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Christmas lights and delights across the Lower Mainland

With the arrival of December everyone is getting prepared for the Christmas season. The malls are crowded, the Christmas shopping is getting into high gear, kids are clamouring for pictures with Santa, and families are preparing to get together during the holidays between Christmas and New Year’s. This year I have selected what I think are really memorable sites to see with your family this month. There are some really spectacular light shows and fun events all around the Greater Vancouver area. Here is a selection in different areas of the Lower Mainland.

Langley

For families living east of Surrey, there is Glow Christmas in Langley, which is the only major Christmas attraction in the Fraser Valley apart from some smaller attractions in Chilliwack. This indoor event started last year and is certain to inspire some Christmas joy. Located in the Milner Centre Greenhouse at 6690 216th Street I Langley. Glow Christmas features a giant light tunnel and light maze, live music and market along with all sorts of displays. It will be operating throughout December and beyond to January 19, 2019 Hours of operation are from 4 pm to 10 pm (on Saturdays opening one hour earlier). Note that it closes at 9 pm on the final six days of the season and will also be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and every Sundays.

Coquitlam

For residents in Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities area, the Lights at Lafarge is a beautiful event, and it’s free so families will certainly enjoy the evening event at Lafarge Lake in Town Centre Park at the corner of Guildford Way and Pinetree Way in Coquitlam. If you don’t want to drive, it’s easy to reach from the Lafarge-Douglas Skytrain Station. The spectacular array of lights all around the Lake should be on between 4:30 pm and 11 pm every day except New Year’s Eve, and is expected to run until mid-January.

Surrey

Starting with Surrey, I recommend the miniature train ride through the Christmas Forest at Bear Creek Park, 13750 – 88th Avenue. The Santa Express runs each day this month (except Christmas and Boxing Day) from 10 am to 4 pm. Younger children will be able to visit with Santa while waiting on the platform for the train ride, and for those who are old enough to stay up later, the Christmas Night Train will run from 6 pm to 10 pm Wednesdays to Sundays.

Burnaby

Deer Park Lake in Burnaby is a lovely place to go for walk with your family during December during the day time when it’s sunny; and an afternoon or evening stop at Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village will be a delightful occasion for everyone. It’s free at this time of year and will be open to guests until January You will certainly enjoy its festive feeling if you go in the evening when it’s brightly lit with seasonal lights.

Richmond

A bit farther south in Richmond, you can find Steveston Village’s Festival of Trees at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. This National Historic Site has decorated trees at Christmas which are truly festive. There are also artistic showcases for local community and business and craft activity for the kids is regular activity each year. Cannery National Historic Site in Richmond’s Steveston Village in December. The event runs from December 1st to 31st every day except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day from 10 am to 5 pm (although until just 2 pm on December 24th and 31st). Admission (subject to change) is: Adults $11.70; Seniors (65+) $10.05; Youth under 17 free. Admission on (Sundays) December 2nd, 9th, and 16th between 10 am and 3 pm is free and there is also the Cannery Farmers Market.

Vancouver

Heading into Vancouver, you should not miss VanDusen Botanical Garden’s festival of lights at 5151 Oak Street. This Christmas display is awe-inspiring with over 1 million lights across 15 acres of gardens. It is a wonderful attraction for the whole family, young and old, running throughout December to January 6. I the New Year. Tickets are priced differently depending on when you go and for different ages: Around $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and youth, and $12 for children ages 3-12, all plus or minus when and how you purchase your tickets.

Also in Vancouver’s Stanley Park the magical Bright Nights in Stanley Park returns every day throughout December until January 6, 2019 (except Christmas Day). This is one of the most popular places in the whole lower mainland to take children so your family is sure to love this annual event. It is open from 3 pm to 10 pm. It is located in Stanley Park just off Pipeline Road in the middle of the park. Admission is by donation, ($5.00 suggested).

Open most days during the holiday season from around 3 until 10 pm, Bright Nights probably features the most lights of any attraction in Metro Vancouver, as well as wonderful Christmas character displays and festive cheer. Of course, the miniature train is the most eagerly desired attraction for the little kids. The 12 minute ride requires a purchased ticked but is fun for all ages. If you have a very young toddler you may want to catch a matinee train during the day. The evening train is a bit more expensive but includes live performers, and the lights are spectacular.

North Vancouver

Everyone knows about the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver. But do you know that throughout December to January 27th 2019. It is fantastically decorated for its Canyon Lights festivities, with lights from the canyon ground and way up above the river among the trees. This is a incredibly beautiful attraction that is well worth the trip to the North Shore if you don’t already live there. For BC residents you can get an annual pass for the price of regular admission which will let you return to this spectacular place throughout the whole year, including next years Canyon Lights event.

