Abbotsford British Columbia Real Estate Bloghttp://www.makobritz.com/blogAbbotsford British Columbia real estate market news provided by Mako BritzMon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMTNO FEAR! NO FEAR!

A well-known motivational speaker once said, "No one knows enough to be a pessimist."  He also quoted statistics showing that a very high percentage of the things we worry about are either A) things that never happen, or B)
things over which we have no control anyway.  His point?  Not only do we not have enough information to justify our worries, we also are virtually unable to alter the outcome of most situations.

Our worst fears are generally of the unknown (not enough information).  Our imagination runs wild, conjuring up worst-case scenarios.  We become fearful, anxious, and even overwhelmed - yet the source of our fear is
non-existent (except in our minds). Consider these oft-quoted phrases:

"Think you can - think you can't - either way you're right."
"As a man thinketh, so is he."
"Argue for your limitations, and sure enough they're yours."

In other words, by your thoughts alone, you control the outcome.  Although there exist many risks to our peace-of-mind during uncertain times, we still have the ability to pursue our very best hopes and dreams.  We may find that
their achievement requires more effort than usual.  Doubt may creep in. Nevertheless, as you have heard many times, "It's all in your head."

]]>http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/NO-FEARhttp://www.makobritz.com/Blog/NO-FEARMon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMTTax Day I recently read that we work Jan. 1 through June 30th of each year, just to pay our

taxes. After that, you keep all you make. Prior to that, 100% goes to the government in some form or fashion to pay for some kind of government worker, work program, social program, defense, project, health care, common good, common bad, etc. Whatever you want to call it, April 30th is TAX day; the deadline for filing your income taxes in Canada.

So in celebration of this special day, let’s talk TAX relief. If you received last month’s letter from me, you will recall our goal of trying to raise $25,000.00 for B.C. Children’s Hospital. But – we need your help and I believe you can benefit from the TAX relief as well.

                      

Just down the highway from where I am typing this, B.C. Children’s Hospital has a full house of kids fighting for their lives. For them and their parents taxes are not “top of mind”, health is. Living is. Surviving is. As you may have heard, B.C. Children’s Hospital is front and center in the fight against nasty diseases that destroy or cut short the lives of children. We are thankful to have such a wonderful facility close by, doing such great work to help heal and save young people. So even though we are trying to figure out how much we owe the tax man, many are simply hoping they can be here to actually pay taxes. This is why we here at Mako’s Real Estate Experts have resolved to do what we can to help.

For every house we sell this year, we are donating $250 of our income to B.C. Children’s Hospital. Our goal, again, is to raise $25,000 to help them in their quest to Heal, Save, Cure and Comfort Children under their care.

This is where we need your help and how you can benefit at the same time…

Charitable contributions are tax deductible to a point. Rather than give your money to the government, you should consider making a donation to a charity. If you like this idea, we will match your donation up to $250 if you decide Children’s Health Care is a good place to donate. Check with your accountant to verify the deduction allowed on your taxes before pursuing this avenue.

Either way, your referrals are in good hands and help us contribute to a good cause.

Life moves fast for some and we are eager to make the Home Selling and Buying experience a smooth rewarding one. Over the last years of helping hundreds of families sell their home and/or buy another, we have met some wonderful, loving, caring people. People like you! So your referrals, those you know considering a move, that we help – you can be rest assured that not only will they get the award winning service we are known for, but that a solid portion of the income we receive from the transaction will go toward a very worthy cause.

It’s easy to refer your friends, neighbors, associates or family members considering making a move. Simply go to www.MakoBritz.com/ReferralRewards.

Of course you can always call me direct as well at 778-878-6256.

You and your referrals mean more than ever to my team and I. As this year continues to unfold, please know we are extremely thankful for you and your being a special part of our business. Rest assured your referrals will be well taken care of;

Home Sellers Receive this guarantee:

 

I Will Sell Your Home at Your Price or I’ll Buy It!*

 

Home Buyers Receive this guarantee:

 

If Within 18 Months of Buying Your Home You Are Not Completely Satisfied With It, I Will Buy It Back or Sell It For Free, Your Choice*

 

Again, it’s easy to refer your friends, neighbors, associates or family

members considering making a move. Just email me at mako@makobritz.com  or call me direct at 778-878-6256.

 

With all my appreciation.

