First Open House Today at 1404 William Ave. | Print |  E-mail
Written by Scott Warner   
Saturday, 10 April 2010
We are having our first open houses Saturday and Sunday 2-4pm on our new listing at 1404 William Ave in Grand Boulevard. This is as close to West Side finish as you will see in North Vancouver. Come have a look.
 
CIBC Rate Forecast - an interesting read! | Print |  E-mail
Written by Scott Warner   
Thursday, 08 April 2010

 Thursday April 8, 2010

OTTAWA - With the Canadian economy doing suprisingly well over the past six months, many see higher interest rates From the Bank of Canada in the not so distant future, but according to a report released Thursday from CIBC's chief economist Avery Shenfeld, rates are likely to remain at a very low 2.5 per cent through to 2011 - not the seven to eight per cent forecast by some.

In CIBC World Markets' latest Global Positioning Strategy report, Shenfeld lists several reasons for Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney to keep interest rates subdued after July. He points out that the U.S. will probably have a more gradual approach to raising rates and if Canada gets too far ahead, that could send the Canadian dollar soaring. "While factories are recovering in Canada alongside a global industrial revival, output remains nearly 20 per cent below the pre-recession peak, and wages are now substantially above those stateside without the productivity gains to match. There's only so much of a competitive challenge that non-resource exporters can take in short order," Shenfeld said. He also pointed out that inflation is not expected to rise much further and stimulus spending is expected to be reigned in by governments - including Canada's - which will slow growth. "If the U.S., the U.K., and Japan all move from huge stimulus to even modest restraint, Canada will feel it in our export prospects come 2011," Shenfeld pointed out. Carney has promised to keep interest rates where they are at 0.25 per cent until the end of June. However, the latest reading of Canada's economic growth showed the core inflation rate at 2.1 per cent in February, far above the Bank of Canada's forecast of 1.6 per cent for the first quarter of the year. Many analysts believe the Bank of Canada will not wait until mid-2010 to raise rates and late last month, Royal Bank, TD Canada Trust and Laurentian Bank raised the rates they charge on certain fixed mortgages. The C.D. Howe Institute suggests the Bank of Canada should raise its overnight rate by 1.75 per cent in the next year, likely lifting five-year mortgage rates to seven per cent, while other economists envision a five-year rate as high as 8.25 per cent in two years. © Financial Post 2010 
 
1st Showings Begin Today At 1404 William Ave. | Print |  E-mail
Written by Scott Warner   
Wednesday, 07 April 2010
This home is a must see for anyone not willing to comprimise. The finest in design, functionalism and finish. You will not be disappointed.
 
New Listing - Custom Contemporary Grand Boulevard Masterpiece | Print |  E-mail
Written by Scott Warner   
Tuesday, 30 March 2010

 Grand Boulevard North Vancouver

This beautifully renovated and re-built Grand Boulevard family home is situated on a sun drenched corner lot and represents a stunning accomplishment in custom design, finish and functionalism. From the ground up this home has been painstakingly constructed using only the finest of materials and from structure to mechanics to finish this home is sure to impress even the most discerning of Buyers.

Featured is more than 3600 sqft of open living space including 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, an incredible chef’s kitchen featuring 16 ft vaulted ceilings, a huge centre island, endless natural light, and a wonderful combination of interior and exterior living and entertaining space. The list of features is extensive and includes a modern in floor radiant heating system seamlessly married with fully restored antique hot water radiators controlled by an ultra efficient Viessmann Boiler, Euroline doors and oversized windows, Hans Grohe plumbing fixtures, custom stereo and theatre wiring, custom metal work, granite, stainless, wide plank hardwood, and beautiful designer tile. This is a one off home that is truly in a class by itself.  Do not miss your opportunity to view this very special property.

 

 

 

 
Many Canadian banks increasing mortgage rates | Print |  E-mail
Written by Scott Warner   
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - At least three of Canada's banks (TD, RBC and Laurentian) are boosting their longer term mortgage rates, which could make it harder to own a home.  The biggest increase to mortgage rates is for five year terms, which go up 0.6 per cent to 5.85 per cent.

The increase would boost the payment on a $500,000 mortgage with a 25 year amortization by $176 per month.  BC Real Estate Association chief economist, Cameron Muir, says it's going to make owning a home harder.  "The impact on consumers right now is, certainly it's going to erode some affordability."  

Muir says if you've already been pre-approved for a mortgage, it might be a good idea of act now because mortgage rates are expected to rise for the next few years.  Muir also says the introduction of the HST July 1st will also make homes less affordable.  

Muir also points out the federal government is going to make it harder to qualify for a mortgage starting on April 19th.  The old standard was that you had to qualify for a three year mortgage, but as of April 19th it will be a five-year mortgage
 
Price Reduction 419 East 11th Street | Print |  E-mail
Written by Scott Warner   
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
We have recently reduced the price of 419 East 11th Street to $1,179,000. A great location, totally remodeled in 2003 with an authorized 1 bedroom suite.