Vol. 31-40

Vol. 40 – Bonds and Interest Rates that affect your time to buy a home (August 25, 2011)

Bonds affect the interest rates that banks charge, and during economic growth or economic weakness, bond rates fluctuate – and, as a result, interest rates fluctuate too.  A period of economic growth may see higher interest rates than a period of economic weakness; therefore, a period of economic growth may not be the most suitable time to buy a home.  Kent discusses.

 

Vol. 39 – Some Truths About Open Houses (August 18, 2011)

Open houses represent one of the cornerstones to marketing a home.  However, the effectiveness of holding open houses has been questioned in the past.  Kent discusses some truths when it comes to the open house.

 

Vol. 38 – Continued Low Interest Rates on Condo Market (August 13, 2011)

With uncertainty in the U.S. economy and a 3rd round of quantitative easing, the Bank of Canada is unlikely to raise its interest rates soon.  What does this mean for the Vancouver condo market?  Well, barring mass unemployment, we should expect much the same.  Kent discusses.

 

Vol. 37 – We’re Poorer than we Think (August 7, 2011)

According to an article written by Bill Tieleman, contrary to what Scotiabank tells us, we’re actually poorer than we think (unless, of course, you’re wealthy).  What does this mean if we want to buy a home?  What’s the right time?  Kent discusses.

 

Vol. 36 – The First Lesson in Home Buying (August 2, 2011)

The first lesson in home buying follows an old saying in real estate that goes: “buy a bad property in a great neighbourhood not a great property in a bad neighbourhood.”  Property values are ultimately influenced by neighbourhood factors and should be highly considered during the buying process. Kent discusses.

 

Vol. 35 – Home Profit Controls in Vancouver: a potential effect (July 27, 2011)

Home profit limits were suggested by a member of Vancouver city hall as a way of improving housing affordability, assuming home profit limits would decrease speculative investing in Vancouver and thereby decrease home prices.  However, what would be the potential effect of such limits?  Kent says looks to China.  Kent discusses.

 

Vol. 34 – Removing Height Restrictions in Downtown Vancouver (July 15, 2011)

The idea about removing height restrictions and restrictions that protect mountain views from Vancouver downtown has been thrown around – however, it’s not a very smart long term plan.  Kent discusses

 

Vol. 33 – What Toronto Real Estate Board does, Vancouver may follow (July 6, 2011)

The Toronto Real Estate Board is planning to change its rules due to its dispute with the Competition Bureau of Canada.  What do these changes mean for clients in Toronto and, perhaps, Vancouver?  Kent discusses.

 

Vol. 32 – Three Conditions Buyers need in their Contracts (June 22, 2011)

Conditions are needed to protect the buyer and their purchase.  These 3 represent the most important ones.  Kent Lui discusses

 

Vol. 31 – The Effect of the Vancouver Riot on Home Prices (June 18, 2011)

Vancouver received some negative publicity in the news recently for the riots following the Vancouver Canucks’ loss in the Stanley Cup final.  Will any of this negative publicity have a negative effect on Vancouver home prices?  Kent Lui discusses.