Joe Squire (www.joesquire.com) : Blog

68 Pilkey Point Road, Thetis Island, BC

Joe Squire — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 11:22:05 -0700

I just finished uploading this Beach Home for sale, 68 Pilkey Point Road, Thetis Island, BC

Welcome to the best buy on Thetis Island! A custom built beach home at the head of Telegraph Harbour awaits you! This .52 acre semi-waterfront property is entirely level with manicured lawns, flower gardens and a fenced vegetable garden for you to enjoy. Purpose built for this piece of land, the home contains features specifically designed to enhance your lifestyle here. The main floor has an open layout, pass through kitchen and master bedroom + full bath for easy living. You'll find 2 spacious bedrooms + bath upstairs. Huge windows and high ceilings bring bright ocean views into all principal rooms. Check out the pressure treated wrap around deck overlooking the harbour; this is where you'll spend most of your time entertaining! Many extras and well maintained, come over for a look, don't delay! Call Joe Squire at 1-877-626-9259. 11 ferries to Chemainus + 3 flights daily to Vancouver, 1 hr North of Victoria/ 40 minutes South of Nanaimo... right on the 49th Parallel!!

Hastings Open House!

Joe Squire — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:54:17 -0700

We are proud to announce that this Aug 15th, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 118 TEMPLETON Drive in the Hastings neighborhood, Vancouver East. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent House for sale in beautiful Hastings.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Hastings House for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604-626-9259 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Joe Squire
Sutton West Coast Realty

179 PENTICTON Street, Vancouver East, British Columbia

Joe Squire — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 09:59:53 -0700

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 179 PENTICTON Street, Vancouver East, British Columbia

A rare offering, completely intact heritage home sitting on a huge, almost double sized corner lot (66x88). This 1920's craftsman beauty has been lovingly preserved and sensitively modernized. Calling all heritage enthusiast-all original woodwork, leaded glass built-ins, untouched fir trim, casement windows, fir floor, claw foot tub & original light fixtures. Well designed upper level w/dormer includes deluxe master suite with ensuite, office/den, walk through closet and sitting area that could easily be converted into a bdrm. Sprawling city views to the West & mountain view to the North. Lots of developable space on this property or just enjoy one of the most amazing gardens you will find on the East side. A truly unique ppty. Open House: Sat, July 24th, 2:00 - 3:30 PM.

Hastings Open House!

Joe Squire — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:52:14 -0700

We are proud to announce that this Sunday, August 1, 2010, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 118 TEMPLETON Drive in Hastings, Vancouver East. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent House for sale in beautiful Hastings.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Hastings House for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604-626-9259 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Joe Squire
Sutton West Coast Realty

232 Plateau Road, Thetis Island, BC

Joe Squire — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:25:24 -0700

I just sold this House & Land at 232 Plateau Road, Thetis Island, BC .

View this recently sold House & Land or see all my home sales

1602 154 Promenade, Nanaimo, BC

Joe Squire — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:25:15 -0700

I just sold this Waterfront Condo at 1602 154 Promenade, Nanaimo, BC .

View this recently sold Waterfront Condo or see all my home sales

1713 Admiral Tryon Blvd, Parksville, BC

Joe Squire — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:13:02 -0700

I just finished uploading this Beach Home for sale, 1713 Admiral Tryon Blvd, Parksville, BC

Delightful walk-on waterfront property in Columbia Beach! Unique "C" shaped floor plan which maximizes ocean and mountain views. If you are looking for spectacular ocean views in a quiet community that is only minutes from town, this is the place for you! This home features vaulted ceilings and large windows in the living room designed to capture 180 degrees of this awesome Georgia Strait seascape. Other features include a separate dining room with sliding doors leading to an oceanside deck, large kitchen with adjacent family room and cozy wood burning stove. There are three bedrooms and three baths. The master bedroom has its own set of sliding doors and private deck. Other features include a private interior courtyard and double garage. This property has 70 feet of easily-accessible waterfront for your enjoyment!

Hastings Open House!

