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Dean Birks - REALTOR 
Royal LePage Prince George

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Prince George Real Estate Market update Sept.pdf (205 KB) 

Dean Birks

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Here is CMHC's Homebuying Step by Step guide to make things easier for you by providing the information you need to make a wise homebuying decision. This section provides examples and worksheets that will guide you through the entire homebuying process, from the moment you make the decision to buy your own home to the moment the movers carry the first box through the front door. It couldn't be easier! - CLICK HERE

Dean Birks

 Want to add more space to your home without building up or out?  Look no further than your basement.  According to the   Appraisal Institute of Canada, renovating a basement can give you a 50-75% return on your investment when it comes to selling your home. Here’s how to get it done right:

Start with a plan
What type of space does your family require?  Is it an extra living space for your teenager, a playroom for the little one, or perhaps an entertainment area for all to enjoy?  Once you decide on how you want to utilize the space, you can layout your design.  If budget allows, an architect or interior designer could assist you with the layout design and make valuable suggestions.

Do it yourself or hire a professional
Depending on your skill set, budget, and time, you may want to enlist the services of a contractor who has the expertise required to finish a basement.  If you do it yourself and don't have the required time or skill to do the job correctly, you may find yourself looking at a repair bill far exceeding the amount you originally thought the project would cost.  Make an informed decision.  Be sure to carefully weigh all factors when deciding which option is right for you, while considering costs, material, labour, and equipment requirements.

Framing
Framing basement walls and ceilings is one of the most important aspects of any basement renovation. Two popular wall framing options are wood or steel studs. Wood is the classic choice.  It is versatile, easy to work with, and cost-effective.  Whereas steel, although more costly, adds a level of strength, rot resistance and won’t warp and crack like wood might over time.  Two popular ceiling framing options are dropped ceiling tiles or drywall. Dropped ceiling tiles provide easy access to pipes and wires which can be a saviour if a tub or toilet on the main level floor springs a leak.  Alternatively, dry wall ceilings offer a smooth finish and require less vertical space – a great option if your basement ceiling height is already low.

Flooring
There are plenty of basement flooring choices to choose from including laminate, linoleum, vinyl, wood and ceramic tiles.  Be sure to match your flooring choice with the intended use of the space and your geographic location.  For example, a game room may require more durable flooring than an office.  Do you live in an area with a tendency for flooding or is your location dry?  Carpet with high density under pad will offer cushion and moisture protection from the typical condensation found in basements.  Engineered hardwood made for below grade installation will flex and handle moisture better than traditional hardwood. Ceramic tile is great for bathrooms and laundry rooms and is easy to install on concrete.

Add a bathroom
Installing a bathroom in the basement is a great way to add value to your home.  Determine if you require a full bathroom or if a powder room will suffice.  Powder rooms are relatively simple to install, easy to keep clean, and won’t take up too much room.  Full three or four piece bathrooms can provide a comfortable, private, and even luxurious, space for overnight visitors to enjoy. With either option, time and costs can be reduced if bathroom fixtures are located near existing plumbing and are arranged in a line on one wall.  Be sure to check local codes for plumbing and electrical aspects of your project.

Add storage
No matter what kind of plan you come up with for your basement, remember to factor in plenty of closet or storage space.  This will enable you to de-clutter the rest of your home to keep it tidy and inviting.  Further, if you ever decide to move, having this extra storage space should appeal to just about any prospective buyer.

A finished basement can not only increase your home enjoyment but it can also add valuable square footage.  From everyday living to financial value, finished basements provide many benefits to you as a homeowner.

Dean Birks

Prepare for another increase in prime next week while fixed rates continue to drop

The majority of economists are still predicting that we will still have increases to prime of .25% in at least one of the two next Bank of Canada reviews.  The next is scheduled for next Wednesday, Sept. 8th.  The fact that predictions are a little less aggressive than a couple of weeks ago acknowledges that that Canada is still tied to the world economy.  And the recovery of the world economy has slowed a little in the past few months.  Anyone who is on a "variable rate mortgage" and wonders if it is time to lock in should still wait for a while.  Although prime may go up as much as another .50% in the next few months that will still leave most people in variable rate mortgages at around 2.50% (+/-).  Five-year fixed rates are still as low as 3.64% to 3.89%.

