Reports & News

News & Updates  

Expo 86 McBarge could dock in Mission - August 22, 2010
Supporters claim city council dragging its feet on plan for restaurants, pub, float planes more>>

Rate hikes could go on hold - August 19, 2010
Weakness in U.S. puts pressure on Bank of Canada to rethink policy more>>

Rich to lighten moneybags - August 19, 2010
40 billionaires vow to give away half their fortunes more>>

Home sweet home: What to do about falling real estate values - August 09, 2010
I penned this editorial to calm fears that the real estate market in Vancouver was collapsing and I've added some brief comments at the end. more>>

HST chilling home sales - August 06, 2010
Survey shows tax -- not interest hikes -- blamed for decline more>>

Shifting soil for massive mall - August 06, 2010
Honourary shovels turned honourary dirt Thursday to mark the start of construction of a massive shopping centre in Abbotsford. more>>

Prices Highest in Vancouver - July 29, 2010
Rest of Canada trails on year-over-year basis more>>

Rate-hike future clouded - July 23, 2010
Bank of canada: Analyst sees 'bias to tighten' in latest outlook more>>

First-time homebuyers in B.C. more likely to buy condos - July 05, 2010
First-time homebuyers in British Columbia are opting for condominiums, not houses, unlike their counterparts in much of the rest of the country, according to a report by TD Canada Trust. more>>

Robson a bargain for retail - June 08, 2010
Lease Survey: Square-foot cost on shopping street 'surprisingly' low more>>

Housing prices, sales in decline - June 03, 2010
CREA points to interest-rate hike, new mortgage rules for expected drop more>>

Vancouver Numbers - May 25, 2010
All new statistics look very good when compared with April 2009 - prices are still up substantially. But when you look inside the numbers and compare them to March 2010 they tell a different story. A story that we have been forecasting or at least worrying about. So, the average prices in Vancouver are still higher over last year but declined from the March 2010 averages: more>>

HST should come with a fairness code - May 20, 2010
One of the first small-business issues that I got involved in had to do with a nasty provincial sales tax (PST) audit. more>>

Vancouver is 'place to be' - May 14, 2010
If you want to be in business in North America, you should be in Vancouver, Scotiabank chief economist Warren Jestin says. more>>

ALR Helps keep Vancouver land prices sky high - May 10, 2010
Vancouver politicians spend a huge amount of time these days debating ways to house the homeless. But I think they're ignoring another group that also badly needs housing help -- namely young people, especially those with families. more>>

RE/MAX® Receives Corporate Citizen Award - May 05, 2010
RE/MAX of Western Canada is a proud recipient of the 2009 Corporate Citizen Award presented by The BC Transplant Society. more>>

Bigger crowds would make them habby in Abby - May 04, 2010
What the interest level in the Heat is, exactly, is still being measured and defined. Everyone is curious. more>>

This month’s feature: Fixed Rates Finally Move Up. - May 03, 2010
For many months we have been receiving reports that fixed rates were going to start their push upwards with no action from the major lenders across the country. Well April was a different story. Fixed rates moved up 3 times during the month for a total increase of almost 1.00% onthe 5 year fixed rate. more>>

Re/Max Recognized as the Most Trusted Real Estate Brand in Canada - April 28, 2010
The survey conducted for the annual awards revealed that the majority of Canadians trust RE/MAX for all their residential real estate needs more>>

Sales of luxury homes skyrocket - April 27, 2010
Buyers from Mainland China driving region's record high-end sales more>>

Inflation eases, allowing Bank rate-hike delay - April 25, 2010
Canada's annual rate of inflation eased unexpectedly last month, possibly delaying an interest-rate hike by the Bank of Canada and knocking the loonie below parity with the U.S. dollar. more>>

Rental limit rule a worry for tenant - April 25, 2010
Several exemptions under Strata Property Act, including grandfathering of existing residents more>>

Bank boosts loonie beyond buck - April 21, 2010
The dollar surged above parity with the U.S. greenback again Tuesday after the Bank of Canada opened the door to a June rate hike and the possibility that Canada will become the first G7 country to begin unwinding emergency-lending rates. more>>

Little angst over interest rates rising - April 20, 2010
Mortgage interest rates may be on the rise, but a new poll shows little worry about this among Canadians holding mortgages. more>>

Olympics boosts tourism - April 20, 2010
Influx to B.C. in February mainly from U.S. motorists more>>

Analysts agree: Interest rates to rise by July - April 16, 2010
Economy expected to grow 3.3% this year, inflation creeping up more>>

10 Staging Tips to Help Your Home Sell - April 15, 2010
Want to sell your home? Get out the bucket, mop and Mr. Clean. The key to making a positive first impression is simple, said Sandra Rinomato, host of HGTV’s popular “Property Virgins” show. “Get it clean, clean, clean,” said Rinomato. more>>

House hunters in rush to beat rate, tax hikes - April 15, 2010
Banks begin second round of interest raising more>>

Home prices up by 19% - April 14, 2010
The average house price in B.C. climbed 19 per cent to $504,312 in the first quarter of this year from the same period in 2009, the B.C. Real Estate Association said. Residential sales across the province on the Multiple Listing Service system rose 64 per cent to 18,284 units during this period, it said Tuesday. more>>

