A large Coal Harbour condo tower recently passed an non smoking bylaw that prohibits smoking everywhere in the building including an owner's own suite. I'm not sure if this will stick as it might get overturned at the strata's next AGM however it does set an interesting precedent. Here is a link to the original article in the Vancouver Sun. http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Smoking+banned+storey+Vancouver+condo+tower/7304934/story.html

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 313 8720 NO 1 Road, Richmond, British ColumbiaINSUITE LAUNDRY. TOP FLOOR, SOUTH FACING PEACEFUL VIEW OF THE INNER GARDEN AND POND. BEAUTIFULLY KEPT 2 - BEDROOM SUITE. 2ND BEDROOM CURRENTLY USED AS A DEN AND EASY TO CONVERT BACK TO ABEDROOM. 1.5 BATHROOMS. 1118 SQ.FT INCLUDING THE GLASSED-IN BALCONY. THIS SUITE IS SPOTLESS AND HAS EVERYTHING- DON'T MISS THIS ONE!

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 106 8700 ACKROYD Road, Richmond, British ColumbiaWelcome to Lansdowne Square. Fabulously run complex with an unbeatable location. This home is on the 2nd floor situated on the quiet and peaceful side of the building with tree lined view out the balcony. Low maintenance fee and maximum building upgrade ( now roof, garage gate. electronic entry, renovated common areas, hallway decor, complex fence, gym equipment, exterior/interior paint, new balcony) and fun amenities ( pool and gym facility) makes this the perfect home for family or a solid income property. Kitchen upgrades include high end Corian countertop, new appliance, designer paint, and laminate hardwood floors. Open House 2pm-4pm M ...

Here is what I'm currently seeing on the front lines for Spring 2013. Sales volume is still below our normal levels - down approx 20 to25%. That said prices have not really come down much more since my last update for Winter and for the most part seem to be treading water. It's a classic Mexican standoff where neither side wants to blink. Many sellers who were unable to get their price this past Fall and Winter simply took their home off the market and have not re-listed it and many buyers are still in a wait and see mode. In early March I started to notice a fairly large increase in showings and sales for units priced under $250,000. I think 1st time buyers who have been looking the past 12 months are finally deciding to take the ...

Richmond based realtor Owen Bigland talks about the dangers of overpricing your home in a buyers market where prices are trending lower each month. You can get away with testing the high side of the price when we're in a sellers market where prices are going up. However when we're in a buyers market and prices are trending lower you need to price that home properly from Day 1.  If you don't, you can get into situation where you're always one step behind and forced to make several price reductions as you follow the market down.Below is an excerpt from my Informed Sellers booklet on the importance of proper pricing in a buyers market. PRICE.  You need to get it right the first time! Sometimes a house is priced based on the sellers ne ...

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 105 8880 NO 1 Road, Richmond, British Columbia"APPLE GREEN!l" 2- BEDROOM, 1.5 BATHROOM APARTMENT IN A QUIET LOCATION. MAJOR UP-GRADES IN RECENT YEARS TO THE KITCHEN AND BATHROOMS. AlSO, BASEBOARDS, DOORS, LIGHT FIXTURES AND MORE. OVER 1030SQ. FT. INCLUDING THE GLASSED IN BALCONY. GREAT COMPLEX WITH TWO SWlMMING POOLS AND OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES. SEAFAIR SHOPPING CENTRE, SCHOOLS AND TRANSIT NEARBY. THIS APARTMENT IS IN MOVE IN CONDTION--MOVE IN AND ENJOY.

We are proud to announce that this Mar 16th, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 6100 TIFFANY Blvd in the Riverdale RI neighborhood, Richmond. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Townhouse for sale in beautiful Riverdale RI.Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Riverdale RI Townhouse 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

This is a friendly reminder. If you do any type of renovation or upgrade to your home make sure you contact your insurance company and update your home owners policy to cover the improvements and betterments you have made. If you don't and your unit is damaged, say in a flood, these new upgrades are not going to be covered. All it takes is a phone call and it won't increase your premium by much. Also make sure you have the proper liability insurance to cover the Strata's insurance deductible. They can and will go after you for this deductible if there is damage done to other units or the common area of the Strata resulting from something that has arisen from your unit.

I just finished uploading this Townhouse for sale, 3 6100 TIFFANY Blvd, Richmond, British ColumbiaNicely updated 3 bedroom townhome in popular Tiffany Estates. Upgrades include real hardwood floor in living and dining room New kitchen cabinets, tile backs plash and appliances. Full size washer and dryer, plenty of storage and 2 parkings paces. Large south facing private backyard with brick patio. Upstairs 3 generously sized bedrooms and upgraded bathroom. Close to Terra Nova Shopping center. Thompson Community Center and one of BC's top schools- Blair Elementary. Well maintained and managed complex with newer roofs, skylights and exterior paint Nothing to do but move-in.A must see.I

The From B is an  important document that you are going to want to order (Valid for 30 days) before you remove subjects on the condo or townhouse. Think of the Form B as a snapshot of the current situation of that strata unit as well as the Strata Corp you are buying into which provides lots of valuable info. Some of the key things you will find on the Form B:What is the current monthly Strata Fee?Is there any money owning to the Strata Corp by the existing owner? How much money is in the Contingency reserve fund? How is the parking and storage locker allocated? Are there any court proceedings or judgments against the strata?