Joe Squire — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:14:39 -0700

We are proud to announce that this Saturday, July 24, 2010, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 118 TEMPLETON Drive in Hastings, Vancouver East. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent House for sale in beautiful Hastings.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Hastings House for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604-626-9259 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Joe Squire
Sutton West Coast Realty

118 TEMPLETON Drive, Vancouver East, British Columbia

Joe Squire — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:05:23 -0700

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 118 TEMPLETON Drive, Vancouver East, British Columbia

Prime residential investment property, this legal character duplex was professionally renovated and raised with permits. Main floor just had sleek bamboo flooring & fresh paint, numerous built-ins & new appliances. Ppty contains 3 suites on 3 levels! Walk in & call it home! New wiring & plumbing on a solid foundation with thermo windows throughout, means you can enjoy yourself here without the fear of having to work on the important parts of your home. Quiet & respectful tenants wish to stay in the suites, main floor is ready for you to move in & watch your equity grow from the solid revenue stream. Fully fenced, secure, low maintenance yard & walking distance to shops. Property is turn key & ready for you! Don't delay.

364 Mill Road, Thetis Island, BC

Joe Squire — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 15:06:29 -0700

I just finished uploading this Acreage for sale, 364 Mill Road, Thetis Island, BC

Come over and explore this acreage, you're in for a treat! Several building sites, hydro/tel/internet to the lot lines. Located at the corner of Mill road and Lupin Lane, you're just a short stroll to the beach. Have you been looking for an acreage to call home? This could be it.

801 1030 WEST BROADWAY, Vancouver, BC

Joe Squire — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 14:57:31 -0700

I just sold this Condo at 801 1030 WEST BROADWAY, Vancouver, BC .

View this recently sold Condo or see all my home sales

514 Weeks Cr., Nanaimo, BC

Joe Squire — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 14:53:37 -0700

I just sold this House at 514 Weeks Cr., Nanaimo, BC .

View this recently sold House or see all my home sales

1450 LABURNUM Street, Vancouver West, British Columbia

Joe Squire — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 14:53:27 -0700

I just sold this Condo at 1450 LABURNUM Street, Vancouver West, British Columbia .

View this recently sold Condo or see all my home sales

Activity steady to start the summer season

Joe Squire — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:49:11 -0700

REBGV Stats June 2010

Activity steady to start the summer season

The Greater Vancouver housing market experienced steady activity to begin the summer season.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 2,972 in June 2010, a decline of 30.2 per cent compared to the 4,259 sales in June 2009, which was the second highest selling June on record.

“Activity in June marked a healthy balance between the near record setting pace of June 2009 and the considerably slower activity witnessed in June 2008, a period of recession as we all know,” Jake Moldowan, REBGV president said.

Compared to June 2008, last month’s sales represent a 22.6 per cent increase over the 2,425 sales recorded that month, but are 30 per cent less than the 4,244 sales in June 2007. June 2010 sales also represent a 5.8 per cent decline compared to the previous month’s sales totals.

“We didn’t experience any record-breaking activity in June, but we did see a stable summer market,” Moldowan said. “The number of new listings coming on the market is not as dramatic as we saw over the previous three months and demand remains at a healthy level for this traditionally quieter time of year.”

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties totalled 5,544 in June 2010, a 3.2 per cent increase compared to June 2009 when 5,372 new units were listed, and a 21 per cent decline compared to May 2010 when 7,014 properties were added to the MLS®.

At 17,564, the total number of property listings on the MLS® increased 1.2 per cent in June compared to last month, and is up 32 per cent compared to this time last year.

“There has been less upward pressure on prices in our market the last few months, which has allowed prices to ease back from the record high numbers seen in April,” Moldowan said.

Over the last 12 months, the overall MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver increased 11.8 per cent to $580,237 from $518,855 in June 2009.

Sales of detached properties in June 2010 reached 1,139, a decrease of 31.7 per cent from the 1,667 detached sales recorded in June 2009 and a 24.1 per cent increase from the 918 units sold in June 2008. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 13.4 per cent from June 2009 to $795,025.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,258 in June 2010, a decline of 29.7 per cent compared to the 1,790 sales in June 2009 and an increase of 19 per cent compared to the 1,057 sales in June 2008.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 9.7 per cent from June 2009 to $391,528.