Sound advice for property investors - April 13, 2010
Think long-term instead of speculating; look for a future, not a past more>>

The house party's over - April 13, 2010
Rate increases hinted at as economy rebounds more>>

He's thinking inside the box - March 30, 2010
Nanaimo man's micro-house concept rewires definition of compact, affordable living -- and three levels of government are starting to pay attention more>>

You can lose sleep trying to choose - March 30, 2010
It boils down to how you want to live your life, but get expert help if you're dogged by doubt By Denise Deveau, For Canwest News ServiceMarch 30, 2010 There are certain things that keep Karen Blomquist up at night. Nervous customers with variable-rate mortgages are among them. more>>

Lock in those rates now! - March 15, 2010
the fallout: Flaherty's 'gentle storm' could become a taxing hurricane more>>

Hearts still glowing after games - March 14, 2010
until the financial figures roll in, world media weigh in on all things olympic more>>

Region's housing starts surge over '09 period - March 09, 2010
But HST, new mortgage rules credited more>>

2010 Olympics - March 01, 2010
Flag waving, chest thumping, wearing the colours, bursting into spontaneous choruses of Oh Canada. That’s different. If nothing else, the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler have provided an excuse for the most visible expression of national pride, perhaps outside of wartime. more>>

Faster, higher, stronger? - February 18, 2010
A look at what the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics may mean for the market more>>

Games to give B.C. 'short-term' boost But long-term positives possible - February 09, 2010
Anyone who wants to calculate the impact of the Olympics on B.C. had better acquire some halo-measuring mojo, two bank economists said Monday. more>>

Canada: "V" shaped recovery? - February 06, 2010
....it couldn't have been that easy, could it? Yet charting out the month over month GDP looks an awful lot like a "V" shaped recovery....well perhaps sharing some of the traits associated with its cousin the "U". more>>

10 Financial Resolutions for 2010 - January 28, 2010
Make a plan. Create a straightforward budget for the year and monitor it monthly or weekly. Each month, review your progress and revise where necessary. more>>

10 Tips for Staying Organized in 2010 - January 27, 2010
If you’re like most people, one thing that always makes your New Year’s resolution list is, “Get more organized.” more>>

World-class in 'unaffordability' - January 26, 2010
Vancouver is the least affordable housing market in nearly 300 metropolitan markets worldwide, according to a study released Monday. more>>

Good news on all fronts in housing - January 13, 2010
Average house prices in B.C. rose two per cent in 2009 as the province's housing market began with a whimper and went out with a bang. more>>

Real-estate prices rising rapidly - January 10, 2010
Not the best time to invest in the market as economy begins rebuilding more>>

House prices set to surge - January 08, 2010
Surge of activity expected after Olympics slowdown more>>

Success stories: Real estate bounces back - January 06, 2010
First-time homebuyers help boost sales by substantial numbers more>>

Prepare for coming mortgage-rate rise - January 04, 2010
Many people are tempted to take advantage of low mortgage rates before they start rising again, and before housing prices recover completely from the slide they took in 2009. more>>

CMHC sees home prices ready to rise - December 03, 2009
Housing markets across the Lower Mainland are headed higher next year, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. predicts more>>

Home bargains on way out - November 26, 2009
Mortgage rates and prices rising, fewer homes to buy more>>

Real estate's recovery to come in 2010 - November 17, 2009
Housing looks good, but other areas have excess capacity more>>

Bathroom spending gathers steam - November 10, 2009
a room to relax in: Flush Canadians are investing more time and money on high-end features and modern designs more>>

Get your roof in shape! - November 09, 2009
act now: By winter, it may be too late and too tricky more>>

Harmonize your house, mend your life - October 16, 2009
Purge your home of junk and you'll get a handle on your life more>>

Study those intereste rates - October 15, 2009
take your lead from the key central banks more>>

Pay attention to the state of your attic by Mike Holmes - October 14, 2009
insufficient insulation, ventilation are all too common more>>

Be sure to inspect your home inspector - October 05, 2009
Mike Holmes: Inspect the inspector more>>

Housing prices show signs of stabilizing - October 02, 2009
world trend: Buyer confidence increases more>>

Home buyers happy to fork out more green for greening - September 30, 2009
Smart owners would pay up for enviro-certification more>>

Housing market rebounds - September 26, 2009
Recession 'one of the shortest on record,' report says more>>

City's school population drops as families leave for cheaper regions - September 24, 2009
Elementary school enrolment in Vancouver is plunging because there isn't enough affordable, family-friendly housing in the city, a new report says. more>>

Vancouver sole exception across country - September 24, 2009
Easy to buy anywhere but here more>>

Recovery emboldens builders Vancouver's housing starts lead nation - September 10, 2009
Housing starts in the Vancouver area surged by a nation-leading 84 per cent between July and August as builders were emboldened by the recovering resale market. more>>

He buys soon, she buys now - August 18, 2009
Women know home is right for them first day they see it more>>

