Buying vs. Renting in British Columbia: What’s the Smarter Move?

Buying vs. Renting in British Columbia: What’s the Smarter Move?

The real estate market in British Columbia continues to be one of Canada’s most talked about topics and for good reason. With high rental costs, steady property appreciation, and shifting interest rates, many people are wondering: Should I rent, or is it smarter to buy right now?

In this post, we’ll break down the financial realities, long term benefits, and key considerations to help you make the right move. And if buying is on your mind, partnering with a knowledgeable team like Real Estate Valley can make all the difference.

Renting in B.C.: A Growing Expense with No Return

Renting can feel convenient. You’re not responsible for repairs, your upfront costs are lower,…

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Unlocking Vancouver Real Estate: Essential Insights for Buyers and Sellers

Unlocking Vancouver Real Estate: Essential Insights for Buyers and Sellers

Navigating the Vancouver real estate landscape requires keen insight and strategic planning, especially as we approach 2025. With the current shifts in the Vancouver housing market, potential home buyers and sellers must stay informed about the latest real estate trends and opportunities. Whether you are considering buying in Vancouver or selling in Vancouver, understanding these dynamics can help you make confident and informed decisions. Our comprehensive guide aims to equip you with essential knowledge and connect you with trusted real estate services, ensuring that your journey through the Vancouver real estate market is both rewarding and successful. Explore the…

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The pros and cons of purchasing an older versus newer condo

If you’re looking to buy a condo in Vancouver, one of the first questions to consider has to do with age. Do you want to purchase an older unit or one that has been built more recently?

This question is harder to answer than you might think. Newer condos may look flashy and appealing, but they’re not necessarily a better fit for your needs.

In Vancouver, there are plenty of old and new condos for sale, and there are plenty of buyers looking for both. What matters isn’t simply the age, but rather what each age range has to offer. To discover which one is right for you, you’ll need to consider your lifestyle and be clear on what you value in a home or investment property.

Here are four questions to ask yourself as you weigh your options.

Is one…

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Real Estate in Canada 2022: The Tri-Cities, B.C.

Greater Vancouver’s Tri-Cities region – which includes the cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody – is one of the Lower Mainland’s hidden gems.

Lush and beautifully forested, this region stretches from the Fraser River’s northern banks up past the Burrard Inlet. Residents delight in their robust communities and outdoor activity options. They also relish the easy commute into Burnaby and downtown Vancouver.

This combination of natural beauty with urban access and amenities has inspired steady growth in the Tri-Cities for the last several decades. Meanwhile, these cities have maintained their infrastructure and accommodated growth with ease. Longtime residents and newcomers alike value this measured approach that makes the Tri-Cities a…

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Should I Buy or Sell My House First?

Homeowners looking to move often face a daunting question: should they start by buying a new house, or would they be better off selling their current home first?

The simple answer is that there is no simple answer. What’s good for one person may be the wrong choice for another. Moreover, different markets and different locations present unique considerations that should not be ignored.

That said, you can ask some simple questions to help you make an informed decision. They may not provide easy answers, but they will give you helpful data to consider as you prepare your buying and selling strategies.

Pros and Cons

The Pros of Buying Before You Sell

There are certainly advantages for those who choose to buy a new home first.

For starters,…

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How to Price Your Home

You’ve decided to sell your current home and move to another. The thought excites you! You’re ready for a change of scenery. You’re looking forward to the next chapter. You’ve already started the hunt for your new home.

But then you pause: how much will you make on your house sale? And, come to think of it, how will you decide what to ask for in the first place? Choosing a number can be daunting, especially in changing markets and times of economic uncertainty.

The good news is that this process doesn’t have to be a complicated mystery. There are several practical steps you can take to reach a fair, market-conscious asking price for your home.

Put your feelings aside

Whether you’ve lived in this house for eighteen months or eighteen years,…

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Lake Country Open House Sunday September 25th 1pm - 3pm

11581 Rogers Road, Lake Country, BC

Click Here to Get Directions

$724900

3bed - 2.5bath -

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MINUTES TO THE BEACH! Located in desirable Sandon Place sits this beautiful 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom Modern Townhome with top of the line finishing. Only paces to the beach and lake access, this is Lake Country Living at its finest! The main floor features gorgeous open Kitchen with modern cabinetry, stainless steel appliances & plenty of cupboard space for all your storage needs. Two patio areas make your new home perfect for capturing the sun throughout the day. Master Bedroom features a sleek 4 piece ensuite with double vanities and tiled shower and a great walk-in closet. On the upper floor you will also find 2…

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Questions to Ask When Buying a Condo

The challenge of buying a condo in Vancouver is that no two condo buildings are alike. Even when architectural styles are similar, there are many components that set one condo building apart from another. From financial management to maintenance philosophy, the reputation and actions of a strata should be investigated ahead of time so you can avoid unpleasant surprises.

Purchasing Condo 

Here are a few questions that you should consider about your prospective condo purchase.

What does my maintenance fee cover?

Condo owners are responsible to pay monthly maintenance fees to their strata. The strata uses these funds to handle general operating expenses (routine maintenance, cleaning, etc.) and build up a contingency reserve fund (for emergencies…

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How Long Does it Take to Buy a House?

If you’re a first-time home buyer or new to the area, you might be wondering, “How long does it take to buy a house in Vancouver?”

That’s a great question. However, we don’t have a short answer. Buying a new home is a journey that includes several important steps from start to finish.

 Priority List (1 to 2 weeks)

Before you start looking at potential properties, determine your price range. This step isn’t hard: obtaining a basic prequalification or talking to your bank will give you enough data to establish your budget. Moreover, it will save you from the disappointment of discovering that a house you adore is out of your financial reach.

Once you know your price range, decide what area(s) you want to live in. Compile a priority list as you…

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Pros and Cons of Buying a Condo in Vancouver

If you’re looking to purchase real estate in Vancouver, you’ve likely seen listings for condos.

For those unfamiliar with this term, “condos” are units within a building (called a “condominium”) that are individually owned. Condo owners share and jointly own common spaces, like hallways, parkades, and amenity rooms.

In Vancouver, the average size of a condo unit is 769 square feet. The average cost to buy a condo is just over $800,000.

There are plenty of good reasons to buy a condo in Vancouver. However, there are also things you should keep in mind to make sure this kind of property is right for you. Here are some pros and cons you should consider.

 The Pros of Buying a Condo

1. It’s not your job to maintain the property
   
   When you live in a…

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