» Resources.

Below are some internet links that we felt might be of particular interest to those buying or selling a home.

» Downloadable Articles / Links.

Link: What's a Walkable Score?
www.walkscore.com helps you find a walkable place to live by calculating a Walk Score for any address.

Article: What's Taxable under the HST and What's Not?
Here are some examples of common products and services purchased by British Columbians and how they will be affected by the HST. This is not an exhaustive list of all goods and services.

Link: Deferring property taxes - what does it cost?
The Land Tax Deferment Act – Interest Rate Regulation sets the interest rate charged on residential property taxes deferred under the Land Tax Deferment Act.

Link: Strata Property Act - Changes to Rental Restrictions Rules
Since its adoption, the Strata Property Act has permitted residential strata corporations to adopt rental restriction bylaws. With the adoption of the Strata Property Amendment Act (SPAA), important changes to rental restrictions for new strata developments came into force as of January 1, 2010... READ MORE

Article: First-time home buyers' tax credit
What is the first-time home buyers' tax credit (HBTC)?
The HBTC is a non-refundable tax credit for certain homebuyers who acquire a qualifying home after January 27, 2009, that is - closing after this date.

Link: www.vancouver-ecodensity.ca
Laneway Housing What is the city of Vancouver doing to make housing more affordable? Laneway housing: on lots at least 33' wide, with lane access, located where a garage would be permitted.

Article: Property Transfer Tax and the First Time Home Buyer's Program
Sourced from: Government of British Columbia brochure: February, 2008

The First Time Home Buyers' Program If you are purchasing your first home, you may qualify for an exemption from property transfer tax if certain requirements are met.

Links: Learn about Government incentives and how to become more energy efficient in your home:

»  One Day at home at Vancouver.ca
»  Incentive programs at One Day at home
»  link to a PDF of the Province's Incentive Guide

Article: Two-Minute Realty Check
Sourced from: The Bulletin, BC Real Estate Association Date: December, 2008
By: Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist

Many households fear their savings are worth pennies on the dollar, and that they’ll need to work well past retirement age to re-coup their losses. They’re also worried about their jobs, the price of fuel and the value of their most important assets: their homes. Amid your daily dose of doom and gloom, consider the following as a quick reality check.

On October 28, the Financial Institutions Commission posted this consumer alert to its website.

Here, from interior decorator and home staging expert Gabrielle Campbell, are 10 common mistakes sellers make when preparing their house for sale.

Preparing early can help reduce the stress that often goes along with moving. Here is a checklist of things you may want to think about ahead of time, in order to facilitate a smooth move.

Typically, there is a difference between the property value assessment on the assessment notice and the market value determined by a REALTOR. Home owners often want to know why. What accounts for this difference? There are two reasons. The first has to do with when. The second has to do with how.  Download the full article (.pdf)