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Existing home sales are expected to increase in 2014 by 8%.

November of this year saw a 38% increase in units sold compared to November 2012, albeit down 11% compared to October of this year in Greater Vancouver. November typically sees the real estate market wind down as we get closer to the holiday season. Total Active Listings are down 8% compared to this time last year.  Year to date, 2013 should finish 12 to 15% above 2012 for total units sold in Greater Vancouver. In their Fall Housing Market Outlook, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) outlined that existing home sales are expected to increase in 2014 by 8% with the market to remain in balanced conditions. This is to be supported with an increase in economic and job growth projected in 2014. Further strengthening in global economies will benefit Vancouver and help sustain economic growth. And of course, pent up demand in our housing market will continue to be a positive factor moving forward.

Greater Vancouver: Total Units Sold in November 2013 was 2,390 – down from 2,698 (11%) in October 2013, up from 1,733 (38%) in November 2012; New Listings in November 2013 were down 25% from October 2013; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 6 Months (Balanced Market).

Vancouver Westside Residential: Total Units Sold in November 2013 was 488 – down from 579 (16%) inOctober 2013, up from 358 (36%) in November 2012; New Listings in November 2013 were down 26% from October 2013; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 5 Months (Balanced Market).

Vancouver Eastside Residential: Total Units Sold in November 2013 was 282 – down from 288 (2%) inOctober 2013, up from 197 (43%) in November 2012; New Listings in November 2013 were down 26% from October 2013; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 4 Months (Bordering on Seller’s Market).

North Vancouver Residential:  Total Units Sold in November 2013 was 197 – down from 221 (11%) in October2013, up from 145 (36%) in November 2012; New Listings in November 2013 were down 34% from October 2013; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 4 Months (Bordering on Seller’s Market).

West Vancouver Residential: Total Units Sold in November 2013 was 89 – down from 110 (19%) in October2013, up from 45 (98%) in November 2012; New Listings in November 2013 were down 34% from October 2013; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 7 Months (Balanced Market).

Richmond ResidentialTotal Units Sold in November 2013 was 290 – down from 327 (11%) in October 2013, up from 210 (56%) in November 2012; New Listings in November 2013 were down 10% from October 2013; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 7 Months (Balanced Market).

    
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Look who is joining me!

Many of you know Paige Kraft and the force that she is. But for those of you who don't…she comes from a serious background of sales and marketing starting at Xerox where she gained recognition for her leadership and quickly became a President's Club member. Her marketing experience most recently at Blast Radius landed her in the boardrooms of global brands such as Disney, Microsoft and Lululemon.  

Friends for years, I recruited her to help with a volunteer school event, I saw how she takes on a project and sprints, not runs or walks, she bolts. We had so many laughs together, the event was a big success and the idea of continuing the laughter and success was infectious. She is a dynamic powerhouse and I am excited to pair our talents and see what fireworks we will make together. Watch out!

     

Set the Scene

Sometimes I love to cook, but more than that - I love to set a table...all fancy! Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah or any type of celebration - what is your style and does this make you want to cook or get invited somewhere?
  
 


  

Ballet anyone?

Those words don't usually come from me. But this past month I was exposed and am intrigued. A women's group I am involved in called MCentredinvited Chan Hon Goh of Goh Ballet Academy to speak about her career as a principal ballerina and her experience in taking over the running of her parents successful Goh Ballet school. She has had a fascinating international career and the history of her parents and their ballet fame is like a history lesson about China and Russia and their early dance theories. The Goh Ballet School is hosting the Nutcracker this December and there are 200 ballet students in the cast! Check it out.

And something you can't check out, but maybe you were lucky enough to see it was theFumbling towards Ecstasy featuring music from Sarah McLachlan and the visiting Alberta Ballet. It was breathtaking. The costumes were modern, the music was like taking a walk down memory lane and the dancing was hip, cool even sexy. Loved it.

In the same week that I listened to a ballerina, went to the ballet, one of my favourite blogs directed me to a series called city.ballet. It's a 12-part online documentary series about the New York City Ballet, narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker. Through each 6 minute episode, you hear from soloists who feel stuck in the ranks, principal ballerinas feeling all eyes upon them, apprentices desperately trying to get into the company and those in hoping to stand out. Exhausting, brutal and inspiring. Have no fear the coincidence of all these ballet experiences happening at once, is not inspiring me to don any pointed toe shoes - that would just be exhausting and brutal for all!
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Elixirs, Soup & Healthy Treats

Recently at an event, a number of very cool women who are doing very cool things were introduced to me and to our guests. Among them were four, who are preparing foods that are uber-healthy and delicious. You need to tryNectar Juicery for their magical juicing elixirs soon to be found at YYoga and Cafe Artigiano. VIVLiving Vibrantly is Vital. Be intentional with your food...change the world one bite at a time. These are delicious bars/breads/treats that are nothing but pure healthy goodness. And Beyond Nourished who brought us soups but are known for delivering delicious food, putting on wicked workshops and creating unique dining events with spectacular service

There were so many amazing women doing amazing things at this event. Here is the list - click to find out more about them: Bag O'Swag,Blessed Beyond Measure Coast Modern FilmElana Sigal JewelryInflection ManagementMesaimedesigns Raindrop AcupunctureRedfish Kids ClothingGift a Night at Ronald McDonald HouseSancha Jewelry, ShoK DesignsYoga for Teens

Is anyone out there addicted to Scandal?

