Vol. 11-20

Vol. 20 – The Thig to Look for in a Realtor (April 23, 2011)

Vancouver Metro Newspaper published an article that outlines what to look for in your next realtor.  What does Kent believe you should look for? Kent discusses.

 

Vol. 19 – The Is & Isn’t Behind Appraisals (April 20, 2011)

Banks ask for them, but what are they and what should a buyer know?  Kent discusses.

 

Vol. 18 – Avoid the Top Two Buyers’ Complaints (April 16, 2011)

According to an article in the REBGV Realtors’ Newsletter, the top two buyers’ complaints are: (1) the seller did not respond to my offer and (2) I would have paid more but the seller didn’t counter my offer.  Kent discusses a solution to the problem, and it has everything to do with the agent.

 

Vol. 17 – How Busy is the Vancouver Downtown Market? (April 12, 2011)

Do you use average or median days on market as an indicator?  Median, I believe.  Right now, median active days on market is 18.  What does that mean, and what does it have to do with how busy the market is?

 

Vol. 16 – Take a look into Foreclosures (April 9, 2011)

Foreclosures get a bad wrap, but there are some amazing finds out there and some are well kept.  But, before you jump into this unique market, there’s a couple of things you need to know.

 

Vol. 15 – Low Success Rate Right Now with Low Balls (April 6, 2011)

Thinking about making a low ball offer on the next home you see?  Make sure you know the market, do your research, and write a strong offer regardless of what the price says.

 

Vol. 14 – BC Business Mag: REALTORS work less, should earn less (April 1, 2011)

The March 2011 issue of BC Business Magazine published an article on discount brokerages and how customers will be more inclined to work with discount brokerages because today’s REALTOR does less work and, therefore, deserve a lower commission.  Kent discusses.

 

Vol. 13 – Difficult Search for Some Home Buyers in Vancouver (March 29, 2011)

Some buyers know exactly what they want, but can’t find it on the market.  Is that to conclude that what they’re looking for isn’t on the market?  Or does the buyer’s home search need refinement?  Kent discusses.

 

Vol. 12 – BC Property Transfer Tax Unlikely to Change (March 24, 2011)

BC’s Property Transfer Tax rate remains at 1% for the first 200K and 2% on the balance since its inception in 1987.  In 1987, the average home price in BC was a little more than 100K.  The average home price in BC today is significantly more, and that’s an understatement.  Even though changes to the First-Time Homebuyers exemption from the Property Transfer Tax was made back in 2008, changes to the overall property transfer tax is unlikely to occur.  I believe it’s more likely for changes to occur to the HST before the property transfer tax.

 

Vol. 11 – Uncommon Strata Bylaws May Cost You (March 21, 2011)

When buying an apartment, condo or townhouse, make sure you read and approve the bylaws.  If not, the bylaws may cost you in ways beyond just fines.