The Home Owner Grant was introduced by the BC Government in 1957 to help reduce the amount of school taxes paid by property owners.  To be eligble for the Grant, a property owner must be: a) a Canadian Citizen or Landed Immigrant and reside in BC, 2) the registered owner or eligible occupant of the home located with the Province, 3) living in the home as a principal residence.  Note:  The Gra ...

Generally, if a new home is in a subdivision, the builder typically rolls the HST into the purchase price and then gives the Buyer credit for the rebate.  The builder then applies for the rebate directly. In the case of Multi-family projects, generally the HST is included in the purchase price of the unit, the new Buyer/owner has to claim the rebate themselves.If the propert owner is an "owne ...

Making your home 'power smart' will create a more comforatable home to live in, more environmentally friendly, reduce your energy bills and could increase the value of your home. Studies done in the USA and Australia concluded that energy efficient homes are in fact worth more, as much as 10% more.  Buyers agreed that they would pay more in order to continue to live in a sustainable home.  Th ...

The BC Government helps property owners who are unable to pay annual property taxes and are at risk of losing their homes.  See if you qualify for one of these 3 low-interest tax deferment assistant programs: 1) For Seniors - owners 55+, a surviving spouse or a person with a disability who are Canadian Citizens and permanent residents may qualify if they maintain a minimum equity of 25% of th ...

FYI........A new version of REALTOR.ca iPhone App (Version 1.1) has been approved and is now available in the Apple App store for download.

The City of Richmond, in partnership with BC Housing, is seeking partners for an affordable housing project at 8111 Granville Avenue. As part of Richmond’s Affordable Housing Strategy, the City and BC Housing issued a request for Expressions of Interest seeking non profit agencies to provide and manage affordable housing at the site. The City of Richmond purchased the property at 8111 Granv ...

This coming Sunday, March 20, from 10am-2pm, there will be a one kilometre walk around the Steveston Village core, starting at Fisherman's Park at Third Avenue and Moncton Street. The walk will wind its way down Third Avenue, east along Bayview, up No. 1 Road then west along Moncton Street back to Fisherman's Park. There will be two tents set up to receive donations. One tent will be at Rolst ...

In light of the devastating Japan earthquakes and tsunamis, the City would like to encourage everyone to be prepared for an emergency. FREE Personal preparedness information sessions will be held at Richmond City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Rd, Richmond on Tuesday March 15 and Thursday March 17 from 7-8 pm.  Be ready!

Don’t Miss - The ACTIVATE! Wellness Fair 55+, in its tenth year, primarily focuses on information and services for older adults is on March 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Minoru Place, 7660 Minoru Gate, Richmond.

On March 18, 2011, the Federal Government will implement new mortgage rules across Canada.  The maximum amortization period available after March 18th, will be reduced to 30 years from the current 35 years. This can be a difference of between $95 - $150 per month for most homes.  This rule change will affect your purchasing power.  Currently, a Buyer with an income of $65,000 qualifies to spe ...