Helen Gambling -Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge Realtor " A SURE BET "

2011-12-02T14:35:00.002-08:00

It's that time of year again! The 17th Realtor's Care Blanket Drive is on November 28th to December 5th, 2011! Please drop off at any local participating real estate office in Pitt Meadows or Maple Ridge, any warm coats, blankets, sleeping bags, hats, gloves, sock or new toiletries. These items will be disbursed through out the community to those in need, no items are for resale purposes. Thanks...

2011-04-12T14:35:00.002-07:00

Exciting news, I'm now located at our new branch office located in Pitt Meadows and look forward to being able to serve my clients at anyone of our convenient locations in either Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows or Langley office! Come by and check out our new office and say hello! Located at Unit#2 19126 Ford Rd, Pitt Meadows.

2011-01-04T10:49:00.004-08:00

A RECORD SET & A BIG THANKS to all of you that made donations to the 16th Annual Realtor's Care Blanket Drive that took place November 26th to December 6th, 2010 ! A record total collected of 5000 bags of blankets, warm jackets & clothing donated throughout the Greater Vancouver & Fraser Valley areas, these donations should help an estimated 20,000 folks in need ! Awesome!

2011-01-04T10:42:00.002-08:00

Some exciting news, our office is expanding , in early February, a branch office will be opening in Pitt Meadows and our office has also recently acquired a Re/max office in the Walnut Grove area in Langley! So we will have 3 offices , our current office in Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and Langley, a great benefit for us to serve our clients at anyone of the 3 locations for their convenience! But not to confuse our clientswith different office names for the 3 locations, our office is going to change it's name from Re/max ridge meadows to Re/max LifeStyles Realty, to encompass all 3 offices, this change is planned for early February. Look for announcements in our local papers and my next newsletter!

2010-01-28T15:50:00.002-08:00

HST is coming to BC... Are you ready? The provincial and federal governments will combine 7% provincial sales tax (PST) and the 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) into a 12% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on July 1, 2010. Confused yet?? As a rule of thumb , the GST rules that now apply to residential property will also apply under the HST.

Buying either new or a resale home
The 12% HST will be charged on a range of goods and services including:

home renovations
energy efficient appliances, insulation, windows and doors
heating and electricity bills, telephone, cable
closing costs such as appraisals and inspections
moving costs and
real estate fees or commissions

The HST applies to new home purchases . It does not apply to resale homes. For further information check out online resources at www.cra.gc.ca/harmonization .

2009-06-17T09:44:00.002-07:00

I must say after living in Pitt Meadows /Maple Ridge for 29 years, I'm thrilled that the Golden Ears Bridge is finally a reality! My husband has been commuting to North Surrey for 17 years , took his first trip over the bridge to work on Tuesday the 16th, and it has cut his commute from 50 minutes or more if any accidents, down to 25 minutes! Hooray! Now just waiting for the finale, the opening of the new Pitt River Bridge!

2009-05-07T13:18:00.002-07:00

Home Inspectors must be licensed in BC....
As of March 31, 2009, home inspectors in British Columbia are required to be licensed by the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority ( BPCPA). Consumers can check the BPCPA website www.bpcpa.ca to find a licensed home inspector. Consumers should ask to see the inspectors license before signing a contract for a home inspection, or contact BPCPA with any inquiries or complaints at 1-888-564-9963.

2009-01-26T10:52:00.002-08:00

2008 proved to be an interesting year for many in the market place, the year started off reasonably well, gains in real estate prices continued in to May, but then we started to see the tides begin to change. The summer market which typically does slow down, started to lose momentum, and from there we were heading into a price correction in the market place. There always has been a price correction through any real estate cycle. But what was unexpected was the global financial crunch we all experienced and that had a further impact on the markets! It undermined , and placed fear into the average consumer, and they began to pull back on any large purchases such as homes, vehicles, furniture, appliances and so on!
It shows how quickly tides can change, but there is something always positive about a changing market, it gives opportunity to many more buyers to purchase, an opportunity that may not have been there last year. I've noticed that there are still many buyers out there, that wish to buy a home, but are taking their time, because they have choice and continue to monitor prices. If you're looking to purchase a home to live in, as a long term investment, now is the time to look and buy, with mortgage rates so attractive, an abundance of inventory and already adjusted prices, why not! If you've bought already for the long term, you'll ride out any further correction. When the markets bounce back, historically they've always rebounded higher than the last cycle. Having been in the real estate business for almost 16 years, I've experienced the correction of the 90's, and the markets may slow down but homes continue to sell, it may take longer, and the seller's have to be more patient and competitive on their pricing.
If you're looking to sell right now and repurchase in this market place, it's all relative, you may sell for less than you would have last year, but you're buying for less! Many of the longer term homeowners have made great equity gains over recent years, which gives them the opportunity to make a move, if so desired. This is the time to consider buying as opposed to waiting till everyone else starts to feel confident in buying, when the prices would be going up again, and product choice would start to diminish. I not only speak as real estate agent but as a long term homeowner ( 29 years) that has owned through one of the worst real estate cycles in the 80's and then again through the 90's and have still seen a great equity gain in my own home!
When you're ready to buy or sell, take the time to do your homework, get all your ducks in a row, and then determine is this now the right time for me. Speak with a real estate agent, and speak to your lender, ask the questions that need to be asked and then decide! Feel free to give me a call!

