Update on Hamilton Townhouses in Richmond BC ______ If you have been eyeing a property in the neighbourhood of Hamilton, now is a good time to take a look at the properties in this part of Richmond which boasts of development potential. As of today, March 3, 2009, there are at least eighteen (13) townhouse units available through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in the area of Hamilton Richmond. Homebuyers today will have choices of units located in Smith Dr, Windsor, Westminster Hwy, Norton and Sharpe Ave. Properties in this area are best suited to first-time buyers, or starting or growing family.   Townhouse units with average of three bedrooms range from three hundred fifty thousand dollars ($350K) to four hundred thirty thousand dollars ($430K). To learn more about Hamilton commun... 03/03/2009

-------- Just my thought on Twitter The power of Twitter is evident. I've recently joined this most-talked about form of social network/media; and voila, the experience is so far exciting and fun. You establish your network by following some people that you find you have common interests with. Gradually, you will notice that some people may be following you and whatever updates you post. You can share your thoughts and input on certain topics by posting quick answers. If you are fond of updating your network by answering the question "What are you doing?" then you can easily take part in it. To keep in touch with the people in your network via a short message is very ideal to people who are indeed busy. I'm glad I found Twitter. You can follow me on: http://twitter.com/sheilaatienza   03/03/2009

------- Canadian Author Supports Literacy Program through "YOU ARE PRIVILEGED..." Book Canadian published author, mortgage broker and BC-based Realtor, Sheila Atienza, gladly promotes literacy program through her recently released book title: "YOU ARE PRIVILEGED, 12 Success Principles to Uncover Your Innermost Potential". The book published by Canadian Publisher Privilege Solutions Integrated is available at Betterworld.com. Sheila Atienza admires Better World Books' objectives to fund literacy initiatives worldwide. Thus, creating an economic and environmental impact on the public they serve. Sheila looks up to Better World Books' belief and adheres to the idea that every single book could potentially help create understanding and lasting learning, if not, change the world in one way o... 03/03/2009

      They're Working On A One World Government! http://tinyurl.com/caryy9   Take care, Mark Fidgett"Your Mortgage Consultant....For Life!"A REFERRAL is when you INTRODUCE someone you care about to someone you TRUST!T 604.273.2002 | F 604.522.2072E mark@notapennydown.comW www.notapennydown.com Each VERICO broker is an independent owner operator.© Copyright NotaPennyDown.com 2008. All Rights Reserved.   02/26/2009

How are we coping in the market? An Update from January to Mid-February The opening of the year 2009 in the real estate industry may not be as strong as the previous years, but those who are in the market to keep it going are surely positive that we will get by; and certainly reap the rewards in time. It was good to learn that in January of this year, the local board (Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver) reports (through the Board's President W. Dave Watt) that thirty eight (38) sales  are posted a day across the Greater Vancouver board and seventy seven (77) sales a day as of mid of February. This is an indication that the market is getting there. despite  this struggling economy we are experiencing today. It may seem slow, but homebuyers could actually contemplate and see the poten... 02/21/2009

2009 is a Year for First-time Buyers! Have you been wondering when is a good time for you (and your family) to buy your first home? Have you just been delaying your decision; yet you feel you're quite ready to be a homeowner?  Calling all first-time buyers in Richmond, Vancouver, Surrey, Delta, New Westmisnter, Burnaby,and other areas of the Lower Mainland, this year might be a year for you to look into yourpotential to finally own a home. More choices on properties are available and lower interest rates can be offered to qualified mortgage applicants. A personal consultation with a real estate professional may be sought out so you know further your options. We encourage would-be homeowners to closely look at their financial health. If at all geared to homebuying, the right time to be a... 02/02/2009

Townhouses near Richmond Olympic Oval Some of the fine townhouses in the city of Richmond are situated in the Terra Nova area,corner of No. 1 Road and Westminster Highway. As of today, February 2, 2009, there are at least less than 10 units availableat the Terra Nova Townhouse Complex, as per the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). It seems that those prospective home buyers who have been eyeing on Terra Nova,still have a great potential to own a piece of property in this admirable area of Richmond. Viewing schedule for Richmond Terra Nova Townhouse unitsmay be requested by calling 778-896-4493 or by email 02/02/2009

