Buyers Tips

In this section we address all the information First Time Home Buyers look for, including My Buyer Services, how we search for the right home for you. We review the Buying Process, establishing the right value for the home you’ve selected, negotiating an acceptable offer, what happens after the offer is accepted, closing costs and what happens on closing. We also cover your priority list, and other professionals that are involved in the buying process.

What Vancouver Condo Investors Should Know About Financing

by Maggie Chandler March 25, 2013 Buyers Tips

The tighter Canada mortgage rules introduced in 2012 have put higher-risk borrowers under a microscope and includes Vancouver real estate investors, making it harder to qualify. You’ll now require at least 20%-25% down. Different lenders have different requirements.

What You Should Know About Your Service Debt Ratio

Calculating your service debt ratio will take into consideration how …

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Which Vancouver Neighbourhood Has the Best Priced Condos?

by Maggie Chandler June 29, 2012 Buyers Tips

Are you a Vancouver first time home buyer, investor, trading down or looking for a vacation home? Whichever category you fit into, you may be looking for the Vancouver neighbourhood with the best priced condos. A Vancouver condo fits the bill and is, in fact, 70% of the west side sales. So which Vancouver neighbourhood …

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What Vancouver Homebuyers Should Know About Buyer Contracts

by Maggie Chandler June 27, 2012 Buyers Tips

Real estate buyers and sellers who have sold their Vancouver property are familiar with the MLS Listing Contract, however, few are familiar with an Exclusive Buyers Contract and in fact few Vancouver realtors use them. A contract is a legally binding agreement between two parties and explains each parties rights and obligations. Buyer and seller …

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What Should I Know About Vancouver Real Estate Deposits?

by Maggie Chandler April 16, 2012 Buyers Tips

When a buyer makes an offer to purchase a property, the buyers agent draws up a contract of purchase and sale for the buyer and seller to sign. One of the terms of the contract is the deposit, which binds the buyer and seller to the transaction. Sometimes the Vancouver real estate deposit is due …

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Hottest Neighbourhoods – Real Estate Update in Vancouver

by Maggie Chandler February 2, 2012 Buyers Tips

Local real estate advisor Ozzie Jurock passes his opinion on Vancouver’s hottest neighbourhoods. The fact that Chinese investment/speculation has made White Rock, Richmond, the Westside and West Vancouver indisputably HOT in 2011.

We expect more inflow of Chinese money into these (and other areas) starting this month at Chinese New Year. What we mean by “HOT” …

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Why I Bought a Downtown Vancouver Condo in Domus – Condos for Sale

by Maggie Chandler January 31, 2012 Buyers Tips

As a first time Vancouver condo buyer, I’d looked extensively for four months, in four different Vancouver neighbourhoods on the west side and in four different price ranges. In total I’ve viewed over 30 condos with my realtor Maggie Chandler, as well as attending many open houses on my own.

I’d originally wished to be in …

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Is It True Love? Vancouver Homes for Sale

by Maggie Chandler December 29, 2011 Buyers Tips

Is It True Love? How to Know When You’ve Found the Right House for You

There are some things in life that you just know once you’ve found them: When you fall in love. When you’re ready to get married. When you want to start a family. When you’ve found the home in which you want …

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Looking for A Vancouver Penthouse?

by Maggie Chandler November 29, 2011 Buyers Tips

Vancouver's False Creek North

Penthouses have a cache about them and conjure up dreams of huge sqare footage, luxury, limousines, spacious patios, wonderful views,high design, champagne and sunken tubs begging for bubbles! Perched on the top floor of a tall building , perhaps with its own elevator.

Let’s take a look at some of the …

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Does Affordable Rental Housing Decrease Vancouver Property Values?

by Maggie Chandler November 22, 2011 Buyers Tips

From REBGV

Vancouver residents often believe that new rental housing lowers property values.

The NAR online library has links to more than 20 comprehensive studies and articles, some of which in turn reviewed and analyzed data from other studies.

The geographic areas studied included high-density urban areas, upscale suburbs and rural areas. Typically studies compared the sale prices …

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New Listing! 305-168 Powell Street, Vancouver, BC

by Maggie Chandler September 14, 2011 Buyers Tips

Welcome home! I’m a huge East facing one bedroom in Concord Pacific’s Smart.

I have a great layout with modern sleek finishings. My boutique building designed by Busby boasts a gym and bike room. I have laminate floors, a balcony and insuite laundry and I’m only 2 years old.

I Enjoy living in this trend setting …

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