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As we enter 2023, it is important to note some changes that are happening to the real estate industry here in Vancouver. There is a lot happening in the real estate world that will impact consumers, sellers or buyers.

Changes in Rental Restrictions

The provincial government here in British Columbia has eliminated all rental restrictions on Strata properties. This will impact the condo and Strata market in 2023.

What does this mean? If you have a condo or property in Strata, you WILL be able to rent it out.

Three Day Rescision Period

As a consumer, anyone who buys residential property will have 3 days to decide if they will go ahead with purchasing the property or walk away. If you decide to walk away, please keep in mind you WILL need to pay a pentaly.

Foreign Buyer Ban

This ban is in effect for two years and will affect foreigners or non-residents looking to buy residential real estate. There are some exemptions for this ban, which we'd be happy to explain over the phone.

Speculation Tax or Empty Homes Tax

Rates on these taxes are going up 5%. If you rent your property out, you will not need to pay these taxes. However, if you choose to leave the property empty, you will need to pay the tax.

Thinking of selling? Keep the following tips in mind!

FIVE THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE SELLING

  1. Make sure your home is decluttered. Decluttered homes tend to sell quicker and for more.
  2. Check all your lightbulbs and make sure they all work. Also ensure the lightbulbs are consistent throughout the property.
  3. Clean out your gutters! Make sure there are no leaves in your gutters.
  4. Get your furnace serviced and ensure all the filters are changed.
  5. Run all your sink taps to check for any drips or leaks and get them fixed before listing your property.

Unsure about any of these changes? Interested in selling your home? Give us a call at 604-657-7936. We'd be happy to help you get started on your real estate journey!

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We have sold a property at 1106 4160 SARDIS ST in Burnaby
We have sold a property at 1106 4160 SARDIS ST in Burnaby.
With panoramic views of the city and just steps away from metro town, this property is bursting with potential! it will need to be totally gutted and have substantial repairs and updates to get this unit back into living condition due to the previous owners. think of it as a blank canvas for you to create the space you love.
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We have sold a property at 5734 PEBBLE CRES in Sechelt
We have sold a property at 5734 PEBBLE CRES in Sechelt.
Adorable Downtown Sechelt Rancher. This 3 bedroom home is well maintained and move in ready. The private backyard has mature trees, lots of sun, a concrete patio, and a small workshop. The house has newer windows and blinds, durable bamboo flooring, a brand new bathroom vanity, a bright white kitchen and sizable bedrooms. There is even a well maintained fireplace for those chilly days. This is the perfect starter home or for those downsizing. There are no stairs and wide hallways, making it easily accessible for all. This perfect little package is located within walking distance to Sechelt's downtown core. Less than 5 minutes to the park, library, rec center, seniors center, shopping, medical clinic, restaurants, and hospital. This little gem won't last. Call for more info today
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We have sold a property at 4515 14TH AVE W in Vancouver
We have sold a property at 4515 14TH AVE W in Vancouver.
Very well maintained 5 bedroom family home in Vancouver’s desirable Pt Grey n’hood. Situated on a peaceful tree lined street far away from any busy streets. The home offers 4 bdrm up, a spacious main level with generous sized kitchen & family rooms which opens to a private back yard & patio. The lower level offers a separate 1 bedroom suite ideal for mortgage helper or nanny suite. Pride of ownership as current owners have been here over 20 yrs. Hot water Basebord heating, HRV. Located close to schools and 5 minutes to UBC campus and steps to Pacific Spirit Park. School Catchment is Queen Eliz Elem & Lord Byng Sec. Call today to schedule a viewing. Open Sat Dec 10th from 2-3:30.
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We have sold a property at 4236 KING EDWARD AVE W in Vancouver
We have sold a property at 4236 KING EDWARD AVE W in Vancouver.
Rarely do properties along this quiet section of King Edward come avail. Here's your oppty to purchase a prime 58 x 125 lot and build your dream home. This existing home is old and could be saved but requires full renovation. The 1971 vintage Vancouver Special measures just over 3000 on 2 levels. No bsmt. The lot is level so easy to work with and looks toward Pacific Spirit Park so for those wanting to be close to nature it does not get any better than this. Nature trails right outside your door. Close proximity to St Georges Senior Boys Private School, Lord Byng Sec, Queen Elizabeth Elem & UBC. This existing home is sold "as is".
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Vancouver Realtors, Andrew Hasman and Jeff Benna discuss the recent Bank of Canada rate increases and how it affects mortgage rates for Metro Vancouverites. 

