Whats Happening in the Lower Mainland Real Estate Market?

2012-01-27T09:54:00.001-08:00

North Delta and Surrey Markets have been extremely active in January. In all of the Fraser Valley in the first 17 days there were 598 homes sold and 2289 Listed homes. At this time last year we were up slightly in sales with 681 sales. North Delta currently has 139 homes on the market for Buyers to choose from ranging in price from a rancher for $384,000 to 1,088,000 in Canterbury Heights. In the townhouse and condo market in North Delta there are 41 units available ranging in price from $73,000 to $649,000 for a luxury townhome in Sunstone.
In the Surrey areas, North Surrey there are approximately 468 listed homes, Central Surrey 457 homes, and in the South Surrey area there is approx. 265 homes for Buyers to look through.
Sheri Brown & Associates has been quite busy in the last two weeks with many Market Evaluations and homeowners getting ready to place their homes on the market in the coming months. The “Spring” Market is sure to be a busy one, with the interest rates taking a decline at most major banks to 2.99% and under. For more information CHECK out www.MYREALTYTV.ca or www.SheriBrown.ca.

The Market is now Moving!

2012-01-26T10:50:00.000-08:00

Over the Christmas season we had a typical slow down for listings and sales. However January has taken off with a lot of activity. Market evaluations are happening several times a week right now for people preparing for the spring market. You can get a jump on the market right now if you thought about listing a little before March. Sheri Brown & Associates has a new great listings this week. There is nothing else available in this area quite like this home. A four bedroom family home at 10972 63A Ave is a GREEN home. Enery Efficient with a 78 Energuide rating! The kitchen and bathroom have been tastefully decorated and re done. This truely is a gorgeous updated home. The first Open House is on Sunday the 29th of Jan 2-4pm. Or you can call Sheri. If you want more info on what's happening with the market as well feel free to pop an email to sheri@sheribassociates.ca

Sunstone..North Delta's newest Community now has a website.

2011-12-06T10:17:00.000-08:00

I am very pleased to partner with a great Realtor in my office, Kendra Ballendine, on this new website, Sunstone Listings.ca This is a great resource to find out about the area, the clubhouse, the latest hot listings. If you're thinking of selling in the area, we can help. Check out the new site today!

My Realty TV November update

2011-11-22T12:40:00.000-08:00

My Google Search

2011-11-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

FrogBox's: A new way to move!

2011-10-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

Recently I referred a client to FrogBox, this is an amazing company that delivers hard boxes with lids to your home, you pack, then unpack and they pick up. How simple is that! An amazing way to safe time and effort in finding cardboard boxes and helping save the environment. Check them out at www.frogbox.com

Our First Radio Real Estate Show on the Internet!

2011-10-12T21:33:00.000-07:00

Check out the Latest North Delta Market update

2011-09-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

My Realty TV.ca update

North Delta had a busy August with 50 sales of detached homes in the month. Sales Price ranged from $345000 to
862,800 dollars. For sellers, good quality and ready to be shown properties with a sharp list price are finding a red sold sticker on the sign very quickly.
There are currently 182 homes in all areas of North Delta for Buyers to choose from. Prices for homes currently listed start at $390 thousand for a cute starter rancher in Annieville up to 1.5 million for a luxury home in Sunshine Hills with an Exclusive Summit Crescent address. Typically we have not seen too many homes in the plus million mark in North Delta in the last few years, but as of late more luxury properties have been popping up. There are currently 18 homes over $800 thousand with five of those being over the million dollar mark. This can be attributed mainly to older homes in the Sunshine Hills area having been substantially renovated and newer larger homes such as the Sunstone Development in Delsom. The Vancouver population is also discovering how central and easy the commute can be to places such as Richmond, Vancouver or going the opposite way out to the valley. North Delta is a great central location!
For Buyers who are looking for easy townhouse or condo living there are 45 units available on the market as we speak. If you want more information about the fabulous North Delta area and Real Estate I would love to help you. This is Sheri Brown for My Realty TV.ca

Whats Happening in Fraser Valley??

