Maria Mak - Happy New Year 2018.

Happy New Year and all the best in 2018.

Maria Mak - Give a stranger’s a smile. Share some pocket change. Help those less fortunate folks. Call a depressed lonely friend. Spent some quality time with your loved ones and family, Don’t be a scrooge! Life is better and sweeter in giving and sharing. Live, Dream and make Happy Memories ! Give a little true spirit of Christmas this coming festive joyful holidays! Artwork by Maria Mak One Home One Dream One Realtor Maria Mak Sutton Centre

Give a stranger’s a smile.
Share some pocket change.
Help those less fortunate folks.
Call a depressed lonely friend.
Spent some quality time
with your loved ones and family,
Don’t be a scrooge!
Life is better and sweeter in
giving and sharing.

Live, Dream and make Happy Memories !
Give a little true spirit of Christmas
this coming festive joyful holidays!

Artwork by Maria Mak
One Home
One Dream
One Realtor
Maria Mak
Sutton Centre

Maria Mak -In the process of healing! Thanks for all warm wishes, much appreciated!

In the process of healing! 

Thanks for all warm wishes, much appreciated!

Artwork by Maria Mak

Maria Mak - Season’s Greetings 2017

Season’s Greetings 2017

One Home One Dream One Realtor Sutton Centre Realty

One Home
One Dream
One Realtor
Sutton Centre Realty

mariamak.com

Maria Mak - Let's talk Real Estate

Stay tuned to my upcoming FREE Real Estate event to be held on 3 June 2017 

"Let's talk Real Estate"

Date: 3 June 2017

Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Place:Sutton Centre Realty

Book Now:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reignite-your-spark-of-new-love-in-your-new-pad-tickets-33572425027

mariamakrealtor.blogspot.ca

Reluctance amongst Metro Vancouver* home sellers is impacting sale and price activity throughout the region’s housing market. Residential home sales in the region totalled 2,425 in February 2017. This is a 41.9 per cent decrease from the record 4,172 homes sold in February 2016 and an increase of 59.2 per cent compared to January 2017 when 1,523 homes sold. Last month’s sales were 7.7 per cent below the 10-year February sales average. “February home sales were well below the record-breaking activity from one year ago and in line with our long-term historical average for the month,” Dan Morrison, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) president said. “Limited supply and snowy weather were two factors hampering this activity.” New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 3,666 in February 2017. This represents a 36.9 per cent decrease compared to the 5,812 units listed in February 2016 and an 11.4 per cent decrease compared to January 2017 when 4,140 properties were listed. This is the lowest number of new listings registered in February since 2003. The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver is 7,594, a four per cent increase compared to February 2016 (7,299) and a 4.9 per cent increase compared to January 2017 (7,238). The region’s sales-to-active listings ratio for February 2017 is 31.9 per cent, a 10-point increase from January. Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months. “While home sales are not happening at the pace we experienced last year, home seller supply is still struggling to keep up with today’s demand. This is why we’ve seen little downward pressure on home prices, particularly in the condominium and townhome markets,” Morrison said.  The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $906,700. This represents a 2.8 per cent decrease over the past six months and a 1.2 per cent increase compared to January 2017. Sales of detached properties in February 2017 reached 745, a decrease of 58.1 per cent from the 1,778 detached sales recorded in February 2016. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,474,200. This represents a 6.5 per cent decrease over the past six months and is unchanged compared to January 2017. Sales of apartment properties reached 1,275 in February 2017, a decrease of 28.8 per cent compared to the 1,790 sales in February 2016.The benchmark price of an apartment property is $526,300. This represents a 2.3 per cent increase over the past six months and a 2.7 per cent increase compared to January 2017. Attached property sales in February 2017 totalled 404, a decrease of 33.1 per cent compared to the 604 sales in February 2016. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $675,500. This represents a 0.3 per cent decrease over the past six months and a 1.3 per cent increase compared to January 2017.

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor - Low supply continues to limit Metro Vancouver home buyers

Reluctance amongst Metro Vancouver* home sellers is impacting sale and price activity throughout the region’s housing market. Residential home sales in the region totalled 2,425 in February 2017. This is a 41.9 per cent decrease from the record 4,172 homes sold in February 2016 and an increase of 59.2 per cent compared to January 2017 when 1,523 homes sold. Last month’s sales were 7.7 per cent below the 10-year February sales average. “February home sales were well below the record-breaking activity from one year ago and in line with our long-term historical average for the month,” Dan Morrison, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) president said. “Limited supply and snowy weather were two factors hampering this activity.” New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 3,666 in February 2017. This represents a 36.9 per cent decrease compared to the 5,812 units listed in February 2016 and an 11.4 per cent decrease compared to January 2017 when 4,140 properties were listed. This is the lowest number of new listings registered in February since 2003. The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver is 7,594, a four per cent increase compared to February 2016 (7,299) and a 4.9 per cent increase compared to January 2017 (7,238). The region’s sales-to-active listings ratio for February 2017 is 31.9 per cent, a 10-point increase from January. Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months. “While home sales are not happening at the pace we experienced last year, home seller supply is still struggling to keep up with today’s demand. This is why we’ve seen little downward pressure on home prices, particularly in the condominium and townhome markets,” Morrison said.  The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $906,700. This represents a 2.8 per cent decrease over the past six months and a 1.2 per cent increase compared to January 2017. Sales of detached properties in February 2017 reached 745, a decrease of 58.1 per cent from the 1,778 detached sales recorded in February 2016. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,474,200. This represents a 6.5 per cent decrease over the past six months and is unchanged compared to January 2017. Sales of apartment properties reached 1,275 in February 2017, a decrease of 28.8 per cent compared to the 1,790 sales in February 2016.The benchmark price of an apartment property is $526,300. This represents a 2.3 per cent increase over the past six months and a 2.7 per cent increase compared to January 2017. Attached property sales in February 2017 totalled 404, a decrease of 33.1 per cent compared to the 604 sales in February 2016. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $675,500. This represents a 0.3 per cent decrease over the past six months and a 1.3 per cent increase compared to January 2017.

