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

Understanding Vancouver Condo Ownership

by Maggie Chandler July 21, 2011 Buyers Tips

There are three types of property in a condo development

Strata lots are the individual housing units owned by the individual owners

Common property refers to the areas that are for the use of all the owners. In a typical project, common property includes the land the building is on as well as the walkways, parking areas, …

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Understanding Vancouver Real Estate HPI, Average and Median Prices

by Maggie Chandler July 21, 2011 Buyers Tips

REBGV publishes many different prices when it refers to Vancouver real estate and what the market’s doing.

They refer to median prices, average prices, Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price. They are all different and probably confusing to the consumer.

The MLSLink Housing Price Index (HPI)

Established in 1995, is modeled on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) which …

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The Benefits of an Electrical Inspection for Vancouver Home Buyers

by Maggie Chandler July 19, 2011 Buyers Tips

When we are in the process of house shopping we don’t often think about having someone to come out and inspect a home for us before we purchase it.

Home inspections are highly recommended and will help to save you money in the long run. It is good advice to have a home inspector for a …

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Buying Vancouver Real Estate as a Non-Resident of Canada

by Maggie Chandler July 15, 2011 Buyers Tips

I was recently asked this question from a non resident Canadian.
I’m a Canadian citizen who is currently residing in Asia. I am interested in purchasing a property in Vancouver as a non-resident. I wonder what the rules would be on this? I read that down payments would need to be much higher between 35-50% …

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New Vancouver Condos – Sneak Peak

by Maggie Chandler July 15, 2011 Buyers Tips

Tell them you heard it here first!

Looking for a new Vancouver condo pre-sale?

The sign just went up on Fir and 6th avenue in Kitsilano. It’s going to be an 18 floors with amazing view of the mountains, city and False Creek. Presentation Centre will be opening next week. Contact me if you’re interested

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Deal of the Month – 704-1790 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver, BC

by Maggie Chandler July 14, 2011 Deal of the Month

Why is 704-1790 Bayshore Drive the Deal of the Month?

In fact, in the current Vncouver real estate market there are few “deals” but there are some sharply priced properties, such as this one.

This s.w. corner 2 bedroom is listed at $888,000 and open to offers.

#804 sold in August 2006 for $880,000 and resold in April …

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When Does a New Vancouver Condo Have to Hold their First AGM?

by Maggie Chandler July 13, 2011 Buyers Tips

Mike Managan is an experienced lawyer, teacher and author of The Condominium Manual

So you’ve bought into a new Vancouver condo building and probably have a lot of questions regarding teething pains and how the building is managed.

The SPA imposes various duties on the developer at different stages of the cycle, creating 3 stages.

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What are BC First Time Homebuyers Compromising On?

by Maggie Chandler July 13, 2011 Buyers Tips

According to a recent TD Canada Trust first time homebuyers report for BC, first time homebuyers are most likely to compromise in price (53%), number of bedrooms (44%) and number of bathrooms (35%).

They are most willing to make concessions about

proximity to recreational activities (87%)
features of the home (85%)
layout of home (81%)

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Vancouver Condo Building Exteriors

by Maggie Chandler July 12, 2011 Buyers Tips

From Douville & Co – Certified Building Inspectors
This is part of our series on condo building envelopes
Sealants

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Can I Change My Closing Date after Acceptance? Homes for Sale in Vancouver

by Maggie Chandler July 11, 2011 Buyers

Buyers and sellers often ask me this question.

Here’s the answer – yes you can if the other party is in agreement. If they aren’t then you can’t.

Once an agreement is reached by the buyer and seller and the contract of purchase and sale is signed you are committed to those dates unless the other party …

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