Common Mistakes Rookie Home Buyers Make

Real estate engagements are not cups of tea for most people, especially for first-time buyers. Inexperienced individuals tend to commit mistakes during the purchasing process, and what follows are some of the most common.

Searching for a home before getting pre-qualified– Rookie home buyers often face the trouble of realizing they couldn’t afford their so-called “dream home,” just because they began house-hunting too early. Getting pre-qualified can help save buyers time by looking at homes that they can actually afford in the first place. Also, it will put a buyer in a better position over another bidder without pre-approval.

Thinking short term– What this means is that rookie home buyers tend to get carried away with the search for a new home without looking intently at other important factors. This includes the neighbourhood the property is in, as well as the future developments in the immediate area and the home’s resale value. While the idea of reselling a home is still far-off in the future, it should be on every buyer’s list.

Not understanding market trends– The real estate market is constantly changing. There would be times when trends would favor a buyer (aka a buyers’ market), or favour sellers (aka sellers’ market). Understanding these shifts require a look at contributing factors like supply and demand, as well as numerous information from sources like websites, newspapers, and magazines. Realtors can also help with understanding market trends too.

Looking to Buy Some Yaletown Real Estate? Why Not Try a Condominium?

One of the high-fliers mentioned by the Press was Vancouver, which historically is one of the most expensive places in the country to buy residential real estate properties. In fact, the rate for renting an 85 m2 apartment space in the city can cost up to $2,500 a month. While the high cost of living means that only few people can afford to stay here, the wealth of opportunities that Vancouver provides also means that it is still one of the best places to live in Canada. Yaletown real estate professionals, like those from Vancouver Canada Homes, can even give people the chance to live in one of the city’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. Originally an industrial district and a major railway stop, Yaletown is currently one of busiest places in Vancouver, after seeing an influx of more than 40,000 new residents for the last ten years.
http://vancouvercanadahomes.com/looking-buy-yaletown-real-estate-try-condominium

Work and play in Kitsilano, VA

Spending your August right is definitely a regular thing for Vancouver residents. What better way to enjoy the summery weather but to hit the road and visit new places with friends? If you’re up for a little adventure, perhaps you might take a drive down Kitsilano and see what it has to offer.

Kitsilano is a vibrant neighbourhood in in the city of Vancouver, BC. More popularly known as “Kits” to locals, it covers a stretch of English Bay and contains an array fun shops and restaurants. No wonder why this little haven attracts many people from all over the world.

Good sense of balance between work and play is what this area offers best. Just a few minutes’ walk and you'll reach the downtown, where the lively parks and shopping meccas are. If you're one for everything fashion and lifestyle, you surely belong here. Likewise, living a healthy active lifestyle in Kits is achievable and affordable—organic food shops, gyms and sports facilities pepper the locale. There's no reason to not look and feel good when you're in town.

Are you ready to experience the good life? Choosing a personal place that fits your personality is easy in Kitsilano. Whether you want to stay by the beach or in a fancy penthouse overlooking the city, name it and the local realtors will gladly find it for you.

Inspecting Kitsilano Houses for Sale: Red Flags You Should Be Aware Of

Foul odors circulating throughout the house is definitely a bad sign. This could be anything from mold or pest infestations to a gas problem, so be sure to use your nose as well as your eyes when checking around the house. You should also look for signs that the owner might be masking some of these odors. Whether you’re looking at Kitsilano condos for sale or affordable homes for sale by leading real estate companies like Vancouver Canada Homes, doing a thorough inspection should give you enough confidence when deciding whether or not to buy the place. Remember that ultimately, it will be your home life hanging in the balance.
http://vancouvercanadahomes.com/inspecting-kitsilano-houses-sale-red-flags-aware

Tips for Putting Up Homes for Sale in Vancouver: Pre-Listing Steps

Many people are often looking to get their hands on a nice house in coastal cities like Vancouver, and homeowners seeking to capitalise on their home before moving out to a new place often look to the listing service of realtors like Vancouver Canada Homes for help in marketing and eventually selling their property. Before you put up your property among the many homes for sale in Vancouver, though, there are a few important things you should keep in mind. Get the documents straight. Before you even think of advertising a sale, you should first look into securing all the pertinent documents that your realtor and potential buyers will need. Inspect the deed for any potential encumbrances that might keep the sale from going smoothly—you might be surprised how many people discover certain issues with their home’s title only when they’re about to sell it, thereby resulting in major delays.
http://vancouvercanadahomes.com/tips-putting-homes-sale-vancouver-pre-listing-steps

