Before embarking on a home buying or selling journey, be sure to educate yourself about all of the information and services available to you.  Here's a rundown of some of the key real estate websites:

www.realtor.ca

Formerly mls.ca, this is the most popular real estate listing website in the country. In 2008 mls.ca was re-branded and re-designed and this bought interactive mapping and upgraded search functions and capabilities, making a more streamlined experience.

www.realtylink.org

This is the online version of the newspaper publication and is another great resource for consumers.  The website contains a wide range of home listings for properties across the province and features in-depth walkthrough-style information. 

www.howrealtorshelp.ca

Built and maintained by the Canadian Real Estate Association, this site is filled with good information for those looking to buy and sell a home.  As a bonus, there's a game called "Adventures in Real Estate" that helps test your knowledge about buying and selling real estate.

www.rebgv.org

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver's (REBGV) website offers detailed MLS statistics, monthly podcasts, consumer guidance and other information and links related to local real estate.  You can also read abut government initiatives that impact local real estate and the different cost-savings programs available to the public.

Excerpts from a Vancouver Sun article written by Mike Holmes (Holmes on Homes) October 2, 2009

"I want you to use the right home inspector - the one who's an experienced and qualified professional. So be sure to take the time to find a good one and when you hire a home inspector, be present for your home inspection. This is your first chance to learn about your home, first hand. Ask questions and listen to the answers, especially if it's bad news.  Make sure you read the report thoroughly and understand everything the inspector is telling you about the condition of the home."

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HOME INSPECTOR

Can I see your license/professional credentials and proof of insuranc. How many years' experience as a home inspector do you have?

How many years experience as a home inspector do you have?

How many inspections have you personally done?

What qualifications do you have? What kind of training do you have? Are you a member of a professional organization?

What is your background? Construction? Engineering? Plumbing?

What kind of report do you provide?

Can you give me an idea of what kind of repairs the house may need?

Can you do the inspection during the day?

How long do your inspections take?

Do you take pictures of the house and add them to your report?

Can I see some references? - and make sure you check then.

July 27, 2009

 
President's message to media on HST
REBGV President Scott Russell has been asked by the media for the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver’s position on the newly proposed HST, which will result in a harmonized sales tax of 12 per cent as of July 1, 2010. We are searching for more detail at this writing, and will keep you updated as we learn more.

Mr. Russell has shared with the media that we don’t yet know all the implications, but we do know that the proposed HST will affect the buying public. Consumers will have to pay a higher tax on new houses, a higher tax on renovations, and a higher tax on REALTORS’® fees and other real estate related fees like notary services, home inspections and appraisals.

“We have shared with the media our belief that the HST will result in a significant increase in cost to the real estate buying public. And we are opposed to that,” Mr. Russell says.

Right now, there’s confusion and uncertainty. We, and many other industries, would have appreciated an opportunity to talk with the government before they rolled out the decision. Right now, we’re conducting research to try to help members understand the impact of the HST.

In the meantime, the BC Real Estate Association has also been working with the media on this issue. Look for an article on the topic from BCREA in the editorial pages of tomorrow’s Vancouver Sun.