If you are interested in developing some townhomes, or multi-family dwellings, I can help you find a great location on the westside.
May 5, 2008 Jessica Diskant, Park Georgia Realty Ltd., 604-261-7275
Recipes For Green Cleaning
Here are some ideas for cleaning with products you probably have at home. This is especially great for people with environmental allergies or sensitivities to chemicals.
For wood furniture: mix white vinegar and olive oil in equial parts and use a soft rag to polish.
For ovens: apply a paste made from one cup of baking soda and water to oven survaces and let it sit overnight. Scrub with a scouring pad.
For windows and mirrors: Spray a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar onto the surface and wipe with balled up newspaper.
For tubs and sinks: sprinkle with baking soda and wipe down with a damp rag. Add some Castile soap to the rag for greater cleaning power.
For a clogged drain: pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, follwed by a half a cup of venegar. Wait a few minutes, then pour down some boiling water.
Besides using these recipes for your home,your own health and the health of your family, you will be contributing to polluting the environment much less.When buying commerical cleaning products look for non-aerosol products whose ingredient lists are plant-based rather than chemical-based and whose packaging is reduced or reusable.
If you know of anyone who has immune deficiencies or health problems, please refer them to this blog.
Best, Jessica Diskant
According to an article in the Vancouver Sun today in the Business section first time buyers are still looking to purchase a property.
Last year at this time we were looking at many more multiple offers on one property. The market still continues to be strong and healthy but there are less multiple offers and it is becomming a more balanced market. Many people are looking at purchasing a smaller property or having a longer mortgage, even buying in a neighborhood that they hadn't considered because there is still confidence in the market. It has been estimated that 35% of home sales in Greater Vancouver involve a first-time buyers.
The Bank of Canada is being aggressive about keeping tighter credit conditions so that the U.S. recession does not influence our economy. Although the real estate market is not in a frenzy like last spring, it is still solid.
"What remains the greatest source of weakness in today's U.S. economy is a continued source of strength in Canada," says Warren Lovely of CIBC World Markets in a recent report. "While the U.S. housing market is mired in deep recession, Canada's own housing market has demonstrated extraordinary resilience."
This week the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) predicted that national home sales will rise to 8.1 per cent in 2007, setting an all-time sales record. Prices are also expected to go up by a whopping 10.4 per cent in 2007, with another 5.5 per cent increase in 2008.
"Resale housing activity was a juggernaut in the second quarter of 2007," says CREA's chief economist Gregory Klump. "Record breaking sales activity in the first and second quarters forced CREA to revise its forecast upward."
Prices are forecast to increase by 17.4 per cent in Saskatchewan, 11.2 per cent in Manitoba, 9.9 per cent in B.C., 9.2 per cent in Nova Scotia, and 8.6 per cent in Ontario this year.
The CMHC forecast says that in 2008, sales will slow and the number of new listings will rise, leading to a more balanced market across the country. It says job growth will slow and won't stimulate housing demand as much as in previous years. CMHC also predicts that mortgage rates and carrying costs will rise, which will ease housing demand from first-time buyers.
02 will be a small condominium building that will be built on Davie Street in the West End. It's within one block of the beach. Anyone who loves being near the ocean, will love this location. Their fantastic tag line is "Sea and Be Seen."
The project is getting it's marketing off the ground for this 20 unit condominium building. Since there has been little development in that area, these units will sell very quickly.
Realtors are usually invited to preview the develoment prior to sales being offered to you, the public. Feel free to contact me if you would like to look at this new development when it is available to the public.
Jessica Diskant
www.homesvan.com
604-261-9311
Come view this lovely large 1 bedroom that is south facing. This apartment is in great condition and allows two cats and a small dog. ( for those of you that have pets) The strata council has been pro-active and has carefully maintained the building.
The complex is called Connaught Gardens and the address is #306 2121 West 6th, Vancouver. The Open House will take place July 22, 2007 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
For more details, please view my website, www. homesvan.com or call me at 604--261-9311.
