If you have young children, flying has likely taken on a whole new meaning and fun probably isn't a word that springs to mind!

Flying with little ones can be somewhat bearable though if you're properly prepared. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Call Ahead - Get details on seat selection, strollers and car seats. Reserve the bulkhead seats if you're traveling with an infant and ask for a cot.
   
   
2. Extra Extra!! - Bring extra snacks, crayons and toys. Put diapers and wipes in a separate bag so you won't have to lug your entire backpack to the bathroom.
   
   
3. Get a Move On! - Keep your kids moving before the flight to help them cope with the confined space onboard. They'll burn up energy which will stop them from kicking the seat in front of you.
   
   
4. Fasten Your Seatbelts - Have a few items handy in case there's turbulence and you can't access the overhead compartment and always have a drink ready to help relieve their ear pressure.

It always takes longer to do anything with kids so make sure to allow lots of extra time. Although it seems like you'll have an eternity at the airport, activities such as check-in, snack time and bathroom breaks will quickly eat up your time but if you're properly prepared, you'll be able to relax and enjoy a smooth flight!

The real estate markets follows some very consistent patterns year after year. The busiest part of the annual market is from early February until late June. These are the people that want to get moved early in the year so they are settled in for the summer months when people take vacations and the kids are out of school.

The months of July and August tend to be quieter as the public and Realtors are busy with vacations and kids out of school.

The months from mid November until early February also tend to be quieter due to the festive season and winter in general.

The second busiest market of the year is from now ( end of August until late November) as people want to get sold and in to their new home by Christmas holiday season and year end. If you are wanting to get moved by year end then it is time to get your property on the market. It will likely take 30-60 days to get an offer and then another 30-45 days after that to get moved in.

If you are thinking of making that move by year end then call us today!

Geocaching is a high tech treasure hunt where a GPS is used to locate hidden caches. It's a great way to get active with your family and explore the great outdoors!

Geocaches are containers that include a log book and small treasures. Once you find the geocache, you replace the treasure with something of your own, log in your details and then check-in online.

Exploring hometown hiking trails takes on a whole new meaning and the best part is that geocaching doesn't cost a cent! Instead of searching around for the remote this Sunday afternoon, head outdoors for a real life treasure hunt. For more information, visit www.Geocaching.com.

Vancouver Real Estate board overall

Single family houses sales for June totalled 1106 with the average sale price of $1,116,102. This 19% increase in number of sales and 5% increase in average price over last year same time period (June). 

Townhouse sales for June totalled 472 with an average sale price of $570,142. This is a 13% increase in the number of sales and an increase of 0% in average price over the same time period last year (June). 

Condominiums June sales totalled 1068 with the average sale price of $487,515. This a 4% increase in number of sales and 12% increase in average price over the same time period last year (June).

Total of all types for June was 2646 sales with an average sale price of $764,987. This is a 11% increase in number of sales and 8% increase in average price over June last year. 

 
The Vancouver Real Estate Board sales volume year to date is down by 12% year to date and year to date average sales price has increased slightly by 1%. The number of active listings is 6% lower this June compared to last June. It would appear that prices have stabilized in both single family, townhouses and condos and we have a more balanced market.
 

Local Maple Ridge

Single family house June sales totalled 91 with the average sale price of $529,451. This a 2% decrease in number of sales and average price increase of 7% compared to June last year. 

Townhouse June sales totalled 33 with an average sale price $269,547. This is a 8% decrease in the number of sales and average price decrease of 3% over last June. 

Condominiums June sales totalled 12 with the average sale price of $182,325. This is an 29% decrease in number of sales and average price decrease of 6% over last June.

Total of all types of sales for June was 136 with an average sale price of $435,757. This is a 6% decrease in number of sales and a 7% increase in average price over last June.

Low volumes cause the statistics to vary quite a bit from month to month. Year to date our average prices for single family are down about 2%, townhouses down about 1% and condos unchanged. Average price for a single family home year to date 2013 is unchanged from year to date 2011 (2 years). In Townhomes and condos we have seen about at 10% drop in average sale price year to date 2011 to year to date 2013 ( the last 2 years) . 

