Despite predictions, Metro Vancouver's housing market continues to thrive! With sales seeing a 21.4% increase this August compared to last year, we've proven that we can overcome even the highest borrowing costs in over a decade!
A slow start to the year with rising prices due to low inventories but the fall season brought a balance to the sales price gains. Now we’re seeing a slowdown but fear not, this is just the usual seasonal trend settling in.
Are you looking to dive into this dynamic market? Or maybe you have some questions about what these numbers mean for you?
Let's chat! I would love to guide you through the ins and outs of the Vancouver real estate market. ️
Emma Co PREC*
604.618.3888
emmaco.realty@gmail.com
vancouverprivatehomes.com
✨Building VALUE With Every Move✨
⏬ Here are the traits of a high-quality tenant you should look for.
Want to be able to find good people to rent to?
⏬ Here are the traits of a high-quality tenant you should look for.
1. A High-Quality Tenant Is Responsible
Responsible people do the right thing all the time. As tenants, they tend to pay rent on time, and they take pride in their living space. When you rent to a responsible person, you can rest easy knowing you’ll make a profit every month and that they will take good care of the property.
2. A high-Quality Tenant Has The Ability To Pay On Time
A high-quality renter will be able to pay the rent on time every month. You’ll know a potential renter has this ability by checking his or her employment status and earnings.
3. A high-Quality Tenant Values Honesty
Honest people make great tenants. This is because they cannot lie easily. If a tenant lies on their application (it happens a lot), you probably don’t want to rent to them.
4. A high-Quality Tenant Is Clean
This quality is a little harder to judge, but there are indicators that a prospective tenant may not keep your rental clean. For instance, their appearance can shed some light on how well they keep their living space organized and tidy.
5. A high-Quality Tenant Is Stable
If the person you’re interviewing for your rental has a job and family in the area, it’s a good indication that they are stable and will remain in the property for a year or more.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
⏬ Here are the traits of a high-quality tenant you should look for.
1. A High-Quality Tenant Is Responsible
Responsible people do the right thing all the time. As tenants, they tend to pay rent on time, and they take pride in their living space. When you rent to a responsible person, you can rest easy knowing you’ll make a profit every month and that they will take good care of the property.
2. A high-Quality Tenant Has The Ability To Pay On Time
A high-quality renter will be able to pay the rent on time every month. You’ll know a potential renter has this ability by checking his or her employment status and earnings.
3. A high-Quality Tenant Values Honesty
Honest people make great tenants. This is because they cannot lie easily. If a tenant lies on their application (it happens a lot), you probably don’t want to rent to them.
4. A high-Quality Tenant Is Clean
This quality is a little harder to judge, but there are indicators that a prospective tenant may not keep your rental clean. For instance, their appearance can shed some light on how well they keep their living space organized and tidy.
5. A high-Quality Tenant Is Stable
If the person you’re interviewing for your rental has a job and family in the area, it’s a good indication that they are stable and will remain in the property for a year or more.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
👇 Quick look at what mistakes to avoid.
Is flipping houses the right investment for you? How does it work, and what are the risks?
Below, we’ll take a quick look at what mistakes to avoid.
1. Not having enough money
It’s vital that you research all the costs associated with buying, owning, and repairing a home in order to sell it for a profit later.
2. Not having enough time
Once everything is done, you’ll need to put the home up for sale and show it to prospective buyers.
3. Not possessing the right skills
Many house flippers are actually construction, plumbing, and electrical professionals with the skills to do most of the work themselves.
4. Not knowing about real estate investing
You also need to understand real estate laws, tax laws, and be able to choose which repairs are necessary and which are not.
5. Not being patient
Be sure you consider the five pitfalls above to be sure you know what you’re getting into.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
Below, we’ll take a quick look at what mistakes to avoid.
1. Not having enough money
It’s vital that you research all the costs associated with buying, owning, and repairing a home in order to sell it for a profit later.
2. Not having enough time
Once everything is done, you’ll need to put the home up for sale and show it to prospective buyers.
3. Not possessing the right skills
Many house flippers are actually construction, plumbing, and electrical professionals with the skills to do most of the work themselves.
4. Not knowing about real estate investing
You also need to understand real estate laws, tax laws, and be able to choose which repairs are necessary and which are not.
5. Not being patient
Be sure you consider the five pitfalls above to be sure you know what you’re getting into.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
☔4 Reasons Why Keeping A Rainy Day Fund Is A Must For Landlords
☔ If you’re a landlord, save up for a rainy day!
Don’t get caught without an emergency fund.
4 Reasons Why Keeping A Rainy Day Fund Is A Must For Landlords
1. The roof/foundation needs repair. If you fix it yourself, it’ll be less expensive, but neither option is going to be cheap.
