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Do you think the government will actually put all $30m into affordable housing as promised? More than 5,000 properties out of 8,500 deemed “vacant” by city staff received exemptions.
Vancouver’s tax on empty homes will bring in $30-million of revenue in its first year, but that will come from only a tiny proportion of homeowners. More than 5,000 properties out of 8,500 deemed vacant by city staff received exemptions under rules of the new tax...
Solid Contracts = Solid Results. Why it’s critical that you hire an experienced REALTOR® who can draft a legally enforceable contract
Solid contracts = solid results Why are Purchase and Sale Agreements are so Important in Real Estate Transactions? There is A LOT at stake in a real estate transaction. What is included or omitted within a contract can be the difference between a smooth transaction or...
10 Powerful Questions to ask a REALTOR® before you hire them
Asking these questions will save you time and money in the long run: How long have you been selling real estate? Have you received any disciplinary actions or complaints during this time? What is the percent of Sellers compared to Buyers that you serve? May I see all...
Securing your shed or apartment storage locker: 2018 Review of the best locks on the market
Best Padlocks: Not All Locks Are Created Equal You walk to your shed or storgae locker and notice that something seems off. Your padlock is on the ground and the door is open. Suddenly it hits you: someone has broken in. Your privacy has been violated and you feel...
Home Staging, is it worth it?
Proper staging makes a home feel spacious, tasteful, and inviting to the broadest range of buyers. Magic happens behind the scenes when a home is well styled! Before & After: Simplify and brighten the living room with lighter paint and furniture, expose the...
Where is the safest place to live? Check out the police crime maps in your city.
Many police departments share their crime data with the public. See what's happening near your home with the resources below. "Heat maps" The latest Vancouver Police Crime Data Port Moody Police Department Crime Maps New Westminster Crime Maps City of Richmond Crime...
Getting into the market? The First Time Home-Buyer’s Program can help.
First Time Home Buyers' Program The First Time Home Buyers' Program reduces or eliminates the amount of property transfer tax you pay when you purchase your first home. If you qualify for the program, you may be eligible for either a full or partial exemption from the...
Deferring Your Property Taxes – What you need to know
Tax deferment is a low interest loan program that helps qualified B.C. homeowners pay their annual property taxes on their principal residence. Here's how it works: Receive your annual property tax notice Confirm you qualify for one of the tax deferment programs Make...
The New Foreign Buyer and Property Transfer Taxes
The 2018 BC Budget was just announced introducing new taxes for real estate. They are: Foreign Buyer Tax - Effective Feb. 21, 2018, the foreign buyer tax will increase to 20 per cent (from 15 per cent) and will be extended to the Fraser Valley, Capital, Nanaimo, and...
BC’s new “Speculation” Tax Laws
B.C. Speculation Tax Urban centres throughout the province are in a housing crisis. Rents and home prices have surged past local incomes and, in many communities, vacancy rates sit close to 0%. Speculation has contributed to runaway prices and made it difficult for...