 

Mako, Chari, Laura, Leslie

 

A special thanks to Sami Monir for sending Tom Lewis to us. It was our greatest pleasure to serve Mr Lewis and we donated $250 to B.C. Children’s hospital for this. Thanks Sami

 

 A special thanks to Brian Rice and Sharolyn Wiebe for sending Bryan Block our way. It was our greatest pleasure to serve Mr Block and we donated $250 to B.C. Children’s hospital for this. Thanks Brian & Shar.

 

A special thanks to Laura Niessen for sending her parents Julie & Kurt our way. It was our greatest pleasure to serve Kurt & Julie and we donated $250 to B.C. Children’s hospital for this. Thanks Laura

 

P.S. Remember we love honoring our past clients like you. Read all about that at

www.MakoBritz.com/ReferralRewards. $250 of every real estate transaction being happily

donated to B.C. Children’s Hospital.

 

 

 

*Seller and Mako to agree on price and closing date at time of listing.

]]>http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Tax-Dayhttp://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Tax-DayWed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMTCapitol GainsCapital Gain

 

 

 

 

Every seller must pay tax on 50% of the net profit gained from proceeds of sale of their investment property to the government as the Capital Gain .

 The primary residence is not subject to the Capital Gain so if you own a property and you live in it you don't have to be worry about the Capital Gain but if you have more than one property the government would consider the non residing property as a rental or investment property so that property might be subject to the capital gain, once you sold your investment property 50% of the net profit will be added to your income for that year, for instance if you bought a property for $ 200,000 5 years ago and now you sell it for $ 300,000 that $ 100,000 profit must be reported as the capital gain once you file your income tax and half that amount ( $ 50,000) is taxable.

If you have any question about the Capital Gain you should consult your Tax Attorney
]]>http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Capitol-Gainshttp://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Capitol-GainsSat, 09 Jul 2011 16:44:00 GMTAbbotsford Airshow Hello BC #15Hello BC #15

The Abbotsford International Airshow is held annually on the second Friday, Saturday and Sunday in August at Abbotsford International Airport.

Celebrating the 48th Anniversary with a great 2011 line-up with numerous static displays on the runway.

It is Canada's largest airshow. In the mid 1970s, Abbotsford was designated as Canada's National Airshow by Prime Minister Pierre E. Trudeau.

Friday

StartEnd
Fri Aug 12, 2011 - 8:00 AM Fri Aug 12, 2011 - 6:00 PM

Saturday

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Sat Aug 13, 2011 - 8:00 AM Sat Aug 13, 2011 - 6:00 PM

Sunday

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Sun Aug 14, 2011 - 8:00 AM Sun Aug 14, 2011 - 6:00 PM
Price Information

Admission

  Pricing Based on*Rate
Adult 13+ years Per Day $ 26.00
Child 6 - 12 years Per Day $ 10.00
Group Carload not to exceed 8 passengers Per Day $ 80.00
Infant 5 & Under Per Day $ 0

Camping

  Pricing Based on*Rate
Regular 1 Night Per Night $ 25.00
Regular Weekend & Admission for weekend Per Event $ 176.00

1276 Tower St, Unit #4
Abbotsford, British Columbia
V2T 6H5

Contact Information:
604-852-8511 Phone
604-852-6093 Fax

Website:
http://www.abbotsfordairshow.com

courtesy of Mako ( your favorite Abbotsford / Langley real estate agent)

]]>http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Abbotsford-Airshow-Hello-BC-15http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Abbotsford-Airshow-Hello-BC-15Sat, 28 May 2011 13:01:00 GMTHello BC #14Things to do in Abotsford no 14

July heralds the height of the berry season in the Raspberry Capital of Canada. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Berry Beat Festival. Bring the whole family this year to downtown Abbotsford and sample delicious local strawberry, raspberry and blueberry products. Linger to cheer the top musicians, magicians and clowns; play bingo or mini-golf. Enjoy the 'berried' treasure hunt and the sport and art activities. Browse through local craft and market-style food stands.

Starts July 9th in downtown Abbotsford

Courtesy of Mako (youe favorite Abbotsford / Langley Real Estate Agent)

]]>http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-14http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-14Tue, 24 May 2011 08:53:00 GMTHello BC #13TONY'S PLACE RESTAURANT LTD.

 Once upon a time I used to work right next to this fine diner. Dont let its appeareance fool you as they serve some of the best breakfast I have ever had. (Eggs Benny is amazing)

101 - 31120 Peardonville Road
Abbotsford, British Columbia
V2T 6K7

Contact Information:
604-850-9288 Phone

Courtesy of Mako (your favorite Abbotsford / Langley Real Estate Agent).

]]>http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-13http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-13Thu, 12 May 2011 07:06:00 GMTMothers DayHappy Mothers Day!

