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Cell 604-617-1208 | robblair@remax.net
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Painting your front door can give your home a major curb appeal boost, but if it’s steel, you’ll want to go about it a little bit differently than you would if it were wood or laminate. The good news: the best paint for a steel door is similar to what you would use for most any other home painting project, though you’ll want to keep some very specific factors in mind as you look at your options.
Here’s what to know before you get going so that you can pick up the right supplies and ensure your steel door ends up with an attractive and long-lasting finish.
Most paints work well on metal with the right application process, and you should have good results with most high-quality varieties, including both water-based acrylic paints (also called latex paints) and oil-based paints (also called solvent-based paints). Look for a paint that is rust- and fade-resistant, and that is suitable for use on an exterior door.
Pros often use oil-based paints for metal surfaces, since they’re the most durable for the job. However, these types of paint are more toxic than their water-based counterparts, and require both a longer drying time and a tougher clean-up process.
It’s up to you to decide what you’re up for and what’s in your skill set as a DIYer, but here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of both types to help you choose.
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
All of these factors are things to keep in mind as you go about your project. If you do opt for oil-based paints, make sure to paint your steel door in a well-ventilated area (outside is best) and to wear protective gear such as a mask and gloves.
Picking out the best paint for a steel door is one part of the process, but it’s not the only thing you’ll want to be sure to grab at the store. These are the other items you’ll need.
Toolkit – While it’s not required that you remove your door completely from its frame in order to paint it, it is an important step if you want to achieve optimal results. Have a basic toolkit with you so that you can remove the hinges and hardware, and be sure to store all pieces you remove together in a bag or box so you can easily find them later on.
Degreaser – This is used to prep your steel door for painting by first stripping off any grease or oil stains on the surface.
Paint stripper or heat gun – If your metal door is already painted then you’ll want to remove that prior to adding on new layers. Whichever method you choose, work slow and with a delicate hand to ensure that you don’t accidentally scratch or otherwise damage the steel surface underneath.
Sandpaper – Sanding is key, even if you’re painting a steel door that hasn’t previously had a coat of paint on it. Go with a fine sandpaper at or around 400 grit, and use a light touch to gently buff the outer surface.
Multi-surface primer – Even the best paint for a metal door can only go so far if you don’t take the time to prime first. A multi-surface primer will work with both water- and oil-based paints, and will give you a good surface to start from—just be sure to check the directions on the can and apply enough coats (and to let your primer fully dry in between).
Other general painting supplies you’ll need for painting a steel door:
Don’t forget protective painting gear too. You’ll want goggles and a mask for sanding, as well as the same items plus gloves if you’re planning to use oil-based paints.
For cleaning your paintbrushes and rollers, soap and water will work just fine for water-based paints but you’ll need to use special chemical solvents for removing oil-based paint.
If you’ve never painted metal before then you may be wary about tackling this project on your own. To help you out, we’ve got some quick answers to common questions about painting steel front doors, including some reasons you might want to call in a pro instead.
Can I use interior paint on a steel door?
Technically yes in that it will adhere, but it’s not going to offer you the best long-term results. Go with an exterior paint, or better yet, a paint that is specially formulated for painting metal surfaces, including doors.
How do you paint a steel door without removing it?
If you’d rather have your front door in place while you paint it that’s fine, but you’ll need to be extra careful—especially when it comes to ventilation. Use painter’s tape to carefully section off any hardware and keep windows open in addition to using a box fan or two to allow the air to circulate. Also make sure to keep children or pets away both while you’re painting and while each coat is drying.
How long should I wait in between coats of paint?
Applying another coat of paint before the previous one is fully dry will likely leave you with streaks or other unwanted texture. Read the directions carefully on both the paint and primer that you choose to see what the drying times are, and allow for plenty of air circulation to ensure that each coat dries efficiently.
When is it better to have a professional do the job?
