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samantha

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Pür & Simple

Pür & Simple – A nice and bright breakfast and lunch franchise to go with friends and family during the weekend. 
The menu was vast with tons of options to customize your dietary preferences. I opted for the mango smoothie and the Cortez omelets. The portion was generously huge and made fresh to order which was nice. I really like how they add a few pieces of fruits on the side of the dish to provide some colour and a palette cleanser. Overall, it’s a great place for anyone who wants pure comfort food. For kids menu – the choices are darn appealing and I would totally order it myself.
@foodblogprec

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Sushi Go

Sushi Go – This establishment has been running for a long time in Champlain Square. It’s been a staple, yet I have never had the desire to try it out till now. I wanted a quick lunch and thought to give it a go. I knew it was operated by a Japanese family so I did have some sort of expectation of being decent. But I was still a little wary of it since the marketing and what they served didn’t truly reflect it. I was being very judgmental and stereotypical on what I had expected. I ordered a salmon bon. Surprisingly it wasn’t bad for the number of pieces of salmon that were in the bowl – but in most cases the rice was a lot. For what it was worth in cost – the rice ratio far exceeds the fish. And the rice itself wasn’t great- I personally felt there was too much vinegar there. So it was a bit too tangy for me. However, for a quick bite and decent portion and freshness – I would say it’s not a bad place to consider.
@foodblogprec

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Highlights From the Real Estate Board February 2023

“It’s hard to sell what you don’t have, and with new listing activity remaining among the lowest in recent history, sales are struggling to hit typical levels for this point in the year. On the plus side for prospective buyers, the below-average sales activity is allowing inventory to accumulate, which is keeping market conditions from straying too deeply into sellers’ market territory, particularly in the more affordably priced segments.”

“While we continue to expect home price trends to show year-over-year declines for a few more months, current data and market activity suggest pricing is firming up. In fact, some leading indicators suggest we may see modest price increases this spring, particularly if sales activity increases and mortgage rates hold steady,” Lis said.

In the somewhat unusual market environment we find ourselves in right now with higher mortgage rates, fewer sales, and inventory that is inching higher but remains far from abundant, working with a Realtor who understands your local market conditions and has experience navigating challenging markets is paramount.”

Sales of detached homes in February 2023 reached 514, a 49.1 per cent decrease from the 1,010 detached sales recorded in February 2022. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,813,100. This represents a 12 per cent decrease from February 2022 and a 0.7 per cent increase compared to January 2023.

Sales of apartment homes reached 928 in February 2023, a 49.9 per cent decrease compared to the 1,854 sales in February 2022. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $732,200. This represents a three per cent decrease from February 2022 and a 1.6 per cent increase compared to January 2023.

“NOTE: this representation is based in whole or in part on data generated by the Chilliwack & District Real Estate Board, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board or Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver which assume no responsibility for its accuracy.”

Download The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver’s February statistics Package. Click Here

Download Fraser Valley’s Real Estate Board’s February Statistics Package. Click Here

Food for Thought on Real Estate – February

 
  • Seller’s market – A seller’s market is when there are more people looking to buy then there are homes available. This causes a rise in price above the long-term average rate of inflation. Typically this is indicated by a sales-to-active listings ratio of 20% or higher.
  • Buyer’s market – In contrast, a buyer’s market is when there are many more homes for sale than there are buyers. As a result, prices increase slower than the long-term average rate of inflation. In extreme circumstances this can cause prices to decline. Typically this is indicated by a sales-to-active listings ratio below 12%.e
  • Balanced market – A balanced market occurs when supply and demand are about the same, with home prices rising in line with long-term average rate of inflation. Typically this is indicated by a sales-to-active listings ratio between 12% and 20%.Summary Over a sustained period of time:
    • a seller’s market is represented by a ratio of 20% or higher
    • a buyer’s market is represented by a ratio of 11% or lower
    • a balanced market rests between 12-19%

March 2023 Newsletter Introduction

One of the longest winters I have seen in a while which includes snow! Usually as we enter the last week of February to March our weather tends to be pretty mild and wet. However, I didn’t think wind chills and snow be knocking on our door again! I’m sure that may many kids happy in playing the snow but for most of us, we dread the idea of driving out in that weather. I cannot stress the belief that we are definitely not the best drivers! However, I am hoping with the longer days and the warmer temperatures will provide positive energy to everyone. 

So let’s get into the market . As mentioned, there may be another speculation of a interest hike looming in the horizon, however nothing is official yet. But from talking to some mortgage specialists, that the hike will be small and would appears to be last one that the government will implement it. So what does that mean for the real estate world? It means that many new and current buyers will want to take advantage of the lower interest and try to capitalize in buying now than later. As a result, we’re looking at more demand and less supply. There is already a surge of multiple offers in more entry level condos and the 2 bedroom condos in the Tricity areas as these areas stretches more for the dollar value. However, if this keeps up the price gap between different areas may not be that large and buyers could possibly start jumping into larger size homes. At the moment, there are two possible scenarios that may occur – that the market will steadily increase as both buyers and seller are cautiously looking to buy/sell since interest just stabilized or it will lull for some time after the possible interest hike as it may impact the consumer confidence. What are your thoughts on this? 