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

Prices continue down, inventory up

The trend I have been reporting for several months is continuing. Residential prices are continuing their overall decline across the lower mainland. With the astronomical price increases prior to this current period, even a relatively small price drop of 1.0 per cent can be attractive to a buyer who would surely enjoy a $10,000 savings on a $1-million property with just one month’s change. Nonetheless, many prospective buyers are holding off as they hope to see the downward trend continue. This may prove beneficial or not; it’s still a guessing game how long the trend will continue. There could be quick change in buyer psychology that creates a spurt in demand any time, which would send prices upward again. From the seller’s point of view, it is important to note that new listings are actually increasing at this time. While this might be seen as seller concern that prices will continue to drop, it is also providing a high supply of available properties on the market, which has a further dampening effect on prices. In short, it’s a buyer’s market right now so if you are seriously wanting to get into a home this is a good time to make an offer. The combined benchmark price for all property types in the Lower Mainland at the end of September was $1,003,500, a decrease of 1.2 per cent from the preceding month. Below is my monthly review of benchmark prices for each property type.

METRO VANCOUVER

Detached homes

The benchmark price for a single family detached home in Metro Vancouver at the end of September was $1,540,900, a decrease of 1.3 per cent from the preceding month. This average had the extremities of Vancouver West (not West Vancouver) at $3,254,200 and Maple Ridge at $864,500. The three municipalities with benchmark prices closest on the higher side of the Metro average were: South Burnaby at $1,589,600, a decline of 1.9 per cent from the preceding month; North Vancouver at $1,620,300, a decline of 1.8 per cent from the preceding month; and Richmond at $1,662,600, a decline of 0.4 per cent from the preceding month. Closest to the Metro Benchmark on the lower side of the average were: Port Moody at $1,504,300, a decline of 1.9 per cent from the preceding month; Vancouver East at $1,502,900, a decline of 1.7 per cent from the preceding month; and North Burnaby at $1,498,100, a decline of 0.2 per cent from the preceding month.

Townhouses

The benchmark price for a townhouse in Metro Vancouver at the end of September was $837,600, a decrease of 1.0 per cent from the preceding month. This average had the extremities of Vancouver West (not West Vancouver) at $1,229,300 and Maple Ridge at $558,800. The three municipalities with benchmark prices closest to the higher side of the Metro average were: Richmond at $862,400, a decrease of 0.4 per cent from the preceding month; Vancouver East at $873,400, a decrease of 2.3 per cent from the preceding month; and North Vancouver at $1,021,900, a decrease of 0.8 per cent from the preceding month. Closest to the Metro benchmark on the lower side of the average were: South Burnaby at $822,700, a decrease of 2.2 per cent from the preceding month; Ladner at $786,300, a decrease of 3.9 per cent from the preceding month; and Tsawwassen at $770,500, a decrease of 2.9 per cent from the preceding month.

Condominiums

The benchmark price for a condominium in Metro Vancouver at the end of September was $687,300, a decrease of 1.2 per cent from the preceding month. This average had the extremities of West Vancouver at $1,213,900 and Maple Ridge at $364,100. The three municipalities with benchmark prices closest to the higher side of the Metro average were: Richmond at $690,600, a decrease of 0.7 per cent from the preceding month; South Burnaby at $709,800, a decrease of 1.1 per cent from the preceding month; and Vancouver West (not West Vancouver) at $804,800, a decrease of 2.5 per cent from the preceding month. Closest to the Metro benchmark on the lower side of the average were: Port Moody at $666,400, a decrease of 0.4 per cent from the preceding month; North Burnaby at $644,600, a decrease of 1.0 per cent from the preceding month; and North Vancouver at $595,700, a decrease of 0.1 per cent from the preceding month.

 FRASER VALLEY

The trend in declining prices across the lower mainland is in all respects very much the same in the Fraser Valley. As in Metro Vancouver buyers are exercising the same hesitation as they watch monthly price declines, unsure when demand may suddenly surge again. My sense is that there is considerable pent-up demand by prospective buyers, so it’s likely going to be some price point in each property type that triggers a resurgent buying spree. In the mean time, as in Metro Vancouver, the inventory of Fraser Valley properties continues to grow, a sign that more sellers are wanting to get the best price possible in the current downward price trend. In fact, the overall supply at present is at its highest point for the year, so there’s a good choice for buyers right now. New Fraser Valley listings during the month of September reached nearly 3,000, which was more than a 14 per cent increase from the number of listings made in August. This brings the end of September inventory of properties on the market in the Fraser Valley to a total of 7,647. The combined benchmark price for all Valley-listed properties at the end of September was $860,300, a decrease of 1.3 per cent from the preceding month. Below is my monthly review of Fraser Valley benchmark prices in each property type at the end of September.

Detached homes

The benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Fraser Valley at the end of September was 988,900, a decrease of 2.0 per cent from the preceding month. This average had the extremities of South Surrey/White Rock at $1,397,400 and Mission at $668,300. The three municipalities with benchmark prices closest to the higher side of the Valley benchmark were: Cloverdale at $1,004,500, a decrease of 0.6 per cent from the preceding month; Langley at $1,027,000, a decrease of 2.2 per cent from the preceding month; and Surrey at $1,035,600, a decrease of 0.9 per cent from the preceding month. Closest to the Valley benchmark on the lower side of the average were: North Surrey at $969,300, a decrease of 2.7 per cent from the preceding month; North Delta at $931,000, a decrease of 2.0 per cent from the preceding month; and Abbotsford at $810,800, a decrease of 2.2 per cent from the preceding month.

