55 articles in buyers
When I first started advising clients about the short-term rental market in Vancouver back in 2003, the landscape looked completely different. Property owners could list spare rooms, secondary suites, or entire investment properties with relative ease. But after witnessing the dramatic shift in shor
Are you considering buying a condo in BC Canada? After helping hundreds of buyers navigate Metro Vancouver's real estate market over the past decade, I can tell you that condos represent one of the most attractive entry points into homeownership—especially for first-time buyers facing Vancouver's no
Do you want to buy an old house? Old homes have character and advantages. As a real estate expert , I'll explain the advantages of buying an older home. Buying an old home has many benefits, from cost savings to historic preservation. Let's examine their benefits! From my personal experience, cost s
Selling a house to a friend is difficult. Selling your home to a friend involves many factors beyond money. Selling your house to a friend in Canada can be easy with some planning and knowledge of Canadian laws and regulations! I'll explain how to sell your house to a Canadian friend in this article
Buying a house is a major life choice. It involves complex legal processes, financial commitments, and other factors. So if you’re both Canadian, buying a house with your parents is even more complicated! We have all the information you need to navigate this tricky process. This article discusses t
When Sarah walked into my office last spring, her hands were trembling slightly as she clutched a folder of paperwork. "I found the perfect house for me and the kids," she said quietly. "But I'm still legally married. Can I even do this?" It's a question I've heard dozens of times throughout my 15+
Hi there! Are you buying or selling property? What is a "non-length arm's transaction"? Don't worry—I'll help. I'll explain how non-length arm's transactions could affect your real estate deal in this article. Quick Takeaway: A non-arm’s length transaction in real estate occurs when buyers and selle
Good day, dear readers! We are sure you are here because you are looking for a step-by-step guide on how to buy a house for your beloved parents. Buying a house for your parents is such a touching and meaningful gesture – why not give them the stability of owning their own home? You […]
When my client Sarah told me she was buying a house with three of her college roommates in Vancouver, I thought she was crazy. "You're going to co-own property with three other people?" But six months later, after helping her navigate the process successfully, I realized something important: buying
Purchasing a home from a relative can be an excellent way to climb onto the property ladder. But navigating the legal and financial complexity requires preparation. Key Takeaways Let's start with an overview of the key steps and considerations: This may seem daunting, but being informed at every st
You’ve found the perfect house and you can already imagine yourself living there. But, when you check out the listing, it says “pending sale.” Is all hope lost? Not necessarily! Making an offer on a pending sale can be tricky but if done correctly, you could find yourself in your dream home sooner t
Buying a house is never easy, especially when you're juggling multiple property interests. In British Columbia (BC), it's legally possible for homebuyers to place an offer on more than one house simultaneously. Yes, you can put offers on more than one property in BC, Canada, but it carries legal
When I first started helping buyers navigate real estate transactions in BC, I thought dates were just administrative details: pick a day, sign the paperwork, move in. Simple, right? But after witnessing dozens of deals fall apart over misunderstood timelines and watching first-time home buyers scra
When I first helped my client navigate the Vancouver real estate market, she thought the process would be straightforward. But after three months of house hunting, multiple offer situations, and unexpected closing costs totaling over $30,000, she realized buying a home in Vancouver is far more compl
Buying a single-family home in British Columbia offers privacy, land ownership, and long-term appreciation potential. However, high purchase prices, property taxes, and maintenance costs increase financial risk. Market volatility and stricter mortgage qualification rules in BC further affect afforda
When I first started working with clients struggling to break into BC's housing market, I thought rent-to-own arrangements were just a creative financing gimmick. But after helping dozens of families navigate these agreements over the past decade, I realized the truth about rent-to-own homes is far
Can I buy a house in Canada on work permit? Canada's red-hot housing market has left many potential homebuyers priced out. In response, the federal government enacted a two-year ban prohibiting most foreigners from purchasing residential property, effective January 1, 2023. But the devil is in the d
When the news headlines start screaming about economic downturns and recession fears, most people's first instinct is to slam on the financial brakes. I've watched countless potential homebuyers sit on the sidelines during uncertain economic times, convinced they're making the smart move. But here's
In Canada, various types of home ownership await discovery, each offering unique benefits and challenges—what's the right fit for you?
Pros and cons of using a buyer's agent can greatly impact your home search—discover what to consider before making your choice!