2011-09-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

In August we had an increase of 35 percent more sales compared to last year in the same month. Usually we have seen a slower time in the summer months with sales and listings. But with the late start to our spring and a lack of summer sun we have had an unusual increase in sales. There were still many competing offers in some pockets throughout the lower mainland for single detached homes. The benchmark price for a home in the Fraser Valley in August was $528,959 an increase of 3.7%. There was also a slight increase from last year for the condos market with a 2.5% increase. With interest rates remaining low it's still a great time to think about moving to North Delta, Surrey or Cloverdale and anywhere in the Fraser Valley.
If you are thinking of selling or buying Sheri Brown & Associates can help you.

Newsletter Marketer of the Year 2nd Runner Up!

2011-08-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

Sheri Brown was honoured to win the 2nd prize for Newsletter Marketer of the Year for the Ready to Go Newsletters contest that was held all across North America.
The full colour glossy newsletters focus on bringing in the local community, local real estate trends, the great articles from Ready to Go Newsletters and amazing photos to add to the fantastic read. She send out the newsletter to the local residents in her market area as well as her many clients in her large database. It shows what you can do with our content if you get really creative. The response from her clients has been full of great feedback and has been a welcome addition to her marketing plan.

"But it has High Strata Fees!"

2011-07-03T21:24:00.000-07:00

Buying a townhouse or a condo can be a more affordable alternative to the higher prices of houses. The number one concern I have from clients lately is the cost of the "Strata Fee" or "Maintenance Fee".

I have had quite a few listings with a higher fee in the last few years and this has caused some concern from Buyers as well as hesitation from putting pen to paper making an offer. The fee depends largely on the age of the building, what is included (ie: gas and heat), if it has a fitness centre or pool and the size of the unit. The bigger the unit the larger the fee as it is based on square footage.

If the heat and gas is included a Buyer should take this into consideration as you would not have that monthly bill. If the property has a fitness centre you can give notice at the gym and take advantage of the facilities at your doorstep!

Most importantly if the building is older and it has a rather low fee you may want to closely look at the contingency and what repairs have been done to upkeep the building. You may be paying lower monthly costs, but if there is no plan to save for the raining day repairs or major overhaul of something such as a roof, the owners may be hit with a whopping Special Assessment!

In a newer building the fees will generally start out lower, just be aware this may not be the case forever. Take into consideration if you did own your own home, as time goes on and as the house gets older you would have to put in more money over the years to replace and upgrade things such as windows, furnace, roof, painting and much much more. A Strata Fee is a way to save this money aside for those repairs in advance and also to keep the regular upkeep of the grounds to lessen the maintenance costs and keep the property looking great. There are advantages to paying a Strata Fee and living the condo/townhome lifestyle!

A new Animated Commercial!

2011-06-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

My Realty TV.ca June update here!

2011-06-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned, the June MyRealtyTV.ca update is being posted shortly for the North Delta Market!

Renova: Something very cool from the Appraisal Institute of Canada

2011-05-31T19:20:00.000-07:00

The number one question I get asked when I have a client wanting to renovate their home before listing...."What will this add to the value of my home?" A fantastic new program is available from the Appraisal Institute of Canada. Renova is here! If you are thinking of renovating and just don't know how much of a return would come into play, check out this site. It gives you a better idea of where to spend your $$$$! It's easy and quick and brought to the people that know homes.

Now on My Realty TV!

2011-05-21T23:46:00.000-07:00

There is a fantastic new site about the Real Estate markets of the Lower Mainland and Greater Vancouver. My Realty TV brings experienced Realtors in all the areas together to one place and speak with interactive and informative videos about the latest markets updates in the localized areas.

My Realty TV

Seen around town! Sheri Brown, Your RE/MAX Realtor

2011-04-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

New Look, New Year! Sheri Brown has some new benches around North Delta! Unveiling the new look and style this week, they are popping up all over town. Thanks to Pattison Outdoor for your expertise and help with the artwork! Great Job!

