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Strawhomes Blog

Greater Vancouver real estate insights, market updates, and guides

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pros and cons of living in West Vancouver
Buying

Pros and Cons of Living in West Vancouver

Living in West Vancouver offers breathtaking views and community charm, but are the property prices worth the challenges? Discover the full story inside!

Richard Morrison
multi level attached residence
Buying

What Is a Stacked Townhouse?

Curious about stacked townhouses? Discover their unique features and why they might be the perfect fit for your urban lifestyle!

Richard Morrison
foreigners can buy property
Buying

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Canada?

Beneath the surface of Canada's property laws, foreigners face restrictions—but there are exceptions that could surprise you. Discover the details inside!

Richard Morrison
home ownership options canada
Buyers

Types of Home Ownership in Canada

In Canada, various types of home ownership await discovery, each offering unique benefits and challenges—what's the right fit for you?

Richard Morrison
buyer s agent advantages and disadvantages
Buyers

Pros and Cons of Using a Buyers Agent

Pros and cons of using a buyer's agent can greatly impact your home search—discover what to consider before making your choice!

Richard Morrison
housing market challenges canada
Buying

Why Is Housing so Expensive in Canada?

Soaring demand, low mortgage rates, and foreign investment are driving Canada's housing crisis—discover the hidden factors fueling these skyrocketing prices!

Richard Morrison
how to negotiate a house price as a buyer
Buyers

How To Negotiate House Price As a Buyer in BC

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

Richard Morrison
What is a Special Levy? Special Assessment For Condo & Strata Fees 
Buying

What is a Special Levy? Special Assessment For Condo & Strata Fees 

A special levy is an additional fee that strata owners may be required to pay for unexpected common expenses. Understanding special levies is key for both buyers and sellers of strata properties. Key Takeaways: Keep Reading: As a realtor with over 20 years of experience , I've seen my fair share of

Richard Morrison
Subject Removal Real Estate
Buying

What is Subject Removal in Real Estate Transaction BC

Buying a home in BC can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding  subject removal . It's an essential part of  real estate transactions  that secures your rights as a  potential homeowner . In this article, we're going to break down what subject removal means, how it impacts your  h

Richard Morrison
All Cash Offer
Buying

What Is An All Cash Offer On A House in BC

Homebuying in BC can be a complex process, especially when you encounter terms like “All Cash Offer”. Did you know that an all cash offer is when a buyer has the funds available to immediately purchase a home without needing mortgage approval from a lender? This article will guide you through what e

Richard Morrison
Assignment of Contract and Purchase and Sale BC
Buying

Assignment Of Contract Of Purchase And Sale In BC: What You Need To Know

Navigating the real estate landscape can be tricky, particularly when it comes to understanding the complexities of assignments and contracts of purchase and sale in BC. With presale homes on a surge, many buyers are opting for “Assignment Of Contract,” a potentially profitable strategy where rights

Richard Morrison
listing agent vs selling agent
Buying

Listing Agent vs Selling Agent – What’s the Difference?

Are you looking to buy or sell a home soon? Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or you've been through the process before, you'll likely want to partner with a real estate agent to help guide you through the complexities of a real estate transaction. But not all agents are created equal – listing

Richard Morrison
Buying an Owner-Built Home
Buying

Buying an Owner-Built Home: A Comprehensive Guide

Purchasing an owner-built home can seem daunting, but being prepared and informed will set you up for success. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know when buying an owner-built home in British Columbia. Key Takeaways Did you know that over 20% of new home buyers in British Colum

Richard Morrison
8 Reasons To Hire a Realtor When Purchasing a Presale
Buying

Why Hire A Realtor When Purchasing A Presale Condo In BC As A Buyer

Buying a presale property in British Columbia? It may seem simple, but there’s more to the process than meets the eye. Many aren’t aware that purchasing directly from the developer doesn’t always yield them all available benefits. What are presale condos exactly? These are units sold by a developer

Richard Morrison
2-5-10 Warranty BC
Buying

Understanding 2-5-10 New Home Warranty BC

Buying a new home is an exciting milestone in life. But amidst choosing finishes and decorating, it's easy to overlook important details like warranty coverage. When buying a new home in British Columbia, it’s crucial to understand the 2-5-10 warranty standard. This coverage can provide peace of min

Richard Morrison
Minimum Down Payment on a House in BC: How Much Down Payment on Average
Buying

Minimum Down Payment on a House in BC: How Much Down Payment on Average

When I first started helping clients navigate the BC housing market, I thought down payments were straightforward – save 20%, make your purchase, and you're done. But after working with hundreds of buyers across Greater Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, I realized the truth about minimum down paymen

