My East Van Blog

Buying South of the Border

(August 08, 2012)

You hear the stories - local Canadians here buying summer / holiday homes south of the border.  We have the geographical location that allows us to consider this option... But is it for everyone?

It's true, thanks to the US economic turmoil of recent years, the property down south in Washington state are significantly cheaper than what we can get over here. 

But make sure you know what it takes to bu... read more.

Mortgage Rates Drop again

(August 05, 2012)

The lowest 5 yr mortgage rate is down to 2.94%.  That's below the 2.99% mark that made Finance Minister Jim Flaherty warn the banks no to get too aggressive.

Rates continue to be at a record low at this time.  But while rates are tempting, the slowdown in the housing market recently means people are not jumping into new homes.

If you are currently in an open term variable mortgage, you might want to... read more.

Summer Market is always slow

(July 31, 2012)

Most people don't realize that the summer months are usually a slow time for the housing market.  The reason is simple, many people are away on vacation, and there are less listings and less buyers around. 

Typically, things pick up speed again in September - people get back in town and the kids are back to school.  Real estate market is very seasonal.  In Canada, no one wants to move in the snow... 

I... read more.

Not All Realtors are the same

(July 27, 2012)

Not all Realtors are the same.  You've probably heard that before, but what I'm referring to is not that some Realtors are good, and some are bad.  Every single one is different, and so will you experience with your Realtor.

Throw away the stereotype of the typical Realtor. It's like saying every doctor, lawyer, accountant, and teacher do the same job. Would you trade your trusted family doctor for j... read more.

Don't get ripped off by a contractor

(July 22, 2012)

Last year, the Better Business Bureau received nearly 900 complaints filed against general contractors and other renovation companies. The main problem was they were charging too much and not doing enough work.

What do they suggested?  Be picky and interview at least 3 contractors, get everything important in writing, and go with a company insured with WorkSafe BC. 

For more information, check the Be... read more.

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