Real Estate Market in Vancouver Report

Mortgage Rates in British Columbia

Greater Vancouver Real Estate Market Results: April

Vancouver Twilight by photodreamz

Eugen Klein, REBGV president, commented on April market’s situation: “Although April sales were below what’s typical for the month, we continue to see, with a sales-to-active listing ratio of nearly 17 per cent, a balanced relationship between buyer demand and seller supply in our marketplace.”

The MLS® HPI benchmark price for all residential properties in the Greater Vancouver Area experienced a minor growth of 3.7 per cent over the last year, rising to $683,800 since April 2011, and a 2.8 per cent increase since February 2012. The benchmark price for all residential properties in the Lower Mainland is $612,000 — 2.6 per cent more than three months ago.

Sustainable Architecture & Green Buildings in Vancouver

Green Vancouver by Wendy

Since 1997, the question of sustainability has taken a serious place in global politics. The plan to reduce a level of greenhouse emissions to approximately 5 per cent lower than 1990 levels by 2010, brought by the 1997 Kyoto protocol hasn’t been fulfilled by most of the countries that signed the protocol. Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions have increased by more than 20 per cent since 1990. Scientists now warn us that 1990 greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 20 to 25 per cent by 2020 if we are to avoid the dangerous effects of climate change. It is the overconsumption of non-renewable resources that has allowed pollution levels to increase to intolerable numbers.

Best Places for Your Dog in Vancouver

Vancouver Dogs by Lee Down

We all want only the best for our beloved four-legged friends, and this article will help you find the top parks, vets, shops, dog walkers, and dog-friendly apartments in Vancouver. Many parks in Vancouver have unrestricted entrance for dogs, but only a few of them have an off-leash policy, which is naturally the best option if you want to play and have as much fun as possible with your dog.

Keeping a Dog in a Condo

Puppy Eyes by lecates

Many of us have wanted one of these perfect creatures at some point in our lives. Lucky souls have already got at least one loyal pet friend. But there are still many dog admirers who remain undecided. One of the most common reasons for their hesitation is that they live in a condominium. Some people even believe that a dog cannot be raised in a condo. If you belong among the indecisive group, this article could hold a few clues to a successful choice.

How Dangerous is High Household Debt for the Economy?

Galleries in Vancouver: Fine Craft

Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Vancouver

Greater Vancouver Real Estate Market Results: March

Vancouver Panorama by Tom J. Byrne

Home sales in March stayed below the ten year average in Greater Vancouver while home listings reached higher numbers than expected. March 2012 sales were the second lowest total for the month in the Greater Vancouver region since 2002. These stayed 16.8 per cent below the ten year sales average for the month.

Spring Cleaning and Maintenance

Spring Cleaning by Storebukkebruse

Spring is in the air, and that also means it’s time for the annual ritual called spring cleaning. It’s hardly something we look forward to, but the sense of renewal that comes after is worth the effort. A good plan is the best place to start. It’s important to take as much time as necessary to do a little deep cleaning and preventive maintenance well beyond the routine tasks.

Canada’s Low Interest Rates: Did You Take Your Chance?

Arrow by Mykl Roventine

BMO first offered 2.99 per cent five-year fixed closed mortgage in January this year. In March, it triggered another mortgage battle, repeating its 2.99 per cent offer, that was ended by the end of March. RBC and TD Bank have increased their four-year mortgage rates from 2.99 per cent to 3.49 per cent, effective March 29th. They also raised the rates on a five-year variable mortgage rate to 20 basis points above prime.

Best Places to Watch Hockey in Vancouver

Black Frog Eatery Atmosphere

“The bars that are the most crowded during the game are the best.” A myth or a golden rule? We present you with a selection of the finest places to watch hockey in Vancouver. Go and see for yourself. If you’re looking for a quiet night out, you’d better avoid bars on game day. Boisterous crowds chanting, screaming, crying, and laughing with their eyes on the TV screen at their favourite establishment: nothing can be compared to the unique atmosphere of these evenings everyone in Canada gets to experience, and Vancouverites are, of course, no exception. Young and elderly all come together. Canucks fever is evident no matter where you go, as everyone has their own creative way to cheer for the Canucks. But it’s not only the Canucks that play hockey in Vancouver; we mustn’t forget about all the other teams like the Vancouver Giants and the many small teams training the future stars of Canadian and world hockey. But for now, Go Canucks!

Home Construction Costs in Vancouver

Contemporary House by Pnwra

Moving permanently is one of the biggest decisions in one’s life, and it should be thought through properly. This article will attempt to make this kind of decision as painless as possible. There are hundreds of possibilities you can decide from, from a condo in the centre of Vancouver to a hut in the woods of the interior. Let’s concentrate on the most common choice, a house for a family. Obviously, the first thought that pops into your mind is whether to buy an old house and renovate it or build a brand new one.

Greater Vancouver Real Estate Market Results: February

Blue House by D'Arcy Norman

Although February sales in Greater Vancouver were only 151 sales below the ten-year average, they placed third lowest among February totals in the region since 2002.

Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president, commented on the situation: “With a sales-to-active-listings ratio of over 18 per cent, we see fairly balanced conditions in our marketplace as we move into the traditionally busier spring season.”