OPEN HOUSE. Sunday April 28th 2-4 pm

1928 Charles Street. Opportunity knocks on this 3 storey well maintained Character home on quiet tree lined street with back lane access, open floor plan great for entertaining. Rear of property has carport. Walking distance to The Drive. One block to publictransportation & elementary school. Potential to add an unauthorized suite in downstairs.

more info and pictures here!  http://www.powerhouseagents.ca/Vancouver/British_Columbia/Homes/V999533/Grandview-Woodlands/Agent/Listing_78155245.html

OPEN HOUSE APril 27 Saturday 2-4

360 E 36th Avenue, Suite 410
Rarely available 1 bedroom unit with sundrenched balcony facing the southern garden. Welcome to MAGNOLIA GATE, located in the popular Main Street area.

This floor plan showcases a large walk-in closet and insuite storage room that could double as a den. BEAUTIFULLY maintained by original owner, everything is in great shape, just move-in. Features radiant heating, lots of natural light, 9 foot ceilings, a warm natural gas fireplace and insuite laundry.

Ideal for first time buyers, close to transit and many trendy restaurants and stores. Includes 1 parking, 1 locker in a very well-maintained building. Great amenities too! Such as the fitness room, club lounge and hot tub. One pet allowed. 19+ building. Great amenities too! Such as the fitness room, club lounge and hot tub. One pet allowed. 19+ building.

more info and pictures here:  http://www.powerhouseagents.ca/Vancouver/British_Columbia/Homes/V996500/Main/Agent/Listing_77082339.html

10 tax credits

It's tax season! So here's 10 tax credits for Canadians to save:

1. Family caregiver tax credit: It’s a 15% non-refundable tax credit on an amount of $2,000 that provides tax relief to caregivers of dependant relatives. This includes sick spouses, common-law partners, and minor children.

2. Medical expense tax credit: To fully recognize the medical and disability-related costs incurred by caregivers, the $10,000 limit on the amount of eligible expenses has been removed.

3. First-time homebuyers’ tax credit: Helps people with the costs associated with the purchase of a home, such as legal fees.

4. Tradesperson’s tool deduction: Tradespeople can deduct from their income part of the cost of tools purchased in 2012.

5. Textbook tax credit: This provides increased tax relief to students, in addition to the tuition and education tax credits. Students must first claim their credit on their own returns, but may be able to transfer unused amounts to a parent, grandparent, spouse or common-law partner.

6. Universal childcare benefit: This offers families with children under six with $100 per month for each child.

7. TFSA savings: Canadians can now contribute $5,500 to their TFSAs annually.

8. Registered disability savings plan: It’s a long-term savings plan to help Canadians with disabilities and their families.

9. Canada employment credit: This is a 15% non-refundable tax credit on an amount of $1,095 in employment income. It covers costs such as home computers, uniforms and supplies.

10. Public transit tax credit: Canadians can claim the full amount they spend on eligible transit passes for the year.

Returning to the GST and PST

On April 1, 2013, the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) will be replaced by the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the BC Provincial Sales Tax (PST).


When does HST apply, and when does GST apply?

The 12% HST applies if the seller transfers either possession or ownership of a new home to the buyer before April 1, 2013.


The 5% GST applies if the seller transfers both possession and ownership of a new home on, or after, April 1, 2013.

The PST and real estate commissions

The return to the PST will affect the taxes REALTORS® charge on their services.

• If a commission or fee is payable before April 1, 2013, the 12% HST applies.


• If a commission or fee is payable on or after April 1, 2013,then the 5% GST applies.


When does the commission become payable?

The standard Multiple Listing Contract provides that a commission is payable on the earlier of the following:

• completion date under the Contract of Purchase and Sale, or

• the actual date that the sale completes.

What about the 2% Transition Tax?

The 2% BC Transition Tax will apply to the sale of new residential homes if ownership and possession take place on or after April 1, 2013 and the construction or substantial renovation of the new home is 10% or more complete as of April 1, 2013.

