Party in the Park

Julie and Family had a great time attending Party in the Park in the summer of 2009.This event resumes Friday July 9, 2010.

Set in the Central Community Park in downtown Chilliwack fun and entertainment can be had by all the family for eight glorious weeks in July and August. It’s a great place to sit back and relax with friends and family, enjoy the weather and the live local bands that grace the stage at this fabulous community event.

Each Party in the Park starts off with the Night Market which is a true testament to locally grown and produced goods.  It was wonderful to be able to eat freshly cooked corn cobs, locally grown strawberries and sweet ‘n’ salty popcorn (a new experience for us Canada newbie’s) while enjoying the late evening sunshine.  For the children an inflatable castle and face painting kept them entertained, in between dancing of course, at the Safeway Family Zone.

Three different Fraser Valley bands entertained the thousands of spectators each week from the Coast Capital Entertainment Stage.  The organisers had made a concerted effort to cater for a variety of tastes and ages and each week one of the bands would continue the party over at the Vault for those adults not quite ready to call it a night! The final week of Party in the Park and by far the most exciting for us, saw a total of twelve bands take to the stage to close the final show and what a finale it was. As local boys Pardon My Striptease closed the show it was with a twinge of sadness we bade farewell to Party in the Park 2009.

Party in the Park is held at the Central Community Park on the corner of Victoria and Young. There are public washrooms on site and it’s easily accessible for those in wheelchairs. Dogs are allowed; just keep them on a leash.

Chilliwack Flight Fest

This year’s Chilliwack Flight Fest is presented by the RE/MAX Realtors of the Lower Mainland.  Check HERE for all the information on this years event.

An action packed weekend was planned for aviation enthusiasts young and old to celebrate the Annual Flight Fest held at Chilliwack Municipal Airport. The celebrations had begun with a Hangar Dance and Twilight Show on the Saturday evening followed by a packed day of events on the Sunday including an early morning Pancake Breakfast and the eagerly anticipated Air show in the afternoon. This was when we arrived, in the blistering heat not really knowing what to expect. We soon realised that we most definitely had not planned or researched well enough for the day. It was by far, one of the hottest days of the summer and we were ill prepared for the scorching heat. We also arrived with puppy in tow only to realise that dogs were not permitted onsite.  Therefore we took it in turns to ‘puppy sit’ outside the main gate.

There were a large number of magnificent aircraft on display, lovingly cared for and maintained by their dedicated custodians.  The male members of the family took great delight exploring the cockpit of an ‘air sea rescue’ helicopter, marvelling at the vast complexity of the instrument panel and grilling the on hand crew member for tales of intrepid rescues.  For those patrons wishing to get a more ‘hands on’ experience a flight simulator was on site to satisfy their need for speed.  The Air show started with all eyes directed to the four parachutes descending from the sky, where we were treated to the breathtaking sight of smoke trails and patriotic flags billowing from the legs of the daring parachutists. Aircraft of different varieties then proceeded to wow the crowd with jaw dropping displays of amazing skill and bravery. Such a delight to see so many aircraft that are only normally seen in old films and history books, take flight and dazzle the crowd.

For an admission free event Chilliwack Annual Flightfest was truly worth a visit, especially for those with an interest in aviation. Chilliwack Municipal Airport is easy to find simply head out of the city on Young Road and turn left into Airport Road. Parking is available on site and also along Airport Road. For those not wishing to drive buses were provided from the UCFV Campus. So for a great day out pack a picnic, bring the folding chairs, slap on the sunscreen, leave the dogs at home and head for the airport.

Julie and Family attended the 2009 Flightfest. Watch for the 19th Annual edition coming in August 2010!