2009-01-26T10:49:00.002-08:00

Happy New Year to all! Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009! I wish to thank all my clients, friends and family with their continuing support and confidence in my services and of the many referrals that I received from you! I always look forward to serving you in the future. Any referral never goes unappreciated, I value the success of my business and continue to strive to have long-term happy and satisfied clients!

2008-11-21T11:26:00.002-08:00

Realtor's Care Annual Blanket Drive November 24th to December 1st! Help those in need for a little extra warmth at this time of year!

If you have any clean , warm blankets, sleeping bags, coats , jackets, clothing, new toiletries or food to donate, please give me a call and I"d be happy to arrange to pick-up. All donations go to the 'Friends in Need Foodbank' and also shared and dispersed to the Salvaton Army, the women's shelter, Christmas Hamper Society, and the homeless, nothing is for resale. So clean out your closets and give me a call, every little bit helps.

Thanks

Helen Gambling
604-230-7311 or
helengambling@telus.net

2008-11-10T12:41:00.002-08:00

Realtor's Care Annual Blanket Drive November 24th to December 1, 2008

Once again the time is approaching to donate and keep the less fortunate warm and comfortable through the winter season! If you have any clean ,warm blankets, jackets or coats, clothing, new underwear and toiletries to donate, please give me a call to arrange pick-up. These items will be donated to the local charities , no items will be for resale! Local charities such as 'Friends in Need' foodbank, Salvation Army, Christmas Hamper Society, and Women's shelter will receive the benefits of these donations. Please help, clean out those closets, and give me a call, Helen Gambling at 604-230-7311, or you can drop off at any of the participating real estate offices in Maple Ridge.

2008-11-10T12:28:00.002-08:00

Certainty for BC Property Owners
Released by Kevin Kruger ( November 7, 2008)
Minister of Small Business and Revenue (British Columbia)

'On November 1, 2008, Premier Gordon Campbell announced that effective immediately and for 2009 only, assessments will be maintained for all property classes at their July 1, 2007 levels. New construction that takes place in 2008 will be assessed at a value as if it existed July 1, 2007.
As legislated under the Assessment Act, property assessments are based on market values as of the annual July 1 valuation date. The appraisal work and analysis is done by BC Assessment Authority over a long period of time each year, with the annual assessment roll finalized in December and notices mailed to property owners in January.
To ensure B.C.'s continued competitiveness, and to provide support for businesses and individuals in this challenging economic enviroment, the B.C. government is taking a number of other immediate steps to help keep B.C.'s economy strong.
One of these steps is a new property tax deferrment program. The program will allow people to defer their property tax payment for each of the next two years. To qualify, the owner must have at least 15 per cent equity in their home and be experiencing fnancial difficulties due to the current economic climate.
Homeowners will not have to pay the deferred taxes until they sell their homes, but can pay the Province back earlier if they choose. This will help homeowners who might otherwise have to try to qualify for a home equity loan during the current credit crunch. This provision is in addition to the current program, which benefits homeowners who are 55 years of age or older.'