Townhouses

The benchmark price for a townhouse in the Fraser Valley at the end of September was $546,100, decrease of 0.1 per cent from the preceding month. This average had the extremities of South Surrey/White Rock at $679,900 and Abbotsford at $407,300. The three municipalities with benchmark prices closest to the higher side of the Valley benchmark were: North Delta at $571,900, a decrease of 4.5 per cent from the preceding month; Surrey at $583,500, a decrease of $583,500, a decrease of 0.9 per cent; and Cloverdale at $593,000, a decrease of 0.5 per cent from the preceding month. Closest to the Valley benchmark on the lower side of the average were: Langley at $509,100, a decrease of 1.7 per cent from the preceding month; Mission at $444,100, a decrease of 0.4 per cent from the preceding month; and Abbotsford at $407,300, a decrease of 1.0 per cent from the preceding month.

Condominiums

The benchmark price for a condominium in the Fraser Valley at the end of September was $438,700, a decrease of 1.0 per cent from the preceding month. This average had the extremities South Surrey/White Rock at $502,700 and Abbotsford at $333,200. The three municipalities with benchmark prices closest to the higher side of the Valley benchmark were: Surrey at $456,100, a decrease of 2.0 per cent from the preceding month; Cloverdale at $494,900, a decrease of 2.4 per cent from the preceding month; and South Surrey/White Rock at $502,700, a decrease of 0.7 per cent from the preceding month. Closest to the Valley benchmark of the lower side of the average were: Langley at $431,900, a decrease of 1.6 per cent from the preceding month; North Surrey also at $431,900, a decrease of 0.3 per cent from the preceding month; and North Delta at $429,700, a decrease of 0.6 per cent from the preceding month.

I am here to help

I hope my review of residential prices this month is helpful to both buyers and sellers across the lower mainland. As I mentioned above, the trending decline in prices across all property types is being accompanied by a trend in the opposite direction, namely an increasing number of new listings each month. This current market is therefore a buyers’ market. With the high number of listed properties at this time, making an offer is much less likely to create a bidding war driving up the price. This makes your financial planning more predictable and less stressful, particularly when you have negotiated a mortgage ahead of time and know what monthly payments can be managed within your budget. I highly recommend for these reasons that if you really want to get into a home, this is an excellent time to make the move. Please feel free to give me call to ask for any further information for any area you are thinking about. I am happy to help in any way I can.

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

Surrey Election

Surrey’s election day is coming later this month and I encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the important issues being championed by the various slates as well as independent candidates. If you can’t make it to the poll on October 20, you can find six advance polling stations on October 6, 10, 11 and 13 by clicking here on the voting location map.

All voting locations are open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on Saturday, October 20th. Surrey voters will be electing a mayor and eight city councillors as well as six school trustees for School District No. 36.

Surrey’s LRT Debated – Again!

I normally wouldn’t provide my own opinion on how to vote, but in the forthcoming election there is one issue that has been raised recently by a couple of mayoral candidates, and I feel compelled comment to on it. It is the re-opening of a debate that has not only been completed, decided, and finalized, but for which funding from the federal and provincial governments as well as Translink has been secured, allocated and announced, namely plans for the city’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. In fact, preliminary construction along some corridors has already begun, and finally after years of consultations and planning, we are poised to get going with a much-needed transportation system for our region. To me it nothing short of irresponsible for politician to sow seeds of dissent at this time for their own political agenda, particularly politicians who previously supported the LRT. The two mayoral candidates who are trying to turn the clock back on this issue should be ashamed of themselves. Both Bruce Hayne, leader of the Integrity Now slate and Doug McCallum leader of the Safe Surrey Coalition, have made a 180-degree turnaround from their former positions supporting the LRT when they were previously in political office in Surrey. What kind of integrity does this show? There has been so much consultation and planning on this issue, years being examined by Translink’s Mayor’s Council and in Surrey City Hall, it is truly amazing that any politician should have the audacity to try to stir it all up again. Now they are prepared to reverse their positions just to satisfy their political ambitions, to create publicity through controversy, even it causes a setback to Surrey’s critical transportation for many more years.

Last May I wrote in my blog about the benefits of the LRT system for Surrey, including reduced congestion, increased traffic capacity, time savings and as a catalyst to local development including attracting and creating more jobs. In cities all over the world, LRT is generally considered more aesthetically pleasing to trains elevated by massive concrete pylons. An LRT creates more a sense of community as it can be boarded easily at street level and encourages people to leave their cars at home for many short trips, reducing GHG emissions as well. Surrey is the fastest growing urban municipality in Canada and is earning a great reputation as a culturally diverse and sophisticated centre recognized for its international character. An LRT transportation system can only enhance our civic environment as it has in beautiful cities around the world like Adelaide, Dublin, Rio de Janeiro and Edinburgh.

