If you’re a home owner in Metro Vancouver, Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, the Capital Regional District, Kelowna, or Nanaimo watch you’re not inadvertently charged the annual provincial Speculation and Vacancy Tax.  You — and ALL persons on title — each need to complete an online form exempting yourselves from the tax. Failure to do so by March 31, 2021 will automatically trigger a tax cha ...

Regardless of how active the real estate market is this spring, every homeowner wants to do all they can to maximize their sales price. These deceptively simple yet sometimes overlooked reminders will set you up for success.  Often times home buyers just can’t visualize the potential of a home. They have to see it. How your home shows right now is how buyers see themselves in it. They can’t s ...

Vancouver has amazing examples of Mid-Century Modern residential architecture, particularly on the slopes of West and North Vancouver. Although some of these historic homes were demolished without a second thought in the past, these days we're seeing a newfound appreciation for these icons of Vancouver's architectural history. The true iconic location for classic MCM architecture however is w ...

This contemporary home in Lions Bay has it all. Set amongst gorgeous tall trees in a private and serene setting, with amazing views out over the Howe Sound. Beautiful indoor-outdoor flow from every room onto the expansive decks, to soak up those good-for-the-soul views and West Coast sunsets. Fantastic flowing layout throughout the living space, with open plan living/dining/kitchen, all beaut ...

The new year seems to have come in strong, at least on the local real estate front. A number of clients have contacted me this month, looking to sell as soon as possible. And I'm helping several clients on the hunt for quality properties. After a lull in the first half of 2020, the desirable properties, priced appropriately for the day, saw strong demand that continues into 2021. It seems mo ...

A number of federal and provincial programs are available to help alleviate costs for first-time home buyers. Current programs are nicely summarized in this article, reprinted from Realtor.ca. When buying your first home, there are more costs involved than you may expect. Between moving expenses, legal fees, inspections and taxes, purchasing a property involves a lot more than just saving for ...

Here's a fantastic opportunity for upcoming high school grads. Re/Max of Western Canada is offering $1000 bursary prizes to 16 qualifying Grade 12 students who've demonstrated the ideals of leadership and community contribution.  Please share this with deserving Grade 12s whom you may know. It's a great opportunity for help with post-secondary fees. And it may be good practice for post-secon ...

The beginning of a new year is a natural time for reflection. Ideas are formulated, goals are made, and plans are set for the coming year. Whatever direction you've decided to set for this coming year, I wish you and your family all the best for 2021. And if you might be thinking of moving on and choosing a new home, please feel free to contact me any time to chat about possibilities. The 'Sp ...

A careful search can unearth good quality investment properties in the Greater Vancouver area. The key is to look beyond Vancouver proper. Two of my clients recently purchased investment condos. One is a one-bdrm + den (10-year-old building) in a lovely Burnaby neighbourhood, within walking distance of the Skytrain. The other client purchased a 1-bdrm pre-sale condo on Shaughnessy St. in Por ...

Congratulations to clients D and K! This Central Lonsdale duplex represents a great investment and potential redevelopment opportunity. A well-located, well-priced duplex offers good options -- rent out the suites or, live in one, rent out the other. This duplex is centrally located, perfect for commuters whether by car, bike or transit. Walking distance to shops and services!  This is my fo ...