大年初一 敬祝各位捉緊金🐔 攞頭威 贏頭勢 事事如意 樣樣出位 👍

大年初一 敬祝各位捉緊金🐔 攞頭威 贏頭勢 事事如意 樣樣出位 👍

Maria Mak - showcasing her artwork @ Vancouver Pancakes and Booze Art Show - 2nd Feb 2017

I will demonstrate some simple ink drawing techniques during my upcoming Vancoucer Pancakes and Booze art show. Mark your calendar and see you all there!

Date: 2nd Feb 2017 

Time: 7pm-12am

Place: Fortune Sound Club

147 E Pender st/Main

*all proceeds will go to Cancer Society in honour of my mom.

Thanks 

It is said...

one has to bring order within oneself first,

before one is able to be in tune with the nature;

align one's contentment with the Universe,

be true to oneself,

then become true "One".

A spurt of pure sadness

A spurt of pure sadness!

Am I racing with the vampires?

Ravens are hovering over my carcass,

Should I rock the world with my cradle?

Pretending I am not who i am?

Am I a jester?

Or a juggler?

Or just a humble joker to be 

Exploited,

Distorted,

Mistreated,

At the mercy of your god's tricks?

MMak 

3 important meanings in life

3 important meanings in life - in search of purpose, coherence and worth - instead of chasing wealth, fame and glory.  

     

Maria Mak - Vancouver Pancakes and Booze Art Show - 2nd Feb 2017

We'll make some art or write one stroke chinese calligraphy and have some fun together @ the Vancouver Pancakes and Booze Art Show, make sure dirty your fingers before get back home. Mark your calendar cause I'll have a date with you all! 

Date: 2nd February 2017

Time: 7pm-12am

Place: Fortune Sound Club

147 East Pender st @ Main in Chinatown

* all proceeds go to Cancer Society in honour of my mom

BC Government Raises Property Tax Homeowner’s Grant Threshold Homeowners with properties worth under $1.6 million can now apply for discount on annual property tax, up from $1.2 million, after values soared

The provincial government announced January 10 that people who own homes with values that fall below $1.6 million can receive an annual homeowner’s grant worth several hundred dollars.

The government said it will raise the homeowner’s grant threshold from $1.2 million to $1.6 million, which is a response to owners worried about losing hundreds of dollars in grant money to offset property taxes.

Property assessments released earlier this month showed property value increases – from Squamish to Chilliwack – ranging from 30 to 50 per cent, putting the value of many homes above last year’s $1.2 million threshold to qualify for a homeowner’s grant.

The move by government means that 91 per cent of homes in British Columbia will qualify for a homeowner’s grant of up to $570, with that financial break reaching up to $770 for homes in northern and rural areas. About 83 per cent of homes in Metro Vancouver fall below the $1.6 million threshold.

Finance Minister Michael de Jong was scheduled to address media later Tuesday, but in a morning press release said the 33 per cent increase to the threshold is the government’s way of doing its part “to help keep housing costs affordable for families.”

The minister made a pointed remark that municipalities also have a part to play in addressing the province’s affordability crisis – a point made repeatedly by Premier Christy Clark, who has criticized some municipalities for the high cost of development fees, slow development permit approvals and the lack of housing supply.

“Local governments can also work to keep property taxes at a manageable level for residents by controlling their spending and reigning in the amount of revenue they need to operate,” de Jong said.

David Eby, NDP MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey and his party’s housing critic, said he was startled the threshold was so low for so long, noting it was at $1.1 million in 2014, despite the skyrocketing price of real estate in the province.

“The only surprise to me was it took so long for the government to do this,” Eby told the Courier. “But, clearly, when people started to receive their [property value] assessments, and started calling their MLAs during an election year, that wasn’t going to be feasible.”

The ruling Liberals are heading into an election campaign, where the province’s affordability crisis is expected to be one of the main issues on voters’ minds as they head to the polls in May.

While Eby acknowledged a grant of $570 to offset property taxes on residential properties assessed at more than $1 million may seem like small change for some homeowners, the reality is that selling a property in Vancouver to buy another doesn’t get a person any further ahead.

