Thursday, February 23, 2012

Richmond Condo for Sale - 2 Bedroom Condo

NEW LISTINGS! #325 - 8880 No.1 Road Richmond BC

Apple Green Park - 2 Bedroom Condo for Sale

Top Floor 2 bedroom 2 bathroom in popular Apple Greene Park. Tastefully updated with newer laminate flooring, kitchen counter tops, sink, faucets, toilets, fixtures, floor moldings, pot lighting and enclosed balcony. Great social areas including indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, clubhouse and extensive facilities. Steps to Seafair shopping center and Safeway, schools transportation and all amenities.

Please visit http://www.michaelcowling.com or http://3258880no1road.isnowforsale.com/ for more information!

Call Michael Cowling at 604-276-2335 or email him at mc@michaelcowling.com for showings!

RICHMOND BC CONDOS/APARTMENTS

VANCOUVER BC REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

House | Townhouse | Apartments/Condos

Richmond | Vancouver | Ladner | Tsawwassen

---------------------------------------------------------

RE/MAX Michael Cowling And Associates Realty - Serving Richmond, Vancouver, Ladner, and Tsawwassen

LIKE me on FACEBOOK! http://www.facebook.com/michaelcowlingrealty

FOLLOW me on TWITTER! https://twitter.com/#!/MichaelCowling

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Government announces new HST/PST housing transitional rules

The government today announced the HST/PST transitional rules on new homes.

As the province transitions back to the PST, which will replace the HST effective April 1, 2013, measures to ease the HST burden on new home buyers include:

  • The BC New Housing Rebate threshold will increase to $850,000 from $525,000, so that more than 90% of newly built homes will now be eligible for a provincial HST rebate effective April 1, 2012.
  • The maximum rebate will increase to $42,500 from $26,250 effective April 1, 2012.
  • Buyers of new secondary vacation or recreational homes outside the Greater Vancouver and Capital Regional Districts priced up to $850,000 will now be eligible to claim a provincial grant of up to $42,500 effective April 1, 2012.
  • For newly built homes where construction begins before April 1, 2013, but ownership and possession occur after, purchasers will not pay the 7% provincial portion of the HST. Instead, purchasers will pay a temporary, transitional provincial tax of 2% on the full house price.

HST/PST transition rules will help ensure that whenever purchasers buy a new home they will all pay a consistent and equitable amount of tax, whether the home is built:

  • entirely under the HST;
  • entirely under the PST; or
  • partly under HST and partly under the PST.

The temporary housing transition measures will be in place until March 31, 2015. The tax only applies to homes where construction begins before the transition date and ownership and possession occur after.

For more information contact me or visit the BC Ministry of Finance at: www.pstinbc.ca

Source Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

NEW LISTING! Westwind 4 Bedroom House for Sale

11411 No. 2 Road, Richmond

4 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Home for Sale


Prestigious Westwind Area well cared for 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home on a 60 by 120 = 7201 Sqft Lot with mature landscaping, a west backyard and front facing the quiet open Agricultural Land Reserve. Close to amenities, walking/biking distance to Steveston Village and trails, near bus route. Westwind and McKinney school catchment. New vinyl windows 2010, new patio 2009 & newer deck, new hot water tank 2008, wood fireplace and wood stove in the family room, security system, chimney upgraded 2009, large storage shed fully wired for workshop, hot tub.

Please visit http://www.michaelcowling.com or http://11411no2road.isnowforsale.com/ for more information!

Call Michael Cowling at 604-276-2335 or email him at mc@michaelcowling.com for showings!

RICHMOND BC CONDOS/APARTMENTS

VANCOUVER BC REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

House | Townhouse | Apartments/Condos

Richmond | Vancouver | Ladner | Tsawwassen

------------------------------------------------------

RE/MAX Michael Cowling And Associates Realty - Serving Richmond, Vancouver, and Ladner

LIKE me on FACEBOOK! http://www.facebook.com/michaelcowlingrealty

FOLLOW me on TWITTER! https://twitter.com/#!/MichaelCowling

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

SOLD! Richmond, Steveston South - 3 Bedroom Townhouse

SOLD! #16 - 12438 Brunswick Place Richmond BC

Brunswick Gardens - Steveston South 3 Bedroom Townhouse


Brunswick Gardens, 3 bedroom and family room townhouse. Great layout spacious rooms, a 3rd level with a huge family room and plenty of storage. Master bedroom with lots of closet space, full ensuite with skylight and large deck off the master. Kitchen with eating area, hot water radiant heating. Gas Fireplace. Fenced backyard with patio and garden, roof deck. Single garage and open parking at door. Steps to Dyke trail and Steveston Village Amenities,Homma Elementary and McMath Schools. One dog or one cat allowed.

Please visit http://www.michaelcowling.com or http://1612438brunswickplace.isnowforsale.com/ for more information!

