In my opinion Vancouver home owners are getting taxed to death already! Unfortunately it’s probably only going to get worse. Looks like the Federal Liberal Government along with the expected support of the NDP are looking to increase our current 50% Capital gains tax rate up to 75%. Provincially the NDP just announced the allowable rent increase for 2021 at a pathetic 1.4% even though landlord holding costs are going up 3 or 4 times that much. Locally the City of Vancouver has announced double digit property tax increases moving forward.

Cover a variety of topics on todays blog including people frustrations coming out of the Covid lockdown. Doing the math on renting vs owning and how the calvary is not on the way in helping you buy a Vancouver home.

I just finished uploading this Apartment/Condo for sale, 502 1028 BARCLAY STREET, Vancouver West, BCINVESTORS & FIRST TIME BUYERS ALERT: PRICED AT JUST OVER $1000/ SQ.FT. FOR THE IMPECCABLY MANAGED PATINA, BY CONCERT. LUXURY 42 STOREY BUILDING LOCATED IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN. This JUNIOR 1 BED is well laid out and includes a SOLARIUM, DEN/INSUITE STORAGE & covered BALCONY. Features Italian ceramic tiles, soft close cabinets, Granite countertops, European appliances, AIR CONDITIONING, over-height ceilings, & soaker tub with rain shower. MIELE appliances, in-suite laundry & plenty of storage make this a perfect home or investment unit. Enjoy the great amenities such as a roof garden, gym, lounge & bike rooms. A friendly & safe building ...

I want to make a point here on how ridiculous it is to be making bold short term predictions on where Vancouver Real Estate prices or stock prices are heading in the short term. The only real advantage home owners and real estate investors have these days is to simply buy and hold. Real estate as people know is incredibly expensive to trade in and out of. Sheltering your long term capital gains and being able to sell tax free 20-30 years down the road is the only true recipe for success. Corrections and pullbacks are normal and should be expected along the way (every 2-3 years on average). So calling for a market correction in the future is like predicting it’s going to rain sometime this Fall. Best to just buy your home, enjoy it an ...

I get several questions every month on parking in Downtown Vancouver. Is it necessary to buy a parking space on an investment unit and how much is a fair price to pay? I also discuss a few items that the city of Vancouver has done right in the past little while, including a complete re-pave of my block in the West End that was much overdue.

I shot this video in early August and forgot to post so some of the info is 30 days stale. Update: Apple now has done another stock split this one was 4-1. The monthly market statistics for both July & August put out by the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board still show a Seller's Market for all product types.

I just finished uploading this House/Single Family for sale, 2438 GRAVELEY STREET, Vancouver East, BCCustom built luxury home thoughtfully designed and exceptionally finished, located on a beautifully landscaped corner lot with a laneway home and 2 additional suites. Family gatherings are truly enjoyable in the bright, open concept living areas complete with two gas fireplaces, A/C, home theatre system, and a magnificent kitchen. All which lead to the spacious south-facing outdoor dining & entertainment area, through large glass folding doors. The top level is dedicated to 4 quiet bedrooms including the well appointed master suite with spa-like bathroom, walk in closet and french doors leading to a private balcony. This home is equippe ...

Time for an update on the current status of the pre-sale condo market. If you have been a long time watcher of this blog you will know I have never been that bullish on buying a pre-sale condo. It can make sense for a certain buyer in the lower priced entry level units but for the most part I suggest buyers look at tangible product first.

It’s Saturday so time for one of my motivational videos. This week it’s a simple video on how successful people think and operate. Versus how people who are struggling tend to look at things like: saving for retirement, buying a house, taking on leverage (mortgage) etc. Hope you enjoy it!

Wanted to address CMHC’s Evan Siddall’s negative comments towards a simple example I made on twitter last week on how leverage works in Real Estate. Discussing his dark and ominous forecast of a major correction in the Canadian housing market. Also wanted to reinforce my long term beliefs and benefits of buying your principal residence and simply holding it for long periods of time. Take advantage of our current historic low interest rates, use the leverage via a conventional mortgage (in Vancouver this is the norm) and take advantage of the principal residence exemption allowing you to shelter all the capital gains. In my eyes becoming a life time renter in an expensive city like Vancouver is not a viable option.. do the math. Not ...