Vancouver Real Estate News from Andrea Rozenberg September 2024 It’s important to have a strong relationship with your agent in order to ensure top-notch service. This month’s article shares a few tips on how to get the most out of your real estate agent. There are also some great ideas on how to create a harmonious flow throughout your home using the ancient art of feng shui. Thanks for checking out this month's newsletter. Please reach out if you ever have any questions about real estate, even if it’s just to find out what the house down the street sold for. It’d be great to hear from you!
VANCOUVER REAL ESTATE UPDATE Please don't hesitate to reach out for detailed stats that are specific to your neighborhood, or even if you're just curious about what the house down the street sold for – it'd be great to hear from you! BC CULTURE DAYS IN VANCOUVER Celebrate art, culture and heritage in and around the Vancouver area! BC Culture Days is a province-wide festival that’s held over three weeks to celebrate art, culture and heritage in our community. It’s packed with free, interactive events that are hosted by various different artists and cultural organizations across the province. The “Intercultural Interplay” series is new this year and is led by local artists who will help attendees learn about each other's individual and collective histories and help create valuable community connections. BC Culture Days kicks off on Friday, September 20th and runs until Sunday, October 13th. You can just show up to most events but certain ones will need to be registered for in advance. There’s something for everyone to enjoy at the BC Culture Days festival so come out and help support art and culture in our community. Hope to see you at one of the events! BANK OF CANADA RATE UPDATE Bank of Canada announces third consecutive policy rate cut. The Bank of Canada reduced its target once again for the overnight lending rate from 4.5% to 4.25%. The move was announced on Wednesday, September 4, and was widely expected by financial markets, making it the Bank’s third rate reduction since the onset of the pandemic. Canada’s economy picked up in the second quarter of 2024, according to the Bank of Canada, although early indicators show a softening in economic activity. The Bank also stated the labour market continues to slow. The Bank of Canada continues to focus on elevated housing costs as a significant contributor to inflation; however, it also mentioned both headline and core measures of inflation have moderated and are close to historical norms. Although excess supply in the economy is helping to lower inflation, the Bank is also monitoring housing and services costs that are pulling inflation in the opposite direction. The Bank stated future monetary policy decisions "will be guided by incoming information" and its assessment of whether further rate cuts are necessary to keep inflation in check. The Bank of Canada will make its next scheduled interest rate announcement on Wednesday, October 23 and will publish its full outlook for the economy and inflation in its next Monetary Policy Report at that time. GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR AGENT The relationship between you and your real estate agent should always be honest and productive, which is why having an open line of communication is critical to ensuring a win-win partnership! Once you’ve discussed and agreed on your agency relationship, it’s time to nail down some effective communication strategies. Communication is a two-way street, so both parties need to be open and honest from day one. Start by setting clear communication preferences. For example, decide whether you prefer to be contacted via text, email or phone and let your agent know if there are specific times you'd rather not be contacted. Also, be clear on which features are essential for your new home. Ranking your priorities will help your agent conduct a much more targeted search that will produce more relevant results. That said, it’s important to always keep an open mind as it can be a good idea to “look outside the box” and consider homes that don’t always entirely match your criteria. If you're selling your home, make sure you point out any aspects of your home that could either help or hinder the sale. Agents can offer great advice on staging so show them everything no matter how insignificant. For instance, that tiny crawl space that you weren't even thinking of mentioning which is packed full of storage could be marketed as a unique selling feature that buyers could fall in love with! Finally, let your agent know if your needs change and don't ever hesitate to ask questions. If for whatever reason you're not completely satisfied with the way things are going, be completely honest so you can resolve the problem straight away before any hasty decisions are made. The key to any successful relationship is communication, and the partnership between you and your agent is one that will hopefully last a lifetime, so it’s important to get it right. With that in mind, please don’t ever hesitate to get in touch with any real estate questions you may have. That’s what I’m here for and I’m always happy to help! THE FEN SHUI WAY Feng shui is a centuries-old Chinese