 

Mom's always deserve a little something special on their day. This year the Ramada Plaza in Abbotsford is having an exquisite buffet brunch for moms. The cost is a little pricey at $36 a person (children $18) but, our moms deserve it.

 

Here is a little motivational piece for you to read http://www.makobritz.com/MORNING-COFFEE

 

Courtesy of Mako ( Your favorite Abbotsford / Langley real estate agent).

]]>http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Mothers-Dayhttp://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Mothers-DaySun, 08 May 2011 10:34:00 GMTHello BC #12Things to do in Abbotsford #12

Do you enjoy golf? Head out to the CPGA Ledgeview golf and country club.

This challenging course's terrain on the front nine holes is rather hilly, whereas the back nine is much flatter. Most of the greens are very large in size and undulating, making calculated putting important. The signature hole is #14, a 180-yard, par 3, which requires a tee shot over a small ravine to a medium-sized green.

Design - Golf Course at Ledgeview Golf & Country Club

  • Year Built: 1972
  • Designer:
  • Greens Grass Type: Poa Annua Grass
  • Fairways Grass Type: Fescue
  • Water Hazards: Yes
  • Sand Bunkers: 51-60
  • Yardage Markers: 200, 150, 100 Yrd Markers and Sprinkler Heads Marked

More Information - Golf Course at Ledgeview Golf & Country Club

  • 35997 Mckee Rd
    Abbotsford, British Columbia V2S 5W7, Canada
  • +1 604 859 8993

    • Courtesy of Mako (Your favorite Abbotsford / Langley Real Estate Agent).

    ]]>    http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-12http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-12Thu, 05 May 2011 04:05:00 GMT    Hello BC No# 11, Looking for some Adventure?Things to do in Abotsford........

    Are you Looking for some Adventure?

    Skydive Vancouver is open every day, all year-round, weather permitting. TheirDrop Zone is situated one hour east of downtown Vancouver, in the picturesque surroundings of the Fraser valley in Abbotsford. Experience heights of 4,267 m (14,000 ft) and 60 seconds of free fall. Have your first tandem skydive video taped so you can take it home and show friends and family. All tandem videos come with you as the star, music, slow motion, still shots and are all supplied on high quality DVD. Jump start your day and book this memorable experience!

    5112 Gladwin Rd
    Abbotsford, British Columbia
    V4X 1X8

    Contact Information:
    604-327-5867 Phone

    Website:
    http://www.vancouver-skydiving.bc.ca

    courtesy of Mako (Your Favorite Abbotsford / Langley Real Estate Agent)

    ]]>    http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-No-11-Looking-for-some-Adventurehttp://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-No-11-Looking-for-some-AdventureSun, 01 May 2011 02:10:00 GMT    Hello BC # 10Thing to do in Abbotsford no #10

    Lovers of old-time fiddle music will want to attend the 38th Annual Old Time Fiddle Contest. This annual event showcases local talent and recognizes the accomplishments of any fiddler willing to take the stage. The 9 yrs & under are always a crowd pleaser. These fiddlers play their best Old Time Reel. Next, the 12 yrs & unders. From this category onwards, all contestants must play 3 tunes: an Old Time Waltz, Jig & Reel, in that order. As the day goes on the fiddling will continue with the Youth, Intermediate and Senior Categories, followed by the Open, Twin Fiddle and the Championship

    33889 Essendene Ave
    Abbotsford, British Columbia
    V2S 2H6

    Contact Information:
    604-859-3031 Phone

    Website:
    http://www.centralfraservalleyfiddlers.c
    om

    Courtesy of Mako (your favorite Abbotsford / Langley Real Estate Agent)

    ]]>    http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-10http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-10Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:42:00 GMT    Red Day!Hi All
     
    The Red Day campaign has started! Every year Keller Williams Abbotsford makes a genuine effort to give back to community.
     
    This year Keller Williams will Paint the Town Red with Open Houses and we are looking to get lots of food donations!
     
    -A full page add will be in this Saturday April 30 Real Estate Review
    -We have 25 Open Houses advertised.
     
    2) Door Knocking Campaign, we will be knocking lots of doors in Abbotsford to get food items for the food bank 
    3) May 12 RED DAY
     
    -We will deliver all the food items to the Abbotsford Food Bank.
     
    4) WE ALL HAVE A CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE
     
    - DOOR KNOCK AND CANVAS FOR FOOD ITEMS.
    - BRING IN YOUR OWN FOOD DONATION.
    - BRING A PRIZE FOR THE DRAW AND ATTACH YOUR CARD TO IT (IT CAN BE A TIMMY'S CARD, BOTTLE OF WINE, ETC. ETC. ETC.)
     
