Katherine Volway (www.katherinevolway.com) : Blog

King George Corridor Open House!

Katherine Volway — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:39:29 -0700

We are proud to announce that this May 6th, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 15270 17TH Ave in The Cambridge in the King George Corridor neighborhood, South Surrey White Rock. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful King George Corridor.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this King George Corridor Condo for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604-531-4000 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Katherine Volway
Bay Realty Ltd.

202 15270 17TH Ave, South Surrey White Rock, British Columbia

Katherine Volway — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:35:02 -0700

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 202 15270 17TH Ave, South Surrey White Rock, British Columbia

The Cambridge: Rare 3 bedroom, 1600+ sq. ft. south facing suite only a block to Semi Mall. Very spacious rooms, kitchen with eating area, elegant gas fireplace, French doors to 3rd bed/den. Separate laundry room with storage. Ensuite has bath and walk-in shower off of large master bedroom. Well maintained building with hot water heat and gas included in maintenance fee. 2 parking spots, storage locker; no pets, rentals or BBQs. Priced to reflect decorating ideas required.

202 15270 17TH Ave, South Surrey White Rock, British Columbia

Katherine Volway — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:34:29 -0700

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 202 15270 17TH Ave, South Surrey White Rock, British Columbia

7 1840 160TH Street, South Surrey White Rock, British Columbia

Katherine Volway — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:58:51 -0700

I just finished uploading this Manufactured home for sale, 7 1840 160TH Street, South Surrey White Rock, British Columbia

Breakaway Bays Beauty! Show home presentation of this double wide Modular home. Owners have replaced the roof, skylights, flooring, counters, backsplash, window coverings, yard, fencing, & appliances. Open & bright with cozy gas fireplac e, this home even comes with a rarely offered single garage. Fenced south yard & carefree landscaping keeps the work to a minimum. Not a drive by-must get in to appreciate. Monthly fee of $853 includes taxes, elec. water, summer pool, & clubhouse. Buyers must be approved by management. Small pet & children allowed.

Sunnyside Park Surrey Open House!

Katherine Volway — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:13:35 -0700

We are proud to announce that this Apr 15th, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 1711 140TH Street in the Sunnyside Park Surrey neighborhood, South Surrey White Rock. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Townhouse for sale in beautiful Sunnyside Park Surrey.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Sunnyside Park Surrey Townhouse for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604-531-4000 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Katherine Volway
Bay Realty Ltd.

2397 141st St., Surrey, BC

Katherine Volway — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:11:20 -0700

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 2397 141st St., Surrey, BC

COMING SOON! 4 bedroom/games family home in Forest Edge with large west facing lot.

411 15368 16A Ave, South Surrey White Rock, British Columbia

Katherine Volway — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:47:49 -0700

I just sold this Condo at 411 15368 16A Ave, South Surrey White Rock, British Columbia King George Corridor.

View this recently sold Condo or see all my home sales

2102 1222 KING GEORGE Blvd, South Surrey White Rock, British Columbia

Katherine Volway — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:47:38 -0700

I just sold this Condo at 2102 1222 KING GEORGE Blvd, South Surrey White Rock, British Columbia King George Corridor.

View this recently sold Condo or see all my home sales

1 15075 60TH Ave, Surrey, British Columbia

Katherine Volway — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:47:32 -0700

I just sold this Townhouse at 1 15075 60TH Ave, Surrey, British Columbia Sullivan Station.

View this recently sold Townhouse or see all my home sales

4 1711 140TH Street, South Surrey White Rock, British Columbia

Katherine Volway — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:16:54 -0700

I just finished uploading this Townhouse for sale, 4 1711 140TH Street, South Surrey White Rock, British Columbia

Oceanwood Rancher Townhome in prime corner location. Lovely sunny south yard and long garage apron for guest parking. Current owner has updated the carpeting, window treatments, & appliances. There is hardwood in the foyer, kitchen, eat. area & fam. room. Elegant vaulted ceilings in the living/dining rooms are accented with a graceful fireplace. Large white kitchen has centre island. Master suite is over-sized with wonderful pampering ensuite & walk-in closet. This gated complex is near a convenience store, hardware, & bus routes. Unfinished basement is great for storage or? Pet allowed, rentals restricted.

