“The COVID-19 recession has battered many sectors of the BC economy. However, looking at recent data in the housing market, it would be difficult to tell there was a recession at all,” says BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “In a typical recession, we would see falling demand and rising supply, but this recession is anything but typical.” [read more]
Qualifying for a mortgage is about to get harder for anyone who doesn’t have at least a 20 per cent down payment for a home, which is likely to have an outsized effect on first-time buyers.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is tightening its rules to qualify for an insured mortgage. [read more]
The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) has created a video for REALTORS® to share with their clients to help explain one of the key documents used in a real estate transaction: the Contract of Purchase and Sale (CPS). Central to any transaction, the CPS outlines the terms and conditions on which a transaction takes place. [read more]
If you’ve decided to buy a home, it’s important you understand all the costs involved in addition to the price you're paying for the property. [read more]
Secondary suites continue to be an affordable housing option for Metro Vancouver residents, benefiting home owners as mortgage helpers and tenants as a less expensive roof over their heads. Secondary suites are so prevalent that Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimates there are now about 156,445 accessory suites in the region. [read more]
As a Buyer it is important to know how much cash you will need on the completion date of your home above and beyond your downpayment at the bank. Here is a short list: [read more]
“There are more homes for sale in our market today than we’ve seen since October 2014. This trend is more about reduced demand than increased supply,” Smith said. “The number of new listings coming on the market each month are consistent with our long-term averages. It’s the reduced sales activity that’s allowing listings to accumulate.” [read more]
I am very excited to have just sold 23 230 Tenth St, a move in ready 2 bed 2.5 bath move-in ready townhome in Uptown, New Westminster. Congrats to my first time buyer clients who picked up this 1455 sq. ft. three level home within walking distance of the Skytrain for under $700,000! [read more]
Positive equity. What does it all mean?! If you purchased your a home in Metro Vancouver within the past 3-5 years, it's likely you're in a positive equity position. Positive equity in your home includes your original down payment at the bank as well as any 'lift' or appreciation in the property since you bought. [read more]
As a professional Realtor, Chris Brown believes consumers should have as much information as possible as soon as possible in order to understand the relationship with their Realtor as well as the responsibilities and duties they are owed. [read more]
“Home buyers have been less active in recent months and we’re beginning to see prices edge down for all housing types as a result,” Phil Moore, REBGV president said. “Buyers today have more listings to choose from and face less competition than we’ve seen in our market in recent years.” [read more]
If you are looking to purchase your first home, next home or an investment property, please reach out to Chris. Since 2011, Chris has worked with Metro Vancover's most prominent new home marketing brokerages and property developers. With dozens of projects sold and having assisted over one thousand home Buyers find the right property, Chris' experience in the new home pre sale market is second to none. [read more]
I was impressed by his negotiation strategy and guidance in what was a very competitive offer scenario. Ultimately, the reason I feel our offer was successful over the others was because it was based on good research and sound advice, which resulted in us having a better understanding of the value in this listing. [read more]
The government expects to introduce legislation in the fall to make the tax part of law and they say 99 per cent of British Columbians will be exempt from paying the tax. The tax will be applied on properties that are not the primary residences of the owner — they’re not living there for more than six months per year — and that aren’t being occupied by a tenant when the owner isn’t there. [read more]
Interested in buying a pre sale home at Crest pre sale in Central Lonsdale, North Vancouver by Adera Projetcs? Outdoors-inspired condos and townhomes coming soon to North Vancouver. Register now for more information including floor plans, pricing and market updates as they come available. [read more]
Crest by Adera Projects will be a massive hit. This development will be one of the most sought after PRE SALE communities to come to the City of North Vancouver in 2018. The location is exceptional and I know a number of Realtors who are considering a property there for themselves. More info will be available soon. Sales start this Spring. [read more]
A collection of 4 heritage-inspired city homes by JC Tycon Developments. Featuring sophisticated modern interiors in a trendy Kitsilano, Vancouver. This ground floor 1 bedroom home offers a contemporary flair and its open concept plan with high ceilings, Carrera Marble fireplace, wide plank wood floors and a spa-like marble tiled master ensuite. A chef's kitchen boasts custom cabinetry with quartz counter tops and Thermador appliances. [read more]
Interested in buying a pre sale home at Jumar presale in Squamish by Wave Developments? Outdoors-inspired condos and townhomes coming soon to downtown Squamish. Register now for more information including floor plans, pricing and market updates as they come available. [read more]
Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. So it’s always best to get all the help you can. Here are some steps to consider. [read more]
The rules now require the minimum qualifying rate for uninsured mortgages to be the greater of the five-year benchmark rate published by the Bank of Canada (presently 4.89%) or 200 basis points above the mortgage holder’s contractual mortgage rate. “The main effect will be felt by first-time buyers,” says James Laird, co-founder of Ratehub.ca. “No matter how much money they put down as a down payment, they will have to pass the stress test.” [read more]
Just a quick list of all the pre sale developments currently for sale in Squamish, B.C. All of these developments are in different stages of sales, marketing and construction. Suite availability and pricing changes daily so feel free to give me a shout and I would be happy to round up current availability including any developer promotions for you. [read more]
Canadians are starting to take note that the key number determining how much they pay for a mortgage is very likely going to soon go up. "My email is exploding right now," says Ryan McKinley, senior mortgage development manager at Vancity Credit Union. For those looking to buy in the near-term, McKinley says now is the time to lock in a mortgage rate, which financial institutions generally do for between 90 and 120 days. [read more]
The dramatic rise in Canadian house prices has been making headlines almost daily. And for good reason: prices in and around the country’s hottest markets, Toronto (and until recently) Vancouver, have been posting double-digit annual gains. In May, prices in Toronto and Vancouver were up year-over-year 29% and 8.8% respectively. But Canada isn’t the only country experiencing skyrocketing home prices. [read more]
Considering the purchase of a strata condo? One of the key steps to ensure you are making a sound purchase will be in reviewing the strata minutes. Not the most exciting of reading choices – however, the minutes will provide you with an in-depth look, not only to the building and operations, but also a peek into the condo culture. [read more]
Interested in purchasing a pre sale home in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver or Squamish? The following pre sale developments are worth a look. Contact Chris for more info. [read more]
Seven Peaks is a collection West Coast-style townhomes in beautiful Squamish. Built for family life and making the most of the great outdoors of Squamish, these three and four bedroom homes are spaciously laid out and focus on creating a sense of community. [read more]
The B.C. Newly Built Home Exemption reduces or eliminates the amount of property transfer tax you pay when you purchase a newly built home. A newly built home includes a house constructed and affixed on a parcel of vacant land, a new apartment in a newly built condominium building or a manufactured home that is placed and affixed on a parcel of vacant land. [read more]
Seven Peaks is a collection West Coast-style townhomes in beautiful Squamish. Built for family life and making the most of the great outdoors of Squamish, these three and four bedroom homes are spaciously laid out and focus on creating a sense of community. [read more]
An independently owned and operated broker member of Stilhavn Real Estate Services. Not intended to induce breach of an existing agency agreement. This is not an offer to sell.
2021 Chris Brown, All Rights Reserved. Contents of this website, including the photography & videos, may not be used without written consent from Chris Brown. Maximum effort is put towards the details but cannot guarantee, buyer to verify all details. Website by BRIXWORK Real Estate Websites
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