Buying
What's The Difference? Buyer's and Seller's Market
Whats the difference between Buyer's Market and Seller's Market
Strawhomes Blog
Greater Vancouver real estate insights, market updates, and guides
All Posts
Buying
Pros and Cons of Buying a Home Near a School
Stay informed about the pros and cons of buying a home near a school, as the decision can greatly impact your family's lifestyle.
Buying
How Does a Realtor Get Paid on New Construction & Presales in BC
Just how do realtors earn their commission on new construction and presales in BC? Discover the surprising details that could benefit your home buying journey!
Buying
Differences Between Detached House Vs Attached Homes
Amidst the debate of detached versus attached homes, discover the surprising factors that could influence your next real estate decision.
Buying
Greatest Risks of Investing In Real Estate And How to Mitigate Them
How can you navigate the greatest risks of real estate investing and protect your investment? Discover essential strategies to secure your future!
Selling
Ways to Get a Stale Real Estate Listing Noticed Again
Hoping to revive your stale real estate listing? Discover innovative strategies that can rekindle interest and attract potential buyers once again!
Buying
Should You Live in a Townhouse or a Detached Home?
Deciding between a townhouse or a detached home can shape your lifestyle and finances; discover which option aligns with your dreams!
Selling
Does a Realtor Have to Present All Offers to Seller in BC
Find out how realtor obligations in BC can impact your home sale—discover what happens if offers are overlooked!
Selling
The Benefits of Using Virtual Tours in Real Estate Listings
With virtual tours, real estate listings become more accessible and engaging, but what other advantages could transform your home-buying experience?
Selling
How Can I Estimate the Value of a Property in BC?
Uncover the best methods to estimate property value in BC and find out which option suits your needs best!
Buying
Can You Negotiate Realtor Fees in BC & Vancouver?
Can you negotiate realtor fees in BC & Vancouver? Consider the potential savings, and discover how to maximize your advantage in this process.
Selling
What Is A Short Sale In Real Estate?
Overview of short sales in real estate reveals how they can save you from foreclosure, but what are the key steps involved?
Buying
What Is a Buyer Consultation With a Realtor?
How can a buyer consultation with a realtor transform your home-buying experience? Discover the key insights that will make your journey smoother!
Buying
BC Buyer Agency Agreement: Understanding Buyer Representation Agreements (BCFSA)
Find out how a Buyer's Agent Agreement in BC Canada can empower your home-buying journey and what vital benefits you might be missing!
Buying
Pros and Cons of Living in Port Coquitlam BC
In Port Coquitlam, BC, discover the pros and cons of living and buying a home, but are you prepared for the hidden challenges?
Buying
Pros and Cons of Living in Coquitlam BC
Keen to discover the pros and cons of living in Coquitlam, BC? Uncover essential insights for navigating the competitive housing market!
Buying
Pros & Cons of Living in White Rock, BC: Is it Right for You?
Find out the benefits and drawbacks of living in White Rock, BC, and discover whether buying a home there is worth the investment.
Buying
Pros and Cons of Living in Surrey BC
Surrey, BC offers affordable living and vibrant diversity, but is the traffic and crime worth the investment? Discover the details inside!
Buying
Pros and Cons of Living in New Westminster BC
In New Westminster, BC, the charm of community and parks meets the challenge of high home prices and traffic—discover if it's the right choice for you!
Buying
Pros and Cons of Living in Richmond BC
Beneath Richmond's vibrant community and stunning parks lie housing challenges and crime concerns; discover the full picture before making your move!
Home
Top Chat GPT AI Prompts for Real Estate
Almost Illegal AI Real Estate Prompts & Tools Unlock the future of real estate with actionable AI strategies! Whether you're a buyer, seller, or investor, I will equip you with powerful AI-driven tools and prompts to enhance negotiations, pricing strategies, and market insights. Sign up today to rec
Buying
What Is a Sub-Agent in Real Estate?
Just what exactly is a sub-agent in real estate, and how do they impact your property buying experience? Discover the surprising details!
