MADDOX DOWNTOWN - New development by Cressey

Cressey has announced it will launch this spring a 32 storey building at the corner of Howe and Drake. MADDOX will be close to two other Cressey developments: ELAN @ 1255 Seymour (completion 2006) and DONOVAN @ 1055 Richards (completion 2008/2009) which both have luxurious finishes.

The MADDOX condos will range in size from 498 to 1,576 sq ft.

Are you interested in buying a condo in this development? Contact me and I will keep you informed of the progress and assist you in selecting the condo that meets your requirements best whether you are looking for a home for yourself or an investment property.

To view a map with the location of new and newer buildings go to http://www.vancouvercondos-net

Rental market is strong

The rental market for condos and detached homes is strong. The low supply on Craigslist is a great barometer and rental realtors confirm that there not sufficient supply. Great news for investors! See http://www.vancouver-condos.net if you are interested in investing in a condo and http://www.christinelouw.com to browse detached home listings.

Vancouver real estate market statistics for February 2011

The Real Estate Board just released their most recent statistical information which shows that
- listings, sales and demand have increased in the first two months of 2011 and
- that some areas and categories of real estate (notably detached homes in Richmond and Vancouver Westside) have seen considerably more activity than others.

In February 2011

• the number of sales increased by 70.3% compared to January 2011 and by 25.5% compared to February 2010.
• new listings increased by 23.6% compared to February 2010 and the total number of listings increased by 5%
• the 12 month increase of the benchmark price of detached homes was 6%, of condos was 2.2% and of townhomes was 2.3%.

Statistics are not the same for all areas. Contact me if you like to know what properties sold in the last 60 days in your immediate area. Your property may be worth more than you think!

If you like to browse yourself to see current asking prices visit my websites
www.vancouver-condos.net
www.coalharbourcondos.info
www.falsecreeknorthcondos.com
www.christinelouw.com for homes

Bank of Canada held its overnight rate

This morning the Bank of Canada held the overnight (interest) rate at 1 percent. The overnight rate has a substantial influence on mortgage interest rates. The statement released with the decision noted the improved outlook for the Canadian economy but also the escalating geopolitical risk and the challenge to export by the rising Can dollar. The Vancouver market is increasingly active in all price ranges. On 18 March the maximum amortization period for high ratio mortgages (mortgage for more than 80 percent of the purchase price/appraised value) will be reduced from 35 to 30 years. Buyers who remove subjects before 18 March have access to the 35 year amortization period. This change will mainly affect purchases in the lower price ranges and likely not to a significant degree. At the moment this segment of the market is very active with quick sales and multiple offers; remains to be seen if this activity is in anticipation of the 18 March change or just part of the general increase of demand. For mortgage rate information see "Resources" at http://www.vancouver-condos.net and "Statistics" at http://www.coalharbourcondos.info