Rob Blair & Associates

Sales and new listings continue to set records in the Fraser Valley SURREY, BC The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board's Multiple Listing Service (MLS) saw the second highest number of property sales and the highest number of new listings in August within the last two decades, when 2,298 sales were recorded in August 2005. The FVREB processed a total of 2,039 sales in August, a decrease of 2.9 per cent compared to sales in July, but an increase of 57.2 per cent compared to th...e 1,297 sales during August of last year. Last month's sales were 39 per cent above the ten-year average for August, representing the highest August in the last decade and second only to what was recorded back in August 2005. Chris Shields, President of the Board, indicated that, "we are seeing better sales volumes increase month over month because buyers are recognizing that the Fraser Valley offers increased choice and diversified housing opportunities, while offering more value as well." "In an unusual situation given the pandemic, we remain cautiously optimistic and are encouraged by the numbers we are seeing," added Shields. The Fraser Valley Board received 3,309 new listings in August, a 6.8 per cent decrease compared to July's intake of 3,549 new listings and a 40.4 per cent increase compared to August of last year. August's new listings were 28.9 per cent above the ten-year average for the month, the highest in the last ten years. Last month finished with 7,404 active listings, an increase of 0.9 per cent compared to July's inventory and a decrease of 7.9 per cent year-over-year. Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, adds, "the highly competitive market with multiple offers and shorter days on market for various properties, provides further indication of the role REALTORS are playing in this market. What we hear from our Realtor members is how consumers are seeking their guidance, advice and expertise during these unusual times." In August, the average number of days to sell an apartment was 36; 24 for townhomes, and 31 for single family detached. MLS HPI Benchmark Price Activity Single Family Detached: At $1,019,600, the Benchmark price for a single-family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 1.2 per cent compared to July and, increased 6.9 per cent compared to August 2019. Townhomes: At $563,900, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.1 per cent compared to July and increased 3 per cent compared to August 2019. Apartments: At $437,300, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley remain unchanged compared to July and increased 4 per cent compared to August 2019.

SOLD!! My very happy sellers are on their way to their new home closer to the grandkids, the buyers will enjoy this one for years to come: http://realtorrobblair.com//listing.r2468305-24353-101-ave

My super excited, extremely happy buyers took possession of this South Surrey beauty this weekend, they will enjoy this home for years to come: http://realtorrobblair.com//listing.r2472397-1116-164a-str

Looking forward to seeing the plans as the are drawn up, should be amazing: https://www.westerninvestor.com//st-paul-s-hospital-site-s

Sales and new listings reach near record-setting numbers in the Fraser Valley SURREY, BC The Fraser Valley Real Estate Boards Multiple Listing Service (MLS) saw the second-highest number of both property sales and new listings ever recorded in July. The FVREB processed a total of 2,100 sales in July, an increase of 22.2 per cent compared to sales in June and an increase of 44 per cent compared to the 1,458 sales during July of last year. Last months sales were 25.5 per ...Continue reading

Not something I ever that I would see in our fine city, but it's about time: A temporary pilot program allowing the public to legally consume alcohol in select public spaces will launch next month. On Wednesday, Vancouver City Council approved designating four public plazas as places where public drinking is permitted. The pilot will operate between August 10 and October 12 of this year.... https://dailyhive.com//vancouver-public-space-alcohol-cons

Beautiful, large, bright, spacious, corner ground floor unit in well maintained College Park! Featuring an open layout, 2 full bathrooms, insuite laundry with extra storage space, a beautiful patio that has just been completely redone, and the bonus of a large grass area. Master bedroom with his/hers closets, large walk-in shower and a seecond door to the patio. You can also access the unit from your lockable sliding glass patio door. The complex backs onto a large park with sports field. Roof replaced in 2014. Grass courtyard with community BBQ & outdoor area perfect for parties and family gatherings. 1 parking, 1 storage locker, loads of visitor parking. Right across the street from Kwantlen College & close to all amenities. 1149 square feet of renovated space!! $419,900