The number of properties on the market in Maple Ridge for June is 1036 which is 1% less than last June.

Video on last months statistics by Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver , just click this link  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7zUTBj5WXc&feature=youtu.be

For more detail just call 604-466-4549 or email

pearceteam@telus.net . 

Buying a home can be an emotional roller coaster and as a result, it's easy to make mistakes when you're swept up in the excitement of it all.  Here are a few common buyer blunders to be aware of:

1. Not Thinking Ahead - If you hope to one day start a family in your new home, consider features like local parks and school zones.
   
   
2. Choosing the Wrong Home - Make a list of features that are absolutely necessary.  It's easy to be taken in by curb appeal, but walk away if it doesn't have that critical third bedroom!
   
   
3. Buying a Home that's too Expensive - Buyers who overextend themselves are often forced to sell at a loss.  Avoid the temptation by only viewing homes that are in your price range.
   
   
4. Bad Location, Bad Location, Bad Location - Determining the location that best suits your family's lifestyle is critical so consider proximity to public transportation, schools and other amenities.
   
   
5. Skipping the Home Inspection - Just because a house looks solid doesn't mean all is well behind the scenes.  Making an offer conditional on a home inspection will help eliminate any regrets.
   
   
6. Acting too Slowly - The home you fall in love with could be gone tomorrow if you wait too long.  Do your research ahead of time so you'll have the confidence to act swiftly when the time comes.
   
   
7. Not Using an Agent - It's important to have an agent to help you make decisions, negotiate the offer and explain the conditions to help ensure you enjoy a positive experience.

Buying a home can be very emotional so it's important to stay grounded in order to avoid errors that could cause you to regret your decision.  If you conduct your research ahead of time, you'll be able to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.  If you ever have any questions about real estate, please let me know -- I'm always here to help!

Debi invites you to join us in downtown Maple Ridge for 2 days of exciting music, about 70 street vendors including a wide variety of food and a beer garden.

Check this link to the website  http://www.caribbeanfest.ca/entertainment.html

This is the 13th annual Caribbean Festival in Maple Ridge so don't miss it. The Caribbean music will include reggae, steel band, salsa and R & B . Show starts at 12 noon on Saturday with new Caribbean acts every hour. From 7:00 to 9:00 is the final show of the day  “HEART IN THE PARK”  A tribute to HEART with BARRACUDA . This show is the non Caribbean portion of the weekend. Sunday kicks off at 11:00 AM with some R & B Soul with Nick Hope and new Caribbean acts every hour until headline show featuring "Steel" from 6:00 - 7:30. To end the day is a wind down with a DJ until 8:30. 

From Noon til 6 each day the the Kids Zone has lots of of activities for the young Caribbean Fans, including a bike parade (bring their bikes down to decorate in the Kids Zone either day) a Kids Zone stage with kid friendly entertainment, colouring stations, Tumblebus, Clowns, and much more. Also the YTV Wow tour is coming to our event and it includes a Bey Blades competition and other activities. So bring your Bey Blades and see if yours is the best!

No charge - Bring the whole family for a fun filled Caribbean holiday. Enjoy the music, food and do a little shopping. 

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Going away on vacation can sometimes be more trouble than it's worth.  Not only do you have to pack and plan but you also have to arrange for someone to collect your mail and look after your pets.

Gas prices also take a huge toll on a vacation budget so this year why not consider a staycation?  Here are a few ideas:

1. Be a Tourist - Contact your local tourist board so you can plan a trip as if you were visiting your area for the first time.
   
   
2. Take a Hike - Check out a new local community trail.  Enjoy a hike, bike ride, picnic or even a geocaching experience.
   
   
3. Dine Out - Go to a restaurant you've never been to before.  Find out when specials such as “2 for 1” and “kids eat free” are on so you can plan around the deals!
   
   
4. Overnighter - Visit an unfamiliar place an hour or so from home to experience a true getaway.  Book a night at a bed and breakfast or campground to really get into the spirit!
   
   
5. Kids Stuff - Involve your kids by letting them pick a new attraction to visit.  Nearby amusement parks, museums and summer festivals offer endless hours of fun.

