From concept to occupancy By David Hirsh The start of 2015 brings exciting opportunities to purchase a new home. By the time you step into any sales office, there’s been plenty of research into the how’s and why’s behind every aspect of a community. Let’s take a look at the new home timeline – from concept to occupancy – that...[ read more ]
Home sale and listing activity reach historical norms in 2014 IT WAS A TYPICAL YEAR for the Metro Vancouver housing market in certain respects. The region’s home sale and listing totals for 2014 both rank fifth when compared against the past 10 years of activity, while home prices increased. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that total sales of detached, attached and apartment properties in 2014...[ read more ]
The popularity of condominiums as a lifestyle option with homebuyers of all age groups has brought about a fascinating trend. Condo purchasers who are moving from large homes with separate rooms are learning to adapt to today’s gorgeous open-concept suite designs. Even many first-time buyers are moving from their parents’ home, where they had their own room among many. The...[ read more ]
Condominium ownership differs from lowrise homes in many ways, especially where fees are concerned. Those entering into condo ownership for the first time will do well to understand exactly what these costs are, and what they cover. One of the most misunderstood expenses is the interim occupancy fee. When your lowrise home closes and you move in, you officially own it. With a condominium, depending on when in the sales/construction process...[ read more ]
Adding value to your new home or condominium is all about making it look great and function well – bearing in mind your immediate needs and thinking about what makes for good resale sense. During your colour selection appointment you’ll want to focus on the key areas that make the biggest impact, from kitchens and bathrooms, to flooring, exterior landscaping,...[ read more ]
Living in a small space is certainly not a sentence to live without style or colour. You need to be judicious in your choices to make sure you end up with a space that functions well and still has style and design savvy. In this particular space, we started with just 450 sq. ft. that presented like a square box divided into two rooms....[ read more ]
Interest Rate Hike Unlikely in 2015: BMO By Wayne Karl Relax, Canada, not only is the real estate market not going to experience a U.S.-style crash, as some pundits continue to predict, but there’s isn’t even going to be any significant interest rate hike in 2015. This is according to Douglas Porter, chief economist of BMO Financial Group. He suggests...[ read more ]
10 minutes with Darren Donnelly from Clark Wilson LLP By Susan M. Boyce SURPRISINGLY LITTLE FANFARE HAS ACCOMPANIED BC’S REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT MARKETING ACT (REDMA) recent facelift. The end result of approximately three years of deliberations and consultation between government, industry and other stakeholders, the amendments came into effect on October 1st, 2014, and are anticipated to bring welcomed streamlining and...[ read more ]
Ensure your peace of mind By Jorge & Alisa Aragon, Mortgage Experts with Dominion Lending Centres Mountain View Mortgage default insurance is commonly referred to as mortgage insurance. It is often mistaken with homeowner/property insurance or mortgage life insurance. Homeowner/property insurance protects the individual’s home and possessions in the home against damages including loss, theft, fire or other unforeseen disasters. Mortgage life insurance is designed to repay any outstanding mortgage debt in...[ read more ]
with Boffo’s Sales and Marketing Director By Susan M. Boyce Long celebrated as one of the world's most livable cities, Metro Vancouver has become a poster child for the joys of high density, condominium living. Experts routinely travel from around the globe to gain inspiration and expertise from our elegant concrete-and-glass towers and dynamic urban hubs. So it should come as no surprise that...[ read more ]
