I have moved a lot. And on move in day (Possession Day) excited about our new home, many times we discovered that the Sellers had left behind personal items, some of it essentially garbage. 

There are always bumps in the day, but as Sellers, don't contribute to this already hectic day by leaving behind unwanted items such as:old broken step ladders, 10 year old paint cans, old vinyl flooring, rusty push mowers. You get it.

If you think the Buyers may want something of value (I repeat value!) that you don't need in your next home, reach out to the Buyers through your realtor and see if you can leave it behind. Don't assume. Buyers - make sure your purchase contract states that the Seller will remove all personal items and debris from the condo, balcony, storage locker, end of the parking stall. For a house, from the garden shed, the yard, the garage, the house!

This situation reminds me of the old adage I learned growing up: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Sellers: the day you move out may be the day you move in to your new home, hoping to find it spick and span. N.B. Spick and Span was an all-purpose household cleaner introduced in 1933. I am not that old but we always used that expression!

If your new home is clean and clear of debris, you will be very appreciative of the the Buyers and will be left with a more positive moving experience.

In 2023, Vancouver's real estate market defied predictions by finishing the year with positive price growth, despite facing the highest borrowing costs in over a decade. According to the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, the composite benchmark home price index for all residential properties in the city concluded the year at $1,168,700. This reflected a 1.4% decrease from November but a significant 5% increase from December 2022. However, this price resilience occurred alongside a notable decrease in sales.

Start of 2023

The early part of 2023 witnessed two rate holds by the Bank of Canada, creating false impressions that the rate-hike cycle was concluded. This led to a temporary surge in home prices during the spring, accompanied by heightened inflationary pressure. Subsequently, the central bank implemented two additional quarter-point rate hikes during the summer.

Despite this, both markets and economists appeared optimistic that 2023 marked the peak of interest rates, with expectations of rate relief and potential cuts by mid-2024.

Inflation Stats

Simultaneously, there was a parallel trend of declining inflation. Starting the year with Canada's headline Consumer Price Index inflation at 5.90%, it slowed to 3.10% by November.

Residential Property Prices

The average non-seasonally adjusted house price reached a peak of $729,044 in May but receded to $646,134 by November. While still exhibiting a 5.5% increase from January, this figure represented a decline of more than 20% from the all-time high recorded in February 2022.

Real estate trends are largely influenced by prevailing economic conditions, and in 2023, the Canadian real estate market experienced fluctuations due to the three interest rate hikes by the Bank of Canada.

Home Prices Forecast

Looking ahead to 2024, most experts and analysts anticipate a gradual recovery in the Canadian housing market as interest rates stabilize.

At Stilhavn

We recognize the uniqueness of each local market and possess the expertise to identify opportunities and challenges within them. I am here to provide expert guidance and address any questions or concerns you may have, ensuring an elevated experience in your next buying or selling journey. Lets connect!

*Original article from Stilhavn Real Estate Services.

As we got closer to the holidays and the weather became colder, November showed an increase in housing inventory, giving home buyers across Metro Vancouver* among the largest selection to choose from since 2021. With one month left in 2023, home sales activity remained up but still modest compared to the long-term averages, and listings were down across Greater Vancouver’s housing market.

 Residential Home Sales

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV)^ reports that residential sales in the region totaled 1,702 in November 2023, a 4.7% increase from the 1,625 sales recorded in November 2022. This was 33% below the 10-year seasonal average (2,538).

Read more...

https://stilhavn.com/metro-vancouver-housing-update-november-2023/

The single-family home may become more scarce with the new housing legislation the Province of British Columbia is introducing.

“B.C. isn’t building enough small-scale multi-unit homes that fit into existing neighbourhoods and give people more housing options that are within reach. That’s why we’re taking action to fix zoning problems and deliver more homes for people, faster.” – said Premier David Eby.

Read more...

https://stilhavn.com/the-end-of-single-family-zoning-across-bc/

The FHSA - The First Home Savings Account is an incentivised savings strategy for first time home buyers.

You must be a minimum of 18 years old (19 in some provinces to enter into a legally binding contract) up to the age of 71 years 

For the purpose of opening an FHSA, you are considered to be a first-time home buyer if you did not, at any time in the current calendar year before the account is opened or at any time in the preceding four calendar years, live in a qualifying home  (or what would be a qualifying home if located in Canada) as your principal place of residence that either:

• you owned or jointly owned
• your spouse  or common-law partner  (at the time the account is opened) owned or jointly owned

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/first-home-savings-account.html

First of all, do you qualify as a first time home buyer?

To qualify for a full exemption, at the time the property is registered you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Have either:
  • Lived in B.C. for at least a year immediately before the date you register the property
  • Filed at least 2 income tax returns as a B.C. resident in the last 6 taxation years immediately before the registration date
• Have never owned a registered interest in a property that was your principal residence anywhere in the world at any time
• Have never received a first time home buyers' exemption or refund

and the property must:

• Only be used as your principal residence
• Have a fair market value of $500,000 or less
• Be 0.5 hectares (1.24 acres) or smaller

You may qualify for a partial exemption from the tax if the property:

• Has a fair market value less than $525,000
• Is larger than 0.5 hectares
• Has another building on the property other than the principal residence

There are other incentive and supportive government programs that assist #firsttimehomebuyers in Canada. I will chat about those in future blogs!