2. Appliance breakdown. As the landlord, you must act quickly to repair or replace the unit to keep your tenants safe and happy.
3. Bad tenants. While you may charge a security deposit just for cases like this, many times it isn’t enough if your tenants go above and beyond in their quest to destroy your property.
4. Vacancy expenses. From the mortgage payment to utility bills, it’s your responsibility to pay it all yourself until you can find new tenants.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
Don’t get caught without an emergency fund.
4 Reasons Why Keeping A Rainy Day Fund Is A Must For Landlords
1. The roof/foundation needs repair. If you fix it yourself, it’ll be less expensive, but neither option is going to be cheap.
2. Appliance breakdown. As the landlord, you must act quickly to repair or replace the unit to keep your tenants safe and happy.
3. Bad tenants. While you may charge a security deposit just for cases like this, many times it isn’t enough if your tenants go above and beyond in their quest to destroy your property.
4. Vacancy expenses. From the mortgage payment to utility bills, it’s your responsibility to pay it all yourself until you can find new tenants.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
⭐ Here are some easy home improvements you can make to attract more tenants.
So, you’re trying to find tenants for your rental – great!
⭐ Here are some easy home improvements you can make to attract more tenants.
1. Up The Curb Appeal
Improving the outside of your rental property will help attract potential renters. Look at the outside of your rental through the eyes of a potential renter and figure out what changes to make to make it more attractive.
2. Stage The Home
Get rid of clutter.
Pack away family portraits and the like to make the rental a “blank slate.”
Take out bulky/extra furniture that might be making the space seem cramped.
3. Paint The Walls
A fresh coat of paint on the walls can make any home seem fresh and clean. Choose a light, neutral color like a tan for the walls and some shade of white for the trim.
4. Do The Floors
Make sure to dust, vacuum, and/or mop before each showing. If any tiles or pieces are broken, consider repairing them before inviting potential renters into your home.
5. Use Light To Your Advantage
If you’re showing the home during the day, open every window to allow natural lighting to flood the space, as natural lighting makes rooms appear brighter and bigger.
If you are showing your rental at night, be sure to turn all the outside lights on as it will help the applicant find the property and it will make it more inviting.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
⭐ Here are some easy home improvements you can make to attract more tenants.
1. Up The Curb Appeal
Improving the outside of your rental property will help attract potential renters. Look at the outside of your rental through the eyes of a potential renter and figure out what changes to make to make it more attractive.
2. Stage The Home
Get rid of clutter.
Pack away family portraits and the like to make the rental a “blank slate.”
Take out bulky/extra furniture that might be making the space seem cramped.
3. Paint The Walls
A fresh coat of paint on the walls can make any home seem fresh and clean. Choose a light, neutral color like a tan for the walls and some shade of white for the trim.
4. Do The Floors
Make sure to dust, vacuum, and/or mop before each showing. If any tiles or pieces are broken, consider repairing them before inviting potential renters into your home.
5. Use Light To Your Advantage
If you’re showing the home during the day, open every window to allow natural lighting to flood the space, as natural lighting makes rooms appear brighter and bigger.
If you are showing your rental at night, be sure to turn all the outside lights on as it will help the applicant find the property and it will make it more inviting.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
✨If your hallway could use a little pick-me-up, try these easy decorating tips.
✨If your hallway could use a little pick-me-up, try these easy decorating tips.
1. Artwork And Photos
You have the freedom to hang whatever you want, but keep in mind that framed pieces should be similar in size to create a cohesive design that looks well thought out and purposeful.
2. Lighting
It’s important to have ample artificial lighting to brighten the space and make it seem more inviting.
3. The Floor
The floor can still be beautiful, hardwood floors can be resurfaced to breathe new life into the space. They look beautiful with an area rug that portrays your personality, too.
4. Paint And Your Staircase
Hallways often include staircases, which provide an ideal canvas for enhancing the space. Strip your stairs back to their natural wood and give them a fresh coat of paint.
5. Seating
Most people don’t consider the hallway a place to sit down, but if you have the room, adding a comfortable chair or loveseat can be a lovely touch.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
1. Artwork And Photos
You have the freedom to hang whatever you want, but keep in mind that framed pieces should be similar in size to create a cohesive design that looks well thought out and purposeful.
2. Lighting
It’s important to have ample artificial lighting to brighten the space and make it seem more inviting.
3. The Floor
The floor can still be beautiful, hardwood floors can be resurfaced to breathe new life into the space. They look beautiful with an area rug that portrays your personality, too.
4. Paint And Your Staircase
Hallways often include staircases, which provide an ideal canvas for enhancing the space. Strip your stairs back to their natural wood and give them a fresh coat of paint.
5. Seating
Most people don’t consider the hallway a place to sit down, but if you have the room, adding a comfortable chair or loveseat can be a lovely touch.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
👌 Reduce the risk with these four ways to protect yourself from troublesome tenants.
Being a landlord is a risky job.
Reduce the risk with these four ways to protect yourself from troublesome tenants.
1. Educate Yourself And Know The Law
Managing a rental property requires more than just paying the mortgage on time and collecting rent. Renter issues arise often and vary in severity, so you must know where you stand in any given situation.
2. Stick To Documented Policies No Matter What
When a new tenant signs your rental contract, they are agreeing to all the policies and procedures set forth by you in that document. It’s important they understand everything before they sign, and it’s your job to make sure they do.
3. Document Everything That Happens
Investing in crm software can help you organize multiple tenants into a spreadsheet or something similar. How you choose to document your interactions with your tenants is up to you; just be sure you do.
4. Take Safety Precautions
Angry tenants are a real concern for landlords. You can’t please everyone all the time, especially when you’re a rental property owner. Rather than leave anything to chance, use the following tips to protect yourself and your family as much as possible.
· Never give out your home address.
· Make it possible for tenants to pay rent online
· Use a p.O. Box to collect mailed rent payments
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
Reduce the risk with these four ways to protect yourself from troublesome tenants.
1. Educate Yourself And Know The Law
Managing a rental property requires more than just paying the mortgage on time and collecting rent. Renter issues arise often and vary in severity, so you must know where you stand in any given situation.
2. Stick To Documented Policies No Matter What
When a new tenant signs your rental contract, they are agreeing to all the policies and procedures set forth by you in that document. It’s important they understand everything before they sign, and it’s your job to make sure they do.
3. Document Everything That Happens
Investing in crm software can help you organize multiple tenants into a spreadsheet or something similar. How you choose to document your interactions with your tenants is up to you; just be sure you do.
4. Take Safety Precautions
Angry tenants are a real concern for landlords. You can’t please everyone all the time, especially when you’re a rental property owner. Rather than leave anything to chance, use the following tips to protect yourself and your family as much as possible.
· Never give out your home address.
· Make it possible for tenants to pay rent online
· Use a p.O. Box to collect mailed rent payments
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
🏘️ 4 types of real estate properties you should consider when investing in real estate.
️ 4 types of real estate properties you should consider when investing in real estate.
When looking to invest in real estate, it’s important to consider the type of property before you buy.
1. Office properties. Office properties tend to be located in busy, downtown or suburban industrial parks, they are in high demand.
2. Retail properties. When investing in a retail property, it’s best to look at areas where the economy is growing, and retail sales are high.
3. Industrial properties. These properties require a smaller investment and management commitment and have lower operating costs.
4. Residential properties (multi-family) for the most stable real estate investment, multi-family residential properties are best. This is because no matter how the economy is doing, people still need a place to live.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
When looking to invest in real estate, it’s important to consider the type of property before you buy.
1. Office properties. Office properties tend to be located in busy, downtown or suburban industrial parks, they are in high demand.
2. Retail properties. When investing in a retail property, it’s best to look at areas where the economy is growing, and retail sales are high.
3. Industrial properties. These properties require a smaller investment and management commitment and have lower operating costs.
4. Residential properties (multi-family) for the most stable real estate investment, multi-family residential properties are best. This is because no matter how the economy is doing, people still need a place to live.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
💰3 Unexpected Ways To Make Money From Real Estate
️ Thinking of getting into real estate investing?
Here are four unexpected ways to increase your profits.
3 Unexpected Ways To Make Money From Real Estate
1. The multi-family unit. Renting out a portion of your home could very well allow you to live mortgage-free once you factor in the rental income you receive from your new tenant.
2. Storage space. Be sure to check the prices of other storage providers in the area so you can set your lower and draw up a contract that relieves you of liability
3. Vacations rentals. Renting out this prime real estate will increase your bottom line in no time.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
Here are four unexpected ways to increase your profits.
3 Unexpected Ways To Make Money From Real Estate
1. The multi-family unit. Renting out a portion of your home could very well allow you to live mortgage-free once you factor in the rental income you receive from your new tenant.
2. Storage space. Be sure to check the prices of other storage providers in the area so you can set your lower and draw up a contract that relieves you of liability
3. Vacations rentals. Renting out this prime real estate will increase your bottom line in no time.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
🎨Simply use these suggestions to add pops of color that require no landlord approval.
️Are you renting and your lease prohibits painting the walls?
No worries!
Simply use these suggestions to add pops of color that require no landlord approval.
1. The Walls
Try hanging removable wallpaper or decals or even a curtain or sheet in a pretty pattern.
