The winners are…
Rebecca Hardy wins Russian Folk Tunes
Pamela Denison wins Piano Piccolo
And, Julie Campbell wins Blues, Boogie and Gospel
Congratulations! Please send your name and address via my contact page on the blog and the books will be on their way!
To find out more about Schott publications, click here.
Russian Folk tunes comprises a set of traditional tunes arranged and played by bandoneonist, composer and arranger Julian Rowlands. There are 23 pieces in the volume, intended for approximately intermediate to advanced players. Find out more here.
Piano Piccolo which contains 111 easy original piano pieces compiled by German composer, teacher and arranger Hans-Günter Heumann. Great for elementary students who desire a broader repertoire. Find out more here.
Blues, Boogie and Gospel Collection by British composer and jazz pianist Tim Richards. This book contains 13 original pieces plus two arrangements as well as copious practice and performance notes. Find out more here.
As always, for a chance to win one of these publications, please leave your comments in the comment box at the end of this post, and I will announce the three winners on Sunday evening (British time), here on the blog. Good luck!
Metro Vancouver* home sales dipped below the 10-year monthly sales average last month. This is the first time this has occurred in the region since May 2014.
Metro Vancouver home sales totalled 2,253 in September 2016, a decrease of 32.6 per cent from the 3,345 sales recorded in September 2015 and a decrease of 9.5 per cent compared to August 2016 when 2,489 homes sold.
Last month’s sales were 9.6 per cent below the 10-year sales average for the month.
“Supply and demand conditions differ today depending on property type,” Dan Morrison, REBGV president said. “We’re seeing more demand for condominiums and townhomes today than in the detached home market.”
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 4,799 in September 2016. This represents a decrease of one per cent compared to the 4,846 units listed in September 2015 and an 11.8 per cent increase compared to August 2016 when 4,293 properties were listed.
The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 9,354, a 13.4 per cent decline compared to September 2015 (10,805) and a 10 per cent increase compared to August 2016 (8,506).
The sales-to-active listings ratio for September 2016 is 24.1 per cent. This is the lowest this ratio has been since February 2015. Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it reaches the 20 to 22 per cent range in a particular community for a sustained period.
“Changing market conditions are easing upward pressure on home prices in our region,” Morrison said. “There’s uncertainty in the market at the moment and home buyers and sellers are having difficulty establishing price as a result. To help you understand the factors affecting prices, it’s important to talk with a REALTOR®.”
The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $931,900. This represents a 28.9 per cent increase compared to September 2015 and a 0.1 per cent decline compared to August 2016.
Sales of detached properties in September 2016 reached 666, a decrease of 47.6 per cent from the 1,272 detached sales recorded in September 2015. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,579,400. This represents a 33.7 per cent increase compared to September 2015 and a 0.1 per cent increase compared to August 2016.
Sales of apartment properties reached 1,218 in September 2016, a decrease of 20.3 per cent compared to the 1,529 sales in September 2015.The benchmark price of an apartment property is $511,800. This represents a 23.5 per cent increase compared to September 2015 and a 0.5 per cent decline compared to August 2016.
Attached property sales in September 2016 totalled 369, a decrease of 32.2 per cent compared to the 544 sales in September 2015. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $677,000. This represents a 29.1 per cent increase compared to September 2015 and a 0.1 per cent decline compared to August 2016.
The post September 2016 REBGV Stats with Charts & Graphs appeared first on Mike Stewart Real Estate Specialist 604-763-3136.
I used to be amongst the skeptics, routinely refusing to give Skype lessons because I wasn’t convinced I could give a pupil the necessary attention and advice from behind a screen. Then one day a pupil who I had been teaching for a couple of years (in real life!) suddenly moved to the US to go to university, and wanted to continue lessons (and exam preparation) with me. Would I give regular Skype lessons? Faced with this conundrum, I tentatively agreed.