Property sales in the Fraser Valley more than double in one month as buyers return to the market SURREY, BC The Fraser Valley real estate market saw a resurgence in activity in June as the industry and consumers continue to successfully adapt to doing business during a pandemic. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed a total of 1,718 sales on its Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in June, an increase of 113.4 per cent compared to sales in May and an increase o...f 31.5 per cent compared to the 1,306 sales during June of last year. Last months sales were 6.4 per cent below the ten-year average for June. Chris Shields, President of the Board, observes, "Were cautiously optimistic. Junes numbers clearly indicate that the market is functioning in this challenging new environment and were returning to more typical activity levels." "Its due to a combination of factors. Obviously, very low interest rates, pent-up demand from the previous three months when the market was on hold, and the new CMHC rules that came into effect on July 1st making it harder to qualify for mortgage insurance. Also, consumers have told us that they respect and appreciate the safety protocols and use of technology weve implemented and theyre getting more comfortable with the new buying and selling process." The Fraser Valley Board received 3,456 new listings in June, a 56.6 per cent increase compared to Mays intake of 2,207 new listings and a 23.0 per cent increase compared to June of last year. June finished with 7,063 active listings, an increase of 9.4 per cent compared to Mays inventory and a decrease of 17.1 per cent year-over-year. Shields adds, "We cant predict how our market will continue to respond during COVID, but what we do know is that historically, over 80 per cent of Fraser Valley buyers move within our region and half purchase within their own community. People buy and sell for lifestyle reasons and currently, even during this uncertain time, conditions are favourable. The market is balanced, inventory is growing, and prices remain stable." In June, the average number of days to sell an apartment was 37; 30 for townhomes and 31 for single family detached. MLS HPI Benchmark Price Activity Single Family Detached: At $994,500, the Benchmark price for a single-family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 0.4 per cent compared to May and, increased 3.6 per cent compared to June 2019. Townhomes: At $559,600, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.8 per cent compared to May and increased 1.9 per cent compared to June 2019. Apartments: At $435,300, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 0.4 per cent compared to May and increased 3.3 per cent compared to June 2019.

BC government offers eviction protection to Commercial tenants eMemo #4057 June 3, 2020 To: All Members ... Todays eMemo contains the following update: BC government offers eviction protection to Commercial tenants BC government offers eviction protection to Commercial tenants On June 1, BCs Minister of Finance Carole James applied more pressure on Commercial landlords to sign rent forgiveness agreements with their small business tenants who qualify for the federal Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program. A new order under the provinces Emergency Protection Act prohibits a Commercial landlord who may be eligible for the CECRA program from terminating lease agreements or repossessing goods or property. As outlined in the order, there are exceptions. According to Save Small Business, a grassroots coalition of close to 40,000 small businesses in Canada, as of the end of April, only one in five small businesses expected their landlord to apply for CECRA on their behalf. The BC governments goal is to encourage landlords to apply. Timing of the ministerial order: The order will be in place until the end of June, in line with the current end date of the CECRA, or until BCs state of emergency expires or is cancelled (whichever date is earlier.) Canadas Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program: Under the CECRA program, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers unsecured, interest-free and forgivable term loans to eligible commercial property owners. The rent owed by small business tenants must be reduced by at least 75% during the months of April, May (retroactive) and June 2020. To qualify, the tenants business must have experienced at least a 70 per cent drop in revenue. The landlord must cover at least 25 per cent of the rent, the tenant no more than 25 per cent, while the federal government and provinces share the remaining 50 per cent. The program is targeted to small business tenants that pay less than $50,000 per month in rent and dont make more than $20 million in gross annual revenue. Landlords must voluntarily apply for the program and should they become aware that the tenant has supplied false or misleading information, must make commercially reasonable efforts to recover and repay CMHC the portion (or all) of the loan allocated to the tenant. Landlords and tenants are encouraged to seek independent legal advice on the benefits and risks of the program. The CECRA program is accepting applications until August 31, 2020. BC will consider extending the eviction protection if the federal government pushes commercial rent relief past June. More information on CECRA: Visit Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporations CECRA page.

Housing market activity picks up in the Fraser Valley as buyers and sellers adapt to the new environment SURREY, BC In May, Fraser Valley listings and property sales started to bounce back as REALTORS helped their clients adjust to the new, necessary safety measures required to buy and sell a home during the provincial state of emergency due to COVID-19. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed a total of 805 sales on its Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in Ma...y, an increase of 17 per cent compared to sales in April and a decrease of 47 per cent compared to the 1,517 sales during May of last year. Chris Shields, President of the Board, observes, "This is an encouraging sign. Real estate is an essential service and its one of the most important economic drivers in BCs economy. "Realtors and consumers deserve to be congratulated. Its not easy to adapt quickly to physical distancing, virtual tools and strict personal safety protocols and yet were seeing more and more transactions happening daily as we all get more comfortable and confident with the new normal." The Fraser Valley Board received 2,207 new listings in May, a 56 per cent increase compared to Aprils intake of 1,416 new listings and a 38 per cent decrease compared to May of last year. May finished with 6,454 active listings, an increase of 8 per cent compared to Aprils inventory and a decrease of 24 per cent year-over-year. Shields adds, "Although our overall numbers remain significantly lower than seasonal norms, its to be expected. The market is resilient and as all of us continue to work together responsibly for the betterment of public safety, it will continue to improve. "Its important for buyers to note that prices overall remain stable. Were not seeing a lot of downward pressure on prices because for many areas there is a shortage of inventory. Were even seeing multiple offer situations currently where buyers are paying asking price. When supply and demand stay in balance, prices remain relatively firm." In May, the average number of days to sell an apartment was 38; 36 for townhomes and 31 for single family detached. MLS HPI Benchmark Price Activity Single Family Detached: At $990,400, the Benchmark price for a single-family detached home in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.2 per cent compared to April and, increased 2.7 per cent compared to May 2019. Townhomes: At $555,000, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.4 per cent compared to April and increased 1.8 per cent compared to May 2019. Apartments: At $433,700, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley decreased 1.0 per cent compared to April and increased 1.0 per cent compared to May 2019.