Staying home and seeing your area through the eyes of a tourist will give you a new appreciation of where you live.  Not only will you save money but you'll also reduce your carbon footprint while supporting your local economy.  The best part of all is that you won't need a vacation after your vacation!

It's been proven that music can help inspire and motivate us.  The type of music we listen to can also affect our mood in a variety of ways.

Songza is a music streaming app that allows you to listen to music based on the activity you're engaged in, the mood you're in or the mood you want to be in.

Songza's "music concierge" will put together the perfect playlist whether you're waking up or working out. There are various music genres including classic rock, hip hop and even children's music.

Songza has no commercials, you can save your playlists and it doesn't cost a cent!  You can use it on your home computer or on the go with your smartphone.  Check it out for yourself at www.songza.com.

Vancouver Real Estate board overall

Single family houses sales for May totalled 1220 with the average sale price of $1,169,149. This 3% increase in number of sales and 8% increase in average price over last year same time period (May). Townhouse sales for May totalled 534 with an average sale price of $574,881. This is a 3% increase in the number of sales and an increase of 4% in average price over the same time period last year (May). 

Condominiums May sales totalled 1136 with the average sale price of $448,768. This a 1% decrease in number of sales and 2% decrease in average price over the same time period last year (May).

Total of all types for May was 2890 sales with an average sale price of $776,176. This is a 1% increase in number of sales and 6% increase in average price over May last year.

 
The Vancouver Real Estate Board sales volume year to date is down by 12% year to date and year to date average sales price is basically unchanged. The number of active listings is 3% lower this May compared to last May. It would appear that prices have stabilized in both single family and townhouses while condos are still experiencing some decrease in pricing.

Local Maple Ridge

 
Single family home sales in April totalled 101 with the average sale price of $477,882. This a 17% decrease in number of sales and average price decrease of 7% compared to May last year. Townhouse sales  in May totalled 24 with an average sale price $299,916. This is a 36% decrease in the number of townhouse sales and average price has basically remained unchanged from last May. Condominium sales in May totalled 18 with the average sale price of $185,147. This is an 5% increase in number of sales and average price increase of 2% over last May.

Total of all types of sales for May was 143 with an average sale price of $411,166. This is a 19% decrease in number of sales and a 6% decrease in average price over last May.

Spring activity appears to have stabilized our market with a market that is balanced for Buyers and Sellers. The election in May caused a minor slowdown in the market which is typical when we have an election at the federal, provincial or even local level.

The number of properties on the market in Maple Ridge for May is 1007 which is 2% less than last May.

Video update from Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board President 

http://www.rebgv.org/podcasts/rebgv-market-update-may-2013

For more detail just call 604-466-4549 or email

pearceteam@telus.net

Moving can be an exciting life change; however, it can also be a very stressful event if you're not properly prepared.

It's important to create a detailed checklist a few months ahead of time in order to ensure things go smoothly.  Here are some points to get you started:

Two Months Before

• Itemize all of the major items you'll be moving.
• Get estimates and book the movers or rental truck.
• Start sucking up to friends and family for help!
• Have a garage sale to get rid of excess clutter.

One Month Before

• Update your insurance, medical and school records to your new location.
• Arrange to disconnect and reconnect utilities and telephone/Internet services.
• Notify any other important parties of your address changes.

A Few Weeks Before

• Plan meals so food in your fridge and freezer gets used up.
• Gather boxes and pack up items you don't regularly use.
• Arrange for someone to look after your pets on moving day.
• Return library materials and other rental items.

The Final Week

• Water your plants a couple of days before you move.
• Pack up belongings and clearly label items that are fragile.
• Pack a suitcase with items you'll need to get you through the first week in your new home.
• Gather valuable items such as legal documents and family photos so you can transport them yourself.

Day of the Move

• Double check the movers have your new address and cell phone number.
• Have lots of refreshments on hand for your busy helpers!
• Remove the light bulbs from all of your lamps.
• Make sure you have your new keys.