Attached property sales in June 2010 totalled 575, a decline of 28.3 per cent compared to the 802 sales in June 2009 and a 27.8 per cent increase from the 450 attached properties sold in June 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 11.6 per cent between June 2009 and 2010 to $492,861.

http://www.joesquire.com/

REBGV Stats June 2010
Activity steady to start the summer season
The Greater Vancouver housing market experienced steady activity to begin the summer season.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 2,972 in June 2010, a decline of 30.2 per cent compared to the 4,259 sales in June 2009, which was the second highest selling June on record.
“Activity in June marked a healthy balance between the near record setting pace of June 2009 and the considerably slower activity witnessed in June 2008, a period of recession as we all know,” Jake Moldowan, REBGV president said.
Compared to June 2008, last month’s sales represent a 22.6 per cent increase over the 2,425 sales recorded that month, but are 30 per cent less than the 4,244 sales in June 2007. June 2010 sales also represent a 5.8 per cent decline compared to the previous month’s sales totals.
“We didn’t experience any record-breaking activity in June, but we did see a stable summer market,” Moldowan said. “The number of new listings coming on the market is not as dramatic as we saw over the previous three months and demand remains at a healthy level for this traditionally quieter time of year.”
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties totalled 5,544 in June 2010, a 3.2 per cent increase compared to June 2009 when 5,372 new units were listed, and a 21 per cent decline compared to May 2010 when 7,014 properties were added to the MLS®.
At 17,564, the total number of property listings on the MLS® increased 1.2 per cent in June compared to last month, and is up 32 per cent compared to this time last year.
“There has been less upward pressure on prices in our market the last few months, which has allowed prices to ease back from the record high numbers seen in April,” Moldowan said.
Over the last 12 months, the overall MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver increased 11.8 per cent to $580,237 from $518,855 in June 2009.
Sales of detached properties in June 2010 reached 1,139, a decrease of 31.7 per cent from the 1,667 detached sales recorded in June 2009 and a 24.1 per cent increase from the 918 units sold in June 2008. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 13.4 per cent from June 2009 to $795,025.
Sales of apartment properties reached 1,258 in June 2010, a decline of 29.7 per cent compared to the 1,790 sales in June 2009 and an increase of 19 per cent compared to the 1,057 sales in June 2008.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 9.7 per cent from June 2009 to $391,528.
Attached property sales in June 2010 totalled 575, a decline of 28.3 per cent compared to the 802 sales in June 2009 and a 27.8 per cent increase from the 450 attached properties sold in June 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 11.6 per cent between June 2009 and 2010 to $492,861.
copyright© real estate board of greater vancouver. all rights reserved.
http://www.joesquire.com/

Home Buyers Facing Less Competition

Joe Squire — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 07:57:20 -0700

Home Buyers Facing Less Competition

Vancouver, BC – June 14, 2010. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales in the province declined 4 per cent to 7,950 units in May compared to the same month last year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, MLS® residential unit sales in the province declined 11 per cent in May from April 2010. The average MLS® residential price climbed 7 per cent to $498,294 in May compared to the same month last year.

“A slower pace of home sales combined with an increase in the inventory of homes for sale has quelled upward pressure on home prices,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. A total of 54,362 MLS® residential listings were recorded in May, up 26 per cent from January on a seasonally adjusted basis. “Moderating market conditions in Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Victoria are reducing the number of multiple offers as a greater selection of homes for sale lessons competition amongst home buyers,” added Muir.

Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume increased 50 per cent to $17.5 billion, compared to the same period last year. Residential unit sales rose 31 per cent to 34,619 year-to-date, while the average MLS® residential price climbed 14 per cent to $505,468 over the same period.

For the complete news release, including detailed statistics, follow this link: http://www.bcrea.bc.ca/news_room/2010-05.pdf.

http://www.joesquire.com

Home Buyers Facing Less Competition
Vancouver, BC – June 14, 2010. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales in the province declined 4 per cent to 7,950 units in May compared to the same month last year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, MLS® residential unit sales in the province declined 11 per cent in May from April 2010. The average MLS® residential price climbed 7 per cent to $498,294 in May compared to the same month last year.

“A slower pace of home sales combined with an increase in the inventory of homes for sale has quelled upward pressure on home prices,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. A total of 54,362 MLS® residential listings were recorded in May, up 26 per cent from January on a seasonally adjusted basis. “Moderating market conditions in Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Victoria are reducing the number of multiple offers as a greater selection of homes for sale lessons competition amongst home buyers,” added Muir.
Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume increased 50 per cent to $17.5 billion, compared to the same period last year. Residential unit sales rose 31 per cent to 34,619 year-to-date, while the average MLS® residential price climbed 14 per cent to $505,468 over the same period.

