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Arnold Shuchat PREC Real Estate Blog

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For many of you, real estate issues are not really top of mind right now as a result of the everyday stresses because of Covid-19. Nevertheless, because real estate has been top of mind for so many years as price continued to firm, I thought I would shine some light on what is happening in the industry right now.


Firstly, the government declared Real Estate Agency services to be an essential service.  Being that real estate is so connected to shelter, it was felt that the doors could not be closed on services that assist in the provision of housing.  However, based upon the general self-isolation guidelines, Brokers have generally advised Realtors to restrict services to those which are exclusively essential. Currently,  the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver has suspended access to open house listings and has discouraged personal showings.  In cases where the showings are essential in nature, my Sutton Westcoast Realty office has instituted strict protocols for the...

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New property listed in Central Lonsdale, North Vancouver
I have listed a new property at 1357 Jones AVE in North Vancouver.
Bright updated 3 BR 2 Bth split home with development potential. Potential subdivision into 2-35' x 120' lots at 4,200 sq ft each as was done next door at 1337 Jones Ave, or hold for current monthly rent of $3,200. Short walk to Central Lonsdale and 1 block to Mahon Park. Please do not disturb tenant. Offer pending.
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The Forgotten Rooms in Staging and House for Sale Preparation

Not everyone gets to be able to sell their home at the perfect time in life when all clutter is removed. Sometimes moves are made when families simply grow out of their current home.  Two of the forgotten areas of home staging are the back yard and the garage.  In my practice, I have noticed that for these two areas, it has become acceptable to simply leave them as a footnote: garages are jam packed with clutter from the rest of the house and back yards are simply unimpressive spaces accessible from the kitchen with little thought to exterior decor. But people need to "be" outside and incorporating the outside, especially the backyard into your living space will impart lasting benefits to your property.


During the summer months, if you have somehow managed to spiff up your exterior space, take the time to shoot some amazing photography to capture the fruits of your efforts.  Perhaps you might end up selling your home in the winter or the rainy season when leaves and water...

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I am going to put some effort into reviving this page.  For starters, I will open the page up to comments.  I will explore downsizing alternatives for people living in the Lower Mainland.  Be sure to check it out from time to time to see articles and topics which complement this blog.
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Firstly, I would like you all to know that I am not an engineer.  I did receive a flyer from the City of Richmond with my utility bill that outlined where a typical house uses water and I happened to read it.  I did not know for example, that a typical home uses 32% of its fresh water in its toilets.  Take a second to let that fact sink in.

Please stick with me here.....(absolutley no pun intended)

Research has found that a healthy human bladder can hold about 2 cups, which is about 1/8 of a gallon. The average older toilet tank uses about 3.6 gallons per flush.  That is a ratio of about 28:1.  It is astonishing that we would need to use 28 times the amount of fresh water to dispose of the little that our bodies actually use.

Newer toilets use only 1.6 for gallons for larger flushes and .6 gallons for liquid flushes. Those of you contemplating switching to the new lower flush units should know that many municipalities offer a rebate on your utility bill of $100 with...
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QUOTED IN THE VANCOUVER SUN-Check out the article below!

After reading Peter McMartin's article in the Vancouver Sun on Heritage Property earlier in the week, I decided to respond to his question: "Heritage Property, Who Pays?"  After reading my letter to him, he picked up the phone and called me and we chatted about how to make the system better so that the city's goal of preserving heritage listed property would not be a burden on those honoured by having their property on that list.

Here is a link to the response article he wrote in the Vancouver Sun.  The city manager took note and promised change as early as next week!  Let's wait and see how effective that change will be..... more on that soon!

 http://www.vancouversun.com/Pete+McMartin+Heritage+preservation+fixing/9960532/story.html
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BC has a Property Tax Deferment Program which in certain cases allows a property owner with a principal residence to apply and receive the right to defer all property taxes on that residence for a one-time application fee of $60 with an annual renewal (not automatic) fee of $10.  The interest rate charged on the amount deferred is prime minus 2% which is currently 1.5%- there is no cheaper money around.  There are certain prerequisites which must be met, most notable of which is that one of the property owners must be over 55 years of age and there must be at least 25% equity in the home based upon the BC property assessed value.


This process takes some time so it is best to start it as soon as you get your property assessment.  The 25% equity calculation is sometimes tricky as it may include authorized but not drawn down lines of credit and will include a previous bank’s undischarged mortgage amount even though the balance was refinanced.  Therefore, you need to...

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The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB.