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Maple Ridge, BC Real Estate News

By Scott Leaf Personal Real Estate Corporation, Scott Leaf & Associates Real Estate Team
(Keller Williams Elite Realty, Port Coquitlam, BC)
Second day of the post Christmas school year in Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows and again elementary schools will be closed.  This one baffles me as the weather has warmed up to above freezing and the roads are bare and wet, I know I spent part of the day driving in it, in and around Maple Ridge.  In the Albion real estate neighborhood, which is one of the hardest hit in the district, people and business were moving around very well in the morning and with no problems by the end of the day.  Tuesday should be a breeze. I really feel badly for parents who need to get to work to help pay the Christmas Visa bill and are now stuck having to pay daycare or take a day off work.  I sure would like to see more rational for this 'extra' snow day then the one liner posted at the SD #42 web site. Call ...
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By Scott Leaf Personal Real Estate Corporation, Scott Leaf & Associates Real Estate Team
(Keller Williams Elite Realty, Port Coquitlam, BC)
Village Video on 102nd avenue in the Albion Real Estate neighborhood of Maple Ridge is now open for business!  Braving some of the heaviest and longest snow conditions in recent memory John Loveless has opened his doors between Albion Pizzeria and Kanaka Creek Coffee. John tells me that he will be offering Blueray and Video game rentals very soon so keep checking back and don't be afraid to tell John what gaming systems and movie titles you are looking for. Welcome to the Albion neighborhood Village Video! Scott Leaf Real Estate Marketing & Associates Keller Williams Results Realty www.whatismyhomesvalue.ca www.scottleaf.com    
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By Scott Leaf Personal Real Estate Corporation, Scott Leaf & Associates Real Estate Team
(Keller Williams Elite Realty, Port Coquitlam, BC)
Well as the Christmas season winds down in Maple Ridge the inevitable question of "What do I do with my Christmas Tree?" comes to mind. Somehow you managed to get it to your home so if you can some how manage to get it back in or on your land cruiser disposal of your tree is a breeze!  Even if you can't or don't want to put the needle shedding now unloved dead conifer in your vehicle, pick up is available. The 2009 Maple Ridge Christmas Tree Recycling Schedule for Maple Ridge: Ridge Meadows Search & Rescue Building 23598 105th Avenue (Beside Planet Ice) Jan 3rd & 4th and Jan 10th & 11th from 9:00am - 4:00pm P/U Service by First Haney Rovers.Min $10.00 donation  w/proceeds split between Ridge Meadows Search andRescue and First Haney  Rovers. Call 604-244-2850 to arrange pickup. ---------...
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By Scott Leaf Personal Real Estate Corporation, Scott Leaf & Associates Real Estate Team
(Keller Williams Elite Realty, Port Coquitlam, BC)
Clients often ask me early on what they should do to make their home more sellable.  This is a list I have compiled over time of the top iems that usually need attention: Exterior Appearance Keep lawns cut Trim hedges and shrubs Weed and edge gardens Clear driveway and clean up oil spills Clean out garage Power wash Touch up paint Plant colorful, inexpensive flowers - in pots if necessary Repair door locks and key access Create A Buying MoodMake sure your home smells fresh and cleanTurn on lights Turn on air conditioner/heater Open the drapes Light the fireplace Create SpaceClear halls and stairs of clutter Store surplus furniture Clear kitchen counter and stove top Clear closets of unnecessary clothing and "stuff" Remove empty boxes and containers Put away personal photos so buyers can...
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Are we? Is Canada in recession? Wait, are you sure? What recession? Is Maple Ridge's Real Estate in recession? Is Vancouver in recession? I didn't hear anything on the news. Wait, I don't watch the news. The last time I was having my morning coffee this morning and reading the newspaper I din't see any headlines. Wait, was it a newspaper? Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, right, it was the Michael's flyer. Right, I don't read newspapers. Or the right way to say it I ignore the front page news! I learned that lesson during my post-licensing course. Is she for real?! I know what you think. Young blonde REALTOR who doesn't read newspapers and doesn't watch TV. Is she still in business?! I only have 1 question-will I get featured on Active Rain?! Wait, if I put http://www.activerain.com do I have more chances...
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By Scott Leaf Personal Real Estate Corporation, Scott Leaf & Associates Real Estate Team
(Keller Williams Elite Realty, Port Coquitlam, BC)
B A B Y S I T T I N G It  can  sometimes  be difficult  to  find  a trusting  Babysitter  when  you first move to a new area like Maple Ridge.Sometimes the family can't always be there for you when you need to get away for a few hours with a friend or your spouse, or to run errands.  For that reason, I will be introducing a forum to connect parents with young adult Babysitters or Child Care Providers. All Child Care Providers must have a first aid certificate before registering.St John's Ambulance offers a "Young Life Savers" course which includes the following topics: Asthma Choking Making emergency telephone call Recovery position Understanding the concepts of making safe. Understand the DRABC rule Bleeding Fractures Poisoning Shock CPR Heart attack Non-breathing casualty Call the Map...
