Here’s the link to the new regulations starting May 1, 2024 - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement
Here’s the link to the new regulations starting May 1, 2024 - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement
Here's an interesting article regarding everyones favorite industry topic "commission" based on the recent NAR settlement. The comment claiming that Buyer agency is free is inaccruate - even though the the commission is paid by the seller, the buyer is paying for it in the purchase price. This typically helps with buyer financing & is my understanding why it's been done this way for years. Otherwise, especially 1st time buyer's (typically with limited funds) will have to pay the buyer's agent on top of other closing costs.
With affordability becoming an issue nearly everywhere over the last few years, parents are assisting their children get a foot in the door for their housing needs. Here's a couple interesting articles addressing some of the factors:
The Bank of Mom & Dad: Susan Doran in REM March 26, 2024
Young Canadian Homebuyers embrace trade-offs for early ownership: REM Editorial Team March 25, 2024
Interesting analysis from Daniel Foch posted in R.E.M. November 18th showing more signs of a weakening market - https://realestatemagazine.ca/canadians-feeling-the-strain-as-weak-sales-persist/
Another report by Global News posted on MSN illustrates that the government is recognizing the stress on mortgagors as their terms come up for renewal. Although these measures, combined with rates likely peaking, doesn't cause buyer's to act from my experience. People tend to act when they have to act - ie. when rates bottom out. When rates are on the decline the majority sit on the sideline watching & waiting while costs & pricing diminish. Hence I don't see a significant increase in demand in the near future. Check out the link to the Global News report here - https://www.msn.com/en-ca/money/other/ottawa-loosens-mortgage-stress-test-in-housing-focused-fall-fiscal-update/ar-AA1kjpUW?ocid=NL_ENCA_A1_00010101_1_1
Here's 2 great articles recently posted by R.E.M. (Real Estate Magazine) that appear to illustrate we are heading for a further market decline:
Danny Kucharsky's Oct. 31 post The State the Condo Market: GTA and Vancouver may be about condos but rest assured this will affect detached & townhome markets too. Kind of like the pebble in the pond & the ripple effect. Read on... https://realestatemagazine.ca/state-of-the-condo-market-gta-and-vancouver/
He also writes about the Power of Sale in his Oct. 26 post. Although this speaks about mostly private lenders, I think this is an indication of what's to come with conventional lenders and foreclosures. https://realestatemagazine.ca/power-of-sales-avoid-trouble-navigating-the-surge-with-tips-tricks-and-expert-advice/
There is no doubt that the increase in interest rates & rising inflation is having a huge impact on affordability with no relief in sight for the near future!!
Excellent article regarding the misconcenption most people have if you don't complete your contractual obligations - https://realestatemagazine.ca/sellers-awarded-210000-after-buyers-fail-to-close-due-to-unforeseen-circumstances/
Source: James R.G. Cook posted in the Real Estate Magazine September 29, 2023
Here's a good article on an increasing trend of co-ownership given recent rise in affordability due to increased costs (ie. interest rate rise) + increased pricing due to supply & demand factors:
https://realestatemagazine.ca/co-ownership-trend-grows-among-canadian-homebuyers/
Source:
REM Editorial Team | Aug 31, 2023