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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.
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)
Urban Planning
Building homes faster and cheaper with ready-made designs
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
The BC government plans to create up to 10 standardized home designs inspired by the Vancouver Special. (2 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)
Home Buying
How rising mortgage rates affect insured mortgages
Thursday, November 23, 2023
Since June 22, 2022 chartered banks have repeatedly raised their posted mortgage rates in response to higher bond yields. (1 minute read)
Home Buying
CMHC tightens lending standards, making homes less affordable
Monday, November 20, 2023
Since July 1, 2020, it has become increasingly more difficult for first-time home buyers to buy a home. (2 minute read)
Home Buying
A closer look at bank rates
Monday, November 20, 2023
Home buyers with less than a 20 per cent down payment applying for a high-ratio mortgage with a regulated financial institution are typically offered a contract mortgage interest rate.
Home Buying
How mortgage stress test changes affects home buyers
Friday, November 17, 2023
Check how the stress test may affect you, with examples of buying an apartment, an attached home, and a detached 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 Buying
Private insurers offer options
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Private insurers have not been required to follow CMHC's lead and tighten lending standards. (2 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)
Urban Planning
Vancouver allows up to eight units on single family lots
Monday, September 25, 2023
The change aims to address the housing crisis and simplify zoning regulations. (2 minute read)
Market Trends
Increased costs contribute to reduced sales, dollar values across commercial market
Monday, September 18, 2023
Slower activity marked the second quarter of the commercial real estate market in the Lower Mainland. (1 minute read)
Home Buying
Choosing the right home starts with choosing the right REALTOR®
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Buying or selling a home is a significant financial decision. That’s why it’s important to take your time to choose the right Realtor for you. (2 minute read)
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)
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)
Home Buying
Lower Mainland REALTORS® to enhance transparency for buyers involved in a multiple offer situation
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Home buyers in a multiple offer situation will soon receive additional information about other competing offers.
Urban Planning
What well-designed density looks like: Southlands in Tsawwassen
Monday, June 19, 2023
This area demonstrates a new model of well-designed density through innovative practices. (2 minute read)
Urban Planning
BC government identifies 47 municipalities that must densify
Friday, June 9, 2023
The identified municipalities must address local barriers to construction and update zoning bylaws. (2 minute read)
Urban Planning
Disaster funding for flooding makes local communities safer
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Learn more about initiatives to mitigate flood damage and assess flood risks around Greater Vancouver. (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)
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)
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)
Home Buying
What is an Offer to Purchase?
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
When you decide to buy a property, your Realtor will prepare what is known as an Offer to Purchase.
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)
Home Buying
Use Realtylink.org to help find your next home
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Search listings from the MLS® systems operated by the Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Chilliwack, BC Northern, and Vancouver Island real estate boards.
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)