Greetings!
 Moving to a new house is an exciting life change but it can also be very stressful. Our first article outlines some strategies that'll help things go smoothly.
Many of us take vacations this time of year so our second article offers some tips on how to "Go Green" while on holiday.
Finally, our third article shares some great advice on how to take care of your cell phone.
Thanks for checking out our newsletter. Let us know if you have any questions or comments regarding the articles or real estate in general -- we'd love to hear from you!
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| How to Organize a Smooth Move |
 It's important to be as organized as possible when you move into your new home. Planning ahead is key to a successful move and you’ll find the more organized you are, the less stress you'll endure.
Start by packing nonessential items like pictures and books and keep them out of sight so you’re not constantly reminded of the move. It's also a great time to donate things you no longer need to charity. Here are a few packing tips for the rest of your stuff:
- lay towels between pictures before bundling them up
- keep items such as remotes and cables together
- pack your sheets and linens into suitcases
- water your plants the day before the move
- unscrew light bulbs from all your lamps
Pack a box of essential items (sheets, towels, toilet paper, coffee, dish cloths, garbage bags) to see you through the first few days in your new home. Ask your children to add things like stuffed toys and a few books.
Schedule your move with as much notice as possible but try to avoid the last day of the month. Fridays are also very busy and if something goes wrong, you may have to wait all weekend to get it sorted. Here are a few other things to consider when planning your move:
- reserve the service elevator if moving to or from a high-rise
- ensure your insurance policy covers you during the move
- submit a change of address form to the post office
- disconnect and reconnect utilities and telephone services
- transport photo albums and other personal items yourself
The best way to ensure a smooth move is to write out a plan of action. Make a "to do" list that clearly states what needs to be done and by when. If you follow these tips, you’ll have fond memories of the first day in your new home.
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| Leave Your Footprints on the Beach, Not the Planet |
 If you’re vacationing this summer, you'll find it's easy to be environmentally friendly even while you’re away. Here are some simple ideas to consider:
- Picture This - Take digital pictures and write a journal or scrap book to remember your trip.
- Fill Up - Use refillable water bottles instead of buying plastic bottles that end up in landfills.
- Buy Local - Purchase souvenirs from local artisans instead of mass produced, throwaway stuff.
- Eat Local - To fully appreciate the area you’re visiting, take in the local fare -- it usually tastes much better anyway!
- Conserve Energy - Avoid having your towels and linens replaced each day and turn off lights, the A/C and TV when you're not around.
- Trains, Planes & Automobiles - Trains are a great way to enjoy local scenery plus they're environmentally friendly. If you rent a car, consider a hybrid.
Tourists often leave huge carbon footprints behind but there are ways to minimize the environmental impact. Now you can enjoy your vacation knowing that you've done your part for the planet!
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| Smart Security For Smart Phones |
 You’ve probably lost or damaged your cell phone more times than you'd care to remember. It’s important to protect it just like you would a computer so:
- regularly back up your data (contacts, music, photos, etc.)
- delete personal information before recycling your old phone
- purchase a case to protect it from spills and scratches
- exercise caution when opening emails and links
- always protect your phone with a password
Losing personal information can be devastating! Threats such as loss, theft, damage and accidental erasure are common with mini-computer style smart phones so it’s important to regularly take steps to proactively protect them.
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| Hot Days and Music in Maple Ridge |
 Another year has gone by and once again it is time to put on your bright shirts, dreds if you have them and come on down to 224th Street in Maple Ridge to enjoy the sounds and tastes of the Caribbean!
Debi invites all of our valued clients to come down and enjoy the hot sun, hot music and great food along with over 50 craft vendors to help her celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Maple Ridge Caribbean Festival. She has been on the organizing committee since the beginning and she is very proud of how the event continues to grow and attract more and more people into our town.
The event is on Saturday July 10th from 9am til 830 and includes a youth dance to the sounds of Los Furios ( an up and coming local band) in the park from 6-830. Sunday we continue the party from noon until 9pm with lots of music and entertainment, childrens rides and craft tents, lots of food and craft vendors and an amazing headliner act.
Tosh 1 – son of the amazing Peter Tosh who played with Bob Marley, will be gracing our stage as the final act on Sunday. For more information please go to www.mapleridgecaribbeanfestival.com
Hope to see you there!
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| June Market Update |
 The overall market volume in sales in the lower mainland was down 9.5% in June compared to the month of May and the number of properties available for sale had a negligible increase. The stable inventory and decreasing sales volume was accompanied by a stabilized sale price across the board.
Locally in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows we saw the number of sales identical to the month of May and a minor increase in inventory. These statistics were accompanied by a 2-4% increase in sale prices of condo’s. townhouses and single family homes.
It would appear that we have a “normal” summer market for the first time in about 10 years. Expect homes to sell in the 30-60 day time frame and expect July and August to be quieter as people enjoy time off from work and kids are out of school.
It will take a couple of months for people to fully assess the impact of the HST and their household budgets. Interest rates remain very competitive with some lenders offering .5 to .75 % below prime and terms up to 35 years. This translates into borrowing $300,000 at a variable rate below prime with a 35 year amortisation and the monthly payment is still less than $1000!
Thinking of a move, give us a call today.
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| We Love Referrals |
 Over the last 19 years we have had the pleasure of buying and selling properties with the same clients 2-3 or more times. We are always happy to hear from past clients whether they are moving themselves, have friends or acquaintances moving , have questions about the market or financing or just want to chat. A large portion of our success is from referrals and past clients.
We like to recognize the fact that you have thought of us and are comfortable sending clients to us with a little something extra for you. When you refer someone to us and they buy or sell we send you a check for $250. If you send us a second buyer or seller in the same year we send a check for $500 and any subsequent buyers or sellers within the same 12 months $1000.
The easiest way to refer someone to us is to get permission from them for us to call them and then call us with their contact information. It is that easy. You know that they will be well looked after and you receive a little something for an evening out.
Think of us for all your real estate and financing questions and needs.
Don, Debi, Nicole and Michelle
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Are you sick of scouring the paper and MLS sites looking for homes? Tired of playing telephone tag with agents only to hear the home's already sold? Sit back, relax and let me do the work for you! Just visit