Buying a Home

In this section you can find everything you need to know about buying a home in Vancouver. It also includes information for first time home buyers, move up buyers, investors and non-canadian buyers. You can also find mortgage information and price trends. We cover the entire Buying Process, all you need to know about making an offer, Closing Costs, Moving and real estate affiliates

Canadian Designers Show their Hottest Designs

by Maggie Chandler July 25, 2009 Buyers Tips

Head down to the Scotia Bank Dance Centre (677 Davie Street) from August 21-23, 2009 for a chance to preview and shop the hottest designs of the season by Canadian designers. The first 25 in line receive a gift bag that includes the latest copy of FASHION magazine.$5 at the door; $3 online in advanceFor …

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Property Purchase Tax and Green Housing in Vancouver Real Estate

by Maggie Chandler June 4, 2009 Buyers Tips

The Real Estate Council of BC has commissioned two public opinion research surveys to find out what the public think about housing attainability hurdles, like the PTT.Are these hurdles preventing homeowners, buyers, sellers and renters from moving up, down or into the market? Are these consumer groups aware of government programs that help them …

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What you should know about Realtors working for Developers or Builders

by Maggie Chandler May 25, 2009 Buyers Tips

Who collects and keeps client ID?

Under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, as of February 20, 2009, real estate developers and builders are required to comply with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) requirements when selling a new house (detached, attached or condominium), commercial or industrial building, …

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April New Home Construction in Vancouver

by Maggie Chandler May 24, 2009 Buyers Tips

Numbers released by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) show that new home starts in Vancouver moved lower in April. Fewer multiple unit and single detached homes started construction in the first four months of the year. The total number of housing starts was down by nearly two-thirds from last year’s strong performance.

“Starts numbers so …

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Understanding British Columbia’s Property Transfer Tax

by Maggie Chandler May 21, 2009 Buyers Tips

Every real estate transaction in British Columbia requires the Buyer to pay a property transfer tax. If you are a first time buyer you are exempt if you meet certain criteria.

Have you ever been confused by BC Government information about the Property Transfer Tax (PTT)? If you answered yes, you’re not alone.

To help home …

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Homeowner Protection Office Launches a New Homes Registry

by Maggie Chandler March 23, 2009 Buyers Tips

This article is by the Homeowner Protection Office. In its continuous efforts to increase consumer protection for homebuyers, the Homeowner Protection Office (HPO) has launched a free online New Homes Registry.

REALTORS® can use this new tool to help clients make more informed decisions when buying new homes. REALTORS®, homebuyers, lawyers, local governments and others …

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Is Now a Good Time for Investors to Buy Vancouver Real Estate?

by Maggie Chandler February 23, 2009 Buyers Tips

This was published in the Vancouver Sun on Feb 18th.

With home sales – and prices – dropping in B.C., is now a good time to invest in real estate?The B.C. Real Estate Association says it just might be, pointing to a large drop in carrying costs for an investment property today compared to a year …

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British Columbia’s Home Inspectors To Be Licensed

by Maggie Chandler February 12, 2009 Buyers Tips

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) is pleased with the BC Government’s recent announcement to license home inspectors, effective March 31, 2009.

“As a REALTOR®, I know it’s important for my clients to have the best property information possible,” said BCREA President Scott Veitch. “An independent inspection is a great starting point for consumers to …

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Two Reasons why First Time Buyers are winners in Vancouver real estate market

by Maggie Chandler January 30, 2009 Buyers Tips

Typically as interest rates decrease, price points should increase. As buying power increases. Right now we have rates moving down along with easing prices. When interest rates are low you can qualify for a larger loan. When rates move up you qualify for less. This is an opportunity for first time buyers to enter the market. …

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Date of Final Acceptance on Contract of Purchase and Sale

by Maggie Chandler January 8, 2009 Buyers Tips

Contracts of Purchase and Sale often contain a clause that the deposit is due within a certain time after acceptance of the contract. Therefore, the final acceptance date becomes important as to when the deposit is due for deposit in the brokerage’s trust account.

WHEN THE OFFER IS INITIALLY MADE BY BUYER it’ll be open for …

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