New property listed in West Newton, Surrey

Posted on March 21, 2014 by Darin Germyn

Posted in: West Newton, Surrey Real Estate

Property Photo: 160 6671 121ST ST in Surrey

I have listed a new property at 160 6671 121ST ST in Surrey.

STOP. This former and current SHOWHOME will be the envy of all of your friends. This END UNIT w/ rooftop deck features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and has been PROFESSIONALLY decorated. The high end upgrades include designer touches throughout,S/S appliances, dark plank laminate flooring, multiple designer light fixtures, lush carpets upstairs, and a built in entertainment center in the main room. You have the best location in the complex, and are next door to the award winning clubhouse featuring a hottub, workout room, outdoor swimming pool, sauna, steam shower, BBQ area, fitness centre, & 3500 SF of roof top deck. Visit us online. You won't want to miss this one.

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Open House. Open House on Saturday, March 22, 2014 11:30 am - 12:00 pm

Posted on March 21, 2014 by Darin Germyn

Posted in: West Newton, Surrey Real Estate

Please visit our Open House at 160 6671 121ST ST in Surrey.

See details here

Open House on Saturday, March 22, 2014 11:30 am - 12:00 pm

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Alternatives to a traditional garage sale

Posted on March 12, 2014 by Darin Germyn

Posted in: alternatives to a traditional garage sale , darin germyn , macdonald realty

Do you have stuff in your home that you need to sell? Perhaps you have some suits or dresses that no longer fit, an older living room set that you've just had replaced, or a vinyl record collection you've been hanging onto for years.

If a traditional garage sale is not an option for you, there are other ways to sell those items.

For example, you could rent a stall for the weekend at a local flea market. This is relatively inexpensive and can be a fun activity for the whole family.

Another option is to advertise in your local community newspaper.

Advertising rates in local publications are often much lower than in major newspapers.

You can also advertise on the internet. There are several popular sites, such as Craigslist.com and eBayClassifieds.com (Kijiji.com in Canada) where you can advertise for free.

Good luck!

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How to tell if a neighbourhood is improving

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Darin Germyn

Posted in: how to tell if a neighbourhood is improving

How to tell if a neighbourhood is improving

When you’re looking for a new home, you want to find one in a great neighbourhood – or, at least, in a neighbourhood that is on the upswing. How can you tell if a particular area is improving? Here are some common indicators:

Pride of ownership. Take a walk around the neighbourhood. Do you get a sense that people take good care of their homes? Are the lawns mowed? Is the landscaping trimmed? Are flowers planted? Homeowners are more likely to look after their properties when they like where they are living.
Home improvements. Are people investing in their homes? Are they getting their driveways re-done? Their windows replaced? Are there signs of home improvement projects? If so, this is a clear indication that homeowners like the area enough to invest in their properties.
Real estate sales activity. Do homes tend to sell quickly in the area? Do they sell for a good price? If so, the neighbourhood is probably in demand. If people want to live there, it's a desirable area.
Business investment. Are businesses investing in the surrounding area? Is there an increase in the number of upscale shops, health clubs, restaurants, and other commercial enterprises that often locate near desirable neighbourhoods?
Community involvement. Are there signs that the community plays an active role in the look and lifestyle of the neighbourhood? Are there neighbourhood picnics, yard sales and other get-togethers? Check Facebook.com to see if the neighbourhood has a community page.
City plans. Find out what plans the city has for the area. Will there be road improvements done in the near future? Are there any major construction projects on the schedule, such as a new school or community centre. Although such projects can be disruptive in the short term, they may improve the neighbourhood – and, as a result, boost the value of any home you buy – in the long-term.

Of course, the best way to find out the desirability of a neighbourhood is to talk to a good REALTOR® who knows the area.

Call today.

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2 HUGE changes to the mortgage market that may affect you

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Darin Germyn

Posted in: buying a home , changes in mortgage market , cmhc premiums increase , cmhc property transfer tax , darin germyn , macdonald realty

2 HUGE changes to the mortgage market that may affect you

Both announced in the last 2 weeks, there are 2 BIG changes coming up in the Real Estate, and moreso, mortgage arena that will affect many people both buying and selling real estate.

CHANGE #1- Property Transfer Tax (PTT) threshold increased from $425,000-$450,000 to $475,000-$500,000

What this means for Buyers- Under the old rules, if you were to purchase a home above the $450,000 mark as a first time home buyer, you would be subject to a property transfer tax amount of 1% of the first $200,000 and 2% of the balance of your purchase price.

Ex. If you were to purchase a home at $475,000 as a first time buyer, you would pay $7,500 in PTT.

Now, under the new rules, first time home buyers can purchase up to $475,000 without paying any PTT. There is also a threshold between $475,000-$500,000 where there is a reduced amount until your purchase price goes above $500,000.

Awesome right?!

What this means to Sellers- If your home is priced under $500,000, the affordability for many buyers has just increased tremendously. This is great as it may open up an entire new category of first time buyers that were previously unable to afford your home due to the tax amounts they would incur.

These changes went into effect as of Feb 19, 2014.

CHANGE #2- CMHC is increasing their premiums for high ratio lending to Buyers

What this means for Buyers- Getting a mortgage as of May 1, 2014 is about to get more expensive. A high ratio mortgage is someone applying for a new mortgage with less than 20% as a down payment on the full price of the property. CMHC is a company that insures your mortgage for the bank, in case you default and the property goes into foreclosure. When this new change kicks in, the price of insuring a high ratio mortgage is increasing about 15%.

Ex. A first-time buyer, purchasing a $240,000 condo and putting five per cent down, will have to take on around $900 more in debt under the new rates, paid out over the course of 25 years.

 This is not a huge amount yet is extra money needed to over the course of time. To squeak by this change, you must have a firm and approved purchase of a new home prior to May 1, 2014.

For more information on CMHC, check out http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca

What this means for Sellers- Not a huge impact, yet any small increase to a fee for buyers removes a portion of their affordability. This usually affects first time home buyers with small down payments the most.

If you have any further questions on the changes, or would like some advice on either buying or selling your home, always feel comfortable reaching out for my help.
 Until next time,
 Darin

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Posted on March 10, 2014 by Darin Germyn

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New property listed in Guildford, North Surrey

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Darin Germyn

Posted in: Guildford, North Surrey Real Estate

I have listed a new property at 10535 154A ST in Surrey.

See details here

Imagine finding a 6 bedroom home in the heart of Guildford. A home that features 3 bedrooms up, 3 down, 2 kitchens, and great bones all on a large 7200+ lot. The roof has been replaced in the last 3 years, an updated furnace this year,has a vaulted ceiling and refinished 21x12 sun deck. Parking for everyone on the large driveway. Just 2 blocks or less to Guildford mall, restaurants, entertainment and 5 minutes to Hwy 1. This home is an investors dream! This home is located on a quiet no-thru street and can be yours if you act quick. Be sure to check out the online open house at the link provided. You found it!

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New property listed in West Newton, Surrey

Open House. Open House on Saturday, March 22, 2014 11:30 am - 12:00 pm

Alternatives to a traditional garage sale

How to tell if a neighbourhood is improving

How to tell if a neighbourhood is improving

2 HUGE changes to the mortgage market that may affect you

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New property listed in Guildford, North Surrey

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