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By Scott Leaf Personal Real Estate Corporation, Scott Leaf & Associates Real Estate Team
(Keller Williams Elite Realty, Port Coquitlam, BC)
 A L B I O N   B U S I N E S S D I R E C T O R Y Scott Leaf Real Estate Marketing & Associates(REALTOR®)Keller Williams Results Realty 604-839-8239www.scottleaf.com  Essential HealthMedicine Clinic DR. COBI SLATER 604 467-9554www.DrCobi.com BRUCE'SCOUNTRY MARKET 604 463-9817www.bruces.ca RIDGE MEADOW RECYCLING SOCIETY 604 463-5545 www.rmrecycling.org R MUTH & SONS LTD 604 467-5571     A L B I O N    H A L L     10017 - 240th StreetAlbion, BC V2W 1Z9Capacity - 160 peopleTo reserve call:Jeff Wood: 604 816-3711Patti Wood 604 462-7266wood_marine@telus.netThe hall is located on 240th Street, one half block (north) off Lougheed Highway. Scott Leaf Real Estate Marketing & Associates Keller Williams Results Realty www.whatismyhomesvalue.ca www.scottleaf.com      
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By Scott Leaf Personal Real Estate Corporation, Scott Leaf & Associates Real Estate Team
(Keller Williams Elite Realty, Port Coquitlam, BC)
ALBION ELEMENTARY 10031 240th Street, Maple Ridge604 463-848    www.albion.sd42.ca Albion is a school that has its origins in the  1950's when it was built near the intersection of 240th Street and the Lougheed Highway, less than a kilometer away from the Albion Ferry which crosses the Fraser River to Fort Langley.Over the years as the community has developed, the school's population has also grown and the building has been progressively expanded. The most recent expansion was completed in 2002 which allows the school to accommodate the 525 who attend. SAMUEL ROBERTSONTECHNICAL SCHOOL10445 245th Street, Maple Ridge 604-466-8409     www.srtss.caSamuel Robertson Technical Secondary School  opened  in September 2005 and currently offers rigorous academic and technical programs to over 900 ...
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Finally, 2009 is here! I couldn't wait! It will be a big year and a year of change for Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge real estate market and the residents. Golden Ears Bridge and Pitt Meadows Crossing bridges are to be complete in summer and fall of this year respectively. The bridges are one of the reasons I've been waiting for 2009. Don't get me wrong, there are many other reasons. But I'm just very excited about the change. Improved transportation and no more construction mess. Less people will be calling us "Maple Ditch", although it's not like I ever cared:)                   I'm not very good in explaining the construction process. I will let pictures do their justice and you can find more information on Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Home and House for Sale website. Another great new...
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By Scott Leaf Personal Real Estate Corporation, Scott Leaf & Associates Real Estate Team
(Keller Williams Elite Realty, Port Coquitlam, BC)
Bulletin Bulletin Bulletin! Kanaka Creek Coffee is now open for business and ready to serve the Caffeine requirements of all residents of Albion, Cottonwood and Thornhill real estate areas of Maple Ridge.  Kanaka Creek Coffee now open along side Albion Pizzeria and the soon to be opening Video Store!  Stay tuned to this here blog for more information on the next, much needed, business to serve the greater Albion area!   Welcome to the Albion neighbourhood Kanaka Creek Coffee and Good Luck! Scott Leaf Real Estate Marketing & Associates Keller Williams Results Realty www.whatismyhomesvalue.ca www.scottleaf.com    
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Foreclosures in Canada are definitely up for well-known reasons. I'm not going to bore you with that and leave it up to the media. They are doing a great job at it and even overdoing it by at least 100%. But that's their job and one of the main sources of income. It's a separate blog post:) What I want to say is that foreclosures today can be another great source for real estate deals. They are listed at below market value and below appraised value. An interesting fact, some non-foreclosure properties sell below the appraised value today. It's just the way the market is today and it's a great opportunity for buyers. But it's another blog post that I will do shortly. I created a form on my Greater Vancouver Real Estate website that anybody can fill out and receive an up-to-date list on a...
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Santa Claus made an early stop in Maple Ridge at the annual Christmas in the Park and Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, December 6, 2008.  Christmas in the Park occured from 4:00 to 8:00 PM in Memorial Peace Park and included a dazzling display of lights and music, community carols and a free photo session with Santa.  The parade started at 6PM and had lasted for about an hour and a half. It was very different for us as it was our first Christmas in Vancouver. The weird part was that it rained. It's like your house decorated with Christmas lights etc. and the lawn is green:) Funny but I like it. My family had started watching it without me as I was out with a buyer making an offer. I have joined them and a couple of our friends later. The parade usually takes place on Dewdney Trunk Road ...
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When we decided to move from Calgary to Vancouver everybody kept telling us if it snows in Vancouver it melts right away. While packing our U-Haul truck very tight we made sure we do not take any space with never-ever needed shovel, sleds, skates etc. Did we regret it? Yep. So, how is the winter in Vancouver? It can be like this.                     Don't get me wrong, it's beautiful but did we expect it to be like this? No. Honestly, after 8 years living in Calgary we've had enough:) But I have to admit - it was fun. All kids and neighbours just rolled outside and it was awesome. We live in a smal estates community in Maple Ridge so all neighbours are very close and know each other. So now we had to get creative. First of all we had to clean our driveway. As I have said we do not have ...
