What Happens on Closing Day When Buying a House in BC?

The completion day, also known as the closing day, is the most anticipated and dreaded day for homebuyers in BC. As a realtor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen it all – from smooth closings to absolute nightmares. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for a […]

Pre Construction Condo Payment Schedule: Deposit Structure

The Deposit Structure When You Buy A Pre-Construction Condo Navigating the world of pre-construction condominiums can be a mountainous task, especially when it comes to understanding payment schedules. Did you know presale property deposit amounts often range from 15-25%, unlike resale properties which demand only a standard 5%? This blog will deep-dive into Pre Construction Condo Payment Schedules, helping you […]

Deposit vs Down Payment: What’s the Difference?

What’s the Difference Between A Deposit And A Down Payment In Real Estate? Navigating the world of real estate can be daunting, particularly when it comes to understanding financial aspects like deposits and down payments. The two terms, often used interchangeably, hold unique meanings and implications in property purchase transactions. In this article, we will demystify these concepts by breaking them […]

How to Know if a House is Right For You And Your Family

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in life. Finding the perfect house that checks all your boxes can feel overwhelming. With so many factors to weigh, how do you truly know when you’ve found “the one”? Key Takeaways As a realtor who has helped many clients find their dream homes […]

Presale Condo Deposit in Real Estate: FAQs You Need to Know

Purchasing a presale condominium in British Columbia can be an exciting yet complex process, especially when it comes to putting down the required deposit. As a realtor in Vancouver for over 20 years, I’ve helped many clients navigate the ins and outs of securing their dream presale home. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll answer the […]

Limited Dual Agency Rules in BC: Double Ending & Exemptions

Key Takeaway: Dual agency in BC real estate transactions, where one agent represents both the buyer and seller, can be rife with conflicts of interest. Recent regulatory changes prohibit most dual agency situations, but exemptions apply in remote areas. Understanding the risks is essential. I’ll never forget the time I showed a waterfront property to […]

Bank Appraisal vs Real Estate Appraisal: Appraised Value Differences

Buying a home can feel like navigating through murky waters, especially when facing terms like bank and real estate appraisals. These assessments, pivotal in Canada’s mortgage world, provide critical insights about a property’s market worth. This article breaks down the nuances of both bank and real estate appraisals, empowering you with knowledge to make informed decisions during your home-buying journey. Ready? […]

How Much Is A Down Payment On A Condo in BC For A Buyer

Key Takeaway: Down payments on condos in BC range from 5% to 20% of the purchase price, depending on the price of the property. First-time homebuyers have access to programs that can assist with coming up with a down payment. The size of your down payment affects the total cost of your mortgage, so it’s […]

Home Buying Tips: Insights for a Successful Home Purchase

Our Insights for a Successful Home Purchase For First-Time Home Buyers Buying a home in Canada can seem like an overwhelming process, especially for first-time buyers. With so many factors to consider, from mortgages to closing costs, it’s easy to feel lost. Fear not! This guide offers ten essential tips that will ensure your successful journey on the road to homeownership. […]

The Condo Purchase Checklist: What You Need To Know When Buying a Condo

Purchasing a condo can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. As both an investment and a home, condos require careful consideration to ensure you make the right choice. This comprehensive condo purchase checklist covers everything you need to know before signing on the dotted line. Key Takeaway Follow this complete condo buyer’s checklist to avoid […]

Statement of Adjustments in Real Estate: Sell, Buy, Refi

Be Aware of What Happens on Closing The statement of adjustments is an important document that outlines the financial transactions involved in a real estate sale. Every homebuyer needs to understand how it works and what happens on closing day as this will have a big impact on their finances when they enter into a new property purchase. This blog […]

Asking Price vs Selling Price: Real Estate Market Value

Buying or selling a home is a complex process with many moving parts. One of the most important decisions is setting the right asking price if you are the seller. The asking price is what you initially list the home for, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s what someone will pay. The actual selling price […]

The Ultimate House Hunting Checklist For A Homebuyer

Download Our House Hunting Checklist: Best Tips for Finding Your New Home Buying a home is likely the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. It’s exciting to think about picking out furniture, decorating, and making memories in a new space. But it can also feel overwhelming. Where do you even start? Having a comprehensive house hunting […]

How to: Selling Your First Home and Then Buying Your Second

Things to Consider As You Sell Your First Home and Buy A New One Selling your first home and buying your second can be an exciting but challenging process. It involves a lot of steps and considerations, such as the time it takes to sell your home and the right time to find your next […]

Do I Need a Realtor to Buy a Home? Buy a House Without One?