Hope to see you there.
Jessica Diskant
Realtor
Royal Lepage Westside
Vancouver, B.C., July 3, 2007
"Housing sales in Greater Vancouver continue to be higher than historical norms. Combine strong demand with a healthy number of listings active throughout the Greater Vancouver area, and you have a good market for both buyers and sellers, says REBGV president Brian Naphtali."
Sales of attached properties increased by 3.2 percent in June 2007 to 775 sales, compared to 751 sales in June 2006. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $443,060, up 10.1 percent from a year ago.
According to Multiple Listings Service data, sales of apartment properties increased by 16% to 1,846 sales in June 2007 compared to 1,591 sales in June 2006 The benchmark price of an apartment property in Greater Vancouver, calculated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index, is $360,469, up 10.9% from one year ago.
For more info, see my website www.homesvan.com or call me at 604-261-9311.
Jessica Diskant
Realtor, Royallepage
There is word today that there could be a very small interest hike tomorrow for mortgages in Canada. If you are looking to purchase property and have not been pre-qualified, you might want to call your mortgage broker or financial institution today.
When you are borrowing funds, make sure you fully understand what kind of loan you are getting. Your lender should explain if there are penalities of any sort, the difference between fixed rates and variable rates and all the various factors of the loan.
If you need recommendations for excellent mortgage brokers, please call me at 604-261-9311. It is a wise decision to choose someone who has access to a large variety of loan packages.
If you have not committed to a realtor and would like assistance in purchasing property, please feel free to call me. I also offer free market evaluations of property, so if you are thinking of selling, feel free to contact me as well.
Jessica Diskant
Royal Lepage Westside
604-261-9311
If you enjoy fireworks, Canada Place will be allowing up to 5000 people for a two barge show that starts at 10:30pm. Admission is $10.00 and is provided by Burrard Inlet Fireworks
Jessica Diskant
Realtor, Royal Lepage Westside
Property taxes are due the first week of July. The exact date may vary depending on the municipality. Check the due date on the tax notice. Make sure you complete the Home Owner Grant application on the reverse side of the tax statement.
Property Taxes can be paid:
In person at the municipal finance department's front counter. Payment options include credit card, direct debit, cheque, certified cheque or cash. Check the web site or tax notice for more information about the accepted methods of payment.
By drop off in the municipal drop box, often located near the main doors.
By mail to the correct city hall address (check the web site) and in time so that taxes are received by the date due. The postmark will not be considered if payment arrives late.
At the bank or credit union that accepts tax payments. Make sure there is no delay in processing payments. You can also use your own account at your bank or credit union to pay online or by phone.
Through monthly prepayment . Municipalities typically allow home owners to prepay part of all of their taxes. Interest is credited to the tax account on a monthly basis. When prepaying, home owners must apply for the Home Owner Grant when they receive the tax notice.
On www.epost.ca, a free online Canada Post service. Sign up and receive a secure electronic mailbox. When you pay taxes online and you apply online for the Home Owner Grant, you receive a receipt with a confirmation number.
Through your mortgage if you have pre-arranged to do this with your mortgage provider. You must claim your Home Owner Grant separately.
If you pay electronically, by phone or by monthly prepayment, remember to mail or drop off you Home Owner Grant application separately to your city hall.
You may reach me through Royal Lepage Westside at 604-263-0064 if you would like any questions answered with regard to your real estate needs.
According to the National News last night, we are in a booming real estate market throughout Canada.
The average growth rate in British Columbia over the last 5 years has been 11%. The benchmark price of the average home in Vancouver is now $564,000, including all areas of Vancouver.
There is discussion that the Banks will be having a small interest rate hike any moment now. If you are shopping to buy property, make the effort to get pre-qualified and locked into a good rate for 90 days. Also, negotiate the posted rates. Many people think that they cannot negotiate the posted rates, but you are the consumer. Shop around and compare rates before committing to your loan and ask your for Realtor for their opinion.