One of the problems with planning public transportation systems is that big budget projects are often poorly executed because the political bodies that make the decisions have much shorter in their terms in office than the length of the completed project. Financial decisions are too often forced into the short-term expediency or a political agenda or budget. While I fully support an open and democratically governed society, there are sometimes when I see the advantages of a centrally planned economy like China. The tremendous transportation systems that work for very heavily populated cities there could only be achieved with the kind of long-term projects that keep to a plan once it is settled. We almost need a transportation Czar here to get things done.

Let’s keep moving forward, not backwards.

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

Image via Surrey Now-Leader

August Events in Surrey

Last month I provided a list of things to do in Surrey during the month of July. In this first blog for the month of August, I am doing another list for this month. Our summer weather is encouraging families with kids love to get outside and enjoy activities during the summer vacation, so here are some of Surrey’s fun activities. There are also a number of excellent musical events this month. I have listed their dates and locations for you as well.

Learn to Fish

I often select activities at Green Timbers Urban Forest. It’s one of my favourite places in North Surrey. A quiet park and a lovely lake provide a respite from the traffic and bustle of the city centre and there’s lots of room for the kids to hike or run for healthy exercise. Now there is a instructional program which is a really great activity for parents together with their children aged 5 to 15 Through the efforts of the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, you can take their Learn How to Fish lesson. A two-hour session will be beheld on in the evening of August 3 from 6:00 pm to 89:00 pm. The session is great for beginners and will cover the basics of freshwater fishing including hatchery roles, fish identification, tackle, rod rigging, casting and hands-on fishing. You don’t need to come with your own rod because a fishing rods are provided. The lessons will take place rain or shine, but remember that children must be accompanied by their parents. There is no fee, but the program gratefully accepts cash donations. You can meet in Green Timbers Park at the south end of the lake where there will be a blue tent. You must, however, pre-register. Call 604-502-6065 or register online at: https://webreg.surrey.ca/webreg/Activities/ActivitiesAdvSearch.asp

Fun Fridays in Surrey Parks

Surrey’s neighbourhood parks have weekly events each Friday until August 24 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. These days are called “Fun Fridays” and the activities for kids are completely free. The activities are designed for young children and each week there is a different theme. There will be special guests and surprises each Friday so your youngster will be eager to attend. Here is where the Fun Fridays are happening: August 3: Theme: Farm Life: Location: Bear Creek Park, 13820 88 Avenue, and Sunnyside Park 15455 26 Avenue.

August 10: Theme: Go Green: Location: A.J. McLellan Park, 16584 62A Avenue, and M.J. Norris Park, 6539 128A Street.

August 17: Theme: Safety: Location: Forsyth Park, 10632 139 Street, And Fun Fun Park, 1472 128 Street.

August 24: Theme: Teddy Bear Picnic: Location: Holly Park, 10706 148 Street, (You may want to bring your favorite stuffed toy.) This is the final wrap up event for the summer.

For more information you can call: 604-501-5050 or email: partnersinparks@surrey.ca

Sounds of Summer Music Series

Free musical events continue throughout August and you can enjoy a variety of music styles at these free outdoor concerts. The music ranges from Bluegrass to New Orleans Jazz all in the beautiful setting of Surrey’s parks. Bring your own folding chair and a blanket if the evening is cool. You can find the performances on the dates below at their respective locations.

August 8: David Sinclair and Keith Bennett. Roots and Blues. 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Location: Sullivan Park, 6272 152nd Street.

August 15: Flint and Feather. Rocky Mountain Folk/Pop. 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Location: Surrey Nature Centre. 14225 Green Timbers Way.

August 17: True North Troubadours. Peter, Paul and Mary Tribute/60s Folk. 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Location: Francis Park. 15951 83 Avenue.

August 22: The Wheat in the Barley. Folk Fusion/Roots. 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Location: Historic Stewart Farmhouse, 13723 Crescent Road (additional parking west of 136 St. Crescent Road)

Note: All pets must be on leash  For more information: phone 604-501-5050 or email: partnersinparks@surrey.ca

Music on the Plaza

Here is a series of musical performances that will allow you to enjoy the civic plaza at Surrey’s City hall during August. These Tuesday evening performances are free of charge and feature Jazz, Cuban, Country, and Swing music from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Here’s the performance schedule for the rest of this month:

August 7: Kutapira

August 14: Paul Filek Duo

August 21: Sean Michael Simpson Duo

August 28: Taylor Rae & the Backseat Drivers

Bring your own folding chai and perhaps a blanket to enjoy these free evening performances. For more information contact: Briana Barone at 604-591-4012 or email: BBarone@surrey.ca

Lunch and Lyrics

Another series at the Surrey City Hall civic plaza this month is the daytime concert series from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on the following Mondays

August 13 – Bruce Coughlan

August 20 – Bruce Coughlan Duo

August 27 – Beauty Shop Dolls

Bring your lunch or try one of the different food trucks that will be on hand each week.

For more information contact: Briana Barone at 604-591-4012 or email: BBarone@surrey.ca

photo via dailyhive.com

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

How to Spend July in Surrey, BC

Now that July is here and kids are out of school for the summer, it’s time again to post some of the great activities happening this month in Surrey. Our Canada Day celebration on July 1 was a super way to kick of this month and was a great success with entertainment and activities for the whole family at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre. Here are some other activities for the rest of July.