Indeed, it’s been an interesting experiment, and one with which I have been pleasantly surprised. Once we had decided on the best time (not easy when there is a substantial time difference), and the best position for the computer camera (as seen in the image above) so I can observe the keyboard, posture, fingers and hand positions, lessons commenced as usual. I sit at my piano with the laptop on the (collapsed) music desk, so I can play and demonstrate if necessary (and it usually is); it’s also vital to have all the intended scores or scales and exercises at your finger tips. Never have bar numbers, key changes, phrase structures and other ‘sign posts’ been so crucial. I still keep the proverbial pencil handy even though it’s unnecessary!
The assiduous Skype teacher will have a much more thorough set-up with multiple cameras, headphones, and the like, but it’s possible to obtain a fairly satisfactory result with just a computer and a piano.
Sound quality varies; there can be a slight delay, especially when I talk whilst my pupil is still playing. At this point, the sound simply stops, meaning I will probably miss a few beats, so I have trained myself to keep quiet until the end, whether of a play through or a replay of a small passage. Rarely, the video and audio disintegrates and stops; this has never really affected our lessons; and if it does, the dissipated passage or phrase is just repeated.
One aspect which concerned me, was the demonstrating of technique. I usually show students, and very often (with their permission), will correct them. This isn’t possible via Skype of course, although you can demonstrate by showing particular movements (it’s not the same as being at the same instrument though). This is never problem for my student because we have worked hard in this respect over the two-year period when she studied with me. But it could be an issue with a new student. Beginners would be a challenge too, as they generally rely on being guided around the keyboard.
Sound production could be another problematic aspect. Hearing piano timbre via Skype isn’t the same as listening ‘live’ in the room, and can sometimes appear ‘harsh’ and ‘thin’ in quality, when in fact the opposite could be true (in the same way a difficult acoustic can alter our perception of sound). Again, having already taught the pupil in question, these issues are generally avoided, but could be alleviated by physical demonstration from a teacher (at the piano). In this instance, it would be especially helpful if a camera was set up to show movements. Here, I generally use my arm, wrist, hand and fingers to make the same gesture or motions in the air (to the camera), as would be required at the keyboard, which has worked thus far.
I’m pleased to say my pupil is now well prepared for her exam and we’ve had few issues being thousands of miles away from each other. So perhaps this has convinced me to think again about the use of Skype for more than just business meetings!
Why consider Skype lessons? Here are a few reasons;
from Melanie Spanswick http://ift.tt/2dXgngd
This article provides some chimney inspection checklists with detailed suggestions describing how to perform a thorough inspection of chimneys for safety and other defects. Read on!
Overall Chimney Condition
Chimneys that have been out of service for extended periods develop their own special problems. Before starting any fire, thoroughly inspect the chimney and hearth, using this checklist. If any condition is questionable, call in a professional. If the condition is good, move on to the Working Chimney Checklist.
- Give the chimney an overall inspection for soundness. Check for cracks and settling at the foundation, weathering of masonry, or evidence that the chimney is moving away from the house.
- Look closely at the base of the chimney. The firebox should rest on thick reinforced masonry that extends into the earth. The hearth apron in old houses usually cantilevered out in a half-arch should be level and free of major cracks at the fireplace opening.
- Check for excessive leaning above the roofline. (Chimneys tend to lean in the direction of the prevailing wind, not because of actual wind pressure, but due to the effects of burning sulphur-containing fuels that increase the expansion of the mortar joints on the lee side of the chimney.) Minor leaning is more an appearance problem than a structural one, but if the chimney shows signs of cracking and imbalance, it may have to be dismantled to the roofline and rebuilt. Source: OldHouseJournal
Chimney Cap and Flues
- Check whether the chimney cap is intact and functional. If it has any defect, consider repairing or replacing it.
- Are your chimney flues in safe, functional condition, or are they damaged or blocked? Damaged chimney flues are very dangerous, because they can leak gas into the house. This could start a fire. Watch out for any movement or cracks in your chimney. Also, check if any of your metal flues are rusting. Source: DoItYourself
Chimney Bricks and Damper
- Check the flue for any broken or damaged bricks. Vertical cracks in the bricks inside the flue are a sign of a previous fire having taken place there. While you may be aware of this fire if the fireplace is in your own home, it is imperative to check for signs of a fire inside the flue in a new home because you likely won’t be aware of this damage otherwise.