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By Angela Reeves, Angela Reeves
(Royal LePage West Real Estate Services)
Whenever I need a reality check on what my priorities are, I simply have to look into the eyes of my children to realize what is truly important to me.  Sure the market could stand to pick up, but as the old saying goes, nobody ever dies wishing they had spent more time at the office.   If the market gets you down - go play in the snow!  It's remarkable how a little fun can change your outlook! Have a great day - go throw a snowball!
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By Scott Leaf Personal Real Estate Corporation, Scott Leaf & Associates Real Estate Team
(Keller Williams Elite Realty, Port Coquitlam, BC)
    "Good King Wenceslas looked out. On the feast of Stephen, when the snow lay round about. Deep and crisp and even" - Good King Wenceslas  Carol All of these pictures were taken on Christmas Day 2008 in the Albion Real Estate neighborhood of Maple Ridge. I can not remember, though Im told we had this type of Christmas in the late 60's, a whiter Chrsitmas then this in Maple Ridge.  It is now Boxing Day and the snow is once again here and falling heavily.  Now it is time to get together all the outdoor gear and go play in this stuff, statistically today's elementary kids probably wont see another Christmas like this in Maple Ridge until they are finished high school! So go out and enjoy this beautiful fluffy 'Champagne Powder' before it turns into ugly slushy mud.       Scott Leaf Real...
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By Scott Leaf Personal Real Estate Corporation, Scott Leaf & Associates Real Estate Team
(Keller Williams Elite Realty, Port Coquitlam, BC)
...I'm certain! Future Hannah Montanna?  Probably not but female guitar players are always in demand! Now for a really good pair of headphones and or a sound proof practise room for her.  This was her reward for 2 years of classical guitar and knuckling down and doing well. Scott Leaf Real Estate Marketing & Associates Keller Williams Results Realty www.whatismyhomesvalue.ca www.scottleaf.com  
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This information and much more is available on my Maple Ridge Real Estate website. 1. Not Using Services of a REALTOR® When buying a home many pieces need to fall into place in order to have a smooth real estate transaction. Wouldn't it be nice to have someone at your side to help you along the way? Someone to help you with the mortgage process, help you find the right house, negotiate on your behalf, and assist with all the paperwork? Well, such person does exist - a Buyer's Agent. The job of a Buyer's agent is to work for you in the real estate transaction, not the seller. Your agent can not only help find you a home, but prepare your offer, negotiate with the seller on your behalf, and insure that you are protected along the way from any pitfalls of the complex process. And the best ...
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Cautious attitude helps Canadian housing market in 2009: surveyBy Ottawa Business Journal StaffTue, Nov 11, 2008 4:00 PM EST The Canadian real estate market will be shielded in 2009 by the more cautious behaviour exhibited by industry players compared to those in the market south of the border, with Vancouver ranked as the city to watch for real estate investment, according to a new PricewaterhouseCoopers and Urban Land Institute report. The report said it's currently a "moderately good time" to sell property, with western provinces boasting the strongest growth trends and lowest vacancies in North America. "U.S. housing woes haven't extended to Canada, where banks and regulators have managed the excessive mortgage lending practices of our neighbours to the south," said PwC partner Fran...
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By Scott Leaf Personal Real Estate Corporation, Scott Leaf & Associates Real Estate Team
(Keller Williams Elite Realty, Port Coquitlam, BC)
  According to Environment Canada, "Vancouver typically has a 13% chance of a White Christmas. The most recent White Christmas occurred in 2007, with rain changing to snow and then back to rain in the lower elevations and coastal areas including Downtown and Richmond during the afternoon and the majority of Vancouver and its eastern municipalities receiving continuous snow since noon. The airport recorded 1.0 cm of snow. The previous White Christmas occurred in 1998 when 20 cm of snow was on the ground on Christmas Day following 31 cm of snow and 20 mm of rain." There was no snow in Maple Ridge last Christmas Day, so with the cold temperatures (-13C here on Thornhill this morning) and the few inches we have already on the ground, I think it is safe to say that we WILL HAVE A WHITE CHRIS...
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By Scott Leaf Personal Real Estate Corporation, Scott Leaf & Associates Real Estate Team
(Keller Williams Elite Realty, Port Coquitlam, BC)
Greenland? North Sea? Berring Straights? Nope this is the Fraser River from the Haney Wharf, across the train tracks from the Billy Miner Pub in Maple Ridge BC,  looking over to Derby Reach in Langley. Operations of the Albion Ferry have been curtailed indefintely due to these large chunks of ice which could conceiveably knock the propellers right off the drive shafts of the Albion Ferries or worse. The big dump (for Maple Ridge) of snow which is accompaning low temperatures and high winds is making for treacherous conditions on all the roads. Can the ice bridge to Langley be far away? Will Woolly Mammaths and Sabretooth Tigers invade Maple Ridge from the South?   Scott Leaf Real Estate Marketing & Associates Keller Williams Results Realty www.whatismyhomesvalue.ca www.scottleaf.com    
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