Before You Move to Chilliwack…

Thinking about moving to Chilliwack? Be sure to check out the following first:

• Find out as much as you can about each area or neighbourhood you’re interested in – chat with people in those areas (Chilliwack neighbourhoods)
• Pick up all of the local newspapers. (Chilliwack Progress, Chilliwack Times). Subscribe to them or read them online before you move to get a feel for Chilliwack or Sardis or whichever area you’re considering
• Contact a  Chilliwack Real Estate office or Chilliwack Realtors to find out about the local housing market.
• Find a good moving checklist
• Explore local transportation, grocery stores, schools, city & community services, churches, clubs

Moving to Chilliwack: First Time Home Buyers in Chilliwack

Moving to Chilliwack: First-time Buyers in Chilliwack

If you are thinking of moving to Chilliwack and getting into home ownership for the first time, you have come to the right place!  Working with first time buyers is favorite way for Chilliwack Realtors to provide professional real estate service. If you’ve ever watched the TV show, Property Virgins, you know that you are in for an emotional experience as you look for your first home in Chilliwack. Everything about the process is new and personal service is more valuable than ever. Before you move to Chilliwack, find the best Chilliwack real estate agent who can guide you through all the ups and downs that come with searching for and discovering your first Chilliwack real estate purchase.

The process begins with a buyer meeting, face-to-face whenever possible. Here you will go through a step-by-step, ‘What to Expect’ guide, and a complete first-time buyer package that explains everything from mortgage financing, first-time buyer benefits from the government, all the legal fees, home insurance information, and contracts, just as a start. Don’t worry though as your Chilliwack Realtor will be with you the whole way.

Chilliwack is a great place to purchase your first home. Our housing prices are still within reach for the first-time home buyer. The community is growing, the amenities are growing and we are only a short drive away from work for commuters.

Now is also the perfect opportunity to be a first-time buyer! Interest rates are so low, prices have dropped (in some cases dramatically), and it truly is a buyer’s market. That means that the buyers are in the driver’s seat. As well, we will vigorously negotiate on your behalf to make sure that you get the home that you have been dreaming of that fits your budget.

Real estate values over time will increase in Chilliwack (and elsewhere). A survey we recently saw stated that an average homeowner has 46 times the personal net worth of the average renter! That it certainly one other good reason to consider buying a home this year!

Moving to Chilliwack: Moving Checklists

Are you thinking about moving to Chilliwack?

Moving can be a hectic time, but this list can help you stay organized.

Courtesy of Kelly Lerigny & Anita Lloyd
Your  SoldonChilliwack Team
Re/Max Nyda Realty Ltd  604-858-7179

Moving Checklist

One month before your move        Date____________________

__ Clean out your closets, basement and garage. Donate unused items to your favorite charity or have a garage sale to help pay for some of your move.

__ (Can’t decide whether to sell it or move it? Consider how much you could sell it for versus what it will cost to ship it.)

__ Get packing supplies; tape, boxes, tissue paper, bubble wrap, markers.

__ If this is a big move, start packing items of no use prior to your move. Pack up things like photo albums, books, and seasonal decorations.

__ If you’re packing items that will go in storage, make itemized lists of each box and its contents.

__ Start a log of moving expenses and keep all your move-related receipts. Some items may be tax deductible.

__ Find a reputable mover. If you’re hiring professional movers get written estimates from at least two moving companies; include their written commitment of pickup and delivery dates. Ask for and check references. Check the limits of insurance they offer and whether or not it covers replacement costs. Purchase additional insurance if you need it.

__ Arrange to transfer your household insurance to your new home.

__ Advise regular tradespeople (gardener, housecleaner, pool service) if you’re moving out of their service area. Look into services for new home.

Two weeks before your move      Date___________________

__ Arrange for disconnection or transfer of your BC Hydro service.

__ Arrange for disconnection or transfer of other utilities (gas, cable, phone, ISP, security company). Get new phone number.

__ Contact the post office to have your mail forwarded.

__ Arrange to close or transfer your bank accounts. Order cheques with your new address & phone number.

__ Stop or transfer newspaper and other home deliveries.

__ Advise friends, family and professionals of your new address and phone number. (Don’t forget your doctor, dentist and other medical professionals, schools, library, accountant, financial advisor, credit card companies, Canada Customs & Revenue (Revenue Canada), Motor Vehicle Branch, frequent flyer plans, your employer, medical plan, magazine and other subscriptions.)

One week before your move     Date____________________

__ Clean your home or arrange for a cleaning service.

__ Confirm delivery address, phone number and delivery date with the movers.

__ Clean out and defrost the freezer.

__ If you’re moving to another city, pick up dry cleaning, prescriptions, photos or anything else left outside your home.