2008-08-27T16:55:00.002-07:00

Why as a buyer or seller, do I need to show my realtor identification?
New federal regulations , FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada) June 23 , 2008
Real esate agents are now required to ask for proof of the identity of all buyers or sellers involved in a Canadian real estate transaction. If the client is a corporation, that information must include corporate documentation, and the names of the corporation directors. They must also ascertain if a third party is involved in the transaction. This also applies if a buyer or seller involved in a transaction is not represented by a real esate agent, but the other individual is represented. Those buying or selling privately will be asked by the agent representing the other party involved in the transaction to provide proof of identity as well, and that record must be kept by the real estate agent involved in the transaction.
Also under the new FINTRAC regulations, real estate agents dealing with clients they never meet must also verify personal information. The broker office involved can do this with a service agreement with an agent or mandatary in the area where the client is located. That agent or mandatary must then meet the client, verify the identification of the client, and provide the information to the broker office actually handling the real estate transaction.
In addition to verification of personal information, real estate agents must also complete a report on the receipt of all funds received during the real estate transaction, not just those of $10,000 or more. For more information visit www.fintrac.gc.ca or toll free 1-866-346-8722
Source Canadian Real Estate Association

2008-04-21T13:11:00.002-07:00

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver ( REBGV) reports that while there are fewer housing sales in March 2008 compared to last year, residential prices continued to climb.
"The market is continuing to balance, with sales and listings beginning to rel-align with our 10 year averages," say REBGV president, Dave Watt. " The selectin of inventory hitting the market is wider than we have seen in the past few years, which gives prospective buyers more choices."

The Real Estate industry is a key economic driver in BC. In 2007, 38,050 homes changed hands in the Board's area generating $1.065 billion in spin-offs.

2008-02-11T21:21:00.000-08:00

Why you should order your own credit report.....If you're thinking of buying a home, it can take one derogatory item to create an obstacle to getting a mortgage or getting the lowest rate. You may want to check your credit report before you shop for a new home. You will then have the opportunity to deal with any unexpected issues. If you discover an error, you can inform the credit bureau immediately, they are required by law to promptly make the correction.
If you're late on payments you can write a letter of explanation to the credit bureau telling your side of the story, this would accompany the credit information that may go to your lender. Most lenders will accept a reasonable explanation for late payments such as illness, job loss, military service etc.
To get your credit report there are three major credit bureaus in North America.

Equifax ( www.equifax.com)
Trans Union ( www.transunion.com)
Experian ( www.experian.com)

All have websites that allow you to order your credit report for a reasonable fee, but not all companies report credit information to all three bureaus, you may want to order all three credit reports.

2007-12-28T12:31:00.000-08:00

A Big Thanks to those that made contributions to the Annual Realtor's Care Blanket Drive!

It was a wonderful success with more than 4200 bags of clothing and and blankets collected in the Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, and Chilliwack areas. Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows area collected over 170 bags, that was distributed to the local Friends in Need Food Bank , Ironhorse Youth Safehouse, the Outreach program, Hanna House Women's Recovery Centre and the Salvation Army 'Caring Place'. It helped many individuals and families!

2007-11-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

GST Cut !!!!

Well, the Harper government followed thru with their promise to reduce the GST. and did, to 5 per cent, which is effective January 1, 2008 . This is good news for home buyers and owners, it helps those in purchasing new homes and those who are considering home renovations, and consumers making household purchases.

This reduction will apply to homebuyers who purchase after October 30th and take possession after January 1, 2008. Anyone who purchased before October 30th and takes possessions after January 1, 2008 will be able to apply to Canada Revenue Agency for a transitional rebate that relfects the reduction to 5 per cent.

This combined reduction in the GST from 7 per cent to 5 per cent will mean savings of $3,840 on the purchase of a new home priced at $300,000. Together with the existing new housing rebate, the 5 per cent GST rate will restore the effective rate of federal sales tax on new homes to the level that applied before the introduction of GST in 1991.

Harper said the GST reduction will also help to encourage private investment in new rental housing which is needed to increase the supply of rental units that people can afford.

Source: CHBA Canadian Home Builder's Association

2007-06-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

All information in this blog is from sources believed reliable, but should not be relied on without verification. No responsibility is assumed for its accuracy.

2007-06-11T16:38:00.000-07:00

If you can't pay! Defer your taxes at age 55!

Property owner who turn 55 years old anytime in 2007 or are older, may be eligible to defer all or part of their property taxes thanks to the BC Property Tax Deferment program. Until this year the age for deferral was 60 years. Currently more than 11,000 British Columbians defer their property taxes.

The BC Government pays all property taxes including municipal and taxes collected by the municipality for the GVRD and the school district. Deferred taxes are eventually deducted from the home's value when it is sold.

Interest on deferment accounts is not compounded and is charged at a rate not greater than two per cent below the bank prime rate. Based on current rates, this means that a tax bill of $1,500 will cost the homeowner $60 a year in interest.