2. Your Furnishings
Think bright yellow and coral in the kitchen, for example, to drown out the drab, or go for a royal presentation by purchasing a sofa or chair in sapphire or emerald.
3. Textiles
Try stepping outside the box with some brightly colored curtains or rugs to bring a fresh, colorful appeal to your rental.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
🏠 Here are a few tips to help you find a home in a good school district.
If you’re a parent looking to relocate, finding a good school for your kids is probably a priority.
Here are a few tips to help you find a home in a good school district.
1. Find A Neighborhood, Then A School
To make things as easy as possible, it’s smart to find neighborhoods you’d like to live in first and then look for schools second. If you do things the other way around, you may fall in love with a school located in a community you can’t afford or that isn’t convenient for your commute.
2. Research The School
The first thing you need to do to find a good school near your new home is research. The Internet offers many resources for checking out schools in the neighborhood. From the Department of Education to parent forums and the school’s website itself, you can get a good sense of the school’s culture.
3. Visit The School In Person
Before signing on the dotted line and committing to living in a specific community, take some time to visit the school in person. Get a feel for how helpful and friendly the staff is and how your child(ren) feels about the school’s environment.
4. Talk To The Neighbors
If others in the neighborhood have children, talk to them about their thoughts on the school(s) in the area. Getting actual feedback from other parents and kids who attend the school can give you a real sense of how the school will suit your family’s needs. Try to talk to multiple neighbors if you can as not everyone has the same experiences.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
Here are a few tips to help you find a home in a good school district.
1. Find A Neighborhood, Then A School
To make things as easy as possible, it’s smart to find neighborhoods you’d like to live in first and then look for schools second. If you do things the other way around, you may fall in love with a school located in a community you can’t afford or that isn’t convenient for your commute.
2. Research The School
The first thing you need to do to find a good school near your new home is research. The Internet offers many resources for checking out schools in the neighborhood. From the Department of Education to parent forums and the school’s website itself, you can get a good sense of the school’s culture.
3. Visit The School In Person
Before signing on the dotted line and committing to living in a specific community, take some time to visit the school in person. Get a feel for how helpful and friendly the staff is and how your child(ren) feels about the school’s environment.
4. Talk To The Neighbors
If others in the neighborhood have children, talk to them about their thoughts on the school(s) in the area. Getting actual feedback from other parents and kids who attend the school can give you a real sense of how the school will suit your family’s needs. Try to talk to multiple neighbors if you can as not everyone has the same experiences.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
🏡Creative Steps To Affording Your First Home
Buying a first home is more difficult than ever these days, making the dream of homeownership for some just that – a dream.
Even though home prices are higher than they’ve ever been, first-time homebuyers are making their dreams a reality, and here’s how.
Creative Steps To Affording Your First Home
Homebuyers face difficult hurdles when purchasing their first home. House prices are higher than they’ve ever been, making it a challenge to save the necessary down payment and to afford the monthly mortgage payments as well.
Know Your Credit Score And Research Your Options
You should find out what programs (if any) you qualify for to help with things like the down payment and the interest rate. Many lenders have first-time homebuyer programs that lower both.
Make Enough Money To Save Money
While you might not have to come up with a full 20 percent down, you’ll still likely need a down payment. This means you’ll need to make enough money to pay your bills and to save money for a new home.
Be Creative When Coming Up With The Down Payment
Many first-time homebuyers agree that coming up with the down payment is the biggest hurdle. You may or may not need to come up with a full 20 percent for the down payment, however.
Know What You Want But Be Flexible, Too
Everyone has an idea of what their dream home should be. Many first-time homebuyers are disappointed when they find that dream home but discover it costs way more than they can afford.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
Even though home prices are higher than they’ve ever been, first-time homebuyers are making their dreams a reality, and here’s how.
Creative Steps To Affording Your First Home
Homebuyers face difficult hurdles when purchasing their first home. House prices are higher than they’ve ever been, making it a challenge to save the necessary down payment and to afford the monthly mortgage payments as well.
Know Your Credit Score And Research Your Options
You should find out what programs (if any) you qualify for to help with things like the down payment and the interest rate. Many lenders have first-time homebuyer programs that lower both.
Make Enough Money To Save Money
While you might not have to come up with a full 20 percent down, you’ll still likely need a down payment. This means you’ll need to make enough money to pay your bills and to save money for a new home.
Be Creative When Coming Up With The Down Payment
Many first-time homebuyers agree that coming up with the down payment is the biggest hurdle. You may or may not need to come up with a full 20 percent for the down payment, however.
Know What You Want But Be Flexible, Too
Everyone has an idea of what their dream home should be. Many first-time homebuyers are disappointed when they find that dream home but discover it costs way more than they can afford.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
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