Maria Mak - Artsy Real Estate Agent - Burnaby Realtor

Balanced real estate market prevailed through much of 2011

2012-01-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that total sales of detached, attached and apartment properties in 2011 reached 32,390, a 5.9 per cent increase from the 30,595 sales recorded in 2010, and a 9.2 per cent decrease from the 35,669 residential sales in 2009. Last year’s home sale total was 6.3 per cent below the ten-year average for annual Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) sales in the region.

The number of residential properties listed for sale on the MLS® in Greater Vancouver increased 2.7 per cent in 2011 to
59,549 compared to the 58,009 properties listed in 2010. Looking back further, last year’s total represents a 12.8 per cent
increase compared to the 52,869 residential properties listed in 2009. Last year’s listing total was 11.1 per cent above the ten-year average for annual Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) property listings in the region.

“It was a relatively balanced year for the real estate market in Greater Vancouver with listing totals slightly above historical
norms and sale numbers slightly below,” Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president said.

Residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 1,658 in December 2011, a decrease of 12.7 per cent from the 1,899 sales recorded in December 2010 and a 29.7 per cent decline compared to November 2011 when 2,360 home sales occurred.

More broadly, last month’s residential sales represent a 34.1 per cent decrease over the 2,515 residential sales in December 2009, a 79.4 per cent increase compared to December 2008’s 924 sales, and a 12.6 per cent decrease compared to the 1,897 sales in December 2007.

The overall residential benchmark price, as calculated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index®, for Greater Vancouver
increased 7.6 per cent to $621,674 between Decembers 2010 and 2011. However, prices have decreased 1.5 per cent since hitting a peak of $630,921 in June 2011.

“Our market remained in a balanced state for most of the year, although higher levels of demand for detached properties in
the region’s largest communities caused prices in certain areas to rise higher than others,” Setticasi said. “For example, the benchmark price of a single-family detached home experienced double-digit increases in nine areas within the region over the last 12 months.”

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 1,629 in December 2011. This
represents a 4.1 per cent decline compared to the 1,699 units listed in December 2010 and a 49.4 per cent decline compared to November 2011 when 3,222 properties were listed.

Sales of detached properties in December 2011 reached 630, a decrease of 18.1 per cent from the 769 detached sales recorded in December 2010, and a 30.2 per cent decrease from the 902 units sold in December 2009. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 11.2 per cent from December 2010 to $887,471.

Sales of apartment properties reached 774 in December 2011, a decline of 4.6 per cent compared to the 811 sales in
December 2010, and a decrease of 32.9 per cent compared to the 1,154 sales in December 2009. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 3.7 per cent from December 2010 to $401,396.

Attached property sales in December 2011 totalled 254, a decline of 20.4 per cent compared to the 319 sales in December
2010, and a 44.7 per cent decrease from the 459 attached properties sold in December 2009. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 4.2 per cent between December 2010 and 2011 to $511,499.

The real estate industry is a key economic driver in British Columbia. In 2010, 30,595 homes changed ownership in the Board's area, generating $1.28 billion in spin-off activity and 8,567 jobs. The total dollar value of residential sales transacted through the MLS® system in Greater Vancouver totalled $21 billion in 2010. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is an association representing more than 10,000 REALTORS® and their companies. The Board provides a variety of member services, including the Multiple Listing Service®. For more information on real estate, statistics, and buying or selling a home, contact a local REALTOR® or visit www.rebgv.org.

For all your premium real estate services, please contact Maria Mak and her team at Sutton Centre Realty @ 604-839-6368 or visit her website @ www.mariamak.com, You'll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Happy Holidays

2011-12-17T22:08:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor - make a difference today!

2011-12-11T22:15:00.000-08:00

Please help those less fortunate and make a difference today!

Maria Mak -Burnaby Realtor -Latest November Real Estate News

2011-12-10T23:36:00.000-08:00

Historically normal activity keeps the Greater Vancouver housing market in a balanced state

The Greater Vancouver housing market saw relatively typical home sale and listing activity in November.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales of detached, attached and apartment properties on the region’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) reached 2,360 in November. This represents a 5.9 per cent decline compared to the 2,509 sales in November 2010 and a 1.9 per cent increase compared to the 2,317 sales recorded in October 2011.

Looking back further, last month’s residential sales total is 5.8 per cent below the ten-year average for sales in November.

“The pace of home listings entering the market eased slightly in November, compared to recent months, while sale levels remained fairly normal for this time of year,” Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president said. “November activity helped put our market firmly in balanced territory.”

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 3,222 in November. This represents a 26.3 per cent decline compared to the 4,374 new listings reported in October 2011, but a 6.3 per cent increase compared to November 2010 when 3,030 properties were listed for sale on the MLS®.

Looking back further, last month’s new listing total is 2.1 per cent above the ten-year average for November.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the Greater Vancouver MLS® sits at 14,090, a decline of 9 per cent compared to October 2011 but an increase of 13 per cent when compared to this time last year.

The MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver over the last 12 months has increased 7.2 per cent to $622,087 in November 2011 from $580,080 in November 2010.

Since reaching a peak in June of $630,921, the benchmark price for all residential properties in the region has declined 1.4 per cent.

Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in November 2011 reached 916, a decrease of 12.8 per cent from the 1,050 detached sales recorded in November 2010, and a 21.3 per cent decrease from the 1,164 units sold in November 2009. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 11.4 per cent from November 2010 to $890,204.
Sales of apartment properties reached 1,000 in November 2011, a 4.9 per cent decrease compared to the 1,052 sales in November 2010, and a decrease of 28.4 per cent compared to the 1,396 sales in November 2009. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 2.7 per cent from November 2010 to $399,686.

Attached property sales in November 2011 totalled 444, a 9.1 per cent increase compared to the 407 sales in November 2010, and a 15.1 per cent decrease from the 523 attached properties sold in November 2009. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 4.5 per cent between November 2010 and 2011 to $510,960.

For all your premium real estate services, please contact Maria Mak and her team at Sutton Centre Realty @ 604-839-6368, or visit her website http://www.mariamak.com/, You'll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Artsy Realtor - Happy Holidays!

2011-12-05T21:47:00.001-08:00

A slideshow by Smilebox

Happy Holidays from Maria Mak @ Sutton Centre Realty

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor - buying a home as little as 5% of the purchase price

2011-11-12T21:35:00.001-08:00

It’s smart to start saving as soon as you start thinking about buying a home. The larger your down payment, the less you’ll have to borrow and the lower your interest costs will be.

You can buy a home with as little as 5% of the purchase price as a down payment from your own savings. On a home that costs $300,000, that would be $15,000.

If your down payment is 20% or more of the home price, you’ll qualify for a conventional or collateral mortgage. If it is less than 20%, it is a high-ratio conventional mortgage, and you’ll need to insure it with . This one-time insurance premium is usually added to your mortgage or it can be paid up front.
In addition, you must have enough cash to cover . For a high-ratio mortgage, you must have at least 1.5% of the purchase price from your own resources to cover or contribute to the closing costs in order to qualify for mortgage default insurance.

There are many sources you may be able to tap into, including:

Personal savings. Review your chequing and savings accounts and Tax-Free Savings Accounts.

Retirement Savings Plans (RSPs). Under the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP), you and your spouse or common-law partner may be allowed to withdraw up to $25,000 each from your RSP as a tax-free loan that you pay back in equal installments over 15 years. .

Gifts from family. This could be a one-time gift or accumulated cash gifts from special occasions.

Assets. Check for insurance dividends, Canada Savings Bonds (CSBs), Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), term deposits, non-registered equities.

Unexpected income. An income tax refund, work bonus or the extra income from a raise are all potential sources.

For all your premium real estate services, please contact Maria Mak and her team at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368 or visit her website @ http://www.mariamak.com/, You'll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtors®/Vancouver Real Estate Agents- Artsy Real Estate Åsian

2011-03-04T21:56:00.000-08:00

Maria Mak - Artsy Real Estate Agent - Burnaby Realtor -Vancouver Real Estate Agent

Sutton Centre Realty

3010 Boundary Road

Burnaby BC V5M 4A1

(Office): 604-435-9477

(Cell): 604-839-6368

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor® - Maria Mak has been serving her clients in Metro Vancouver for over 20 years with a big heart, with a big smile, most importantly with passion. Contact Maria Mak and her team at 604-839-6368 for all your premium real estate services, or visit her websites http://www.mariamak.com/, http://www.mariamak.ca/, You'll be smiling too.

Maria Mak - Artsy Real Estate Asian: Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor® /Vancouver Real Estate Agent -Sutton Centre Realty

2011-02-14T12:45:00.000-08:00

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor -Vancouver Real Estate Agent - Sutton Centre Realty

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor -Vancouver Real Estate Agent

Sutton Centre Realty

3010 Boundary Road

Burnaby BC V5M 4A1

(Office): 604-435-9477

(Cell): 604-839-6368

Maria Mak 604-839-6368

Maria Mak - Artsy Real Estate Asian: Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor -Vancouver Real Estate Agent -Sutton Centre Realty

2011-02-14T12:44:00.001-08:00

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor -Vancouver Real Estate Agent -Sutton Centre Realty

Maria Mak - Artsy Real Estate Agent - Burnaby Realtor - Vancouver Real Estate Agent

Sutton Centre Realty

3010 Boundary Road

Burnaby BC V5M 4A1

(Office): 604-435-9477

(Cell): 604-839-6368

Maria Mak 604-839-6368

Maria Mak - Artsy Real Estate Asian: Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor -Vancouver Real Estate Agent -Sutton Centre Realty

2011-02-14T12:44:00.000-08:00

Maria Mak - Artsy Real Estate Asian: Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor -Vancouver Real Estate Agent -Sutton Centre Realty

Maria Mak 604-839-6368

Maria Mak - Vancouver Realtors®- /Burnaby Real Estate Agent

Sutton Centre Realty

3010 Boundary Road

Burnaby BC V5M 4A1

(Office): 604-435-9477

(Cell): 604-839-6368

Maria Mak has been serving Metro Vancouver for her real estate clients for over 20 years with a big heart, with a big smile, most importantly with passion.

