Time for another blog on the importance of choosing a quality location when buying a Vancouver condo. With the ultra hot Sellers' Market we have seen over the past 4 years, and the lack of grade A & B locations left to develop in the city - many new developments are being built on what are known as remnant lots (C & D locations). These lots are generally in poor locations on busy streets or shoe horned beside busy bridges and off ramps and with poor accessibility. My advice would be to avoid these poor location units. Often for the same money or possibly 5 to 10% more you can buy a unit in a superior location and neighbourhood that will appreciate at a much better rate over time.

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 209 1311 BEACH AVENUE, Vancouver West, BCTUDOR MANOR on Beach Ave. Waterfront 995 sf one bedroom & 1.5 bathroom suite with lovely unobstructed views of English Bay, water & Sunset Beach Park. professionally renovated with top of the line European appliances,24 hr concierge, guest suite, hobby room, 1 parking, storage & pet friendly. Steps to the beach, seawall, Stanley Park and West End.

In Chapter 3 of my new book “Along for the Ride” I talk about the first step towards financial freedom. That first step would be to buy your principal residence and it’s so important to take advantage of the principal residence exemption. Other topics in Chapter 3 include leverage and how it works, the power of record low interest rates in paying down your principal at an accelerated rate, getting pre-approved for a mortgage the offer, subject clauses, getting a home inspection, and negotiating and closing the deal.

It’s no real surprise that many of the major media outlets are now reporting that the Vancouver real estate market is back on the rise and that low inventory and high demand are the drivers of this miraculous comeback from last Summer. If you’ve been watching my blog for the past 6 months, I have been telling people that we are not in a correction and that sales volume means nothing unless looked at with active listings. The only reason sales have dropped by 25% to 35% is because we have nothing to sell! Inventory levels are at historic lows but buyers are still out in full force. In this blog I will show you the difference between a real correction like the ones we had in 2008 and 2012 and what the market has been doing since last ...

Yet another housing report has been released. This one from the Urban Development Institute (UDI) pointing the finger at Vancouver City Hall. Saying they are simply not doing enough to address the housing supply shortage in the city. It recommends the city start green lighting more development and remove many of the barriers that are currently limiting the supply of new homes. I would agree with UDI however there are other factors to blame as well including the NIMBY (Not in my back yard) as well as the Provincial and Federal Government. The bottom line is that all levels of Government have tried limiting demand through taxes and restrictions and it has had little to no effect. It may be time to try increasing supply instead.

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 7317 BARNET ROAD, Burnaby North, BCThis concrete modern masterpiece pleases all the senses. The visual lines of the home with endless natural light, the grand outdoor space, the combination of new world polished concrete floors with natural oak and cedar touches throughout, and all the conveniences of easy living with Crestron smart home automation technology, motorized window shades, automated lighting, audio/video system, AC and more, will appeal to the most discerning of tastes. Entertaining is made easy with Miele & sub-zero appliances, motorized cabinet doors, surround sound theatre room, temperature controlled wine room and multi-tiered outdoor zen like garden area. Gym can be easily ...

This is your Inside Vancouver Real Estate tip that I just recently experienced as I was touring a relatively new condo development in Mount Pleasant last weekend. It was a 600 sq ft unit asking $620,000 (which will sell well over asking price). To my surprise I discovered that the unit has an inferior laundry set up.  Rather than have a stackable washer & dryer with the dryer running 220 volts and properly vented to the outside - the setup in this unit was a single Euro style one piece unit running off 110 volt, and the dryer had no venting! I can understand this type of setup in an older condo selling at $400 a sq ft but not in a new concrete building in the downtown vicinity selling at over $1000 a sq ft. It’s another reason why b ...