– Sam

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Sushi bar Shu

Sushi Bar Shu – A fave for many in regards to its nice intimate setting where you can have the space just with your own party. The craftsmanship and fresh ingredients provides the utmost simplicity yet the purest appreciation of taste. I was excited to dine at this omakase restaurant. Each piece was thoroughly beautiful and explained. Each item was fresh and unique but it really didn’t stand out to me. I felt some dishes were too muted or way overpowering in one particular taste note that I couldn’t distinguish what ingredient is what. Perhaps my taste palette isn’t as refined and so it didn’t stand out to me. I think I prefer more of a Kaiseki style now than omakase. I think my preferred omakase experience is still Sushi By Yuji and my experience in Japan. Very small and simplistic but not overly too fancy.
@foodblogprec

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Okeya Kyujiro

Okeya Kyujiro – As mentioned before, I am always a fan of Japanese cuisine. So when I came across Okeya Kyujiro on a friend’s Facebook page I knew I had to try it. It was first established in Montreal, and now they have opened their second location in Yaletown. This place is very unique as it provides a full on immerse omakase dining experience with a bit of a visual impact entertainment from the beginning to end. There are only two serving times and with a limited seating of 12 people. All the staff are dressed in more traditional Japanese wear and the food is flown fresh directly from Japan. You are introduced to the staff and watch how the chefs are making each item and have the servers explain each dish and will show you the ingredients prior to preparation. Each dish was incredibly delightful and delicious. It was clearly something I have never tried before and I was completely impressed with it. I enjoyed every aspect of the experience and the food. It’s definitely a place you should go at least once and on a special occasion since it’s priced on the high end side.
@foodblogprec

hangry_bunny

Highlights From the Real Estate Board January 2023

“Due to seasonality, market activity is quieter in January. With mortgage rates having risen so rapidly over the last year, we anticipated sales this month would be among the lowest in recent history. Looking forward, however, the Bank of Canada has said that it will pause further rate increases as long as the incoming economic data continues to support this policy stance. This should provide more certainty for home buyers and sellers in the market.”

“We know the peak for prices in our market occurred last spring. Over the coming months, year-over-year data comparisons will show larger price declines than we’ve been reporting up to now,” said Lis. “It’s important to understand that year-over-year calculations are backward-looking. These price declines already happened, and what we are seeing today is that prices may have found a footing, even if it’s an awkward one sandwiched between low inventory and higher borrowing costs.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,111,400. This represents a 6.6 per cent decrease over January 2022 and a 0.3 per cent decrease compared to December 2022.

Sales of detached homes in January 2023 reached 295, a 52.6 per cent decrease from the 622 detached sales recorded in January 2022. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,801,300. This represents a 9.1 per cent decrease from January 2022 and a 1.2 per cent decrease compared to December 2022.

Sales of apartment homes reached 571 in January 2023, a 56.6 per cent decrease compared to the 1,315 sales in January 2022. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $720,700. This represents a 1.1 per cent decrease from January 2022 and a one per cent increase compared to December 2022.

“NOTE: this representation is based in whole or in part on data generated by the Chilliwack & District Real Estate Board, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board or Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver which assume no responsibility for its accuracy.”

Download The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver’s January statistics Package. Click Here

Download Fraser Valley’s Real Estate Board’s January Package. Click Here

Food for Thought on Real Estate – January 2023

 
  • Seller’s market – A seller’s market is when there are more people looking to buy then there are homes available. This causes a rise in price above the long-term average rate of inflation. Typically this is indicated by a sales-to-active listings ratio of 20% or higher.
  • Buyer’s market – In contrast, a buyer’s market is when there are many more homes for sale than there are buyers. As a result, prices increase slower than the long-term average rate of inflation. In extreme circumstances this can cause prices to decline. Typically this is indicated by a sales-to-active listings ratio below 12%.e
  • Balanced market – A balanced market occurs when supply and demand are about the same, with home prices rising in line with long-term average rate of inflation. Typically this is indicated by a sales-to-active listings ratio between 12% and 20%.Summary Over a sustained period of time:
    • a seller’s market is represented by a ratio of 20% or higher
    • a buyer’s market is represented by a ratio of 11% or lower
    • a balanced market rests between 12-19%

February 2023 Newsletter Introduction

Valentine’s Day is upon us and a month have already passed since we kicked off 2023. Have you managed to fulfill your new years resolution or is that concept is completely irrelevant in this day and age? I have gotten a boost of motivation to focus on doing something more interesting by being invited to a podcast to talk about my journey as a realtor.  It was nerve wrecking and fun at the same time.  

As for the market – after that final interest hike back in January, and Lunar New year have passed there has been a surge of activity where buyers are entering into the market and ready to start looking again. The 3 day recession period that took affect won’t be in much use at the moment since the market has become a lull due to the interest hike. However, this implementation is a good way to think ahead when the time comes when it is needed during a heated market. Although the interest rates have gone down slightly, but it’s still ways away from being the 0% rates we had seen and experience a couple years ago. So the chances of the market being relatively hot will be slim as the economy as a whole is at a lull due to the high inflation costs. 

– Sam

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