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How to Reduce the Chance of a Burglary by 90%


No one wants to deal with a burglary. How do you reduce the chances of one happening?


Fortunately, burglaries are a well-studied phenomenon — especially by law enforcement. These studies have identified specific things you can do to cut the risk dramatically. Here are some ideas:


  • 34% of home break-ins occur through the front door. Experts recommend investing in a door with a top-quality locking mechanism. (The best are those that lock at three points of contact.)


  • 50% of burglars will be deterred if your home has some sort of video monitoring system. A thief doesn’t want his face on YouTube!


  • Unfortunately, signs and window stickers warning of an alarm system do not deter thieves. However, 62% of burglars will immediately run away when an alarm goes off. Always turn on your alarm system when you’re not home!


  • 22% of burglaries occur through a sliding glass door or patio door. Make sure it’s locked and also use a solid metal jammer.


  • Some thieves use frequency scanners to gain access to garages. Police recommend changing your remote entry code regularly and putting blinds or curtains on garage windows so thieves can’t see (and be tempted by) any valuables inside.


    As you can see, there are many simple things you can do to reduce your chances of a burglary dramatically. The effort is worth it. 

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Should You Move or Renovate? Three Things to Consider


Determining if you should buy a new home or fix up your current one isn’t easy. In fact, the decision can be steeped in so much drama they make reality TV shows about it!


So if you’re considering whether to move or improve, here are three things to consider.


1. Will a renovation truly fix what you don’t like about your property?


If you’re tired of a small kitchen, for example, it might not be possible, given the layout, to make it any bigger. On the other hand, if you’re craving a spacious rec room with a cosy fireplace then a renovation could make that happen.

Of course, there are some things you may want that aren’t specific to your house, such as an easier commute or nearby park. Those are features you may only be able to get by moving.


2. How much will a renovation cost? How does that compare to the cost of moving to a new home?


It’s important to get accurate estimates of each so you can make a smart decision. This is where a good REALTOR® can help.


Keep in mind that renovations have a habit of costing more than you originally anticipate. As mentioned earlier, the final result should be a home you want to stay in for quite some time.


3. Beware of compromising versus settling.


Whichever decision you make — renovate or sell — you can expect to have to make at least some compromises. That’s normal.


For example, consider adding an extension to your house. That’s a major renovation. Is it the ideal way to get the extra room you want? Do the benefits of renovating outweigh the benefits of finding a new larger home designed to include the space you need?

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Yes, it’s a tough decision. If you’re in the midst of making it, call today, to get the facts you need to make the best choice for you. 

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MARCH SEES HIGHEST MONTHLY SALES ON RECORD FOR FRASER VALLEY

 

SURREY, BC – Fraser Valley real estate hit a historical high in March, setting the record for sales processed in one month since the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s (FVREB) inception in 1921. .

 

In March, the FVREB processed 3,006 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), an increase of 62 per cent compared to March 2015 and 26 per cent more then was processed in February. The previous record of 2,720 processed sales was set in March of 1991.

 

Charles Wiebe, President of the Board, said of this month’s statistics, “This market is uncharted territory for Fraser Valley real estate. It’s typical for spring to see a jump in activity; however, March came and went at a break-neck, record-setting pace. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

 

“While I’m certainly encouraged that so many are finding their way to owning a home in the Fraser Valley, I know that it can also be challenging for first-time homebuyers and those looking to transition. Talk to a local REALTOR®, and discuss what you want and what’s possible for you. We can help you get there.”

 

The Board received 4,057 new listings in March, an increase of 31 per cent compared to March of last year, and a 24 per cent increase from February. The total active inventory for March was 5,485, down 33 per cent from last year’s 8,193 active listings.

 

Wiebe commented, “This is typically a busy time of year to buy and sell real estate, and those seeking homes are hungry to purchase. Unfortunately, inventory is struggling to keep up. With that said, if you’re thinking of selling your home, I encourage you to talk to a REALTOR® and consider your current opportunities. The market is in your favor.”

Across Fraser Valley, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in March 2016 was 17 days, compared to 43 days in March 2015.

 

The MLS® HPI benchmark price of a Fraser Valley single family detached home in February was $741,000, an increase of 26 per cent compared to March 2015 when it was $588,500.

 

In March, the benchmark price of townhouses was $344,300, an increase of 14.9 per cent compared to $299,700 in March 2015. The benchmark price of apartments also increased year-over-year by 13.8 per cent, going from $190,800 in March 2015 to $217,200 in March 2016.

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Reciprocity Logo The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.