method for designing the layout of your home to create a balanced environment that promotes happiness and prosperity. The best part about this design style is that it’s easy and doesn’t cost a fortune. Here are a few ideas on how to improve the overall feel of your home: The Right Path Place a few plants on your porch and make sure the path to your front door is unobstructed and welcoming. Foyer Flow The entryway of your house should be bright, clean and clutter-free as it sets the tone for the rest of your home. Cut the Clutter Fix or get rid of broken items in your home as they can contribute to a cluttered or uninviting atmosphere that breeds negativity. Power Plants Add a touch of nature to your home with a few houseplants. Lucky bamboo, jade plants and peace lilies are great choices! Clear the Air Open up your windows to let in fresh air and maximize natural light for a more refreshing and uplifting environment. Mirror Mirror The strategic placement of a few mirrors can help expand smaller areas and draw extra light into darker rooms. Feng shui suggests that our physical surroundings have an impact on our emotional well-being, which is why it’s important to be aware of how we arrange our space. Buyers often feel certain vibes when they enter a home, so if you’re thinking of selling anytime soon, a harmonious feel could be the difference between a quick sale and one that drags on. REAL ESTATE WISDOM Real estate certainly has its ups and downs but in the long run, it’s a very solid investment. If you’re looking for a new place to call home, reach out so that we can discuss your next move! 🏡 ✅ P.S. Please let me know if you'd ever like a hand finding your dream home or even if you're just curious about what the house down the street sold for. I'm always happy to help 😃 |
Vancouver Real Estate News from Andrea Rozenberg February 2024 Purchasing a home is an emotionally charged experience that can cloud the judgment of even the savviest of buyers so this month, there are some tips on how to avoid buyer's remorse. Finally, with interest rates much higher than we’ve been used to, there are a few debt management strategies to help you and your loved ones shake off the shackles of debt. Thanks for checking out this month's newsletter. Please reach out if you ever have any questions about real estate, even if it’s just to find out what the house down the street sold for – it’d be great to hear from you!
VANCOUVER REAL ESTATE UPDATE THE VANCOUVER WINTER ARTS FESTIVAL The annual Vancouver Winter Arts Festival is a vibrant celebration of creativity that allows you to dive into the local arts scene amidst the crisp winter air. This year, the Vancouver Winter Arts Festival includes new public art and light installations, guided tours, pop-up parties and an all-ages Hub featuring a licensed bar and free daily live entertainment. Beyond its entertainment value, the festival also serves as a platform for dialogue and reflection, with discussions, workshops, and forums exploring the intersection of art, culture and society. This free, family-friendly outdoor event takes place between Thursday, February 22nd and Thursday, February 29th. Hope to see you there! BANK OF CANADA RATE UPDATE In a scheduled announcement on January 24, 2024, the Bank of Canada decided to maintain its target for the overnight lending rate at 5%. This was its fourth consecutive hold after two interest rate hikes last summer. The Bank noted that Canada’s economy had performed sluggishly over the second half of 2023 and anticipated no growth over the first quarter of 2024 before picking up in the second half of this year. The Bank also stated that “spending by governments contributes materially to growth through the year,” suggesting they will be waiting until the federal government tables the next budget before revising their projections. The Bank once again cited shelter costs as the largest contributing factor to above-target inflation due to rising mortgage interest and rents, which it does not expect to return to its 2% target until next year. Although many components of the CPI are showing signs of normalizing, with the Bank noting in its Monetary Policy Report that monetary policy is working as intended to slow growth, core measures are still running higher than the Bank’s preferred range. The Bank is still concerned about risks to the outlook for inflation, particularly underlying core inflation, and would like to see “further and sustained easing” in this regard while it focuses on economic and other inflationary factors. The Bank of Canada’s next scheduled interest rate announcement will be on March 6, 2024, and will publish its full outlook for the economy and inflation in its next Monetary Policy Report on April 10, 2024. AVOIDING HOME BUYER’S REMORSE Buying a home can be an emotional roller coaster which can cause people to make mistakes as they get swept up in all the excitement. Here are a few common buyer blunders to be aware of: List to Last Make a list of essential features you can’t live without. It's easy to be dazzled by amazing curb appeal or an inground pool but don’t be taken in if it lacks the essentials. Stick to Your Budget Buyers who overextend themselves may be forced to sell if their circumstances