For the complete news release, including detailed statistics, follow this link: http://www.bcrea.bc.ca/news_room/2010-05.pdf.
http://www.joesquire.com

Market News & Updates

Joe Squire — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 08:56:51 -0700

Housing Market Push and Pull: Economic Growth Versus Affordability
BCREA Housing Forecast - Second Quarter 2010

Vancouver, BC – June 7, 2010. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) released its Housing Forecast for the second quarter of 2010 today.

BC Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales are forecast to ease back 3 per cent from 85,028 units in 2009 to 82,350 units this year, before increasing 4 per cent to 85,900 units in 2011.

“Eroding affordability will trim home sales by 3 per cent this year despite improving economic conditions and related employment growth,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “The push and pull of positive economic growth versus rising mortgage interest rates is expected to keep BC home sales near their 10-year average of 85,569 units both this year and next.”

The average MLS® residential price is forecast to climb 6 per cent to $494,600 this year and remain relatively unchanged in 2011, albeit increasing by 1 per cent to $499,700.

"Strong consumer demand in Vancouver, Victoria and the Fraser Valley was largely responsible for driving the average home price in the province higher over the last three quarters,” added Muir. “However, demand has moderated in those markets and a larger inventory of homes for sale has pulled market conditions into balanced territory, providing less upward pressure on home prices"

The full BCREA Housing Forecast is available at: www.bcrea.bc.ca/economics/HousingForecast.pdf

http://www.joesquire.com/

June 4, 2010 HOUSING MARKET UPDATE

Joe Squire — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:18:29 -0700

June 4, 2010
REBGV Stats

May market offers buyers greater selection

The number of properties listed for sale in Greater Vancouver continued to rise in May, while the number of sales showed a year-over-year decrease.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 3,156 in May 2010, a decline of 10.4 per cent compared to the 3,524 sales in May 2009; 5.1 per cent more than the 3,002 sales in May 2008; and 27.1 per cent less than the 4,331 sales in May 2007. May 2010 sales also represent a 10.1 per cent decline compared to last month’s sales.

In terms of number of property listings, last month marked the third consecutive month during which more than 7,000 homes were listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) in Greater Vancouver.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties totalled 7,014 in May 2010, a 48.2 per cent increase compared to May 2009 when 4,733 new units were listed, and an 8.3 per cent decline compared to April 2010 when 7,648 properties were added to the MLS®.

At 17,492, the total number of property listings on the MLS® increased 10 per cent in May compared to last month, and is up 28.2 per cent compared to this time last year.

“Prospective home buyers in today’s market have a broad selection to choose from in every property type. REALTORS® are telling us they’re working with buyers who are not feeling as rushed to make a decision as they did late last year and earlier in the year,” Jake Moldowan, REBGV president said.

Over the last 12 months, the overall MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver increased 16.7 per cent to $590,662 from $506,201 in May 2009.

“It’s important for those looking to buy or sell a home to remember that real estate is local and wise real estate decisions are made by those who understand current market conditions at the neighbourhood level,” Moldowan said.

Sales of detached properties in May 2010 reached 1,256, a decrease of 10.4 per cent from the 1,402 detached sales recorded in May 2009 and a 4.4 per cent increase from the 1,203 units sold in May 2008. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 19.1 per cent from May 2009 to $810,175.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,354 in May 2010, a decline of 7.1 per cent compared to the 1,458 sales in May 2009 and an increase of 8.8 per cent compared to the 1,244 sales in May 2008.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 13.9 per cent from May 2009 to $398,783.

Attached property sales in May 2010 totalled 546, a decline of 17.8 per cent compared to the 664 sales in May 2009 and a 1.6 per cent decline from the 555 attached properties sold in May 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 14.8 per cent between May 2009 and 2010 to $500,339.

copyright© real estate board of greater vancouver. all rights reserved.

