Sure it's expensive to buy a place in the Lower Mainland but I have to wonder if some of the frustrated people calling into the Bill Good show have actually talked to an experienced Realtor, gave him a budget and had a look at what's available in their price range. Not everything is priced over a million dollars as the media would have you believe and with today's record low int ...

Thought I'd share with you a few deals that came across on my daily hot sheets this week. First is the GOOD - an 18 year old 1,300 sq ft Yaletown condo sold for under $600/sq ft with 2 parking spots. That's a good buy for a large Yaletown condo. I'm skipping the BAD and going straight to the UGLY - a pre-sale condo out at UBC. Sure it's a very nice West side location but at 1.1 ...

Owen Bigland blogs about how there are 3 different types of value that are attached to any piece of residential real estate.

Appraised Value: This is done by your bank or lending institution if you are borrowing money via a mortgage to purchase the home. The banks want to make sure that the house you are buying and borrowing money for is actually worth what you are paying. Occasionally ...

I just finished uploading this Townhouse for sale, 6 12438 BRUNSWICK Place, Richmond, British Columbia

"Brunswick Garden" Deluxe 3-level end unit townhome located at the South side of Steveston. 3-bedroom plus family room on the top floor. 2.5 bathrooms, master bdrm has a large closet, full 4-piece ensuite & a balcony. Newer kitchen cupboards & appliances. Beautiful H/W floors in the living r ...

Owen Bigland blog about two fairly sizeable expenses that homeowners sometimes forget when purchasing a property in British Columbia. Most people know about the HST payable on new homes but there are 2 other substantial expenses you will need to shell out when you buy your home. The first is Property Transfer Tax (PTT) which is 1% on the first $200,000 and 2% on the balance. If ...

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 212 1175 FERGUSON Road, Tsawwassen, British Columbia

lARGE 1 -BEDROOM SOUTH FACING APARTMENT IN CENTURY HOUSE. HUGE LIVING ROOM AND DINING ROOM WITH SLIDING GLASS DOOR TO AN OPEN BALCONY. NICE WHITE KITCHEN AND A GOOD SIZE MASTER BEDROOM.INSUITE LAUNDRY AND SECURE UNDERGROUND PARKING. GREAT LOCATION IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN TSAWWASSEN. JUST STEPS ...

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 3491 BARMOND Ave, Richmond, British Columbia

Great Location in West Richmond, North facing backyard (66 xl20 lot) in the 'MONDS" neighbourhood in Seafair. Walking distance to Dyke, French Immersion Gilmore Elementary and Dixon Elementary, Hugh Boyd High school, Seafair Shopping mall and Public Transportation. Home has been updated with newer windo ...

Owen blogs about the most critical aspect of selling your home, which is the right PRICE. "If it's not priced correctly from the start all my marketing efforts become greatly diminished. It's the main reason why almost half of all MLS listings never get sold. Coming up with the proper price for your home is not a quick and easy process. It starts with a tour of your home o ...

Last month, the Bank of Montreal, in an attempt to gain market share during the slower winter housing months, surprised the mortgage industry by introducing a posted 2.99% 5-year fixed rate mortgage to the marketplace. The move prompted a bit of a mortgage war as other lenders played catch-up to match what was done by BMO. The result of all of this maneuvering is that consumers no ...

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 4651 LANCELOT Drive, Richmond, British Columbia

Wonderful 2,300 sq ft rancher on 60x117 foot lot. Located in quiet subdivision. Large rec room addition 2003 with wet bar and full bath. High end S/S appliances incl. gas range & Sakura range hood. Large garage has room for 2 cars as well as workshop (has 220 volt) and storage. Wide hallways and ...