The CBC have reported that the Homeowner Protection Office (HPO) is ignoring consumers’ complaints and allowing builders to continue with “business as usual”. Builder relicensed despite unfinished homes This is a reminder that there is little if any protection for homeowners in BC. For more than 25 years before the HPO was even in existence … Read more
Sixty-nine per cent of B.C. homeowners believe that ‘mortgage rates will be higher in one year’s time’, and ninety-nine per cent agree that ‘homebuyers need to think ahead and be sure that if rates rise they will still be able to pay their mortgage,’ according to the 17th Annual RBC Homeownership Survey, conducted by Ipsos … Read more
Re/max has recently been practicing pure “puffery”, conducting a national radio and TV advertising campaign that claims they are, “Canada’s Favourite Agents”. While new agents are taught that you can’t make such claims unless the source or basis on which the claim is based accompanies the ad, most tenured agents know better. Since any claims … Read more
Since there was no remaining meaningful consumer protection activities or responsibilities being conducted at the Homeowner Protection Office (HPO), it is no surprise to learn that the HPO is quietly closing its doors. HOMEOWNER PROTECTION ACT RESPONSIBILITIES TRANSFERRED The announcement last summer that the HPO interest-free loan program (designed to keep Leaky Condo owners in … Read more
Third Evergreen station & Murray-Clarke connector are crucial, says committee… The Editor, A copy of a letter to Shirley Bond, B.C.’s minister of transportation and infrastructure: I represent the Port Moody Western Station Committee, an organization comprised of a diverse range of more than 50 local residents, property owners and business operators working collaboratively on … Read more
If the subject sounds something like Brian Burke’s, “…pugnacity, testosterone, truculence and belligerence“, hockey quote, well it’s not quite. The subject is the words of another Irishman, The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, who on February 16th announced a number of measured steps aimed at supporting the long-term stability of Canada’s housing market and … Read more
Melanie Aitken, Commissioner of Competition, issued a press release on February 8, 2010, that falsely stated, the Canadian Real Estate Association’s Rules restrict consumer choice and prevent innovative business models: http://competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/03196.html The National media has been fed misleading information, which is seriously tarnishing hard-working the reputation of Canadian REALTORS® and the REALTOR® brand which we … Read more
I’m curious to know why Homebuyers and Sellers hire a REALTOR® from outside of the area to represent them. Why would a consumer not leverage all advantages in their favour? If you’ve ever heard, read or seen, a report on the Canadian real estate market, you’ll know that it is not necessarily reflective of what … Read more
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
It isn’t going to be a secret for much longer but the best pizza you have ever tasted is now available in Port Moody’s newest Restaurant. With a bit of luck, that is if you act quickly, you’ll have a chance to beat the inevitable crowds that will fill the place once the word gets … Read more