Listen, I've been negotiating real estate deals in Vancouver and across British Columbia for over 20 years, and I'll tell you straight—knowing how to negotiate effectively can save you tens of thousands of dollars. I've watched buyers leave money on the table because they didn't understand the art o
As 2024 starts, it's time to reflect on 2043 as another year of twists and turns in Canadian real estate. From soaring mortgage rates to tax changes aimed at cooling markets, it has been a volatile ride. While uncertainty still looms in 2025, my decades of experience provide perspective. I've gleane
I have lived in Vancouver for over 30 years and I have experienced many of these events myself. Its a pleasure to showcase them here for you. Vancouver is a vibrant and exciting city, with plenty of activities to keep locals and visitors alike busy throughout the year. With so many annual events tak
If you’re thinking about buying a condo in Vancouver, you should know how much the monthly maintenance fee will be. Quick Takeaway: The fee can vary widely from one hundred to thousands dollars a month depending on the size of the unit, or 0.40ish cents per square foot. Condo maintenance fees (strat
Buying a house or travelling the world has been debated for centuries. Like standing at a crossroads and not knowing which way to go. Roots and stability versus adventure, freedom, and exploration. Both paths are uncertain but can lead to amazing experiences if chosen correctly. Buy a house or trave
Homebuying can be thrilling and terrifying. You may have many questions if you're considering using multiple real estate agents . Is it legal? Is that wise? How would it work? I'll answer all your questions from my experience and expertise! This article describes using multiple real estate agents wh
Are you in the process of buying a house and not sure if the title is in your name? Or perhaps you are curious about how to know whether or not the title of a property has been transferred into your name? Well, understanding real estate titles can be confusing, but it doesn't have to […]
Buying a house is one of the most exciting moments in life! You can’t wait to move in and make it your own, but do you really know what you’re getting? When you buy a house, do you actually own everything that comes with it? It's worth taking some time to get clued up on […]
Title fraud is a growing threat to Canadian homeowners. This type of fraud involves stealing the legal ownership of a property through identity theft and fraudulent documentation. The criminals then sell or remortgage the home without the real owner's knowledge or consent. Victims often don't realiz
Are you building a new home or investment property? If so, it’s important to understand the importance of owner’s title insurance. In Short: Yes, you should get owner’s title insurance for new construction in BC. Even with a new build, title insurance protects against title defects, fraud, survey er
Are you considering buying a townhouse? The pros of buying a townhouse in BC, Canada include affordability compared to detached homes, lower maintenance since exterior upkeep is typically covered, and access to shared amenities. The cons include limited privacy due to shared walls, potential strata
Buying a pre-rental property can be an exciting and profitable endeavor for many people. After all, it’s the perfect opportunity to move into your own home or get some extra income from rent payments. But what are the pros and cons of buying a pre-rental property? Before making a decision, it's cruc
When I first started working with buyers interested in brand-new developments in Vancouver, I thought the appeal was obvious – pristine finishes, modern layouts, and that new-home smell. But after guiding dozens of clients through pre-construction purchases in British Columbia, I realized the truth
You've just received your home inspection report, and your stomach drops. What looked like your dream home now has found`ation issues, electrical problems, or hidden water damage that'll cost tens of thousands to fix. The big question racing through your mind: can you actually walk away from this de
Hey there! Are you planning to buy a new house? Congratulations, that's an exciting endeavor. Buying a home is no small investment In short, a contractor can do a home inspection in BC only if they are a licensed home inspector under BC’s regulatory requirements. Most contractors are not certified,
When Sarah and Michael put in an offer on their dream home in Kelowna last spring, they thought they'd found the perfect property. But after hiring what turned out to be an inexperienced home inspector, they discovered—six months after moving in—that the "minor moisture issue" mentioned in passing w
When I first stood in front of my client's aging 1970s bungalow twenty years ago, I faced the same gut-wrenching question that thousands of homeowners wrestle with every year: should they pour money into renovating this place, or tear it down and start fresh? After consulting with contractors, archi
Tax sales occur annually in cities across British Columbia when property owners fall delinquent on their property taxes. After three years of unpaid taxes, municipalities can auction these properties to recoup the unpaid taxes. Tax sales represent an opportunity for new homebuyers or real estate inv
When I first started helping clients navigate the Metro Vancouver housing market, I thought the answer to this question was obvious: wait for lower rates. But after working with hundreds of homebuyers through multiple interest rate cycles—and watching some clients miss out on their dream homes while
When I first started tracking monetary policy shifts back in 2008, I thought interest rate movements were just another financial metric that didn't really move the needle for everyday homebuyers. But after witnessing three complete rate cycles and helping hundreds of clients navigate Vancouver's not
Are log homes in BC Canada more expensive to insure? Log cabins are becoming an increasingly popular choice for Canadians looking for a beautiful, rustic home. But is the cost of insurance worth it? In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of insuring a log cabin in Canada. I'll look at how
Have you ever stood at the edge of a lake at sunset and thought, "What if I could wake up to this every single day?" You're not imagining something impossible. You are imangining possibilities. The main difference between the pros and cons of buying waterfront property is lifestyle value versus risk
The main difference between the pros and cons of buying a mansion is cost versus benefit. A mansion offers large living space, premium amenities, and strong privacy, but it also requires high maintenance costs, elevated property taxes, and increased utility expenses that can exceed several thousand
Determining the true value of your home can be confusing. You likely receive a property assessment notice from BC Assessment each year with an assessed value. But is this the same as the market value – what buyers are actually willing to pay? The differences between assessed value and market value a
We have always said that Home buyers should always have their own agent. But now, as of 2018, BCFSA ( BC Financial Services Authority ) has mandated that dual agency is not allowed . This means that you NEED an agent representing your side because the listing agent is only allowed to look out for [&
In this article, we'll explore the ins-and-outs of corporate property purchases in Canada. Yes, a corporation can buy a house in Canada. Businesses often purchase real estate for rental income, employee housing, or investment purposes. Corporate-owned properties may have tax advantages but also face
How Much Will A Home Appraisal Cost In In BC Canada Ah, home appraisals – the bane of any homeowner's existence… and wallet. We can all relate to that sinking feeling in our stomachs when we find out just how much these dreaded appraisals are gonna cost us! A home appraisal in BC typically […
When I first encountered a low appraisal on what I thought was the perfect deal, I felt my stomach drop. The buyer and I had agreed on $685,000 for a beautiful Vancouver character home, but the appraisal came back at $650,000. That $35,000 gap felt insurmountable. But after years working in BC real
When I first started working with clients in Metro Vancouver's real estate market fifteen years ago, I thought home appraisals were straightforward—square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms, done. But after witnessing hundreds of transactions where appraisal values surprised even seasoned homeowners, I re
What Do Landlords In BC Canada Look For In Your Bank Statements? As an experienced real estate agent, I'm often asked by potential tenants what landlords in Canada look for when reviewing their bank statements. It's a valid question, as having all your ducks in a row can make the process of renting