A fun way to stay cool: swimming

If you are looking for somewhere to stay cool when the July weather gets hot in Surrey there are public swimming pools which are now open until September, and they’re free! Try a pool in your area. There are great outdoor pools in all around Surrey so you won’t have to drive a long way to find one. Here’s a list of neighbourhood outdoor pools:

  • Sunnyside Outdoor Pool at 15433 – 26 Avenue in South Surrey
  • Bear Creek Outdoor Pool at 13820 – 88 Avenue in North Surrey
  • Kwantlen Outdoor Pool at 13035 – 104 Avenue in North Surrey
  • Unwin Outdoor Pool at 6845 – 133 Street in Newton
  • Greenaway Outdoor Pool at 17901 – 60 Avenue in Cloversdale
  • Hjorth Road Outdoor Pool at 10277 – 148 Street in Guildford
  • Holly Outdoor Pool at 10662 – 148 Street in Guilford
  • Port Kells Outdoor Pool at 19340 – 88 Avenue in Guildford

There are also excellent indoor pools throughout Surrey but you will need to get a recreation pass for these: Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre; North Surrey Recreation Centre; South Surrey Indoor Pool; and the Surrey Sport and Leisure Complex.

There is also a great indoor wave pool at the Newton Recreation Centre at 13730 – 72 Avenue, and thanks to sponsorship by Fortis BC sponsorship, this is a free activity for the whole family to enjoy.

Newton Days

Newton also has a special program of summer events on four Saturdays this month. July 7, 14, 21, and 28 mark the return of the second Newton Days this year. On each of these Saturdays from noon to 4:00 pm at the Newton Grove there will be a number of fun events for families to enjoy such as a farms’ market, food trucks, and a free BBQ along with lots of activities for kids like a fun zone, face painting, and a Science World demonstration. Be sure to pick up your free $5.00 Farm voucher beforehand (one customer per day) at the Newton Recreation Centre, Newton Senior Centre, Newton Library, or from the Newton BIA photo booth.

Surrey’s neighbourhood parks are also great places for families with kids to enjoy this summer. Starting July 2 and running though to August 23, each of the parks will have free sports, games, and other activities.

On July 21 at Cloverdale Youth Park and Chuck Bailey Park there will be the Surrey Rides Tournament. Whether it’s on a skateboard, scooter or bike, young riders are invited to show their skills, as well as practice, in a safe and competitive environment provided in Surrey’s various parks. The Surrey Rises event series takes place at all Surry youth parks listed here:

  • Bear Creek Park, 84 Avenue and King George Blvd.
  • Chuck Bailey Youth Park, Tom Binnie Park at 12458 197 A Avenue.
  • Cloverdale Youth Park, 17800 64 Avenue
  • Fleetwood Youth Park, 16555 Fraser Highway
  • Fraser Heights Youth Park, 10588 – 160 Avenue
  • Guildford Youth Park, 15105 – 105 Avfenue
  • Kwantlen Youth Park, 13035 – 104 Avenue
  • South Surrey Youth Park, 14601 – 20 Avenue

Nature hikes and sights

If you would prefer a connection to nature, I recommend exploring Blackie Spit Park in the Crescent Beach area of South Surrey. Here you can find birds of many kinds. As one of the best bird watching areas in Canada, there are some 200 different species throughout the year. And basking in the sun on the sandbars you will see harbour seals and their pups. You can get some great walking exercise too. The nature trail around the park is 5 kilometre long and seeing the sights in this urban forest is a great way to spend a couple of hours.

Summer Music Series

Summer is Surrey is also rich in cultural life as well. This July you can take in some excellent music at free live performances featuring music styles from Bluegrass to New Orleans Jazz. Bring a blanket with you for these evening concerts and enjoy the music in one of these lovely park settings:

  • July 4 in Glades of Garden Park at 561 – 172 Street it’s Pop-eclectica with Caviar & Lace from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
  • July 11 in Fleetwood Park at 15802 – 80 Avenue it Celtic with Tiller’s Folloy from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
  • July 18 in Bear Creek Park Garden at 13750 – 88 Avenue it’s Folk Blues with Cannery Row from 6:30 t0 8:00 pm.
  • July 25 in Darts Hill Garden Park at 1633 – 170 Street there’s a free concert from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Gates open at 5 pm, but note the park does not allow pets.
  • And if it’s an afternoon concert that appeals to you, then on July 13 Darts Hill Garden Park from 1:00 to 2:30 pm there’s the Razz Matazz Trio jazz concert.

Surrey Fusion Festival

Photo via: https://www.facebook.com/pg/SurreyFusionFestival/

Of course, you don’t want to miss Surrey’s annual Fusion Festival which takes place this year July 21 and July 22. This is a must attend event in Holland Park just south of the Surrey Centre Mall. The festival is a fantastic multicultural celebration of Surrey’s incredibly diverse population and this year will host over 45 cultural and community groups from around the world including more than 150 artists and performers.