change so avoid temptation by only viewing homes that are in your price range. Location, Location, Location Choosing a location that suits your lifestyle is crucial, so determine how far you’re willing to be from public transit, shops, restaurants and other amenities. Getting Schooled If you’re looking to lay down roots and start a family in the next few years, it’s important to consider how close you’ll be to parks, playgrounds and local schools. Master the Market The home you fall in love with today could be gone tomorrow. It’s therefore important to get acquainted with the market ahead of time so you'll have the confidence to act swiftly when the home of your dreams hits the market! Inspect the Unexpected Having the home inspected by a professional home inspector will provide you with peace of mind as you’ll have a better idea of any potential issues. Professional Advice The real estate process can be an emotional roller coaster so it's important to have a knowledgeable agent by your side to help you navigate the twists and turns you’ll face along the way. House hunting should be a fun and exciting experience but it's important to stay grounded so that you don’t jump into a long-term commitment that you may later regret. As long as you conduct your research ahead of time and are well aware of your wants and needs, you'll be able to move forward with confidence and peace of mind. If you ever have any questions about the Vancouver real estate market, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – it’d be great to hear from you! PAYING DEBT PAYS OFF Debt management is a topic that’s usually avoided but openly discussing this awkward subject with your loved ones can help them avoid a lifetime of financial woes. Here are a few of the basics: Budget Crunch Make a complete list of all fixed expenses such as rent/mortgage, car payments, utilities and groceries. Next, list variable expenses to see what can be reduced or eliminated. Your Best Interest Prioritize your debts so you can focus first on paying off high-interest, non-deductible debt such as credit cards and unsecured loans. Consolidate Monthly payments can be lowered by consolidating debt through a secured line of credit as the interest rate will usually be much lower. Double Down When unexpected money falls your way, put it towards paying down the principal of your debt as it will dramatically reduce the length and expense of your loan. Reach Out Getting ahead of debt is key so be proactive and reach out to creditors before things get out of hand as they’ll often be willing to work with you to help make things more manageable. Discussing debt can be uncomfortable, but doing so can help your loved ones avoid a financial crisis that could devastate their credit rating and prevent them from borrowing money at attractive rates. Almost everyone feels the credit crunch at some point, but with the proper game plan in place, you can shake off the shackles of debt and pursue a path to financial freedom! VANCOUVER REAL ESTATE QUESTIONS P.S. Please let me know if you'd ever like a hand finding your dream home or even if you're just curious about what the house down the street sold for. I'm always happy to help 😃 |
Vancouver Real Estate News from Andrea Rozenberg February 2024 Purchasing a home is an emotionally charged experience that can cloud the judgment of even the savviest of buyers so this month, there are some tips on how to avoid buyer's remorse. Finally, with interest rates much higher than we’ve been used to, there are a few debt management strategies to help you and your loved ones shake off the shackles of debt. Thanks for checking out this month's newsletter. Please reach out if you ever have any questions about real estate, even if it’s just to find out what the house down the street sold for – it’d be great to hear from you!
VANCOUVER REAL ESTATE UPDATE THE VANCOUVER WINTER ARTS FESTIVAL The annual Vancouver Winter Arts Festival is a vibrant celebration of creativity that allows you to dive into the local arts scene amidst the crisp winter air. This year, the Vancouver Winter Arts Festival includes new public art and light installations, guided tours, pop-up parties and an all-ages Hub featuring a licensed bar and free daily live entertainment. Beyond its entertainment value, the festival also serves as a platform for dialogue and reflection, with discussions, workshops, and forums exploring the intersection of art, culture and society. This free, family-friendly outdoor event takes place between Thursday, February 22nd and Thursday, February 29th. Hope to see you there! BANK OF CANADA RATE UPDATE In a scheduled announcement on January 24, 2024, the Bank of Canada decided to maintain its target for the overnight lending rate at 5%. This was its fourth consecutive hold after two interest rate hikes last summer. The Bank noted that Canada’s economy had performed sluggishly over the second half of 2023 and anticipated no growth over the first quarter of 2024 before picking up in the second half of this year. The Bank also stated that “spending by governments contributes materially to growth through the year,” suggesting they will be waiting until the federal government tables the next budget before revising their