The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) is in Victoria this week to highlight to the Government of British Columbia that, with the highest home ownership costs in the country, BC is at a competitive disadvantage to attract skilled labour and professionals to the province. “The availability of affordable housing not only dramatically impacts one’s quality of life, it also significantly impacts the ability of the province to attract the labour and talent we need to ensure ... Full Article...

While most consumers know that they have a “credit rating,” not all know their scores or how they were calculated. If your mortgage application is refused or approved for less than expected, there’s an opportunity to help you understand the causes and how to improve the score. You may not know that your credit worthiness is assessed two ways: Your Beacon score, and A detailed history.   Credit scores range from 350 (low) to 850 (high), with 750 being the median. The numerical ... Full Article...

While most consumers know that they have a “credit rating,” not all know their scores or how they were calculated. If your mortgage application is refused or approved for less than expected, there’s an opportunity to help you understand the causes and how to improve the score. You may not know that your creditworthiness is assessed two ways: Your Beacon score and a detailed history. Credit scores range from 350 (low) to 850 (high), with 750 being the median. The numerical s ... Full Article...

There’s been a lot of attention in the media recently regarding the Canadian real estate industry. As consumers, you all want – and expect – quality service. That kind of service is at its best when it’s delivered within a sound and lasting business relationship. At Coldwell Banker Real Estate, we understand that business reality, and we have the outstanding people and resources to achieve it. Coldwell Banker Real Estate has a very powerful service platform to offer the ... Full Article...

Coldwell Banker President Jim Gillespie just got back from the Canadian Business Conference in Vancouver. Here's what Jim has to say. "I’m sure most of you who watched the recent Olympics on TV will understand why I think Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It was great to be back there again to talk to hundreds of our Canadian colleagues. Canada has been enjoying a great real estate market with double-digit appreciation for most of the last five years. The only ex ... Full Article...

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales in the province climbed 43 per cent to 7,110 units in March compared to the same month last year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, MLS® residential unit sales in the province increased 6 per cent compared to February 2010. However, home sales in March were 20 per cent lower than December 2009 on a seasonally adjusted basis. “Home sales have moderated since the beginning of ... Full Article...

Coldwell Banker Premier Realty in Vancouver is excited and proud that Susan has been appointed to the National Coldwell Banker Agent Council. There are 22 members that are chosen by the President John Geha from across the country. Susan will be keeping you updated on the National Council as it moves forward.   

A steady influx of new listings has helped create a balanced ‘typical spring’ housing market in the Greater Vancouver region. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that new listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 7,004 in March 2010. This represents a 60 per cent increase compared to March 2009 when 4,385 new units were listed, and a 52.1 per cent increase compared to February 2010 when 4,606 properties were liste ... Full Article...

Fixed term mortgage rates have increased by one of the largest one day increases in recent memory. The posted 5 yr rate has risen by 6 tenths of a percent, to just under 6%. Discounted rates are still around 4% for a 5 year term. Variable mortgage rates, which are directly related to the Bank of Canada Prime Rate, are not rising at this time. Indicators suggest that the prime lending rate will increase in the review on June 1 2010. Fixed term rates are going up now in reaction to bond markets ... Full Article...