Maria Mak - Artsy Real Estate Asian: Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor -Vancouver Real Estate Agent -Sutton Centre Realty

2011-02-14T12:39:00.000-08:00

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor -Vancouver Real Estate Agent -Sutton Centre Realty

Maria Mak - Vancouver Realtors® - Burnaby Real Estate Agent

Sutton Centre Realty

3010 Boundary Road

Burnaby BC V5M 4A1

(Office): 604-435-9477

(Cell): 604-839-6368

Maria Mak has been serving her real estate clients in Metro Vancouver for over 20 years with a big heart, with a big smile, most importantly with passion.

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtors® - Federal government announces changes to mortgage financing requirements

2011-02-10T14:14:00.000-08:00

Maria Mak - Artsy Real Estate Asian - Burnaby Realtor/Vancouver Real Estate Agent

Sutton Centre Realty

3010 Boundary Road

Burnaby BC V5M 4A1

(Office): 604-435-9477

(Cell): 604-839-6368

The federal government recently announced three changes to the rules for government-backed insured mortgages.

First, the government will reduce the maximum mortgage amortization period from 35 to 30 years. Second, the maximum amount of the value of a home that can be re-financed will drop from 90 per cent to 85 per cent. And finally, government insurance will no longer be available to financial institutions wishing to insure home equity lines of credit.

“These are prudent measures that promote responsible lending practices and further strengthen our internationally recognized mortgage finance system,” Jake Moldowan, Board president said.

The adjustments to the mortgage insurance guarantee framework will come into force on March 18, 2011. The withdrawal of government insurance backing on lines of credit secured by homes will come into force on April 18, 2011.

For all your mortgage financing and quality real estate services, please contact Maria Mak at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368 or visit my websites at http://www.mariamak.com/, http://www.mariamak.ca/, You'll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtors® - Latest December 2010 Real Estate News...

2011-01-14T12:17:00.000-08:00

Maria Mak - Artsy Real Estate Asian - Burnaby Realtor/Vancouver Real Estate Agent

Sutton Centre Realty

3010 Boundary Road

Burnaby BC V5M 4A1

(Office): 604-435-9477

(Cell): 604-839-6368

Real Estate Market stable at year end

The Greater Vancouver residential housing market entered three distinctive phases in 2010. Continued buoyancy from the post-recession recovery began the year, followed by a summer lull and, throughout the fall, a sustained period of stability.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that total sales of detached, attached and apartment properties in 2010 reached 30,595, a 14.2 per cent decrease from the 35,669 sales recorded in 2009, but a 24.2 per cent increase from the 24,626 residential sales in 2008. Last year’s number of housing sales was 10.3 per cent below the ten-year average for annual Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) sales in the region.

The number of residential properties listed for sale on the MLS® in Greater Vancouver increased 9.7 per cent in 2010 to 58,009 compared to the 52,869 properties listed in 2009. Compared to 2008, last year’s total represents a 7.3 per cent decline compared to the 62,561 residential properties listed in 2008. The number of properties added to the MLS® peaked in April and generally declined for the remainder of the year.

“The last two years have been a bit of a rollercoaster for the real estate market. However, sales over the past six months have definitely shown a trend toward stability. We think that’s good news for home buyers and sellers,” Jake Moldowan, REBGV president said. “The Greater Vancouver housing market experienced a modest increase in home prices in 2010, and a continual decrease in the number of properties being listed for sale.”

Residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 1,899 in December 2010, a decrease of 24.5 per cent from the 2,515 sales recorded in December 2009—an all time record for the month—and a 24.3 per cent decline compared to November 2010 when 2,509 home sales occurred.

More broadly, last month’s residential sales represent a 105.5 per cent increase over the 924 residential sales in December 2008, a 0.1 per cent increase compared to December 2007’s 1,897 sales, and a 12.6 per cent increase compared to the 1,686 sales in December 2006.

The residential benchmark price, as calculated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index®, for Greater Vancouver increased 2.7 per cent to $577,808 between Decembers 2009 and 2010. However, prices have decreased 2.6 per cent since hitting a peak of $593,419 in April 2010.

“Although we saw some pressure on home prices throughout the year, home values in 2010 remained relatively steady in the region compared to the last few years when we witnessed much more fluctuation,” Moldowan said.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 1,699 in December 2010. This represents a 21.1 per cent decline compared to the 2,153 units listed in December 2009 and a 43.9 per cent decline compared to November 2010 when 3,030 properties were listed.

Sales of detached properties in December 2010 reached 769, a decrease of 14.8 per cent from the 902 detached sales recorded in December 2009, and a 121.1 per cent increase from the 348 units sold in December 2008. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 4.0 per cent from December 2009 to $797,868.

Sales of apartment properties reached 811 in December 2010, a decline of 29.7 per cent compared to the 1,154 sales in December 2009, and an increase of 94.5 per cent compared to the 417 sales in December 2008.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 1.2 per cent from December 2009 to $387,115.

Attached property sales in December 2010 totalled 319, a decline of 30.5 per cent compared to the 459 sales in December 2009, and a 100.6 per cent increase from the 159 attached properties sold in December 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 2.7 per cent between December 2009 and 2010 to $490,869.

For all your real estate services, please contact Maria Mak at 604-839-6368 or visit her websites at http://www.mariamak.com/, http://www.mariamak.ca/, You'll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor - Latest Real Estate News...

2010-10-07T19:51:00.000-07:00

Maria Mak - Artsy Real Estate Asian - Burnaby Realtor/Vancouver Real Estate Agent

Sutton Centre Realty

3010 Boundary Road

Burnaby BC V5M 4A1

(Office): 604-435-9477

(Cell): 604-839-6368

Housing market factors indicate stability in recent months

September home sales in Greater Vancouver were consistent with activity experienced in the preceding two months across most categories.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that the number of residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 2,220 in September 2010. This represents a 0.8 per cent increase compared to August 2010 and 37.6 per cent decline from the 3,559 sales in September 2009.

In comparison, last month’s residential sales represent a 40.1 per cent increase over the 1,585 residential sales in September 2008, a 20 per cent decline compared to September 2007’s 2,776 sales, and an 11.9 per cent decline compared to September 2006’s 2,519 sales.

“We’ve seen fewer properties coming on to the market over the last three months. This trend, combined with the continued attraction of low interest rates, is likely having the effect of less downward pressure on home prices,” Jake Moldowan, REBGV president said.

Since spring, housing prices in the region have trended slightly downward, with a decrease of 2.7 per cent compared to the all-time high reached in April when the MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) residential benchmark price was $593,419. The overall benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver over the last 12 months has increased 5.5 per cent to $577,174 in September 2010 from $547,092 in September 2009. The current price remains consistent with last month, rising just 0.1 per cent between August and September 2010.

Total active property listings posted on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Greater Vancouver currently sit at 15,401, basically unchanged compared to last month and a 22 per cent increase from September 2009. Over the last three months, active listings in the region have declined12.3 per cent.

New residential property listings posted in September declined 17.6 per cent to 4,731 compared to September 2009 when 5,746 new units were listed.

“We saw signs of more stability in our marketplace last month than we have seen since spring based on a variety of indicators that we look at each month,” Moldowan said. “At 56 days, it took, on average, three days less to sell a home in our region compared to August. This is the first month-over-month decline we’ve seen in this category since April.”

Sales of detached properties in September 2010 reached 866, a decrease of 39.1 per cent from the 1,423 detached sales recorded in September 2009, and a 58.6 per cent increase from the 546 units sold in September 2008. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 6.7 per cent from September 2009 to $790,992.

Sales of apartment properties reached 971 in September 2010, a decline of 34.7 per cent compared to the 1,489 sales in September 2009, and an increase of 27.1 per cent compared to the 764 sales in September 2008.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 3.7 per cent from September 2009 to $388,373.

Attached property sales in September 2010 totalled 383, a decline of 40.1 per cent compared to the 647 sales in September 2009, and a 39.3 per cent increase from the 275 attached properties sold in September 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 5.2 per cent between September 2009 and 2010 to $490,385.

For all your real estate services, Please contact Maria Mak at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368 or visit my website www.mariamak.com, You'll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor - Latest Real Estate News...

2010-06-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

Maria Mak - Artsy Real Estate Asian - Burnaby Realtor/Vancouver Real Estate Agent

Sutton Centre Realty

3010 Boundary Road

Burnaby BC V5M 4A1

(Office): 604-435-9477

(Cell): 604-839-6368

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor - Sutton Centre Realty

The Greater Vancouver housing market experienced steady activity to begin the summer season.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 2,972 in June 2010, a decline of 30.2 per cent compared to the 4,259 sales in June 2009, which was the second highest selling June on record.

“Activity in June marked a healthy balance between the near record setting pace of June 2009 and the considerably slower activity witnessed in June 2008, a period of recession as we all know,” Jake Moldowan, REBGV president said.

Compared to June 2008, last month’s sales represent a 22.6 per cent increase over the 2,425 sales recorded that month, but are 30 per cent less than the 4,244 sales in June 2007. June 2010 sales also represent a 5.8 per cent decline compared to the previous month’s sales totals.

