There are many reasons to call Vancouver home.  The spectacular natural beauty of the area, the proximity to other big cities and the progressive nature of the city are only a few of the reasons to love Vancouver.  But for the celebrity seeker, the film industry in Vancouver is a compelling reason to relocate to this gem city in British Columbia. 

 

So if you are not up-to-date on the film industry in Vancouver you may be thinking this is the home of some quirky little documentary or low budget indie film; couldn’t be further from the future.  Blockbusters have found a home in Vancouver, and the supporting film technology industry has made it especially appealing for special effects, animation and high tech film production.  So for both the small and…

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The British Columbia Real Estate Association forecasts nearly 78,000 real estate transactions will take place in 2011.  Each transaction should utilize the home inspection process.  For sellers, this is often seen as a leverage tool for the buyer to try to obtain credits for identified problems.  But there is evidence that the home inspection can be more beneficial for the seller than the buyer. 

 

In the case where the buyer has fallen in love with the property, has been approved for funding contingent upon the inspection; the devastation of a poor finding can drive the buyers to a new location or they will use the finding to drive the price into the ground recouping credits for the necessary repairs or improvements. 

 

The proactive seller…

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The value of property is determined in a number of formulations, there is the assessed value or tax value; the comparable value or the value of the property compared to recent sales in the area of comparable properties; but there is also market value which can be dependent upon other factors such as confidence in the location, employment trends and other environmental factors. 

 

In Vancouver, unemployment runs well below the national average.  Thriving, and stable job markets have been a strong factor in the pricing levels of Vancouver property remaining high, even in challenging economic conditions. 

 

One of the major employers in Vancouver is the government.  It is standard in Canada that 1 in 10 employees in the city work for the…

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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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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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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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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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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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2011 is already an exciting market for home buyers and sellers in Vancouver.  The HPI listed Vancouver apartments as dropping in price while detached home prices are climbing.  Here are some things to look for in a home when you’re buying in Vancouver this year.

1.     Location.  I know it’s simple and maybe overused but if you want to buy a home you should look at where you want to live.  Do you need to be close to the airport or a skytrain station?  Are you looking for some peace and quiet overlooking the ocean or do you want to hear the crowd at Roger’s Arena?  Location can even be as simple as do you want to live in a house or an attached condo or apartment?

2.     Amenities.  If you’ve got young kids you’ll want to be close to a school that you…

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This representation is based in whole or in part on data generated by the Chilliwack & District Real Estate Board, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board or Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy.

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Listing information last updated on October 31st, 2025 at 11:40pm PDT.