I know I am not alone in the binge watching of shows. On my Ipad mini I have lived in the English country side with Downton Abbey, the Pentagon with Homeland and of course in the underground Meth lab of Breaking Bad...but then I wondered what next? Well, that would be Scandal. So I am back in Washington, more often in the White House than the Pentagon and am addicted. Anyone else there with me?
ruthie@ruthieshugarman.com

604.879.2941

604.263.1144

604.263.6699

  

Dexter Associates Realty

Kerrisdale

2094 West 43rd Avenue

Vancouver, BC.   V6M 2C9

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October: inventory is low and demand is high! 

Once again, activity in the market for this October was an improvement over October 2012 - with a 37% increase in properties sold in Greater Vancouver. As well, properties sold in October 2013 were up 7% compared to September 2013. In fact it was the strongest October for sales since 2009. Total Active Listings are down 11% compared to this time last year – demand is much stronger and product on the market is continuing to decrease both month over month and year over year. Changes in pricing and overall market conditions vary depending on specific areas and product. Realistically the market is balancing and not overheating as some reports may suggest with these increases in sales we are seeing. Pricing is still extremely important, generally new listings with better pricing are attracting more attention than those that have been on the market for some time. If you are even thinking of listing, now is the time!

Greater Vancouver: Total Units Sold in October 2013 was 2,698 – up from 2,524 (7%) in September 2013, up from 1,970 (37%) in October 2012; New Listings in October 2013 were down 13% from September 2013; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings down to 6 Months (Balanced Market).
 
Vancouver Westside Residential: Total Units Sold in October 2013 was 579 – up from 556 (4%) in September 2013, up from 420 (38%) in October 2012; New Listings in October 2013 were down 22% from September 2013; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings even at 5 Months (Balanced Market).
 
Vancouver Eastside Residential: Total Units Sold in October 2013 was 288 – up from 281 (2%) in September 2013, up from 185 (56%) in October 2012; New Listings in October 2013 were down 20% from September 2013; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings down to 4 Months (Balanced Market to Seller’s Market).
 
North Vancouver Residential:  Total Units Sold in October 2013 was 221 – up from 163 (36%) in September 2013, up from 160 (38%) in October 2012; New Listings in October 2013 were down 15% from September 2013; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings down to 4 Months (Balanced Market to Seller’s Market).
 
West Vancouver Residential: Total Units Sold in October 2013 was 110 – up from 94 (17%) in September 2013, up from 65 (69%) in October 2012; New Listings in October 2013 were down 22% from September 2013; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings down to 7 Months (Balanced Market).

Tickled Pink by this News??
     
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Architect Profile

Ok, you know when I am proud, I have to tell you about it. Well I am proud, impressed and generally in awe of the beautiful spaces Michael Shugarman has created. Yes - full disclosure, he is my brother-in-law.

Prior to setting up his life and business in Calgary, Michael worked in London, England for Building Design Partnership while completing his Bachelor of Environmental Design Degree. After completing his Masters in Architecture, Michael worked in Seville, followed by 1 year in Italy in the studio of Antonio Citterio, a recognized world leader in architecture, interior, product and furniture design - you know those beautiful sofas at Inform...many of them are Antonio's. My favourite designs of Michael's, besides their own home, is the James Hotel is Saskatoon. I love the feel, the light fixtures, the warm woods and the pops of gold...he designed not only the hotel but the interior design and furniture within as well...a reason to visit Saskatoon perhaps? And the homes and recreational 'cottages' that Michael has created for clients throughout Western Canada and the U.S. are amazing. The light, the textures and the high-end but subtle finishings are calming and luxurious at the same time. In addition, he designs and builds custom furniture for his clients. Check out he beautiful coffee table below. Michael has received many awards for his designs but he has most recently received a lot of media attention for his role in Edmonton with the Katz Group. He is leading a large multi-discipliniary team of exceptional experts from all fields of design, construction and development across the globe with Edmonton's exciting downtown Arena District. Michael is playing an integral role in developing an urban village - a 50,000' plaza with shops, restaurants, residential, the Oiler's new arena, hotels and more. WOW. 

   

  

  

 



     

The Jealous Curator. Damn. I wish I thought of that.