“We didn’t experience any record-breaking activity in June, but we did see a stable summer market,” Moldowan said. “The number of new listings coming on the market is not as dramatic as we saw over the previous three months and demand remains at a healthy level for this traditionally quieter time of year.”

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties totalled 5,544 in June 2010, a 3.2 per cent increase

compared to June 2009 when 5,372 new units were listed, and a 21 per cent decline compared to May 2010 when 7,014 properties were added to the MLS®.

At 17,564, the total number of property listings on the MLS® increased 1.2 per cent in June compared to last month, and is up 32 per cent compared to this time last year.

“There has been less upward pressure on prices in our market the last few months, which has allowed prices to ease back from the record high numbers seen in April,” Moldowan said.

Over the last 12 months, the overall MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver increased 11.8 per cent to $580,237 from $518,855 in June 2009.

Sales of detached properties in June 2010 reached 1,139, a decrease of 31.7 per cent from the 1,667 detached sales recorded in June 2009 and a 24.1 per cent increase from the 918 units sold in June 2008. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 13.4 per cent from June 2009 to $795,025.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,258 in June 2010, a decline of 29.7 per cent compared to the 1,790 sales in June 2009 and an increase of 19 per cent compared to the 1,057 sales in June 2008.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 9.7 per cent from June 2009 to $391,528.

Attached property sales in June 2010 totalled 575, a decline of 28.3 per cent compared to the 802 sales in June 2009 and a 27.8 per cent increase from the 450 attached properties sold in June 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 11.6 per cent between June 2009 and 2010 to $492,861.

For all real estate services, please contact Maria Mak at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368 or visit her website www.mariamak.com, www.mariamak.ca, You will be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor/Vancouver Real Estate Agent/Artsy Real Estate Asian/Sutton Centre Realty

2010-05-17T22:54:00.001-07:00

For all your premium real estate services, contact Maria Mak and her team at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368 or visit her website http://www.mariamak.com/, you'll be smiling too!

Maria Mak has been serving her clients in Metro Vancouver for over 20 years with a big heart,and with a big smile, most importantly with passion. She speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor - All about mortgage rates....

2009-09-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

Maria Mak - Artsy Real Estate Asian -Burnaby Realtor

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that comparing mortgage rates will guarantee you get the best bang for your mortgage buck. While this may be true for particular situations, there are many scenarios where this strategy is not effective. Following are three reasons why it doesn’t always pay to make a decision based solely on rates.

Reason #1 Your long-term plan and risk tolerance should determine which mortgage product is right for you. This product may or may not have the lowest rate.
For instance, there are cases where lenders will offer lower rates for insured mortgages. With insured mortgages, however, you’re charged an insurance premium, which is usually added to the mortgage amount. But if you’re not planning on keeping the property for a long enough time to offset that cost, it may be better to take an uninsured mortgage with a slightly higher rate. The cost difference you will pay with the higher interest rate may still be less than what you may pay in insurance premiums.

As another example, if you prefer to budget for a consistent payment and can’t handle rate fluctuations, it may be better to go with a higher fixed-rate mortgage. If you think current rates are low enough and you will be living in your property for at least five years, it may be wise to also opt for a mortgage with a longer term.

Reason #2 One of the biggest mistakes people make when merely comparing mortgage rates is
failing to consider important factors such as prepayment options to help pay off the mortgage faster, whether secondary financing options are allowed, early payout penalties, or what fees are involved.

It’s not enough to simply compare mortgage rates because you have to know what “clauses” are contained within the mortgage deal. There may be cases where you will find a lender with the lowest rate and willing to pay for your closing costs, or even provide you with cash-backs after closing.

Reason #3 Lenders can change their rates at any time. As such, if you’re shopping for rates with one lender and then approach another that gives you a lower rate, it’s quite possible that the first lender has also dropped its rates. This is why it’s important to get pre-approved with a lender once your mortgage brokers helped find you a mortgage that fits your needs. In some cases, the lenders can secure your rate and conditions for up to 120 days.

These are just three reasons why it’s not enough to merely compare mortgage rates. The mortgage rate you may qualify for is also highly dependent on your credit score among other things. In order to get the best mortgage deals, you need to have solid credit.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about finding the best mortgage rates, contact Maria Mak and my team at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368 or visit my websites at http://www.mariamak.com/, http://www.mariamak.ca/ you 'll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor/Real Estate Agent -Best/Lowest Mortgage Rates

2009-08-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor/Vancouver Real Estate Agent

Best Mortgage rates available now

Call Maria Mak today at 604-839-6368 to see how you can take advantage of this low mortgage rates offer. You will save lots of $$$ money over the terms of your mortgage. Call Maria Mak and my mortgage team for all the creative financing, you'll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor - Message to First Time Home Buyers

2009-04-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

Maria Mak - Burnaby Real Estate Agents/Vancouver Realtor

The cost of borrowing to own a home is significantley lower than this time last year.

Our Sutton Mortgage Program offers rates as low as 3.39% for 5 years fixed terms while most banks are offering 4%.

With market adjustments we have experienced, plus housing prices have dropped roughly by 15% since March 2008. A single detached home which cost $500,000 last year will probably cost $420,000 now.

This 2 factors alone can ensure home buyers esp first time home buyers who want to own and live in their own homes an excellent opportunity to get into the market NOW. The buyers will get better value for their $$$dollars, since they are in it for long term, they know that their investment will appreciate with time.
As far as real estate is concerned, there always have up and down cycles, it just happens we are in the down cycle, but the market always swings upwards after a downturn. Savvy buyers will know that there won't be a drastic price drop from one month to the next and they will start buying when the market has not yet hit the bottom because when it bottoms out, they know that they will be competing with tons of buyers and speculators. Panic and confusion set in when people start to believe that if they don't buy now, they will miss the boat.

With only mininum 5% down, you will be on your merry way to owning your own home. Call me today at 604-839-6368 or visit my website at http://www.mariamak.com/, let's get started with the process and you will be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Real Estate Agent - Tips for the First Time Home Buyers

2009-04-02T13:56:00.000-07:00

Maria Mak - Burnaby Real Estate Agent/Vancouver Realtor - Sutton Centre Realty

* Make a list of all the features you want in your new home such as locations of your 1st and 2nd choices,number of bedrooms, bathrooms, proximity to schools, shopping and workplace.

* Be sure you can afford your home. Your monthly housing costs should not be more than 32% of your gross monthly income and your entire monthly debt load (which includes other debts such as car loans and credit card payments) should not be more than 40% of your gross monthly income.

* Calculate your other monthly living expenses such as food, clothing, transportation, personals and childcare to ensure you can afford your mortgage payments.

* Call a REALTOR with your preferred area. They are trained professionals with knowledge about local conditions and the housing market in general. Through the Multiple Listings Service they have access to virtually every property listed for sale in the province. Your REALTOR can narrow down your search and provide you with information on properties for sale and those that have recently sold. This will allow you to make informed decisions about pricing. Licensed by the province and members of local real estate boards, REALTORS must adhere to high standards of ethical behavior.

* Obtain a pre-approved mortgage form the banks or lenders of your choice. This will help you determine the price range you should be looking in. With a pre-approved mortgage, your lender will guarantee the interest rate for up to 60 days.

*You may wish to have an independent appraisal done of a property before you offer a price. It can keep you from paying more than the market value.

* Ask your REALTOR for a copy of the Property Condition Disclosure Statement as one of the conditions when putting in an offer. This document is completed by the sellers and ensures the buyer gets complete information about the property they are about to purchase, and alerts buyers when they need to do more research on a property.

*If buying a new or existing condo, look beyond style and amenities and investigate whether the construction is of good quality. You can ask your REALTOR for a copy of the minutes and Annual General Meetings from Strata Management to determine what kind of problems the condominium has had in the past, and the foreseeable future expenses.

*It is always a good idea to have the home inspected from a professional home inspector. An inspector's written report should include how well-built the home is and whether any repairs are necessary and the estimated costs.

* Don't forget about other costs when you buy your own home such as legal fees (they will most likely be at least $800 for lawyer's fees), property taxes and the GST (if purchasing a new home).

For all your real estate services, please contact Maria Mak and my team at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368, you'll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor - Real Estate Websites you need to visit

2009-03-18T09:34:00.001-07:00

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor

Throughout the history of the Real

Estate Board of Greater Vancouver,

they’ve positioned themselves on

the cutting edge of technology and

developed some of the most industry-

altering programs and websites.

While real estate remains a people

business, consumers today have access

to scores of informat ion that can

help them find a REALTOR®, find a

property and connect all the dots in

between – all at the click of a mouse!

Here’s a list of useful site:

http://www.rebgv.org/

The Real Estate Board of Greater

Vancouver’s (REBGV) website offers

visitors a 360-degree look at local real

estate, providing detailed MLS® statistics,

monthly podcasts, consumer guidance

and other information and links.

On the site, you can track home prices

in your neighbourhood, search for a

REALTOR®, read about government

initiatives that impact local real estate,

and learn about various cost-savings

programs. The site features a wealth

of consumer information related to

buying and selling a home, from checklists

and FAQ’s to market data and

community profiles. One of the most

important measures in real estate is the

MLS®Link Housing Price Index (HPI),

and this website contains the latest HPI

data as well as a comprehensive breakdown

of home values across the region.

http://howrealtorshelp.ca/

Log on and play ‘Adventures in Real Estate’.

