Blog by Betsy Carstairs

Vancouver Foreclosures

July 18th, 2011
I was in court today competing with 6 other offers on a heritage house in East Vancouver near the PNE. When you write a offer on a foreclosure it must be subject free & you also need to support your offer with a substantial deposit showing the serious intent to complete if you are the successful bidder. This house had knob & tube wiring so that as well as many other things needed immediate at ...

Indian Arm @ Helga Bay, North Vancouver, British Columbia

July 17th, 2011
I just finished uploading this House for sale, 28 OF CROKER ISLAND Other E, North Vancouver, British Columbia Indian Arm retreat or live in full time! Fully equipped off the grid home to accomodate seasonal as well as year round living. This bright 3 bedroom, 2,200 sf home offers an abundance of natural sunlight, open concept kitchen ,heat efficient wood burning free standing stove, new hard ...

Indian Arm @20 Johnson Bay, North Vancouver, British Columbia

July 15th, 2011

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 20 JOHNSON Bay, North Vancouver, British Columbia

Beautiful lot, structure unfinished, buying as is. Complete this beautiful home and make it your dream home on the ocean! Water access only.

Indian Arm @13 BRIGHTON Beach, North Vancouver, British Columbia

July 14th, 2011
I just finished uploading this House for sale, 13 BRIGHTON Other, North Vancouver, British Columbia Be new proud land owners in the wonderful seaside community of Brighton Beach, Indian Arm. Large 3 level home perfect for a family wanting a more remote lifestyle yet within easy boat access to Deep Cove. A wonderful lifestyle awaits for the adventurous spirit. Surrounded by land, sea and sk ...

Indian Arm @ Johnson Bay, North Vancouver, British Columbia

July 13th, 2011
I just finished uploading this House for sale, 36 JOHNSON Bay, North Vancouver, British Columbia Indian Arm Oceanfront! The most reasonably priced property on the Arm! This well maintained 1,800 sf home features 3 bedrooms, 115 ft of waterfront, large dock, hardwood flooring, outdoor hot tub, spacious kitchen (2 stoves) & living area complete w/ sprawling deck, perfect for entertaining. Jus ...

Indian Arm @ BRIGHTON BEACH, North Vancouver, British Columbia

July 12th, 2011
I just finished uploading this House for sale, 427 BRIGHTON BEACH, North Vancouver, British Columbia Cozy seaside cottage 10 minutes from Deep Cove on Brighton Beach. Convenient weekend getaway or year-round home. Wonderful oceanfront view property in a fantastic community close to the city yet a world away. Brighton Beach is a community o f 22 owners with shared use of dock & 30 acres of co ...

Interest Rates update

July 11th, 2011
Just helped a client  buy their 1st house & was so happy for them that the interest rates are so low. 3.7% for a 5 year fixed & 2.2% on a variable through a mortgage broker. I come from paying 19% in the early 80's so these rates look like a gift to me. Know housing prices have shot up dramatically in the last 30 years but the mortgage payment with the low rates really have not increased that ...

communications Reneevations style

July 9th, 2011
I recently met Renee Safrata. Although our meeting was brief I was impressed with her clarity & ability to respond to what I needed so being a curious person I went to her web site & very much liked her video blog on tips for communications. Interrupting another person for me is a pet peeve so when I viewed Renee's short video blog #2 called" Listen UP"  I thought I would share it. ...

355 HOSPITAL Street, New Westminster, British Columbia

July 9th, 2011
I just finished uploading this House for sale, 355 HOSPITAL Street, New Westminster, British Columbia Immaculate, bright home with view to Fraser River. Features soaring vaulted ceilings, ceramic tile & wood flooring, flat driveway, new energy efficient windows & spacious decks. Easy to care for back yard with raised veggie garden, grape vines. Bonus - 1 bedroom above ground suite on main. ...

Indian Arm, North Vancouver on Canada Day

July 8th, 2011
What better way to celebrate Canada Day then to go for a paddle up The Indian Arm 1st thing in the morning. Yes I do mean 1st thing ie @ sunrise when the fjord is as calm as glass so that is how I kick started the morning. Was a little surprised to find the temperature so low...as it is summer time but thought it would warm up as would I as I worked up a strong rythmn paddling. Thankfully the ...