Latest News
Our latest ramblings.
Enjoy! We definitely have important things to say!
Our latest ramblings.
Enjoy! We definitely have important things to say!
The Greater Vancouver housing market is currently seeing an increase in buyer demand as prices of homes continue to be on the rise. The Real Estate Board of Vancouver (REBGV) have released their June Statistics.
Key Stats:
Benchmark Prices:
Ray Harris, President of REBGV, states, “Over the last three years, we’ve seen changes in demand yet home prices at the regional level have maintained relative stability. While these numbers provide high level trends, it’s important to know that changes in prices always vary depending on neighbourhood and property type. Consult your local REALTOR® for information on trends in your area of choice.”
“Competition amongst home buyers today is as strong as it’s been in the region since 2011,” Harris said.
To view the full REBGV June Statisitics report, click here.
If you have any questions regarding the above or are in need of trend information in your area of choice, please give us a call at 604-588-4466 or email us at info@brokersmart.ca
According to the Commercial Edge, a commercial real estate system operated by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), commercial land sales have shown a strong, steady pace in the first quarter of 2014.
Below are the key stats of the commercial dollar value and sales from the first quarter of 2014:
Dollar Value:
Sales:
The President of the REBGV, Ray Harris, says, “After a strong 2013, office and retail activity declined in the first quarter while vacant land transactions in the Lower Mainland outsold all other commercial categories over this period.”
To view the full REBGV report on the increase of land sales, click here.
If you have any questions regarding the above, please give us a call at 604-588-4466 or email us at info@brokersmart.ca
Today, we share with you those tips that may be overlooked when purchasing a condo. These are important for you to consider as they can help you determine which place will meet your desired needs.
1. Parking Stall Assignment
Strata unit contracts may specify that you are purchasing parking stall(s), storage locker(s) or bike storage with your property. If you are buying a strata unit, please note when reading your contract, that if the parking stall is designated as common property, the strata board has the authority to reallocate the parking stall number and location. It is strongly recommended to have your solicitor request confirmation of the seller’s right to transfer the parking stall(s), storage locker(s) or bike storage to you from the seller’s lawyer.
2. Recently Done Work
It’s important to make sure that the appropriate steps have been taken to ensure that no Builders’ Lien will be filed when the condo has had recent work done, such as alterations or repairs.
3. Property is Appropriately Zoned
It’s important to check that the property is not the subject of anticipated expropriation, municipal or other work orders – this information can be obtained through the Municipality of the property. For any particular use you want to may wish to make of it, be sure the property is appropriately zoned.
4. Satisfactory Agreements
To ensure these agreements have been made for delivery for actual possession of the Property, particularly if there are presently any tenants in occupation. Arrange with your Realtor for the delivery of the keys on your possession date.
5. Hook-Up Utility Services
Don’t forget to arrange for your internet, cable, hydro and any other services that you require to be hooked up.
6. Satisfactory Insurance
Be sure to arrange satisfactory insurance when purchasing.
7. Final Inspection
Ensure that all final inspections and occupancy permits have been issued, completed, and acceptable to you.
If you have questions regarding the above, please give us a call at 604-588-4466 or email us at info@brokersmart.ca
Property sales are strengthening in the Fraser Valley housing market, reaching the highest they have been in the last seven years. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) have released their May 2014 Statistics package. Below are the key stats from the report:
Key Stats:
Benchmark Prices:
Ray Werger, President of the Board states, “For the second month in a row, we’re experiencing healthy sales volumes with the most popular choice being single family detached homes followed by townhouses. For single family homes, that market is at the upper-end of a balanced market with certain areas in a sellers’ market where over 30 per cent of available inventory is selling.”
“Our home supply is the best it’s been since last fall, with the highest demand for priced-right, quality properties. If your home fits that description, anticipate a lot of interest,” Werger adds.
For the full Fraser Valley housing market update from FVREB, click here.
If you have any questions regarding the above, please give us a call at 604-588-4466 or email us at info@brokersmart.ca
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) has released the May 2014 Vancouver housing market update. The statistics report shows a strong increase in home buyer demand as well as home prices continue to increase at a very consistent and modest pace. The key stats from the report are below:
Key Stats:
Benchmark Prices:
The President of REBGV, Ray Harris, says, “Our MLS® statistics tell us that there’s more home buyer demand today than at any point over the last three years. With sales surpassing the 3,000 mark in May and our sales-to-active-listing ratio exceeding 20 per cent, this is the most active marketplace we’ve seen since the spring of 2011.”
For more information on REBGV’s Vancouver Housing Market Update, click here.
All statistics are from the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®)
If you have any questions regarding the above, please give us a call at 604-588-4466 or email us at info@brokersmart.ca
When you are looking for a home, it’s important to understand the BC Building Code to ensure those homes that interest you are built and/or renovated to the current standards and requirements.
The BC Building Code is a provincial regulation establishing minimum standards and requirements for safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection of building or facility from water and sewage damage for all new construction and building alterations.
Examples of the B.C. Building Code:
Bedroom Window – generally requires every bedroom in a house and a small multi-family residential building to have an outside window that is equipped as an emergency exit.
Existing Buildings – they are not expected to be brought up to the current standards of the BC Building Code except under the following conditions: if the building is altered of renovated, if the building’s use or occupancy changes, and finally if a building’s components are replaces.
Temporary Buildings – if it is authorized by authority having jurisdiction, it may not need to conform to the BC Building Code. It is recommended to check with your local government building department.
For more information regarding the BC Building Code, click here.
If you have any questions regarding the above, please contact us at 604-588-4466 or email us at info@brokersmart.ca
19978 72nd Ave. Unit 205
Langley, B.C. V2Y 1R7
P: 604-588-4466
F: 604-588-4483
info@brokersmart.ca