The current real estate market and prediction for the next 2 years is very positive. It's a great to invest in property!
Jessica Diskant, Realtor, Royal Lepage Westside, 604-263-9311
Many people will be going out of town to take a break from city life and daily routines and responsibilities.
If you are staying home and wish to do some upgrading to your property, here are a few ideas:
1. Take the opportunity to work in your garden. While you are enjoying your gardening projects, be mindful of what you plant and what will offer your property more curb appeal. Bright flowers are nice, rich colored top soil has a good appearance and ofcourse a groomed lawn is a plus.
2. Painting - If you have some fences, doors, molding or any window sills that need touching up, it's amazing how crisp, fresh paint in just a few areas, will make your house show better.
3. Maybe you could have a garage or yard sale and de-clutter. Freeing up your kitchen and bathroom counters really is helpful.
4. If you have a deck and it's needs a coat for protection -- keep that in mind as a worthwhile project.
5. Simple things like sweeping your porches, cleaning the decks, clearing out the basement or utility room will make you feel better and will help your home show better as well!
Jessica Diskant, Vancouver Realtor, Royal Lepage Westside, 604-263-9311
We often take things for granted and do not think about possible accidents that could happen in or around our home. How cluttered are your walkways? Do you have areas on the floor which are so cluttered you couldn't get by to exit if you needed to? Do you use a room as a bedroom that doesn't have a window?
Please consider this. Make sure there are at least 2 ways to exit every room in your house. In the highly unlikely event that you have a fire, everyone should have an escape plan. Another pro-active thing you can do is to make sure you all have a known meeting place where you can rendezvous that is safe.
How is your smoke detector? Do you know if it works? Batteries in smoke detectors should be changed every six months and the detectors, themselves should be changed every 10 years or so.
These are just a few ideas which you can incorporate into your homes. If you would lke more information, please contact me.
Jessica Diskant, Vancouver Realtor, 604-261-9311
May 2, 2007, Vancouver, B.C.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that total residential sales for detached, attached and apartment properties reached 3,387 units in April 2007, an increase of 1.3 per cent when compared to the 3,345 units sold in April 2006 and a decrease of 16.2 per cent when compared to the 4,043 sales in April 2005.
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties increased by 25.3 percent to 5,580 units compared to the 4,452 units listed in April 2006. The total number of active listings increased by 25.8 per cent to 11,347 units when compared to April 2006's 9,022 units.
So far, the constants our market has experienced over the past five years are holding strong in 2007. We're still in one of the best markets real estate has ever had in Greater Vancouver. Sales are higher than historical norms and homes are selling very quickly, usually with multiple-offers, says REGV president Brian Naphtali.
If you would like to get a better idea of properties available in your community, please feel free to contact me.
You may check out listings on my website, www.homesvan.com.
Jessica Diskant, Vancouver Realtor, Royal LePage Westside, 604-261-9311
With summer not too far away, why not consider how you can reduce your energy bill?
During the few months where you may put on a cooling system in your home, consider just making it 1 to 2 degrees warmer. This minor adjustment will make a difference in your hydro bill.
Another easy and smart thing we can all do is wait until the dishwasher is full. Running your dishwasher several times less in a week, will also cut your expenses. Is your refridgerator 15 years old or older? The refridgerators that were built prior to those years were not nearly as energy efficient as those made today -- keep that in mind.
If your computer is on and the monitor is on all of the time, just by shutting it down for 10 hours a day (while you are sleeping and a bit more) you can save about $5.00 a month.
During the winter months, make sure that your windows are well caulked and that your attic is insulated. If any of your doors seem to be letting in a draft, proper weather stripping will make all of the difference.
There are many ways in which we can reduce our energy expenditure as well as the expense of energy.
Have real estate questions? Please feel free to contact me.
Jessica Diskant, Vancouver Realtor, Royal Lepage Westside 604-261-9311