Here are a few resources that will help you navigate the Olympics:

The road closures have already begun. If you have to drive be sure to check for closures and restrictions ahead of time. Many of the major downtown routes will have Olympic Vehicles only lanes. You might decide to walk or take public transport instead!

Visit travelsmart2010.ca for road closures and parking restriction maps.

Want to share a ride? Find ride matches at  ride-share.com.

Buses, Sky Train and Sea Bus maps and schedules

Did you know the Olympic Line is FREE?
The Olympic Line connects Granville Island to the Canada Line Olympic Village Station (Cambie Street and West 2nd Avenue) between January 21 and March 21, 2010.
For more information on the Olympic Line CLICK HERE

MAPS, MAPS AND MORE MAPS

From walking tours and routes, to a public art map and transportation routes for transport trucks, to a half dozen city maps of various kinds.  FIND THEM HERE

WHAT’S HAPPENING on and around the Olympics?

VANCOUVER2010.COM is the main website for the Olympics. You could spend hours on the site finding interesting stuff to do.

Information about the VENUES for both sporting and non-sporting events

CULTURAL FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Not interested in sports, or want a good dose of culture too? There is so much to do you’ll want to hire a social secretary. For your dose of culture CLICK HERE

Let’s not forget about RICHMOND and   WHISTLER

This year Justin and I were once again recipients of The Mortgage Group’s Summit Award. The purpose of the Summit Awards is to acknowledge the top producing brokers in the company.

Part of the Summit Award was a trip to a Five Star resort in Mexico.

Here are Justin and myself with two other Summit Award winners, Monique Cornish and John Charbonneau.

Honest … we didn’t have THAT much to drink, but somehow they managed to get us to pose for the following.    Cast your vote for your favorite mortgage team costumes!

Surf and Turf Team Special

Team Arriba!!

We’re planning on even MORE fun next year!

Here’s a market update from our friends at Macdonald Realty; Simon Clayton, Kristie Marsden, Jason Low, Sandra Ens, Jason Feinstadt and Jenny Stephanson.

Welcome to 2010!

Last year at this time, uncertainty from the financial sector spilled over into every facet of the economy. The housing market was hardest hit as buyers and sellers froze in fear of whatever bad news lurked around the corner. However, by April, it looked as though the worst of the crisis was over, and pent-up demand, especially amongst first-time buyers, began to thaw the frozen housing market.

Fast-forward to today and it’s almost as though the crisis never happened. In many areas, prices are back up to pre-financial crisis levels, and multiple offer situations have been occurring throughout the winter months – traditionally the real estate market’s coolest period.

This year, we are expecting that momentum to continue as the strength of the winter selling season moves into the traditionally stronger spring. The continued ascension from this most recent recession is expected to be a positive factor in the market, as will Canada’s new Approved Destination Status with China. In addition, there is mild optimism that the seven-year build-up to the Olympics will translate into greater economic activity throughout Western Canada, although the jury is still out on whether this will affect house sales activity or prices.

Regardless, 2010 is shaping up to be an interesting year on a number of fronts. I look forward to answering any questions you may have.

January 2010 Market Update

If you would like to learn more, please feel free to contact us by phone or by clicking on one of the links below:

Simon Clayton 604-764-0711

Kristie Marsden 778-836-4389

Jason Low 604-790-5276

Sandra Ens 604-263-1911

Jenny Stephanson 604-675-6214

Jason Feinstadt 604-263-1911

MacDonald Realty 604-263-1911