2018

Fewer home sales and listings in the first quarter of 2018 “We saw less demand from buyers and fewer homes listed for sale in our region in the first quarter of the year,” Phil Moore, REBGV president said. “Even with lower demand, upward pressure on prices will continue as long as the supply of homes for sale remains low,” Moore said. “Last month was the quietest March for new home listings...

Ideally, you want to be the only buyer who makes an offer on a particular property. That way, assuming your price is acceptable to the seller, you’re almost certain to close the deal. But, it doesn’t always work out that way. In the case of highly desirable homes, it’s very common for there to be competing offers. So, what do you do if there’s a competing offer on a home you really want? First,...

When you walk into a nice hotel room, what do you usually notice first? It may be the large, often beautiful picture hanging above the bed. You’ll probably find a smaller, equally attractive picture hanging in the bathroom. Often there will be at least two more adorning other walls. That’s no accident. Hotels know that pictures are the simplest, surest way to make a good-looking room look great. The...

Most real estate experts agree that being too emotionally attached to your home can lead to poor decision making, such as over-pricing the listing and making hasty choices based on feelings rather than facts. Of course, removing emotion from the home selling equation is easier said than done. After all, it is your home. It’s only natural to be emotionally connected to it. So, how do you ensure that...

Home buyers were less active in February “The spring is traditionally the busiest time for home buyers and sellers in our market. We’ll wait to see how they react to the taxes and other policy measures that our provincial and federal governments have introduced so far this year,” Oudil said. “To help you navigate these changes in today’s housing market, it’s important to work with your local...

Deciding whether to stay in your current home or look for a new one is tough. So tough in fact, that there is a reality TV show about it! If you’re struggling to make that decision, here are some tips that can help: • Find out the current market value of your home. This will give you a clear idea of how much your property is likely to sell for in today’s market. • Find out how much you can afford...

Imagine coming across a “Home for Sale” listing on the internet. It’s in a neighbourhood you’re seriously considering. You and your family are excited. You can hardly wait to view the property and see if it could be your next dream home. Then, there’s a problem. When you contact the agent, she says the homeowners are busy people and won’t be able to show the house until next week. Even then,...

If you’ve played the game Monopoly, you’ve probably picked up the Chance card that reads, “Take a walk on the Boardwalk. If you pass Go...” That’s good advice when shopping for a new home. When you see a property you like and you’re thinking of making an offer, spend some time walking around the neighbourhood. This will give you a better sense of what it’s going to be like to live...

Home buyer demand depends on property type  Attached and apartment homes are in demand across Metro Vancouver while detached home buyers are facing less competition today. “Demand remains elevated and listings scarce in the attached and apartment markets across Metro Vancouver,” Jill Oudil, REBGV president said. “Buyers in the detached market are facing less competition and have much more...

When you purchase a new home, the most exciting day is closing day. That’s the day you take possession of the property and, in most cases, move in. But the process isn’t necessarily over. There are still some important details to take care of in the weeks and months after the move. For example, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re getting all your mail. Ideally, you will have made arrangements...