After all the treats were eaten and our sugar high was over we selected our lucky winner for a fabulous dinner for two at Cloverdales’  happening The Vault Resturant and the winner is… drum roll please… it’s David!!!

I hope everyone had a really wonderful Valentine’s Day and stay tuned for our next fun and exciting contest!

Cheers,

The Clayton Rise Team

Imagine you and your sweetheart walking hand in hand in beautiful Bora Bora or even snorkeling in the great barrier reef…your new home and dream vacation awaits.

Come visit us in the Sales Centre for all the fun and exciting details!

Cheers,

Your Clayton Rise Sales Team

*Some conditions apply, trip value up to $3,000.

1. Grab some friends and a toboggan and head to your nearest hill for some thrills and guaranteed laughs.
2. Bundle up and take a walk with a loved one. Snow is such beautiful scenery and besides there is no better way to get warm then to get moving!
3. Head over to your favorite coffee shop and unwind with a great book and a hot chocolate. We love the Wired Monk at 64^th and 184^th in Cloverdale.
4. Curl up by the fire place and get warm with a board game and some friends or family. We love sitting by the fire place in the clubhouse at Clayton Rise. Just another one of the great amenities available to all of our home owners.
5. Hit the skating rink at the local recreation centre during a public skate. Not only is it a great way to have some fun but it is also a great way to sneak in some excerise.

A little poem to you my Friends wrapping up 2011:

Elise and the Clayton Rise Family

Just Believe! The Polar Express…

Nanaimo Bars are a traditional Canadian bar cookie whose origins are in Nanaimo, British Columbia.

 BOTTOM LAYER

1/2 cup unsalted butter (Euro-style cultured)
1/4 cup sugar
5 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg, beaten
1 3/4 cup graham wafer crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
1 cup coconut

Melt first 3 ingredients in top of a double boiler. Add egg and stir to cook and thicken Remove from heat. Stir in crumbs, coconut and nuts. Press firmly into an ungreased 8 X 8 pan.

SECOND LAYER

1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons and 2 tsp. cream
2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder (such as Birds — see Note below)
2 cups icing sugar

Cream butter, cream, custard powder and icing sugar together well. Beat until light. Spread over bottom layer.

THIRD LAYER

4 squares semi-sweet chocolate (1 oz. each)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Cool When cool, but still liquid, pour over second layer and chill in refrigerator.

ENJOY!!!!!

Take a look at five short and sweet reasons that homeownership is great!

1. Equity. When you pay rent, you never see that money again. It is lining the landlord’s pocket. Yes, buying a home may come with some hefty initial costs (downpayment, closing costs, inspections), but you will make that money back over time in equity built in the home. Historically, homes appreciate by about 4 to 6 percent a year. Some areas are still experiencing normal appreciation rates. For the areas that have seen harder times since the recession, experts feel that the housing market will recover. Homeownership is about building long-term wealth. A home bought for $10,000 in 1960 is most likely worth 10 times that in today’s market.

2. Relationships: Renters tend to see their neighbors come and go quickly. Some people sign year leases while others are in the community for much shorter terms. Apartment complexes also tend to have less common shared space for people to meet, greet, and socialize. Homeowners, however, have yards, walking trails, or community pools and clubhouses where they can get to know each other. Neighbors stay put much longer (at least three to five years if they hope to recoup their closing costs). This means more time to develop relationships. Research has shown that people with healthy relationships have more happiness and less stress.

3. Predictability: Well, as long as you have a fixed-rate term on your mortgage it’s predictable. Most people buying homes today know that a fixed-rate is the way to go. This means your payment amount is fixed for the life of the term. If your mortgage payment is $500 today, then it will still be $500 a month in 10 years. This allows for people to budget and make solid financial plans. The sub-prime crisis meant many homeowners with adjustable rate mortgages saw their monthly payments rise and then rise some more. Homeownership, though, generally comes with a predictable table of expenditures. Even the big purchases are predictable. You know most roofs last just 15 years (or so). You know that each year you’ll need to pay for the gutters to be cleaned, and so on.

4. Ownership: Okay, this is a given. Homeownership means you “own” your home. That comes with some incredible perks, though! You can renovate, update, paint, and decorate to your heart’s desire. You can plant trees, install a pool, expand the patio, or do holiday decorating that would rival the Kranks (if the HOA allows!). The bottom line is this is your home and you can personalize it to your taste. Most renters are stuck with the same beige walls and beige carpet that has been standard apartment decor for 20 years. Now is your chance to let your home speak!

5. Great Deals: It’s a great time to buy. Interest rates are at historic lows. We’re talking 4.0 percent instead of 6.0 or higher. This means big savings for today’s buyers. Home prices have also taken a dip since the recession, which means homes are more affordable than ever. If you have steady income and cash for a downpayment, then be sure to talk to your local real estate agent about what homes in your area could be a fit for you.

“Homeownership can be a real joy. It’s time to get off the fence and into a home that is right for you!”

Published: November 2, 2011 by Carla Hill

1) $2,500 Home Theatre Package      

55″ LED HDTV, Digital Sound Projector, Tilting Wall Mount, Cables, Installation and Set Up

2) $2,500 Homesense Gift Card

3) $2,500 2-Hour Interior Design and Custom Paint Consult

Paint for 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & main level (Kitchen & Dining Room, not including stairwell)

This is a great time of year to check out our beautiful homes and Clubhouse at Clayton Rise! Homes starting from $296,900 offer incredible quality and design, not to mention a fabulous clubhouse with all the amenities you will need: Gym, Games Room, Theatre (with Lay-Z-Boys) and of course, our beautiful heated seasonal outdoor pool.

Stop by our Sales center TODAY and ask us for details! We look forward to seeing you!

- Elise and Natalie -

To all of you that came to join us on our special day, thank you!! You made the day what it was… A total success! We want to thank Roaming Dragon for their amazing spin on Pan-Asian cuisine. The food was to die for, and the service was even better. Two lucky realtors walked away with a $500 gift card each to Urban Barn! It was one of the last beautiful clear skies of September, and the perfect day to be outside in the warmth of the sun.

Stay tuned for our upcoming promotions and giveaways! Halloween is just around the corner, so get ready to put a pumpkin on your brand new door step here at Clayton Rise!