Canada’s Investigative Consumer Show, Marketplace, and Mike Holmes, HGTV’s contractor of Holmes on Homes, collaborated for a CBC episode entitled, “New Home Nightmares“. Although it only scratches the surface, this production demonstrates how the legislative system in Canada is badly broken leaving home buying consumers at the mercy of unscrupulous home builders and developers, and … Read more
There were 9,616 Realtors just in the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver as at November 30, 2008, and membership has been declining since June. A question to be asked by all buyers and sellers right now is, “How does your Realtor’s tile hang”? During these challenging economic times many Realtors will likely let their … Read more
1. Is now a good time to buy? 2. Is now a good time to sell? In answering either question it must always be qualified with, “We don’t have a crystal ball”. So, is it a good time to buy? The correct answer can only come from the potential buyer; only by understanding the motivation … Read more
Let me start by disclosing that I am not an Arborist, but a recent story in the local newspaper of a toppled tree, well over 100 feet, raised some interesting questions for me to consider as a Realtor. Most urban jurisdictions regulate the conservation, removal and replacement of trees. Whether a tree is deciduous (sheds … Read more
The origins of the National Certification Program (NCP) for home inspectors stretch back to 1997 when a report was issued by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) that uncovered noteworthy inconsistencies in the skill and diligence of home inspectors across the country that still persist today. With the support of CMHC, Human Resources and Social … Read more
http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2008HSD0079-001459.pdf It is difficult to understand the motivation of our provincial government to throw so much of the housing ministry’s resources into another initiative (this time 6-storey wood frame buildings) that does nothing to improve homeowner protection in BC. How are the same people that can’t build a 4-storey building right, possibly going to achieve … Read more
One year ago the following article which I wrote was published in the “pros & condos” section of Western Living Condo. Since then I have made it available to the public and other Realtors through my website and seminars. From feedback received I know it has already helped buyers so I thought it would be … Read more
As a British Columbian outsider I am utterly disgusted reading this article on the plight of the Shuman’s. I have a great deal of difficulty comprehending how a certain percentage of performance value or work disqualifies a claim for sub-standard workmanship or materials. Okay, so it is none of my business poking my BC nose … Read more
For many years the home builders association has been holding seminars for homebuyers at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel. Leaky Surrey hotel at centre of lawsuit -Ted Colley, Surrey Now – Published: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 As a co-founder of the Coalition of Leaky Condo Owners, I along with some of my concerned colleagues attended these … Read more
You probably won’t find the following questions on your average real estate brochures: Buyers, do you: take real estate ads at face-value? know how to properly target your future home? have the experience required to negotiate favourable (including safe) terms and conditions, and a fair price? know how to do your own due diligence? have … Read more