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September 3, 2009
‘Home sales have doubled since January’ BCREA anticipates the end of the housing recession with forecast
for other, unmentionable reasons that are all a part of the reality of owning a dog. In new homes in Metro Vancouver, new trends are emerging where pets are concerned, whether it’s a mudroom featuring a dog door or plans for dedicated dog walks in new developments. At High Point Equestrian Estates in Langley, the massive showhome features a mudroom that can be tailored to a pet’s
The B.C. Real Estate Association is hopeful the housing recession is nearing an end after releasing its third-quarter forecast, which predicts a better sales season this fall compared to 2008. In its forecast, released last week, the BCREA anticipates that Multiple Listing Service residential sales will go up 15 per cent this year over last year. Throughout the province, 68,923 residential units were sold in 2008, a sales drop of 33 per cent according to the report. But by the end of this Cameron Muir year, the BCREA is expecting a total of 79,400 units to sell in B.C., a 15 per cent increase from 2008. The association, which represents 12 member real estate boards and more than 18,000 realtors, predicts that residential sales will continue to rise throughout 2010 to 84,200 units – an increase of six per cent compared to its 2009 forecast. While the 10-year average is 82,800 units, the BCREA notes a record 106,310 units were sold in B.C. in 2005. “After 12 months of significant volatility in B.C.’s housing markets, greater stability is expected through 2010,” says BCREA chief economist Cameron Muir. “Robust housing demand is a strong signal that the economy is coming out of the recession, with a recovery in the broader economy expected to develop over the next three quarters.” In fact, the latest home sales are the ‘brightest light’ in a gloomy B.C. economy, the BCREA notes.
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Regan Bryde and her canine pal, Vegas, in the pet grooming room at Polygon’s Timbers Club in Coquitlam. The room has been extremely popular with residents who are pet owners. Tricia Leslie photo
Finding a home Fido can enjoy Pets are a part of the family for many, and builders are listening TRICIA LESLIE Homeowners look at many things when purchasing a new home, whether it’s the location, the size of the dwelling, the yard space or the builder’s reputation. Based on the size of their family, new
homebuyers may look for things like an extra bedroom, a flex area for a work space, or whether there’s a games room or entertainment room option before they buy. And if the family includes a member of the four-legged kind, many homeowners look to the kinds of amenities there are for their pet, inside and out. Pets come in all shapes and sizes. While dogs are a common addition to many families, unlike other pets, canines must go outside several times a day, for exercise and