AUGUST 2019

  Please Join us to celebrate Miracle Month

  Harmony Arts Festival

• What: The 10-day festival attracts over 130,000 people. You can expect 70 free concerts this year from some of Canada’s most memorable artists.
• Where: John Lawson Park, West Vancouver​
• When: Friday, July 31 to Sunday, August 9

  ​Davie Street Block Party

• What: A great way to start off this year’s Pride Weekend; a number of Djs will have you dancing all night, in addition to carnival games, food and booths with giveaways.
• Where: Davie Street from Burrard to Jervis streets
• When: Friday, July 31; 6 p.m. to midnight

  Ballroom dancing lessons at R​obson Square

• What: DanceSportBC’s Robson Square sub-committee will be hosting 10 nights of free dancing, lessons and performances beginning in June.
• Where: Robson Square Ice Rink – 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
• When: Every Friday of the summer, beginning June 26; 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

​  ​International Summer Night Market

• What: Each weekend over 20,000 visitors hit up this massive summertime night market in Richmond and experience the diverse array of booths, food and drink vendors, kids’ play area, and live entertainment.
• Where: 12631 Vulcan Way (behind Home Depot on Sweden Way), Richmond
• When: Friday, May 8 to September 27; Fridays and Saturdays 6 to 11 p.m. and Sundays 6 to 10 p.m.

  Richmond Night Market

• What: Drawing crowds from all over Metro Vancouver, the Richmond Night Market is located within easy access of the Canada Line’s Bridgeport Station. Roam the aisles to find games, food, and all sorts of wares for sale. Late nighters take note, this is the only local night market open until midnight (Fridays and Saturdays).
• Where: 8351 River Rd. (nearby Bridgeport Station)
• When: May 15 to October 12, 2015; Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m. to Midnight, Sundays and holiday Mondays 7 to 11 p.m.

  ​Shipyards Night Market

• What: The Shipyards Night market features food trucks, live music, numerous vendors and a beer garden.
• Where: Shipbuilders’ Square – 138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
• When: May 1 to September 25; Fridays, 5 to 10 p.m.

  ​Surrey Night Market

• What: Surrey Night Market is an open air event for local residents to sell and consume a variety of local foods, services and goods.
• Where: Cloverdale Exhibition Grounds – 17726-62 Ave., Surrey
• When: Friday, May 29 to Sunday, September 20; Friday, Saturday and Sunday; 6 to 11 p.m

  ​Vancouver Street Dance Festival

• What: The free dance event takes place at Robson Square (our city’s apparent dance mecca), where people get together for workshops, dance battles and live music performances.
• Where: Robson Square Ice Rink – 800 Robson St., Vancouver
• When: Saturday, August 1

  ​Trout Lake Farmers’ Market

• What: This is the farmers’ market that started up in 1995 and became the cornerstone of the Vancouver Farmers’ Market collective of markets.
• Where: Lakewood Drive and 13th Avenue, East Vancouver
• When: Saturdays; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; May 9 to October 24

  ​West End Farmers’ Market

• What: The West End’s relaxed Saturday market is a great meeting spot for locals. Grab a cup of coffee, peek at the adjacent community gardens, and take a stroll with your purchases at Nelson Park.
• Where: Comox Street (between Bute and Thurlow), Vancouver
• When: Saturdays, May 30 to October 24; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  ​Kerrisdale Farmers’ Market

• What: The Kerrisdale Farmers’ Market lines East Boulevard every Saturday, bringing out the locals in one of Vancouver’s oldest communities. Stroll, shop, and eat at this vibrant weekend gathering.
• Where: East Boulevard (between 37th and 41st Avenues), Vancouver
• When: Saturdays, June 10 to October 13; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  ​River District Farmers’ Market

• What: This market offers a unique riverfront gathering place in a burgeoning local community. Shop from vendors and artisans, and soak up some local colour.
• Where: Kerr Street Plaza, 8683 Kerr Street
• When: Saturdays, May 30 to October 10; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  ​Powell Street Festival

• What: This yearly festival is a celebrating of all things Japanese-Canadian. According to their website, their annual programming includes “collaborative and/or intercultural explorations between Japanese Canadian and Asian Canadian artists”. Events usually include performances, art and food booths.
• Where: Various locations  
• When: Saturday, August 1 to Sunday, August 2; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m

  ​Cates Park Concert Series

• What: Visit Cates Park in North Vancouver and spend a beautiful summer day enjoying some of the finest entertainers North Van has to offer. Featuring performances from local bands and headliners, the free concert series will run Saturdays from 2 to 5 p.m. until August 29.
• Where: Cates Park – 4141 Dollarton Highway, North Vancouver
• When: Saturdays in August; 2 to 5 p.m.

