Navigating the Landscape: Understanding Real Estate Taxes in British Columbia.

n the dynamic realm of real estate, potential buyers, sellers, and investors in British Columbia must be well-versed in the intricacies of taxation to make informed decisions. Various taxes can impact real estate transactions, shaping the financial landscape for both individuals and businesses. In this blog, we will delve into the key taxes that may affect real estate transactions in British Columbia.

[NEW] Flipping Tax

Starting in 2025, the BC Home Flipping Tax is a 20 per cent tax on the gain from...

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BC’s Leaky Condo’s

The "leaky condo" crisis in British Columbia refers to a period from 1984 - 1999 when numerous multi-unit residential buildings experienced widespread water ingress and building envelope failures, resulting in extensive damages and costly repairs. As a result of this crisis, significant changes were made to the British Columbia Building Code (BCBC) to address the issues and improve building standards. Some of the changes made to the BCBC following the leaky condo disaster include:

  1. Building Envelope...

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Top Reasons for Purchasing a Home: Building Equity, Meeting Needs, and More

Owning a home is a significant milestone that many people aspire to achieve. The decision to transition from renting to homeownership is not to be taken lightly, as it comes with both financial and emotional implications. If you find yourself contemplating this monumental step, here are some compelling reasons why purchasing a home might be the right move for you.

1. To Stop Renting: The End of Endless Rent Payments

One of the most common motivations for purchasing a home is the desire to put an end...

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Buying a home that was built prior to 1980

Are you in the market to buy a home in British Columbia? If you're considering purchasing a home that was built prior to 1980, there are some important things you should be aware of. Homes built before this time period may have unique features and potential issues that you need to consider before making a decision. In this blog, we'll explore some key factors that home buyers should be aware of when buying a home in BC that was built prior to 1980.

  1. Building Codes and Regulations: Building codes and...

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9 Reasons you need an Agent to help you Sell or Buyer a Home

Whether you’re selling your first or fourth home, buying an existing property of building a new home, there’s one thing you need: a reputable agent. While some may say you can buy or sell your home on your own, if you’re not familiar with the process, it may lead to more frustration and aggravation than its worth. Why go it along when you can have an experienced professional by your side to help you every step of the way?

  1. An Agent will represent you. When you buy a home, you may...
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This Old House - 7 Typical Issues with older homes
Few modern homes can beat the charm and character of Canada’s homes built before the twentieth century.
Natural wood beams and trim, built-in cabinets and cozy bedroom alcoves are only a few of the features that make older homes special and attractive to many home buyers. Yet along with their appealing style and atmosphere, many of these houses also possess an array of ailments and conditions specifically because of their age. The Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors...
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Protect yourself: Annual Strata water deductible review
SOURCE: Insurance Brokers Association of BC
The majority of strata Annual General Meetings are coming up over the next few months presenting an ideal opportunity for strata lot owners to verify that their home owner insurance policy water deductible coverage matches that of the strata corporation's master building policy and if not advise their insurance broker immediately. 

The BC Strata Property Act requires that any AGM Notice includes a copy of the strata...
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7 Things to Look for in a New Neighbourhood

Whether seeking solace, activity, schools, churches, or green space, every homebuyer looks for a different combination of attributes in a new community. Choosing a neighbourhood that suits your needs and wants is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the home-buying process; your choice of environment will affect the way you experience your new home. This is a very personal decision, influenced by countless unique factors colouring your own lives, but you should always keep the...

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What you need to know about Knotweed

Pretty plants can have ugly impacts. This is especially true with knotweed, a fast spreading and potentially destructive plant with bamboo-like stems, the plant can cause structural damage by pushing through concrete, asphalt and drainage systems. It also displaces other plant life, causes erosion and pollutes streams with sediment from the eroded land.
Native to Asia, there are four knotweed varieties in the province: Himalayan, Japanese, Giant and Bohemian. All grow in the Fraser Valley...

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Home Inspections: Top Ten Problems

Each homebuyer has different ideas of what will constitute the ideal home for them, these notions often based on particular aesthetic preferences. But one thing that unites all potential homebuyers is the desire to find a home that is fundamentally sound—in areas beyond the immediate sweep of the eye—and that will provide a safe, comfortable, and efficient foundation for their life behind a new door.
This is where the services of a home inspector come in. During a home inspection, at least...

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8 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home

You’ve been saving for awhile, weighing your options, looking around casually. Now you’ve finally decided to do it—you’re ready to buy a house. The process of buying a new home can be incredibly exciting, yet stressful, all at once. Where do you start?
It is essential you do your homework before you begin. Learn from the experiences of others, do some research. Of course, with so many details involved, slip-ups are inevitable. But be careful: learning from your mistakes may...

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How to Find a Home that Has your “Big Three”

How do you find the home of your dreams within a price range you can afford?

Most buyers start by making a “wish list”. But, it’s easy to get frustrated when you have a long wish list and expect you’ll be able to find a home with every one of those features. You might, for example, have “mature backyard tree” as number 23 on your list, and become disappointed when an otherwise ideal property doesn’t have one.

But when you really think about it, your ideal...

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What if your Ideal Home Isn't Available?
Imagine you're looking for a new home. You have a list of all the features you want, just like you would have a grocery shopping list. However, when you explore the homes currently on the market, none meets all your criteria.
What do you do? You have a few good options.
First, you can take a second look at your list. Does your new home need every single feature on it? Are there one or two features you can do without? For example, can you settle for a smaller kitchen assuming the property has everything...
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Buying a Home that Needs Some Work

When you’re shopping for a new home, you probably want the property to be as “move in ready” as possible. That way, you can... well... just move in!

However, there are a lot of fantastic properties on the market that need some work. For example, you might see a home that has everything you need, but the kitchen is long overdue for a renovation. Or, you might view a property that requires a lot of repairs and painting — tasks that, at first glance, seem overwhelming.

You don...

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Get Front-of-the-Line Access to Desirable Homes for Sale
As you've probably noticed, credit card companies regularly offer bonuses to get you to apply for their cards. For example, one such card company offers opportunities to buy tickets to concerts and other events ahead of everyone else. It's their "front of the line" service.

When you’re searching for a new home, wouldn't it be great if you could get to the front of the line on desirable properties – before other buyers get the chance? Well, in a way, you can. The first thing you need to...
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Finding and buying a home when you're already super busy
Finding a New Home when You're Busy, Busy, Busy!
Imagine you have a major project at work, you have to deal with home schooling and you still need to deal with groceries, laundry and dinner. Whoa! That's a busy life. Can you still find and buy a new home with such a tight schedule?

The good news is, you can. In fact, there's plenty you can do to save time. Consider these tips:
• Get specific about the home you want to buy. Think about property type (for example, "two story, detached"), number...
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Buying a home in 8 steps.

There are many financial and personal benefits to home ownership.
1. Preparing to buy. 
Begin the process only when you are ready to buy and part of being ready to buy includes answering these questions. When do you need to be in the home? How would your plans change if the purchase occurred sooner or later that anticipated? Who else is involved in the decision to buy? Is everyone involved in the buying process committed to buying? How does your job factor into the decision? If you are renting,...

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Buying Your Dream Home in a Hot Market

Imagine finding the perfect home, only to discover there is serious interest from at least a dozen other buyers. It’s like scrambling for the last piece of cake at a buffet! Fortunately, there are things you can do to help get the home you want, even in a highly competitive market. Here are just a few ideas:

• Only view a few ideal properties at a time. If you see too many, and thus spread yourself too thin, you risk homes slipping through your fingers.

• Be very realistic about price....

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