And remember, always speak to your accountant and lawyer before making any decisions about your paticular mortgage rate situation. 

The benchmark rate was increased again by the Bank of Canada, this time by 50 basis points and we've seen a 400 base point rate increase since March 2022. That's 4.25%. 

Why? 

To cool the economy, produce aggrigate demand, and bring inflation back down to a 2% target level.

A typical 5 year fixed rate right now is 5.4 - 5.5% amortized over 25 years, conventional morgage of 25% down or more. Compare that to the early part of 2022, buyers were getting 2 - 2.5%. 

Your payment at the 2% rate was about $4,300/month and now that's just over $6,000. That's a whopping 40% increase. 


How is the mortgage rate increases affecting refinancing?

There are a large number of mortgage holders who, if they had to requalify for the same mortgage that they are carryig, they would not even qualify.

How are the rates affecting purchasing power for Vancouver homebuyers? 

Short answer: The buying power of homebuyers has diminished by 30% The good news: Just because the rates have doubled does not mean homebuyer's purchasing power has been cut in half. 

Have Vancouver home prices dropped? 

Short answer: Yes.

There is great opportunity for buyer as prices drop and dealing with a dozen competing offers is no longer the norm. 

When the media release the Vancouver real estate market news, typically they are speaking about large areas like Metro Vancouver or British Columbia. We try to focus on what's happening in Greater Vancouver area.

Prices in the Valley, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, prices have dropped by 20%.

House prices have dropped in Seachelt BC by 17%. 

The price of house have changed less drastically on the westside of Vancouver or the Vancouver eastside. 

The key for Vancouver homeowners to keep in mind is to know the market in your area, or the area in which you're looking to purchase a home. 

Things to consider when purchasing in this Vancouver real estate market

When the market is down, it's a great opportunity to buy up to your next home because your differential is narrow. But keep in mind that in this market, it's increasingly important to sell your current home first. That prevents you from dealing with a contingent purchase. Typically you will also be the only offer going in and you have time to do due dilligence. 

It's possible that the home will go down again in 2023, but if you need a place to live and are planning on being there for five years or more,  then it doesn't really matter. While we don't have a crystal ball, home prices in Vancouver tend to increase over the longterm. Real estate is not a short term thing. 

Please sign up to our newsletter to receive our weekly updates in your inbox. 

#Vancouver #RealEstateVancouver #VancouverRealEstate #Remax #gomyrealpage 

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Open House. Open House on Saturday, December 10, 2022 2:00PM - 3:30PM
Please visit our Open House at 4515 14TH AVE W in Vancouver.
Open House on Saturday, December 10, 2022 2:00PM - 3:30PM
Very well maintained 5 bedroom family home in Vancouver’s desirable Pt Grey n’hood. Situated on a peaceful tree lined street far away from any busy streets. The home offers 4 bdrm up, a spacious main level with generous sized kitchen & family rooms which opens to a private back yard & patio. The lower level offers a separate 1 bedroom suite ideal for mortgage helper or nanny suite. Pride of ownership as current owners have been here over 20 yrs. Hot water Basebord heating, HRV. Located close to schools and 5 minutes to UBC campus and steps to Pacific Spirit Park. School Catchment is Queen Eliz Elem & Lord Byng Sec. Call today to schedule a viewing. Open Sat Dec 10th from 2-3:30.
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ANDREW AND JILL'S LATEST 2022 STATS PACK EAST AND WEST FROM THE VANCOUVER REAL ESTATE BOARD

The Latest 2022 Market Stats by area are out and available for download. You get the following graphs and charts for both Vancouver East and Vancouver West.

  • Activity Snapshot by Property Type
  • Detached Properties Report and Graph
  • Condo Report and Graph
  • Townhomes Report and Graph
  • Benchmark Price Graph
  • Average Price Per Square Foot

If you are interested in a report like this is for other areas, please contact us to request it and I'll send it to you.

GET THE FULL REPORT

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Home sale and listing activity continue trending below long-term averages in November

While typically a quiet month of market activity based on seasonal patterns, November home sale and listing totals lagged below the region’s long-term averages.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 1,614 in November 2022, a 52.9 per cent decrease from the 3,428 sales recorded in November 2021, and a 15.2 per cent decrease from the 1,903 homes sold in October 2022.

Last month’s sales were 36.9 per cent below the 10-year November sales average.