  ​SHOREFEST

• What: More than 20 free concerts will take place at English Bay and Sunset Beach Park in conjunction with the city’s 25th annual Honda Celebration of Light.
• Where: English Bay and Sunset Beach, Vancouver
• When: Saturday, July 25, Wednesday, July 29 and Saturday, August 1; 2 p.m.

  ​Taylor Swift

• What: Queen Taylor Swift brings the celebrated 1989 Tour to Vancouver for one night only at BC Place. Openers include Vance Joy and Shawn Mendes.
• Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
• When: Saturday, August 1; 7 p.m.

  ​Honda Celebration of Light (final night)

• What: Every year, hundreds of thousands of people flood English Bay to watch different countries compete using fire in the sky. Competitors this year are China, Brazil and, of course, Canada.
• Where: English Bay – corner of Denman St. and Davie St., Vancouver
• When: Saturday, July 25, Wednesday, July 29 and Saturday, August 1; 10 p.m.

  ​Plaza of Nations Saturday Night Market

• What: The Plaza of Nations transformed into an outdoor marketplace, complete with food trucks, craft beer, and local bands
• Where: Plaza of Nations – 750 Pacific Boulevard
• When: Every Saturday, June 20 to September 12, 2015; 5 to 10 p.m.

  ​Food Cart Fest

• What: Over 20 of Vancouver’s most popular food carts will gather in one spot every Sunday this summer for the return of the Food Cart Fest in Olympic Village.
• Where: 215 West 1st Avenue, Olympic Village, Vancouver
• When: Sundays, starting June 28, 2015 from noon to 5 p.m.

  ​Kitsilano Farmers’ Market

• What: The Kits market takes place Sundays in the parking lot of the Community Centre, and has a Bike Valet for shoppers on two wheels, and lots nearby for families to do.
• Where: West 10th Ave (between Larch and Balsam), Vancouver
• When: Sundays; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; May 10 to October 25

  ​Mt Pleasant Farmers’ Market

• What: The Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market is one of the newer kids on the Vancouver Farmers’ Market’s block, but it has quickly become a focal point of the community, bringing familiar vendors and neighborhood faces together Sundays.
• Where: 2300 Guelph Street, Mount Pleasant, Vancouver
• When: Sundays, June 14 to October 11; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m

  ​Vancouver Pride Parade

• What: The Gay Pride Parade Vancouver 2015 kicks off with all the rainbows, glitter, bubbles and flamboyant party atmosphere that you can expect from this massive celebration. Embrace community diversity, creativity and unity once again as the Pride Parade celebrates its existence for 37 years.
• Where: Parade begins at noon at the intersection of Robson and Thurlow. It runs along Robson Street, Denman Street and Beach Avenue in downtown Vancouver’s West End neighbourhood.
• When: Sunday, August 2; noon to 3 p.m.

  ​Free Yoga at Dude Chilling Park

• What: Yoga instructor Solomon Montijo, along with ten other teachers, hosts free classes daily at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. in Dude Chilling Park.
• Where: Dude Chilling Park – 2390 Brunswick St., Vancouver
• When: Daily; 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

  ​Free salsa dancing at Robson Square

• What: Free lessons begin earlier on in the day taught by professional salsa dancers, which are followed by a dance show at 5 p.m. filled with some of Vancouver’s best performers.
• Where: Robson Square Ice Rink – 800 Robson St., Vancouver
• When: Every Sunday from July 5 to August 30, 3:30 to 7 p.m.

  ​Vancouver Longtable Dinner

• What: This communal dining experience will take place outside in striking natural settings and award-winning Executive Chef James Walt will prepare exclusive four-course menus of his signature farm-to-table dishes. Wine pairings will be selected by 2013 Sommelier of the Year Samantha Rahn, and service organized by Restaurant Director Neil Henderson.
• Where: Bard on the Beach in Vanier Park
• When: Monday, August 3; 4 p.m.

  ​Free Yoga at Kits Beach

• What: Free yoga classes held at Kits Beach Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m.
• Where: Kits Beach, between the swimming pool and tennis courts – Cornwall Ave. and Yew St., Vancouver
• When: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night until August 31, 2015; 7 to 8 p.m.

  How to get a mortgage when you’re self-employed

In Metro Vancouver, 15 per cent of the workforce is now self-employed and many work out of their homes, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMHC).   