Gorgeous Fleetwood Home! A Georgie Award Finalist!

2011-03-23T13:04:00.000-07:00

SHOW HOME! For those that expect the BEST QUALITY! This amazing completely reno’d (from top to bottom) DREAM HOME has been completely and professionally redone with the best of everything! Only the foundation and studs are original! Winner 2008 Georgie Award Finalist! No detail overlooked! Spectacular new dream kitch and open sun filled eating area, huge master bdrm w/ fireplace, amazing new bthrms with granite, heated flrs and more, Brazilian Redwd Hrdwd flrs, new ensuite with rainshower/steamroom to die for, 2 sinks, slate tile, 5 new skylights, closet organizers throughout, new elec, new plumb, high effec furn w/ heat pump, air cond, tankless ht wtr, summer kitch bsmt, media, new fiberglass laminated roof, new hardyplank siding, new windows, "Green" certified and Energy Star Rated! Prof landscaped yard, paver stone driveway, and the list just goes on and on and on….. Quiet street, in very attractive neighbourhood, close to schools, etc....

- featuring 4 bed rooms on main floor,
- and flexible inlaw suite or multimedia room with kitchenette and guest room.
-
- 2008 GEORGIE AWARD Finalist “BEST RENOVATION in BC under 250,000”
- Featured on the Greater Vancouver Home Builders Associations 2007 Parade of Renovated homes”
- Energy StarRated R2000 Home
- Certified “Green” with an energuide number of “82”
-
- James Hardie Concrete siding and river rock facing offer instant street appeal.
- Paving stone driveway, walk way around whole house including rear patio compliment other exterior finishes.

- North-facing Mountain View post and beam sunroom creates bright space for breakfast nook.
- Custom Cherrywood cabinetry and granite countertops kitchen.
- Heavy crown moulding, 5” baseboards, and 3 ¼” casings.
- Repeating archway details
- Brazilian redwood Sand on Site Hard wood floors add dramatic detail
- staircase features wooden stair end caps and wrought iron spindle handrail.
- Main Bath showcases painted and glazed Maple cabinetry with granite countertops and dual sinks
- Cherrywood cabinetry and granite countertops featured in Master Ensuite
- 5 opening skylights for natural light.

- High Efficiency York 2 stage variable speed furnace & Heat pump with Ultraviolet electronic filter
- High Efficiency tankless hot water system with Ultraviolet drinking water & ice filter
- LowE Argon vinyl windows
- 40 Year Fiberglass laminated roofing
- Skylights and Sunroom feature R7.9 Heat mirror with Krypton gas filed glass
- Rain barrels collect runoff water for gardening

- Creatively designed Master Suite with sitting area with corner fireplace and cherry cabinet walk-in closet.
- Enlarged Ensuite incorporates multi-head steam shower and slate tiles.
-
- Window seat, built-in shelving, gas fireplace enhance Living Room comfort
- Ground level include media room, wet bar, bath and office space
- Rear landscaping includes water feature
- Front landscaping offers year-round interest
CALL SHERI FOR MORE DETAILS.

Q R Codes....What are these weird squares?

2011-02-28T20:14:00.000-08:00

There is another new way of marketing out there amidst all the other techie gadgets! Q R Codes....they have been around for a few years but now Realtors are using them for marketing their properties. On flyer's, lawn signs and business cards they are making their way into our modern advertising. How they work, you ask? Use your SMART phone, take a picture with a QR Code reader application and presto! You go directly to the Realtors website, a YOUTUBE video or their basic contact information. Sheri Brown of RE/MAX Performance will be placing Q R Codes on every sale sign, so if you need to know the valuable information on a property it will take you there in an instant. If you would like more information on Q R Codes and what they do for Real Estate call or email Sheri Brown at 604-590-4888 or sheri@sheribrown.ca

City of Delta receives a Plaque from Rotatians

2011-02-25T17:08:00.000-08:00

Sheri Brown, President of the Rotary of North Delta, along with other Delta Rotarian Presidents and members were pleased to honour the Corporation of Delta with a plaque commemorating International Rotary Day. The plaque was presented to the Mayor of Delta, the Honourable Lois Jackson. Thanks Delta for all your support of Rotary Projects!