104 Hollyberry Lane, Thetis Island, BC

Joe Squire — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:56:02 -0700

I just finished uploading this Home and Acreage for sale, 104 Hollyberry Lane, Thetis Island, BC

Welcome home to Hollyberry Lane, this property has something for everyone. Idyllic country cabin overlooking a water feature and small orchard with a new wrap around Cedar deck! Hummingbirds and songbirds will keep you company in the fenced garden or head out to the large 2 story shop. Very private and zoned for a guest cabin, this property offers opportunities for future development but is ready to be your island get away right now! Enjoy 23 acres of common property including a fruit orchard and over 1300 feet of beachfront! Get down to the waters edge and launch your kayaks to head out to one of the local islands for a days' paddling. Irrigation pond, community water and irrigation system in place. 10 round trip ferry trips per day to Chemainus on Vancouver Island and 3 flights daily to Vancouver B.C. Don't delay, this one won't be around long... come on over and call Joe on Thetis Island at 1-877-626-9259!

May 21, 2010 HOUSING MARKET UPDATE

Joe Squire — Thu, 20 May 2010 13:51:17 -0700

May 21, 2010 HOUSING MARKET UPDATE Today at 13:50 May 21, 2010 HOUSING MARKET UPDATE Balanced increases create stable marketplace The Greater Vancouver housing market has enjoyed four consecutive months of balanced market conditions. This comes on the heels of a frenetic “seller’s” market period to close 2009, which saw inventory consumed at a near record pace. Activity is strong in today’s market, but increases are occurring evenly between listings and sales, which has kept the market in a balanced state. A housing market enters “balanced” territory when demand, represented by sales activity, reaches an equilibrium range with the supply of homes for sale. Most analysts believe the market reaches this equilibrium range when the sales-to-active listings ratio is between 18 and 22 per cent for a sustained period. The Greater Vancouver market entered this range in January 2010 and has maintained this balance to present day. “We’re in the midst of another strong spring season thanks to high levels of activity on both the buyer and seller side of our market,” Jake Moldowan, Board president said. “The number of homes coming on the market has increased significantly in recent months, which is providing a healthy level of choice for those looking to buy during this busy period.” The strength of demand in the market since the economic downturn has resulted in rising home prices. In the last 12 months, increases in home values have eliminated the approximately 15 per cent decline seen during the recession and propelled home prices in the region to new heights. The MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for a residential property in Greater Vancouver today is $593,419, an increase of 4.4 per cent from the pre-recession peak of $568,411in May 2008. Last month, the average price of a detached home in Greater Vancouver surpassed $1 million for the first time in the Board’s history. This created significant discussion about affordability in the region. “While home values have now eclipsed the previous peaks, a diverse range of available properties and low interest rates continue to present opportunities for first-time and move-up buyers,” Moldowan said. “The product mix today is as varied as it has ever been in our market.” The graph pictured here shows the distribution of recent home sales in the region by price point. Of all residential properties purchased in Greater Vancouver in the first quarter of 2010, 48 per cent sold for less than $500,000 and just 14 per cent exceeded the $1 million mark. Today’s market, at all price points, is operating at a rapid pace. In April, it took members, on average, 31 days to sell a home in Greater Vancouver, which is one day less than the March 2010 average, but 29 days faster than the 60-day average in April 2009.
© Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

http://www.joesquire.com/

278 North Cove Road, Thetis Island, BC

Joe Squire — Sat, 15 May 2010 08:30:16 -0700

I just finished uploading this House & Land for sale, 278 North Cove Road, Thetis Island, BC

Large custom built home on 2.5+ acres of Thetis Island, offering vaulted ceilings and big windows to take in the peaceful views and the tranquility of the island lifestyle. Get some real value for your money here, built by the seller, this home has a great floor plan with extensive decking planned on several levels. The top floor master suite has gleaming floors complete with en-suite and outdoor space. A small office space or walk-in closet complete the living space in this top floor master bedroom. Enjoy the main floor living this home allows and bring your ideas for the full height, walk out basement. Plenty of upside here for the savvy buyer or handyman. The property also features a detached workshop/ garage for projects and parking. Follow the trail down to the beach access on Rupert Lane or just stay cosy in this home and enjoy yourself! 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2400sq.ft. on 3 levels, highspeed internet and a detached garage, this property offers its owner much to do! 3 flights daily to Vancouver and 11 ferries to Chemainus on the big island, call or email Joe and come over for a look.