Rebates for New Housing

Katherine Volway — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:16:45 -0700

On February 17, 2012, the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) transition rules were published, and BC Minister of Finance Kevin Falcon reaffirmed that the PST would be reinstated on April 1, 2013. Minister Falcon also announced two significant relief measures for the real estate sector:

Effective April 1, 2012, the BC HST rebate threshold for new homes will increase to $850,000 from $525,000, with a maximum rebate of $42,500.
Effective April 1, 2012, buyers of newly-constructed recreational properties/secondary homes outside of the Capital and Greater Vancouver Regional Districts, will be able to claim a provincial grant of up to $42,500. Currently, no grant is available for such purchases.

In his provincial budget speech on February 21, 2012, Minister Kevin Falcon announced the government's intention to introduce the BC First-Time New Home Buyers' bonus. Subject to approval by the BC legislature, this temporary measure (Feb. 21, 2012-Mar. 31, 2013) will provide a refundable income tax credit of up to $10,000 to first-time buyers of newly-built homes.

HST to PST: Transition Rules

Katherine Volway — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:30:39 -0700

Why are transition rules necessary?

Transition rules determine which taxes will apply to transactions that start before April 1, 2013, but which conclude after this date. There are transition rules in respect of both GST and PST.

When does HST apply, and when does GST apply?

The 12% HST applies if the seller transfers either possession or ownership of a new home to the buyer before April 1, 2013.

The 5% GST applies if the seller transfers both possession and ownership of a new home on, or after, April 1, 2013.

Generally, when does the tax become payable?

Whether HST or GST, is payable on the earlier of the following dates:

when the seller transfers ownership (also known as the completion date) of the new home to the buyer, OR
when the seller transfers possession of the new home to the buyer.

Generally, when does the tax become payable when the transaction involves a strata unit?

The only difference for stratas is where the strata plan hasn’t been registered by the date possession is transferred. The tax is payable on the earlier of the following dates:

when the seller transfers ownership (also known as the completion date), OR
60 days following the date the strata plan is registered.

Who will be responsible for paying the GST?

As was the case prior to the implementation of the HST, the buyer is responsible for paying the GST, and the seller is responsible for collecting and remitting it to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Will the PST apply to real estate property?

No. HST will generally cease to apply on the purchase of new housing as of April 1, 2013, even if the Contract of Purchase and Sale was signed or new home construction started before April 1, 2013, provided neither possession nor ownership transfer before April 1, 2013.

Where the tax is payable on or after April 1, 2013 (and before April 1, 2015), the provincial government will collect a temporary transitional tax of 2%.

How will the temporary transition tax work?

Where the tax is payable on or after April 1, 2013, and before April 1, 2015, the provincial government will, in certain circumstances, collect a temporary transitional tax of 2% that will apply on the purchase price of a new home where:

HST does not apply to the sale (that is, where GST applies),
the construction of the new housing is 10% or more complete as of April 1, 2013, and
ownership or possession of the new housing transfers, or a deemed sale of the new housing (for example, a self-supply of an owner-built rental unit) occurs before April 1, 2015.

How will the temporary transition tax work when the transaction involves a strata unit?

The three conditions described above for the temporary transitional tax must be met for stratas (that is, the HST doesn’t apply, construction is 10% or more complete as of April 1, 2013 and transfer of possession or ownership before April 1, 2015).

Again, the only difference for stratas is where the strata plan hasn’t been registered by the date possession is transferred. The temporary transition tax is payable on the earlier of the following dates:

when the seller transfers ownership (also known as the completion date), OR
60 days following the date the strata plan is registered.

Who pays the temporary transition tax?

The buyer pays the temporary transition tax, if applicable. The seller is responsible to collect and remit the tax to the BC Ministry of Finance. Buyers may wish to ensure that an appropriate allocation of the temporary transition tax and transition tax rebate is factored into negotiations between the buyer and seller.

Are there any rebates for sellers related to the temporary transition tax?

Yes, it is the provincial government’s intention that only a seller is entitled to apply for a transition tax rebate.