2011 Customer Apreciation Party a hit!

2011-02-17T15:31:00.000-08:00

Another year has gone by with many fantastic clients who bought, sold or referred us business in 2010. Thanks to all those who attended and thanks to all those who donated door prizes as well. Thanks to Greg Kakuno of Dominion Lending for the Golf Bag, Washington Avenue Grill, Tom Lucas for MCing, Cactus Club Delta for $50 GC and many others!

Hot New Coquitlam Listing

2011-01-22T20:32:00.001-08:00

Great family home in desirable Ranch Park in Coquitlam. $634,900, this home has five bedrooms and is over 2500 sq ft. Amazing view of the North Shore Mountains, on a very quiet cul de sac. There is a second kitchen down in the home with an outside basement entry. Gorgeous hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances, and new paint throughout. Rancher with walk out basement style home. Close to schools, shopping and transit. Located at Bosun Place in Ranch Park.

Alan Seltzer, Mortgage Man visits the Station

2011-01-22T12:31:00.000-08:00

Tom Lucas and I had the pleasure of interviewing Alan Seltzer of Verico Complete Mortgages about all the latest rates and changes to the Mortgage Rules. There will only be 30 year amortization mortgages after March 18th 2011 and you can only borrow up to 85% of your home equity. For more info check out CMHC's website or ask your mortgage broker.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Gibson's Elementary

2011-01-20T14:31:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to attend and help cut the ribbon for the new playground at Gibson's Elementary in North Delta. Being the President of the Rotary of North Delta this year, it was my pleasure to help the school celebrate today, along with other school board members, Delta Counsellors and Mayor Lois Jackson. I am happy to say our Rotary Club donated a large amount towards helping this dream for the community come true. If you want to know more about our club check out our website, Rotary of North Delta

January 2011 Here already!

2011-01-19T11:09:00.000-08:00

What's been happening with our market, the new mortgage changes and highlights of 2010! Check is all out www.sheribrown.ca

2010-11-28T19:25:00.000-08:00

Funstuff at the Zoomers Convention over the weekend! Tom and myself broadcast the show LIVE from the Vancouver Convention Centre. Full of info on travel, lifestyle, home and other fun for ages 45 and older. "Zoomers" is the new name for Boomers! Boomers with Zip or Zig! Listen to the Radio Real Estate Show every Saturday on AM650 at 10am. www.radiorealestateshow.ca In photo, me, Ken Mayo of Ken Mayo Home Inspections and Tom Lucas

What's been going on? Is the Market "Soft"?

2010-10-06T10:25:00.001-07:00

Yes, the market is slowing creepy up in sales and in phone calls since our very slow July and August. More quality listings seem to be coming on the market, giving Buyers a good choice of product. Now as a Buyer in this balanced market, you can go view a home, 2 to 3 times before making the decision to write and offer. A little stressful for Sellers, but great for Buyers. I myself have had 4 new listings this week in all different price ranges and categories.

A gorgeous 1.39 Million $ Home located in the Tsawwassen area of Delta, Amazing view!
A $229,000 Beautifully reno'd condo in College Park, Surrey, close to the University
View Home in Canterbury Heights, tastefully reno'd $674,900
Your own tennis courts! In Canterbury Heights for $599,900

Check out my Listings at Sheri Brown.ca

340 54A Street Tsawwassen Delta

2010-10-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous New Listing! Amazing view!

Prince George a good investment?

2010-08-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

Prince George in the BC North! Find out if it's a good place to invest your real estate dollar as my sister, Tracy Lofroth, from Prince George Royal LePage tells us about the market in the North this Saturday on AM650!

