First Time Home Buyer (www.vancouverhomes.info) : Blog

Panicked about buying your first home?

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 08:50:59 -0700

Panicked about buying your first home?

If you are panicked about buying your first home, attend our first time home buying seminar. It's free to the public and the first five people who register receive a free copy of my book, the "Complete Home Buyer's Guide for Canadians". Experts provide real estate tips and information on home buying so that you won't get any unexpected surprises! Instead, your first home purchase will be stress-free and easy. We will give you the confidence you need to purchase with ease! Attend any one of our seminars in Greater Vancouver; registration is required. Our next seminar: 2011!

FREE First Time Home Buyer Seminar

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:20:00 -0700

October 5th, 2010
False Creek Community Centre, 7-9pm

Free First Time Home Buyer Seminar:

Have you ever thought of purchasing your first home but don't know where to start? This seminar is for you! Guest speakers include a mortgage specialist, a lawyer, a certified home inspector and a licensed real estate agent. Some of the topics to we discuss are getting a pre-approval, improving my credit score, buying a better built building, avoiding a leaky condo, what are the costs to the buyer, when is it a good time to purchase a home, and more! Space is limited, register today!

Please sign up at the False Creek Community Centre website directly: www.falsecreekcc.com

PH9 5629 Dunbar Street, Vancouver, BC

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:44:32 -0700

I just sold this Apartment Unit at PH9 5629 Dunbar Street, Vancouver, BC Dunbar.

View this recently sold Apartment Unit or see all my home sales

PH9 5629 Dunbar Street, Vancouver, BC

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:40:20 -0700

I just finished uploading this Apartment Unit for sale, PH9 5629 Dunbar Street, Vancouver, BC

Home Buying Seminar False Creek Community Centre

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:59:48 -0700

Attend a free home buying seminar on October 5th, Tuesday from 7-9pm. Panel of experts will show you the steps to buying your first home, information for home buyers such as HST, costs to the buyers, getting pre-approved for a mortgage, improving your credit history, searching for a home, information on leaky condominiums (and how to avoid them). Speakers include licensed realtor and published author, Geraldine Santiago as well as a mortgage broker, certified home inspector and lawyer. Please register on-line by going to False Creek Community Centre on-line registration form.

October 5th, 7-9pm Registration on-line required.
False Creek Community Centre

Noise Pollution; The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:34:54 -0700

"Noise Pollution”; the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
by Geraldine Santiago, Licensed Realtor, Published Author

www.vancouverhomes.info

When purchasing a home, it is always good to find out about the noise in the area. Yes, you heard me, I said, “noise”. This is easier said than done, as no doubt you are probably more focused on finding out more about the over-all health of the building and not that interested in the noise level in the unit and its surrounding areas.

What can you hear from the property you are considering purchasing? Dogs barking? Birds chirping? Music from a next door neighbour? Car or house alarm ringing? Renovations being done nearby? Noise, unfortunately, can detrimentally affect people’s health (sleep disturbance and increased stress). And this, my friend, is an important consideration when purchasing a property you are intending to live in for a long time!

If you work from home this is even more important as noise can ruin your concentration and your right to quiet as well as your right to enjoy your property. In Vancouver BC, a “Noise Control Manual” exists which is a manual that focuses on noise control. As Vancouver is becoming more and more a densely populated city, with multiple family dwellings living closer and closer to each other, the noise that they make and the noise that we make can mutually bother us. New residential buildings are often built and located within mixed use areas, where activities associated with commercial land uses. (Look at West Broadway and Vine) which can interfere with the enjoyment of those living nearby.

The reality is that noise is all around us. We can somewhat prevent noise from disturbing and disrupting our lives but it will still be there. When buying a condo, take a look at the location of the unit if it faces a busy street, a park, entrance way, garage, --all of which are signs of potential noise pollution. If the unit has double paned windows, that might be enough from hearing the noise pollution and traffic from outside. In addition, when buying a condo, you might want to see if there have been other owners bring up noise problems from daily activities in the building, or if any other owner has made alterations in their unit to either further insulate their ceiling, floors and walls with sound barrier insulation.

Some people are more tolerant of noise pollution than others. If noise is something that is important to you, for your “peace” of mind and quiet enjoyment, you might want to do some research on what your city is doing about noise pollution. In the City of Vancouver, the City works to manage noise through land-use planning, bylaws, traffic management and policing. Look at the noise bylaw in your area. The City’s Noise Bylaw regulates construction, vehicle, and household noise within Vancouver. For more details, go to www.vancouver.ca/bylaws.

In addition, in Vancouver, an "Urban Noise Task Force" was created because there were growing concerns about the noise and its affects on every day life in Vancouver.The citizens’ group, with the assistance of City staff and Councillors, made a series of recommendations to the City for improving Vancouver’s soundscape, many of which are being implemented.Local citizens groups have worked towards having traffic noise levels in their neighbourhoods reduced, while others have encouraged 'traffic calming' measures. Take for example East Vancouver's Mt. Pleasant neighbourhood along East 6th Avenue which is a traffic calming- bike route. where the noise exposure in this neighbourhood is drastically reduced.