"There is one moment, in the first few seconds, when you look at a piece of art and know that you love it. It’s the moment when, if you’re an artist yourself, you look at it and feel a rush of uplifting inspiration… and total soul-crushing jealousy all at the same time. It’s when you walk away thinking, “Damn, I wish I thought of that.” The Jealous Curatorlaunched in February 2009, as a place for Danielle to show artwork that “made her jealous”… in a bad, toxic way. "I literally was getting stopped in my tracks every time I saw work that I loved, but now that “jealousy” has turned magically, wonderfully, and thankfully into inspiration and admiration{what a relief!}.Years later, as I move forward with the site, I’ve realized that where my interests truly lie are, of course with gorgeous modern art, but I am also absolutely fascinated with the self-doubt part – the insecurities, inner-critics, and blocks, and of course the jealousy, that so many creative people endure. This lead to GIRL CRUSH, a series of workshops that I launched in 2012, all across the USA. It was also the idea behind my very first book{what?!}, titledCREATIVE BLOCKout in early 2014." Follow her blogand watch for her cool book!
 
Fraser Street is calling you.
We have already discussed Le Marche St. George - Yum. Go if you haven't been.


But what else is in the 'hood that should be luring you there, besides cool real estate, friendly neighbourhoods and mountain views?

What about Graze? Ok, it is vegan, but they make vegan mouth watering. And after my stint in Santa Monica, land of the gluten-free, I am open to it. It just opened in the Spring and its worth venturing there for dinner.


Are you ernestly yearning for some Ernest Ice Cream? Now you can go get a scoop or a glass jar of it. They have now hopped off the bike and opened a stationary spot to satisfy your craving for Mulled Pear, Blue Cheese & Fig or Sour Cherry Chocolate Chip ice cream. And if you can't get enough Vegan, they have Chocolate, Coconut Kaffir Lime and Peanut Butter Chocolate already!!

And on the other side of the fence, the animal protein side...mmmmmm who doesn't love Les Faux Bourgeois. This bistro cafe transports you into a small town in France where the majority of the clientele and all the servers are speaking french. And they are serving the most divine steak frites or moules frites. The Vancouver Sun's Mia Stainsby “It either makes you pine for Paris, or transports you there!” 

Howaboutwe.com

How about we check this out? We all know about online dating sites for singles, this works for singles too, but it also works for couples. Intrigued…it’s not what you are thinking.

This service, still only in the U.S. sends couples on curated date experiences, tailored for two. For a monthly fee, members browse a collection of local date experiences, pick the ones they like, and go.  They take care of all the details. If you don’t have the time or energy to plan it, they will do it for you. Think couples astrology readings, Food Tours, at home couples massage and dinner. Membership also includes one free date every month, free concierge service to plan customized dates, and access to exclusive rewards like two-for-one movie tickets and discounted car service. Want to spice up your married/together life, this site will suggest and organize all sorts of things for couples to do. If you have any cool suggestions for a Vancouver How About we (fill in the blank) send them to me and I will share it with everyone. 

 

Watch the Video
ruthie@ruthieshugarman.com

604.879.2941

604.263.1144

604.263.6699

  

Dexter Associates Realty

Kerrisdale

2094 West 43rd Avenue

Vancouver, BC.   V6M 2C9

...
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We are proud to announce that this Oct 6th, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 1088 Richards St. in Richards Living in the Yaletown neighborhood, Vancouver. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Apartment for sale in beautiful Yaletown.

Please come with any questions you may...

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I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 100 656 West 13th Ave, Vancouver, BC

Picture your Pied-À-Terre in Paris…only one home per floor & inside is luxury. Open plan living w/ the highest of finishings – infloor hot water heating, hot water on demand, Viking gas range & fridge, Miele dishwasher,...

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I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 300 656 West 13th Ave, Vancouver, BC

Picture your Pied-À-Terre in Paris…the elevator only opens to your home & inside is luxury. Open plan living w/ the highest of finishings – infloor hot water heating, hot water on demand, Viking gas range & fridge, Miele...

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Our Current Passion Projects


They’re fun, and you’re all invited!





Pillow Talk

 

this event gathers women and leaders in the community for a salon-style information sharing from experts in our community. 






Swaps 


Invented by Ruthie in 2008, this bi-annual event draws over a hundred women to “swap” their gently used clothes. Attendees get a refresh of their wardrobe with fantastic finds without spending money, with remaining clothing donated to women’s charities.


Categories


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Fabulous Groups We Work With

Arts Umbrella 
Ladies Media Classic Golf Tournament
Crofton House School Golf Tournament
Splash Art Option and Gala 

Dunbar Little League
Vancouver United Soccer
Thunderbirds hockey
Hawks Field hockey

Pacific Autism Family Network Golf Tournament Sponsor
Ride to Conquer Cancer

Avalon Recovery Society
St. James Music Academy
Jewish Federation
WISH Drop-In Centre Society
Local dance, theatre, and ski clubs



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