In The News - February Updates
Posted by Jack Barker
Here’s a roundup of all the latest developments in the Vancouver housing market for the beginning of February.
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Positive Signs For The BC Housing Market In 2020
Posted by Jack Barker
With the recently issued property assessments painting a deflated picture for the BC housing market — it would be easy to understand if investors and experts were less than enthusiastic about the picture for 2020. However, in the wake of recent numbers and forecasts, there’s a wave of cautious optimism when it comes to the market in 2020.
2020 BC Assessments Due
Posted by Jack Barker
Whether you’ve already received yours or are expecting one soon, if you’re among the 374,600 property owners throughout Vancouver Island to receive a 2020 assessment notice from BC Assessment, you may already be reevaluating your future property decisions for the coming year.
These assessments — which reflect property values as of July 2019 — are issued yearly by BC Assessment based on their yearly analysis of the relevant data. The picture that’s being painted is one of relative stability, especially in the southern areas of Vancouver Island, with shifts falling primarily in the range of -5% to +5%. However, further upland there are more significant examples of volatility, especially in terms of price increases.
Can New Kitchen Appliances Increase the Value of Your Home?
Posted by Jack Barker
The role of the kitchen in the home and its importance to the modern buyer has changed significantly. These aren’t utilitarian spaces, they are stylish, multi-functional, and designed to be lived in as much as used. That’s why we’re seeing homeowners renovate their kitchens in the hope of adding value to their property. There is another way. By upgrading your kitchen appliances you can actually add significant value to your home — as long as your careful and make the right choices.
How a Home Inspection Helps You
Posted by Jack Barker
You’ll definitely want to get a professional home inspection before you buy a particular property as a qualified professional can identify issues you may not have noticed yourself.
Get Ready For Generation Z!
Posted by Jack Barker
Gen Z is bigger than the Baby Boomers and is about to upend consumerism.
Generation Z thinks differently about marketing and commerce. Surveys show that unlike Millennials, Gen Z is cautious about consumption.
Here's how the oldest members and consumers compare with previous demographic cohorts in the United States:
Boomers: 54-72 Years Old
Generation X: 38-53 Years Old
Millennials: 22-37 Years Old
Generation Z: Born after 1996
Gen Z are more ethically minded spenders than the previous generation.
Gen Z are harder to reach. Forget TV — social media will be how they connect. Statistics Canada notes they're sometimes called the "Internet generation", as the first generation born after the popularization of the internet.
Preventing Burglaries
Posted by Jack Barker
Home security doesn’t end with locks and alarms. There are other less obvious ways to keep your home safe, this month I've provided a list of simple precautions to significantly lower your risk of a break-in.
Rental Housing Market Trends
Posted by Jack Barker
As the housing market shifts further and further towards rental opportunities, it’s important for potential buyers and investors to understand where the rental housing market is trending in British Columbia. Recently this market has seen an influx of investment and incentive programs with encouraging results.
Latest Trends In The BC Housing Market
Posted by Jack Barker
With the recent figures for sales and prices for April and May in the books, it’s clear that the British Columbia housing market remains in a state of flux, with present challenges competing against cautiously optimistic projections to leave forecasters, agents and buyers alike opting for a ‘wait and see’ approach.
New Surveys Shed Light On The Concerns Of Young Homebuyers
Posted by Jack Barker
With home ownership having undergone a volatile transition phase in terms of both volume and demographics, there are now emerging trends that explain what the new generation of homeowners are worried about when it comes to their property decisions.