Vancouver Real Estate News Blog - July, 2011

Top 5 Inexpensive Home Improvements to Increase the Value of Your Home

For years it has been well regarded that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes but this is a new market and the rules are shifting. There is probably not a time in the conceivable future that a kitchen or bathroom remodel is not going to return most of what is invested in it, nor will there be a similar time when that isn’t the case that an outdated kitchen or bath will put off a potential buyer. 

1.      Get them to the door:  without curb appeal there is little chance that the buyer will ever get out of their car.  Scruffy, wild and unkempt landscapes are a trigger that the house may also be in disrepair.  Buyers want houses that are loved, cared for and maintained.  This starts with the daisies at the door, the length of the grass and the tasteful…

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Commercial Property Trends in Vancouver

Vancouver has always represented some of the best of business and commercial opportunity. The well-educated work force with its strong and stable economy has positioned Vancouver to stay a thriving home for commerce and industry. 

Since there are sectors that are consistently well performing and in fact hiring, there are more options for commercial space.  Professional services, technology and financial sectors are steady and strong in Vancouver and continue to be both hiring and leasing space, in some cases expanding.

While in other areas such as Toronto and Calgary the new commercial space development is booming, Vancouver has reduced its occupancy recently from nearly 8% to just below 7%.  This has allowed the office leasing enterprise to stay…

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Top 5 Tips for Flipping a House in the Vancouver Market

If the do-it-yourself-reality show is any indication, there isn’t anything simpler than to buy a dilapidated home, invest some elbow grease and a few spare thousand and poof instant profit.   The show uses editing to make the whole process look painless and rapid.  However, life rarely imitates this form of art. 

There are sizable risks in the flipping market.  Even when purchasing property in Vancouver, which seems to be moving ahead of the pack and has a stable economy; there are risks. 

1.     Nothing costs as much as inexperience:  this is a challenge as many flippers are new to the game.  In some cases they have no construction or development experience, know little about the market and are looking for a quick profit turnaround.  This is…

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Top 5 Reasons to Use a Realtor

Vancouver has been a steady and consistent economy without much drama in the housing market and is part of the reason that Canada is leading the housing recovery worldwide according to Scotia Capital’s Global Housing Recovery Report[1].   But even in this stable market the housing industry continues to increase in complexity.  There are subtle factors, including market forces that are challenging to keep current on even in the information and knowledge age.  The Real Estate Professional, in this case the Real Estate Broker offers some strong benefit to you as you both consider selling your home or purchase a new home. 

There are many reasons to hire an industry professional.  Most people would not attempt to negotiate tax laws without an…

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When is Buying a Condo in the Canadian Real Estate Market a Good Investment?

Condos are sold on the specific attraction of the three major demographics in that market: 

• Young professionals looking for short commutes
• Empty nesters looking to downsize
• Investors looking for rental property as an investment

Many real estate experts caution that in none of these cases is the condo a good investment, and many would go further to say that there is no time that a condo would fare better than a single home investment. 

The problems in condo investment come from the very “no maintenance” sales pitch that may have lured a buyer in the first place.  The ambitious worker, who has little time for lawn care may see the location, often close to the working districts and city centers with shops and restaurants as being a…

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