Built and maintained by the Canadian

Real Estate Association, this site is filled

with good information for those looking

to buy or sell a home. As a bonus, there’s a

game that helps you test your knowledge

of buying and selling real estate. ‘Adventures

in Real Estate’ is an interactive game

that allows you to walk in the shoes of a

buyer or seller. Along the way, you’ll run

into several common instances associated

with buying and/or selling, with the

option of going it alone or asking a realtor.

http://www.recbc.ca/

The Real Estate Council of British

Columbia is the body responsible for

licensing and regulating realtors in

B.C. Their website is full of valuable

consumer protection information, as

well as information on how to become

a realtor. One of the features of this

site is the Complaints & Discipline

section, which allows consumers to

file complaints and get information

about recent disciplinary decisions.

http://www.realtor.ca/

Formerly mls.ca, this is the most

comprehensive real estate listing

website in the country.

Used extensively by Canadian realtors

and their clients, this website is the

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor/Real Estate Agent - How long will the low mortgage rates last?

2009-03-11T14:55:00.000-07:00

With the Bank of Canada lowering rates by a full half point earlier this week, is this a good time to choose a variable rate mortgage?

Absolutely, even if you have to pay Prime plus .80 today, you're still below 3.5 %. Clearly these historic lows put us in uncharted territory. Another very valid question is; how long can we expect these low rates to last?

BOC boss Mark Carney, has adjusted his forecast for market recovery and is now saying 12-18 months, so we can expect these rates to stay low as long as the central bank is not concerned about inflation. In the meantime, be aware rates will eventually go up at one point over the next year or so and we could see an historic low on the long term rates as well, and when that happens it may be a good time to lock in.

For all your creative financing, please contact Maria Mak at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368 or visit my website at http://www.mariamak.com/, you will be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor - I feel lucky....

2009-03-09T06:23:00.000-07:00

Some people seem to walk through life charmed, with a lucky turn waiting around every corner. Most of us, however, tend to find our luck in little ways throughout the days by capturing the moments that mean the most to us and keeping those memories close at heart.

I feel lucky each and every day… lucky to be able to count my blessings… lucky to be able to care for my family and friends… and lucky to be able to truly do my best for those around me.

How fortunate we are to have new chances, new challenges and new discoveries waiting for us. No need for lucky charms or four-leaf clovers, not when we have the opportunity to continuously learn, grow, give back and contribute to this wonderful world we live in.

I am blessed to work in an industry that allows me to do just that. As a REALTOR®, I have the opportunity to serve my community by sharing my real estate knowledge and experience with people who are very important in my life: my customers. I will always be here for you, with undeniable passion and unwavering commitment.

The way I see it, the best part is the fun I have making good friends and lasting memories along the way! How lucky is that?

For all your real estate services and all your creative mortgage financing, please contact Maria Mak at Sutton Centre Realty or visit my website at http://www.mariamak.com/, you'll be smiling too!

Property listings decrease, as February sales improve

2009-03-03T21:38:00.000-08:00

Vancouver, BC. March 3, 2009

Residential housing sales in Greater Vancouver rose 94 per cent in February compared to the month before, with 1,480 sales registered in February compared to 762 sales in January,which was the slowest month for housing sales in 25 years. Over the past 10 years, February sales have typically surpassed January by an average increase of 53 per cent.

At the same time, new MLS® listings for residential properties continued to decrease for the fourth month in a row. New listings decreased 25.6 per cent in February compared to the previous year; 20 per cent in January; 8.6 per cent in December, and 10 per cent in November.
There are terrific opportunities out there right now, but with property listings continuing to decrease, those opportunities may be available only for a brief window of time, said Dave Watt, president of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver(REBGV)

REBGV reports that year-over-year property sales in Greater Vancouver declined 44.7 per cent in February 2009 from the 2,676 sales recorded in February 2008. Year over year, those are the lowest sales figures for February since the mid 1980s.

REALTORS® are reporting more activity compared to recent months as people begin to see whether their position in the housing market has strenthened as a result of falling interest rates and improved affordability,. Watt say. It took , on average, 67 days to sell to sell a home in Greater Vancouver in February, seven days less than last month, but behind the seller.s market of last February when the average stood at 33 days.

Sales of detached properties in February 2009 declined 41 per cent to 587 from the 995 units sold during the same period in 2008. The benchmark price, as calculated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index®, for detached properties declined 14.2 per cent from February 2008 to $653,452.

Sales of apartment properties declined 45.6 per cent last month to 650, compared to the 1,197 sales in February 2008. The benchmark price of an apartment property declined 13.9 per cent from February 2008 to $333,143.

Attached property sales in February 2009 decreased 49.8 per cent to 243, compared with the 484 sales during the same month in 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit declined 9.7 per cent between Februarys 2008 and 2009 to $426,268.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties declined 25.6 per cent to 3,916 in February 2009 compared to February 2008, when 5,260 new units were listed.

Source from Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is an association representing more than 9,500 REALTORS®.

Maria Mak - Buranby Realtor - To Buy or not to Buy now?

2009-02-27T08:33:00.000-08:00

What goes up, must come down, vice versa; real estate is just like a roller coaster, up and down, down and up. Real estate, no matter how far it will descend, it will eventually rebound and climb back up again. Barring any intervention by Mother Nature, land will always be there. Land will not depreciate, and it's one of the best investments you can have in your financial portfolio.

Buy low and Sell high is always the golden rule for smart investors in real estate. Couple of years from now, when the financial crisis has ended and housing prices are up once more, we will look in the rearview mirror and realize that we missed a golden age for first-time home buyers.

Then, everyone who sat on their down payment savings accounts for a few years too long will kick themselves for not taking advantage of what may turn out to be the buying opportunity of a lifetime for those who can qualify for a mortgage.

Unfortunately, we do not know when this golden age will begin, because we will be able to identify a bottom to the housing market only with the benefit of hindsight. But as it does with the stock market, the moment will probably arrive when everyone is feeling the most pessimistic.That moment is certainly getting closer.

Housing prices have fallen drastically from their peak levels in many areas of the country.Meanwhile, first-time home buyers have the same advantage they have always had, which is that they do not have to sell their old place before buying a new one. That is an added advantage in areas where many available houses simply are not moving, because the people trying to sell them will not be bidding against you.If you’re hoping for a recovery in the housing market, you ought to be cheering on the first-time home buyers. When they purchase homes, their sellers are free to move on or move up, stimulating further sales.

But if you are a potential first-time buyer yourself, or lending or giving the down payment to one, you are probably as frightened as you are tempted by all the “For Sale” signs that have become “On Sale” signs. So let’s quickly review some of the still-grim pricing data in certain areas — and consider the reasoning offered up by first-time buyers who have forged ahead anyhow.

The fact is, in many parts of the country there are few if any attractive rentals for people looking to put down roots and enjoy the sort of amenities they may spot on cable television home improvement shows. Comparing a rental with a place that you may own seems almost pointless in these situations, especially for those who are now grown up enough to want to make their own decisions about décor without consulting the landlord.Still, for anyone feeling the urge to buy, a number of practical considerations have changed in the last year or two.

The basics are back, like spending no more than 28 percent of your pretax income on mortgage payments, taxes and insurance. Even if a lender does not hold you to this when you go in for preapproval, you should hold yourself to it.

For all your real estate services, please call Maria Mak and my team at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368 or visit my website at http://www.mariamak.com/, you’ll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor -Rates - where they are going?

2009-02-24T12:47:00.000-08:00

The Bank of Canada will be meeting again in March amidst expectations of further rate drops to stimulate our recession-burdened economy. The real question on everyone's mind is - will rates drop further, if so how much and if so, for how long? - ok so that's three questions.

The key to remember is that the Bank of Canada is governed by one of two things; Inflation or Stimulation. If they fear inflation, they will raise rates, but if they feel the need to stimulate the economy, they will lower rates. Clearly, we are still very much in a stimulus environment and as long as the Canadian economy continues to sputter along, we will remain in such. Translation: Expect Mark Carney and the Bank of Canada to follow suit by lowering rates again in March. The real question that remains unanswered is by how much? Personally, the street is asking for another half point decrease and, in fact, the markets have already priced that in. So we could very well see another half point drop which, if the banks follow suit and lower Prime accordingly, would make the Prime rate an amazingly low 2.5%.

The other question was for how long? Coupled with this would be the need to look at the trend in bond yields and how they will impact long-term rates. You don't need to worry about becoming an economist to figure it all out, but suffice to say there is room for a further drop in the long-term rates as well.

However, at one point over the next year or so, the economy will stabilize and start to swing upwards and when it does, the BOC will start to shift their focus away from stimulus and over to inflation. This will result in a rise in interest rates both long-term and short-term. And at one point, it may very well make sense to start looking at locking in your rates.

For all your creative financing, please contact Maria Mak at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368 , you will be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Sutton Centre Realty - Sutton Mortgage Program - Best Mortgage Rates available now!

2009-02-23T20:20:00.000-08:00

Sutton Mortgage Program

Best mortgage rates available now!

Call Maria Mak at Sutton Centre Realty today at 604-839-6368 to see how you can take advantage of this low mortgage rates offer. You will save lots of $$$ money over the terms of your mortgage. Call Maria Mak and my mortgage team for all the creative financing, you'll be smiling too!

http://www.suttonmember.com/index.php

Maria Mak

Sutton Centre Realty

Mobile: 604-839-6368

Email: mmak@sutton.com

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor - Home Inspectors to be licensed

2009-02-15T19:21:00.000-08:00

British Columbia’s Home Inspectors To Be Licensed

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) is pleased with the BC Government’s recent announcement to license home inspectors, effective March 31, 2009.

“As a REALTOR®, I know it’s important for my clients to have the best property information possible,” said BCREA President Scott Veitch. “An independent inspection is a great starting point for consumers to learn about property conditions.”