If you’re self-employed and thinking of buying a home, you’ll need to know about new mortgage rules.  

To increase your chances of qualifying, you'll need to be familiar with what lenders require and what questions they'll ask.

What do lenders consider a self-employed borrower?

Mortgage lenders at banks and credit unions consider a borrower to be self-employed if you:

• run a business alone as a sole proprietor, with a partner, or as a corporation;
• receive 25 per cent or more of your income from the business;
• work on short contracts for different employers; or
• are paid solely on a commission basis.

You’re not self-employed if you receive a regular paycheque from an employer, even if it’s part-time work performed for more than one employer. Under these circumstances you’re considered a salaried employee.

How will lenders evaluate self-employed borrowers?

Lenders evaluate salaried and self-employed borrowers the same way: on the size of their down payment and on their ability to repay the mortgage. But there is a difference. Salaried borrowers must verify gross income through paycheques or a letter from an employer. Self-employed borrowers must verify net income, or what’s left after business deductions are subtracted from gross earnings. 

For example, if a self-employed person makes $100,000 annually in gross earnings but writes off $30,000 for business expenses, they have net earnings of $70,000. Unless they have documentation to convince lenders their net income is higher, they’ll be treated the same way as a salaried employee making $70,000 annually.

 (read more)

Curb appeal - 6 ways to improve your home's resale value

Before a buyer even steps through your front door, you’ve created a first impression. Keeping the outside of your home clean and tidy improves your home’s curb appeal and will make a difference when you’re looking to sell. Here’s six ways you can make your home look great and improve its resale value without spending all your money.

1. Paint the outside of your home

This is a large project but can do more to sell your house than anything else. A freshly painted house makes a great first impression. If you don’t have the time or budget to repaint the entire home, just touch up shutters or window frames. 

2. Freshen up your front door

You’d be surprised how big a difference painting your front door can make. Your front door is the entryway to your home the focal point of its exterior. Don’t be afraid to be bold in colour selection. Fresh shades will draw attention and encourage buyers to enter. 

3.Replace old hardware

Replacing old hardware like the door handle, house number, mailbox, and overhead light can add interest to your entrance. If they’re out of date or in bad condition, they may take away from the aesthetic you want to create. Make sure the hardware forms a cohesive look.

4.Tidy your garden

Tackle those wild weeds and overgrown shrubs. Cut back any overgrowth that keeps light out of the house. Choose colourful plants with different growing seasons so your garden looks great in both spring and summer. 

5.Keep your landscaping clean

Landscaping should enhance your home, not hide it. Make sure your driveway is cleaned and walkways swept. If you have steps or a porch, make sure everything is in good repair. Replace missing spindles and rotted stairs or railings. 

6.Spruce up your entrance

Place large pots filled with bright blooms at your front door - nothing is more welcoming than fresh flowers. If you’ve got space, place a chair and small table to the side of the door. A comfortable spot to take off your shoes or enjoy a warm summer day will appeal to buyers.

Good News! Bank of Canada Holds Overnight Rate at 1.75%

Learn why a continuation of this favourable rate could mean great things for both home buyers and sellers, plus what it means for the overall market.

Some encouraging news for Canadian homebuyers and homeowners: Following the Bank of Canada’s July 10th announcement, Canadians know that the overnight rate will stay at 1.75% until at least September 4. This means anyone in the real estate market has some extra time to evaluate their buying options without fear of losing out on a favourable borrowing interest rate.

“If you’re interested in mortgages or have consumer loans – that’s very good news,” says Wes Sudsbury, mortgage broker, Homeguard Funding, Newmarket, Ont. and president of the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association’s Ontario Chapter’s board of directors. “The 1.75% rate gives first-time buyers as well as secondary trade-up buyers the confidence to get into the market or make a move.” 

Positive Mortgage News

The fact the Bank of Canada decided not to change the overnight rate, also known as the key policy rate, for the sixth straight date is a positive sign for buyers and sellers.  The Bank of Canada has just two additional opportunities to adjust the overnight rate this year, September 4 and December 4. Predicting the Bank of Canada’s next move is virtually impossible, but let’s focus on what we do know right now.

“The continued 1.75% overnight rate alleviates consumer concerns about continued hikes and rising interest rates,” says Rob Regan-Pollock, senior mortgage broker, Invis Inc., and co-chair of the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association. “Mortgage payments will be stable and may even be on the way down which is sparking consumer curiosity and interest in purchases.” 

