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 ...

In this video I talk about the pros and cons of buying an older condo vs buying something that’s newer.  What to buy depends on many factors such as budget, location and the amenities that the buyer is looking for. However one thing that people should always consider is location. ..It’s the Golden Rule of Real Estate and will have a big impact on how much your unit appreciates over time.

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 4220 CANDLEWOOD DRIVE, Richmond, BCThis well kept family home has over 3,000 sq.ft. of comfortable living space on a 59'x122' lot (7,265sq.ft.). It features entertainment size living and dining room, spacious bedrooms, large size kitchen, 2 full and one half bathrooms, two wood burning fireplace, sunny south backyard, double car garage and lots of storage space. It is located in popular Boyd Park neighbourhood, within short walking distance to Seafair Mall, Hugh Boyd Secondary School, Grauer Elementary School and public transit to Canada Line station and Richmond Centre Mall.

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 305 8880 NO 1 ROAD, Richmond, BCAPPLE GREENE- TOP FLOOR SPOTLESSLY CLEAN APARTMENT WITH 1.5 BATHROOMS. THE SECOND BEDROOM IS CURRENTLY BEING USED AS A DEN BUT EASILY CONVERTED BACK TO A BEDROOM. OVER 1030 SQ. FT. INCLUDING THE OPEN BALCONY. QUIET LOCATION. UNDERCOVER PARKING. GREAT REC. FACILITIES WITH INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOLS. NEAR SEAFAIR SHOPPING CENTRE AND TRANSIT OPEN 2 - 4PM SAT. & SUN. APRIL 29 & 30, 2017.

Thousands of new books are published each year on helping people relieve stress, how to work less and spend more time with family, and how to create a balanced healthy lifestyle. In my opinion the only permanent way to solve this problem is by investing and getting your money working for you passively. The two best vehicles to do this are through real estate and dividend paying stocks. It’s really the entire premise behind my new book “ Along for the Ride”.  The book is a step by step guide on how I reached my crossover point at a young age. The crossover point is when the income you are earning passively from your real estate and stock portfolio is enough to cover all your annual living expenses…thus allowing you to stop working if ...

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 7882 VICTORIA DRIVE, Vancouver East, BCLovely 3,000sqft bright and spacious custom built home in the desirable Fraserview area at the quiet end of Victoria Drive. House on high side of the street gives a wonderful unobstructed 180 degree view of Richmond. Total rebuilt from main floor up in 1991. Gorgeous close-to-new flooring everyone will admire. Extra spacious kitchen and dining area perfect for entertaining large parties. All rooms are pleasantly spacious. Minutes walk to Oppenheimer Elementary/ David Thompson Secondary. Steps to public transit and 5 minutes drive to Richmond. All measurements approximate, buyers to verify if deemed important. Open House : April 15 (SAT) April 16 (SUN) ...