Since 1998, the Association has recommended the government license home inspectors. Now, BCREA looks forward to the development of meaningful standards to ensure consumers receive adequate protection.

“Solid information helps consumers have confidence in their home buying decisions,” added Veitch. “And confidence and protection are necessary for the excellent quality of life we enjoy in British Columbia.”

About BCREABCREA represents the 12 real estate boards in British Columbia and their REALTOR® members on all provincial issues, providing an extensive communications network, required licensing and continuing education courses, economic research and analysis, standard forms and government relations.

About Quality of Life Quality of Life is an approach BCREA adopted to demonstrate the commitment of the real estate profession to improve Quality of Life throughout the province. REALTORS® are active in their communities, and Quality of Life ensures BCREA reflects that work. The approach is summarized in five principles: ensuring economic vitality, providing housing opportunities, preserving the environment, protecting property owners and building better communities.

Did you learn specific details by having a building inspection? Or perhaps you didn’t and wished you had because of what you discovered after you moved in.

Maria Mak - Vancouve Real Estate Agents - Consider switching with low interest rates?

2009-02-06T13:42:00.000-08:00

The one positive we've seen amongst all the economic headlines these days is the historically low interest rates. In fact they're so low that many homeowners are wondering if now would be a good time to switch out of their current mortgage.

Whenever you cancel a mortgage, you are faced with paying a penalty because you are essentially breaking a contract. Now that penalty can be either 3 months interest or an Interest Rate Differential - or IRD - as it's more commonly referred to. The IRD is calculated based on how much your current bank stands to lose - so it can often be quite sizable. Having said that, with rates being so low, we've seen many cases where the savings far outweigh the cost of the penalty, so it's certainly worth analyzing the difference - especially if you only have a few years left on your current mortgage.

For all your real estate services or if you have any questions regarding your mortgage financing, please contact Maria Mak at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368 , you'll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Metro Vancouver Realtors - January Stats from the Real Estate Board

2009-02-03T18:25:00.000-08:00

Maria Mak - Vancouver Realtors®- /Burnaby Real Estate Agent

Sutton Centre Realty

3010 Boundary Road

Burnaby BC V5M 4A1

(Office): 604-435-9477

(Cell): 604-839-6368

Below is a copy of the latest statistics release. To view the complete stats package for January, please click on the following link: January Stats. For more information on REBGV statistics, please visit http://www.realtorlink.ca/.

News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Home listings withdraw as sales volume slows VANCOUVER, B.C. – February 3, 2009 – The first month of 2009 saw a continued reduction in the number of homes listed for sale in Greater Vancouver, while sales volumes in January were the lowest for that month since the early 1980s. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that sales of detached, attached and apartment properties declined 58.1 per cent in January 2009 to 762 from the 1,819 sales recorded in January 2008.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties declined 20.9 per cent to 3,700 in January 2009 compared to January 2008, when 4,675 new units were listed. Total active listings in Greater Vancouver currently sit at 13,966, down nearly 6,000 listings from October 2008. Overall residential benchmark prices, as calculated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index®, declined 10.9 per cent to $489,007 between Januarys 2008 and 2009.

“Home sales and consumer confidence are at a low point at the moment, but the long-term strength and security of our housing market are beyond the reach of the economic clouds of today,” Dave Watt, REBGV president said. “Today’s short-term conditions are creating long-term opportunities. Buying opportunities have not been this strong in a decade, with low interest rates, broad selection and more affordable prices,” Watt said.

Sales of detached properties declined 54.4 per cent to 292 from the 641 detached sales recorded during the same period in 2008. The benchmark price for detached properties declined 11.2 per cent to $659,638 in January 2009 compared to $742,490 January 2008.

Sales of apartment properties in January 2009 declined 58 per cent to 361, compared to 860 sales in January 2008. The benchmark price of an apartment property declined 11.6 per cent to $334,602 compared to $378,336 in January 2008.

Attached property sales in January 2009 were down 65.7 per cent to 109, compared with the 318 sales in January 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit declined 8.1 per cent to $425,309 compared to $462,627 in January 2008.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is an association representing more than 9,500 REALTORS®. The Real Estate Board provides a variety of membership services, including the Multiple Listing Service®. For more information on real estate, statistics, and buying or selling a home, contact a local REALTOR® or visit http://www.rebgv.org/.

I still think if you're ready to get into the market, this is the best time, lowest mortgage rates and lots of good bargains on the market. For all your real estate services, please contact Maria Mak and my team at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368 or visit my website at http://www.mariamak.com/ , you'll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Real Estate Agents - Homeowners in line for renovation rebate

2009-01-30T07:56:00.000-08:00

Canadians who want to sod their lawns or renovate their bathrooms will get a tax break worth up to $1,350 as a key plank of the government’s effort to inspire spending.

For a certain sector of consumers, 2009 could become the year of the reno, following the announcement yesterday of a Home Renovation Tax Credit that lets taxpayers claim 15% of their fixups until Feb. 1, 2010.

The federal government said the incentive will provide about $3-billion in tax relief to some 4.6 million families.

The tax credit, which is available for homes and cottages effective immediately, is designed to boost construction, forestry and other industries.

Taxpayers can claim renovations on their 2009 tax returns on costs over $1,000, but not exceeding $10,000.

The list of eligible expenses for the tax credit includes renovating kitchens, bathrooms or basements; new carpeting or flooring; building additions, decks, or retaining walls; installing furnaces or water heaters; interior and exterior painting; or driveway resurfacing.

Routine maintenance does not qualify.

Such things as new furniture, appliances, tools, carpet cleaning and snow removal are excluded.

Also on the home front, the government will put an extra $300-million over two years into energy retrofits, raise to $25,000 the amount first-time homebuyers can borrow from RRSPs, and provide up to $750 in tax relief to help with their purchases.

It’s time to start your renvoation projects that have been put aside for awhile. For all your real estate services, please contact Maria Mak and my team at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368, you’ll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Real Estate Agent - 20 ways to sell your home faster

2009-01-29T16:06:00.001-08:00

Maria Mak - Vancouver Realtors®- /Burnaby Real Estate Agent

Sutton Centre Realty

3010 Boundary Road

Burnaby BC V5M 4A1

(Office): 604-435-9477

(Cell): 604-839-6368

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor/Vancouver Real Estate Agent - 20 ways to sell your home faster

When selling a home , the marketing effort must be coordinated on all fronts. It also must be superior to the competition. This is especially true in a buyers' market where the homes sitting on the market seemingly outnumber the potential home buyers. In such an environment, you must lift your home out from this crowd and highlight it in the best way possible. You must out-think the competition.

All good marketing efforts begin life as a sound, basic plan and then evolves to fit the particular property and situation. Cut from whole cloth and then tailor-made, such a plan will incorporate innovative new ideas and "rearrange" old ones.

1. Select a Quality Realtor . There are also some who are little more than "order takers" who literally can't properly write out a contract, much less have the hard-won knowledge needed to position your home in the most appropriate and effective way for your particular market. So how do you find such an experienced, market aggressive realtor? Ask around. Check with friends and get some names. When selling in today's market, you need to be in the hands of a practicing "doctor" and not someone eager to practice on you.

2. Focus on the three best referrals, ask each of these realtors to come out, have them put together a marketing evaluation and then give you his/her specific action plan as to what he/she will do to sell your home. Make sure it's in writing. Remember: realtors come in a couple of basic flavors. While there are always exceptions, in general a "low-key" yet thorough realtor is best when it comes to helping you buy a home; his or her pragmatic knowledge will help keep your feet firmly on the ground. When selling a home however, look for a high-energy, dynamic realtor whose enthusiasm might be "infectious" enough to enthuse a potential buyer.

3. The market evaluation should compare your home with at least three currently active competitive listings, three recent competitive sales and three competitive and now inactive listings which didn't sell. Drive over and check out these benchmark properties yourself to ensure the realtor has put your home in the right "ballpark". If you disagree, find out the reasoning as to why the realtor has so placed your home. The reasons could be good ones indeed. (Or vice versa.)

4. Once you've vetted all three choices, go with the realtor whose combination of experience, proven performance and action-plan for your home is the most impressive. But be careful not to confuse impressive with unattainable.

5. Ensure your home is listed on the realtor's personal website and other media like ethnic newspaper and magazine. The more exposure, the better.

6. List your home with the chosen realtor for 90 days. If the realtor suggests you list with him or her for a longer period, tell him or her you will renew if, in your opinion, all the realtor's written promises have meanwhile been adhered to and met all the previously agreed upon elements of the action plan. If not, tough luck. Find another realtor.

7. Underline to the realtor that you wish to be kept informed of the sales progress at least once a week during the entire listing period. Every time the home is shown to prospective buyers, ensure the realtor informs you in advance and also gives you a feedback as to the viewer's reaction to the home. On the other hand, don't overdo it. Be courteous and be careful not to nag the realtor. When dealing with a professional, be professional.

8. Price Your Home Right: Yes, we all need and want the best price. But be realistic. It might do wonders for the ego and daydreams, but a high price tag does little if it doesn't come accompanied with a sale. If anything, it has kept your home effectively out of the market. Once you and your realtor have agreed upon an asking price based upon the aforementioned market evaluation, bring in a reality check. Based on your understanding of the competition, is the pricing realistic? This is particularly important in a market where prices are falling.

9. Create a "Benefit and Feature" Sheet For Your Home: Reach back in time and remember why you bought the home in the first place. What caught your eye, what appealed to you? Write these reasons down; more often than not, new buyers will also be attracted to these same features. List every good point, every benefit, your property and your neighborhood enjoys. Today, people want information. Lots of it. Think about the basics and spell them out. A good agent will know the answers already, but nonetheless, these basic features should be highlighted in your feature sheet.