What is the Overnight Rate?

Many consumers mistakenly assume the overnight rate, which influences the prime rate, impacts all mortgages, but it affects only variable mortgage rates, consumer loans and other forms of lending. Meanwhile, the Bank of Canada’s bond yields have the greatest impact on fixed rate mortgages.

Buyers and homeowners need to carefully consider their future goals and work with mortgage brokers that will take the time to understand their real needs. The best mortgage brokers will develop a relationship with their clients and put the clients’ financial interests before their own.   

“We need to understand their long-term goals and unique circumstances to give them the most relevant advice,” says Regan-Pollock.​(Read more)​​​

  Canadian home sales hold steady in June

   MORTGAGE RATES

What you need to know in 90 seconds - Family Transfers

Tony Spagnuolo, President of Spagnuolo & Company Real Estate Lawyers explains what you need know for family property transfers

 JULY 2019

    Canada Day at Canada Place

Canada Day Vancouver Fireworks

Best places to watch the fireworks at night on Canada Day are anywhere along the water in Coal Harbour, including Canada Place, around the Convention Centre, or anywhere along the Coal Harbour seawall between the Convention Centre and the Vancouver-facing side of Stanley Park.

Views of the fireworks are also really good from North Vancouver, including from 

Lonsdale Quay, the pier by Shipbuilder’s Square and Waterfront Park.

Canada Day in Abbotsford

Abbotsford celebrates July 1st with a parade, outdoor concerts, festival activities and fireworks at Abbotsford Exhibition Park. 

The parade starts at 11 am, the festival runs from 1 until 10 pm, and the fireworks blast off at 10 o’clock. (find out more)

Canada Day in Burnaby

Most years free Canada Day festivities in Burnaby take place at Burnaby Village Museum, Edmonds Community Centre and Swangard Stadium.

The Burnaby Village event runs from 11 am to 4:30 pm and is both educational and fun, especially for families and children.

Smaller and fairly simple family-friendly celebrations also take place at Edmonds Community Centre outdoors at 7433 Edmonds Street between 11 am and 4:30 pm.

At Swangard Stadium free concerts begin at 6:30 pm and the fireworks start at dusk. (find out more) 

    Canada Day in Fort Langley

Festivities usually begin at 8:00 am with the Lions Club pancake breakfast and celebrations continue in the town until about 3:00 pm.

In addition to activities taking place along King Street, they also take place in and 

around the BC Farm Museum and Langley Centennial Museum.

Canada Day isn’t a huge event in Fort Langley. It’s big for a small town, but nothing like some of the Lower Mainland’s major festivities elsewhere. It’s a fun community event though, and worth checking out. (find out more)

    Canada Day in Surrey

Some of the largest celebrations in the Lower Mainland take place at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Surrey at 176th Street and 64th Avenue. As with most other top Canada Day festival venues, admission is free. 

There are, however, amusement rides for which tickets cost about $1.25 and each ride requires between 1 and 6 tickets.​

In addition to all the midway rides, games and food vendors, the Surrey Canada Day event also features live music concerts throughout the day, finishing with the star attraction at the end, just before the fireworks which start at about 10:15. (find out more)

Steveston Village Salmon Festival

In addition to all the midway rides, games and food vendors, the Surrey Canada Day event also features live music concerts throughout the day, finishing with the star attraction at the end, just before the fireworks which start at about 10:15. (find out more)

 Earn extra income through short-term rentals

  Hosts advised to provide special touches to help create home-away-from-home 

  experiences

The phenomenal global success of Airbnb over the past decade has motivated many Vancouver-area homeowners to consider joining thousands of others in turning a spare room or granny suite into a cash-generating asset. The Inside Airbnb website indicates that there are 4,938 Airbnb listings in Vancouver alone, of which 70 per cent are entire homes or apartments and 29 per cent (1,492) are private rooms in homes.

But setting up an Airbnb is not simply a case of listing a suite or room on the website and waiting for the bookings to roll in. While the popularity of Vancouver as a tourist destination is an incentive to become an Airbnb host, the region also suffers from a shortage of affordable longer-term housing, prompting several city councils to crack down on short-term rentals, including Airbnb.

The City of Vancouver, for example, has eligibility requirements including licensing. You can get a short-term rental business licence only if the property is your principal residence. If it is not your principal residence, rentals must be for periods of 30 days or more. (read more)

Canada's First-Time Home Buyer Incentive Could Backfire, U.K.'s Experience Shows

The federal government’s new plan to help homebuyers could loosen the country’s housing supply crunch and help more Canadians get onto the property ladder ― but it could also worsen affordability and mean a new financial risk for the country’s government-run mortgage insurer.