While fixed rates continue to fall, variable rate mortgages still have the greatest savings.  Now, I could fill the rest of the page with a lot of rhetoric that I pick from the pundits...however, it is Friday afternoon leading in to the Labor Day long weekend and I'm not sure many will read on.  If you have any specific questions regarding your mortgage I would be glad to hear from you.

Bob Quinlan

250-565-8444

Mortgage Alliance

#2 - 1810 Third Avenue

Prince George, BC

www.pgmortgages.ca

Dean Birks

09/02/2010:

Dr. Robert Olson, a radiation oncologist, is the first physician to be hired for the BC Cancer Agency Centre for the North. He will be part of the provincial Radiation Therapy Program which will bring service to the North for the first time when the new centre is opened. The centre, now under construction, is expected to start treating patients by the end of 2012.

Dr. Olson has also been appointed as an assistant professor with the Northern Medical Program, his formal appointment being with the Department of Surgery in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. His academic responsibilities will be teaching and research within the NMP.

The BC Cancer Agency and the Northern Medical Program worked jointly on recruitment efforts to bring Dr. Olson to the North.

"The recruitment of Dr. Olson as our first radiation oncologist for the Cancer Centre is fantastic news. One of the most critical elements in the Northern Cancer Control Strategy is the ongoing recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals and this appointment is a significant step,” said Prince George – Valemount MLA Shirley Bond. “The Centre is on schedule to open in 2012 and the hard work done by the entire strategy implementation team is paying off."

“Radiation oncologists are difficult to recruit positions world wide and it is very good news that we have been able to successfully recruit in this speciality area,” said Prince George – Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell. “Dr. Olson brings dedicated expertise to his new role and will help to provide a foundation for expanded cancer care in the North.”

Dr. Olson received his medical degree from the University of Calgary and completed his five-year residency and training in oncology at the BC Cancer Agency through the University of British Columbia. In addition, he has received a Masters of Science degree in epidemiology from Harvard University. Dr. Olson has started work in Vancouver and will begin regular consultation visits to the North as of the end of September. He will start his role with UNBC in September.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to attract a physician with the calibre of Dr. Olson to our

Radiation Therapy Program, and in particular, to the new Centre for the North,” said Dr. Ivo Olivotto, Vice-President for Radiation Therapy at the BC Cancer Agency. “He brings excellent knowledge and skills to this position, and also a compassionate approach to patient care.”

“Dr. Olson will play a key role in the development of strong academic links between the Centre for the North and the University of Northern British Columbia.”

“It is really exciting for the Northern Medical Program to have been part of recruiting someone with an academic interest in the needed area of oncology for the North,” said Dr. David Snadden, Vice Provost Medicine, UNBC. “Our program continues to build a critical mass for sustainable health care in our region.”

“Having medical training in the north, through the NMP, has enabled communities, health agencies, and the university in working together to recruit more widely and effectively to help improve healthcare across northern BC.”

A radiation oncologist is a physician that treats patients with cancer predominantly using radiation therapy, but also prescribes hormonal and other cancer treatments. Radiation therapy is part of curative cancer treatment or symptom relief and is received by about 60 per cent of patients diagnosed with cancer in B.C. each year.

“We are very pleased that Dr. Olson has decided to come to Northern B.C.,” said Dr. Ronald Chapman, Executive Director of the Northern Cancer Control Strategy. “As part of the strategy, we have been working on various recruitment initiatives to bring needed specialists to our region. These have included advertising across Canada and the U.S, a targeted website, and also videos highlighting life and recreation in the North.”

Other key cancer care positions that are being recruited for the BC Cancer Agency Centre for the North include additional radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation therapists, social workers and pharmacists.

The Northern Cancer Control Strategy is a joint partnership between the BC Cancer Agency, the Provincial Health Services Authority, and Northern Health. It is focused on enhancing the continuum of cancer services across the North, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and patient supports.

Media contacts:

Northern Cancer Control Strategy – Sonya Kruger, Communications Specialist, 250-649-4873

University of Northern British Columbia - Geoffrey Payne, Assistant Dean, Northern Medical Program, 250-960-5104

BC Cancer

http://www.financialpost.com/m/news/story.html?id=3469471 

Best regards,
Dean Birks - REALTOR
Royal LePage Prince George 

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