“With the most recent core inflation metrics showing a stubborn reluctance to respond significantly to the furious pace of rate increases, the Bank of Canada may choose to act more forcefully to bring inflation back toward target levels.” Andrew Lis, REBGV’s director, economics and data analytics said. “While it’s always difficult to predict what the bank will do with certainty, this persistent inflationary backdrop sets up the December 7* rate announcement to be yet another increase, making holiday-season home purchases something many people may end up foregoing this year.”

There were 3,055 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in November 2022. This represents a 22.9 per cent decrease compared to the 3,964 homes listed in November 2021 and a 24.2 per cent decrease compared to October 2022 when sellers listed 4,033 homes.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 9,179, a 28.5 per cent increase compared to November 2021 (7,144) and a 6.8 per cent decrease compared to October 2022 (9,852).

“Heading into 2023, the market continues the trend of shifting toward historical averages and typical seasonal norms,” Lis said. “Whether these trends continue will depend on looming economic factors and forthcoming housing policy measures on the horizon, which hold the potential to reignite uncertainty in our market.

“With that said, from a long-term structural standpoint, the current pace of listings and available inventory remain relatively tight when considered against a backdrop of continued in-migration to the province. With the recently announced increase in federal immigration targets, the state of available supply in our market remains one demand surge away from renewed price escalation, despite the inflationary environment and elevated mortgage rates.”

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for November 2022 is 17.6 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 13.2 per cent for detached homes, 19.7 per cent for townhomes, and 20.8 per cent for apartments.

Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,131,600. This represents a 0.6 per cent decrease over November 2021, a 10.2 per cent decrease over the last six months, and a 1.5 per cent decrease compared to October 2022.

Sales of detached homes in November 2022 reached 486, a 50.8 per cent decrease from the 987 detached sales recorded in November 2021. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,856,800. This represents a 1.7 per cent decrease from November 2021 and a 1.9 per cent decrease compared to October 2022.

Sales of apartment homes reached 847 in November 2022, a 53.7 per cent decrease compared to the 1,828 sales in November 2021. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $720,500. This represents a 3.5 per cent increase from November 2021 and a 0.9 per cent decrease compared to October 2022.

Attached home sales in November 2022 totalled 281, a 54.2 per cent decrease compared to the 613 sales in November 2021. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $1,027,900. This represents a 2.7 per cent increase from November 2021 and a 1.5 per cent decrease compared to October 2022.


DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT

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Talking Vancouver Real Estate Strata Bylaws


Andrew Hasman and Jeff Benna recently came together to talk about Bill 44. This bill was very quick to pass and included some major changes in British Columbia. 

Strata corporations can now hold virtual meetings

Now, this isn’t a new concept as most of us have had virtual meetings for a few years now. 

Some may see this as a matter of convenience as the COVID-19 pandemic has changed many different ways of communicating with one another. People who do not live in the same city can connect with each other and partake in meetings over video. This option can be looked as a much easier, financially viable, efficient and accessible way of being included in these meetings. 

Another change that has occurred would be the age restriction rule.

Age restrictions have been lifted except for those aged 55+

Eliminating this restriction is seen as very beneficial as it creates a wider market for those looking to buy a home, particularly those under the age of 19. There is one last big change to be discussed.

Rental restrictions except for short term stay are no longer enforceable

To put it in simpler terms, this means that if you’re in a building that up until now has said that there are no rentals, you are now allowed to rent your suite out.

This change could bring 10’s of 1000’s of available renting space. There will be a lot more potential supply coming in. This could mean a lot more market value to come out of this for marketability when it comes time to resell. 

For some people, they do want some kind of rental restrictions, however Andrew believes that this is the minority of people. Many professionals aged 25 to 45, for example, still have the ability to work from home, or would want to take a year off or whatever the case may be, and don’t want their unit standing vacant. This is a flexible option for those wanting to rent out their space for a one year lease or longer, which for most people would be considered a good thing. 

Going forward, in the next few weeks we may see more people rent their spaces more rather than sell. It’s important to note that the rules do not apply for short term rentals such as Airbnbs, VRBO, etc. 

Currently in the real estate market, there is an increase in interest rate that has caused an obvious slowdown. This is not necessarily a bad thing as this is a more normal market condition, which gives buyers and sellers more time. 

If you’re thinking of buying or selling, please reach out to either Jeff 604-868-1651 or Andrew 604-657-7936.


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Reciprocity Logo The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.