10. Place Your Home on the MLS: If a home is to sell, it must have maximum exposure. The Multiple Listing Service will give it that exposure. As well, ensure your home is put on the Agents Open or MLS Agents Tour so as to educate other realtors as to the home's potential. But two months is all you need to get on.

11. Buy Some Extra Enthusiasm: Human beings almost always act in their own self-interest first. Take advantage of this to promote some extra interest in your own property. Offer something special to encourage realtors to bring in those offers. Depending upon how hard it is to sell your home (higher price, tough area, unique features that appeal to few, future potential versus today's reality), offer extra commission to the realtor who brings in the sale...but only if he or she brings it in at the full asking price. As most offers are invariably lower, it's unlikely you'll actually end up paying the extra commission, but it does work as an incentive.

12. Advertise: Consider a cost-effective advertising campaign and review such a plan with your realtor. How big an advertisement? Placed where? How often? Review the ad itself with the realtor and test-market it past a few unbiased friends, associates and so forth. Keep your ego out of it.

13. Let Nothing Escape the Net: Insist that the realtor presents to you all and any offers that come in, no matter how low or seemingly impossible. If someone is willing to write an offer, be considerate enough to see it. Besides, it gives you a better idea of just how the market is reacting to your property.

14. First Impressions Do Count: Fix up your home but do it with "resale" in mind: take care of the eye-catching areas and don't waste the effort (and money) on the rest. The first thing a potential buyers sees is the front porch or entrance. Fix that wobbly front step or squeaky door. Repaint the front door, bathrooms and kitchen. Use off-white or general neutral colors only. If the rug is frayed or stained, consider removing them and going with hardwood floors (assuming you've got them and they're in reasonable shape). Again, sell the "idea" of the place's renovation potential but don't waste the effort to carry it through and do the actual doing. Let the new owners do it. But with that said, there are certain largish renovations which may add more cost-effective resale value than others.

15. Spread the Word: Hand out the feature sheet and unique offer/special commission information to everyone you know, including your secretaries, part-time staff and whomever. You never know who the information will get passed on to next.

16. Persistence Versus the Big Pay Off: Rather than blowing off money for large weekend ads in a single newspaper, run a smaller two-line daily ad in all relevant newspapers. Don't forget the community papers. This is very effective for out-of-town properties. Be on the look out for new "vehicles" and different ways to advertise your home.

17. Don't be afraid to be Different: Agents regularly send out "I Just Listed" flyers to other homes in the neighborhood in the hope of engendering new business. Fine, but check out the flyer and make sure he or she lists the special features and special incentives of your home and not just the standard ubiquitous "vanilla-flavored" preprinted card. Be different. Again, you never know who ends up reading this detailed information. And again, nothing succeeds like success.
18. Take a Real Interest in the Buyer: Cheer them up by offering a "buy down" on the mortgage. (For example, the actual cost to you to buy down a $100,000 mortgage by two per cent is less than $2,000.) Don't worry about the cost. Instead, work it into the asking price. This allows your realtor to brandish a strong headline trumpeting the abode's special (assumable on approved credit) low mortgage interest rate while costing you nothing extra..Take a Real Piece Out of the Paper: Offer to pay the legal costs of the sales transaction and (in British Columbia) the one-per cent Property Transfer Tax (PTT). Again, this allows your realtor to promote the deal as something special. Again, consider building the cost into your asking price.
19. Declutter and then declutter again. Depersonalize and neutralize. The first items that should go in those packing boxes: family photos, collections and just about anything else that says "you." Show the home from its best possible side. Have people see how they would feel if they owned the home. Developers have show suites and show homes for a reason.

20. Stage your home! Have a professional come in and help. Stand in the doorway to find each room's focal point, and use furniture placement to highlight that. The back of your sofa shouldn't block the view of the fireplace, for example. Remove any extraneous pieces of furniture. "Re-position" them into another room ... or into storage altogether. A wingback chair that's crowding the family room might help create a nice reading nook in the master bedroom.

There are a number of reasons why homes don't sell: overpriced, poor location, poor condition, intense competition as many similar homes similarly priced are all fighting for attention. Homes that do sell are those that are tended diligently by the professional realtor, are priced right (as in just below the competition) and have something unique about them that attracts the buyer's attention in the first place.
You have the right to demand an attentive, professional, upbeat realtor, a person who creates a solid, comprehensive action plan (in writing) and does so in a measurable way (number of showings, numbers of interested buyers, etc.). A good realtor keeps you informed all the way. Be focused. Insist that your realtor be equally as focused. There is no such thing as accidental success. It's always earned and always comes with a price.

For all your real estate services, please contact Maria Mak and my team at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368 or visit my website at http://www.mariamak.com/, you'll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor - Happy Holidays 2008

2009-01-27T16:14:00.001-08:00

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor - Wishing all my good friends and clients Happy Holidays!

Maria Mak - Vancouver Realtor - Mortgage rates heading for record Lows...

2009-01-23T23:49:00.000-08:00

With mortgage rates heading for record lows, is this a good time to be taking a variable rate mortgage?

This is a great opportunity to pay off some principal and anyone who is sitting in a variable rate mortgage below 3% today should take advantage of that over the next year and not lock in. Consumers who are buying a home right now want to know if they should take a long-term or variable mortgage.

The cost of a variable rate mortgage is still expensive for the banks and as such, they are charging up to 1% premium on Prime and locking in is starting to look very attractive.

All indicators are that liquidity is returning to the markets which will help ease the pricing on the variable rate mortgages - so I'm still a big fan of taking a 12-month convertible mortgage today with the ability to convert it to a variable at no cost when the discounts return. Prime rate is not going to stay this low forever. Consumers want to know when to expect to see rates rise.

As soon as the Bank of Canada feels that we have weathered the storm and shifts their focus from stimulation back to inflation, be prepared for a 1 - 3% rise in rates. So anyone floating should be prepared to lock in at that point - and if having to worry about that concerns you - lock in at today's 4 year rate until the next US election and you might just time it right for another dip in rates when it comes time to renew.

If you need any creative financing, please contact Maria Mak and my team at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368 or visit my website at http://www.mariamak.com/, you will be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor - We can make Impossible Possible

2009-01-20T10:12:00.000-08:00

Maria Mak - Burnaby Real Estate Agent

Maria Mak - Artsy Real Estate Asian - Burnaby Realtor/Vancouver Real Estate Agent

Sutton Centre Realty

3010 Boundary Road

Burnaby BC V5M 4A1

(Office): 604-435-9477

(Cell): 604-839-6368

I was so glad to see the warm sun did pierce through the thick muddy cold fog this morning and started dancing happily on my desk while I was writing this blog.

The whole world was excited as today was the day of the inaugaration of the 44th President of the United States. I was deeply moved by Obama’s heartfelt address, I sincerely wish "HOPE" will bring the "Change" and the Change will eventually lead us out of the darkest chapter in our journey. It is real tough but we will get there.

I truly believe if we hold on to our dreams, we can make Impossible Possible…someday, somewhere, somehow, we will make it work, it will be , have to be!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor - Stop Focusing on your competion...focus on YOU

2009-01-19T23:12:00.000-08:00

Jim Rohn said it best when he said, “Don’t wish for things to be easier, wish for YOU to be better!” This is advice I think a lot of us could use more in our lives. If you study the law of attraction, you learn that when you worry and focus on your competition, you attract more competition, SO STOP DOING IT!

If you subscribe to the idea that there is plenty of whatever it is you do out there for everyone, you stop worrying about competition. When I am out and about at events and businesses, I hear a lot of business owners and real estate professionals talk about their competition, and typically in a negative way.

There are two main reasons not to do this. Number one is if you subscribe to the idea of the law of attraction, which I do, you understand that energy flows where attention goes and you focusing on your competition only creates more competition for you! A great example is elections. The media talks about how bad someone is and they end up winning!

The second main reason is when you talk about people or competition, you are reducing the amount of time you can think and talk about your own business. I don’t care who you are, your business can always be improved! Spend your time and energy thinking of how to make your own business better and that is time well spent!

I work with a lot of real estate investors and I see a lot of investors spend their time focusing on their competition. I recall one time I had a property for sale and I emailed it out to my database. The next day, another investor had taken that property and resent it out to his database telling everyone how bad of a deal it was! The great thing -- he had a link to my website in his email! The next two days I had more than a 20% increase in hits on my website than normal and I have to think that investor had a lot to do with it! Now, not all competition stories are that clear cut where focusing on the competition was a dumb decision but just know that each minute you spend focusing on things you cannot control, you lose control of the things you do!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this but also realize that reading, studying and knowledge is not power, but only potential power. Action is true power.

ACT NOW and pick up the phone to call Maria Mak and my team at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368 or email me at mmak@sutton.com or visit my website at http://www.mariamak.com/ for all your real estate needs, you’ll be smiling too

Maria Mak - Burnaby Real Estate Agents - What is Greenrealestate?

2009-01-14T19:14:00.000-08:00

Greenrealestate is in the business of making home energy conservation an intrinsic part of everyday life through the marketing and sales of more energy efficient new and resale homes. A synopsis then provides that Greenrealestate™ goals are to:

help reduce energy waste through increased energy conservation,

promote environmental awareness,

reduce monthly home energy costs,

lead to increased sale prices of Greenrealestate™ certified homes,

help leave the world a better place for future generations,

reduce energy reliance on offshore interests.

Greenrealestate understands how to maximize the economic value of your clients property by emphasizing energy conservation strategies that increase your clients homes resale value.

Greenrealestate is an innovative program designed to set your clients home apart from the rest, increase its selling price, reduce its selling time while helping to green the planet.