Richmond Olympic Oval attractive to future homebuyers What makes this community more attractive to would-be homeowners is its proximity to Richmond Olympic Oval located at 6111 River Rd, Richmond, BC. To get to the Oval fromTerra Nova, one could enjoy walking, jogging, biking or running. Its distance is about2.9 km - or about 5 mins drive. Both kids and adults can have an amazing experience in the world of skating.Kids and youth particularly can enjoy playing or even training. Sports, athletic and fitness programs have been lined up for pre-school, children and youth. You can visit:http://richmondoval.ca to learn more about their programs. Come next year, Richmond Olympic Oval will be a central point of the world'sgreat skaters in line with the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. 02/02/2009

Let us join and hold hands as we continue to face the year 2009 with a positive outlookand energetic spirit! It is the first quarter of the year when we all could look forward to a new beginningby setting up a workable plan, as we learn from our experience in the previous year. With all the news that we hear lately, not to mention the economic turbulence that has shaken the world, all we could do is keep, if not build, the optimistic spirit in us while we work on our chosen path that we believe could lead us to the right direction. A book on "success principles" has been written for individuals seeking to discover their inner strength and motivation to develop their potential. Watch out for the release of the book "YOU ARE PRIVILEGED, 12 Success Principles to Uncover Your Innermost Pote... 02/02/2009

Writing has truly been a great avenue for one to express thoughts on certain issues and relate in a special way to readers. Activerain, being a medium to people involved in the real estate world(who may be REALTOR, Mortgage Broker, Appraiser, Lawyer, Home Inspector, Home Stager, Home Buyer or Seller, or simply a Reader), has brought a significant mark on almost every one of us as contributor or industry supporter. I am so pleased to have been part of it and certainly proud to be an active writer since thetime I joined this group (in the year 2006). Indeed, I have had readers and visitors on this site who have expressed interest and opinion on topic or issue relevant to their situation. Activerain! What a good place to learn; and surely, we are all yearning and looking forward to be able... 12/23/2008

The Globe And Mail published an article today "Federal officials told CMHC it could burden borrowers" that may have more far reaching consequences on home owners. "Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. officials ignored warnings from senior Finance Department and Bank of Canada officials during the past two years that its active business in high-risk mortgage insurance could overburden consumers. According to sources familiar with the discussions, CMHC executives did not heed the warnings and continued to underwrite larger volumes of insurance policies for risky home loans with 40-year amortizations and minimal down payments. The sources said the federal agency's executives disagreed about the potential risks and defended the creditworthiness of borrowers who were granted insurance for the ... 12/21/2008

The subject on "writing a low ball offer" in a buyer's market is aptly described in a blog post by Vancouver's Realtors Rob Chipman and Aaron Best.  "Lowball opportunities are now available, and their numbers will only increase in the coming months"."Lowballs are a funny subject. They’re easy to talk about, but tough to pull off.  In the first place they take a certain amount of nerve.  In the second place, they’re a tougher offer to close than a non-lowball. There’s no reason why a buyer shouldn’t consider lowballing, however.   Its not a tactic for everyone, and it involves lots of hard work and learning, but it can pay off handsomely". You can read the full article below: So You Want To Write a Lowball! (part 1), and the second part of the article: So You Want To Write a Lowball! (pa... 12/14/2008

Year No. Homes Sold Price Range Average Price 2001 38 $199,000 - 300,000 $249,000 2002 41 $234,500 - 339,900 $287,000 2003 41 $280,000 - 396,000 $338,000 2004 31 $310,000 - 410,000 $360,000 2005 43 $363,000 - 480,000 $421,000 2006 34 $458,800 - 570,000 $514,000 2007 31 $446,000 - 618.000 $532,000 2008 28 $510,000 - 765,000 $637,000 The sales of older homes in Richmond Seafair  follow the market trend for Richmond. Home prices in the area reached the peak around the end of 2008. The soft housing market in Richmond in early 2009 had resulted in home prices in the Richmond Seafair area declining significantly. Click here for the latest Richmond housing market update. The homes selected for the above study were based on homes that were over 25 years old and with lot sizes between 7,000 to ... 11/30/2008

