Owen Blogs about how Ottawa is warning that Canadians may be taking on more debt than they can handle. Last week our Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney and Finance Minister Jim Flaherty warned that Canadians need to be careful with these record low mortgage rates that are being offered. They feel that many people are taking on too much debt. This was brought about when The Bank of Montreal introduced a 5 year fixed rate mortgage at 2.99%. Since then most of the other major banks have matched this record low rate. I have to agree with Mr. Carney and Mr. Flaherty on this one. I have been advising my clients to expect higher interest rates in the future and to prepare for those higher rates now. Don't get me wrong ...

Owen Bigland blogs about important new regulation regarding strata properties in BC. New regulations under Bill 8 of the Strata property act now make it mandatory for every strata in BC to obtain a depreciation report. A depreciation report is basically a planning tool used by property owners (the strata corporation) to clearly understand what the strata is responsible for with maintaining and repairing as part of its building system (a physical component inventory); the age of the building system; the projected life expectancy; when it should be planned for renewal; what it will cost when the time comes to renew the component; and how the strata will pay for it. Every Strata corp will need to commission a depreciation ...

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 509 36 WATER Street, Vancouver West, British ColumbiaThis 2 bdrm custom designed upper corner suite has 1384 sq ft of unique living space offering views to Gastown & the green roof next door. The kitchen has Bosch appliances, beautiful finishing details & plenty of cupboard space. Bright & op en there are floor to ceiling windows with custom designed window treatments & walnut/maple strand hardwood floors throughout. Enjoy the Geothermal system to heat or cool your home. 2 parking spaces & 2 storage are included. There's also a common rooftop deck for all to enjoy and your large private patio. Centrally located, don't miss your chance to live in the most sought out development in Gastown. ...

We are proud to announce that this Jan 21st, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 1175 FERGUSON Road in the Tsawwassen East neighborhood, Tsawwassen. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful Tsawwassen East.Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Tsawwassen East Condo for sale.As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604 889-1118 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.Owen BiglandMacdonald Westmar

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 6768 BLUNDELL Road, Richmond, British ColumbiaNew home in very good location. 4 bdrms + den. Close to shopping, good schools and hospital with easy excess to Vancouver andAirport. Quality built by experienced builder in a 6 lot sub division with private access to the sub division. This house features family size great room w/ built in entertainment unit & speakers. Good size kitchen w/ large island & high end stainless steel appliance package. Den on main floor w/ French door & full bath on main floor. Second floor has four bedrooms & three full bathrooms. 10 feet ceiling an main floor & 9 feet ceiling on second floor. Out side finished w/ hardy board, lots of wood work & stone work. Bu ...

British Columbia Luxury Home Sales Continue Upward Surge in 2011 Happy New Year and welcome to 2012! 2011 was yet another record-breaking year for BC's luxury housing market. According to MLS stats, over 700 $3 million+ homes were sold in 2011, smashing the record set last year of 375, and more than tripling the number achieved in 2009. Macdonald Realty manager, Matthew Lee, whose firm sold the most expensive house ($16.8 million) and most expensive condo ($10.1 million) in 2011, believes that international buyers are fuelling the luxury market. "Buyers from Mainland China continued to push prices upwards in 2011," Lee says, "but they're not the only ones buying. Locals and people from other parts of the world like ...

We are proud to announce that this Jan 14th, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 8880 NO 1 Road in the Boyd Park neighborhood, Richmond. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful Boyd Park.Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Boyd Park Condo for sale.As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604 889-1118 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.Owen BiglandMacdonald Westmar

We are proud to announce that this Jan 14th, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 8740 NO 1 Road in the Boyd Park neighborhood, Richmond. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful Boyd Park.Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Boyd Park Condo for sale.As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604 889-1118 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.Owen BiglandMacdonald Westmar

Owen Bigland blogs about the 4 key things he has his clients focus on while they look to buy a Vancouver condo. These 4 things save people an enormous amount of time, frustration and money. #1. Neighborhood  #2. Price  #3. Building (some are better than others so make sure your agent has intimate knowledge of the various downtown buildings, including which ones are well maintained and managed and which ones to avoid). And finally #4. The general layout of the unit including which floor it's on and it's location in the building. Most downtown condos are built for the masses. Don't worry about small things like flooring, paint, appliances, kitchen cabinets, lighting. All those things can be easily upgraded or changed to meet your nee ...

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 1704 1499 PENDER Street W, Vancouver West, British ColumbiaCoal Harbour's latest address - West Pender Place - epitome of style and urban vibrancy. This 2 bedroom loft designed by Alda Pereira is fitted out with Dada Kitchen systems and Gaggeneau/Subzero appliances. Excellent floor plan with large living areas, 2 1/2 baths, floor to ceiling windows and great view. Wide plank hardwood throughout and exceptional finishings. Master bedroom features large spa-like ensuite. Air conditioning, storage and one parking included. Extensive amenities such as indoor pool, 24 hour concierge, exercise room and outdoor terrace. Available for immediate occupancy. 2-5-10 year warranty.