    LET'S HAVE THE BEST RED DATE YET!!!!
     
    ]]>    http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Red-Day-2http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Red-Day-2Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:37:00 GMT    Hello BC #9 great place to sit and eat a great meal.Hello BC, Head down to the Greek Island Restaurant in Abbotsford and enjoy a great place to eat.

    Voted Best Greek Restaurant Eight Years Running in Abbotsford

    Great place to sit back – unwind – have a sip of wine.  Let them take you on a short trip to a country that is recognized for it’s rich ancient history, sunny beaches, blue skies, friendly people, excellent food, warm hospitality and good times.

     So sit back – relax – have another sip and enjoy your stay.  The management and their friendly crew will do its best to make this trip as real as possible.

    2686 Langon Street
    Abbotsford, British Columbia
    V2T 3L2

    Contact Information:
    604-850-1613 Phone

    ]]>    http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-9-great-place-to-sit-and-eat-a-great-mealhttp://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-9-great-place-to-sit-and-eat-a-great-mealWed, 27 Apr 2011 15:51:00 GMT    Hello BC #7Things to do in Abbotsford #7

    Head to Langley, Just 25min from Abbotsford and visit Cascades Casino & experience over 500 slot machines & more than 25 table games. If you're looking for more excitement, catch a show at the theatre, enjoy a meal or just relax at the bar.

    20393 Fraser Hwy
    Langley, British Columbia
    V3A 7N2

    Contact Information:
    604-530-2211 Phone

    Website:
    http://www.cascadescasino.ca

    Courtesy of Mako (Your Favorite Abbotsford / Langley Real Estate Agent)!

    ]]>    http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-7http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-7Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT    Hello BC #8Things to do in Abbotsford #8

    Head to Langley, Just 25min from Abbotsford and visit Cascades Casino & experience over 500 slot machines & more than 25 table games. If you're looking for more excitement, catch a show at the theatre, enjoy a meal or just relax at the bar.

    20393 Fraser Hwy
    Langley, British Columbia
    V3A 7N2

    Contact Information:
    604-530-2211 Phone

    Website:
    http://www.cascadescasino.ca

    Courtesy of Mako (Your Favorite Abbotsford / Langley Real Estate Agent)!

    ]]>    http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-8http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-8Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT    Hello BC No #6Things to do in Abbotsford No#6.

    Domaine de Chaberton Estate Winery & Bacchus Bistro

    One of Langley's largest & oldest wineries, and just 25 mins from Abbotsford. Located in the picturesque rolling hills of South Langley. Free public winery tours are offered daily Feb-Nov, 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm; Dec/Jan, 3:00 pm (weather permitting). Free tastings (max 3 wines) are available at our on-site tasting room/retail shop. Enjoy a tour, then lunch or dinner at our Zagat rated Bacchus Bistro. Overlooking the vineyard, it serves authentic French bistro cuisine with a west coast flair. Reservations are highly recommended. Domaine de Chaberton & Bacchus Bistro - a truly unique place to visit in the Fraser Valley.

    1064 216th St
    Langley, British Columbia
    V2Z 1R3

    Contact Information:
    604-530-1736 Phone
    604-530-9694 Alt. Phone
    604-533-9687 Fax
    888-332-9463 Toll-free

    Website:
    http://www.domainedechaberton.com

    Courtesy of Mako ( Your Favorite Abbotsford / Langley Real Estate Agent!)

    ]]>    http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-No-6http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-No-6Wed, 20 Apr 2011 08:48:00 GMT    Hello BC no #5Things to do in Abbotsford No #5

    July heralds the height of the berry season in the Raspberry Capital of Canada. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Berry Beat Festival. Bring the whole family this year to downtown Abbotsford and sample delicious local strawberry, raspberry and blueberry products. Linger to cheer the top musicians, magicians and clowns; play bingo or mini-golf. Enjoy the 'berried' treasure hunt and the sport and art activities. Browse through local craft and market-style food stands.

     

    StartEnd
    Sat Jul 9, 2011 - 10:00 AM Sat Jul 9, 2011 - 9:00 PM

    Sunday

    StartEnd
    Sun Jul 10, 2011 - 11:00 AM Sun Jul 10, 2011 - 5:00 PM

    Various Locations
    Abbotsford, British Columbia
    V2S 2G9

    Contact Information:
    604-850-6547 Phone

    Website:
    http://www.downtownabbotsford.com

    Courtesy of Mako (your favorite Abbotsford / Langley Real Estate Agent!)

