Piano lessons?
  
It is amazing how challenging situations turn into successes in our lives. Sometimes it is important to just exercise some patience, relax, enjoy the moment, and have fun doing what you do.
Two years ago I wanted my son, Ainose, to learn how to play the piano. So I decided to have him take some piano lessons once a week. However, after his regular 45 minutes weekly piano classes, it was very challenging to get him to do any additional practice at home on his home piano. It was so frustrating that one had to force him to practice, which was sometimes not the best strategy to take because he resented the whole idea and started to loose interest in it.
Today I am really excited that Ainose enjoys playing the piano. Now he plays the piano everyday, and sometimes getting him off the piano is one of my newest challenges in life…but I am taking it in stride☺☺☺
I can't wait to share with you in the coming months some home made science projects that we are currently working on right now.
BIDDING WARS! Still Happening???
Detached Properties in Fraser Valley that sold for over their asking list price in February 2015
Detached Properties in Greater Vancouver that sold for over their asking list price in February 2015
Last week CBC News reported that "Vancouver real estate: detached homes spark bidding wars." They also stated that "Real estate agents say locals, not mainland Chinese buyers, are driving the market."
Is this true? The answer is YES!
Are we seeing multiple offers? The answer again is YES!
For the month of February alone, the total number of single family detached homes / properties that sold in both the Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley areas of BC is 506. 364 for Greater Vancouver and 142 for Fraser Valley respectively.
Here is the interesting part of it, 145 out of the 364 total sales in Greater Vancouver sold for over the asking price, and 35 out of the 142 total sales in Fraser Valley sold for over the asking price. For full details please refer to the attached pdf files.
Now do the math and you will find out that over 35% of the total sales recorded in the month of February actually sold for over their asking price. This is good news for Sellers.
The important lesson to take from this brief article is that the real estate market for both the Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley areas of BC is strong and alive. It is a Seller's market. it is also a good time for first time home Buyers, Buyers looking to upgrade into a larger property, and small / big investors to get into the market and take advantage of all of these offers because of the all time low interest rates currently being offered by virtually all lenders, and the real potential to build even more equity on the current value of these properties in 5-10 years time.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the value of your property or neighbourhood.
CBC Link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-real-estate-detached-homes-spark-bidding-wars-1.2937732
DO NOT Early Renew Your Mortgage, You Have Time!
If your mortgage term is coming to an end in the next few months...do not "early renew" with what your lender offers you. Rates are going to continue to go down so please do not cut yourself short and take your lenders first offer.
Things to think about when up for renewal.
1. Do you have any high interest credit cards or loans you would like to roll into your mortgage?
2. Can you qualify for a re-advanceable mortgage?
3. How long are you planning on staying in your existing home? Why sign for a 5-year term when you might move in the next 2-3years?
4. How does my existing lender calculate mortgage penalties?
5. YOU HAVE TIME! Don't succumb to bank peer pressure.
Even if you are close to your renewal date, there are a few strategies that we can implement to give you time even after your deadline.
Let's work together to ensure your mortgage is working for you and not the other way around.
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