Articles tagged with
Home Buying

2016 Vancouver Real Estate Year in Review

By Joannah Connolly Phew! What a year it’s been for Vancouver and BC real estate stories. From soaring values, to shadow flipping, to foreign buyers tax, to tough new mortgage policies and then Donald Trump’s US presidential election win… 2016 has seen it all. Here are the highlights of our local year in real estate. January January real estate news...[ read more ]

Right-sizing your home

By Cameron McNeill Are you one of the millions who have right-sized in recent years? Regardless of what is motivating you to consider buying a new home - financial motives, the decision to start a family, or just the fact that you no longer require a home full of rooms that never get used - right-sizing is about identifying how...[ read more ]

How to: Live in a condo with your family

By Bob de Wit Kids + condos = a great combination in the right location. When I was a kid, no yard was ever big enough. We all had back yards, but we always ended up in the local park for a game of football or soccer. Today, young families wanting to live in Vancouver are looking to the condo...[ read more ]

2016 Mid-Year Market Review

By Cameron McNeill WITH RUMORS OF THE REAL ESTATE market taking a down turn recently, let’s take a look at what has happened so far in Greater Vancouver as we reach the yearly half way mark. Although many predicted the market would soften in 2016 that has not been the case. Since the start of 2016, sales activity and prices...[ read more ]

With a move, it's all in the timing

By Chuck Resnick TIMING IS EVERYTHING, and when it comes to ensuring a successful move, that statement rings true. Even if it’s not “everything,” using some careful planning and forethought helps “everything” happen efficiently. The point is, as soon as you decide to move, start your thinking process, explore your options and take action. First, are you going to move...[ read more ]

Tips for downsizing from a large home to a condo

By Michelle Hopkins Overwhelmed by just the thought of clearing out many years' worth of accumulated stuff? Read on! When Lori and Michael Yelizarov became empty nesters, they decided to sell their Richmond family home in order to move to a riverfront condominium. “We raised our kids there but we wanted to travel more. The thought of a turnkey lifestyle...[ read more ]

5 reasons 2016 is a good year to buy a home in Canada

By Wayne Karl WHY IS 2016 A GOOD YEAR to buy a home in Canada? Let us count the ways. 1. Low interest rates In its latest rate announcement on Jan. 20, the Bank of Canada held its target for the overnight rate at 0.50 per cent, citing a setback brought on by a decline in oil and commodities prices....[ read more ]

How to assess and plan for condo fees

By Bob de Wit They are the added costs of condominium living. GVHBA's Bob de Wit offers advice on what to expct for your monthly maintenance costs. Generally speaking, condos offer a carefree housing option, with the added amenities and maintenance included. New developments are one of the fastest growing housing choices in Metro Vancouver; they regularly offer resort-style living...[ read more ]

The up side of downsizing

By Barbara Lawlor 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...[ read more ]

How to: Assess benefits of a pre-construction condo

By Bob de Wit Considering the purchase of a condo? Metro Vancouver is currently in a major development phase with new condo developments throughout the region. Buying new, off showroom plans, might seem a little daunting, However, there are some major perks getting in on the pre-construction phase. Customize your unit A big advantage is flexibility in customizing your condo....[ read more ]