projections. The Bank once again cited shelter costs as the largest contributing factor to above-target inflation due to rising mortgage interest and rents, which it does not expect to return to its 2% target until next year. Although many components of the CPI are showing signs of normalizing, with the Bank noting in its Monetary Policy Report that monetary policy is working as intended to slow growth, core measures are still running higher than the Bank’s preferred range. The Bank is still concerned about risks to the outlook for inflation, particularly underlying core inflation, and would like to see “further and sustained easing” in this regard while it focuses on economic and other inflationary factors. The Bank of Canada’s next scheduled interest rate announcement will be on March 6, 2024, and will publish its full outlook for the economy and inflation in its next Monetary Policy Report on April 10, 2024. AVOIDING HOME BUYER’S REMORSE Buying a home can be an emotional roller coaster which can cause people to make mistakes as they get swept up in all the excitement. Here are a few common buyer blunders to be aware of: List to Last Make a list of essential features you can’t live without. It's easy to be dazzled by amazing curb appeal or an inground pool but don’t be taken in if it lacks the essentials. Stick to Your Budget Buyers who overextend themselves may be forced to sell if their circumstances change so avoid temptation by only viewing homes that are in your price range. Location, Location, Location Choosing a location that suits your lifestyle is crucial, so determine how far you’re willing to be from public transit, shops, restaurants and other amenities. Getting Schooled If you’re looking to lay down roots and start a family in the next few years, it’s important to consider how close you’ll be to parks, playgrounds and local schools. Master the Market The home you fall in love with today could be gone tomorrow. It’s therefore important to get acquainted with the market ahead of time so you'll have the confidence to act swiftly when the home of your dreams hits the market! Inspect the Unexpected Having the home inspected by a professional home inspector will provide you with peace of mind as you’ll have a better idea of any potential issues. Professional Advice The real estate process can be an emotional roller coaster so it's important to have a knowledgeable agent by your side to help you navigate the twists and turns you’ll face along the way. House hunting should be a fun and exciting experience but it's important to stay grounded so that you don’t jump into a long-term commitment that you may later regret. As long as you conduct your research ahead of time and are well aware of your wants and needs, you'll be able to move forward with confidence and peace of mind. If you ever have any questions about the Vancouver real estate market, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – it’d be great to hear from you! PAYING DEBT PAYS OFF Debt management is a topic that’s usually avoided but openly discussing this awkward subject with your loved ones can help them avoid a lifetime of financial woes. Here are a few of the basics: Budget Crunch Make a complete list of all fixed expenses such as rent/mortgage, car payments, utilities and groceries. Next, list variable expenses to see what can be reduced or eliminated. Your Best Interest Prioritize your debts so you can focus first on paying off high-interest, non-deductible debt such as credit cards and unsecured loans. Consolidate Monthly payments can be lowered by consolidating debt through a secured line of credit as the interest rate will usually be much lower. Double Down When unexpected money falls your way, put it towards paying down the principal of your debt as it will dramatically reduce the length and expense of your loan. Reach Out Getting ahead of debt is key so be proactive and reach out to creditors before things get out of hand as they’ll often be willing to work with you to help make things more manageable. Discussing debt can be uncomfortable, but doing so can help your loved ones avoid a financial crisis that could devastate their credit rating and prevent them from borrowing money at attractive rates. Almost everyone feels the credit crunch at some point, but with the proper game plan in place, you can shake off the shackles of debt and pursue a path to financial freedom! VANCOUVER REAL ESTATE QUESTIONS P.S. Please let me know if you'd ever like a hand finding your dream home or even if you're just curious about what the house down the street sold for. I'm always happy to help 😃 |
Vancouver Real Estate News from Andrea Rozenberg February 2024 Purchasing a home is an emotionally charged experience that can cloud the judgment of even the savviest of buyers so this month, there are some tips on how to avoid buyer's remorse. Finally, with interest rates much higher than we’ve been used to, there are a few debt management strategies to help you and your loved ones shake off the shackles of debt. Thanks for checking out this month's newsletter. Please reach out if you ever have any questions about real estate, even if it’s just to find out what the house down the street sold for – it’d be great to hear from you!
