There were 1,435 property sales processed on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April, reflecting a 5 per cent decrease compared to the 1,516 sales in April of last year, and a slight increase over the 1,412 sales in March. In April, the Board added 7 per cent more new listings compared to one year ago, 3,134 in contrast to 2,918 in April 2011, pushing the number of properties for sale in the Fraser Valley to 10,312, the highest level since July 2010.  Scott Olson, President of the Board, says “To put it in perspective, in the last decade, April 2012 ranked second lowest for sales during that month, while new listings came in at the third highest, meaning it’s a good time to be shopping for a home in the Fraser Valley because selection has only been this extensive twice. Read more »Original post blogged on b2evolution.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed 1,412 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in March, a decrease of 22 per cent compared to March of last year, however only 13 per cent less than the 10-year average of 1,626 sales for same month.Scott Olson, president of FVREB, says, “It was quieter than usual for March, but still steady with an increase in demand for more affordable properties, in particular detached homes for less than $500,000 and townhomes.    “Compared to last March, every community in Fraser Valley experienced a decrease in the sales of single family detached homes especially those priced at the higher-end; however Abbotsford, Langley and North Surrey all saw increases in the sale of townhomes.” Read more »Original post blogged on b2evolution.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) recorded 1,269 sales in February, an increase of 59 per cent compared to January and a 1 per cent decrease compared to the 1,279 sales during February of last year. In terms of new listings, the Board received 2,846 in February, an increase of 3 per cent compared to January and a 6 per cent decrease compared to the 3,038 listings received last February, taking the total number of active listings to 9,037, an increase of 4 per cent compared to those available in February 2011. As Board President Scott Olson explains, a seasonal increase in sales is typical for February; however this increase was not as robust as in years past. February’s sales finished at 4 per cent fewer than the 10-year average for that month.  Read more »Original post blogged on b2evolution.

The professional association of Fraser Valley REALTORS® elected a new team of officers and directors at an annual general meeting held February 22 at the Coast Hotel & Convention Centre in Langley. Officers serving for the coming 2012/2013 term: President: Scott Olson, Macdonald Realty, Surrey President-elect: Ron Todson, RE/MAX Little Oak Realty, Abbotsford Vice President: Ray Werger, Royal LePage – Coronation Park, Surrey Directors:Manny Boparai, Century 21 Coastal Realty Ltd., SurreyJorda Maisey, RE/MAX Little Oak Realty, SurreyMohamed Mansour, Sutton Group – Medallion Realty, SurreyGopal Sahota, Sutton Group – West Coast Realty, SurreySharon Wayman, Sutton – Premier Realty, Surrey Charles Wiebe, Landmark Realty Corp., Abbotsford Also serving on the Board of Directors, elected prior to the AGM:Ralph Visser, Century 21 Ace Agencies Ltd., Abbotsford (chair Brokers Council)Dennis Germyn, Macdonald Realty, Surrey (chair Commercial Executive Council) Past President Sukh Sidhu, RE/MAX Little Oak Realty, Abbotsford will serve as an ex-officio member of the Directorate. Fraser Valley’s new Board of Directors takes office on March 1, 2012.Original post blogged on b2evolution.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) recognized two local REALTORS® for their outstanding contributions to the profession at its Annual General Meeting, February 22 at the Coast Hotel & Convention Centre in Langley. The 2012 John Armeneau Professional of the Year was awarded to Len Visser, Owner/Broker of Century 21 Ace Agencies Realty in Abbotsford. And a one-time only Special Achievement Award was presented to Bonnie Moy, HomeLife Benchmark Realty in White Rock. Since 1985, the John Armeneau award has been presented to a Fraser Valley REALTOR® who demonstrates professional excellence, integrity, dedication to fellow colleagues, clients and the community, as well as devotion to organized real estate. It is the Board’s highest honour and is only awarded annually when a member qualifies. Read more »Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Sutton Premier Realty, Surrey and Brian Kirkwood of Prudential Power Play Realty, Langley, received the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s (FVREB) highest awards for community service at the Board’s Annual General Meeting, February 22 at the Coast Hotel & Convention Centre in Langley.  Kirkwood is the individual recipient for the 2011 REALTORS® Make Good Neighbours award; and Sutton Premier Realty, the corporate recipient. The award was accepted by Managing Broker Kelvin Neufeld and Owner Larry Anderson.  The awards are presented annually for community giving and volunteerism outside of the real estate profession. Board president, Sukh Sidhu, presented the honours. “REALTORS® are in the unique position of living where we work and working where we live, so we see the direct impact when we donate time or money to our neighbourhoods and communities. Read more »Original post blogged on b2evolution.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) processed 799 sales in January, a decrease of 4 per cent compared to the 834 sales in January last year and 10 per cent fewer than were processed in December. In the last decade, January 2012 was second only to 2009 for lowest volume. On the flip side, compared to other starts during the last 10 years, the Board received one of its highest influxes of new listings for January – 2,753 – 5 per cent more than January 2011 and 143 per cent more than December the month before. The increase in new inventory raised the volume of active properties in Fraser Valley to 8,320 by the end of January. Sukh Sidhu is the Board’s president. “For spring house hunters this is great news. For buying power you can’t beat the combination of greater selection, the continuation of extremely low interest rates and stable prices.” Read more »Original post blogged on b2evolution.

According to the president of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB), international affordability studies regarding Vancouver are misleading because they don’t reflect the reality that homebuyers purchase more affordable homes every day in neighbouring communities.  Sukh Sidhu is a REALTOR® who lives and works in Abbotsford. “So far this month, over 50 homebuyers in the Fraser Valley have purchased a condo for $199,000 or less and over 100 families are now proud owners of townhomes valued at $399,000 or less. “About one-third of our buyers are first-timers and two-thirds are using equity from an existing home to either buy up or downsize and they’re thrilled with the value and benefits home ownership provides.” According to a recent Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey, Vancouver ranks the second most unaffordable major housing market in the world based on median household income and a median home price of $678,000. Read more »Original post blogged on b2evolution.