Getting Help on Timing When to Look for Condos for Sale in Vancouver

The article continues to detail how there are really no specific reasons why homes and condos for sale in Vancouver can be high in demand in one area, while another is not as much. This is apart from the assumption that area-concentrated development is what drives its current demand. While the city is highly developed, progress continues to happen at an impressive pace in Vancouver, and the better and nearer amenities are in one area, the higher is the demand for its real estate. That is why it is important to work with a real estate professional from leading companies like Vancouver Canada Homes.
http://vancouvercanadahomes.com/getting-help-timing-look-condos-sale-vancouver

Outdoor Spaces: A Must-have for Luxury Homes

As you pore through the listings of luxury homes for sale in Vancouver, you’ll instantly see how outdoor spaces make a house stand out. Aside from adding investment value to a property, the living spaces outside the house become a functional, and oftentimes opulent extension. Various designs and features make the area a prized part of properties, which a Realtor® can help you find.

For a social lifestyle

A roof deck, a backyard patio, or a front porch gives you a bright, open space to entertain guests or to hang out with family, friends, and neighbours. Pick homes that have spacious, furnished outdoor areas, and just redecorate according to your liking.

For a serene oasis

A backyard pool or beach property can be your retreat from the everyday hustle and bustle of working. Look for infinity pools, built-in spas, a private dock with an impressive ocean view, or even an expansive waterfront land for ultimate relaxation.

For savouring nature

A lush lawn, manicured garden, and other similar environments allow you to commune with nature. Find a property with a pergola or gazebo, where you can rest after tending to plantings or relax on warm days.

For sumptuous dining

An outdoor kitchen provides you the opportunity to hold barbecues, grill steaks, and cook other dishes. Make sure that the outdoor kitchen is covered, weatherproofed, and designed with appropriate furnishings.

Why Rental Prices Will Increase Interest in Vancouver, BC Real Estate

When discussing the differences between renting a property and investing in one, the argument commonly swing in favour of the other depending on when the property is needed, and how much of a budget is available. Renting is commonly most favourable when there is an immediate need for a place to stay and the individual’s finances does not allow for any form of real estate purchase. Investing in a property on the other hand, may be more costly up front, but when done right, is proven to be more advantageous in the long run. Considering the Vancouver real estate market status, investing may be the optimum choice, even for those who are looking to “just” rent.
http://vancouvercanadahomes.com/rental-prices-will-increase-interest-vancouver-bc-real-estate

Three Considerations for Buying a Vancouver Condo

Vancouver is one of the largest and most popular cities in Canada, which makes it easy to understand why many people choose to relocate here. Among their choices of residence is a condominium, and most condos for sale in Vancouver are sizable and lucrative investments. This makes it all the more important for buyers to take steps in ensuring that their purchases don’t come back to bite them in the end.

The first thing that buyers must consider is the condo’s maintenance and repair history. This information can be found by reading the minutes of the condo board association’s meetings, which also deals with other issues in the property, like problematic tenants or the lack of certain amenities.

The minutes may also shed light on the condo’s reserve or contingency fund, which is the second factor that buyers must consider. This fund is used by the association to pay for basic repairs, roof replacements, and the like without asking the tenants for contributions. Naturally, it should be large enough to cover for accidental damage and unforeseen maintenance issues that may arise in the future.

The third and last consideration is the location of the condo itself. Ideally, a condo a Vancouver should offer a wide range of amenities and accommodations like restaurants, spas, gyms, and entertainment establishments. It should also be accessible by public transportation, which is especially the case for condos found in Kerrisdale and South Granville.

Factors to Consider when Investing in Real Estate

Do you want to get in on the action of the red hot Vancouver real estate market? Don’t rely on pure instincts and inexperienced agents as you search for your investment property. With the help of a seasoned local Realtor®, you can find the house or condo where you’re sure to recoup your expenses, plus profits.

Here are some factors to consider when investing:

When investing in condos

First and foremost, look for an advantageous location like the middle of the business district or somewhere close to the suburbs. Find a reliable developer who has been to known to produce units with quality craftsmanship and attractive design. Crunch the numbers, such as the price of the unit and maintenance expenses versus the rent you can collect or the projected appreciation rate if you will sell it.

When spotting investment houses

Look for a new or well-maintained house in an in-demand neighbourhood, so you have better chances of receiving multiple offers or selling over the asking price. Be sensitive to inflation rates and real estate trends to know the perfect time to sell or hold on to your property. Aside from Canadian residents, market to foreign investors.

When flipping properties

Make sure that the property is fairly priced even if it seems like a bargain already, and have your agent negotiate with the seller’s agent. Plan the renovations based on the remodels that actually add value, such as those that make a home more suitable for retiring boomers.