This document is a real estate newsletter from February 2009. It summarizes the state of the British Columbia real estate market in 2008, which saw home prices and sales decline significantly from 2007 levels due to the global financial crisis. It notes that while the housing market started strong in 2008, prices ended the year down 11% from their peak in March. The newsletter encourages taking advantage of the current buyers' market with low interest rates and invites readers to refer clients for real estate deals. It also includes a recipe for meat croquettes.

1. Roel van de Crommenacker REALTOR®
EWSLETTER
February 2009
Cell : (250) 550 - 6864
Email : roel@roelrealestate.com
Website: www.roelrealestate.com
Enjoying the winter ? Enjoy the lowest interest rates ever and
take advantage of today’s buyers' market !
Do you know someone who wants to sell or buy a house ….?
Your lead to a firm sale will be rewarded well !!
Interesting market for buyer and seller!
3475 Smith Drive, Armstrong BC
British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports
residential sales dollar volume on the Multiple Listing “SAY CHEESE”
Service® (MLS®) in BC declined 31 per cent to $31.3 billion in
$4,762,000
2008, compared to 2007.
Residential unit sales declined 33 per cent to 68,923 units last
year, the lowest level since 2000, when 54,179 transactions
were recorded. The average MLS® residential price in 2008
was $454,599, up 3.5 per cent from 2007.
The housing market came in like a lion and went out like a MLS® # 9187745
lamb in 2008. Home prices reached a record high in March,
but edged lower during the balance of the year.
MEAT CROQUETTES
The average residential sales price hit $483,291 in March and
ended the year at $429,210, an 11 per cent decline in nine Half lb (225g) minced beef
months. 1 oz (30g) butter
1 and half oz (45g) plain white flour
3 quarter pint (425ml) beef stock
The global financial crisis, a sharp correction in the equity 1 small onion finely chopped
markets and a recessionary environment in Canada has 1 egg
salt & pepper
wreaked havoc on consumer confidence. 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped parsley
toasted breadcrumbs
“The most important single ingredient in the formula of
1) Melt butter in a saucepan, slowly add
success is knowing how to get along with people” in the flour, mix into a smooth paste
2) Add in the stock and stir, cook for 10
Source: Theodore Roosevelt
minutes
3) Fry onions and meat in a frying pan
until brown, add to saucepan
While it’s difficult to predict when consumer confidence will 4) Add in salt, pepper and parsley, and
strengthen, home affordability is quietly improving as lower cook for 1 minute
5) Pour into a dish and allow to cool
prices and mortgage interest rates increase the buying power
6) Divide up into 4 equal amounts, and
roll into oblong shape
of BC households. Today’s homebuyers
7) Roll in bread crumbs
are benefiting from a greater selection of 8) Beat egg, and coat the croquettes,
homes for sale. roll in bread crumbs once more
9) Heat a deep fat frying pan, add
And...more time to thoroughly investigate
croquettes and fry until golden brown.
their choices and the ability to negotiate Serving Suggestions: With pickles,
2907 - 32 Street attractive prices. mustard and salad
Vernon, BC
V1T 5M2
(250) 549-2103 Data is from sources believed to be accurate but should not be relied upon without verification. To be removed from this mailing list: contact Roel