President of the BCREA

2010-07-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

Recently on the Radio Real Estate show we had Moss Moloney talk about the local and BC Real Estate Market. His thoughts were we are still strong in the British Columbia Real Estate Market and our economy despite all the shelter taxes here in Canada such as the HST and the Property Transfer Tax. Interest rates are still low and affordable for consumers and there is a great amount of product for Buyers to choose from. Real Estate is a still a fantastic investment for British Columbians. Moss has been in the Real Estate Business for 33 years!

A little slow down this week, or is it!

2010-06-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

In the real estate wrold kids are getting out of school which around this time of year causes a little slow down to the housing markets. The condo markets however for new product have been busier. First time buyers with no children have been buying up some of the new development product. Four sales alone in the SOHO project last week!

The newest Website intro to the Real Estate Radio Show!

2010-06-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

Check out the new website Radio Real Estate

Behind the Scenes of the Real Estate Radio Show

2010-06-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying my time at the new co-host with Tom Lucas of the Radio Real Estate Show on AM650! Here is an inside view of our latest show!

The Olympic Torch goes through Delta!

2010-02-08T20:38:00.000-08:00

Tuesday February 7th, 2010 at about 8:30 am marks the day the Torch will come down 112th Street. I will be there with the Rotary of North Delta handing out hot chocolate at Burnview Secondary School. So come down and see the flame run by! Go Canada go!

Is Your Home Fit to Sell?

2009-10-14T22:37:00.001-07:00

Sheri's Featured on Urban Rush!

2008-11-25T16:29:00.000-08:00

I was featured on the TV Show Urban Rush on Shaw Cable this week. I have been using the new technology of Txterrific for my listings recently. I feel in this market you need to do whatever you can to spread the word about the homes you have for sale!

The Delta Police and the case of the Missing Address Sign!

2008-09-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

As a resident of Delta, I must say I am happy that we are protected by what I think is the finest Policing Service, the Delta Police. A couple of days ago, I had a "property crime" happen, my beautiful marble address plaque was stolen! Although, I never reported it missing, I did happen to run into one of Delta's very helpful officer's and it came up in conversation. I mentioned to him about the "Missing Marble Sign". A couple of interesting facts came out of this, one being that it is a by-law issue to not have your address clearly visible from the road, I didn't know this! As I was describing the cool new sign I was going to design with slate and nickle numbers he started shaking his head no, upon asking why, he stated that it should be a lighted sign (preferably lighted numbers) in a clear and visible area from the street. Great information! As a homeowner, I was only thinking about the aesthetic look and not at it from a safety aspect whereas in the event of an emergency Police, Ambulance and Fire need to see your address clearly! So, homeowners please take a moment to check your address from the road! Also, if you would like to know more about the Delta Police Department check out their very informative site at www.deltapolice.ca

My Real Estate Blog

2008-06-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

Long Weekend...Look for Real Estate!

2008-06-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

The Long Weekend is upon us! I have had a flurry of activity from past clients this week wanted to start shopping again! Great time to get out there and look for properties this weekend...or you can enjoy some of our hot weather finally! ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!

Terella at Sunstone UPDATE!!

2008-06-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to see the Show Homes at Terella-Sunstone today. WOW! I have to say they are phenomenal. I have always loved the product from MORNING STAR HOMES, but they do get better and better with each development. In the first show home I viewed there are shutters in between the kitchen and the dining rooms that come standard. They must be about 10 feet tall and 8 foot wide, amazing! The homes have different accents throughout that come standard, opaque glass inserts in the Master Bedroom on one home looking out to the den area, glass inserts on the staircase in another. The open concept, deemed to be a very green home, with the granite and real hardwood would make coming home to this grand house a treat!! Made me want to move!

One of the other coolness factors was the automatic sensor lights in the guest bathroom that I noticed! I went into the bathroom to turn on the light and low and behold the light turned on automatically! An amazing energy saver and a great conversation item!