These are just some of the great summer activities happening in Surrey during July. I don’t have space to describe everything there is to do, but Surrey is never without fun activities. They show you why Surrey is such a great place to live and raise a family.

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

Your March Market Update for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley

If you happened to read the news story in the Globe and Mail at the beginning of the month, the headline surely intrigued you: “Vancouver housing sales fall 9 % in February.” The story behind the decline is really the more important consideration for prospective home buyers. As a statistician, I always want my clients to understand the reason when a number is cited.

First, the February sales decline is for all property types across Metro Vancouver, so we will have to look more closely at the different categories. Based on ten-year sales average, February’s sales for all property types were down 14.4 per cent; detached sales declined 39.4 per cent; townhouse declined 6.8 per cent, but condominium sales rose 5.5 per cent above the 10-year average. Second, the 9 per cent decrease is a comparison with February sales in 2017. It’s a significant percentage, but the actual number of sales for the respective months were 2,207 in 2018 and 2,424 in 2017, so in practical terms not really a huge difference. And the number of sales in February this year was a monthly increase of 21.4 per cent over January, so it’s important to recognize that the market is still very active. The composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver at the end of February was $1,071.800, a 16.9 per cent increase year-over-year and a 1.4 per cent increase since January this year. It will be important to watch these two price levels in coming months.

What the newspaper story was really about what may be the beginning of fewer sales each month following the provincial budget announcements in February that impact out-of-province buyers. The BC government has targeted speculative buyers with an additional tax as well as increasing and expanding the foreign buyers tax beyond Metro Vancouver. I will talk more about these tax measures in my next Blog, but for now I will focus on the market place prices for prospective local home buyers and sellers.

Detached Properties

The benchmark price for a single detached property in Greater Vancouver at the end of February was $1,602,000, an 8.2 per cent increase from the February 2017, and a 1.9 per cent increase from January this year. The extremities of this average range from a high in Vancouver West (higher than West Vancouver, and excluding Whistler) at $3,500,600 to a low in low in Maple Ridge at $847,700. That’s obviously quite a large spread, so I’ve selected three areas on each side of the Benchmark where you can find properties closest to the Metro Benchmark at the end of February. On the higher side, the Burnaby South Benchmark price was $1,682,600, an increase of 0.9 per cent over the previous month. North Vancouver’s Benchmark was $1686,800, an increase of 1.0 per cent over the previous month; and Richmond’s Benchmark was $1,697,900, an increase of 0.4 per cent over the previous month. On the lower side, the Vancouver East Benchmark was $1,560,400, a decrease of 0,2 per cent from the previous month; the Burnaby North Benchmark was $1,532,700, a decrease of 2.2 per cent from the previous month; and Port Moody’s Benchmark was $1,483,700, a decrease of 0.7 per cent from the preceding month.

Townhouses

The Benchmark price for a townhouse in Metro Vancouver at the end of February was $819,200. This average was made up of prices ranging from a high of $1,250,100 in Vancouver West to a low of $551,400 in Maple Ridge. I have again selected three areas on each side of the Benchmark which are closest to the Benchmark at the end of February. On the higher side, almost identical to the Metro Benchmark was the Richmond Benchmark at $819,500, a decrease of 0.4 per cent from the previous month. The Benchmark for Vancouver East was $868,900, an increase of 1.3 per cent from the previous month; and the North Vancouver Benchmark at $998,400, an increase of 0.7 per cent from the previous month. On the lower side, the Benchmark for Burnaby South was $807,600, an increase of 2.7 per cent over the previous month. The Tsawwassen Benchmark was $756,000, a decrease of 0.9 per cent from the previous month; and the Ladner Benchmark at $783,200, an increase of 0.9 per cent from the previous month. In this breakdown, I have excluded Whistler as I normally do for areas farther out than my clients wish to look.

Condominiums

The Metro Vancouver Benchmark price for condominiums at the end of February was $682,800. The extremities of this average ranged from a high in West Vancouver at $1,237,100 to a low in Maple Ridge of $307,800. Here is my selection of three areas closest on both sides of the Benchmark. On the higher side, the Benchmark for Burnaby East was $706,700, an increase of 2.6 per cent over the previous month. The Benchmark for Burnaby South was $710,100, an increase of 1.8 per cent over the preceding month; and Vancouver West’s Benchmark at $835,800 was an increase of 2.9 per cent over the previous month. On the lower side, the Benchmark for Port Moody was $668,300, an increase of 4.0 per cent over the previous month. Richmond’s Benchmark at $657,800 was an increase of 1.2 per cent over the previous month; and the Burnaby North Benchmark at $642,500 was an increase of 3.9 per cent over the previous month. These selections are made to guide my clients who are looking to purchase, or sell, one of these property types within the Metro Vancouver region based on the mid-range prices of comparable properties.

There are of course many properties in areas outside the mid-price range I have focused on in my selections above. If you would like to learn more about prices in any other areas of Greater Vancouver, I will be happy to help you find a property that fits your mortgage range. Please feel free to give me a call.

