We all know that procrastination and putting things off seldom leads to anything good in life. Personally, I've always believed in rolling my sleeves up and getting to work now!  I like making decisions quickly and changing them slowly. However if you put off buying a downtown Vancouver or Richmond Condo the past 5 years ...guess what? Your procrastination has paid off!  It's funny -  people's perceptions are that the Vancouver market has been on a rocket ride the past 5 years and prices are now finally starting to come down a bit. Well that has been the case for detached homes but for condos and townhomes there has been little or no appreciation in the past 5 years to begin with and prices are now softening more. If you paid $500, ...

Market Update January 2013 2012 was a transition year for real estate in many areas of the Province, as many hot markets cooled and took an inevitable 'breather' while others look poised to turn positive. The rapid run-up in prices in a core set of markets (Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, and West Vancouver) over the past few years has actually overshadowed the fact that many other areas of the province have experienced slow to average markets since 2008. Looking forward, it appears as though 2013 will see a continuation of 2012, with flatter market in some of the traditionally hotter areas and a stronger market in areas that have recently performed relatively poorly. In December, Macdonald Realty surveyed its man ...

In Part 3 of my series The Cold Truth on selling your home and achieving top market value I talk about the 3rd key ingredient you're going to need. It's the one that separates part time Realtors from the full time pros and that is marketing.There are 2 basic types of marketing: active and passive. To sell a home these days and achieve a top selling price your Realtor better have both working for you. Most Realtors will hopefully do some active marketing as it only takes their time. Passive marketing however takes time and money and it's the reason why many Vancouver Realtors fall short in properly marketing their listings.As a full time Real Estate marketing professional selling Richmond and Vancouver homes is all I do. My marketin ...

I show and view a lot of Richmond homes each year, and I am constantly surprised by sellers that have either not been coached, or don't care how their home appears to buyers. Your home is one of your most valuable assets and much of what you do and how you present your home for sale directly affects how much money you will realize from your sale.Buyers will consider the structural and mechanical integrity of your home as well as the cosmetic appeal. If a Realtor tells you they can have your home listed and on the market tomorrow THEY ARE NOT DOING THEIR JOB. If you want a quick sale...fine but don't expect to get top dollar. The MLS is flooded with listings that are not selling and most likely never will sell and one of the main re ...

In today's market selling a home and getting the maximum price the market will allow comes down to 3 key things:PRICE, CONDITION and MARKETINGIn my first installment of what I call "The Cold Truth - Selling Your Home for Top Dollar" lets look at setting the proper price right from the beginning and why it's so critical. PRICE.  You need to get it right the first time! Sometimes a house is priced based on the sellers needs rather than what the current market dictates. When your home is priced and marketed properly according to the current market conditions buyers will actually compete for your house and you could receive offers over and above your asking price. PICKING A REALTOR BECAUSE HE OR SHE SUGGESTS THE HIGHEST LISTING PRICE I ...

I just sold this Townhouse at 20 6111 TIFFANY Blvd, Richmond, British Columbia Riverdale RI.View this recently sold Townhouse or see all my home sales

Just 60 short months ago, mortgage rates were double what they are now. That means payments on a 25-year mortgage of equal size were 36 per cent higher than today.Since then, the amortization gods have slashed mortgage rates and payments. Compared to interest costs in 2007, today's rates would save you $101,700 if projected out over 25 years on a $200,000 mortgage.If you look at the payments on a mortgage that size, they've tumbled from $1,284 in 2007 to $945 today. (To put that in perspective, the payment at zero per cent interest would be $667.)It's clear that the savings potential of today's rates is phenomenal. The question is: are Canadians taking advantage of these record-low rates?The answer? Not enough. About 60 per cent of ...

Owen Bigland blogs about important new regulations regarding strata properties in BC and how it is going to change the way Strata properties are bought and sold in British Columbia. New regulations under Bill 8 of the Strata property act now make it mandatory for every strata in BC of 5 units or more to obtain a depreciation report. A depreciation report is basically a planning tool used by property owners (the strata corporation) to clearly understand what the strata is responsible for with maintaining and repairing as part of its building system (a physical component inventory); the age of the building system; the projected life expectancy; when it should be planned for renewal; what it will cost when the time comes to renew the ...

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 7591 THORMANBY Crescent, Richmond, British ColumbiaQuilchena in W Richmond! Completely renovated (2008) 2,965 sf, 2 level, 6 bdrms, 4baths south facing home on a quiet location w/ great st appeal. Sure to pls renos. boast new kitchen, bthrms , real H/W thr out 2 levels, paint, double paned vinyl windows, 2" blinds, double garage drs/system, all new doors,mouldings, light fixtures, new paved driveway + much more! Kitchen w/ custom designed cabinets, granite counters, gas range, Jenn-Air fridge, s/s appliances, tile flrs, & eating area leading onto a 300 sf+ south facing covered deck. Double garage w/ loads of storage. Fenced yard w/10x8' shed. Lovely 2 bedrm suites down (kitchen/laundry) gr ...

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 324 8880 NO 1 Road, Richmond, British Columbia"APPLE GREENE" Top floor sunny South facing apartment looking into pak like grounds. 2 bedrooms and den ( Den can easily convert into 3rd bedroom) kitchen and bathrooms have been upgraded. 1,246 sq ft including the open balcony. Great recreational facilities including indoor and outdoor pools. Near Seafair Shopping Centre and transit.