Prices will start at $550,000 an up Plus GST. Showhomes will be open as of Friday!

The sales team at Terella welcomes a REALTOR to represent you and I would love to help you out if you were interested in this very amazing site in North Delta. Please feel free to contact me at 604-590-4888 or sheri@sheribrown.ca

The town homes should be ready by October for sales! Stay tuned!

Home Buyers Seminar Tommorrow Night!

2008-06-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

Come Join Jenny Matches and myself for this informative Buyer's Seminar for First Timers or to see the Investment Opportunities that are out there right now! It is a Buyer's Market! Take advantage of this good time to buy! Jenny and I will have a few guests to talk about all different aspects of the Topic. Email for more info: sheri@sheribrown.ca

Terella at Sunstone

2008-06-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

The new Morning Star by Polygon homes are fast approaching completion! I am on the Guest list to go in and see the first four show homes completed on June 17th! I will keep you posted as to how these new "green" built Show home's look. The Sunstone Development is going to be one of the most sought after area's in North Delta. The townhomes look as if they are well on their way to being ready too! The Townhomes are going to be I think extremely desirable for the area in the new little "city" within the City of North Delta. Please feel free to email me your questions on this or find out if this move to Sunstone would be right for you!
sheri@sheribrown.ca

New Townhouse Listing! $309,900

2008-06-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

Great location in the Heart of Newton. Close to Schools, shopping, recreation and transit.
View this video!
http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/65061/627370

Moving...Stressful...YES!

2008-06-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

Well, we have moved and wow what an experience! I said before the process of buying a home was an experience, but the actual move in has been much more! I fully understand down to the painting, changing lighting fixtures, door handles and dealing with boxes. When my clients now say to me they would like a couple of extra days in between possession from their old place to their new, I have to say I really do get it now! I think every Realtor should move once every 10 years just to re-live what our clients go through on a regular basis!

I certainly do not plan on moving in the long distance future any time soon! It was very much worth the stress and chaos! You can rest assured I know what you as my clients need!

Comments

The Ultimate Home Buyer's Seminar June 18th, 2008

2008-05-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

June 18th, 2008, 7-9 PM
The ULTIMATE HOME BUYERS Seminar, brought to you by our Team.
Join Jen Matches and Myself for this amazing info session on everything you need to know about Buying your first home, Apartment or Townhouse. Get in the Market and know all the facts!
Sponsered in part by Jeremy Laughren of Freedom 55 Financial

your Financial Security Advisor
Also speaking will be Darren Rossi of Dominion Macklem Mortgages your Mortgage Specialist.
Location: Freedom 55 Suite 1800-13401 108th Ave, Surrey, BC
Free Parking available if RSVP
Call Sheri or Jen to Place your name on the RSVP List

604-590-4888 or email sheri@advantagehometeam.ca

To Get Mortgage Insurance or NOT?

2008-05-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

From what I have heard over the years Mortgage Insurance through the banks may not be the most practical way to go. Usually costing between $50-$75 per month added onto the monthly payment. Another option could be a term life insurance policy. This, you can get for a set amount at a fraction of the cost in most cases!
Says, Jeremy Laughren of Freedom 55 Financial in Surrey, "You've worked hard to find just the right home. Shouldn't you take the time to find the right mortgage life insurance protection for you and your family?"
With Mortgage insurance through the bank, the payment stays the same even though you are paying down your debt monthly. With a life insurance policy the payment stays the same (lower) but you will always get the set Insurance amount! Make sense?? If you need more information on this it really is best to talk to the Insurance Guy!
Jeremy Laughren is at file://www.jeremylaughren.com/

A New condo Project in North Delta?