FRASER VALLEY

There was also a decrease – a small one — in the year-over-year number of February sales in the Fraser Valley, a mere 0.8 per cent decline. However, the Valley continues as a high demand area, noted by February’s 14.5 per cent increase over January 2018 sales activity. As has been the case for many months, attached properties – townhouses and condominiums – together represented more than half of all the transactions. Fraser Valley home seekers can again be buoyed with the fact that inventory in February increased 9.5 per cent over the preceding month, bringing the total supply of properties on the market at the end of February to 4,340.

For anyone thinking about listing their property for sale, it is nonetheless a good time because demand continues to be greater than the 10-year average for this time of year. During the month of February, detached properties took on an average of 38 days to sell, while townhouses sold after an average of 28 days, and condominiums on an average of 13 days. I highly recommend home purchases in the Fraser Valley at this time. Prices on average are still below those of comparable properties in Metro Vancouver. The composite Benchmark price for all property types in the Fraser Valley at the end of February was $795,100. For this reason, it is a favorite starting area for young families and singles often looking in the townhouse and condominium market segment. However, there is excellent value to be found in all housing types, and for families who want to start with a detached property, or perhaps move up to detached home from their existing townhouse, the Valley has very good prices. I will review the Benchmark prices for each property type in the space below and will make some recommendations on which areas you might wish to look for your preferred price range.

Detached Homes

The Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Fraser Valley was $992,100 at the end of February, an increase of 1.0 per cent over the preceding month, and a 15.7 per cent increase year-over-year. Compared with the Metro Vancouver Benchmark of $1,602,000 for a comparable property, you can see why this is an attractive investment. The extremities of this average are not as far apart as Metro Vancouver areas, with South Surrey/White Rock at the high end at $1,482,800 and Mission at the low end at $663,500. Closest to the Valley Benchmark on the higher side at the end of February were: Cloverdale at $1,036,600, a 2.2 per cent increase over January; Langley at $1,028,200, a 0,4 per cent increase over January; and Surrey at $1,019,500, an increase of 0.6 per cent over January. Closest to the Valley Benchmark on the lower side were: North Surrey at $972,100, an increase of 0.6 per cent over January; North Delta at $944,800, an increase of 0.4 per cent over January; and Abbotsford at $803,300, an increase of 2.2 per cent over January.

Townhouses

The Benchmark price for townhouses in the Fraser Valley was $531,000 at the end of February. This average is from the extremities of $656,000 in South Surrey/White Rock and $371,600 in Abbotsford. Closest on the higher side of the Benchmark were: North Surrey at $560,200, an increase of 3.1 per cent over January; Surrey at $569,000, an increase of 2.1 per cent over January; and North Delta at $581,000, an increase of 0.4 per cent over January. Closest to the Benchmark on the lower side were: Langley at $508,500, an increase of 1.9 per cent over January; Abbotsford at $371,600 and increase of 2.7 per cent over January; and Mission at $433,400, an increase of 0.3 per cent over January.

Condominiums

The Benchmark price for condominiums in the Fraser Valley was $422,300 at the end of February. The extremities for this average were $519,00 in South Surrey White Rock and $315,400 in Mission. Closest to this Benchmark on the higher side were: Langley at $424,300, an increase of 4.3 per cent over January; Surrey at $427,400, an increase of 6.3 per cent over January; and Cloverdale at $488,100, an increase of 4.0 per cent over January. Closest on the lower side of the Benchmark price were: North Surrey at $410,400, an increase of 4.8 per cent over January; North Delta at $394,100, an increase of 4.8 per cent over January; and Abbotsford at $315,900, an increase of 5.3 per cent over January.

I selected the above areas to assist you in your search for a home to fit your mortgage capability. Keep in mind that the Benchmark prices are a comparison of comparable properties in their respective categories.

If there is any area that you would like to get more specific information on prices in any area, please feel free to call me. I keep a close eye on new listings and changes in prices, and I am always happy to help in any way I can.

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

 

March in Surrey

Let’s hope Spring weather is on its way this month of March. There’s so much to do in Surrey this month, we will be eager to get around. By the end of the month, we can test the old saying: “If March comes in like a lion, it goes out like a lamb.” What this means is that if weather at the beginning of March is like a lion – blustery, cold, maybe snowing – then the end of March will be gentle – calm, warm, sunny. The general idea is that the weather at the end of March is supposed to be the opposite of the beginning. We will have to wait and see, but there are many activities around our city to take our minds off the weather.

Here are events throughout the month to help you plan some activities for the whole family.

Some of the many things to do in Surrey this month of March

On March 1 at the Surrey Art Gallery is an evening show (7:30 to 9:00 pm) by artists Erica Grimm, Tracie Stewart and Sheinagh Anderson entitled “Skin Boats and Ocean Surroundings.” The show deals with problems of climate change and the changing ocean environment. The installation of the artists’ salt water skin boats – designed to resemble human skin – and the accompanying soundscape uses analogies between human bodies and the ocean to create a connection between participants and the ocean.

On March 1 and March 15, youth and young adults (ages 15 to 30) are invited to join the Community Art Planning Team. This group creates different art projects to enliven and brighten neighborhoods through Surrey. The meeting locations are to be determined, and you can get information by phoning 604-591-4194.

