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Strawhomes Blog

Greater Vancouver real estate insights, market updates, and guides

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Can I Use Multiple Real Estate Agents As A Buyer?
Buyers

Can I Use Multiple Real Estate Agents As A Buyer?

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

Richard Morrison
How to Know If the Title of the House is in My Name in BC
Buyers

How to Know If the Title of the House is in My Name in BC

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 […]

Richard Morrison
What Typically Comes With a House When You Purchase It?
Buyers

What Typically Comes With a House When You Purchase It?

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 […]

Richard Morrison
How to Protect Yourself From Real Estate Title Fraud in Canada
Buyers

How to Protect Yourself From Real Estate Title Fraud in Canada

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

Richard Morrison
Do I need owner's title insurance for new construction?
Buyers

Do I Need An Owner's Title Insurance For New Construction in BC?

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

Richard Morrison
Pros and Cons of Buying a Townhouse in BC
Buyers

Pros and Cons of Buying a Townhouse in BC Canada

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

Richard Morrison
Pros and Cons of Pre-Rental Property: Pre-Leased Property Guide
Buyers

Pros and Cons of Pre-Rental Property: Pre-Leased Property Guide

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

Richard Morrison
pros and cons of buying a new home
Buyers

Pros and Cons of Buying A New Construction House in Vancouver

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

Richard Morrison
Can I Back Out of Buying a House After an Inspection in BC?
Buyers

Can I Back Out of Buying a House After an Inspection in BC?

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

Richard Morrison
can contractors do a home inspection
Buyers

Is it Normal to Bring a Contractor to a Home Inspection?

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,

Richard Morrison
How to Find a Good Home Inspector
Buyers

Find a Home Inspector in BC: British Columbia Home Inspection 

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

Richard Morrison
Renovate, Rebuild, or Demolish a Home? Guide to Remodeling
Buyers

Renovate, Rebuild, or Demolish a Home? Guide to Remodeling

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

Richard Morrison
Tax Sales in Metro Vancouver BC: Property Auctions in 4 Cities
Buyers

Tax Sales in Metro Vancouver BC: Property Auctions in 4 Cities

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

Richard Morrison
Should You Wait Till Interest Rates Go Down to Buy a Home in BC?
Buyers

Should You Wait Till Interest Rates Go Down to Buy a Home in BC?

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

Richard Morrison
Interest Rate Impact on the Real Estate Market
Buyers

Impact of Interest Rate on BC Real Estate Market: Cuts and Rising Rates

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

Richard Morrison
Are Log Homes in BC Canada More Expensive to Insure?
Buyers

Are Log Homes in BC Canada More Expensive to Insure?

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

Richard Morrison
Pros and Cons of Buying Waterfront Property in Canada
Buyers

Pros and Cons of Buying Waterfront Property in Canada

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

Richard Morrison
Mansion Ownership: The Pros and Cons of Owning a Mansion
Buyers

Mansion Ownership: The Pros and Cons of Owning a Mansion

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

Richard Morrison
Qualities of a Good Real Estate Agent – Finding a Successful Realtor
Trends

Qualities of a Good Real Estate Agent – Finding a Successful Realtor

Whether you're looking to buy or sell a home, having the right real estate agent by your side can make all the difference. Read More: Limited Service Real Estate Agents. But with so many agents to choose from, how do you find the perfect match? This comprehensive guide reveals the top traits of fant

Richard Morrison
Presale 7 Day Rescission Period BC – A Must Know for Home Buyers
Trends

Presale 7 Day Rescission Period BC – A Must Know for Home Buyers

Purchasing a presale home in British Columbia? Then you need to know about the BC Presale 7 Day Rescission Period. This crucial timeframe allows buyers to back out of a presale purchase agreement, no questions asked. Understanding how this rescission period works is key to making an informed decisio

Richard Morrison
Questions to Ask When Buying a Condo
Trends

Questions to Ask When Buying a Condo: A Master Guide

Purchasing a condo can be an exciting first step into homeownership. Read More: Guide to buying a condo . But before you make an offer, you'll want to do your due diligence. Learning the right questions to ask when buying a condo will help set you up for success as a first-time owner. Key Takeaways

Richard Morrison
GST New Housing Rebate In BC
Trends

GST New Housing Rebate In BC & GST On New Homes

With housing prices rising across Canada, more and more homebuyers are looking into purchasing new builds and presale condos. However, buying a brand new home comes with additional taxes that resale properties do not have. These taxes, such as GST or HST, can significantly increase the overall cost

