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In Episode 2 of the Vancouver First Time Home Buyers Guide we talked about how to figure out where to buy. Once you have decided on neighbourhood, it’s time to select a Realtor.
Google it, Baby!
To get started, Google the names of the neighbourhoods you are focusing on in combination with “Real Estate’ or “Realtor” to get an idea of which Realtors are putting effort into the (more…)
Its been said that a picture says a thousand words.
What do terrible Listing Photographs say about the value of your home?
Poor listing photography undervalues your property and will never convey how beautifully maintained and decorated your home is. Here in Vancouver, terrible (or non-existent) photography for listings is RAMPANT! Have a quick look on Realtor.ca and you can see how many listings have either bad or non-existent photos.
For the worst of the worst check out the blog Its a Lovely Listing for a good laugh.
Getting a professional photography is one of the best ways to get top dollar for your home. I have all my listings shot by the great folks at the Real Estate Channel and as you can see they do a great job.
So remember – If you want to get top dollar when you sell a property, get professional photography!
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the form of a comment below!
The “Working with a Realtor” brochure is one of the most misunderstood documents I work with.
Some people think that by signing this document they are committing to work FOREVER with the Realtor who got them to sign it. THIS IS NOT THE CASE!
The “Working with a Realtor” brochure is simply a signed confirmation the Realtor has explained the Agency Relationship to the client.
By signing this brochure, the client is NOT BOUND TO THE REALTOR. It is simply a signed disclosure that the client has had their rights in the Agency Relationship explained as well as the Realtors obligations and responsibilities to the client in this relationship. Nothing more.
The Agency Relationship is as follows:
1) Undivided loyalty. The Brokerage must protect the principal’s
negotiating position at all times, and disclose all known facts
which may affect or influence the principal’s decision.
2) To obey all lawful instructions of the principal.
3) An obligation to keep the confidences of the principal.
4) To exercise reasonable care and skill in performing all assigned
duties.
5) To account for all money and property placed in an Brokerage’s
hands while acting for the principal.
If you feel your Realtor is not following these rules bring it to their attention. If this doesn’t work, speak to their manager.
Pretty much everyday someone asks me when prices in the Vancouver real estate market will hit bottom and everyday I say I don’t know.
I say I don’t know, because I don’t have a crystal ball and can’t see the future and as I licensed Realtor I can be liable if people take a hit relying on my predictions.
There are people out there who are saying they KNOW when the prices will hit bottom and they can tell when prices are bottoming as they are hitting bottom. Don’t trust these people!
What happens if prices stabilise and a bottom is called and then prices fall again? Nobody can accurately predict a market bottom and don’t trust those who say they can.
The market bottom can only accurately ascertained with 100% certainty AFTER it has been hit.
In making your decisions about buying or selling real estate and timing your transactions, do your own research. Read widely and speak to a variety of people with different viewpoints. Don’t rely on those who have simple answers that are too easy.
If something is too good to be true, more than likely it isn’t true.
Please leave a comment, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
American buyers are back in the Vancouver Condo Market! A good exchange rate for US buyers and the fact that some individuals and companies Stateside are weather the storm well means our American freinds and neighbours are back.
Is this a sign that Stimulus is bringing confidence back?
On another note this Video is the first I have shot with my new Flip Mino HD Camera. I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on the camera and this video from a technical perspective.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment below!
I recently posted on the stimulus pacakges being enacted around the world and it generated alot of conversation, which is great and I thank all those who participated.
I shot a video justifying my position and I’d like to share with you. I’d also like to hear what people who oppose the stimulus packages think should be done to deal with the financial cirsis we find out ourselves in.
If you’re selling a property in Vancouver right now there is a very good chance you have received or will receive a lowball offer. This video explains how to avoid a low ball offer and what to do if you receive one.
It’s a buyer’s market for Vancouver real estate these days and Lowballing is a great way for buyers to get the best deal possible. For sellers a Lowball is an opportunity to get an accepted offer in a time when these are scarce.
Many buyers are afraid to Lowball for fear of insulting the sellers. With a Lowball offer it’s like anything else in life, if you don’t try, you’ll never know!