The transition tax rebate for new housing will be calculated on the degree of completion of the housing as of April 1, 2013:

Degree of construction complete as of April 1, 2013	Transition tax rebate as a percentage of consideration or fair market value
Less than 10 per cent	Not applicable
10 per cent ≤ and < 25 per cent	1.5 per cent
25 per cent ≤ and < 50 per cent	1.0 per cent
50 per cent ≤ and < 75 per cent	0.5 per cent
75 per cent ≤ and < 90 per cent	0.2 per cent
90 per cent or greater	0.0 per cent

Information courtesy of the BCREA

1 15075 60TH Ave, Surrey, British Columbia

Katherine Volway — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:38:58 -0700

I just finished uploading this Townhouse for sale, 1 15075 60TH Ave, Surrey, British Columbia

Nature's Walk : Bright corner home in prime Sullivan location with southern exposed front yard & large side yard. A bonus room on entry level is ideal for office or TV room. Wonderful open layout on living level has large, well equipped k itchen in the middle. High ceilings & extra upper windows keep a light & airy feel. Roomy master bedroom has an ensuite with 2 sinks & large walk-in shower. This neat and tidy home has great street parking out front & visitor parking right next to it. Single garage with 2nd parking on the apron. Delightful, lower density complex with brick, shutter, & flower box detailing. Pet allowed with restrct., no age restrict., rentals with restrict. Previous day's notice, please.

210 15368 16A Ave., South Surrey, BC

Katherine Volway — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:28:16 -0700

I just sold this Condo at 210 15368 16A Ave., South Surrey, BC .

View this recently sold Condo or see all my home sales

Spring Market Underway

Katherine Volway — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:26:26 -0700

For Immediate Release: Mar. 2, 2012

Typical ‘pre- spring' surge in home sales & new listings

keeps market steady

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) recorded 1,269 sales in
February, an increase of 59 per cent compared to January and a 1 per cent decrease compared to the 1,279
sales during February of last year.

In terms of new listings, the Board received 2,846 in February, an increase of 3 per cent compared to January
and a 6 per cent decrease compared to the 3,038 listings received last February, taking the total number of
active listings to 9,037, an increase of 4 per cent compared to those available in February 2011.

As Board President Scott Olson explains, a seasonal increase in sales is typical for February; however this
increase was not as robust as in years past. February’s sales finished at 4 per cent fewer than the 10
average for that month.

“Although our market has picked up, it’s still favouring buyers. In terms of our clients, we’re seeing more
caution and deliberation when house hunting. “This could mean using a home inspection as part of negotiations, or asking for extras to be thrown in, or the client walking away if terms are not met. The other side is that selection at certain price points is limited depending on location, so if the buyer finds the right home, they act, which is keeping prices stable.”

The MLS® HPI benchmark price of a ‘typical’ detached home in Fraser Valley in February was, $569,200, an
increase of 8.3 per cent compared to $525,400 last year. The benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses
increased by 2.0 per cent in one year, going from $305,700 in February 2011 to $311,900 in February 2012,
while the benchmark price of apartments increased by 0.6 per cent going from $200,200 in February of last
year to $201,500 in February 2012.

Olson adds, “We anticipate the new HST transition rules will generate more buying activity of new homes over
the coming months and will have a spillover effect on the resale market. The majority of new homes in the
Fraser Valley fall under the new $850,000 HST rebate threshold and first of the refundable tax credit bonus of up to $10,000 available until March 31, 2013.“These changes will improve accessibility in the Fraser Valley, a region already recognized for its affordability.”
time buyers will be taking advantage
—30 —

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is an association of 2,898 real estate professionals who live

and work in the BC communities of North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford, and Mission.

The FVREB marked its 90
‐year anniversary in 2011.

301 15941 MARINE Drive, White Rock, British Columbia

Katherine Volway — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:31:38 -0700

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 301 15941 MARINE Drive, White Rock, British Columbia

Life at the Beach at its best with this 2 bedroom suite in The Heritage. Pet friendly complex across from Semiahmoo park with river views to the east. Corner suite with windows to the east, south and north make this home light and bright. Spacious white kitchen with good counter space; living room with corner fireplace; separate laundry room. Master bedroom accommodates king sized bed & the walk-in closet will please any fashionista. Original owner has kept this home neat and tidy. This building has been rain-screened & has a newer roof. Pets and all ages welcome. Rentals restricted in this 18 unit strata. See LS re: maintenance fee additional charge.