This is ultimately up to you and depends on your skill level and confidence. Painting a steel front door isn’t necessarily a hard project, but it is time-consuming and—depending on the type of paint you’ve chosen—exposes you to toxins. If you’re at all concerned, call a service provider for a quote and find out if it would be worth handing off the task.
Sales are down, listings up and pricea are holding steady. | Western Investor
September housing sales across Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley dropped as much as 50 per cent compared to a year earlier, but benchmark home prices are holding relatively firm.
However, with more than 15,700 homes for sale in a slowing market, prices may face downward pressure.
Sales fell to 1,687 in the month, the lowest level for September since 2018, which marked the slowest sales month in 30 years, according to data from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV).
Total transactions through the multiple listing service were down 47 per cent from a year earlier, with some markets seeing declines above 51 per cent.
Last month’s sales were 35.7 per cent below the 10-year September sales average.
Despite the year-over-year sales skid, the composite benchmark home price in Greater Vancouver was up 3.9 per cent from September of last year to $1.15 million.
Sales of detached houses dropped 44.7 per cent over the year, but the benchmark price was 3.8 per cent higher than a year earlier and down just 2.4 per cent from August 2022, at $1.90 million.
In the Fraser Valley, total housing sales in September nosedived 51.9 per cent compared to September 2021, but the benchmark price of a detached house was up 4.1 per cent on the year, to $1.46 million. Townhouse benchmark prices increased 11.6 per cent from a year earlier to $822,400, while condo apartment prices were up 14.5 per cent in the same period to $530,400, despite slumping sales.
Home prices across Metro Vancouver, however, have been declining by an average of about 1.5 per cent per month for the past six months, real estate data shows.
“There’s no question that interest rates continue to be a primary factor in the market trends over the past six months or so,” said Sandra Benz, president of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “The sales slowdown we’re seeing reflects a level of caution exercised by buyers, who are likely waiting for the market to settle further before jumping in.”
She added, “ In the meantime, we anticipate prices may continue to decline across all categories.”
Kevin Skipworth, a partner in Dexter Associates Realty of Vancouver, noted that interest rates have increased less than prices have fallen, on a percentage basis.
The average five-year fixed-rate mortgage rate increased by 1.95 per cent in the last six months, but the price of a detached house in East Vancouver has fallen 10.6 per cent and it dropped by 13.4 per cent in North Vancouverm he said, and by double-digits in East and South Burnaby, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and Ladner, compared to April 2022.
“The benchmark detached house price in Greater Vancouver is now $173,400 less than it was six months ago, and it has fallen by $270,000 in the Fraser Valley,” Skipworth said, “That covers a lot of mortgage payments”
Listings are increasing, which may keep prices from rallying.
In Greater Vancouver, the total number of homes currently listed is 9,971, an 8 per cent increase compared to September 2021 and up 3.2 per cent from August 2022, the REBGV reports.
There are now 5,805 homes for sale in the Fraser Valley, up 52.3 per cent compared to September of 2021, the Fraser Real Estate Board reports.
If, like us, you’re naturally curious about new developments in the city and surrounding area, you’ll definitely want to check out this stunning addition.
The construction of one of Metrotown’s tallest residential towers, Highline Metrotown, is currently underway. And, once completed in the summer of 2023, the 48-storey building will be the highest structure on Beresford Street.
Leading real estate developer Thind is currently launching the second phase of the project — the Sky Estates collection. Spanning floors 33 to 48, this exclusive collection will consist of luxurious one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes.
Each condo will soar above Metrotown, giving residents a breathtaking view from every angle. With unobstructed views of the mountains, central Burnaby, and the water, there will be unique beauty everywhere you look.
The Sky Estates homes offer a level of sophistication and elevation that rivals even the finest five-star hotels. Inside, the developer and designers have prioritized attention to detail everywhere, from functionality to luxury finishes. Imported Italian cabinetry, airy 9 ft ceilings, ultra-wide-plank laminate wood flooring, and high-efficiency heating and air-conditioning for year-round comfort are among the exceptional features in every home.