Richard Morrison
Strata Documents To Read Before You Buy
Buying

Strata Documents To Read Before You Buy A Strata Unit In BC

Reviewing Strata Docs As A Buyer Navigating the real estate market in BC can be daunting, especially when you’re considering strata properties. Often packed with up to 600 pages per unit, strata documents are a critical part of your purchasing decision. Our blog will guide you through the key docume

Richard Morrison
Subject Free Offer
Buying

The Risks and Rewards of Subject Free Offers in Real Estate

When buying or selling a home, a subject free offer may seem like the fastest way to close a deal. But this strategy also comes with significant risks that both buyers and sellers should understand before moving forward. Key Takeaway While subject free offers can help secure a property in a competit

Richard Morrison
What Is An Easement
Buying

What is a Property Easement in Canada? A Complete Guide

As a homeowner in Canada, it's important to understand what an easement is and how it can impact your property rights. An easement is a legal right that allows someone to use your land for a specific purpose. Key Takeaways Read More: As a real estate agent for over 10 years, I've helped numerous cli

Richard Morrison
Restrictive Covenant
Buying

Restrictive Covenants in British Columbia: A Complete Guide 

When purchasing property or starting a business in British Columbia, it's crucial to understand restrictive covenants. These legal agreements limit how a property can be used and are enforceable by law. This guide will explain everything you need to know about restrictive covenants in BC. Key Takeaw

Richard Morrison
Real Estate Clauses for Contract
Buying

Real Estate Clauses For Purchase & Sale Contract in BC Canada

Navigating the labyrinth of  real estate contracts  in  BC, Canada  can seem daunting. With special clauses and terms varying widely, understanding  purchase agreements  is vital for a smooth transaction. This blog post will empower you with comprehensive knowledge about key contract elements, inclu

Richard Morrison
Subject Removal Form BC
Buying

Subject Removal Form BC Real Estate

Navigating the complexities of real estate transactions can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the subject removal process. Did you know that in British Columbia, subjects must typically be removed within 7 days from the accepted offer date? This blog post is your comprehen

Richard Morrison
Contingency Reserve Fund
Buying

Strata Contingency Reserve Funds: A Safety Net for Strata Properties

As a realtor who has helped many clients purchase strata properties like condos and townhouses, I always advise carefully reviewing the contingency reserve fund (CRF) before signing on the dotted line. This rainy-day fund can make or break a strata community. Key Takeaway A healthy CRF cushions home

Richard Morrison
Illegal Basement Suite BC
Buying

Illegal Secondary Suites in BC: Unauthorized Vs. Authorized Basement Suites

With housing affordability at a crisis point in many parts of BC, illegal basement suites have become commonplace. As a realtor, I often meet clients who are unsure about the risks and benefits of unauthorized secondary suites. While they can provide affordable housing, illegal suites come with majo

Richard Morrison
Buying a House from the Listing Agent
Buying

Should You Buy a Home With the Listing Agent?

When looking to purchase a new home, one of the first questions buyers face is whether to work with the listing agent or find their own buyer's agent. Also Read: Real estate agent alternatives. The listing agent represents the interests of the seller, while a buyer's agent advocates solely for the b

Richard Morrison
Questions to Ask at an Open House during Viewing
Buying

The Ultimate List of Questions to Ask at an Open House During Viewing

Visiting open houses is a crucial part of the home buying process. Walking through a property provides invaluable first-hand perspective and the opportunity to ask in-depth questions. It allows potential buyers to assess the home's condition, layout, and overall feel before making an offer. Many fir

Richard Morrison
pros and cons of living in Burnaby
Buying

Pros and Cons of Living in Burnaby BC

Just when you think Burnaby, BC, is perfect, the costs and traffic might surprise you—discover the full picture before making your move!

Richard Morrison
detached house advantages and disadvantages
Buying

Pros and Cons of a Detached House

Wondering if a detached house is the right choice for you? Discover the benefits and drawbacks that could shape your decision.

Richard Morrison
real estate property listings
Buying

Examples of MLS Listings in Real Estate

Incredible MLS listings reveal essential details for homebuyers, but discovering the hidden gems within them can transform your search—find out how!

Richard Morrison
buyer seller communication allowed bc
Buying

Can a Home Buyer Talk to a Seller in BC?

Bargaining directly with a seller in BC might seem tempting, but is it worth the risk of misunderstandings? Discover why it's best to stick with your agent.

Richard Morrison