Bridge tolls, rising gas prices, never-ending congestion. It seems the reasons for wanting to live close to work are endless. According to a new BMO survey, first-time homebuyers are doing just that. Findings show 34 per cent of younger homebuyers put a greater importance on a fast commute compared to 28 per cent of buyers nationally. In a surprising twist, most put it above [...] Read More
The re-election of the B.C. Liberals spells a huge boost for the local construction industry. That’s because many British Columbians have been waiting until after the election to decide whether to purchase a new home or renovate their existing one, says M.J. Whitemarsh, CEO of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC (CHBA BC). “The Liberal victory means the province will continue to support [...] Read More
Awareness of the importance of recycling has been growing steadily in the Lower Mainland. Access to recycling facilities has risen since the 1990s, but condo and apartment owners are still at a disadvantage. Some buildings don’t offer recycling facilities. Others have limited options. While single-family homes achieved a 55 per cent diversion from the landfill in 2011, condominiums only saw a 16 per cent [...] Read More
Residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 2,627 on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in April 2013, according to the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. Sales were down 6.1 per cent from the 2,799 sales reported in April 2012 – the lowest April total in the region since 2001. However, Sandra Wyant, REBGV president, says the 11.9-per cent increase in home sales compared [...] Read More
Buying into a condominium development can prove to be more cost-effective than home ownership. With fewer square feet and more shared amenities, living in an apartment can be lighter on the wallet and the planet. Still, according to a 2008 CEC report, buildings continue to consume 50 per cent of natural resources and generate 25 per cent of the waste going to landfills. Fortunately, [...] Read More
When you first move into a strata property from a rental suite or a detached home, there are big changes. As an owner in a condo, apartment or townhouse, you will suddenly be responsible for more than in a rental or less than in a house. Also, the range and kind of shared areas will be different. Misconceptions about living in a property guided [...] Read More
Smoking in the home can reduce the resale value by as much as 29 per cent according to a study sponsored by Pfizer Canada, which makes products to help people quit smoking. Kevin Basran, a Fraser Valley and Vancouver realtor, says lingering smoke can ruin buyers’ first impressions in less than a minute. “It’s psychological. Most people make up their decision subconsciously between 30 [...] Read More
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