This past month we successfully sold a beautifully renovated townhouse in Coquitlam (http://www.citytosuburb.ca/mylistings.html/details-42520138).

This isn't a blog post bragging of that sale (In fact I find those posts to be annoying to be honest). However, what I did find interesting was the current buying habits of the buyers of this price range, and primarily the habits of the First Time Home Buyers. This townhouse was in the price range of $200,000 to $300,000.

This home did receive a offer in the first weekend, which was very very close to the asking price which did not come together based on other factors, besides the price obviously. Within a month, the property had an second...

There are a large number of young professionals and young families moving out of Downtown Vancouver, and it is not because they have the desire to move from the city. The major reason for the move is price of course, but the two types of buyers are; (1) first-time home buyers; and (2) growing families needing the larger space of a single family house.

As mentioned, they are not moving because they do not love the city life. In fact they've grown to love it. And now they have to decide what suburb outside of the city meets their requirements. Many of the buyers I deal with enjoy the variety of cafes, restaurants, pubs, and shops. The mama and pop stores rule, while the major chain restaurants and...

Have you heard? The same developers behind the Shangri La and Shaw Towers downtown Vancouver, have now set their eyes on the Burnaby/Vancouver Border. Kensington Gardens will be the newest development of the Westbank Developments (http://www.kensingtongardens.ca/). 

But before you register, contact Alex Jopson for some special offers you can not get by just walking in. Exclusive to the Sutton Group - West Coast Realty Offices, we have HUGE savings to offer our clients. So exclusive, we are not allowed to publish them online. So call Alex Jopson directly to learn more, 604-626-1483

Why does the Sutton Group - West Coast Realty offices get this special offer? As the...

Today, you can see many of these signs popping up on for sale signs on homes throughout the lower mainland. And I get it! There will always be a new trend in marketing homes when they are for sale. However, I don't believe REALTORS® and sellers know there is another option out there.

For a long time now, I've enjoyed the use of dedicated websites for each of my listings. Is it that the dedicated website is dead? An old trend of selling homes? Or is it more of a difficult setup, not a useful tool, or is it that the seller and REALTOR® are unaware of the option. What ever the reason for the lack in dedicated websites for homes,  I am a strong believer in...

How do you sum up a real estate market that is so inconsistent?

• Homes not selling for months
• Homes recieving multiple offers 
• Little inventory in some areas
• Too much inventory in others. 

What is the consistent part of the market? Answer. The Buyers

Put yourself in the buyers position. You've heard your friend/family member paid "X" amount of money below the asking price for a home.  What do you now expect when you go to buy? The same thing? Of course! You don't want to over pay when buying in the same market.   

The problem is, one street/neighbourhood/complex/builing in one area can greatly differ from another. Even a unit in the same building...