For more details on this particular exemption, go to the link below:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/property-taxes/property-transfer-tax/exemptions/first-time-home-buyers

Owning real estate is a dream come true for many and in our opinion, always the best option when possible, but in today’s market it comes with a high cost of high interest rates and a shifting economy. The answer to the complex buy-or-rent question is not black and white, considering the many variables at play. Perhaps, a better question to ask would be “Should you buy or rent RIGHT NOW?” To paint a better picture and make an informed decision, let’s break this down into a series of questions you should ask yourself before deciding.

Read more...

https://stilhavn.com/renting-versus-owning-in-todays-canadian-real-estate-market/

October is a month of transitions, from the changing colors of nature to the somewhat expected seasonal shifts in the Canadian real estate market. In this month’s real estate report, October has shown an increase in newly listed properties, offering more choice to home buyers across Metro Vancouver*. However, sales remained modest compared to the long-term averages.

Read more...

https://stilhavn.com/metro-vancouver-housing-update-october-2023/

I applied to the City of West Vancouver for a Bulding Permit to renovate a condo top to bottom (but not to the studs). 

My application was rejected for 2 reasons. The second one drove me crazy! 

In the 1970's, when developers built condo towers in Ambleside, they enclosed many of the second balconies, usually off the living room - great for extra interior space. However, I am not sure if it was done after the occupancy permits were given.

Anyway, when you apply for a building permit, the Planning Department is notified and you have to apply for a Development Permit Exemption at a cost of $575. I am not developing this part of the condo - leaving it as is. So with the application, I had to submit floor plans, elevation drawings, photos of the balcony interior and photos of the balcony exterior, and photos of the exterior of other enclosed balconies, AND describe the scope of the work I was NOT doing!

According to an employee of the Planning Permit department, 4 different people have to review my application TO DO NOTHING which may take 1-3 months. Once approved, I then submit my Building Permit application. If it is not rejected again, that will take 4-6 months to approve.

So, 9 possible months to get permission to renovate a 950 sq. ft. condo where no walls are being removed, just new stuff everywhere.

My first taste of government bureaucracy has completely lined up with the experiences of my friends and colleagues. But you should always get the permits (Buyers will always want them). Just be prepared to be patient.........

Seniors Downsizing from a House to a Condo for the First Time

For seniors, the decision to downsize is often rooted in a desire for a more manageable and maintenance-free lifestyle. The empty nest syndrome may have set in, and the idea of maintaining a large property becomes less appealing. Downsizing to a condo offers the promise of liberation from the demands of extensive upkeep while retaining a sense of independence.

 The transition from a house to a condo marks a shift towards a simpler, more streamlined existence. Seniors find solace in the idea of a space that caters to their current needs, eliminating the excess that comes with a larger home. Condo living often means less space to navigate, making daily activities more convenient and manageable.

 One of the unexpected joys of downsizing to a condo is the opportunity to become part of a close-knit community. Many condominium complexes offer communal spaces, social activities, and shared amenities, fostering a sense of camaraderie among residents. For seniors, this social aspect can play a crucial role in maintaining an active and engaged lifestyle.

 Downsizing is not just a physical move; it's an emotional journey laden with memories and attachments. Seniors may grapple with the prospect of parting with a home that holds decades of history. It's essential to approach the process with sensitivity, allowing time for reflection and acknowledging the emotions that may arise.

 The key to a successful downsizing experience lies in finding the right condominium that aligns with the unique needs and preferences of the individual or couple. Factors such as location, amenities, and community atmosphere should be carefully considered. Condos near medical facilities, cultural amenities, and public transportation often become appealing choices for seniors.

 Downsizing necessitates a thoughtful approach to personal belongings. Seniors often find joy in the process of "rightsizing," carefully selecting items that hold sentimental value and letting go of unnecessary possessions. This not only simplifies the move but also ensures that the new condo becomes a curated space filled with cherished memories.

 The financial aspect of downsizing is another crucial consideration. While moving to a smaller space may result in cost savings, it's essential to weigh the upfront costs of the move against the long-term financial benefits. Consulting with financial advisors can provide valuable insights into the economic aspects of downsizing.

Surround yourself with supportive people from your realtor, financial advisor and family, to make this transition as smooth as possible.

I did! 

And I chose to be my own Contractor - for the first time. And suffice it to say, it has been a challenge and I haven't even started the renovation.

My renovation is in a condo, so I am bound by the building By-Laws which require me to get a Building Permit. So I have joined the throngs of home owners, contractors, and developers lined up at city hall, waiting weeks and most often months for the prized permit.

One of the reasons for the long wait periods is that permit applications are often rejected - for missing information or drawings or requests to do unpermitted work, like remove a load bearing wall!

If you choose to be your own contractor, there is some good savings - contractors can charge 10-20% of the cost of the renovation ($20,000 to $40,000 for a $200,000 renovation) which is a lot. However, most contractors come with their rolodex of experienced trades people, who are difficult to find on your own.Fortunately, I have wonderful friends in the business and they were very generous in sharing their list of trusted trades.

Another plus on this arduous journey is that I am learning so much that is valuable to my job as a realtor and that is always a good thing.

Once I get my Building Permit, I will feel like I have won the lottery!