Moving causes a wide range of emotions from sadness to extreme excitement.  Although moving can be stressful at times, a little bit of planning will provide you with some very valuable peace of mind.  With the help of the above checklist, you can now breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy this exciting new phase of your life!

The Internet has changed the way many of us live our lives, and the process of buying a home is no exception. Buyers previously had to visit a real estate office and thumb through a large book of homes to find out what’s on the market. These days, everything's instantly updated online.

Purchasers have fun at first plugging in home preferences and browsing through a variety of homes. It soon gets pretty frustrating though as subsequent searches force you to sift through homes you’ve already looked at just to discover the latest ones that have hit the market. By the time you finally find your perfect home online, it could be too late.

Some agents now offer a service that emails you properties which match your criteria so you won’t miss out on your dream home. Although there’s no obligation, it’s best to stick with one agent in order to build a strong relationship so they'll be better able to understand your needs. Dealing with more than one agent is unnecessary and causes confusion as agents have access to all the same homes.

It’s important to get acquainted with the market so you’ll be confident enough to move quickly when your dream home finally comes along. You’ll want to provide your agent with a detailed list of criteria that clearly specifies your needs and wants -- for example:

• What style of home do you prefer?
• Are the schools in the area important to you?
• What’s more important: the type of home or the location?
• What are the minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms?
• Does the house have to be in ‘move in’ condition or are you prepared to fix it up?

It’s important to establish a strong line of communication with your agent so they’ll be in tune with your likes and dislikes. Be sure to provide feedback when you receive property updates as it'll help your agent better understand your preferences. It’s a gut wrenching feeling to miss out on a dream home due to miscommunication so make sure you're on the same page.

Finding the perfect home isn't always easy but the right system and clear communication will make it much more enjoyable! If you know of someone who's house hunting, have them drop me a line so I can send them full updates of homes that match their criteria as soon as they hit the market! Instead of playing the frustrating game of telephone tag, they'll be able to sit back and enjoy the process.

Before you put your home on the market, you'll need to take care of the various repairs you've been putting off as buyers factor these fix-ups into the purchase price and often overestimate the costs involved. They may also believe that other areas of the home have been neglected which can raise unnecessary red flags. Here are some repair jobs that are well worth doing:

1. Flooring - Buyers almost always prefer hardwood floors so it pays to remove carpet and refinish them if you have hardwood under your carpet. If this isn't the case and your carpet is tired and worn you may want to consider repacing it or offering the buyers a "Flooring Allowance" in their purchase so they can chose the flooring and have it done just prior to moving in. 
   
2. Kitchens & Bathrooms - Updating kitchens and bathrooms is one of the best ways to add value to a home. Buyers are put off by dirty grout so apply new caulking to freshen up the entire room. Lights and fixtures are also inexpensive and fairly easy to replace.
   
3. A Fresh Coat of Paint - Painting is one of the easiest ways to update your home. Choose a neutral shade and fill in cracks before repainting. Don't forget about the ceilings and make sure you also repair and paint your baseboards as they'll look dirty and beaten up when compared to your freshly painted walls.
   
4. Dripping Faucets - It may seem like a minor annoyance to you but to a potential buyer, a dripping tap can signal expensive plumbing repairs! Chances are, it'll only need a new rubber washer that costs less than a dollar so get down to your local hardware store and get it fixed.
   
5. Kitchen Cabinets - Many buyers decide whether your home is for them based on the feel of the kitchen. Repainting cabinets and adding new hardware can make a world of difference. If your counter has seen better days, a new counter top will update the entire kitchen without costing an arm and a leg.
   
6. The Roof - “It needs a new roof” is a phrase that'll send shivers down a buyer's spine. If your roof needs replacing, it's better to do it now as buyers can get so turned off by the cost and hassle of getting a new roof that it can often be a deal breaker.

Buying a home is an emotional experience so it's very important to create an incredible first impression that'll make buyers want to own your home the moment they set foot in it. You want your home to appear well looked after so take care of the jobs that seem minor like a small rip or stain on your carpet. Taking the time to do repairs to a home you'll soon be moving out of may seem like a hassle now, but it'll be well worth it in the end.