Yes it is still available! This future development property, will be a great strategic pickup for the right investor. Long term tenant, 17 years, running retail store on the ground floor and renting the apartment upstairs. 5 years lease as well:

Strawberry Hill Estates, gorgeous ground level 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo with a real laundry room. Loads of windows and a big bright ground level patio, bringing the outdoors in. Large kitchen, dining, and living rooms finish off this beauty. And it's Eastern exposed so it doesn't heat up in the summer too. Pro-active strata keeping everything up to date. 2 dogs or 2 cats or 1 of each allowed, 30 pound maximum size. This one is a must view.

Another great read, keep them coming Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com//covid-19-risk-implied-agency-r/

Housing sales across the Lower Mainlandnay have fell sharply in April, the first full month since the COVID-19 crisis hit, but benchmark prices increased in both Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley from a year earlier: https://www.westerninvestor.com//metro-housing-sales-fall-

Fraser Valley real estate market contracts and adapts in response to public health measures to mitigate COVID-19 SURREY, BC As anticipated, real estate activity saw a steep decline last month in response to the pandemic lockdown, resulting in one of the slowest Aprils in Fraser Valley history. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed a total of 688 sales on its Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in April, a decrease of 52 per cent compared to sales in March and a...Continue reading

This will be an exciting project, looking forward to helping more people find their dreams. The 1,008-acre Anniedale-Tynehead neighbourhood in Surrey, south of the Trans-Canada Highway, is gearing up to be a Lower Mainland hot spot and the next Morgan Creek. A massive masterplan has long been approved for the area, comprising large-scale multi-family residential, commercial, industrial and retail development: https://www.westerninvestor.com//new-masterplanned-communi

Let's spread the news and help keep our clients safe: https://www.linkedin.com//covid-19-real-estate-scams-ryan-

According to the weather agency, seven straight days of springtime weather is expected with highs of up to 20C forecasted for inland parts of the region on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. But keep in mind the gorgeous springtime weather doesnt mean you should be flocking to the closest beach or park, as physical distancing measures are crucial in order for BC to flatten the COVID-19 curve: https://dailyhive.com//metro-vancouver-forecast-sunshine-a

Sharp drop in B.C. home sales should be followed by steady recovery: BCREA. Ban on open houses foreshadows short- to mid-term trouble for property sales, as COVID-19 infects all aspects of the market: https://www.westerninvestor.com//sharp-drop-in-b-c-home-sa

Big Canadian banks are now offering to cut credit card interest rates for customers dealing with money problems during the coronavirus crisis, another sign of the steep financial toll that COVID-19 is taking on people and businesses: https://business.financialpost.com//cibc-cuts-credit-card-

My latest Garrison Crossing listing, a beautiful and affordable area to raise your kids:

March sales and new listing data show preliminary impact of COVID-19 on Fraser Valley housing market SURREY, BC The most up to date Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data from the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) indicates COVID-19 has put the market on pause, as REALTORS and the public adhere to health authority rules and government guidelines on the pandemic. By the end of March, the FVREB processed a total of 1,441 sales on its MLS, a 7 per cent increase compared...Continue reading

They're back, just what we need at this time, another suedo tax grab by our provincial government: All seven Surrey speed cameras are now up and running. The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General announced Wednesday (April 1) that all 35 speed cameras in the province are now in place, with 34 of them operational.... https://www.peacearchnews.com//slow-down-all-surrey-north/

Pay parking will be suspended at all BC hospitals and health authority owned and operated facilities, the provincial government announced on Monday, coming in to effect April 1: https://dailyhive.com//pay-parking-suspended-all-bc-hospit

