High home prices, rising interest rates, new mortgage requirements and changes to taxes all contributed to this changing market, which has shifted into a buyers' market away from a sellers' market from the previous few years.

The average sale price across detached and attached properties had increased by 2% in 2018. In 2018, the price of detached homes dropped 7.8%. Townhomes increased 1.3% on a one-year average, but dropped 5.3% in the last six months since June. Condo prices also went up by 0.6% but dropped 6.4% in the last six months. In 2019, the average sale price is expected to decline by an average of 3% across Greater Vancouver. 

There have been many new construction projects in recent years, with many projects completing soon providing more housing options for homebuyers. With a changing market in Greater Vancouver, it is a great time to invest in property - give me a call to view listings in your area!