(I have a new listing in Mt. Pleasant on East 6th which is a traffic calming route. It is very quiet and it is also a bicycle route. Please go to my website at www.vancouverhomes.info for more information on this great quiet condo in Mt. Pleasant!)

In my next article, "Noise Pollution: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (Part Two), I will address some of the ways you can actively remove noise pollution from your life!

Zoning...What Is it Good For? Part Two by Geraldine Santiago

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:50:45 -0700

Zoning, what is it good for? (part two) by Geraldine Santiago

The first part of this article addressed the importance of zoning and why it is important for home owners to find out what their zoning district is on their property and its adjacent areas. I directed you to where you could find this information yourself, and to do your own due diligence when it comes to knowing your property. Zoning could be an important part of the sale, so it is important to know what your zoning district is.

Recently in Vancouver, BC, there have been changes to certain zoning namely for RS-1 and RS-5 single family dwelling which were adapted by City Council in July 2009. The City of Vancouver’s Land Use and Development had certain guidelines regarding a laneway house allowing laneway housing to be built on the property of the above mentioned zoning districts. You can go on-line to see where these zoning district areas exist and if your property is affected by this change.

The laneway housing project is similar to infill housing (you probably also hear the term "coach house") in that new housing stock is created within an already established neighbourhood. By doing so it utilizes existing municipal services as opposed to the creation of new housing stock in new outlying subdivision development.

How does this affect you as a homeowner? The face of today’s new homeowners is changing in Vancouver, BC. because of many factors. The main factor is the fact that the price of homes in Greater Vancouver far surpasses the average household income, making it very difficult for first time home buyers to enter the housing market and purchase a home on their own. (Please read my article posted on my site www.vancouverhomes.info posted on May 22nd, 2010 Where Have All the First Time Home Buyers Gone?)

Because of the decrease in first time home buyers entering into the market, we are seeing co-habitation with extended families all living under one roof. This can either be an adult child living in the basement of their parents’ home or seniors moving back in to live with their children for various socio-economic reasons.

The advent of laneway housing somehow addresses the problem of affordable housing, sustainability which includes ecodensity. The cost of a new single detached laneway residential home in Vancouver albeit a small home, under the laneway program, makes it affordable because the cost of land is not part of the equation.

For many, this is a great way to own a home in the city, without the huge burden of a mortgage, and many lenders are seeing this as a great opportunity to reinvest in their own backyard.

Opportunity? Vancity thinks so. In fact, Vancity has made it easy to look at your backyard as a great opportunity by providing laneway housing mortgage. Your laneway house can be used for rental or for family. Call it a mortgage helper, income helper, more housing space, a caregier suite, in-law suite, cottage for your out of town guests, home office, all of which add value to your existing home.

The zoning by-laws, do have restrictions on allowable square footage, height, set backs, etc. This information can be found on-line at www.vancouver-ecodensity.ca

Zoning is about planning and it encompasses many aspects such as standards regarding frontage, lot size, set-back from street, building heights, parking requirements, alteration of existing buildings, maximum density of population, the display of signs, sound and noise emitted from a building and much more. There are classifications and sub-classifcations to zoning such as residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, open space such as parks and recreation and finally environmentally sensitive/flood plain as well. The provincial ministry/department is responsible for planning and has the ultimate authority to zone any property within a province.

That's zoning in a nutshell--and that's what it's good for!

Zoning...What Is it Good For? Part One by Geraldine Santiago

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Tue, 25 May 2010 18:07:57 -0700

Zoning....What is it Good For? Part One by Geraldine Santiago

When purchasing a property for the first time, prospective home buyers need to look at the zoning of the area. If you are buying a property, this information is located on the MLS feature sheet prepared by the listing or selling agent. You can do more research on-line by going to your municipality or city’s website to find out more about the zoning and by-laws for development. This will allow and restrict you if you were to build or intend to run a business from your home. If you have already purchased your property, this information may be found on your title search as well as from the MLS listing and your BC assessment.

Zoning protects and preserves the right of an owner to use his or her property through regulation. Zoning is carried out by the local government and specifies what types of buildings can be built. It specifies height restrictions of a building, types of businesses that can be carried out, and so on. As a home owner or future home owner, it is always important to find out what your zoning is on your property.

In strata titled properties for multi-dwelling residential buildings such as condominium, apartments, townhouses, and so on, there exist by-laws which set out specific uses and guidelines for the use of the property by its residents. In single detached homes, there exist zoning by-laws and regulations which specifically addresses use and development for the area in question. Unless your zoning allows it, one cannot just open up a barber shop or convenience store in a residential area. That's exactly what zoning is for!

It is important to obtain a map of your city to know where the boundaries of zoning exist as they may also affect you. A neighbouring factory, golf course, park, school can affect you in a positive and negative way. In addition, it should be noted that there may also be future changes in zoning, which could also affect your property as well.

Recently in Vancouver, BC, there have been changes to certain zoning namely for RS, RT and RM zones which were adopted by City Council in July 2009. The City of Vancouver’s Land Use and Development had certain guidelines regarding a laneway house allowing laneway housing to be built on the property of the above mentioned zones. For a homeowner with this new zoning changes, what does it mean? Find out in my next article Zoning, what is it good for? Part Two by Geraldine Santiago

BC Buyers: Where Have All the First Time Home Buyers Gone?