Whether you clients are thinking of selling today or in the future the Greenrealestate™ program makes good economic cents:

1 Saving money on energy costs in the short term,

2. Selling your clients home for more money in the long term,

3. Helping to fight climate change ,

4. Protecting the natural environment ,

5. Improving air quality.

Did You Know?

Homes that are older than 25 years could potentially save an average of
35% of their current energy use, and that homes that are 50 years old and
older can save an average of 38%. That’s a significant savings.

If you're interested to get an free energy conservation kit, or if you are thinking of buying and selling real estate, please contact Maria Mak at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368 or email me at mmak@sutton.com, you'll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor - Attitude is from within

2009-01-12T08:57:00.000-08:00

Maria Mak - Artsy Real Estate Asian - Burnaby Realtor/Vancouver Real Estate Agent

Sutton Centre Realty

3010 Boundary Road

Burnaby BC V5M 4A1

(Office): 604-435-9477

(Cell): 604-839-6368

Why do we often think we have it worse than the next person? Why is it so easy to get discouraged when markets change and actions that were working for us suddenly become ineffective? Most people tend to always look for the worst in every situation and instead of adapting; they wait for things to go back to the way they were before the changes. The reality of life, economic cycles, and change in general is this: those who wait are left behind and those who adapt are ready to take advantage of the moment and the future.

The history of the world is the story of men and women who took adversity and created success. The worst diseases were cured at the height of epidemics, and the greatest advancements in technology were made during wars. What makes some people victorious during times of adversity and others hopeless?

In a single word: "attitude." Attitude is a confusing word to many people. It is often viewed as something that comes from the outside created by positive situations, good fortune, or even luck! Nothing could be further from the truth.

Attitude comes from within and it is created from the fierce determination not to be defeated. People often say that attitude is a choice, but it is more than that. Attitude is a conviction. It works independently of most choices and comes from a far deeper place- a place that says to us, "I will not be defeated, I will not give up, and I will not fail!" The results of the "right attitude" are an unrelenting focus that seldom varies from day-to-day. It is so deeply ingrained that nothing will stop it and nothing will change it. It is this "right attitude" that will carry you through your darkest hours.

Attitude is not deterred by sadness, tragedy, depression, anger, or obstacles. In fact, there are only two things that can defeat the "right attitude:" lack of consistent action and loss of hope. In fact, failing to take unrelenting action will eventually lead to a loss of hope. My definition of hope is the belief in what has not happened and has not been seen. It can be mystical or logical but what is hoped for exists beyond the present and current conditions.

America's renowned psychologist William James said, "The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives."

Is there a formula for the "attitude shift" necessary to change our lives? There is and it is this:

1. Whatever it is you want, you must want it with intensity and passion.

2. Once you know what you want, focus on it with positive thoughts and affirmations. Negative thinking will produce failure.

3. Determine the daily actions that must be taken, break them into small actions, and simply do them!

4. When you are faced with obstacles and failure, take more action and remain focused and hopeful of your success.

5. Never quit and never surrender. Nothing that can defeat persistence!

It is the best time to get into the market while the housing prices are very affordable and all time lowest mortgage rates, there are lot of goodies out there, for all your creative financing, please contact Maria Mak and my team at Sutton Centre Realty 604-839-6368 , or visit my website at http://www.mariamak.com/, you’ll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Vancouver Real Estate Agents - Don't blame Real Estate

2009-01-08T16:20:00.000-08:00

Recent reports have suggested a direct correlation between a sharp rise in bankruptcies with the drop in house prices, but we should be careful not to draw this conclusion. Consumers need to be aware that the drop in real estate values is not the real culprit here. I know it's easy for people to look at the drop in home values and the sudden increase in bankruptcies and come to the conclusion that one causes the other.

However, when you think of it - it's not the drop in the value of your home that causes financial stress, it's your ability to service your mortgage and that's a factor of the sharp rise in unemployment, not the drop in home values. Quite frankly, you qualified to make payments on your home in the first place, so once your mortgage is in place, what happens to the value of your home after that has little relevance to your ability to continue making those payments.

So the real cause for concern for most Canadians should be rising unemployment - not home values. So Please don't blame real estate, this is not a proper timing to point fingers at whoever, whatever.etc. Our economy will pull through, just like a roller coaster, it will be UP again one day.

If you're thinking of buying and selling real estate, contact Maria Mak and my team at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368, or visit my website at http://www.mariamak.com/, you'll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtors - Good morning Mother

2009-01-08T08:35:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Mother, how I wish I could greet her every morning.

The armchair she liked so much and used to sit on it every morning, it looks like a skeletion staring at me now... no choice I am staring back at it, maybe we are exchanging that hollow looks for the sake of my emptiness.

Ever sine she is gone with the favonian wind , there is always an empty hanger hanging in my closet...just for her, just for my mom.

It was her who told me everytime if I could save a dime, put it in my piggy bank and started saving and buying LAND. I have to thank my mom for stopping me to go to Paris to pursue my childish dream to become a painter.

I have been serving my clients with a big heart and with a big smile in Metro Vancouver since 1989. I am learning everyday to become a better realtor in order to serve my clients better.

For all your premium real estate services, contact Maria Mak and my team at Sutton Centre Reatly at 604-839-6368, you'll be smiling too or visity my website at http://www.mariamak.com/

2008 Brought improved housing affordability to Greater Vancouver

2009-01-05T16:05:00.000-08:00

VANCOUVER, B.C. – January 5, 2009 – The record-breaking real estate market cycle in Greater Vancouver, longer than normal at seven consecutive years, ended in 2008 amidst global economic challenges. The change brought relief from rising prices that saw benchmark prices escalate from $357,770 for a single family detached home in December 2001 to $648,421 by December 2008.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that sales of detached, attached and apartment properties decreased 35.3 per cent in 2008 to 24,626 sales compared to 38,050 sales in 2007. Property listings for the year increased 13.9 per cent to 62,561 compared to 2007 when 54,945 new properties were listed.

“Trends in the latter half of 2008 showed a consistent month-over-month decrease in residential housing prices, adeparture from the rising home prices and record-breaking sales that were experienced in Greater Vancouver for much of this decade,” said REBGV president, Dave Watt.

“It’s also important to note that our December statistics show a third consecutive month of a decrease in active property listings in Greater Vancouver. That means supply is coming down,” Watt said. “Last month was also the first time in 27 years that Greater Vancouver homes sales for December were higher than November.”

Residential benchmark prices, as calculated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index®, declined 10.9 per cent between Decembers 2007 and 2008. Since May 2008, the overall residential benchmark price has declined 14.8 per cent in Greater Vancouver to $484,211 from $568,411.

“For buyers, lower prices haven’t been a concern as much as the perception that prices are falling. It’s difficult to identify the ‘bottom’ of the market. The reality is that people tend to buy when prices are going up, not when they’re going down,” Watt said.

In December 2008, sales of detached, attached and apartment properties totalled 924, a decrease of 51.3 per cent compared to the 1,897 sales in December 2007.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties declined 8.6 per cent to 1,550 in December 2008 compared to December 2007 when 1,695 new units were listed. Total listings in December declined 17.2 per cent to 15,193 from the 18,348 total active listings in Greater Vancouver in November 2008.

Sales of detached properties in December 2008 declined 48.7 per cent to 348 from the 679 units sold during the same period in 2007. The benchmark price for detached properties declined 11.2 per cent from $730,399 in December 2007 to $648,421 in December 2008. Since May 2008, the benchmark price for a detached property in Greater Vancouver has declined 15.9 per cent.
Sales of apartment properties declined 53.7 per cent last month to 417 compared to 901 sales in December 2007. The benchmark price of an apartment property declined 11.7 per cent from $377,579 in December 2007 to $333,275 in December 2008. Since May 2008, the benchmark price for an apartment property in Greater Vancouver has declined 14.5 per cent.

Attached property sales in December 2008 decreased 49.8 per cent to 159, compared with the 317 sales in December 2007. The benchmark price of an attached unit declined 7.4 per cent from $456,941 in December 2007 to $423,338 in December 2008. Since May 2008, the benchmark price for an attached property in Greater Vancouver has declined 11.6 per cent.

No doubt affordability in Greater Vancouver is imporved and for all the First time home buyers , this is the best time to buy and don't bother to rent anymore, take this good opportunity to build your equity today, Call Maria Mak and my team at Sutton Centre Realty 604-839-6368 or visit my website at http://www.mariamak.com/, you'll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Vancouver Realtor - Life is a state of mind

2009-01-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

Woke up this morning to find another beautiful snowfall winter wonderland, looking out on my backyard, my mom's roses flowerbed is just like a giant cupcake with lots of white foamy cream cheese on it.

LIfe is a state of mind, if you see cupcake instead of roses flowerbed....check with your eye doctor or just retreat to your own little world, it is all up to you.

I am no bitch complaining about the weather even though I nearly had an accident yesterday when I was driving and showing homes to my clients. I just love the snow...so pure...so peaceful.

Whenever I feel down and out about my life, a good friend of mine says to me, "your life is someone else's dream". I have finally realized there is no doubt that…

…life is a state of mind!

I first heard this line in a Peter Sellers' movie, where the main character, a gardener named Chance, walks on water, seemingly because he doesn't know that walking on water is against the laws of nature. As he is not aware of the laws, he is not bound by them, or so the movie would have us believe.

The director is challenging our own sense of what we see and what we want to see. Are we prepared just to see the same view as others, or are we prepared to see beyond that …

What I would like you to think about as you watch the closing scene is that as business people, and more specifically, as salespeople, we determine our own fate. The way we see our situation can have a dramatic effect on our results.