Affordability

Katherine Volway — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:09:40 -0800

For immediate release: January 26, 2012

LOOKING FOR GREATER AFFORDABILITY? HEAD TO FRASER VALLEY

SURREY, BC – According to the president of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB), international affordability studies regarding Vancouver are misleading because they don’t reflect the reality that homebuyers purchase more affordable homes every day in neighbouring communities.

Sukh Sidhu is a REALTOR® who lives and works in Abbotsford. “So far this month, over 50 homebuyers in the Fraser Valley have purchased a condo for $199,000 or less and over 100 families are now proud owners of townhomes valued at $399,000 or less.

“About one-third of our buyers are first-timers and two-thirds are using equity from an existing home to either buy up or down size and they’re thrilled with the value and benefits home ownership provides.”

According to a recent Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey, Vancouver ranks the second most unaffordable major housing market in the world based on median household income and a median home price of $678,000.

Based on January sales to date, the median home price in Fraser Valley is $405,000. Sidhu says, “To buy that home, you would need about $80,000 as a household income, however to buy a typical condo or townhome in Surrey or Abbotsford for example, you need less than $60,000 as a household income.

“We’re not suggesting that affordability isn’t an issue in Greater Vancouver. In fact, REALTORS® in BC are amongst the most active proponents of strategies to make home ownership more accessible. What we are saying is that these broad, general studies don’t reflect what’s really happening within the local housing market.”

The FVREB is scheduled to release its final January month-end sales statistics from its Multiple Listing Service® during the first week of February.

—30 —

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is an association of 2,893 real estate professionals who live and work in the communities of North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford, and Mission, British Columbia. The FVREB marked its 90-year anniversary in 2011.

January Update

Katherine Volway — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:12:01 -0800

For Immediate Release: Jan. 4, 2012

2011 real estate market showcases regional variation

SURREY, BC – Overall, Fraser Valley’s real estate market in 2011 was below the 10

sales and above average in the number of new listings received, however, according to the president of the

Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, results varied widely depending on the community and property type.

Sukh Sidhu observes, “I can’t remember a year that illustrates better how local real estate is and the

importance of talking to your REALTOR® before making a decision to buy or sell. For example, in my

community of Abbotsford, sales of single family homes dropped by almost 7 per cent compared to 2010,

pushing prices down slightly, while in South Surrey/White Rock sales increased year over year by 45 per cent

resulting in double

The Board’s Multiple Listing Service® processed 15,529 sales in 2011 compared to 14,891 the previous year,

an increase of 4 per cent, while the number of new listings remained about the same – 31,592 in 2011

compared to 31,437 in 2010. Over the year, the number of active listings for buyers to choose from dropped

by 9 per cent going from 8,139 properties in December 2010 to 7,399 in December 2011.

Although 2011 ranks the third slowest year for sales in Fraser Valley since 2002, it was only 10 per cent less

than the 10

than the 10

Sidhu adds, “One trend from 2011 that is clear was the preference for single family homes. For the most part

in our region, both sales and prices of townhomes and condos either stayed on par with 2010 or decreased.”

In December, the benchmark price of a detached home in the Fraser Valley was $522,998, an increase of 3.3 per

cent compared to $506,145 in December 2010 and a decrease of 1.7 per cent compared to November.

For townhouses, the benchmark price in December was $315,330, a decrease of 2.1 per cent compared to the

same month last year when it was $322,054 and down 3.8 per cent compared to November. The benchmark

price of apartments in December was $237,285, a decrease of 1.2 per cent compared to December 2010 and a

decrease of 0.5 per cent compared to November.

Average prices year over year show detached homes up 9.1 per cent – $610,269 in 2011 compared to $559,456

in 2010. The average price of townhomes increased by 2.6 per cent, going from $336,484 in 2010 to $345,138 in

2011 and the average price of apartments increased by 0.9 per cent going from $223,910 in 2010 to $225,976 in

2011.
‐year average in property‐digit price increases.”‐year average of 17,210 sales. The volume of new listings received in 2011 was 6 per cent more‐year average of 29,867 new listings, placing last year third in ranking since 2002.
—30 —

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is an association of 2,893 real estate professionals who live

and work in the BC communities of North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford, and Mission.

The FVREB marked its 90
‐year anniversary in 2011.

