Blog by MJ Ankenman

Interest Only!

June 28th, 2006
I just received exciting news from CMHC (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation). CMHC provides mortgage loan insurance to lenders, enabling home buyers access to mortgages with as little as 5% down. They have just made several announcements that increase the accessibility of home ownership. The first announcement is that the application fee of $165 to $235 has been eliminated. While there ...

Communting Kills!

June 23rd, 2006
The headline "IS YOUR COMMUTE A KILLER" in The Vancouver Sun on Wednesday, June 21st grabbed my attention. According to a recent report by Sightline, an environmental think-tank based in Seattle, suburbanites are less healthy than downtowners. It seems while us downtowners are biking/running/rollerblading the seawall and burning calories, the suburbanites  are sitting in their cars commuting. ...

Drop by, Have a Coffee, Discuss Real Estate

June 18th, 2006
Due to the success of our Buyers and Investors Real Estate Seminar a few weeks back and at the request of several participates to hear more, Jill Garcia, RBC Mortgage Specialist and I are holding a series of informal drop in info sessions. The first of these sessions will be on Monday, July 10th 7pm - 8pm at The Blenz Coffee Shop at 508 Richards St. (Richards & Davie) Please stop by, meet oth ...

Families in The City

June 12th, 2006
Read an interesting story that was the cover article for this weeks Vancouver Courier. The article was titled "In the City" and highlighted families that have decided to raise children in downtown Vancouver in condominiums versus houses in the suburbs. It emphasised that less reliance on an automobile and services such as community centres and schools were important decision making fac ...

Property Taxes

June 7th, 2006
This is one of those good news, bad news entries. The bad news is that property taxes increased by 6.4%. The good news, the homeowner grant has increased $100 from $470 to $570, for properties under $780,000. Full details of the grant are on the back of the tax notice or go to the City of Vancouver website. For new home buyers remember when you are looking at properties to adjust the quoted p ...

101 1650 BAYSHORE DR, Vancouver West British Columbia

June 7th, 2006

I just finished uploading this Condo, 101 1650 BAYSHORE DR, Vancouver West British Columbia

Condo for sale. Spectacular Coal Harbour, Bayshore Gardens. Unique 2 bedroom + den suite. Large private wrap around patio, 2 of them with view of North Shore mountain and Stanl ey Park. Like having your own little paradise in one of the most coveted areas.

709 2137 W 10TH AV, Vancouver West British Columbia

June 7th, 2006

I just finished uploading this Condo, 709 2137 W 10TH AV, Vancouver West British Columbia

Condo for sale. By award-winning Adera, this 7 storey concrete building located in Arbutus Walk. Granite kitchen & hard wood in living room & dining room. Beautiful view of UBC and some water views. Corner Penthouse, open plan, looks larger that it is.