Richard Morrison
Property Transfer Tax Exemption in BC: A Complete Guide
Trends

Property Transfer Tax Exemption in BC: A Complete Guide

Buying property in British Columbia? Then you’ll need to pay close attention to the property transfer tax (PTT). This tax applies whenever property changes hands in the province. The good news is that BC has several property transfer tax exemptions that could save you thousands of dollars. This comp

Richard Morrison
How Long Does It Take To Buy A House? Timeline To Buy a Home
Trends

How Long Does It Take To Buy A House? Timeline To Buy a Home

The Home Buying Process in BC As someone who has vast experience the  BC real estate market , I know that understanding the process and timeline is key to making informed decisions and  securing your dream home . You may be wondering how long it will take to close on a home, which typically takes [&

Richard Morrison
Rental Restrictions And Age Restrictions in BC Strata Buildings 
Trends

Rental Restrictions And Age Restrictions in BC Strata Buildings 

Renting out your strata unit in British Columbia just got a whole lot easier. Recent changes to the Strata Property Act have removed almost all rental restrictions previously imposed by strata corporations. As a realtor in the Lower Mainland for over 15 years, this is excellent news for my clients l

Richard Morrison
Closing Dates In Real Estate BC & Possession Dates In Real Estate Transaction
Trends

Closing Dates In Real Estate BC & Possession Dates In Real Estate Transaction

Finding the perfect home is just half the battle in real estate transactions, understanding key terms like "closing date" can often be a maze. In British Columbia, the closing date marks not only the  transfer of property ownership  but also when  funds are moved from buyer to seller . This post wil

Richard Morrison
How To Make An Offer On A House in BC
Home

Making an Offer Offer in Vancouver BC – Buying Real Estate

When I first helped my clients navigate Vancouver's notoriously competitive housing market back in 2015, I thought making an offer was straightforward—find a house you love, write down a number, and hope for the best. But after watching dozens of my buyers lose out to better-prepared competitors, I

Richard Morrison
Yoga and Real Estate: The importance of mindfulness in real estate
Trends

Yoga and Real Estate: The importance of mindfulness in real estate

Yoga is often a spiritual practice. In yoga, you learn to be present in the moment and take time for yourself so that you are able to better meet the needs of others. The real estate industry is all about being present in the moment – it's up to us as realtors to make sure […]

Richard Morrison
Assessed Value vs Market Value in BC: Understanding the Difference 
Buyers

Assessed Value vs Market Value in BC: Understanding the Difference 

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

Richard Morrison
Interior Design Tips: Help Sell Your Home Faster
Home

Interior Design Tips: Help Sell Your Home Faster

When I first started helping homeowners list their homes in Vancouver fifteen years ago, I thought pricing was everything. But after watching countless properties sit unsold while others flew off the market, I realized the truth about selling homes is far more complex than most people imagine. If yo

Richard Morrison
How Has COVID-19 Affected Real Estate Around the World?
Trends

How Has COVID-19 Affected Real Estate Around the World?

The effects of COVID-19 upon the world and its economies has been far-reaching, with the real estate sector bracing for long-term impacts and fighting to preserve values and liquidity, whilst keeping tenants and clients safe. Depending upon asset classes and the strength of regional markets heading

Richard Morrison
Why Buyers Must use a Buyer’s Agent after 2018 – BC Buyers Agency Agreement.
Buyers

Why Buyers Must use a Buyer’s Agent after 2018 – BC Buyers Agency Agreement.

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 [&

Richard Morrison
real estate inflation
Trends

Real Estate Prices and Unreported Inflation

I bumped into one of my neighbors at Starbucks today while getting my daily dose of Starbucks $7 latte (Because nothing says ‘fiscal responsibility’ like drinking a mortgage payment in liquid form.). She and I started chatting about the Vancouver real estate market, and how expensive it is, and how

Richard Morrison
8 cleaning tips to prep your house for sale
Home

House Cleaning Checklist for a Faster House Sale

When I first started helping Vancouver homeowners prepare their properties for sale, I thought a quick vacuum and some air freshener would do the trick. But after watching a beautifully located Kitsilano condo sit on the market for 47 days while a similar unit sold in just 9 days, I realized the tru

Richard Morrison
new home checklist
Home

Ultimate New Home Checklist: Essential Moving & New House

When I first helped a young couple move into their dream home in Vancouver, I watched them stand in the empty living room with a mix of excitement and absolute panic. They had the keys in hand, boxes and furniture piled in the truck, but suddenly realized they had no idea where to start. After [&hel

