Sun
The residential housing market in B.C. lost some steam in the first quarter of 2008, the B.C. Real Estate Association reports.
The over-all sales dollar volume on B.C.’s Multiple Listing Service dipped 1.8 per cent to $8.9 billion in the first quarter from the same 2007 quarter. The number of residential sales declined 13.5 per cent to 18,635.
However, the average residential price was up: It reached $478,423, 13.5 per cent higher than in the first quarter of last year.
“Despite weakness in the forest sector, economic fundamentals in the province remain strong and continue to underpin housing demand,” reports BCREA chief economist Cameron Muir.
COUNTRY SINGER HOPES TO MAKE QUICK PROFIT ON HOUSE SALE
Country music legend Kenny Chesney had barely signed the paperwork for his new home in Malibu before he returned the property to the market – for almost $600,000 more than he’d paid.
In February, Chesney bought the home for $7.4 million, and has now re-listed it at $7.95 million.
Chesney, a three-time Academy of Country Music entertainer of the year, decided to sell the home because of his busy touring schedule, says listing agent Kathleen Doyle. “He realized he’s just too busy to be spending much time here.”
HOT PROPERTY STILL A HOT TOPIC IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Almost a quarter-century ago, Los Angeles Times writer Ruth Ryon stumbled upon the realization that her readers shared one of her passions. She knew that, like her, they wanted a glimpse into the homes — and the lifestyles — of Hollywood‘s celebrities.
With that in mind, Ryon created Hot Property, a feature that kicked off on Nov. 25, 1984 with an item about Johnny Carson buying a home in Malibu for $9.5 million. Today, Hot Property remains a fixture on the front of the newspaper’s real estate section.
Ryon, who has looked at the real estate of some of California‘s biggest movers and shakers has now decided to step back from Hollywood‘s hot properties. The feature will continue, reports The Times, but without Ruth Ryon, whose last instalment appeared earlier this month.
HELPFUL HINTS TO REDUCE RISK OF FALLING ON STAIRS
When seniors fall on stairs, the consequences can be severe. But a few simple household adjustments can reduce the risk of falls considerably.
A fact sheet prepared by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. provides numerous helpful suggestions:
– Avoid visually distracting patterns on the tread that can make it difficult to distinguish one step from another.
– If you’re renovating or building new stairs, allow for ample treads and gentle risers, and make sure all the steps are of a uniform size and height.
– Handrails are strongly recommended.
For more information, visit www.cmhc.ca on the Internet.
© The Vancouver Sun 2008