The federal government on Monday announced details of the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, under which Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) will “buy a share” of a first-time buyer’s home, in order to reduce the amount owing and monthly payments.

CMHC will buy up to 5 per cent of an existing home or 10 per cent of a newly-built home, and will take its share back only when the participating buyer sells the house.

The amount to be paid back will be linked to the value of the house. So if CMHC contributes $25,000 to a $400,000 house, and that house rises in value by 20 per cent, CMHC will collect $31,250 when the house sells for $500,000. But if the house falls in value by 20 per cent, then CMHC will collect  $20,000. (read more)

If You're Not Drinking Champagne with French Fries, You're Doing It Wrong

Even the experts at Moët & Chandon say so.

When it comes to fancy foods, high-low pairings can lead to some surprisingly delightful combinations. For example, if you’ve never eaten caviar and potato chipstogether, you’re missing out.

So, we were excited to hear that earlier this week, Marie-Christine Osselin, Moët & Chandon’s wine quality and communication manager, told The Drinks Business that she thinks french fries are one of the best foods to pair with a glass of champagne. (read more)

 BENCHMARK PRICES FOR FRASER VALLEY

 (MAY 2019) 

 SALES AND ACTIVE LISTINGS COMPARISON

 (MAY 2019 TO MAY 2018)

 SALES AND ACTIVE LISTINGS COMPARISON

 (MAY 2019 TO APRIL 2019)

 MORTGAGE RATES

How to Read a Title Search

Tony Spagnuolo, President of Spagnuolo & Company Real Estate Lawyers explains what you should look for when reading a title search in British Columbia.

 JUNE 2019

TORONTO — Canadian home prices were unchanged in April, failing to rise for the eighth consecutive month, data showed on Tuesday.

​

The Teranet-National Bank Composite House Price Index, which measures changes for repeat sales of single-family homes, showed prices were flat last month from March.

It was just the second time in 21 years of data that the index showed no increase in April, said Marc Pinsonneault, a senior economist at National Bank of Canada. The index also fell in April 2009, during the global financial crisis, Pinsonneault said. (read more)

Tight Housing Inventory, Stiff Competition – How Homebuyers Can Best Navigate the Market

Ah, the amenities of city living. Restaurants, theater and entertainment all within walking distance. Sound appealing? Millennials and baby boomers sure think so.

When it comes to house hunting, the two generations – millennials, age 23-38, and baby boomers, age 55-75 – have more in common than ever before. In fact, the 2018 National Association of Realtors (NAR) Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends Report found that the average size of home purchased between the groups was nearly identical, and the median price of the home purchased was comparable despite the difference in life stages between these two groups.

“Right now, both generations of homebuyers are going for the smaller updated ranch with the price point being in their first house or downsize range,” said Denis Murphy, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Unlimited in Bohemia, New York, of the trend in his market.

With housing inventory remaining tight in recent years, millennials and baby boomers are often going head-to-head when making offers on a limited number of homes. Both generations can come out winners, and happy homeowners, if they navigate the housing market correctly. (read more)

A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Budget You Can Actually Stick To

If you’re anything like me, you’re perpetually swinging between vowing to cut all unnecessary spending cold turkey and humming “Treat Yo’self” as you order your third UberEats meal in 12 hours.

Which one you’re doing depends on the day — and how long it’s been since your last paycheck.

The result: a pitiful savings account balance, scrimping to pay the minimum on your credit card and feeling like you’re still living paycheck to paycheck even though your income has come a long way since your first job out of college.

You know there is a way to solve this problem. You know that if you just create a budget — and by some miracle, stick to it — you could finally get the financial freedom everyone else seems to have already figured out.

You also know budgeting is a buzzkill. But if you give it a genuine shot, we promise that we will, too. We’re in this together. (read more)

60 Beautiful Backyard Ideas

Whether you're considering adding touches both tiny (potted plants, painted fences, bistro tables) or large (pools, pergolas, swing sets) you'll find plenty of summertime inspiration from some of these beautiful backyard ideas. (read more)

 SALES AND ACTIVE LISTINGS COMPARISON   (MARCH 2019 - APR 2019) 

 BENCHMARK PRICES (APR 2019)

 MORTGAGE RATES

RE/MAX Liveability Report for Vancouver area

Our next door neighbour is having a ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY - EVERYONE IS INVITED!