To qualify, a home owner must be:

55 years of age or older, or
a surviving spouse of an eligible owner; and/or
a person with a disability; and
a Canadian citizen or permanent resident under the Immigration Act ( Canada) who has lived in BC for at least one year before applying.

Home owners must maintain:

a minimum equity of 25 per cent of the assessed value; and
a fire insurane policy

Home owners can't defer utility charges ( sewer, water, recycling, garbage), penalites, interest or user fees.

Source GVREB ( Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board)

2007-04-26T13:35:00.000-07:00

Buyers only need 20% downpayment for Conventional Mortgage Home Financing- Amendment to the Bank Act!

The Bank Act was recently amended to allow banks to move from 75% to 80% maximum loan to value without requiring mortgage default insurance.
20% down now qualifies as Conventional Financing.............No CMHC or GE premiums
This good news for buyers!

2007-04-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

Is this the year ???

As we're being reminded of the potential for a possible flood this year, you can check out for updates for Pitt Meadows at www.pittmeadow.bc.ca . As for Maple Ridge, not seeing anything on their website yet !Let's hope this won't happen, but be prepared uncase! Check out the website for the Provincial Emergency Program at www.pep.bc.ca. lots of useful information incase of a disaster.

2007-03-19T17:01:00.000-07:00

What do you want to know.....???

I 'm always curious to hear what interests my clients and the general publice when it comes to real estate! Is there something you would like to hear more about, need some information, let me know, and I"ll do my best to address those questions, topics or concerns. Love to hear from you !!

2007-03-06T16:50:00.000-08:00

Thinking of selling your own home? You can sell your own home without the services of a real estate agent, but selling a home is a complex process.

What is the best possible price?
Where do you find a buyer?
What facts must you disclose?
What paperwork is required?
Will the contract be legal and binding?
How is ownership transferred?
What about the existing mortgage?
Can the buyer qualify for a mortgage?
Who ensures you will get your money?

These are just some of the problems and possibly many other situations that can arise when you are selling, which is why most sellers employ a real estate professional to act as your agent. An agent represents someone else, called the principal, in dealing with other people. The agent becomes a 'substitute' for the principal. This relationship between principal and an agent is called an AGENCY relationship. People often use the services of an agent to accomplish what they do not have the ability, time or desire to do themselves.

If you decide to employ someone to help you sell your home, that person becomes an AGENT for the sale of that specific property. It is important to understand that in BC, the person you hire as an agent to assist you to sell your home, must be licensed as either a real estate salesperson or real estate agent. A real estate salesperson must be employed by a real estate agent and both must be licensed. The term 'agent' in its general sense, will be correctly used to refer to both types of real estate licensees.

Once you have listed your property for sale, the listing agent has a legal duty to protect and promote your best interests at all times. He or she owes you-the principal- his or her undivided loyalty and must disclose to you any and all information, obtained from any source, which might influence your decision. Further, he or she may not reveal any confidential information to another person which might jeopardize your bargaining posistion.

2007-03-05T11:34:00.000-08:00

Two decades of the PTT(Property Transfer Tax)

It's been 20 years since the BC government, without consultation or even a warning, introduced the Property Purchase Tax. The tax, charged on transactions registered at the Land Title Office at a rate of one per cent of the first $200,000 of fair market value and two per cent on the remainder, generated $140 million the first year it was levied.

In the two decades since, the tax, now called the Property Transfer Tax ( PTT), has generated more than $7.5 billion in total revenue, $950 million of this in 2006/2007 alone.

Middle and lower income families have shouldered the burden of the PTT, which now adds $10,832 to the detached benchmark price of $641,596 for a Greater Vancouver detached home.

Overall, the tax had implications for the livability of our communities. By making homes more expensive ( and less affordable), it has forced some buyers further and further afield in their search for an affordable home. It's one more factor which has indirectly helped to create sprawl, long commutes, pollution and pressure on agricultural land.

From the beginning, the Real Estate Board has taken the side of home buyers, urging government to scrap the tax. In the past few years, the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board has stepped up its efforts. The government is running healthy budget surpluses at a time when homes are becoming less and less affordable. The Board has responded with recommendations to reduce the tax in a step-by-step manner over a three year period, with the ultimate goal of getting rid of it altogether. They have made progess, as a result of their efforts, the government has made adjustments, raising the price threshold for first-time buyers. The Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board will continue to press the government to eliminate the tax.