Do I Need a Real Estate Agent to Buy a Home? Buying a home can be an exciting and overwhelming process, often filled with complex paperwork and daunting decisions. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or have bought multiple properties before, some may wonder if they need to hire a real estate agent. The short answer is no- you […]

Vancouver Red Tape Adds 50% Extra Cost or $644,000 To The Average New House

Vancouver’s booming real estate market has been making headlines for years, with skyrocketing prices and limited housing options. But did you know that red tape and bureaucratic delays are largely responsible for adding an astonishing 50% extra cost or $644,000 to the average new house? In this blog post, we explore the complexities of Vancouver’s municipal regulations […]

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 special levy surprises pop […]

What Does a Real Estate Agent Do For a Home Buyer?

Purchasing a home is likely the biggest investment you’ll ever make. Having the right real estate agent by your side can make all the difference between finding your dream home or ending up with regrets. But what exactly should you expect an agent to do for you as a buyer? Key Takeaway: A skilled buyer’s […]

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 home buying process and why it is vital for securing the perfect house at the right […]

Common Real Estate Terms And Definitions: Real Estate Glossary

Stepping into the Canadian real estate market can seem like deciphering a foreign language. Did you know there are well over 100 specialized terms used commonly in property transactions? This article demystifies these confusing jargon, breaking them down into plain English to guide your home buying journey. Get ready to become fluent in “real estate-ease”. Read More: Understanding Key Real Estate Terms in Canada […]

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 exactly all-cash offers are, why they’re appealing to […]

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 and obligations shift from one buyer to another before closing. This article will delve into […]

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 agents and […]

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 Columbia purchase an owner-built home, according […]

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. This article will walk you through why hiring a realtor can be your game-changer when investing in a presale home. Ready […]

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 mind against unforeseen defects. Let’s examine what the […]

How Much You Need For A Minimum Down Payment On A House in BC

When it comes to purchasing your first home in British Columbia, one of the biggest obstacles for many buyers is saving enough for the down payment. But how much do you really need to put down? The minimum down payment requirements in BC vary depending on the price of the home. Understanding the down payment […]

Foreclosures And As Is Homes in BC: What It Means & The Process

Navigating the real estate world can be daunting, especially when terms like ‘foreclosure’ and ‘as is’ start popping up. Did you know that foreclosure is a process lenders use to recover their money by selling or taking ownership of properties where debts are unanswered? This blog will break down what these complex terms mean, guiding you through the foreclosure process and helping you […]

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 documents to read before buying and why they matter, making this process less […]

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 competitive market, they require […]

Property Management Fees: What’s Included In The Cost

Property managers help rental owners collect consistent income with less hands-on work. But to make an informed hiring decision, you need to understand typical fees and what services are included. This guide examines standard pricing models, factors that influence costs, fee variations for different management levels, and tips for choosing a provider. Key Takeaways: Read […]

How to Subdivide Lots in Vancouver

Have you ever considered subdividing your property in Vancouver to create additional lots that can be sold or developed? Subdividing property can certainly unlock value, but it’s important to understand the process and requirements before pursuing this route. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about subdividing property in […]

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 clients […]

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 Takeaway Restrictive covenants are binding legal agreements that restrict […]

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, including common terms and aspects unique to Canadian transactions. Ready to decode your real estate contract? Dive in! Key Takeaways Read More: Understanding the Contract […]

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 comprehensive guide to mastering the Subject Removal Form BC, eliminating confusion and empowering you to […]

How To Flip A House: Tips For Property Flipping in BC, Canada

Are you intrigued by the lucrative world of house flipping in British Columbia, Canada? House flipping – buying distressed properties, renovating them and then reselling for a profit – has become an increasingly popular venture. This article will guide you through the critical steps of house flipping, from choosing prime locations to abiding by legal regulations specific to BC, Canada. Ready for a journey on turning fixer-uppers into […]

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 homeowners against surprise special assessments for big-ticket repair […]

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 major drawbacks for homeowners and tenants alike. This […]