2008-04-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

I have found out some very exciting and interesting information! There may be some building going on in the area of 115th and 84th in North Delta soon, that is if the residents will approve this new Develpoment. The project is slated to be a 24 unit small low rise building geared for Seniors and Empty Nesters. It's supposed to have all the amentities for the Senior population such as extra large hallways and optional hand rails in the bathrooms. The last condos/townhomes built in the area were in 1990, we've only had about 100 units built since then. I was very excited to hear about this project, but even more so to learn it was for the Senior type of client. There are so many Seniors I know that are still trying to maintain a 2000 sq foot Delta homeas they do not want to move from all they have know for the last 30 years. Let's cross our fingers and hope this project can get approved for our Community!

Identity Theft! Learn More in a FREE Seminar!

2008-04-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

Join me and our Team, Advantage Home Team, as we sponser this great FREE Seminar with author George Greenwood, of the Book "In Your Good Name,Identity Theft, a Canadian Respective"
When? Tuesday, April 29th
IDENTITY THEFT: "We NEED to CHANGE our HABITS"
doors open at 6:30 pm
7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Where? EAGLEQUEST Coyote Creek Golf Centre
7778 152nd Street
SURREY, BC
Sponsered BY Advantage Home Team of RE/MAX Performance Realty
Sheri, Jen, Phil and Janet
http://www.itcanthappentome.ca/40.html

Email me for more information at sheri@sheribrown.ca

Realtor Buys Home!

2008-04-03T10:30:00.001-07:00

Well, I have not done this for a while. Being a client! It's a very unique experience to be on the other end of the transaction. My partner and I recently bought a house. It was exciting, stressful and eye-opening as to what my clients go through! With everything from finding the home, (that was the easy part for us), placing an offer in on the home and then the back and forth of negotiating (my partner was a pro at this, he was the constant Realtor, I was more of an emotional Buyer!). We did get to an acceptable offer and the rest is history.....now it just packing and moving in that's the next hurdle. So, the bottom line is I have learned dramatically from this personal experience and what the stages my clients go through!
I totally understand you now!!

2008-03-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter! May you and your family enjoy this holiday. From Sheri

Staging, WHY?? and HOW??

2008-02-27T11:09:00.000-08:00

The hot "Buzz" word, Staging. Staging is one of the coolest ideas to hit Real Estate in the last 5 years. Everybody is starting to do it, but I caution to actually get a professional who has taken a course! Our team, Advantage Home Team and myself use a stager. Her name is Susan Wells and she is the Decorating Coach. Check our her website at http://www.thedecoratingcoach.com/
I had the opportunity to stay with her for a session with one of my clients. She was amazing! There was not much furniture but, she transformed the space with some simple changes by moving one mirror to another wall! She also instructed the Owner to change around some furniture to one end of the room and place it at the other end out from the wall and WOW! It made the space look that much more spacious and livable! She has made me a beleiver that by moving things around without spending a forture which can increase the sale price and cuts way down on the time it takes to get a great offer! For the higher end and vacant homes she also will rent out furniture and completely stage the home.
As most of my clients know I do offer this service with every listing for no charge to you! I have found my listings have sold faster and for more money this way! Be sure to check out her website too!

Preview my new Listing! City Loft 2 bedrooms (SOLD)

2008-02-26T18:19:00.000-08:00

THIS LISTING IS NOW SOLD!
Please take the time to preview my new listing in Central City, the New Yaletown of Surrey!
1127sq foot 2 level Loft
$329,900
413-10866 City Parkway @ The Access
Watch the video for more....
http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/65061/524186
if you have trouble opening this please copy and paste into your browser
2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Stunning hardwood flooring, entertaining kitchen, open westcoast loft and fantastic views from your roof top deck.

FINTRAC Changes to Real Estate

2008-02-26T18:16:00.000-08:00

I attended the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board's annual general meeting this morning and found out some interesting info coming up for later this year in 2008. FINTRAC is the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre for Canada (WOW, that's a mouthfull!) This government section of Canada tracks illegal monies from drug trafficing, money laundering and other bad activities! They are now going to impliment a new system for the purchase of Real Estate in Canada that with every transaction REALTORS will need to get proper ID, Name and birthdates from clients making an offer, and of course no "cash" deposits. On the upside I will now know everyone's birthday!