Comparison of land transfer taxes/fees by province for a $350,000 home
Province PTT or Equilavent in dollars
BC 5,000
Alberta 455
Saskatchewan 1,050
Manitoba 7,000
Ontario 3,725
Quebec 3,750
New Brunswick 930
Nova Scotia * 45-5,295
PEI 3,500
Newfoundland 1,450
Yukon 110
NWT N/A
Nunavut N/A
*Depends on area and ranges from a $45 in Springhill to $5,295 in Sackville.
Source: Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board

2007-02-15T12:37:00.000-08:00

There are some home insurance issues that could impact the transaction process for a buyer or seller. If there are, what can you do to alleviate them? Home insurance companies have tightened their underwriting criteria and they're reluctant to take on risks that may not have bothered them in the past. What's at stake for a buyer is not just the insurance, but mortgage financing as well. Banks won't approve a home loan unless there is proof of insurance.
A number of home insurance issues have been identified that can impact the transaction process. These issues can include;

aluminum wiring-insurance company may insist on a complete electrical inspection by a certified electrician
60 amp electrical service-not deemed to be sufficient regardless of the size of the dwelling
knob and tube wiring
gas furnaces more than 20 years old
oil tanks
wood burning appliances- WETT certification is being measured against current building codes
first time buyers without prior home insurance history
insurability point system now used by insurers which may be detrimental to first time buyers.

If you are buying a home and before you remove your conditions, check with your insurance company!

Source: The Canadian Real Estate Association

2007-01-25T14:07:00.000-08:00

Identifying a former grow op! Grow ops often require extensive cleanup and repair. It is possible that these repairs were never made and the real damage is hidden. Noticeable signs that you may be dealing with a former grow op include:

Mould in corners where the walls and ceilings meet.
Signs of roof vents.
Painted concrete floors in the basement, with circular marks of where pots once were
Evidence of tampering with the electric meter( damaged or broken seals) or the ground around it.
Unusual or modified wiring on the exterior of the house.
Brownish stains around the soffit that bleeds down along the siding.
Concrete masonry patches, or alteration on the inside of the garage.
Patterns of screw holes on the walls.
Alteration of fireplaces.
Denting on front door ( from police ramming the door).

If the home has been raided by the police, depending on the municipality, the owner of the property may incurr costs to have the damage repaired in order to receive a re-issued occupancy permit for the home. It is always buyer beware, and it would be advisable to have a home inspection, and visit the city hall to make inquiries on the property.

2007-01-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

Housing Bubble you say?? What do our experts say?

Since 2001, we've been hearing about our doomed housing market. From a serious downturn to a full blown bubble bust, the naysayers continue to capture our attention and heighten our concerns. Is there any truth to the prophesized collapse? To find out, we asked some experts. " The fundamentals underlying housing demand in Vancouver are positive and will remain so in 2007", reports Gregory Klump, Chief Economist at the Canadian Real Estate Assocication. These fundamentals include a strong economy, high employment and income growth, and low interest rates.
Urban Futures Institute economist Andrew Ramlo expects international immigration will accelerate, along with in-migration from other provinces as baby-boomers start to retire and head west, " I also see job growth remaining positive, given rising investment in public infrastructure such as the RAV line, the Gateway Project and the Olympics," says Ramlo.
What would have to happen for a bubble to occur? Several telltale signs must exist, says Helmut Pastrick, Chief Economist at Credit Union Central of BC. " A necessary condition is a high level of speculation, " says Pastrick, who defines speculation as a market characterized by large numbers of investors buying homes which they hold for short period time periods, typically less than six months. To gauge speculation Pastrick uses Land Registry data. It indicates that in Greater Vancouver, just seven percent of properties are being bought and resold in less than six months. In 1981 this rate was three times higher and in 1990 it was about twice as high.
The most speculative activity is the downtown Vancouver high rise condominium market. There, 20 per cent of properties are bought and resold within six months. For evidence of a bubble analysts typically look for a telltale parabolic ( hockey stick-staped) increase in home prices. " This isn't the case right now," says Klump. " Home price increases in Vancouver have risen significantly in the past few years because of high demand and tight supply," explains Klump. " In the past few months, increases in average price have slowed." Now that sales are returning to more normal levels and new listings are on the rise, Greater Vancouver's housing market is becoming more balanced, concludes Klump. And, while prices are at an all time high, the majority of home buyers can still afford a home for two reasons:

most first-time buyers ( about 20% of the market) typically pay less than the benchmark price, buying condominiums or townhomes in suburbs; and
most buyers already own homes and are benefiting from rising prices as a result of increases in home equity position.

