Betsy Carstairs

I read this article in the Globe & Mail & thought it was good information explaining how the banks tighter lending strategies are playing out with real time purchasersREAL ESTATEIt's buyer beware of the paperworkROB CARRICKrcarrick@globeandmail.com E-mail Rob Carrick  | Read Bio  | Latest ColumnsOctober 21, 2008It's a buyer's market in housing right now, but with complications.Blame the g ...

I recently worked with a seller who had downsized and moved to smaller more manageable accommodation. This left the family home sitting vacant. The situation became one of not 'if' we sell but a 'need' to sell, not an option but a mandate. This client had worked with another agent over the summer listing the property 'over' the assessed value and it did not sell. I was called in to inject a s ...

Just read this article & thought how in sync it is in this market. I presently have a few listings that are not selling & although the sellers are not willing to see the reality of this downward spyralling market & reduce the price... that is the only thing that will get these places sold. It is a buyers market & these buyers are price driven. The Price is Wrong By: Paul Pastore ...

I had some purchasers out last weekend who qualified under the minimum downpayment rules. We found the perfect place for them and made an offer only to find out that this program had just been cancelled at the beginning of the weekend ... 2 weeks earlier than originally stated. Canadian lending firms are shifting to an ultra conservative stance. I can see that credit/mortgag ...

Went to a conference in August for women over 50 ... I definitely qualified! Met many interesting participants who come from all over Canada and the United States. We went for walks, had lectures and even went Dragon boating on False Creek at Granville Island. THAT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!!    

With all the doom & gloom in the US economy & the stock market heading downward it is a very good time to invest in real estate. For those who have some cash on hand there are some great buys out there. Now instead of bidding wars(such as we had in Feb 08) we now have a slower market which means buyers have time to sleep on their decision & can negotiate on the price. There is still, contrary ...

We are proud to announce that this Sunday, September 28, 2008, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 3449 Dundas St in Hastings East, Vancouver. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent House for sale in beautiful Hastings East. Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Hastings East House for sale. As always ...

We are proud to announce that this Saturday, September 13, 2008, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 3449 Dundas St in Hastings East, Vancouver. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent House for sale in beautiful Hastings East. Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Hastings East House for sale. As alwa ...

I am often asked by clients "exactly how much will this cost me" So when I received this article from Heather Wood, a mortgage broker I thought I would post it Soooooo here is ~ Understanding the hidden costs of buying a home Purchasing a home can be a stressful experience for anyone, but especially for first-time buyers who may not be aware that there a ...

I just finished uploading this Apartment Unit for sale, 804 3071 Glen Dr, Coquitlam, Coquitlam, BC Very bright corner unit with easy care tile and laminate flooring. Features galley kitchen opening to living/dining area. Lots of windows with view of forest and Mt Baker. Located very close to elementary school and easy walk to Coquitlam Centre Shopping Mall. Presently rented for $ ...