Buyers
Ozzie Jurock's Vancouver Real Estate Market 2026 Ozbuzz Forecast
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
Home
Listing Agent Showing House: A Comprehensive Guide to Successful Home Showings
As an expert realtor and sales representative in British Columbia since 2003, I know a home's first impression during a house showing to prospective buyers is critical. Staged listings sell 88% faster and for 20% more. My salesperson team stresses sparkle and order in the shop to seal buying deals w
Home
Top Complaints Against BC Realtors & Vancouver Real Estate Agents
When I first entered the real estate industry fifteen years ago, I thought agents were universally trusted professionals. But after handling hundreds of transactions across British Columbia and speaking candidly with countless clients, I've learned that frustrations with realtors are far more widesp
Home
How to Hire a Realtor to Sell Your Home in BC: An In-Depth Guide from Experts
As a veteran realtor in British Columbia since 2003, I know that choosing the right agent when selling a home is crucial. In this busy market, an agent's connections and expertise drive results. I look for transparent commission models, probing questions that demonstrate knowledge, and clear communi
Home
What is a Pre-Sale in Vancouver Real Estate? Your Comprehensive Guide to Presale Condos
As an expert Vancouver realtor since 2003, I've seen presale homes and new condos become a staple for the presale condo buyer in our dynamic market. Every presale buyer has contributed to this trend. With early offers on new condos surging in the presale market, this trend shapes how we buy and sell
Home
Real Estate Agent Alternatives: Unveiling New Ways to Sell Your Home
With over 20 years as a top-producing Realtor in Vancouver, I've helped countless clients negotiate the best sale price to buy and sell homes. Yet I understand that the traditional full-service brokerage model isn't for everyone in the real estate industry, including brokers and real estate agents.
Home
Listing on MLS Without a Realtor: A Comprehensive Guide to Maximize Your Property Sale
As a leading Vancouver agent and traditional realtor since 2003, I empower homeowners to achieve their goals by listing on MLS and Zillow without service agents through my site Strawhomes.com. Leveraging these powerful sales engines to maximize exposure and sell for more, without paying hefty commis
Home
As Is Where Is Real Estate Transactions: What You Need to Know
As a veteran Vancouver real estate agent since 2003, I know that “As Is, Where Is” carries major implications for a home sale. A home inspector can greatly influence a potential buyer’s decision, and the land associated with the property is also a key factor. When selling property this way, I transp
Home
Switching Real Estate Agents: Your Essential Guide to Mastery
As an expert British Columbia realtor and original broker since 2003, I comprehend the intricacies of real estate transactions, brokerages, and the role of a listing agent in the business. Switching agents mid-stream can add complexity. This article explores the process and implications of changing
Home
How To Buy a Condo In Vancouver: Master Guide
When I first helped a client navigate Vancouver's condo market back in 2003, they thought buying a condo would be straightforward—find a unit, make an offer, move in. But after spending three months examining strata documents, comparing maintenance fees across 47 buildings, and watching rate hikes i
Home
Realtor Questions for Buyers: Key Inquiries for Successful Home Purchasing
With over 20 years as a top-producing realtor in British Columbia, I know the right questions to ask in an interview are key to finding potential clients their perfect home and turning them into happy clients. As a new agent, this was crucial. My exclusive realtor questions for potential clients, gu
Home
Off-Market Realtor in Vancouver: Discover Hidden Real Estate Opportunities
As owner of Strawhomes.com since 2003, I have established myself as an expert authority on British Columbia real estate. My 20 years of experience as a top Vancouver Realtor gives me unique insight into off-market properties in Burnaby and surrounding areas. My in-depth knowledge of current market c
Home
Real Estate Agent Challenges: Realtor Problems They Face
When I first got my real estate license twenty years ago, I thought the hardest part of being a realtor would be learning market trends and mastering property valuations. But after helping hundreds of buyers and sellers navigate transactions across British Columbia, I've realized the real estate ind
Home
Best Real Estate Company to Sell My Home in Vancouver: 2023's Top Choices