    ]]>    http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-no-5http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-no-5Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:34:00 GMT    Real Estate, Canada vs U.S.Real Estate: Comparing

    Canada and the US

    Fiona Anderson, Vancouver Sun

     

    "KUOW radio in Seattle this morning had a discussion about home ownership around the world, comparing Canada, the United States and Europe. As it turns out Canada has one of the largest percentages of home ownership - between 60 to 70 per cent.

     ...

    "The main thing is that while insurance is available (and usually mandatory) for borrowers who have less than 20 per cent of a down payment, the insurance isn't automatic. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp, as well as the other mortgage insurers like Genworth, still have pretty stringent rules about what mortgages they will insure. So borrowers still need to have a good credit rating, good income to make payments and an acceptable debt service ratio. That's probably the biggest difference between the Canadian and US housing markets. In the US one of the problems was that insurers were insuring sub-prime mortgages, where the lenders didn't have good credit, and whose income  may have been sketchy. Then when the borrower defaulted the insurer was left holding the bag (or the bank if the insurer - and there were many of them - didn't have the money).

    ...

    "With those requirements arrears on mortgage in Canada are about 0.42 per cent according to the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals. CAAMP has some other interesting statistics. For example, while the total value of owner-occupied housing in Canada is estimated at $2.91 trillion, mortgages on these homes total $820 billion, or only about 28% per cent. In other words, most people have quite a bit of equity built up in their homes.

     

    Click here to read more: http://bit.ly/hii2iu

     

    Please contact Mako (your favorite Abbotsford / Langley Real Estate Agent) with any questions!

    ]]>    http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Real-Estate-Canada-vs-UShttp://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Real-Estate-Canada-vs-USMon, 18 Apr 2011 13:08:00 GMT    Hello BC No #4Things to do in Abbotsford No #4

    Its Sunday Morning here in Abbotsford BC and one thing you can do on a lazy Sunday afternoon is head down to;

    Clayburn Comforts Soap & Body Works

    Inspired by the restoration of our heritage home in historic Clayburn Village, our soap bricks are hand poured individually, in small batches, for consistency & excellence. They specialize in natural products made with vegetable-based ingredients and therapeutic grade essential oils, including deodorants, solid hand creams, foot, skin and baby care. Try their wonderful Travel Easy 3-in-1 bar: shampoo, conditioner, body soap - all in one light, compact travel tin. Earth friendly with a convenient cotton cord for hanging indoors or out. Enriched with herbs and essential oils for fabulous hair and skin - it's all you need!

    34866 Clayburn Road
    Abbotsford, British Columbia
    V2S 7Y9

    Contact Information:
    604-746-2633 Phone
    604-855-0420 Fax

    Website:
    http://www.clayburncomforts.com

    ]]>    http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-No-4http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BC-No-4Sun, 17 Apr 2011 11:37:00 GMT    Hello BCThings to do in Abbotsford #3

    Castle Fun Park in Abbotsford at Whatcom Rd

    Fun for all ages. Test your skills at our minigolf courses, outdoor/indoor coral sea & indoor jungle. Enjoy our bumper cars, shooting gallery, go-kart track, batting cages & arcade. Small or large groups & birthday parties are welcome. This is a great place to take the kids and watch them grow and learn. Lets face it, its great for us mom's and dads too! http://www.castlefunpark.com

    Hwy 1 & Exit 95 At Whatcom Rd
    Abbotsford, British Columbia
    V3G 2K8

    Contact Information:
    604-850-0411 Phone

    ]]>    http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BChttp://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Hello-BCSat, 16 Apr 2011 07:46:00 GMT    Things to do in Abbotsford No#2British Columbia Helicopters,

    Head out to Langley wich is only 25 min away from Abbotsford and find British Columbia Helicopters. There you will see BC in ways you never thought possible. You will reach places unreachable by foot. You can pick one of our exciting tours or customize a helicopter flight to suit your needs or desires. You could be dropped off on a mountain peak and spend some time exploring where nobody has been before, or land on an alpine meadow to propose to the one you love; Whatever your wish, BC Helicopters can make it a reality.

    Unit 1 Hangar 47 21330 56 Ave
    Langley, British Columbia
    V2Y 0E5

    ]]>    http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Things-to-do-in-Abbotsford-No2http://www.makobritz.com/Blog/Things-to-do-in-Abbotsford-No2Fri, 15 Apr 2011 07:12:00 GMT