Call Michael Cowling at 604-276-2335 or email him at mc@michaelcowling.com for showings!

RICHMOND BC CONDOS/APARTMENTS

VANCOUVER BC REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

House | Townhouse | Apartments/Condos

Richmond | Vancouver | Ladner | Tsawwassen

---------------------------------------------------------

RE/MAX Michael Cowling And Associates Realty - Serving Richmond, Vancouver, Ladner, and Tsawwassen

LIKE me on FACEBOOK! http://www.facebook.com/michaelcowlingrealty

FOLLOW me on TWITTER! https://twitter.com/#!/MichaelCowling

Monday, February 13, 2012

SOLD! Richmond, Seafair - Edgewater Park 4 Bedroom Townhouse

SOLD! #127 - 3031 Williams Road Richmond BC V7E 4G1

Edgewater Park - Seafair 4 Bedroom Townhouse

Very well kept partly remodelled 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom. Large kitchen with newer cabinets, eating area, gas fireplace, crown moldings and private fenced south yard. Extra storage area, carport parking and a second space close by, plenty of visitor parking steps away, dyke access nearby. New roofs throughout the complex in 2009. Close to Dixon Elementary, Hugh Boyd and Seafair Shopping Centre

RICHMOND BC CONDOS/APARTMENTS

VANCOUVER BC REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

House | Townhouse | Apartments/Condos

Richmond | Vancouver | Ladner | Tsawwassen

---------------------------------------------------------

RE/MAX Michael Cowling And Associates Realty - Serving Richmond, Vancouver, Ladner, and Tsawwassen

LIKE me on FACEBOOK! http://www.facebook.com/michaelcowlingrealty

FOLLOW me on TWITTER! https://twitter.com/#!/MichaelCowling

NEW LISTINGS! Top Quality 5 Bedroom Executive Home for Sale in Richmond BC

NEW LISTING! 5820 Reeves Road Richmond BC V7C 2H2

Very Popular North West Richmond. Top Quality Custom Design Executive Home 3,773 sq ft of the highest standard of workmanship finishing. All ensuited 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 2 dens, media room, gourmet kitchen with granite counters and island, Wok kitchen, grand foyer, high ceilings 10' on main and 9' upstairs. Beautiful flooring, high end sub-zero stainless steel appliances, air-conditioning, HRV, radiant heating, steam shower, central vacuum, security monitoring system. Patio and private fenced yard. Close to Terra Nova Shopping, Transit, Schools, walk to dyke and Richmond Oval.

Please visit http://www.michaelcowling.com or http://5820reevesroad.isnowforsale.com/ for more information!

Call Michael Cowling at 604-276-2335 or email him at mc@michaelcowling.com for showings!

RICHMOND BC HOUSE FOR SALE

VANCOUVER BC REAL ESTATE

House | Townhouse | Apartments/Condos

Richmond | Vancouver | Ladner | Tsawwassen

---------------------------------------------------------

RE/MAX Michael Cowling And Associates Realty - Serving Richmond, Vancouver, Ladner, and Tsawwassen

LIKE me on FACEBOOK! http://www.facebook.com/michaelcowlingrealty

FOLLOW me on TWITTER! https://twitter.com/#!/MichaelCowling

NEW LISTINGS! Spacious 1 Bedroom Condo for Sale

NEW LISTINGS! #211 - 8880 Cook Road Richmond BC

Ascot Wynde - 1 Bedroom Condo for Sale

Bright spaciouse 1 bedroom with west outlook to quiet courtyard, great open layout, newer kitchen cabinets, light fixtures, crown molding and some laminate flooring. Building had a new roof in 2008, the siding has been redone in vinyl and the boiler has been replaced. Very well maintained. Recreational facilities include: outdoor pool, swirl pool, saunas, clubhouse with pool and ping pong tables, lounge large screen TV, basketball and tennis courts. Transit very close and steps to shopping and all amenities.

Please visit http://www.michaelcowling.com or http://2118880cookroad.isnowforsale.com/ for more information!

Call Michael Cowling at 604-276-2335 or email him at mc@michaelcowling.com for showings!

RICHMOND BC CONDOS/APARTMENTS

VANCOUVER BC REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

House | Townhouse | Apartments/Condos

Richmond | Vancouver | Ladner | Tsawwassen

---------------------------------------------------------

RE/MAX Michael Cowling And Associates Realty - Serving Richmond, Vancouver, Ladner, and Tsawwassen

LIKE me on FACEBOOK! http://www.facebook.com/michaelcowlingrealty

FOLLOW me on TWITTER! https://twitter.com/#!/MichaelCowling

Friday, February 10, 2012

The Home Owner Grant threshold keeps pace with assessments

To keep pace with rising property assessments, the BC government has raised the Home Owner Grant threshold to $1,285,000. The threshold is the maximum assessed value a property can reach to allow the property owner to claim the full Home Owner Grant.

