If you don't own one already, you may be tempted to purchase a widescreen digital television to enjoy your favourite movies, shows and sports programs. However, it can be difficult to select the right screen size, especially if you've been accustomed to viewing a TV with a traditional 4:3 screen.

When it comes to size, there are many factors that come into play, such as screen resolution and personal preference. However, the last thing you want is to purchase an HDTV that is too small for the room, or so big that it dominates the space.

Here's a tip!

The rule of thumb is to take the distance you'll be sitting from the television and multiple by five to get the screen size you need. So if you'll be sitting eight feet away, you'll want to look at HDTVs with screens that are in the 35- 45 inch range.

A good electronics dealer can help you make the best choice!

Check back often for other helpful tips!

What's one of the most important rooms in your home? When it comes to selling your property quickly, and for the best price, the answer is clearly the kitchen!  In fact, did you know that one of the most common explanations a particular buyer gives for not making an offer is, "I liked the house, but I wasn't too keen on the kitchen."

 
That doesn't mean you must do a major renovation. However, you should do what you can to make the kitchen as attractive as possible to buyers. Here are some ideas:

First, clear the countertops. Put away the toaster and other items. You want to make the entire countertop area seem as spacious as possible.  If the cabinetry is old, you can spruce it up by installing new knobs, handles and other hardware. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling can also make the kitchen look like it has had a major renovation – and it will only cost you a few hundred dollars. According to an article on the website HDTV.com, "The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new
cabinet hardware."  Replacing the countertops is a more expensive renovation, but it may be worth it if the current counters are old and worn.  

Finally, when preparing your kitchen for a viewing, make sure it's clean and tidy. The garbage and recycling bins should be empty. Buyers will open cabinets so make sure items on shelves are neatly organized with the front labels facing forward.  There are many other ways to make the most important room in your home look great to potential buyers.

Don't hesitate to call me if you have any questions!  

B.C.'s residential home sales are predicted to grow 6.3 per cent next year as the housing market moves into balanced territory, favouring neither sellers nor buyers, says the B.C. Real Estate Association.

The association's Fourth Quarter Housing Forecast shows a positive outlook for 2014 after home sales declined through 2012 before recovering this year.  Sales are expected to jump to 76,200 units next year after rising just over six per cent in 2013 as consumer demand picked up, bringing home sales to long-term average levels.

Ramped-up consumer demand has come at the same time as listings have fallen nine per cent this year, potentially pushing the average home price up 4.3 per cent to $537,100 this year and another 2.1 per cent to $548,200 in 2014.

Housing starts, however, are expected to see slower growth, falling five per cent to 26,100 units this year before jumping 3.8 per cent to 27,100 units in 2014.

The average Greater Vancouver home price on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is expected to increase 4.8 per cent this year to $765,000 and rise a further 0.9 per cent to $772,000 next year.

However, consumer demand in the Vancouver area is expected to flatten due to weak economic growth and slow employment gains.

Courtesy The Huntington Post 

VANCOUVER, B.C. – November 4, 2013 – Home buyer and seller activity continues to mirror historical averages in the Greater Vancouver housing market. These trends have helped keep the region in a balanced state for the last nine months.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 2,661 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in October 2013. This is a 37.8 per cent increase compared to the 1,931 sales recorded in October 2012, and a 7.2 per cent increase from the 2,483 sales recorded in September 2013.

New listings for attached, detached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totaled 4,315 in October 2013. This represents a 0.2 per cent decline from the 4,323 new listings reported in October 2012, and a decrease of 14.2 per cent compared to the 5,030 new listings reported in September of this year.

Last month’s sales were 2.8 per cent above the 10-year sales average for the month, while new listings for the month were 1.9 per cent below the 10-year average.

“We continue to see fairly typical activity when it comes to monthly home sale and listing
totals,” Sandra Wyant, REBGV president said. “Today’s activity is helping to keep us in
balanced market territory, which means that prices tend to experience minimal fluctuation.”

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® in Greater Vancouver is 15,257, a decline of 12.2 per cent compared to this time last year, and a decline of 5.3 per cent compared to September 2013.

The sales-to-active-listings ratio is currently at 17.4 per cent in Greater Vancouver.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in
Greater Vancouver is $600,700. This represents a 0.5 per cent decline compared to this time last year.

Sales of detached properties reached 1,067 in October 2013, an increase of 35.1 per cent from the 790 detached sales recorded in October 2012 and a 9.5 per cent increase from the 974 units sold in October 2011. The benchmark price for detached properties decreased 0.5 per cent from October 2012 to $922,600.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,098 in October 2013, an increase of 36.7 per cent compared to the 803 apartment sales recorded in October 2012, and an increase of 14.6 per cent compared to the 958 sales in October 2011. The benchmark price of an apartment property decreased 0.9 per cent from October 2012 to $365,600.

Attached property sales totaled 496, an increase of 46.7 per cent compared to the 338 attached property sales recorded in 2012 and a 29.8 per cent increase compared to the 382 attached property sales recorded in October 2011. The benchmark price of an attached property is $458,000, which is virtually unchanged from October 2012.


The real estate industry is a key economic driver in British Columbia. In 2012, 25,032 homes changed ownership in the Board’s area, generating $1.07 billion in economic spin-off activity and creating an estimated 7,125 jobs. The total dollar value of residential sales transacted throughout the MLS® system in Greater Vancouver totalled $18.6 billion in 2012.

Courtesy of the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board

Did you know that, next to heating and air conditioning, your lights consume most of the energy in your home? In fact, you can lower your electricity bill quickly – and substantially – simply by being smarter about lighting!

First, consider replacing your conventional light bulbs with the energy saving variety. You've probably seen these at your local Home Depot or Rona. Compact florescent light bulbs, for example, use up to 75% less energy!

Second, lower the wattage in some outlets. Is it necessary to have a 100 watt bulb in the furnace room? Try a 60 watt bulb.  

Finally, think before you turn on the lights. Do you really need them on?  Perhaps there's an alternative, such as opening a window blind to let in more sunlight.

Of course, other appliances in the home will also use energy in the home.  Here are a few other tips for reducing your energy bill!

Unplug appliances when you are not using them such as  TV's, stereos, computers and laptops!

Check the thermostat in your fridge!  Fridge thermostats are normally set to 40 degress or lower and may be colder than necessary!

Eat dinner by Candlelight!

Use a booklight rather than having the main light in your room on.

Only do dishes when the dishwasher is completely full!

- Close your blinds in the summer, open them in the winter.

- Turn on your ceiling fans instead of running your AC.

- Clean the filters on your AC unit and furnace, they’ll all run more efficiently!

- Use your phone as an alarm clock. Toss that old school clock radio in the recycle bin.