November Report

Katherine Volway — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:42:26 -0800

For Immediate Release: Nov. 2, 2011

Advantage buyers… in Fraser Valley’s housing market

SURREY, BC – Below average home sales combined with a regular influx of new listings continue to give buyers the upper hand in communities south of the Fraser River, including Mission. However, according to the president of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, Sukh Sidhu, “There is action when the property is competitively priced.

“It is not a quiet market. Priced rates.” Sidhu adds, “What’s happening is that there is a large amount of inventory available in the Fraser Valley, in particular with condos and townhomes, and that’s what’s holding prices in check.”

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,139 sales in October on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), an increase of 12 per cent compared to the 1,014 sales during the same month last year and a decrease of 2 per cent compared to 1,165 sales in September. In terms of listings, the board posted 2,511 new properties in October, an increase of 18 per cent compared to October of last year and a decrease of 5 per cent compared to September. The number of active listings in the Fraser Valley dipped in October, going from 10,096 in September to 10,005.

Sidhu says, “The good news for sellers is that although inventory is high, it’s not near record highs and sales remain steady. This is why the overall benchmark price for residential properties has remained unchanged for six months.” The benchmark price (the price of homes with characteristics typical to that area) of a single family detached home in the Fraser Valley in October was $530,335, an increase of 4.9 per cent compared to $505,759 in October 2010 and on par with the price in September.

For townhouses, the benchmark price in October was $325,482, an increase of 2 per cent compared to the same month last year when it was $319,058 and down 0.6 per cent compared to September. The benchmark price of apartments in October was $243,725, an increase of 1.3 per cent compared to October 2010 and on par with the price in September. The average number of days to sell a Fraser Valley home varies depending on the property type. Sidhu says the average of 45 days to sell a single family detached home has been constant for three months.

In October, townhomes took on average 55 days to sell and apartments 75 days.

—

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is an association of 2,903 real estate professionals who live

and work in the BC communities of North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford, and Mission.

The FVREB marks its 90
‐year anniversary this year.

Top 24 Grants

Katherine Volway — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:16:13 -0700

Top 24 grants and rebates for property buyers and owners

1. Home Buyers' Plan
Qualifying home buyers can withdraw up to $25,000 (couples can withdraw up to $50,000) from their RRSPs for a down payment. Home buyers who have repaid their RRSP may be eligible to use the program a second time.

2. GST Rebate on New Homes
New home buyers can apply for a rebate of the federal portion of the HST (the 5% GST) if the purchase price is less than $350,000. The rebate is up to 36% of the GST to a maximum rebate of $6,300. There is a proportional GST rebate for new homes costing between $350,000 and $450,000.
1.800.959.8287

3. BC New Housing Rebate (HST)
Buyers of new or substantially renovated homes priced up to $525,000 are eligible for a rebate of 71.43% of the provincial portion (7%) of the 12% HST paid to a maximum rebate of $26,250. Homes priced at $525,000+ are eligible for a flat rebate of $26,250.

4. BC New Rental Housing Rebate (HST)
Landlords buying new or substantially renovated homes are eligible for a rebate of 71.43% of the provincial portion of the HST, up to $26,250 per unit.

5. BC Property Transfer Tax (PTT) First Time Home Buyers' Program
Qualifying first-time buyers may be exempt from paying the PTT of 1% on the first $200,000 and 2% on the remainder of the purchase price of a home priced up to $425,000. There is a proportional exemption for homes priced up to $450,000.

6. First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit (HBTC)
This federal non-refundable income tax credit is for qualifying buyers of detached, attached, apartment condominiums, mobile homes or shares in a cooperative housing corporation. The calculation: multiply the lowest personal income tax rate for the year (15% in 2010) x $5,000. For the 2010 tax year, the maximum credit is $750.

7. BC Home Owner Grant
Reduces school property taxes by up to $570 on properties with an assessed value up to $1,150,000. For 2011, the basic grant is reduced by $5 for each $1,000 of value over $1,150,000, and eliminated on homes assessed at $1,264,000. An additional grant reduces property tax by a further $275 for a total of $845 for seniors, veterans and the disabled. This is reduced by $5 for each $1,000 of assessed value over $1,150,000 and eliminated on homes assessed at $1,319,000+.

8. BC Property Tax Deferment Programs
Property Tax Deferment Program for Seniors: Qualifying home owners aged 55+ may be eligible to defer property taxes.

