Shane Ballard - Ballardmoney Newsletter - Edition #54 - May 2018

Shane Ballard - Mortgage Broker

Verico complete mortgage

shane@ballardmoney.com
(778) 882-4602
http://www.ballardmoney.com/

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May 2018 Foreclosure List

 

April 2018 - Cloverdale attached
April 2018 - Burnaby detached
April 2018 - Hope detached
April 2018 - Coquitlam attached
April 2018 - Sunshine Coast detached
April 2018 - Tsawassen detached
April 2018 - Ladner detached
April 2018 - Vancouver detached
April 2018 - Pitt Meadows detached
April 2018 - Vancouver attached

The supply of homes for sale in April increased 4 per cent from the previous month.

However, total active listings on the market continue to remain low from a historical perspective.



5 Unexpected Things Home Buyers Want to See

 

If you’re planning on putting your home on the market, you probably know the basics of what buyers want to see. Clean and uncluttered rooms. Comfortable living room. Functional and spacious kitchen. Bright, modern bathrooms. However, there are some things that today’s buyers are looking for that you might not have considered.

Smart storage space. Today’s buyers love to see organized closets, attractive shelving, storage nooks, built-in bookshelves, linen closets, and other storage options that are as functional as they are attractive.

Energy-efficient fixtures. Buyers are impressed by lighting that is good-looking but is also the latest in energy-efficiency. At the very least, energy-efficient bulbs and table lamps are a good idea. Solar-powered soft lighting in the garden, or on the deck or patio, will impress many.

Modern appliances. Buyers will notice kitchen and laundry room appliances that are modern and energy-efficient. In fact, according to a survey, 36% of buyers consider Energy Star rated appliances to be “essential”.

Work spaces. Home offices are in demand. Buyers will notice if there is a work area that is functional and attractive, even in the corner of the living room.

Outdoor living space. If you have a deck or patio, buyers love to see it well furnished and inviting – even if the outdoor furnishings don’t come with the home! Buyers will at least see the potential.

Of course, your home doesn’t need to have all these features. Having some will help your home sell faster and for a better price. Want more tips? Call me today: 604-787-4691.



Why do we celebrate Victoria Day?

 

For some, Victoria Day is a sign that summer is just around the corner. The holiday, which is only celebrated in Canada and Scotland, began as a celebration to honour Queen Victoria’s birthday. 

Victoria Day was declared a Canadian holiday by the government in 1845. At that time, it was celebrated with picnics, parades, sporting tournaments, fireworks, and cannon salutes. When Queen Victoria died in 1901, Canada’s parliament officially named the holiday Victoria Day. It was decided that the day would be celebrated on May 24th each year (or on May 25th if the 24th fell on a Sunday).

In 1952, the government made the decision to begin celebrating Victoria Day on a Monday. It would be observed on May 24th if that worked out, otherwise it would be held on the Monday immediately before it. Today, Victoria Day is a holiday throughout all of Canada. 

As far as today’s celebrations, Victoria Day is marked in most cities with parades, outdoor events and activities like camping and elaborate firework displays.

Have a great long weekend! :)



Spring Cleaning Guide: To-Do’s for Every Homeowner

 

Welcome Spring!

Ready to tackle your home’s springtime projects? Our handy guide breaks them down: Spring Cleaning & To-Dos (once-a-year tasks perfectly suited for spring), Exterior To-Dos (fix-ups and repairs for the outside of your home), and Room-by-Room Tasks(decluttering and cleaning tips for specific rooms).

Continue article here...



Down payment proof is not a picture of the cash under the mattress

 

Friendly reminder folks that this is NOT proof of your down payment! :)

Most lenders require a 90 day paper trail of bank statements of ALL funds being used for down payment and closing costs. So, if you do have "cash under the mattress," please deposit it into your bank account at least 90 days prior to the closing date of your home. :) 



Canada’s mortgage test just got tougher

 

It just got a little tougher to qualify for a mortgage in Canada.

A rate used in mortgage stress tests – more formally known as the Bank of Canada’s conventional five-year mortgage rate – is now 5.34 per cent, up from 5.14 per cent. This is the fifth time since last summer the rate has climbed higher.

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