I know we are all asking ourselves this question, especially when our property tax bill comes in the Spring every year.  Property Taxes help fund what makes our communities safe, secure and livable.  Our property taxes fund such items as: archives, museums, bicycle paths and walkways, parks/green space, community centres, garbage and recycling, swimming pools, ice rinks, safe building regulat ...

Everone seems to be concerned with rising energy costs and with creating healthier home environments.  Building and renovating with 'green' features has now become a priority, whether it's a modest kitchen renovation or a major addition like a secondary suite.  The most popular green feature are energy efficient windows and insulation, which are not a huge up front cost but provide home owner ...

Looking for a big, bright 1 level home in Steveston, then don't miss coming to see this delightful 2 bdrm & den home in the Villas!   This spacious 1074 sqft floor plan is very bright and has a spectacular Mt. Baker view.  1 dog or 2 cats ok.  Just steps to the South Dyke Trail and a short bike ride to Steveston Village along the new boardwalk.  See you at the open!

Buying a home can be a stressful event.  A home inspection is supposed to give you some peace of mind, but often has the opposite effect.  The building inspector will go through a lot of information in a short period of time.  It can include a written report, checklists, photographs, environmental reports and also what the inspector tells you himself.  Combined with the Sellers Property Discl ...

The Federal Government Home Buyer's Plan (HBP) is available to first time home buyers and a few others. The plan was established in 1992 to allow first time home buyers to draw up to $25,000 from their RRSP's, tax free as a downpayment. Couples can use up to $50,000. To qualify, a) you must not have owned a home in the past 5 years, b) you must use the home as your primary residence, c) repay ...

I look forward to seeing you at #45-10051 Swinton Cres, Richmond on Sunday June 19th, 2-4 pm.  Don't miss coming to see this delightful 2 bedroom townhouse at the corner of No. 4 Road and Steveston Highway in popular Edgemere Gardens. Updated complex with new roofs, new exterior paint, new decks.  This unit is an estate sale and is ready to move in, the probate is complete. Loads of updates i ...

Have you recently purchased a home and been offered "mortgage insurance from the Lender?" You may want to understand the differences of mortgage insurance or term life insurance before making your final decision on which one to choose for your home purchase.  Mortgage insurance is designed to pay the balance owing on your mortgage if you pass away.  Term Insurance can offer more flexibility a ...

Shopping for a new home? Check out the New Homes Registry for BC for Free access to find out if a home has 3rd party Home Warranty Insurance and is built by a licensed residential builder. If the new home is built by a licensed residential builder, the registry will display the name and contact number of the warranty provider and the builder's warranty number. You can also check to see if the ...

There is no regulartory requirement in BC for home sellers or home buyers to have a home inspection unless it is required to get a mortgage. However, there are a number of legal cases that demonstrate the value of having a professional home inspection, including a BC case, Salgado v. Toth.  Home Inspectors are regulated by the BC Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA) an ...

Remember, when you are performing due diligence on a property title, what's not registered on title is often just as important as what is registered.  Be on the look out for:  Archaeological sites, Heritage designations, Highway entitlements, Stigmatized property including former grow ops and illegal drug labs, Streamside issues and underground oil storage tanks.  For more property informatio ...