Vancity abandons interest-rate hike - August 12, 2009
Vancity credit union has abandoned its plan to increase interest charges on lines of credit after months of complaints from furious members. more>>

B.C. permits lead nation - August 07, 2009
'Too early to say' if sector is out of the woods more>>

JULY REAL ESTATE SALES REACH RECORD LEVELS IN FRASER VALLEY - August 06, 2009
(Surrey, BC) - Fraser Valley saw the highest number of real estate transactions ever recorded for the month of July. There were 2,089 sales processed on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board's Multiple Listings Service® (MLS®), an increase of 62.3 per cent compared to 1,284 sales in July of last year. The previous highest July was in 2005, with 2,051 sales. more>>

Condo Owners Lament Loss of Loans - August 05, 2009
Abrupt Cancellation: Government action sparks scramble for alternative funding more>>

Analyst sees 'reason for optimism' as house prices rise - July 30, 2009
OTTAWA -- Canadian housing prices rose in May by 0.7 per cent -- the first time since October that they didn't decline month-over-month, according to a national index released Wednesday. more>>

Under 40? Victoria's calling to you - July 29, 2009
Vancouver ranks No. 3 among hometowns for young professionals more>>

Home sweet homes - July 15, 2009
'Housing sector has shifted into recovery mode' more>>

Top tips for buyers - July 14, 2009
expert advice: How to get the best mortgage more>>

Building boom won't last - July 11, 2009
Economists dampen hopes of sustained revival more>>

More People Can Afford to Buy BC Houses - July 09, 2009
Sales Start Picking Up: Vancouver costs drop but stay well ahead of the rest of the country more>>

Tax credit applies to rec property - June 28, 2009
Cottages qualify under home-reno program more>>

Island Development Pushed - June 26, 2009
Courtnall, Anderson Forge Ahead more>>

April tough month for Vancouver home prices - June 12, 2009
Vancouver posted Canada's sharpest drop in new home prices in April, Statistics Canada said yesterday. more>>

Asia's Growth Prospects - June 12, 2009
Serious recession have a way of accelerating existing trends. The rising importance of Asia for the world economy has been a fact of life for some time now. However, Asia's role has now increased exponentially. The economic recovery leaders will be Asia, not the United States. more>>

Pam's condos on hold - June 12, 2009
oceanfront project delay called 'blessing in disguise' more>>

Home buyers show confidence in the market - June 10, 2009
Despite a stream of negative economic news, most Canadians who've recently bought a home have confidence in their decision, according to a poll by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. more>>

Women Buying In - May 27, 2009
Responsible for 60% of first-time home sales in B.C. more>>

Doors Open Wide For Homebuyers - May 20, 2009
Slower demand will depress Vancouver prices before sales recover in 2010 more>>

Easing Amortization Anxieties - May 20, 2009
Protecting buyers from deals that are just too sweet more>>

Rates rise for credit lines - May 20, 2009
Don't like to do it, but tighter margins force us, credit unions say more>>

Tax Savings For First Time Home Buyers - April 08, 2009
more>>

Home-equity leverage can be savvy financial strategy - April 04, 2009
Lower interest rates major focus more>>

Insurance? Don't leave a home without it - April 03, 2009
June Jell will never forget the time she and her husband John sat down with their agent and turned mortgage insurance down flat. Six months later, he died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 59, leaving her struggling to keep up with house payments. more>>

Pay more now and save later - April 02, 2009
One of the least-known secrets among new homebuyers in particular is the huge effect the amortization period of your mortgage has on the interest you will pay during its lifetime. more>>

Cash in on buyers' real-estate market - April 01, 2009
BUT DO YOUR HOMEWORK: Many first-time buyers don't know how much house they can afford more>>

Home Prices: Slide Goes on - March 26, 2009
Canadian housing turns seller to buyer's market after five years more>>

Finding A Future Amidst The Furore - March 04, 2009
As a seller, sharpen your pencil. Do not worry about sales being down by 45 per cent; find out what you need to do to get your property into the 55 percent that sells. You cannot get the price of yesteryear – you need to be priced below the competition or take it off the market. more>>

That light at the end of the tunnel is a sold sign - February 25, 2009
There is all manner of measurement to consider when one is trying to determine just what side of the current recession one is living on. more>>

Wheel and deal on mortgages, but know the bottom line - February 15, 2009
Take these valuable hints aimed at the best deal for you more>>

Housing Prices In Decline - February 12, 2009
Vancouver and Victoria posted year-over-year declines in new housing prices in December, marking their third-consecutive month of erosion. more>>

Faint Flicker of Optimism - January 29, 2009
On the eve of what might be the biggest-ever injection of fiscal stimulus into the Canadian economy more>>

Current property decline won't last long: Rennie - January 26, 2009
'Now is time to buy undervalued property as financial blowout will be done by next September' more>>

Big banks act quickly to pass on rate cuts - January 22, 2009
Rapid response down to eased short-term borrowing costs more>>

Year of the Deals - January 12, 2009
His final advice: work with a sharp realtor, do your research and make an offer. more>>

White House takes hit, too - January 09, 2009
It is still about $27 million less than value a year ago more>>