The Provincial Government finally gave us a break on the dreaded property transfer tax. Now, if you buy a new home and you’re going to make it your principal residence by living in it for at least 1 year, you don’t have to pay property transfer tax if the home is under $750,000. That’s a savings of up to $13,000.00. However, they raised the PTT on homes priced over 2 million. Buyers of those homes will now pay 3% PTT instead of the previous 2%.

We are now just entering our busy Spring selling season. I’m starting to get a lot more calls from prospective sellers on listing their homes for sale. When I go out and look at a home I’m always going to suggest ways that we can increase both the marketability of the home as well as the final selling price. Most of these suggestions don’t cost much money. Maybe $2,500 to $5,000 on average and a little bit of time & sweat. What makes these suggestions so appealing is the fact I’m quite confident I can get the money you spent back for you by 3 or 4 times in the final selling price.

I just finished uploading this Townhouse for sale, 209 2211 NO 4 ROAD, Richmond, BCTWO LEVEL TOWNHOME IN THE OAKVIEW COMPLEX. 2 BEDROOMS PLUS DEN AND 2.5 BATHROOMS. FIREPLACE, IN SUITE LAUNDRY AND 2 -UNDERCOVER PARKING SPACES. LOCATED ON NO. 4 ROAD NEAR BRIDGEPORT ROAD. NEAR SHOPPING AT COSTCO, TRANSIT AND CLOSE TO TAIT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. EASY ACCESS TO THE AIRPORT AND THE OAK STREET BRIDGE. THIS UNIT NEEDS REPAIRS AND A COMPLETE RENO AND IS PRICED ACCORDINGLY AT $325,000.

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 8400 PIGOTT ROAD, Richmond, BCDream location steps to Broadmoor shopping. This Gorgeous lot is 66' X 133' with a south exposed B/Y. Very few of these older homes among the surrounding mansions. So very convenient to schools, shopping, transportation and recreation. Long time owners have maintained this spacious, and solid 2 level home. Great investment or build your dream home. Have a look Saturday 1-3.

Here is part 2 on the 2016 BC tax assessments. We are all well aware that the assessed value on lower mainland homes has gone way up for 2016. Depending on the type of home and neighbourhood  it’s up between 15% and 35%. People should realize that the market value (what that home would sell for on the open market is much higher). I will also explain why if your assessed value went up 25%  your property taxes will not be going up by the same amount.

Time for another one of my investing 101 blogs. Whether you’re buying shares in an S&P 500 company or a condo in Yaletown, you should always do it with conviction. If you’re an investor, you do your homework and always buy with a long term holding period in mind. In this video I’m going to explain why I continue to buy stock when the current market is down and in the doldrums. And why I continue to buy Vancouver Real Estate when the market is at all time record highs. As a bonus here is a link to a profile the Globe & Mail newspaper did on my investing philosophy. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/investment-ideas/real-estate-investor-diversifies-with-dividend-stocks/article20707603/

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 10868 CANSO CRESCENT, Richmond, BCVery clean and very comfortable rancher in desirable Steveston North. Great location to build under current Land Use Contract (LUC). Great little 3 bdrm with newer furnace, hot water tank, roof and flooring. Perfect to move into or as investment. Good rental potential. Please do not access property without listing agent. Great School Catchment: Elementary - Diefenbaker including Late French Immersion / Dixon for Late French Immersion; Secondary - Hugh Boyd.