__ Clean out school or gym lockers.

__ Return library books.

__  Double check sales contract to make sure you leave behind all items included before packing (all fixtures like curtain rods, blinds, etc. must stay with house)

A few days before your move        Date____________________

__ Complete packing of all household goods for the move. Make sure boxes are clearly marked with the room they will go in, as well as “Fragile” if necessary.

__ Place important documents in a safe box that you will carry. Include home purchase/sale papers, will, financial records, passports, birth certificates. Mark “Do Not Move” on the box; move this box yourself.

__ Prepare an “open first” box with towels, bedding, basic kitchen and bathroom supplies, toys or games for your children, tools (hammer, screwdriver) to set up furniture.

__ Label all keys for new occupants

__ Place all appliance manuals & warrantees, etc in one place for the new occupants.

Move day!          Date___________________

__ Keep phone connected or have a cell phone in case you need to contact your movers, Realtors, etc.

__ Carefully supervise the move. Make sure your instructions are understood, and that boxes are delivered to the right rooms.

__ Check all the rooms and closets to make sure you haven’t left anything behind.

__ Turn down the thermostat.

__ Lock up and leave labelled keys, garage door openers, etc. with the Realtor.

__ Arrive at your new home before the movers. Show the movers where to put boxes and furniture.

__ Check that you’ve been given keys to every lock in your new home.

__ Carefully review the movers’ bill of lading before signing. Check for damaged items.

__ At your new home, make sure the utilities are on and working properly.

__ Unpack your “open first” box. Set up your bed; unpack the kitchen and bathroom to help you feel at home.

__ Relax, order in dinner, and take a long hot bath.

After your move

__ Unpack, then donate or flatten and recycle boxes.

__ Change the address on your driver’s license and car insurance.

__ Plan your housewarming party!

Good luck with your plans to move to Chilliwack!

Regency Park

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• Close to Sardis service corridor
• Multifamily and detached homes
• Great options for retirees

For those looking for a more residential setting than that offered by the downtown neighbourhoods, but still wanting easy access to shopping, medical and entertainment amenities, the Regency park area of Sardis is an excellent choice.

Located just south of the freeway and with many streets within walking distance to the Cottonwood and Chilliwack malls, this area offers a variety of housing options.  Tree-lined streets such as Sapphire and Diamond offer family sized homes as well as retirement style ranchers and a surprise access to lovely walking trails and greenspace.

The Cottonwood Retirement Village and Creekside Estates on Jasper Drive are two examples of complexes designed for and popular with our senior folks. Established townhome complexes as well as some newer upscale multifamily townhomes and condos offer choices in a variety of price levels.

This area is also great for the commuter with access to the freeway via the Vedder Rd interchange and the soon to be completed Evans Rd access.

Looking for houses for sale in the Regency Park area of Chilliwack? Click here to find local homes for sale in Regency Park.

Schools

Evans Elementary School -  kindergarten to grade six
Vedder Middle School - grades 7,8,9
Sardis Secondary School - grades 10,11,12

Wiltshire / Worthington

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• Convenient to Sardis shopping
• Family and senior friendly subdivisions
• Edenbank Seniors Complex

Located south of Spruce Drive on the west side of Vedder Road, and with streets branching from the Wiltshire corridor, this residential area is home to many empty nesters and active retirees.

Attracting this population is the predominance of larger detached rancher style homes ideal for those wanting one-level living combined with yards large enough for gardening and outdoor enjoyment. A quiet neighbourhood of quality homes it is also attractive to families wanting the convenience of easy access to schools and the Sardis shopping areas.

Some larger executive homes on over-sized lots are located along  Worthington and Newby Dr. as well as a mix of older and newer custom executive homes on Pioneer, Gleneden and Eden Drives.

This area is also home to Edenbank, Chilliwack’s most unique and beautiful seniors community with its expansive gardens, walking paths, executive clubhouse and varied mix of apartments, townhouses and detached homes within the community.

Looking for houses for sale in Sardis? Click here to find local homes for sale in the Wiltshire Worthington area.

Schools

Evans Elementary School -  kindergarten to grade six
Tyson Elementary School - kindergarten to grade six
Vedder Middle School - grades 7,8,9
Sardis Secondary School - grades 10,11,12