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Home Ownership
20 grants and rebates for homebuyers and owners
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Save money using these grants and rebates. (6 minute read)
Home Selling
How does a REALTOR® establish the selling price of my house?
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
One tool Realtors use is comparing prices from recent sales in your area. Bonus: what's the difference between assessed and sale values? (2 minute read)
Home Ownership
Prepare your home for sale
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Are you thinking of selling your home? Before your REALTOR® begins showing your home, you will want to make sure it’s in tip-top condition.
Legislation & Regulations
Land Act amendments on hold
Monday, February 26, 2024
The government's proposed land-sharing agreement with First Nations groups will undergo further consultation. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
BC government announces PTT changes, flipping tax in new budget
Monday, February 26, 2024
Here's a summary of the new housing measures in the BC budget announced on February 22, 2024.
Taxes
What you need to know about BC's Speculation and Vacancy Tax
Friday, January 26, 2024
Detailed information about BC's SVT and property exemptions. (4 minute read)
Home Ownership
New regulations for stratas help get more electric vehicles on the road
Thursday, January 18, 2024
These regulations outline a process for strata property residents to request to install an EV charging station. (2 minute read)
Home Ownership
Greater Vancouver assessments remain stable
Friday, January 5, 2024
Assessments remained in a narrow range compared to last year in Greater Vancouver. (5 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Metro Vancouver regulates wood burning fireplaces and stoves
Monday, December 18, 2023
Metro Vancouver is reducing pollution by regulating wood burning appliances. Does this affect you? (3 minute read)
Home Ownership
Seniors aging in place, longer
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
How will the increasing number of senior households affect the real estate market? (2 minute read)
Home Ownership
4 things to know about heat pumps
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Learn how heat pumps are an energy-efficient way of transferring heat in and out of a home. (3 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
How will the 2021 mortgage stress test rules impact Metro Vancouver real estate?
Thursday, November 16, 2023
The new rules as of June 1, 2021 will dampen mortgage credit growth, but should have a modest effect on home sales and prices. ( 1 minute read)
Home Ownership
Financing your home
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
When you're looking to buy a home, it's important to understand the steps for getting a mortgage. (3 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Interest, fees increase amount owed for property tax deferment
Friday, October 6, 2023
If your clients are deferring their property taxes, interest rates and fees will increase the amount they owe. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
BC caps maximum rent increase to 3.5 per cent
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
The change aims to address the housing crisis and simplify zoning regulations. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Government removes GST on new rental housing
Monday, September 25, 2023
This policy is for projects beginning construction from Sept 14, 2023, to Dec 31, 2030, completing construction by Dec 31, 2035. (2 minute read)
Taxes
Will I have to pay capital gains when I sell my house?
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Read about the conditions required for paying capital gains, and what you need to do even if you don't have to pay. (2 minute read)
Taxes
Why do I have to pay property taxes on the house I’m buying?
Friday, September 1, 2023
Property taxes in BC are due the first business day after July 1. If you buy a home at another time, you may have to pay a share of the year to avoid a penalty.
Home Ownership
Taking care of your yard during a heat wave and drought
Monday, August 28, 2023
Here's how to make your lawn and garden look good when the weather isn't. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Homeownership rates decline – purpose-built rentals can help
Monday, August 28, 2023
Declining homeownership rates spark investment in purpose-built rentals as solution. (2 minute read)
Taxes
Empty Homes Tax put to good use – Vancouver creates affordable housing
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Affordable housing projects in Vancouver received grants worth over $8.7 million, partially from Vancouver’s EHT. (1 minute read)
Community
REBGV donates $10,000 to BC wildfire relief
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
The McDougall Creek fire is one of many raging across BC. Here's how you can help. (1 minute read)
Home Ownership
Home ownership – BC legislative committee listens to and quotes REBGV
Monday, August 21, 2023
A new budget report cited REBGV’s three recommendations on how to clear a path to home ownership. (3 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
PM shuffles cabinet, new federal housing minister
Thursday, July 27, 2023
Sean Fraser is now the minister of housing, infrastructure, and communities. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
REBGV recommends policy changes to improve housing affordability and availability in BC
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Read about the three tax-related recommendations REBGV made to the provincial government to ease housing. (3 minute read)
Home Ownership
Asbestos remediation – new certification required for contractors
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Home owners looking to renovate older homes will need to ensure their contractors are certified. (2 minute read)
Taxes
Putting Property Transfer Tax revenue to work
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Our recommendations to the provincial government on how the PTT can be used to help build more affordable homes. (2 minute read)
Taxes
BC speculation and vacancy tax expanded to Lions Bay, Squamish
Monday, June 12, 2023
Home owners in these newly taxable areas will need to declare in 2024. (2 minute read)
Taxes
Property taxes 101
Monday, June 5, 2023
Save money on your prooperty taxes with the Home Owner Grant. The threshold has recently increased. (3 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
New exemptions to strata age restriction bylaws
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
The new exemptions include future children, dependents, and spouses/partners. (1 minute read)
Home Ownership
6 bathroom renovation mistakes to avoid
Monday, May 8, 2023
Avoid costly mistakes for a worry-free bathroom reno. (2 minute read)
Working with a REALTOR®
What’s the Disclosure form that REALTORS® are asking you to sign?