Richmond, British Columbia, Canada - Can you afford a one bedroom apartment/condo? In this day and age when the real estate market offers more inventories, the renters orfirst-time buyers could see the upside aspect of this current trend. If you're a couple, or perhaps single, and currently renting, have you thought about how much can you qualify for, if you try and go through a process of mortgage  pre-qualification? Do you know if you qualify for a mortgage? Many people may be interested to own a home. However, there may be some factors to look into. These are total income to support a mortgage, credit history, not tomention assets and liabilities or debts. If you need to learn more about mortgages, please visit: www.iclickmortgage.com   11/29/2008

Richmond, British Columbia, Canada - Are you looking for a Richmond Townhouse with Two bedrooms? Good news for buyers with small household members looking to purchase a propertyin the city of Richmond. As per the MLS record today, November 29th, there are at least seven 2-bedroom townhouse units that are offered in the price range of 300K to 350K. Let say somebody puts up an offer for a Richmond townhouse unit at a purchase price of$325K and the offer gets accepted, how much will a mortgage borrower be paying for this property? If one qualifies in this category, and gets approved for a loan amount requested, with five percent down (which in this scenario would be $16,250), mortgage borrowersmay be looking at atleast a mortgage payment of $1670+ per month (as per their approvedcredit). S... 11/29/2008

Richmond, British Columbia, Canada - November 29, 2008 If you have been waiting for so long to own a three bedroom townhouse unit in Richmond, here'sgreat info for you. Did you know that you could find a Richmond townhouse that offers three bedrooms at a pricethat ranges from 320K to 350K. As per the MLS record today, November 29th, there are at least seven 3-bedroom townhouse units available for homebuyers. This is a good chance for a homeseeker with a medium-size family looking for a home thathas reasonable living space at an affordable price. Viewing of units may be requested by sending your inquiry (email)or calling 778-896-4493 11/29/2008

Richmond, British Columbia, Canada - Home Purchasers in the Current Market Trend The real estate industry as in any field has its cycle. In today's trend where there are more listings available, people prospecting for home opportunities are in a greater advantage. In Greater Vancouver for example, not only that home purchasers today have the benefit of choosing from a great list of inventories  of homes in the Lower Mainland, they are also looking at the idea of repositioning their hard-earned money or savings. So who are the best candidates in today's market? Renters, first-time buyers or either home purchasers needing to move up or  downsize, can look at the best buying opportunities in the current market trend. If one has a stable income that can service a mortgage, with reasonable s... 11/25/2008

This could be the best time buying your ideal home. The current real market is adjusting  to the uncertainty in the market place. The market has changed from the go go years to an unusually slow buyer's market. Seller expectations are now tempered, and more willing to look at your offer.In the two previous downturns, one in the 1980s and the second one in 1994 to 2000 the market factors affecting sales were different. We now have low interest rates, and reasonably positive economy and low unemployment rate. Home prices are now 10% to 12% lower than those at the end of last year. More ChociesWe have much more inventory on the market now than we have had in the past and sales have drop off a cliff. Now, may be a great time to invest in real estate because of the low interest rates, lower ... 11/24/2008

Richmond British Columbia, Canada - How Affordable to Own a Richmond Terra Nova Townhouse Unit? In order to have a sample calculation of how much can a home buyer  afford a unit in this admirable Richmond Terra Nova neighbourhood, let us take for example a particular townhouse unit that is selling below 470K, which was recently featured in this blog site. If a property is being purchased at a price of $469,800 by qualified mortgage borrowers,  and the buyers have savings equivalent to five percent (5%) of this amount ( which in this case would at least be $23,500), then the loan amounting to 95% of the purchase price will have to be advanced by a lender approving of a mortgage sought by the borrowers. In this case, the qualified mortgage applicants or buyers are looking at paying an app... 11/21/2008

The Terra Nova Neighbourhood in Richmond BC When one is looking at home ownership possibility, location is apparently the very very first thing to look at. "What kind of environment does it have?" is a usual question and a great factor to consider. As several properties in the Terra Nova area are available in the current market, it is very timely to feature the neighbourhood so people may have a better idea of what this popular Richmond area promises. If one has to describe this enchanting neighbourhood, one can't help but mention that Terra Nova indeed is a place for nature lovers. The setting is unique in such a way that one enjoys the beauty and view of mountains, river and wildlife while strolling along the west side dyke. Travellers do enjoy the adventure either through walking or ... 11/21/2008