BC Assessment estimates the value of all BC homes on July 1 each year. The Ministry of Finance reviews this data and adjusts the Home Owner Grant threshold to ensure at least 95.5% of eligible home owners receive the full amount. Owners of homes valued above the threshold may qualify for a partial grant.

The basic Home Owner Grant gives home owners:

  • a maximum reduction of $570 in property taxes on principal residences in the Capital, Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley regional districts;

  • an additional grant of $770 to rural home owners elsewhere in the province; and

  • an additional grant of $275 to seniors aged 65+, those who are permanently disabled and war veterans of certain wars.

Basic grant for 2012 – the basic grant is reduced by $5 for each $1,000 of assessed value over $1,285,000, and is eliminated on homes assessed at $1,399,000 or more.

Additional grant for 2012 – the additional grant is reduced by $5 for each $1,000 of assessed value over $1,285,000, and is eliminated on homes assessed at $1,454,000 or more.

Canadian citizens and landed immigrants residing in their principle residence are eligible for the grant.

In November 2011, the government announced plans to create a further grant of up to $275 for low-income Canadian Forces veterans with more recent service in the event they do not already qualify as seniors or persons with disabilities. Details will be announced soon.

The BC Government also provides property tax deferment programs for qualifying property owners including seniors age 55+, persons with disabilities, and families with children. It is advisable for a home owner to seek appropriate financial advice prior to participating in a tax deferment program. For information on BC property tax deferment programs visit: www.sbr.gov.bc.ca

For information on the BC Home Owner Grant program visit: www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/hog

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Selection broadens and demand eases to kick off 2012 in the Greater Vancouver housing market

Greater Vancouver home sellers were more active than buyers in January and overall home prices, according to the new MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI), continued to experience more stability and less fluctuation compared to the beginning of 2011.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 1,577 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January 2012. This represents a 4.9 per cent decrease compared to the 1,658 sales recorded in December 2011, a decrease of 13.3 per cent compared to the 1,819 sales in January 2011 and an 18 per cent decline from the 1,923 home sales in January 2010.

January sales in Greater Vancouver were the second lowest January total in the region since 2002, though only 146 sales below the 10-year average.

We’re seeing trends emerge in our market that favour buyers, such as increased selection and more stability in pricing compared to this time last year. Last month’s activity tells us that competition amongst home buyers was reduced in January, which means that individuals looking to purchase a home had more time to do their homework, consult with their REALTOR®, and make a decision.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 5,756 in January. This represents a 19.9 per cent increase compared to the 4,801 new listings reported in January 2011, and a 253.3 per cent increase compared to the 1,629 new listings reported in December 2011.

Last month’s new listing count was the highest January total in Greater Vancouver since 1995.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the Greater Vancouver MLS® is 12,544, a 12.5 per cent increase compared to December 2011 and an increase of 20.2 per cent compared to January 2011.

New MLS® Home Price Index launches in Canada

Today marks the launch of the MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI), the best and purest way of determining price trends in the housing market. The MLS® HPI was pioneered by six founding partners: the real estate boards of Calgary, Fraser Valley, Greater Montreal, Greater Vancouver, and Toronto and the Canadian Real Estate Association. The partners contracted with Altus Group to develop the MLS® HPI which measures home price trends in the five major markets serviced by those boards.

The new index replaces the MLSLink Housing Price Index, which had been used by Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley REALTORS® since the mid 1990s. MLS® HPI statistics should not be compared with previous MLSLink HPI statistics.

The MLS® HPI is a national collaboration intended to give the public a more reliable and comprehensive tool to understand home price trends across the country.

The MLS® HPI benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver currently sits at $660,600, up 5.7 per cent compared to January 2011 and down 0.1 per cent compared to December 2011. The MLS® HPI also tracks home prices across the Lower Mainland.

The benchmark price for all residential properties in the Lower Mainland is $593,300, an increase of 5 per cent compared to January 2011.

Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in January 2012 reached 659, a decline of 16.9 per cent from the 793 detached sales recorded in January 2011, and a 6.5 per cent decrease from the 705 units sold in January 2010. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 11.3 per cent from January 2011 to $1,034,700.

Sales of apartment properties reached 657 in January 2012, a decline of 7.9 per cent compared to the 713 sales in January 2011, and a decrease of 26.3 per cent compared to the 891 sales in January 2010.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 2.4 per cent from January 2011 to $371,500.

Attached property sales in January 2012 totalled 261, a decline of 16.6 per cent compared to the 313 sales in January 2011, and a 20.2 per cent decrease from the 327 attached properties sold in January 2010. The benchmark price of a townhome 3 unit declined 0.5 per cent between January 2011 and 2012 to $468,000

Source Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver