Blog by Betsy Carstairs

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home renovation Tax Credit

March 11th, 2009
Here is a great savings for home owners who have been wanting to renovate, install new windows or, like me put on a new roof. Delaying doing my leaking roof just saved me over $1,000!!!!!!! & the new  quote ( due to the down turn in the economy) is down 15% over this time last year so even more savings.  Hurrah.  Here is the information on this new government tax credit that came out January ...

Property Tax options for 55+

March 9th, 2009
  Property Tax - Deferment Program If you or a family member are disabled, a widower or over the age of 55 you may be able to reduce your monthly housing costs with this government program.Homeowners aged 55 years and over may defer the payment of annual property taxes on their principal residence. The Property Tax Deferment Program is a low interest loan program that assists qu ...

Real Estate investing for your kids

March 6th, 2009
I read this is in a news letter from a mortgage broker Pauline Tonkin  & thought it would be a good idea to put in place so moving the kids out of the nest would be a softer transition. Mortgage Strategies - Making Money for You and Your Kids! What would you do if you knew you could help your children get into the real estate market and make money for your own retirement at the ...

Books to Read for 2009

March 5th, 2009
When in New Zealand I read Thomas Friedman's latest book, "The World Is Flat". Thomas was the foreign affairs columnist for the New York Times and has a depth of knowledge that makes this book a timely and essential update on globalization. After reading about how FedEx and Dell were set up and how they work, my eyes were opened to understand how this new flat world operates. Now when my S ...

Coquitlam Open House

March 4th, 2009
Last Sunday, I held an OPEN HOUSE on one of my Coquitlam properties. This was the 1st OPEN for this home. I only do OPENS when the photo shoot and floor plan have been completed, and uploaded to my website. My reasoning here is that this way prospective buyers can prescreen themselves as to whether or not the style and floor plan work for them. As well the OPEN is advertised for 2 weeks pri ...

Google time savers

March 2nd, 2009
I read this article & thought I would share it. I particularly liked the jott option to submit appointments to your calendar on the run using  voice commands. Often I am on the fly & to be able to do this would be as good as having a personal assistant with me 24/7 The small yearly fee for jott.com I think is a bargain @ under $1.00 per week   Being Frugal With Google – The Free Office Su ...

1st time buyers incentives

March 1st, 2009
To stimulate the real estate & buiding market the government has offered a incentive for 1st time buyers http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/nwsrm/rlss/2009/m02/nr090202-eng.pdf In a nut shell it gives 1st time buyers $750. for closing costs. Even with the softening in prices this "gift" is not enough to not get new buyers racing off to purchase their 1st piece of real estate As Shakespeare would say "m ...

Sunshine Coast Writers Workshop

February 26th, 2009
  This past weekend I attended a Writing & Nia workshop called "Writing from the Body". It was held at Jan Jensen's beautiful home in Secret Cove just a half hour drive up from Sechelt.         Jan led the group in Nia inspired gentle movements, then Claire Robson guided us in writing exercises. I was surprised at how easy it was for me to write after the Nia moves. It was as if the mov ...

# N 1/2 of 1 - Indian Arm, North Vancouver, BC

February 19th, 2009
I just finished uploading this LAND for sale, # N 1/2 of 1 - Indian Arm, North Vancouver, BC Escape to your own private retreat just a 15 minute boat trip up the Indian Arm fjord. Lot is across from North end of Croker Island on the North Vancouver side of the fjord. Spring is at top of property for access to fresh water. BOAT ACCESS ONLY!!

Hockaday Open House!

February 19th, 2009
We are proud to announce that this Sunday, March 1, 2009, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 1352 El Camino Dr in Hockaday, Coquitlam. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent 2 storey for sale in beautiful Hockaday. Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Hockaday 2 storey f ...
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