The 2% tax ceseases to apply if ownership and possession are on or after April 1, 2015. The 2% reflects an embedded PST builders pay on materials (construction inputs). Under the HST, builders can write off that embedded 2%, but they cannot under the GST.

10 questions to ask your home inspector

The purchase of a home is likely the largest financial expenditure you’ll ever make. And getting your home inspected is an essential step in the home-buying process. No one wants to buy a money pit – and once you have signed on the dotted line, there is no turning back.

The best way to ensure you use a professional home inspector is to seek referrals from me – as your real estate agent – your mortgage professional or friends. Since you want to be able to trust this person’s judgement, you have to ensure they’re not part-time home inspectors just trying to make some extra cash on the side, or they aren’t only home inspecting so they can also offer to complete any work for you that you need done on the home. To ensure the job’s done right, after all, the home inspection must not be biased.

The purpose of a home inspection is for the inspector to be able to tell you everything you need to know about the home you’re going to purchase so that you can make an informed decision.
Following are 10 key questions you can ask your home inspector before they’re hired to ensure the inspection will be completed professionally and thoroughly:

Can I see your licence/professional credentials and proof of insurance?
How many years’ experience do you have as a home inspector? (Make sure they’re talking specifically about home inspection and not just how much experience they have in a single trade.)
How many inspections have you personally completed?
What qualifications and training do you have?
Are you a member of a professional organization?
What’s your background – construction, engineering, plumbing, etc?
Can I see some references? (Make sure you also check the references.)
What kind of report do you provide?
Do you take pictures of the house and add them to your report?
What kind of tools do you use during your inspection?
Can you give me an idea of what kind of repairs the house may need? (Be wary if they offer to fix the issues themselves or can recommend someone else to complete the job cheap.)
When do you do the inspection? (Let’s hope they don’t have a day job, and can only do them at night when it’s too dark to see the roof. It’s best to stay away from part-time inspectors.)
How long do your inspections usually take?

Home sale activity improves but remains below historical averages

News release from The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV):

Lower levels of both supply and demand in recent months are holding home prices in check in the Greater Vancouver housing market.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 2,347 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in March 2013. This represents an 18.3 per cent decrease compared to the 2,874 sales recorded in March 2012, and a 30.6 per cent increase compared to the 1,797 sales in February 2013.

Last month’s sales were the second lowest March total in the region since 2001 and 30.2 per cent below the 10-year sales average for the month.

“While home sales were below what’s typical for March, we are seeing more balance between the number of sales and listings on the market in the last two months, which is having a stabilizing impact on home prices,” Sandra Wyant, REBGV president said.

The sales-to-active-listings ratio currently sits at 15.2 per cent in Greater Vancouver, a three per cent increase from last month. This is the first time this ratio has been above 15 per cent since May 2012.

The entire report can be viewed here.

OPEN HOUSE April 6 12-2 pm

27760 PULLMAN AV, Abbotsford
Revenue Generator! Fabulous house 7 bed, 5 bath home boasting 2 in-law suites. This 4100+ sqft finished home is beautifully appointed! Great value and no TAX! This is a very sharply priced home and includes many quality upgrades such as granite counters, cove ceilings, security system and intercom. It also includes special features such as stone walls, computer desk, two suites and plenty of parking available. Great Value Here! New Home Warranty Too! Situated close to schools, Swenson Park, Station Mall, sports arena, pool, Zoo, and new Mt.Lehman Shopping Mall.

House For Sale!

Revenue Generator! Fabulous house 7 bed, 5 bath home boasting 2 in-law suites. This 4100+ sqft finished home is beautifully appointed! Great value and no TAX! This is a very sharply priced home and includes many quality upgrades such as granite counters, cove ceilings, security system and intercom. It also includes special features such as stone walls, computer desk, two suites and plenty of parking available. Great Value Here! New Home Warranty Too! Situated close to schools, Swenson Park, Station Mall, sports arena, pool, Zoo, and new Mt.Lehman Shopping Mall.

more info here:  http://www.powerhouseagents.ca/Abbotsford/British_Columbia/Homes/Aberdeen/Agent/Listing_78030799.html