VANCOUVER REAL ESTATE UPDATE THE VANCOUVER WINTER ARTS FESTIVAL The annual Vancouver Winter Arts Festival is a vibrant celebration of creativity that allows you to dive into the local arts scene amidst the crisp winter air. This year, the Vancouver Winter Arts Festival includes new public art and light installations, guided tours, pop-up parties and an all-ages Hub featuring a licensed bar and free daily live entertainment. Beyond its entertainment value, the festival also serves as a platform for dialogue and reflection, with discussions, workshops, and forums exploring the intersection of art, culture and society. This free, family-friendly outdoor event takes place between Thursday, February 22nd and Thursday, February 29th. Hope to see you there! BANK OF CANADA RATE UPDATE In a scheduled announcement on January 24, 2024, the Bank of Canada decided to maintain its target for the overnight lending rate at 5%. This was its fourth consecutive hold after two interest rate hikes last summer. The Bank noted that Canada’s economy had performed sluggishly over the second half of 2023 and anticipated no growth over the first quarter of 2024 before picking up in the second half of this year. The Bank also stated that “spending by governments contributes materially to growth through the year,” suggesting they will be waiting until the federal government tables the next budget before revising their projections. The Bank once again cited shelter costs as the largest contributing factor to above-target inflation due to rising mortgage interest and rents, which it does not expect to return to its 2% target until next year. Although many components of the CPI are showing signs of normalizing, with the Bank noting in its Monetary Policy Report that monetary policy is working as intended to slow growth, core measures are still running higher than the Bank’s preferred range. The Bank is still concerned about risks to the outlook for inflation, particularly underlying core inflation, and would like to see “further and sustained easing” in this regard while it focuses on economic and other inflationary factors. The Bank of Canada’s next scheduled interest rate announcement will be on March 6, 2024, and will publish its full outlook for the economy and inflation in its next Monetary Policy Report on April 10, 2024. AVOIDING HOME BUYER’S REMORSE Buying a home can be an emotional roller coaster which can cause people to make mistakes as they get swept up in all the excitement. Here are a few common buyer blunders to be aware of: List to Last Make a list of essential features you can’t live without. It's easy to be dazzled by amazing curb appeal or an inground pool but don’t be taken in if it lacks the essentials. Stick to Your Budget Buyers who overextend themselves may be forced to sell if their circumstances change so avoid temptation by only viewing homes that are in your price range. Location, Location, Location Choosing a location that suits your lifestyle is crucial, so determine how far you’re willing to be from public transit, shops, restaurants and other amenities. Getting Schooled If you’re looking to lay down roots and start a family in the next few years, it’s important to consider how close you’ll be to parks, playgrounds and local schools. Master the Market The home you fall in love with today could be gone tomorrow. It’s therefore important to get acquainted with the market ahead of time so you'll have the confidence to act swiftly when the home of your dreams hits the market! Inspect the Unexpected Having the home inspected by a professional home inspector will provide you with peace of mind as you’ll have a better idea of any potential issues. Professional Advice The real estate process can be an emotional roller coaster so it's important to have a knowledgeable agent by your side to help you navigate the twists and turns you’ll face along the way. House hunting should be a fun and exciting experience but it's important to stay grounded so that you don’t jump into a long-term commitment that you may later regret. As long as you conduct your research ahead of time and are well aware of your wants and needs, you'll be able to move forward with confidence and peace of mind. If you ever have any questions about the Vancouver real estate market, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – it’d be great to hear from you! PAYING DEBT PAYS OFF Debt management is a topic that’s usually avoided but openly discussing this awkward subject with your loved ones can help them avoid a lifetime of financial woes. Here are a few of the basics: Budget Crunch Make a complete list of all fixed expenses such as rent/mortgage, car payments, utilities and groceries. Next, list variable expenses to see what can be reduced or eliminated. Your Best Interest Prioritize your debts so you can focus first on paying off high-interest, non-deductible debt such as credit cards and unsecured loans. Consolidate Monthly payments can be lowered by consolidating debt through a secured line of credit as the interest rate will usually be much lower. Double Down When unexpected money falls your way, put it towards paying down the principal of your debt as it will dramatically reduce the length and expense of your loan. Reach Out Getting ahead of debt is key so be proactive and reach out to creditors before things get out of hand as they’ll often be willing to work with you to help make things more manageable. Discussing debt can be uncomfortable, but doing so can help your loved ones avoid a financial crisis that could devastate their credit rating and prevent them from borrowing money at attractive rates. Almost everyone feels the credit crunch at some point, but with the proper game plan in place, you can shake off the shackles of debt and pursue a path to financial freedom! VANCOUVER REAL ESTATE QUESTIONS P.S. Please let me know if you'd ever like a hand finding your dream home or even if you're just curious about what the house down the street sold for. I'm always happy to help 😃 |