On March 4 (2:30 pm to 4:00 pm) at the Surrey Art Gallery, you can explore and enjoy indigenous art from India. There will be a panel of experts to discuss the art and provide insights for visitors to the show.

On March 8 at the Kensington Prairie Recreation Centre (4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) is hosting the Kinder Café Kindergarten. This event is for parents, but you can bring your children and learn how they can be prepared for kindergarten. You can register your child for the child minding service there as well, so you can concentrate on the lesson. To register call 604-592-2605 and use reference code 4565025.

On March 9, enjoy Family Movie Night at the Fleetwood Community Centre (6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) You can wear your pyjamas and cover up in your own blanket while you watch a family movie together, complete with popcorn and other treats. You can enjoy this family event for free, but you will need to register for your spot. Phone 604-501-5100.

On March 10 at the Surrey Archives from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. local history buffs can enjoy discovering the photos by the legendary Surrey Newsman Stan Mckinnon. Pictures of Surrey residents, businesses and landscapes in the 1950s and 1960s are featured. For registration information phone the Surrey Archives at 604-502-6459.

On March 13 at the Cloverdale Recreation Centre there is Movie afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is an afternoon the whole family can enjoy together with classical and other great family movies. Register by phoning 604-501-5100.

On March 17, the Surrey Nature Centre will hold a birding walk from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This nature lover’s event will meet in the Nature Centre’s parking lot and then walk along the forest trails to Green Timbers Lake where they can observe osprey and cormorants fishing for rainbow trout.

On March 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the Surrey Art Gallery will host Family Day. This fun-filled day will include creating your own art with paint, pastels, clay, and chalk. There will also be interactive musical performances from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. as well as the Art from Indigenous Communities in India in case you missed it on March 1. This is a free event, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

On March 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. the North Surrey Recreation Centre will hold an information session on getting started in lifeguard or aquatic instructor courses. The session will inform you on training process and volunteer opportunities. This is a free event, but participants must be age 10 or older. You can phone for information at 604-501-5100.

On March 21 at the Guildford Recreation Centre from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. celebrate the beginning of Spring (first day of Spring is March 20). There will be lots of fun family activities to launch the season of Spring this year.

On March 24 at the Guilford Recreation Centre, the second annual Active Aging Resource Fair takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will booths to connect with others and to learn about new technologies as well as health, nutrition, travel, and fitness. For more information you can phone: Carissa Bootsma at 604-591-4274.

Have we missed anything? Be sure to leave your comments of fun activities to check out this March in Surrey, BC.

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

Pattullo Bridge, Pt.1

Anyone who has driven over the Pattullo Bridge between New Westminster and Surrey will agree it’s a bit stressful. Fortunately, the drive takes only a few minutes, even in heavy traffic. Even so, I find myself mentally preparing for the narrow lanes, and that centre row of yellow poles which is not much of a barrier between the oncoming traffic. Everyone will be happy when the bridge is replaced with a new one, but that will not be until 2023. In the meantime, repairs to the bridge’s road surface will continue to be necessary as the old bridge is simply worn out. For commuters, the necessary daytime closures have been minimised with most of the construction being done at night. We should remember to be thankful for this even though we can all get impatient at times. This summer’s repairs started on April 29 and are scheduled to continue until October 3. So far more than 1,185 square metres of the asphalt deck have been repaired. Translink, the agency responsible for the bridge, reports on its website that 67 full depth repairs have also been done. I believe this refers to whole chunks of concrete that have separated and fallen off the bridge’s roadway leaving potholes that you could look through to the water below – a sure sign the bridge needs to be replaced.

I find something very humorous in all this: that the repairs are described as “rehabilitating” the bridge – as if the bridge itself has done something bad and its behaviour is being corrected. Actually, we should be congratulating the bridge for holding up so well, long after its original life expectancy. The Pattullo Bridge officially opened in 1937, so for an 80-year-old it’s doing pretty well. Did you know that it was originally designed to last for 50 years? The car commuters in the lower mainland have actually got 30 extra years out of this iconic structure. For this reason, I say, let’s not call its repair project one of “rehabilitation.” Let’s say instead that we’re giving the grand old bridge some “life support” in its final years. I think it deserves to be remembered as a dignified edifice – not a wayward social outcast!

A lot of thought and consultation has gone into replacing the bridge. Project consultations date back to 2003. In 2011 there were four background reports and three project reports. One more in 2012, two in 2014; two more in 2015; and 10 community consultations in 2016. No one can say it hasn’t been well thought out. In all, there were 25 alternatives explored, and in the end the most viable solution was to replace the old bridge with a completely new one. The selection of the contractor for the new bridge construction is the next step. It is supposed to be done in a period starting this fall and completed by early 2019. Construction is then supposed to start in the Spring of 2019 and completed by the end of 2022. A date everyone can look forward to!

In my next blog I will talk about a special design feature of the Pattullo Bridge that I hope is preserved in the replacement bridge.

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

Image courtesy of surrey.ca