Check out episode 2 of our YouTube series where we discuss the pros and cons and the potential pitfalls of buying a foreclosure or cour ordered sale property.

For more information on purchasing a foreclosure contact Garry Voigt info@garryvoigt.com – 604 789 2140

DECLUTTER/DEPERSONALIZE – We often get asked ‘what the best thing is we can do for the biggest return on investment when we sell out property’. Our number 1 answer is always declutter and depersonalize your home. We can never stress enough how important this step is when selling a home.

This can be as simple as grabbing some packing boxes and storing items in your garage. If you are in a condo, fill up your storage locker. If you don’t have the space, it may be worthwhile renting a storage locked for a short period of time. We always say, ‘less is more’, when there is a lot of clutter it can be hard for buyers to see past this and imagine themselves living in your home.

CLEAN -The 2nd recommendation we always make is to clean your home. In our experience, some buyers find it hard to see past a home that is not clean. This is especially important if you have pets in your home. It doesn’t have to be a huge expense but depending on your situation we would recommend hiring a professional cleaning company.

If you are thinking of selling, reach out to us and we will be happy to help you with tips on how to get the best return on your investment!

In a move that has attracted attention across financial circles, the Bank of Canada has decided to maintain its interest rate at 5%. This decision has been taken amidst a turbulent global economic climate, with many countries experiencing the impacts of inflation and economic uncertainty. However, the Bank of Canada’s decision to stick with the 5% rate reflects its confidence in the country’s economy.

With clearer signs that monetary policy is moderating spending and relieving price pressures, Governing Council decided to hold the policy rate at 5% and to continue to normalize the Bank’s balance sheet. However, Governing Council is concerned that progress towards price stability is slow and inflationary risks have increased, and is prepared to raise the policy rate further if needed. Governing Council wants to see downward momentum in core inflation, and continues to be focused on the balance between demand and supply in the economy, inflation expectations, wage growth and corporate pricing behaviour. The Bank remains resolute in its commitment to restoring price stability for Canadians.

There are several factors that the Bank of Canada takes into consideration when deciding whether to change interest rates. These include the current rate of inflation, the performance of the Canadian dollar, the state of the global economy, and the performance of the Canadian economy. The Bank’s decision to maintain the current rate at 5% suggests that it is satisfied with the performance of these factors and sees no immediate need for change.

However, this decision has not been without its critics. Some economists argue that the Bank of Canada should be lowering interest rates to stimulate economic growth, especially given the current global economic uncertainty. They argue that a lower interest rate would encourage more borrowing and investment, leading to increased economic activity and growth. However, the Bank of Canada has clearly stated that it believes the current rate is appropriate given the current circumstances.

The Bank of Canada’s decision has important implications for individuals and businesses. For individuals, the decision means that the cost of borrowing will remain steady. This can be good news for those looking to take out loans or mortgages, as it means that their repayments will remain stable. For businesses, the decision means that the cost of borrowing for investment purposes will also remain steady, which can help to facilitate planning and budgeting. It will be interesting to see how this decision impacts the Canadian economy in the coming month

Thank you to each and every one of our wonderful clients who came out to our 4th Annual Pumpkin Patch Client Appreciation Event on Sunday. The turn out was the best yet and we are so grateful that the weather cooperated and the rain stayed away. We really love our client events, they are such a good way to say thank you to everyone who supports our business, we simply could not do it without you! Stay tuned for our Christmas skate event!

📍 417 20219 54A Avenue

🛌 2 bed

🛀 2 bath

🚗 1 parking (tons or street parking)

📐 867 sq ft

💸 Offered at $599,800

Welcome to SUEDE in Langley City. This 2 bed, & 2 bath, TOP FLOOR condo has a functional, light bright, open floor plan with 10ft ceilings in living/dining. Kitchen has stainless steel appliances, ample quartz counters, plenty of cabinets plus an eat up bar. Open plan dining and living room with access to your good size east facing patio with lots of morning sun. Great layout with bedrooms at opposite ends for privacy. Plenty of storage in the in-suite laundry, plus coat closet. Well kept building with newer roof installed in 2021. Pets & rentals allowed, great investment opportunity! 1 parking stall & storage locker on the same floor and plenty of street parking. Great proximity to parks, shopping, schools & Langley City amenities & upcoming SkyTrain.

This week the BC Government announced a plan for new legislation governing short term rental accommodation with the aim of bringing more long-term rental properties to the rental market. The new legislation means all short-term rental sites such as Airbnb, VRBO etc. will have to share data with municipalities and there be an increase in fines for bylaw infractions.

The legislation limits short-term rentals to within a host’s home, or a basement suite or laneway home on the property where they reside. However, there are some exceptions with more than a dozen resort areas and municipalities with populations of less than 10,000 people can initially be exempt from the principle residence requirement.

It remains to be seen if this new legislation will have the desired impact on the long-term rental market and also what the overall affect will be on tourism, given the number of visitors to BC who use short term rentals for their vacation.

Check out the BC Government website.

📍19 19628 55A Avenue

🛌 3 bed

🛀2.5 Bath

🌳 548 sq ft Rooftop patio with views

🚗 2 parking

📐 1474 sq ft

💸 Offered at $879,900

Welcome to LIFT! This 3 bed, 3 Bath home, built in 2020 has a modern feel & features with a light, bright open floor plan, nest smart home & central A/C included! Main floor has a powder room & great size dining room, opening to a west facing balcony with unobstructed views. Showstopper kitchen Centred on main floor, white shaker cabinets, SS appliances incl gas stove, elegant quartz counters, large island with waterfall edge & built in microwave. Living room has tons of space for furniture & is perfect for the whole family. 3 great size bedrooms up, family bathroom & primary suite with his & hers closets & Ensuite. The outside space continues on the ultra sunny roof top deck with great views & tons of space for entertaining. 2 parking in the garage & ample storage.

For more information, measurements and walk through video visit https://garryvoigt.com/…/19-19628-55a-avenue-langley…/

September stats are in!

SURREY, BC – Continued slowing sales and a healthy rise in new listings in September has brought the Fraser Valley housing market into balance. Three months of declining sales has seen Benchmark prices dip for a second straight month.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 1,100 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in September 2023, a decrease of 13.6 per cent compared to August. Sales were up 22.6 per cent compared to September 2022.

New listings rose to 2,860 in September, an increase of 9.1 per cent over last month, and 25.8 per cent above this time last year. Active listings have been rising since last December and grew again in September by 3.8 per cent to 6,532, 3.5 per cent below the ten-year average.

if you want more info on current trends and the market, reach out to us!!