BUYER BEWARE: Public Seminar 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, January 20th With a wealth of information available, it’s clear that today’s consumer is quite capable when it comes to buying a home. The irony is that smart people are still buying homes and having problems as a result of relying on much of the … Read more
Written Proof of the Depreciation Report As a client looking to buy in a strata apartment or townhouse, I want to have for you written proof of the depreciation report; at least being well underway. Lawyers will always remind a buyer that if you’re seeking peace of mind then, “Get it in writing”! No report, … Read more
Privacy and Transparency in Strata Corporations One of the things we are constantly reminded of in the real estate industry is the importance of disclosure, and any move towards transparency is a big step providing it doesn’t compromise privacy. If you’ve been involved with financing or refinancing in the past year you’ll know communication seems … Read more
Being engaged in the Tri-cities is a requirement for being an effective local REALTOR®. Nothing saddens me more than seeing a new homeowner in a TV report decrying something that was practically discoverable, or even publicly known. My first thought is the buyer(s) obviously didn’t have a local REALTOR® to guide them, and I question, … Read more
Sellers Market? Today, depending on the inventory available in your immediate area, you might very well be in a sellers market, but this will probably only last for a few months until many of the expired listings from 2013 get re-listed. Since 2008, any of my interested clients, and others who might have read my blog … Read more
Throughout my years as a REALTOR®, I’ve met many people who chose their agents based on the fact that they are hiring a ‘Top Producer’ – you know the agent, the one with the fancy ads, decaled vehicle and other gimmicks who will tell anyone who listens (and several who don’t), that they are the … Read more
Are you curious to know why home buyers and sellers hire a Realtor® from outside of the area to represent them, and not leverage all advantages in their favour? So am I. If you’ve ever heard, read, or seen, a report on the Canadian real estate market, you’ll know that it is rarely reflective of … Read more
Balanced Market (…didn’t you hear that we’re in one?) There is a cycle that serious buyers and sellers need to consider with their own timing if they are going to be in the market seriously. I use the word “seriously” because far too many people are just wasting the time of willing REALTORS® that take … Read more
Considering Buying a Home in the Tri-cities? Buying real estate can be overwhelming and there’s always an element of risk. Managing the risks of real estate is a big responsibility and isn’t to be taken lightly. As a buyer you’ll have many things to consider besides the house price – costs to expect, things to … Read more
Are you interested in finding out more about, Cash Back Mortgages? I think everyone believes the cash back mortgage is no longer available – but that isn’t the case according to Pauline Tonkin, independent mortgage broker. “Changes by the Ministry of Finance announced in June 2012 affected the maximum amortization for high ratio mortgages, loan … Read more