Richard Morrison
11 Surprising Ways Vacant Land Can Fuel Your Dreams
Home

11 Surprising Ways Vacant Land Can Fuel Your Dreams

Are you looking to turn your dreams into reality? Vacant land can be an excellent starting point for achieving anything from building a custom home, to investing in real estate. Here are 11 surprising ways vacant land can fuel your dreams! As a real estate agent here in BC, I come across many opport

Richard Morrison
Pros and Cons of Selling Your House For Sale By Owner BC FSBO
Sellers

Pros and Cons of Selling Your House For Sale By Owner FSBO BC

The main difference between the pros and cons of selling your house For Sale By Owner (FSBO) in BC is commission savings versus risk and effort. FSBO sellers avoid paying 3%–7% in realtor fees, but they face pricing errors, limited exposure, legal liability, weaker negotiation power, and longer time

Richard Morrison
Can a Corporation Buy a House in Canada?
Buyers

Can a Corporation Buy a House in Canada?

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

Richard Morrison
How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost in BC?
Buyers

How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost in BC

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 […

Richard Morrison
What Happens When a Home Appraisal Comes in Low?
Buyers

What Happens When a Home Appraisal Comes in Low?

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

Richard Morrison
What Factors Are Considered in a Home Appraisal?
Buyers

What Factors Are Considered in a Home Appraisal?

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

Richard Morrison
What Do Landlords in Canada Look For in Your Bank Statements?
Buyers

What Do Landlords in Canada Look For in Your Bank Statements?

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

Richard Morrison
Disclosure of Representation in Trading Services (DORTS): The Ultimate Guide
Trends

Disclosure of Representation in Trading Services (DORTS): The Ultimate Guide

Buying or selling a home can be an exciting yet stressful time. As a buyer or seller in British Columbia, it’s important to understand your rights and options for representation when engaging in real estate transactions. This is where the Disclosure of Representation in Trading Services – commonly k

Richard Morrison
What is FINTRAC in real estate in Vancouver BC Canada?
Trends

What is FINTRAC in Real Estate BC

Real estate transactions involve large sums of money changing hands. To prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, Canada has strict regulations around reporting and monitoring these transactions. Enter FINTRAC. Key Takeaway: FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Cana

Richard Morrison
Subject to Financing
Trends

Real Estate Offer Subject to Financing Clause: A Complete Guide

Making an offer on a new home can be incredibly exciting, but it also comes with a lot of risk if you don't fully understand the financing process. Putting in an offer contingent on securing a mortgage, also known as "subject to financing," is a critical way for buyers to protect themselves financia

Richard Morrison
how to deal with lowball offers
Trends

Low Ball Offer – How to Deal With A Lowball Offer As A Seller

After investing time, money and effort to get your home ready for the market, receiving a lowball offer can feel like a punch to the gut. But while lowball offers are always frustrating, they're a normal part of the negotiation dance. With the right mindset and skills, that lowball could become your

Richard Morrison
Property Disclosure Statement BC
Trends

Property Disclosure Statement in BC: The Ultimate Guide

Buying or selling a home in British Columbia? You'll likely encounter something called a Property Disclosure Statement, or PDS. This important document can influence the deal, so it pays to understand what it is and how it works. Let's break down everything you need to know about the property disclo

Richard Morrison
Deposit on a House Purchase
Trends

Deposit on a House Purchase: An Ultimate Guide

Making an offer on a home is an exciting yet stressful time. As a buyer, you want to make your offer as attractive as possible to the seller. One key component is the deposit amount – but what exactly is a deposit, how much should you offer, and what happens if the deal falls through? […]

Richard Morrison
Top Neighborhoods in Vancouver for Families To Buy a Home
Tips

Top Neighborhoods in Vancouver for Families To Buy a Home

Looking for the best Vancouver neighborhoods for your family? With so many variables, it can be difficult to start your search. Vancouver's "best" family neighborhood? As a senior real estate agent in BC , I believe there is! When looking for a place is Vancouver , these three things are important.

Richard Morrison
Cost of Living Montreal vs Vancouver
Trends

Cost of Living Montreal vs Vancouver

Are you debating whether to move to Montreal or Vancouver? Freedom-seekers often consider cost of living. I'll compare the two cities' costs to help you decide. Montreal and Vancouver are desirable Canadian cities with vibrant city life and many work and leisure options. How do they compare for what

Richard Morrison