With over 20 years as a top-producing realtor in Vancouver, I know first-hand how to get top dollar for your home. My intimate understanding of the local real estate landscape allows me to effectively market your property so it sells quickly and for maximum value. If you want the best real estate co
Home
Becoming a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Own Home: A Comprehensive Guide
With over 20 years as a top-producing realtor in British Columbia, I’ve seen firsthand how obtaining a real estate license empowers home sellers. It goes beyond passing an exam or reading textbooks – it’s about gaining the insider knowledge and skills to take control of your sale. As a licensed agen
Home
Trust Your Realtor: An Essential Guide to Their Credibility
Trusting your realtor is the key to real estate success. Read More: Strategies for Hiring a Realtor to Sell Your Home . In my 20 years as a Vancouver realtor, I've seen that trust unlocks deals at every stage. From our first handshake to closing day, mutual trust drives transactions forward. When bu
Home
Pre-Market Real Estate Listings in BC: An Exclusive Unveiling Guide
With two decades steering clients through British Columbia’s housing labyrinth, I've become a sage of the secret passages lying beneath the public listings. My agents and I form an exclusive club, scouts mapping uncharted deals, circumventing the slog of bank auctions and foreclosure notices. For th
Home
Upcoming Real Estate Listings in BC: Unveiling Canada's Hidden Gems
Did you know BC houses 13% of Canada's total real estate listings, including family homes in Yukon? Despite its smaller population, Yukon's home sale contributes significantly. As an expert realtor in British Columbia since 2003, I understand how the province's rich history and geography continue to
Home
Self-Sale Real Estate Mastering : A Comprehensive Guide to Selling Your Home Privately
As an expert realtor in British Columbia since 2003, I’ve seen the industry evolve. Homeowners once relied on realtors to sell their homes, but times have changed. More homeowners now prefer to sell their homes themselves through open houses and managing the process. The reason is simple—homeowners
Trends
Where Will AI Take Real Estate in the Future Coming Years?
AI has already revolutionized the real estate industry and the way homeowners, buyers, investors and agents purchase or sell a property. With AI-powered platforms and tools into new heights, market observers are asking themselves: where will AI take real estate in the coming years? In this blog po
Trends
Five Differences Between Student Cities in Canada and the US
As our world becomes a global village, more students are turning toward international horizons for higher education. Canada and the US are two popular choices among international students for educational pursuits. However, with all of their options, which one should you select? Below we discuss both
Trends
B.C. New 3-Day Cooling Off Period for Homebuyers
Home buying in British Columbia just got a little less stressful. As of January 1st, 2023, BC has implemented a new 3-day "cooling off" period for homebuyers after an offer is accepted by the seller. This gives buyers some breathing room to conduct due diligence before being locked into a purchase.
Trends
Can International Students Buy A House In Canada? A Guide
Are you an international student in Canada who wants a house? Have you wondered if you can buy property and live your Canadian dream ? Good news—possible. it's This article will explain how international students can buy a home in Canada. International students are often thought of as temporary stud
Trends
Canada's Changing Foreign Buyer Ban: What You Need to Know
Canada Housing Ban On Foreign Buyers: Ultimate Guide Canada's foreign buyer ban on residential real estate has undergone some key changes since it was first introduced. This controversial policy aims to make housing more affordable for Canadians by limiting foreign investment in the residential prop
Trends
Shock: Saving Up For a Down Payment Takes 400 Months in Vancouver
According to a recent report from the National Bank of Canada, it would take almost four years to save up for a down payment on a non-condo house in Vancouver. A person would have to make $230,488 per year to save up for a down payment of $1,342,184. For a Vancouver home buyer, that would […]
Buyers
Annual Events in Vancouver
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
Buyers
Condo Maintenance Fees by Size and Age of Unit: Avg Strata Fees BC
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
Buyers
Should You Buy a House Or Travel Around the World?
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