Category: Uncategorized

The new mortgage rules announced by the Federal Government on October 3, 2016 caught the entire industry by surprise and it’s something we are watching, as to if or when it effects our local market. Our view is that the new rules will make it more difficult and more costly for many Canadians to obtain a mortgage.

When is a home NEW? Newly-Constructed Homes – this is the most obvious category to which the Homeowner Protection Act will apply. Home Warranty Insurance coverage must apply.

Many people can understandably get confused by certain aspects of real estate law, and one such area which often causes confusion are matters involving fixtures and chattel.

We lead the industry in quality marking, exposure, and take our time to ensure each home is featured and marketed in a special way to bring out the very best impressions. Throughout this listing process, Seller’s tend to have similar questions, so we thought we would share these with you …

Though on the surface it may seem like a huge and expensive task to find a way your family can be greener and actually make a difference to our planet, the truth of the matter is … ITS NOT! Clean, renewable power is available to everyone, including you!

The report notes that MLS® residential sales in the province are forecast to climb 10.4 per cent. The August 2016 benchmark price of a single-family home in the VIREB area was $384,000, up 13.23 per cent from one year ago. Prices increased in every zone, ranging from 9 per cent in Port Alberni to 16 per cent in Nanaimo and 17 per cent in the Parksville-Qualicum area. You can see by the attached Nanaimo graph that we had a slight increase in August.

It may be 2016, but the nostalgic style and architecture of the 50’s is all the rage. Perhaps it’s a revolt against the mass-produced, as we are growing tired and bored of houses that all look the same, and crave the custom made and uniqueness of the mid-century era.

The next time you have a sink to scrub or a window to wipe, just raid your cupboards. Everyday products like club soda, vinegar and even vodka can make for fast, effective, and non-toxic house cleaners.

Home Sales Cooled Slightly in July, while Inventory Remains Low…

The goal of staging your home is to help it sell faster and for top dollar by exposing it to the greatest number of potential buyers. Homes that are staged tend to sell quicker than those that are not, and for more money!

For those of you looking for a detached house, you may be familiar with the terms mortgage helper, in-law suite, or basement suite.

Now that the provincial government has given Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson the green light to impose a tax on empty homes, we await the details of its implementation.