Financial Hardship Property Tax Deferment Program: Qualifying low-income home owners may be eligible to defer property taxes.

Property Tax Deferment Program for Families with Children: Qualifying low-income home owners who financially support children under age 18 may be eligible to defer property taxes.

9. Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMHC) Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) Grants
This federal program provides financial aid to qualifying low-income home owners to repair substandard housing. Eligible repairs include heating, structural, electrical, plumbing and fire safety. Grants are available for seniors, persons with disabilities, owners of rental properties and owners creating secondary and garden suites.

10. CMHC Mortgage Loan Insurance Premium Refund
Provides home buyers with CMHC mortgage insurance, a 10% premium refund and possible extended amortization without surcharge when buyers purchase an energy efficient mortgage or make energy saving renovations.

11. Energy Saving Mortgages
Financial institutions offer a range of mortgages to home buyers and owners who make their homes more energy efficient. For example, home owners who have a home energy audit within 90 days of receiving an RBC Energy Saver Mortgage, may qualify for a rebate of $300 to their RBC account.

12. Low interest renovation loans
Financial institutions offer 'green' loans for home owners making energy efficient upgrades. Vancity's Bright Ideas personal loan offers home owners up to $20,000 at prime + 1% for up to 10 years for 'green' renovations. RBC's Energy Saver loan offers 1% off the interest rate for a fixed rate installment loan over $5,000 or a $100 renovation on a home energy audit on a fixed rate installment loan over $5,000. For information visit your financial institution.

13. LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program
Home owners improving the energy efficiency of their homes may qualify for cash incentives through this provincial program provided in partnership with FortisBC and BC Hydro. Rebates are for energy efficient products which replace gas and oil furnaces, pumps, water heaters, wood stoves, insulation, windows, doors, skylights and more. The LiveSmart BC program also covers $150 of the cost of a home energy assessment, directly to the service provider.

14. BC Residential Energy Credit
Home owners and residential landlords buying heating fuel receive a BC government point-of-sale rebate on utility bills equal to the provincial component of the HST.

15. BC Hydro Appliance Rebates
Mail-in rebates for purchasers of ENERGY STAR® clothes washers, refrigerators, dishwashers, or freezers.

16. BC Hydro Fridge Buy-Back Program
This ongoing program rebates BC Hydro customers $30 to turn in spare fridges in working condition.

17. BC Hydro Windows Rebate Program
Pay no HST when you buy ENERGY STAR® high-performance windows and doors. Call 604.759.2759 for a free in-home estimate.

18. BC Hydro Mail-in Rebates/Savings Coupons
To save energy, BC Hydro offers rebates including 10% off an ENERGY STAR® cordless phone. Check for new offers and for deadlines.

19. FortisBC Rebate Programs
A range of rebates for home owners include a $50 rebate for upgrading a hot water tank, $150 rebate on an EnerChoice fireplace and a $1,000 rebate for switching to natural gas (from oil or propane) and installing an ENERGY STAR® heating system (each good to December 31, 2011).

20. FortisBC Efficient Boiler program
For commercial buildings, provides a cash rebate of up to 75% of the purchase price of an energy efficient boiler, for new construction or retrofits.

21. Vancity Green Building Grant
In partnership with the Real Estate Foundation of BC, Vancity provides grants up to $50,000 each to qualifying charities, not-for-profit organizations and co-operatives for projects which focus on building renovations/retrofits, regulatory changes that advance green building development, and education to increase the use of practical green building strategies.

22. Local government rain barrel programs
Many local municipalities sell rain barrels and downspout kits to help you collect water for watering your garden or washing your vehicle(s). Contact your local municipality's Engineering department for information.

23. Local government water conservation incentives
Your municipality may provide grants and incentives to residents to help save water. For example, the City of Abbotsford, District of Mission and Township of Langley offer rebates for low-flow toilets. Some municipalities sell indoor and outdoor water saving kits. For more information, contact the municipal Engineering departments.

24. Local government water meter programs
Your municipality may provide a program for voluntary water metering, so that you pay only for the amount of water that you use. For example, Delta and Surrey have programs and other municipalities may soon follow. Visit your municipality's website and search "water meter" to find out if there is a program.

Source: Adapted from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver