The Latest Fraser Valley Real Estate Board Press Release! March 2014

BUYERS SEE VALUE IN SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED HOMES IN THE FRASER VALLEY (Surrey, BC) – In March, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed 1,259 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), an increase of 12 per cent compared to the 1,128 sales during March of last year, and a 14 per cent increase compared to February’s 1,102 sales. Ray Werger, President of the Board, says, “We did see activity pick up last month with an increase in demand in particular for single family detached homes. Sales were noticeably higher in North Delta, Mission and Langley compared to last year. “Last March, sales of detached homes accounted for 55 per cent of sales of our three main residential property types and this year that increased to 58 per cent. It may not sound like much, but that translated into over 100 more sales. The property type that lost ground was townhouses.” Werger explains, “Our main buyers are families looking for the best value possible by taking advantage of continuing low interest rates and stable home prices.” The most popular price range for single family detached homes in the Fraser Valley last month was between $500,000 and $600,000. The benchmark price of a typical detached home was $563,400, an increase of 3.5 per cent compared to $544,300 during the same month last year. For townhouses, the benchmark price in March was $297,100, a decrease of 0.4 per cent compared to $298,200 in March 2013 and the benchmark price of apartments was $195,400, a decrease of 4.3 per cent compared to $204,200 in March 2013. The Board posted 2,799 new listings last month, an increase of 2 per cent compared to the 2,736 posted during March of last year bringing the total number of active listings in March to 8,763 – 8 per cent less than were available during March 2013. Werger adds, “We can’t emphasize enough that real estate is local. What’s happening with the Fraser Valley housing market in general may or may not be happening to the market for your home. Contact your local REALTOR® for detailed market information by community, neighbourhood and property type.” In March, Fraser Valley’s sales-to-active-listings ratio – a comparison of sales and inventory that measures the health of the market – was 14 per cent for all property types (residential and commercial combined); and, 18 per cent for the three main residential property types indicating stability in the marketplace. —30 — The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is an association of 2,792 real estate professionals who live and work in the BC communities of North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford, and Mission. The FVREB marked its 90-year anniversary in 2011.

First Time Buyers Article 24Hours Vancouver

I was happy to be interviewed for these fantastic articles written by Joanne Richard. First time buyers are out there now and there is some great information here to review! Published March 27th 2014 in the 24Hours Vancouver, 24Hours Toronto, the Calgary Sun, Edmonton Sun, and Ottawa Sun.

Vancouver Sun Westcoast Homes Publishes a Sale!

The Vancouver Sun featured a home Sheri Brown, Realtor for Surrey and Delta in the Bought/Sold Section of the Westcoast Homes By Nicola Way. View the link here! This townhome sold in just 4 days for 99% of the list price. Another successful sale for Sheri Brown and happy Sellers!

RE/MAX Hall of Fame Award

I was thrilled to find out at the beginning of 2014, that I am receiving the RE/MAX Hall of Fame Award! Thanks to all my clients over the years for your support and who helped this be possible. I look forward to many more years helping people with their real estate needs.

Sheri Brown is one of 32 of the Most Popular Realtors giving Home Buying Tips!

I was excited to be chosen to participate in an Article on Home Buyer Nation entiled "32 Home Buying Tips from Some of the World’s Most Popular Realtors" by Scott Riley. This is an interesting article in which there are 32 unique and uncommon tips for the New Home Buyer. In addition to myself, there are three agents from the hit TV Show "Million Dollar Listing" as well who give their tips! Sheri Brown's tip is Tip #25! Check it out here!

Fraser Valley Real Estate getting busy!

Continued improvement in Fraser Valley’s housing market SURREY, BC – Buyers and sellers continued to show greater confidence in the market last month as home sales on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) edged closer to typical levels. The Board processed 1,258 sales in August, an increase of 17 per cent compared to the 1,073 sales in August of last year however, the volume remains 13 per cent below the 10-year average for the month. Ron Todson, President of the Board, explains, “The best way to describe our market currently is one of continued, modest improvement as buyers and sellers become more confident." “In the last month in the Fraser Valley, we’ve seen an increase in sellers willing to accept an offer subject to another sale, we’re seeing fewer deals collapse and we’re seeing more move-up buyers, either improving on the size or quality of their existing home. These are all indicators of a return to a more typical, stable market.” In terms of inventory, the Board received 2,353 new listings in August, a decrease of 2 per cent compared to the 2,406 new listings received during the same month last year – leaving the volume of active properties at 10,127 a decrease of 2 per cent compared to August 2012. Todson says, “An important measure of the balance between housing supply and demand is the number of months it would take to sell our existing inventory. We’re currently sitting at eight months’ supply in the Fraser Valley, indicating a balanced market, which is also being reflected in the stability of home prices. “Home prices generally remain unchanged or down slightly from a year ago; however, do check with your local REALTOR® if you’re in need of specific values because the range between property type and community can be sizeable.” In August, the benchmark price of single family detached homes in the Fraser Valley was $551,000, virtually on par with $551,400 during the same month last year. For townhouses, the benchmark price was $298,200, a decrease of 1.6 per cent compared to $303,000 in August 2012 and the benchmark price of apartments was $203,900, 1.3 per cent less than in August 2012 when it was $206,600. It's a good time to get out there and find your dream home!

New Listing!! 214-9682 134th Street only $188,000

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