A little update on what is open and what is closed during this crazy time: https://vancouversun.com//covid-19-whats-open-and-closed/

My newest South Surrey business listing

Here's a progressive and interesting idea, its challenging getting enough money together for a deposit on a presale. Prospective buyers often resort to bank loans in order to cover the down payment amount, which can range from 5 - 25 per cent of the purchase price. Local developer, Vertex Developments, is offering eight per cent interest on deposits at its upcoming project, The Hillcrest, with the idea of covering any interest owed on down payment loans, plus an additional t...hree-to-four per cent interest as an incentive. Looking for more information? Feel free to call, email, or message. http://liveatthehillcrest.ca/

BlueSky Brightside goes before Surrey city council Monday, a three-tower development with over 1,300 units, including purpose-built rental apartments, retail and office space. The site, at 13583 104 Avenue, is currently occupied by a vacant commercial building (formerly The Brick) and temporary modular housing operated by BC Housing. Its 215 metres from the Surrey Central SkyTrain Station, and close to Surrey City Hall: https://urbanyvr.com/bluesky-brightside-surrey

Fill the first weekend of March with our rundown of 27 things to do in Vancouver from March 6 to 8. Check out HSBC Canada Sevens, Vancouver Tea Festival, and more: https://dailyhive.com//vancouver-weekend-events-march-6-8-

February home sales outpace new listings in Fraser Valley SURREY, BC In February, property sales in the Fraser Valley finished slightly above the 10-year average for the month, while new listings came in 3 per cent below, keeping overall inventory at historically below-average levels. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,352 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in February, a 39 per cent increase compared to sales in January 2020, a...nd a 38 per cent increase compared to the 982 sales in February of last year. Of the 1,352 total MLS sales of residential and commercial combined in the Fraser Valley, 534 were single family detached homes, 341 were townhouses, and 315 were apartments. "Supply is a challenge currently in some areas and for certain property types. In February, in Langley for example, for every 10 active townhomes, six sold. In Cloverdale, there were 26 active condo listings last month; and 20 sold," said Darin Germyn, President of the Board. There were 5,741 active listings available in the Fraser Valley at the end of February, an increase of 12 per cent compared to Januarys inventory and a decrease of 10 per cent year-over-year. Additionally, 2,557 new listings were received by the Board for the month, a 15 per cent increase compared to Januarys intake of 2,216 new listings and a 15 per cent decrease compared to February of last year. "We are seeing more traffic at open houses, more multiple offers and a slight increase in year-over-year prices, so if youve been thinking about selling, talk to your local REALTOR to find out if its the right time for you," observed Germyn. "Another indicator we look at is how long it takes to sell a home and in February, the three main residential property types sold on average six days faster than last year." For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell an apartment in February was 35, and 33 for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on the market for an average of 37 days before selling. MLS HPI Benchmark Price Activity Single Family Detached: At $971,300, the Benchmark price for a single-family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 1.1 per cent compared to January and, also increased 1.3 per cent compared to February 2019. Townhomes: At $523,200*, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 1.0 per cent compared to January and increased 1.4 per cent compared to February 2019. *Preliminary number pending further review. Apartments: At $414,500, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 1.5 per cent compared to January and increased 1.2 per cent compared to February 2019.

Free is always our favourite price, loads of free fun to be had! Check out these 35 things to do in Vancouver this month, including I Heart Tulips, Vancouver International Dance Festival, and more: https://dailyhive.com/van/vancouver-free-events-march-2020

The ever changing face of Summerfield/Douglas File No.: 7915-0118-00 Address: 155, 161 & 193 172 Street New or Resubmit: New...Continue reading

February is just speeding by! Slow down and have some fun with these 27 Vancouver events happening on February 21, February 22, and February 23. Theres the 10-year Vancouver 2010 Olympic Anniversary Festival, RunGo Dash for Dogs, and more. https://dailyhive.com//vancouver-weekend-events-february-2

Happy Valentines Day, Family Day weekend and more! Enjoy your long weekend with our picks of 34 things to do in Vancouver! Have a great time! https://dailyhive.com//vancouver-events-february-14-17-202

Fill your calendar with these 27 great weekend events happening from February 7 to 9 in Vancouver. Check out Winter Festival Skate for a cause, OVO Vancouver Warehouse Sale, and more: https://dailyhive.com//vancouver-weekend-events-february-7

Parkview Estates is a luxury collection of new 4, 5 & 6 bedroom single family homes located in the desirable Fraser Heights neighbourhood in Surrey, pricing starts at $1,300,000, call, message, or email me for more info: https://www.foxridgehomesbc.com/communities/parkview-estates