If you want to be a top performer in the world of sales, this is what you need to do:

1) Find an industry you love – Real Estate…I do. If you do not like what you sell you will not be highly successful.

2) Find a company you respect.- Sutton Centre Realty…I do. If you do not believe or have confidence in your company, your prospects will sense it and your results will suffer.

3) Become an expert in the craft of selling, better than anyone in your company or your industry. Most people don't read a single book after they leave school. Be different! Read every book on selling that you can find. Your knowledge and competence will make you stand out.

4) Forget the laws of nature. Just because everyone in your industry makes "X" means nothing. Set your own goals and find a way to make them real...smile on!

For all your Real Estate services, contact Maria Mak and my team at Sutton Centre Realty 604-839-6368 or visit my website at http://www.mariamak.com/, You'll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Sutton Centre Realty -2009 New Year's Resolution

2008-12-27T14:39:00.000-08:00

I was totally defeated in this flu battle, my nose is all plugged up like the city catch basins from the heavy snow which started melting slowly like my slurpy.

As I was drinking my chicken soup, eating my ABC alphabets in the bowl, listening to Bob Dylan's " Workingman's Blues", my mind wouldn't stop wandering to my winter wonderland and the peaceful time I spent at my hobbit hut up at Whistler during last Christmas holidays.

My being bedridden has forced my brain to start thinking about my 2009 New Year's Resolution : Regardless how much gloom and doom the economists predict for 2009, I am determined to be sunny and cheerful and hopefully a better person next year. Hey... who am I anyway? Just a dedicated realtor serving my clients with a big heart and with a big smile.

Whether you are buying your first home, or are a property owner looking to sell or buy, upsize or downsize, or investment, Maria and her team have the experience and successful track record to provide you with the utmost confidence that your real estate experience working with me as your agent will be an enjoyable one.

Call Maria Mak and my team at Sutton Centre Realty 604-839-6368 or visit my website at http://www.mariamak.com/ , you'll be smiling too!

Maria Mak - Vancouver Realtor - Retreat to my gingerbread hobbit hut at Whistler

2008-12-22T13:05:00.000-08:00

I will retreat to my gingerbread hobbit hut at Whistler from 23 December to 26 December 2008 to do some soul searching, once again thanks for all your business and support for this year and looking forward to serving you again with a big heart and with a big smile in 2009....for all your real estate needs, call Maria Mak at Sutton Centre Realty 604-839-6368 or visit my website at http://www.mariamak.com/ , you'll be smiling too...cheers.

Season's Greetings from Maria Mak - Sutton Centre Realty

2008-12-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

Wishing all my clients and friends a Merry X'mas
and a Happy New Year.

Maria Mak - Vancouver Realtors®- /Burnaby Real Estate Agent

Sutton Centre Realty

3010 Boundary Road

Burnaby BC V5M 4A1

(Office): 604-435-9477

(Cell): 604-839-6368

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor - Melt the heart of Mr Snowman in this chilly chilly cold winter

2008-12-15T06:38:00.000-08:00

Even though in this chilly cold cold winter morning minus 17 degree with wind chill factored in, I woke up with a cosy warm feeling in my heart.

Despite of all the negative bad news on our struggling economy , even the kid on the block and the doggie on the leash, are all talking about recession, depression, I firmly believe if you hold on to your DREAMS, step by step, day by day ...always... knowing truly one day, someday, you will get there and achieve all your goals. Yes...You can melt the heart of Mr Snowman in this deep freeze winter, heart to heart, toes to toes... oops! Yes... you can tackle and pull through all the difficulties in the uncertain future if you just believe.

Believe in yourself, be positive, be thankful, stay healthy, help the less fortunate, give generously, and be jolly for this coming happy holidays.

If you're thinking of buying and selling real estate, Contact Maria Mak and my team at Sutton Centre Realty for more creative financing or visit my website at http://www.mariamak.com/, you'll be smiling too!

Not just to survive, but to Thrive in tougher economic markets

2008-12-11T08:05:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, it is possible not only to survive, but to thrive in tougher economic markets. And guess what…. if you learn how to profit even in “down” markets, than think how well you will flourish when things inevitably get better again.

They say that if you took all of the wealth in the world and spread it evenly amongst all the people, within 50 years 82% of the people would be in the same economic position as they are today. This is because wealth is behavior-based and less dependent on outside factors than you may realize.

Use this tough market as a wake-up call and condition yourself to take steps to adapt the behaviors necessary to truly build wealth for you and your family. Learn from the pros and the families that have withstood generations of ups and downs in the economy.

Recognize that thriving assumes surviving. Survival in these tough times is critical, but it’s not enough to just stop there. By focusing instead on thriving, survival is assured. You’ve got nothing to lose by living with an optimistic, great outlook; you have everything to lose by living in fear.
Acknowledge fear as natural and necessary, but insist on living beyond it.

Courage is not the lack of fear; rather it is the willingness to push on through fear. Consider what’s right about the situation and where the opportunities are. This is not always easy or natural, but it is always possible and for those choosing to thrive rather than simply survive, it is absolutely essential.

Invest in yourself. If you are thinking of buying and selling real estate, contact Maria Mak and my team at Sutton Centre Realty 604-839-6368 for more creative financing or visit my website at www.mariamak.com, you'll be smiling too!

10 reasons for selling during Christmas Holidays

2008-12-08T21:23:00.000-08:00

1.Most December and early January buyers are particularly serious and very likely facing some sort of deadline.

2.January is the biggest transfer month of the year and job transferee’s use the holidays to house hunt.

3.Many people want to buy before the end of the year for financial and tax reasons.
Investors usually want to close by year-end for tax purposes.

4.Most sellers wait until spring or summer to list their home. This means that during the winter months your property will have far less competition versus any other time of the year.

5.Homes show well when decorated for the holidays creating a sense of family and people are much more emotionally drawn to the house, emotion sells.

6.Many people take vacation around the holidays allowing more time to look for a home.

7.Remodeling, decorating, appliance installation and other services are more available and at less of a premium.

8.Lenders aren’t as busy and can process mortgage loans faster.

9.Showings will be fewer and less intrusive, but more likely to be fruitful with motivated, qualified buyers.

10.Many homes that have been on the market for more than 60 days, will be taken off the market and relisted in January ie) less property on the market = more focus on your home.

Call Maria Mak at 604-839-6368 at Sutton Centre Reatly for free home market evaluation without any obligation NOW.

Slow home sales create window of opportunity

2008-12-02T15:50:00.000-08:00

VANCOUVER, B.C. – December 2, 2008 – November reductions in home sales and prices have helped improve affordability in Greater Vancouver. However, November also saw a corresponding decrease in the number of new homes coming onto the market.

In its most recent statistics release, the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver declined 69.7 per cent in November 2008 to 874 from the 2,883 sales recorded in November 2007.

Residential benchmark prices, as calculated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index®, declined 12.8 per cent between May and November 2008, amounting to an 8.3 per cent year-to-date price reduction for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver between November 2007 and 2008. In May 2008, the overall residential benchmark price was $568,411, compared to $495,704 in November 2008.

“Times of turmoil, from which we always emerge, offer excellent opportunities to buy quality real estate,” says REBGV president, Dave Watt.“For those whose personal finances allow them to get involved, there are opportunities in today’s housing market that have not been seen in many years.

“The local real estate market is not immune to the current economic challenges globally; however, Canada’s disciplined lending structure has kept the mortgage landscape steady in these uncertain times.”

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties declined 10.8 per cent to 3,012 in November 2008 compared to November 2007, when 3,377 new units were listed. Active listings in November declined 4.7 per cent to 18,348 from the 19,257 active listings in Greater Vancouver in October 2008.

Sales of detached properties in November 2008 declined 69.8 per cent to 322 from the 1,067 units sold during the same period in 2007. The benchmark price for detached properties declined 8.6 per cent from November 2007 to $666,525. Since May 2008, the benchmark price for a detached property in Greater Vancouver has declined 13.6 per cent.

Sales of apartment properties declined 67.9 per cent last month to 410 compared to 1,276 sales in November 2007. The benchmark price of an apartment property declined 8.6 per cent from November 2007 to $342,315. Since May 2008, the benchmark price for an apartment property in Greater Vancouver has declined 12.2 per cent.

Attached property sales in November 2008 decreased 73.7 per cent to 142, compared with the 540 sales in November 2007. The benchmark price of an attached unit declined 6.4 per cent between November 2007 and 2008 to $426,287. Since May 2008, the benchmark price for an attached property in Greater Vancouver has declined 11 per cent.

My clients having been asking me whether is it the best time to buy?
Real estate prices went through ups and downs just like a roller coaster. Nobody can see through the crystal ball. Always listen to your heart and put some senses into your head, get into the market when you're ready to take the ride, building up your equity at this very moment is always wise and sound!

Maria Mak - Burnaby Realtor/Real Estate Agent - Why use a realtor?

2008-11-27T22:13:00.000-08:00

Real estate licensees who are members of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver® are called REALTORS®. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again. Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®. But if you're still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are a dozen more reasons to use one:

1. Your REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power -- that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders -- banks and mortgage companies -- offer limited choices.

2. Your REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.

3. Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

4. Your REALTOR® can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your REALTOR®, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.

6. Your REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.

7. Your REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

8. When selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.

9. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires REALTORS® to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.

10. Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

11. Your REALTOR® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.

12. Your REALTOR® can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).

Call Maria Mak at Sutton Centre Realty at 604-839-6368 or visit my website at http://www.mariamak.ca/ for all your real estate services, You'll be smiling too!