Category: Real Estate

Let’s talk about everyone’s favorite topic: Taxes. Just not the kind due in spring of every year that your accountant looks forward to doing. This kind of tax is the kind that makes you yet again question the state of our Democracy in Canada.  The newly announced BC Home Flipping tax, comes into effect on…

How Interest Rates Impact Vancouver’s Real Estate Market As expected in Vancouver, real estate is at the forefront of many investment conversations. Interest rates, while seemingly just a small percentage figure, have profound implications for our residential real estate market. Consider these two different scenarios: Low Interest Rates: When the economy experiences low-interest rates, we…

Vancouver City Council Approves ‘Multiplexes’ to Address Housing Shortage In a groundbreaking decision on September 14th, the Vancouver City Council unanimously approved a proposal aimed at alleviating the city’s housing shortage. This decision allows for the construction of ‘multiplexes’ in low-density neighbourhoods, marking a pivotal moment after years of discussions among city officials and staff…

Buying a property, whether it’s your first home or an investment, is a significant decision. It involves a complex process that can be daunting to navigate alone. This is where a buyer’s real agent becomes an invaluable ally. Did you know that the commission for real estate transactions in BC is typically paid by the…

Vancouver, known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant urban lifestyle, coupled with its proximity to beaches and mountains is a desirable city for first-time home buyers. While the Vancouver real estate market can be competitive and challenging, there are still neighbourhoods within Vancouver that offer great opportunities for those looking to purchase their first home.…

We’re excited to have early access to one of our favourite presales of the year – Komo by Strand Following the immense success of Strand’s recent tower, Alina, the demand for this type of development has been undeniable. Komo, their latest project, bears a striking resemblance to Alina while incorporating a selection of additional amenities.…

Moving an elderly family member can be a challenging and emotional experience for both the senior and their loved ones. Whether it is a move to a smaller home, a senior living community, or a long-term care facility, it is important to plan ahead and approach the process with patience, sensitivity, and understanding. Here are…

On November 24, 2022, Bill 44, the Building and Strata Statutes Amendment Act was enacted which removed nearly all rental and age restrictions in strata buildings within British Columbia. Rental Restrictions The Bill repeals any provision of the Strata Property Act which allows for strata corporations to create bylaws related to restricting or prohibiting rental. …

What’s the biggest fear in the market right now? Is it rising interest rates? Price decreases? Inflation? Lack of job stability? Sales have dropped and prices have slid down over recent months. I don’t care what the headlines say, what banks predict or what some catchy IG profile is claiming. What I care about is…

A lot of people are predicting a recession across Canada and the US. Goldman Sachs predicts that there is a 15% chance in next 12 months and a 35% chance in the next 24 months of us seeing a recession. But since our last recession was based around subprime mortgages in the USA, we ASSUME…

Are you looking to buy a condo in Greater Vancouver? If so, here are a few strata terms you need to know to ask the right questions before you make an offer; Strata – In a strata development, the unit you purchase is called a strata lot. The common property is the rest of the…

Should you choose to buy or rent? What’s the best move for you? The answer will be different for everyone but here are some things to consider: Benefits of Owning: 1. Building Equity A major benefit of owning is that you’re able to build equity in the home. Real estate in Vancouver has been continually…

As a Realtor in Vancouver and a parent of young adult children, I am often asked by friends my thoughts on how to get their kids to think about investing in Real Estate in Vancouver and as a parent should they financially assist? I love this question because I certainly remember when my husband and…

So how do I pick the best real estate agent? This can be a daunting question for many people who are in the market to buy real estate. Gene Hackman had the same daunting question to ask himself in the classic Cinderella-story sport film, The Replacements, when he played Jimmy McGinty, the head coach of…

It’s no secret the Vancouver real estate market has been known for its consistently increasing prices. In recent years, we’ve also been seeing huge year-over-year increases in sales of larger homes further from the downtown core, especially homes with great outdoor spaces. This has continued throughout the pandemic and doesn’t seem to be changing. Increased…

Real Estate As An Investment Real Estate is one of the most timeless methods of investing in the world.  There is a famous quote by Andrew Carnegie that comes to mind, “Ninety percent of all millionaires become so through owning real estate.”  Real estate is a physical commodity that is limited in quantity, and a…

Being a first-time landlord can be challenging and confusing but we have created a list of 10 things to consider in order to help you run a stress-free rental business. Treat Your Rental Property Like a Business A rental property really is a business and it should be operated and cared for as such. It…

Are you considering purchasing a PRESALE property but unsure if it’s the right choice for you? Here is a quick breakdown of the ways in which presale transactions typically differ from resale: 1. Home Selection In the preconstruction phase of any new build, the developer will open a sales centre that will give potential buyers…

5 Tips to Self Staging Have you ever walked into an open house and instantly felt like… “I could live here and can I keep the furniture please?”. Well, more often than not this is due to good staging. Staging creates an emotional connection between the buyer and the desire for them to want to…

First-Time Home Buyers Incentives Are you a first-time homebuyer? Here are some first-time homebuyers programs B.C. residents can take advantage of to make your first home purchase more affordable. Follow the links provided for more details. Government of Canada’s First-Time Home Buyer Incentive: The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive helps qualified first-time homebuyers reduce their monthly…

First Time Home Seller Series: Part 2: A few fixes for listings Ok so you want to sell your house and you have a light plan put together. You have decided you will prep the house over the next 3 weeks to make sure it is show-ready, as you think this will make you maximize…

A house is typically the biggest investment we own – and most people love to add our personal touches to the house to make it a home. However, when it comes to selling, we want to make sure those touches have added value, and not taken away from it. Here are the top 3 renovations…

In an active real estate market, buyers may encounter competition from other buyers interested in the same property.  What makes your offer stand out can be the difference between having your offer accepted and walking away empty handed.  Discussed below are three strategies that can be implemented together or independently to help you win. Strategy…

Harold Samuel coined the phrase “location, location, location” as the three things that matter most when buying a property. Well, he’s not wrong. The fact that property is immobile is why Location is such an important criteria to consider when looking to purchase a property. Not only the location itself but all the externalities that…