Listings are key for any real estate agent. It's a big part of our business. And as an agent, it's extremely hard to let go of a listing or cancel it, even for good reasons. This year in the Vancouver real estate market, it's been a market of change and adjustment. The government has come out with number of changes to slow down the market, but this last new change/program gave my seller and I reason to pause and think.

Let me explain.

My seller has a beautiful condo just steps from Coquitlam Centre. We priced it right, and for the last two months, have had numerous showings, and a number of great offers. Some of the offers fell through due to financing, while others didn't come together...

Finding a rental that works for your family can be a big challenge. Really, anything regarding finding a suitable home in Vancouver is over the top difficult. As a real estate agent, you might be surprised to hear that I don't push buying a home on to all of my friends and clients. Owning a home isn't for everyone, there are many good reasons that people stay out of the real estate purchase market. I have close friends who rent a home in East Vancouver for $850 a month! It's a whole house with a garage and yard. $850 a month! Why would you move, you couldn't get a home that cheap.

So if you are looking for a new rental, how can you keep ahead of the game, or give you a leg up? Here are...

When moving into a new neighbourhood, family heads can't help but wonder where they can find a community best suited for their family needs. Today, some communities set themselves apart but their new regulations set by the city council.

New Westminster can be considered ahead of the game; they know how important families are to a community and they want families to move in and stay in New West. How?

The city of New Westminster set a precident on making sure there are enough homes for families in the City. With detached homes rizing in purchase and rental prices, Jonathan Cote passed new regulations making it a must that all new buildings in the city, must contain a certain number...

Chances are, your dream of living in a house with a yard are hard to fulfill in this high real estate valued, and high rental priced market in Greater Vancouver. Some love the condo life, and some just have no choice. However, with some planning, you can successfully live in a condo, even if you have a family. 

Today, there are companies who focus their efforts in maximizing space for those living in tiny spaces. You can have success in Condo Living, even with a family! Look to the example of this family of four living in a 2 bedroom apartment in Boston: 

Boston Family of Four Transform Living Space

We just picked up our latest postcards from Jukebox Print and we love them! Nadine Hansen took this awesome photo of the much talked about Pattullo Brige, and we're giving them all away to those who would love one. These postcards can be mailed to friends or family, or you can just hold on to it. If you're like me, you might have a huge collection of postcards from over the years. 

These latest postcards are on the larger side, they measure 5.5'x8.5' in size. You'll find them throughout New Westminster at public spaces and local businesses. But if you can't find them, send me an email with your address, and I'll be sure to get one or more to you. alex@citytosuburb.ca

 ...

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...