- The damper is a metal flap that covers the part of the fireplace known as the throat. The throat of the fireplace is found above the firebox and below the flue, where hot air and smoke enter. Inspect the damper by opening it completely. Make sure the damper moves freely and that it can fit tightly against the throat. Use a flashlight to check the throat to make sure it is clean. Dampers should be free of cracks, pitting and rusty sections. Source: eHow
If you are thinking about hiring a professional to check your chimney instead, contact us now!
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8279 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4W1
(604) 360-2114
At a Glance
High Street Residences
MOSAIC Homes, known for their successful Cambie Corridor developments, such as James Walk and Elizabeth, have teamed up with Shift Architecture to bring you Edward. Consisting of two 4-storey wood-frame buildings and two laneway townhomes, 56 high street homes are yours to choose from. Count on spacious residences with refined interiors for the quality you can trust from MOSAIC.
Find Out About New Presales & Get Access to VIP Openings & Special Promotions!
Located on the corner of West King Edward Avenue and Yukon Street, Edward is at the heart of where Cambie Village meets Queen Elizabeth Park. From skating and swimming at Hillcrest Community Centre to golf and tennis at Queen Elizabeth Park, a wide range of recreational activities lie just outside your doorstep. A short stroll up Cambie Street presents you with a multitude of multicultural dining choices, a cinema, live performances at Kino Cafe, financial services, Choices supermarket, a pharmacy, hairstylists, Polish delicatessen, and the city’s best ice cream at Rain or Shine. Just one block away, the King Edward Canada Line station will whisk you to upscale Oakridge Centre or downtown Vancouver in no time. For more distant destinations, your flight departing from YVR airport is a mere 18-minute ride away.
Pricing for Edward
As this development is in pre-construction, we recommend interested buyers to sign up to our VIP list above.
Floor Plans for Edward
Edward will offer a variety of home sizes and suite configurations to satisfy the diverse needs of residents. Choose from two 2-bedroom townhomes or eight 1-bedroom, 11 1-bedroom + den, 23 2-bedroom, 10 2-bedroom + den, and two 3-bedroom condominiums. Residences range in size from 659 – 2,449 sq ft. All ground floor homes have private patios. For the opportunity to get priority viewing of available floor plan options, contact me for details.
Amenities at Edward
Edward features a laneway amenity building that also provides residents with an outdoor patio, cooking counter, dining area, and kids play area. A lushly-landscaped interior courtyard between the buildings offers urban agriculture plots and a potting bench for gardening tools and supplies.
Parking and Storage
Plans provide for 79 vehicle stalls – of which three are accessible – 77 bicycle stalls and 21 bicycle lockers in one level of underground parking. One Class A loading bay is accessed from the lane. In addition to in-suite storage, additional storage lockers will be available.
Maintenance Fees at Edward
Will be included in the pricing information.
Developer Team for Edward
Brought to you by the developer of Cambria, Cambria Park, and Elizabeth, also on the Cambie Corridor, Vancouver-based MOSAIC Homes is driven by a simple purpose — the thoughtful and urbane densification of cities. MOSAIC currently focus on building the best apartments and townhomes throughout Greater Vancouver. It’s about adding value using great design — value that endures for years after you move in.
Shift Architecture is a high-performance practice with a track record of respected, inspired projects throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. With proven expertise in multi-family housing, Shift boasts a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, healthcare, and mixed-use developments. Renowned for its collaborative design process, Shift’s team of core personnel draws upon a deep collective well of experience spanning decades.
Expected Completion for Edward
Late 2018 to early 2019.
Are you interested in learning more about other homes in Southeast False Creek, the Cambie Corridor, or South Vancouver?
Check out these great Cambie Corridor Presales!
The post Edward by MOSAIC – 56 High Street Cambie Corridor Pre-Construction Residences appeared first on Mike Stewart Real Estate Specialist 604-763-3136.