Each space also boasts a sizeable balcony, creating a desirable outdoor living area where you can take in the magnificent views. To ensure maximum privacy, roller shades are also featured in the bedrooms.
Sleek and modern interiors make for a sight almost as beautiful as the landscape outside your window. The Sky Estates kitchens are spaces you’ll truly want to spend time in, whether it’s cooking up everyday meals or hosting a dinner party with friends. Features include engineered quartz stone countertops, full-height backsplashes, abundant storage, overhead illuminated recessed lighting, and soft, under-cabinet lighting.
Bathrooms continue the elevated tone, with stainless steel rainfall glass door showers, quartz countertops, expansive mirrors, and porcelain and marble tiles — all creating a spa-like ambience.
The location of the tower in Metrotown, Burnaby — an area on its way to becoming an urban hotspot with a fast-growing population — means everything you need is within reach. Highline is just steps away from numerous cafes, parks, schools, and, of course, Metropolis at Metrotown — BC’s largest shopping mall. It’s also conveniently situated a stone’s throw from Metrotown SkyTrain Station, making commuting effortless.
What’s more, Sky Estates residents will also have access to an on-site, full-service concierge to handle their daily needs, as well as a fully secured underground parking garage with remote entry. The building also features secure FOB entry and elevator access on each floor for residents’ safety.
The gap between construction and demand is expected to be as much as 3.5 million units by 2030, Crown corporation says
Even under the most optimistic scenarios, housing starts are likely to end up significantly lower than the 2030 affordable housing supply targets established by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the agency said in a new report.
Markets that will be particularly affected are British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec.
“Two-thirds of the 3.5 million housing unit gap are in Ontario and British Columbia,” CMHC said. “These two provinces have housing markets that are not affordable, and they have faced large declines in affordability.”
Only Alberta is expected to achieve its affordable housing supply target by 2030.
“We didn’t think the challenges were this acute,” said Dana Senagama, report co-author and senior specialist in market insights at CMHC. “We thought that there was more capacity in order to achieve these goals. These provinces are going to have problems, but how much they will have… is what was more surprising.”
Read more: StatCan on the pace of growth in building permit values
“There are significant barriers to achieving this quantity of supply,” CMHC said. “Currently, skills shortages and supply-chain challenges are pushing up construction costs – meaning it can take more time to build.”
Complicating matters are the long-standing challenges posed by regulatory red tape, CMHC added.
“It can take many years to obtain approval for new construction in some parts of Canada. Without any means of lowering Canadians’ demand for housing, increased housing supply is the only means of achieving affordability.”
Senagam suggested an intensified focus on building apartments to address the lack of supply.
“Labour is able to get more things done within the same building, so it’s easier to move equipment and cranes as opposed to in those big, low-rise subdivisions, where it appears … that more workers are needed to move between one house and another,” Senagam said.
News Release
Metro Vancouver saw more home sellers and fewer buyers in September:
Vancouver, B.C. – October 4, 2022 – Home sellers were more active in Metro Vancouver’s*
housing market in September while home buyer demand remained below the region’s long-term
averages.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the
region totalled 1,687 in September 2022, a 46.4 per cent decrease from the 3,149 sales recorded
in September 2021, and a 9.8 per cent decrease from the 1,870 homes sold in August 2022.
Last month’s sales were 35.7 per cent below the 10-year September sales average.
“With the Bank of Canada and other central banks around the globe hiking rates in an effort to
stamp out inflation, the cost to borrow funds has risen substantially over a short period,” said
Andrew Lis, REBGV director, economics and data analytics. “This has resulted in a more
challenging environment for borrowers looking to purchase a home, and home sales across the
region have dropped accordingly.”
There were 4,229 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the
Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in September 2022. This represents an
18.2 per cent decrease compared to the 5,171 homes listed in September 2021 and a 27.1 per cent
increase compared to August 2022 when 3,328 homes were listed.
The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is
9,971, an eight per cent increase compared to September 2021 (9,236) and a 3.2 per cent increase
compared to August 2022 (9,662).
“With fewer homes selling and new listings continuing to come to market, inventory is
beginning to accumulate, providing buyers with more selection compared to last year,” Lis said.
“With more supply and less demand within this market cycle, residential home prices have
edged down in the region over the last six months.”
For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for September 2022 is 16.9 per cent. By
property type, the ratio is 12.4 per cent for detached homes, 18.4 per cent for townhomes, and
20.9 per cent for apartments.
Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12
per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it
surpasses 20 per cent over several months.
The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro
Vancouver is currently $1,155,300. This represents a 3.9 per cent increase over September 2021,
an 8.5 per cent decline over the past six months, and a 2.1 per cent decline compared to August
2022.
Sales of detached homes in September 2022 reached 525, a 44.7 per cent decrease from the 950
detached sales recorded in September 2021. The benchmark price for a detached home is
$1,906,400. This represents a 3.8 per cent increase from September 2021 and a 2.4 per cent
decrease compared to August 2022.
Sales of apartment homes reached 888 in September 2022, a 45.2 per cent decrease compared to
the 1,621 sales in September 2021. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $728,500. This
represents a 6.2% per cent increase from September 2021 and a 1.6 per cent decrease compared
to August 2022.
Attached home sales in September 2022 totalled 274, a 52.6 per cent decrease compared to the
578 sales in September 2021. The benchmark price of an attached home is $1,048,900. This
represents a 9.1 per cent increase from September 2021 and a 1.9 per cent decrease compared to
August 2022.
*Editor’s Note: Areas covered by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Burnaby, Coquitlam, Maple
Ridge, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, South Delta,
Squamish, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Whistler.
The real estate industry is a key economic driver in British Columbia. In 2021, 43,999 homes changed ownership in
the Board’s area, generating $2.98 billion in economic spin-off activity and an estimated 20,942 jobs. The total
dollar value of residential sales transacted through the MLS® system in Greater Vancouver totalled $53.4 billion in
2021.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is an association representing more than 14,000 REALTORS® and
their companies. The Board provides a variety of member services, including the Multiple Listing Service®. For
more information on real estate, statistics, and buying or selling a home, contact a local REALTOR® or visit
www.rebgv.org.
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Metro Vancouver’s housing market is experiencing a quieter summer season marked by reduced sale and listing activity.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 1,870 in August 2022, a 40.7 per cent decrease from the 3,152 sales recorded in August 2021, and a 0.9 per cent decrease from the 1,887 homes sold in July 2022.
Last month’s sales were 29.2 per cent below the 10-year August sales average.
There were 3,328 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in August 2022. This represents a 17.5 per cent decrease compared to the 4,032 homes listed in August 2021 and a 16 per cent decrease compared to July 2022 when 3,960 homes were listed.
The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 9,662, a 7.3 per cent increase compared to August 2021 (9,005) and a 6.1 per cent decrease compared to July 2022 (10,288).
“Home buyers and sellers are taking more time to assess what this changing landscape means for their housing needs,” Lis said. “Preparation is critical in today’s market. Work with your Realtor to assess what today’s home prices, financing options, and other considerations mean for you.”
For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for August 2022 is 19.4 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 12.2 per cent for detached homes, 25.3 per cent for townhomes, and 24.8 per cent for apartments.
Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.
The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,180,500. This represents a 7.4 per cent increase over August 2021 and a 2.2 per cent decrease compared to July 2022.
Sales of detached homes in August 2022 reached 517, a 45.3 per cent decrease from the 945 detached sales recorded in August 2021. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,954,100. This represents a 7.9 per cent increase from August 2021 and a 2.3 per cent decrease compared to July 2022.
Sales of apartment homes reached 998 in August 2022, a 38.8 per cent decrease compared to the 1,631 sales in August 2021. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $740,100. This represents an 8.7 per cent increase from August 2021 and a two per cent decrease compared to July 2022.
Attached home sales in August 2022 totalled 355, a 38.4 per cent decrease compared to the 576 sales in August 2021. The benchmark price of an attached home is $1,069,100. This represents a 12.7 per cent increase from August 2021 and a 2.5 per cent decrease compared to July 2022.
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Be the first to know! Read our monthly housing market reports to get the most up-to-date statistics and to hear our perspective on what the latest buying and selling trends mean for you.
The Metro Vancouver* housing market saw steady home sales activity, modest increases in home listings and continued upward trends in pricing in February.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 3,424 in February 2022, an 8.1 per cent decrease from the 3,727 sales recorded in February 2021, and a 49.8 per cent increase from the 2,285 homes sold in January 2022.
Last month’s sales were 26.9 per cent above the 10-year February sales average.
There were 5,471 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in February 2022. This represents an 8.4 per cent increase compared to the 5,048 homes listed in February 2021 and a 31.2 per cent increase compared to January 2022 when 4,170 homes were listed.
The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 6,742, a 19.3 per cent decrease compared to February 2021 (8,358) and a 19.1 per cent increase compared to January 2022 (5,663).
“Despite having a higher volume of people listing their homes for sale in February, the region’s housing market remains significantly undersupplied, which has been pushing home prices to new highs month after month,” Biggar said.
For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for February 2022 is 50.8 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 34.9 per cent for detached homes, 64.3 per cent for townhomes, and 62.2 per cent for apartments.
Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.
The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,313,400. This represents a 20.7 per cent increase over February 2021 and a 4.6 per cent increase compared to January 2022.
“A lack of housing supply is at the heart of the affordability challenges in Metro Vancouver today. We need more coordinated action from stakeholders at all levels to help create an ample, diverse supply of housing options for residents in the region today and into the future,” Biggar said.
Sales of detached homes in February 2022 reached 1,010, an 18 per cent decrease from the 1,231 detached sales recorded in February 2021. The benchmark price for detached properties is $2,044,800. This represents a 25 per cent increase from February 2021 and a 4.7 per cent increase compared to January 2022.
Sales of apartment homes reached 1,854 in February 2022, a 5.4 per cent increase compared to the 1,759 sales in February 2021. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $807,900. This represents a 15.9 per cent increase from February 2021 and a 4.1 per cent increase compared to January 2022.
Attached home sales in February 2022 totalled 560, a 24 per cent decrease compared to the 737 sales in February 2021. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $1,090,000. This represents a 27.2 per cent increase from February 2021 and a 5.9 per cent increase compared to January 2022.
*Areas covered by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Burnaby, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, South Delta, Squamish, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Whistler.
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'It works!': Vancouverites share their first experiences using the BC Vaccine Card
The majority of British Columbians are sharing glowing reviews after using the new BC Vaccine Card at businesses across the province.
Effective Sept. 13, people must show proof of at least one dose of vaccination to gain entry to places such as restaurants with table service, large sporting events, gyms, and more.
Since the BC Vaccine Card was announced on Sept. 7, more than 2.2 million people have obtained their cards.
While some people were turned away for not carrying proof of vaccination, most people who had it have reported a near-seamless process.
Many people say they're using a photo gallery to access their vaccine card, while others have printed out a copy. Several people even lined up on Monday to have their cards laminated.
Although it was the first day, numerous people said they didn't encounter any issues using the digital card to gain entry to businesses across the Lower Mainland.
One woman noted that she was asked for proof of vaccination at three different venues and could scan her QR code at each one.
"It Works!!
Many businesses prompted patrons to have their cards (digital or paper) ready for when they were needed.
Some people are having some difficulties accessing their card in order to use it, however.
The Province has allowed a grace period until Sept. 23 for people to get their official BC Vaccine Card. During this period, you may use the paper copy you received at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic as proof.
You can get either save a digital copy of your card to your mobile device or print a hard copy to present along with your government-issued photo identification when entering designated businesses and events.
I make myself available at all times. When you are ready to see a listing in person, or just have a simple question, please don't hesitate to contact me!