Many homeowners have also leveraged themselves to the point where the homeowner’s grant could be a breaking point, he said, adding that selling to rent is also problematic, with the rental vacancy rate at below one per cent.

“Sure, you can sell your house, but where are you going to go?” Eby said. “It’s a nice idea that maybe you could borrow against the value of your house, but every economist is saying that our housing market is due for a correction. So you could find yourself under water in a hurry.”

The provincial government is projected to spend $821 million on homeowner grants in 2017-2018, compared to $809 million in 2016-2017. The government reimburses municipalities for the full cost of the grants to ensure municipal revenues are not affected. The minister said the government is able to increase the threshold to $1.6 million because of the strength of B.C.’s economy.

Additional grants are available to homeowners who are 65 and older, or who qualify under the person with disabilities category, or who are a surviving spouse of a veteran who received certain war veteran allowances.

In some cases, the grants can reduce property taxes by up to $845, or $1,045, if the home is located in a northern or rural area. Low-income homeowners can also apply for supplements. Deferring property taxes via a low-interest loan program is another option for some homeowners, the government said.

Maria Mak - showcasing her artwork @ Vancover Pancakes and Booze Art Show on 2nd Feb 2017

We'll draw and write one stroke chinese calligraphy and have some fun together @ the art show, make sure dirty your fingers before get back home. Mark your calendar cause I'll have a date with you all! 

Date: 2nd February 2017
Time: 7pm-12am
Place: Fortune Sound Club
147 East Pender st @ Main in Chinatown

It's official and sure is my honour to showcase my artwork 2nd time @ Vancouver Pancakes and Booze Art show on 2nd Feb 2017 from 7pm to 12 am @ 147 E. Pender St (at Main) in Chinatown Vancouver, come join me and have some fun! #pancakesandbooze

It's official and sure is my honour to showcase my artwork 2nd time @ Vancouver Pancakes and Booze Art show on 2nd Feb 2017 from 7pm to 12 am @ 147 E. Pender St (at Main) in Chinatown Vancouver, come join me and have some fun! #pancakesandbooze

The Metro Vancouver housing market had its third highest selling year on record in 2016, behind only 2015 and 2005.

January 4, 2017

'A heated year for Metro Vancouver real estate draws to a close'

The Metro Vancouver housing market had its third highest selling year on record in 2016, behind only 2015 and 2005.

Sales of detached, attached and apartment properties in the region reached 39,943 in 2016, a 5.6 per cent decrease from the 42,326 sales recorded in 2015, and a 20.6 per cent increase over the 33,116 residential sales in 2014.

“It was an eventful year for real estate in Metro Vancouver. Escalating prices caused by low supply and strong home buyer demand brought more attention to the market than ever before,” Dan Morrison, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) president said. 

“As prices rose in the first half of the year, public debate waged about what was fuelling demand and what should be done to stop it. This led to multiple government interventions into the market. The long-term effects of these actions won’t be fully understood for some time.”

Residential properties listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver reached 57,596 in 2016. This is an increase of 0.6 per cent compared to the 57,249 properties listed in 2015 and a 2.6 per cent increase compared to the 56,066 properties listed in 2014. 

“The supply of homes for sale couldn't keep up with home buyer demand for much of 2016. This allowed home sellers to raise their asking price. It wasn’t until the last half of the year that prices began to show modest declines.” 

The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver ends the year at $897,600. This represents a 2.2 per cent decrease over the past six months and a 17.8 per cent increase compared to December 2015.

BC Government Offers New Down Payment Loan to First-Time Buyers

Premier Christy Clark annouced December 15 a new government-backed loan program, which will lend homebuyers in BC up to $37,500 towards a down payment for their first home.
Thanks 
The B.C. HOME Partnership program will match the amount first-time homebuyers have saved towards a down payment, up to a maximum of $37,500, and no more than five per cent of the home’s total value. The loan only applies to homes with a total purchase price of $750,000 and under, and only for qualified "stress-tested" buyers with insured high-ratio mortgages (with a down payment of less than 20 per cent).

At the press conference this morning, Clark said the BC government established the loan to help homebuyers who already qualify for an insured high-ratio mortgage but struggle to afford the initial down payment.

“I firmly believe that the dream of homeownership must remain within reach of the middle class in British Columbia,” Clark said.

The 25-year loan will be interest-free with no payments required for five years, after which interest will be applied at current market rates. Applicants must be first-time homebuyers and have a total household income of less than $150,000. Homebuyers must also have been Canadian citizens for the past five years and lived in the province for a period of two years. Applicants will have to demonstrate that they’ve paid taxes in Canada for at least one year.

“People need a partner in scraping together that down payment, and the B.C. government wants to be that partner,” Clark added.

The funds for this program are sourced from the province’s property purchase taxation, which includes the foreign buyer tax, said Clark. She doesn’t believe the loan program will affect home prices.

“Our analysis tells us that it won’t because everybody who is going to be eligible for this program will have to have been accepted for a mortgage already,” said Clark.

The program will last three years and Clark said there’s no cap on the amount of money available or the number of applications they can approve. Online applications open January 16, 2017.