Source: REBGV ( Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver)

2007-01-02T11:58:00.000-08:00

I hope it has been a great start to the New Year! Good-bye 2006, the year went by so quickly, and hello 2007! Hope everyone had a great holiday season!

2006 proved to another successful year, due to the continued support and confidence of my services and the the many referrals I've received from my clients! It has been a great experience working with many of you, and I look forward to working with many more of you in the future.

It looks as if the real estate market in 2007 will be more of a balanced market, the frenzied marketplace of the recent past seems to be behind us for now. By all indicators, mortgage rates will remain relatively stable, with a continued strong economy and employment, positive consumer confidence, the 2007 real estate market should remain strong and healthy. Homes and properties may not sell in a few days, but may take many weeks, but housing prices seem to remain stable and we may see some increase in prices this year, but not as high of an increase as in recent years, of course, and areas of the lower mainland may vary.

The best form of business is a recommendation or referral of my services to your friends, neighbours, or family, it is a great compliment and a gesture I truly appreciate.

Wishing all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2007!

2006-12-19T11:08:00.000-08:00

Wishing all my clients, associates, friends and family a very Merry Christmas and fabulous holiday season, and a healthy, prosperous 2007!

2006-12-12T11:15:00.000-08:00

What sort of housing market can you expect in 2007?

The forecast for 2007 according to Carol Frketich, CMHC BC Regional Economist, is low inflation, a relatively strong Canadian dollar and a stable outlook for interest and mortgage rates through 2007. She believes that resale and new home prices will continue to increase in 2007 but at a slower pace, and also suggests that sales activity will remain high by historical standards, despite our housing market cooling slightly in response to interest and mortgage rate increases in 2006. BC has a great economic picture which means it has a great housing picture- its growing economy, record low unemployment, inter-provincial migration, international immigration, real income growth, and low inflation and low interest rates are benefiting Greater Vancouver buyers and sellers alike. For more information visit www.cmhc.ca

In Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge there is a bit more of a balanced market, not that stressful frenzy we saw, not that long ago, the market still remains strong. For buyers there is not as much pressure to get that offer in, as there is a bit more product to choose from in many areas of the market, and prices are not increasing at the speed we've seen in past months. Yes, properties may not be selling in a few days but taking a few weeks or a couple of months, but that is more of a normal market. I see it as more of a healthier marketplace for all concerned.

2006-12-04T12:51:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the BC building code has been overhauled? The current building code was last published in 1998 , but by 2003 with changes and amendments it had doubled in size. At that time the BC government decided it's time for an overhaul. They released a draft new Code online and as part of a consultation process, encouraged comments and suggestions.

On Sept.15, 2006 the new 2006 BC Building Code was released. It takes effect Dec.15, 2006. The new code is easier to use and understand, it is objective based ,that defines the objectives and goals of health, safety, accessibility, fire and structural protection are stated up front.

As for timelines, if your project 's permit is issued before Dec.15, 2006 the builder and buildings must comply with the 1998 Building Code. Any permits issued after De.15, 2006 the buildings must comply with the new Building Code.

BC Codes are available free for reference at your local libraries, or www.bccodes.ca .
Sourse :REBGV

2006-11-28T15:49:00.000-08:00

According to CMHC ( Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) in the fourth quarter of 2006 , it looks like the trend for mortgage rates is they have moved slightly lower and looks like they will remain near current levels for the balance of 2006 and into 2007. They are expected to edge higher in the second half of 2007. They also state that mortgage carrying costs will still be increasing due to the rising house prices. This could slow demand for home ownership, especially for the first time buyers.
Source: CMHC

2006-11-06T15:03:00.000-08:00

Well, after the unfortunate accident on the Pitt River bridge on Nov.5th , Sunday morning, many of us Pitt Meadowites and Maple Ridgers will be anticipating our new bridge more so than ever, with the many recent long delays travelling over the bridge over the last few months, with everything from traffic volume, accidents, and the swing portion stuck open, one too many times, I'm sure we're all going to become some of the most patient and understanding folks in the Lower Mainland.......!!!!

2006-11-06T14:45:00.000-08:00

http://www.helengambling.com

2006-11-06T13:58:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog site, this is a first for me!

I'm not a techy , but in my business, you need to stay abreast of all these technological developments ,enhancements , advancements or whatever! So I hope to give weekly updates and comments to my readers with everything from what's happening in the way of the community, events, or real estate developments, market trends, bits and pieces of hopefully , useful real estate related information and maybe have a bit of fun along the way, and always keeping a good sense of humour! So keep an eye out!

Coming to a computer screen near you, soon!