Friday, April 28, 2023
When buying or selling a home, Realtors have to inform you, up front, about your representation options. This is what the DORTS form is for. (3 minute read)
Home Ownership
Get your outdoor living room ready for spring and summer fun
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Tips to make your outdoor space a naturally inviting part of your home. (2 minute read)
Community
Vancouver REALTOR® honoured for innovative fundraising, work with community causes
Friday, April 21, 2023
Read about our 2022 REALTORS Care Award recipient. (2 minutes, 3:03 video)
Home Selling
Can I cancel a listing contract, a buyer agency or an exclusive?
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Contracts can only be cancelled with the mutual consent of the parties involved. (3 minute read)
Home Ownership
Heating your home with oil? Get up to $10K for a new heat pump
Friday, April 14, 2023
The federal government is offering up to $10K for low- and median-income homeowners to install an energy-efficient heat pump. (1 minute read)
Home Ownership
Know the rules when insuring secondary suites
Monday, April 3, 2023
Having insurance coverage is vital. There’s a misconception among home owners that their existing policy will cover a suite. It doesn’t.
Home Ownership
Canada amends foreign buyer ban regulations
Friday, March 31, 2023
The federal government amended its foreign buyer ban regulations, allowing more flexibility. (3 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Federal foreign buyer ban coming in January 2023
Friday, March 31, 2023
The federal government’s ban on new foreign ownership of residential property becomes law on January 1, 2023. Here's what you need to know. (3 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
The effect of flood mapping and floods on housing prices
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Floodplain mapping can help assess risk and better understand a home's value. (3 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Better protection for strata property owners coming in November
Friday, February 3, 2023
Amendments to the Strata Property Act that increase contingency reserve fund minimums are coming November 1, 2023. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
BC government introduces “cooling off” period for home sales
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
Starting January 1, 2023, home buyers can back out of a residential purchase up to three business days after signing a contract. (3 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Supreme Court of Canada clarifies, expands principles of expropriation
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
A recent decision has clarified the test for constructive taking and expropriation by regulation. (5 minute read)
Home Ownership
How to prepare your lawn for winter
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Follow these tips for a healthy lawn next summer! (2 minute read)
Home Selling
Historical home sale prices in Metro Vancouver are now available on REALTOR.ca
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
You can now find historical home sale prices on REALTOR.ca for homes actively listed for sale. (2 minute read)
Home Ownership
Here are 9 ways to get ready for fall
Friday, September 9, 2022
Sure signs that fall is coming are shorter days and the start of school. Fall also means it’s time to begin preparing our homes for oncoming cooler weather.
Home Ownership
Home renos: plan for success
Monday, August 22, 2022
Your home reno can be less stressful if you plan wisely. Find out how! (3 minute read)
Home Ownership
Preparing for a flood
Monday, August 8, 2022
Many residents and businesses in the Lower Mainland are located in a floodplain - close to or beside local rivers, creeks, or coastlines.
Home Ownership
Home security – 11 tips to protect your belongings
Friday, July 8, 2022
It’s summertime and the living is easy, especially for potential thieves.
Home Ownership
It’s easy being green: here are 6 lawn alternatives
Monday, June 20, 2022
Lawn alternatives that help bees, save water, eliminate chaffer beetles, and more!