Sunstone Development

2008-02-19T21:56:00.000-08:00

From what I've been seeing at the end of 84th off of 112th, the new Sunstone Development is on it's way being cleared and getting ready for the construction stage. I have been reading that the presales should start in the Summer of 2008, very fast approaching us! It's already February! There is finally a website to give you a little more information about this Development coming to town.
http://www.sunstonecommunity.com/

This website has a little more information about the units and floorplans. Although I had trouble logging in for some reason! With any new development or pre-sale situation you can still use a Realtor, such as myself, to help you with the "fine print" and to represent you for your interests! It's going to be an exciting new area for our Community!

Spas and Condos??

2008-02-19T21:53:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me, knows that Spa's are in my list of Top Ten great things to do! When I worked at the high end Spas and Wellness Centers in downtown Vancouver it was my second best career ever! Real Estate of course is number one! Now I have recently noticed something in the Real Estate Weekly...there is now two new condo/townhome developments coming later this year that promote they have A Wellness Centre or Spa in the complex! Both of these "urban sanctuary's" advertise there will be a new Balance to your life by living in a World Class resort atmoshere.
I look very forward to seeing finished properties coming to the areas of Langley and Surrey on the border of North Delta.
These new Projects are:
Waterstone @ 194th and 64th - One and Two bedroom with den Condos. There will be a Yoga room, Movie theatre, Steam and Dry Sauna, and a Wellness Centre!
Salus @ 66th and Scott Road in Surrey - Certified Green Built apartment flats and city homes that will be spa inspired and have a relaxing and rejuvinating First Class Spa Centre! WOW
** Remember when you goto Register or Purchase any new development take your Buyer's Agent with you to represent you and your interests.**

What's happening this Month in the Fraser Valley Market??

2007-03-06T11:42:00.000-08:00

Solid February for Fraser Valley real estate market
Fraser Valley Real Estate Board MLS® Report
March 2, 2007

(Surrey, BC) – The Fraser Valley real estate market experienced a typical February surge, with a 41 per cent increase in sales compared to January. Inventory continued to grow compared to the previous month and year and annual percentage increases on average home prices remained in the double-digits.
The total number of sales processed through the Multiple Listing Service® in February was 1,413, a decrease of 15 per cent compared to the same month last year when 1,672 sales were processed and on par with 1,464 sales processed in February 2005.
Some 2,552 new listings were added to the MLS® which added up to 6,304 active listings in February, an increase of 5 per cent from January and an increase of 22 per cent compared to February 2006 when there were 5,182 active listings.
“As BC economists projected, demand continues to remain strong in the Lower Mainland. Consumers are looking to the Fraser Valley for more affordable options,” says Jim McCaughan, President of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “This is why we’re seeing prices in all categories, and in particular in townhomes and condominiums, remain resilient.”
The average price of a single-family detached house in the Fraser Valley in February was $507,439, an increase of 16.8 per cent compared to the same month last year. In February 2006, the average price was $434,516.
Townhouses sold for an average of $312,421 in February, an increase of 17.2 per cent from 2006 when they sold for an average of $266,560. The average apartment price went up 24.7 per cent in one year, from February 2006’s average of $167,526, to $208,885 in 2007.

Information and photos of all Fraser Valley Real Estate Board listings can be found on the national, public web site www.mls.ca. Using the services of a REALTOR® , who has detailed access to the full, private MLS® database, is the most effective way to purchase your new home.
Further market statistics can be found on the Board’s web page at www.fvreb.bc.ca. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is an association of 2,869 real estate professionals who live and work in the communities of North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford, and Mission.

Getting with the Times

2007-03-05T08:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I went for a visit up to Prince George, I used to be a Realtor at the RE/MAX up in PG, before I moved back home in Delta. I was sitting with my good friend Debbie Peite and she told me all about Blogging. I had never really heard of it, so I thought I would try. We'll see how this goes!

The Skiing was ok in Prince George too!