There are a myriad of ways that both buyers and sellers can be penny wise and pound foolish in this market. Trying to save a few bucks in commission but leaving thousands on the table in the final selling price. In this video I will explore why you always get what you pay for. Especially when it comes to buying and selling real estate in an ultra hot market like Vancouver.

Vancouver magazine has just published their annual rankings on all 60 Vancouver neighbourhoods. Not surprising, the top neighbourhoods all have a high walk score and community feel to them. You don’t need to jump in your car to get anywhere. This is a trend I have been seeing for the last 5 years now. More and more people are getting tired with the daily commute and want to live in areas where they can walk or bike to work, shopping and entertainment.

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 5291 WOODWARDS ROAD, Richmond, BCBuilt by Dava. House is facing South and looking into City park. Very well kept and excellent & functional layout. 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths with 2 ensuites up and double cars garage. 2 sky lights. Built-in central vacuum system. Radiant heating on main floor and hot water base board heating on second floor. 6 yrs new roof, 5 yrs laminate floorings and 3 yrs hot water tank. Private fenced back yards. Walk to Jessie Wowk Elementary and Richmond Christian Elementary School. Steveston London Secondary catchment. Close to transportation and shopping. All measurements are approximately and must be verified by Buyers. 1st showing on May 7 (Saturday) open house 2 - ...

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 206 2815 YEW STREET, Vancouver West, BCAbsolutely Gorgeous 2 bedrooms condo in the Arbutus Walk neighborhood!! Completely renovated in 2015 from top to bottom with tasteful design. Functional open floor plan with perfect size dining and living room for entertainment. Gourmet kitchen with high quality granite countertop & high end stainless steel appliances. Miele washer & dryer and new hot water tank. Laminated flooring and tile throughout. Electrical floor heating in Master En-suite. Custom-made walk-in closet. Bright SE corner with lots of sunlights. 1 parking with private locked storage and bike room. Steps away from park, community center, City Market, school and transportation. Carnav ...

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 1101 1367 ALBERNI STREET, Vancouver West, BCWelcome to ''The Lions" ! Perfect location and unbeatable value. Immerse yourself in downtown lifestyle with world class restaurants and great shops on Robson St. 743 sq ft, 2 bedrooms on opposite sides for privacy, 2 bathrooms and a solarium. Laminate floor in living room. Floor to ceiling windows to ensure plenty of sunlight. In-suite storage+ a locker+ one secured parking stall. Northwest facing with views of the city, Coal Harbor & the North Shore mountains. 24 hrs concierge. Fantastic building amenities with gym, clubhouse and guest suites. The perfect home for the most discerned home buyer or investor alike. Book your private viewings ...

I still read about people who think it makes sense to rent a Vancouver condo over buying. In the short term 1-2 years, it can make sense. There were saving advantages to renting 10 years ago when interest rates were at 8%. However, with our current ultra low interest rate environment where you can lock in a 3 year mortgage at 2.3% and Vancouver rental rates being at all time highs. It makes no sense at all to be renting for longer periods of time. In this video I will explain all the reasons why home ownership should be the first step for most people.

With record low interest rates I always stress to my young buying clients to always leave yourself a bit of a financial buffer when buying and taking out your first mortgage. If a bank says you can qualify for a $400K mortgage, you don’t always have to take all of it. Unexpected special levies for repairs can arise at any time so you want to have an emergency cash fund to cover them. Also, keep in mind that interest rates can only go up from here so start planning and saving for the eventual increase now.