Home Ownership
PTT thresholds: REBGV makes housing affordability recommendations to province
Friday, June 17, 2022
REBGV made three recommendations for making home ownership more affordable during provincial consultations in June. (3 minute read)
Community
Metro Vancouver REALTORS® honoured for rapid response during BC's flooding disaster
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
REALTORS® Ron Basra and Phil Moore received the 2021 REALTORS Care® Award for providing much needed aid under difficult conditions during the 2021 BC floods. (2 minute read)
Community
Richmond REALTOR® receives REBGV’s highest honour for professionalism
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
REBGV honoured REALTOR® K. Scott Russell with the 2021 Professional Excellence Award for his mentorship and contributions to organized real estate over his long career. (3 minute read)
Home Ownership
Vancouver increases Empty Homes Tax and double audits
Friday, April 29, 2022
Vancouver city council passed a motion to increase the Empty Homes Tax to five per cent. (1 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
BC REALTORS® offer 30 policy recommendations to province to improve BC real estate
Thursday, March 31, 2022
The BC Real Estate Association, with support of BC’s real estate boards, has 30 policy recommendations for the provincial government.
Home Ownership
3 easy ways to help keep your home green clean
Monday, February 28, 2022
Keeping a green-clean home is not only better for the environment, it can be better for your health and your wallet. (2 minute read)
Home Ownership
Get your home ready for spring using these simple steps
Monday, February 28, 2022
Spring is a time of renewal for both you and your home. As you emerge from your winter cocoon, you’ll want to start the spring repairs and updates your home requires.
Legislation & Regulations
What’s in BC Budget 2022 for homebuyers and owners?
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
BC Budget 2022 was released on February 22, 2022 with a focus on funding for climate change, infrastructure, and homelessness. (2 minute read)
Taxes
No SVT exemption for owners of vacant stratas
Friday, February 18, 2022
Owners of strata property in buildings with rental restrictions are no longer exempt from the BC Speculation and Vacancy Tax. (1 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
How many homes paid BC Vacancy and Speculation Tax in your community?
Friday, December 10, 2021
Read how much tax was generated from this tax in Greater Vancouver municipalities.
Community
REALTORS® raise over $134,000 for BC disaster relief during the 27th annual REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive
Friday, December 3, 2021
Realtors across the Lower Mainland raised over $134,000 for disaster relief and collected warm clothing and blankets for those in need.
Community
Lower Mainland REALTORS® act quickly to aid flood victims
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
REALTORS® are closely involved with their communities. Find out how they helped during BC's flood disaster.
Community
Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley real estate boards donate $20,000 to support Red Cross disaster relief efforts
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
BC hasn't seen a disaster on this level before. We had to help.
Legislation & Regulations
REBGV makes three recommendations to BC government to help make homes more affordable
Thursday, October 14, 2021
Metro Vancouver is facing a housing affordability crisis. Home prices continue to rise, and the inventory of homes for sale is insufficient to meet today’s demand.
Home Ownership
7 ways to get the most out of small living spaces
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Small living spaces are a reality for more and more homeowners. But small spaces don’t have to mean small dreams.
Legislation & Regulations
Federal government plans unused housing tax
Friday, September 24, 2021
Read about the federal government’s plans to implement a national, annual one-per-cent tax on non-resident, non-Canadian owned residential vacant or underused real estate.
Community
REALTORS Care® Shelter Drive raises $15,000 for housing charities during pandemic
Thursday, July 22, 2021
The REALTORS Care® Shelter Drive raised $15,000 for three housing charities in Metro Vancouver over a challenging year during the pandemic.
Community
REBGV donates $10,000 to Lytton fire relief
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
In response to the Lytton wildfire, REBGV donated $10,000 to the Red Cross BC Fires Appeal.
Community
Vancouver REALTOR® honoured for commitment to community causes
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver recognised REALTOR® Michelle Porter with the REALTORS Care® Award for her volunteer work with charities in Metro Vancouver.
Home Ownership
Federal government offers home owners $5,600 to make homes energy efficient
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Here's how to apply for one of the $5,000 grants offered by the federal government.
Home Ownership
What’s a reverse mortgage?
Thursday, June 10, 2021
How can older home owners cover their expenses without selling their home?
Home Ownership
Resolving strata disputes
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Strata corporations, strata owners, residents and strata council members can access online services through the BC Civil Resolution Tribunal to resolve solve disputes.