Information savvy consumers have long expected a builder to provide specific maintenance and warranty details in a format that is easy to use and access. Besides, the warranty coverage itself will be dependent upon the homeowner being compliant and doing proper maintenance, which usually requires being able to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, and regardless … Read more
On December 17th Coquitlam and Port Moody were left scrambling to deal with a major mudslide that washed out the backyard of a home in the 1000 block of Corona Crescent in Coquitlam, pushing debris down the hill to Brookmount Road in Port Moody. A burst water main caused the mudslide which left a 50′ (approx. 15m) … Read more
Consumers seeking the services of a home inspector are reminded to ask before signing a home inspection contract to see the Consumer Protection BC wallet-sized licence issued to home inspectors. Effective March 31, 2009, British Columbia became the first province in Canada, through the Home Inspector Licensing Regulation, requiring the licensing of all those individuals … Read more
A Port Moody condominium apartment for sale which I was showing to a woman was advertised as a two (2) bedroom. I discovered upon showing that it was in fact a one (1) bedroom and den. Well it turns out that the developer originally sold these properties as two bedroom units to unsuspecting Buyers (hopefully … Read more
I had the opportunity to review the plans and conceptual drawings for this development being proposed by Harmonix Ventures for Henry Street and Buller Street and fully support the project moving forward. This is in “Area 3” of Moody Centre as it was identified at the Design Charrette in 2007, and as a participant in that particular … Read more
What does being pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage mean to a buyer? There are differences between being pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage and it can affect your ability as a home buyer, as well as the transaction itself. Pre-qualifying for a mortgage typically doesn’t include an analysis of your credit history or an … Read more
A mortgage is a loan used to buy a property. As with all loans, how much interest you pay depends on several factors. This link will introduce you to What is a mortgage? For advice on mortgages, the video, “A guide for mortgage virgins” offers invaluable tips. Watch and listen to Doug Melville, Canada’s Ombudsman for Banking Services and … Read more
How do I protect my property against loss or damage? What insurance do I need for my home? There are specific insurance packages for homeowners, tenants, and condo owners. Most cover these three things: 1. The building(s) on your property – Includes your house and other buildings like a separate or detached garage, or workshop. … Read more
Leaky Condo reconstruction costs have soared past $3 billion so far, and that doesn’t include the indirect societal costs borne by British Columbians that nobody is tracking. Since only about 20 percent of leaky condo owners met the government imposed “means test” of the Homeowner Protection Office loan program, the $670 million in HPO victim … Read more
Leaky condo assistance dries up, Liberals say program is obsolete The provincial government is scrapping a program that for the past decade has provided leaky-condo owners with interest-free loans to pay for repairs By Derrick Penner The Vancouver Sun – August 1, 2009 Housing and Development Minister Rich Coleman said the loan program has more … Read more