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Sat, 22 May 2010 20:18:18 -0700

Where Have All the First time Home Buyers Gone? By Geraldine Santiago

Where have all the first time home buyers gone? According to a study by Ipsos Reid in Vancouver, first time home buyers are being pushed out of the housing market and statistics tell us that the numbers are dwindling.

The price of housing in Vancouver has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years and far surpasses the average income. First time home buyers, who are fresh out of University or college, have just entered the job market (and who may have student loans owing) have a difficult enough time saving for a down payment for the purchase of their first home.

Though first time home buyers are encouraged to use their registered retirement savings plan, RRSP for the down payment of their first home under the HBP or Home Buyer’s Plan, there are pitfalls to this. For one, the maximum allowable withdrawal under the HBP is only $25,000 and in addition, this has to be repaid over 15 years.

A single income buyer who, five years ago, could afford a one-bedroom in the Westside of Vancouver, is not able to do so anymore. Instead, I am seeing first-hand that couples with dual incomes have to share the burden of making do with a modest one-bedroom apartment.

The solution is not as simple as one thinks because building more homes for the consumer has a huge price tag with land prices, labour and materials increasing year after year. In addition, with HST looming, it will even be more unattractive for the first time home buyer to purchase with the cost of buying and borrowing adding to the expense. Vancouver itself has its own limitations being a port city. In addition, mountains to the north are not yet developed for housing opportunities. Lastly, there exist crown lands, endowment lands, and agricultural lands for the use of crops and agriculture which cannot be used for housing.

There should be greater incentives being given to the first time home buyer, such as not having to pay back the RRSP and having the limit higher in keeping with present market conditions.

If no incentives are to be made to encourage the first time home buyer, there will not be a need in the future for new developments or housing. The first time home buyer will not decrease but will be extinct with multi-generations living under one roof as first time home buyers will not be able to afford to purchase on their own.

Many first time home buyers would like to take advantage of low interest rates. However, mortgage rates are only one factor in the decision to purchase a first home. Buyers who were reluctant to buy a few years ago believed that the market would level off or cool down. When it would do so, these buyers hoped they could be able to buy under those market conditions.However, the housing market only cooled off for a brief period, and the advent of the Olympics in Vancouver in 2010 only made it worse with both global and local investors speculating and entering the housing market in Vancouver.

Though I have seen some first time home buyers and young couples purchase homes, they were able to do so with their parent’s gift monies. However, for those who cannot seek the help of their parent’s financial aid, what is to be done? What is the solution?

Fast forward to 2025 when my children are at the age of home buying. Will my children have to rent for the rest of their lives? Home ownership has huge rewards such as forced savings from its equity, a roof over one’s head and stability.

Is this a local problem or an global one? Real Estate property prices are similar in Europe, and in particular Spain and the UK where price houses have soared in the past few years making it also equally unaffordable for locals. To the South of us, in the United States, mortgage rates are also at a historic low, AND market prices have dropped, but still there are no buyers there either.

What are your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!

203 1933 West 5th, Vancouver, BC

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:23:33 -0700

I just rented this Apartment at 203 1933 West 5th, Vancouver, BC .

View this recently rented Apartment or see all my home sales

203 1933 West 5th, Vancouver, BC

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:23:06 -0700

I just finished uploading this Apartment for lease, 203 1933 West 5th, Vancouver, BC

This is a one bedroom unit facing North. Juliet balcony, this is centrally located to bus routes, and stores on West 4th. New carpet, and a fresh coat of paint make this unit a great rental! One year lease required.

First Time Home Buyers: Making an Offer

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Wed, 05 May 2010 10:45:24 -0700

First Time Home Buyers:

Making an Offer on a Property

by Geraldine Santiago

Making an offer on a property when you are a first time home buyer can be quite overwhelming as many first time home buyers rely on their REALTOR to help determine the fair market value of the property. Determining what is fair market value is not an exact science as no two properties are exactly the same. All properties are unique even two homes built on the same block at the same time with the same builder are different because of its location.

Lawyers look at legal precedents which are judicial decisions regarding law which affect future cases of a similar nature to help them with their cases. REALTORS do something similar by looking at a comparative market analysis or a CMA to determine what is deemed to be fair market value. The CMA report looks at active sales, expired sales, terminated listings, and most especially sold sales in a given time. A CMA that is too old or outdated will not help your buyer at all. Both lawyers and realtors must be experienced in their profession to get the best possible outcome.

A formal CMA report takes a lot of time to prepare. But buyers should have this information on hand before making an offer to purchase so that they will know how to price the property correctly.

Fast Forward to 2010 & First Time Home Buyers

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Tue, 04 May 2010 11:40:41 -0700

Fast Forward to 2010 & First Time Home Buyers (In Canada)

by Geraldine Santiago, Author and Realtor

First time Home Buyer Expert, www.vancouverhomesinfo

Fast forward to 2010, and first time home buyers have it GREAT. Buyers today are actually better equipped with the use of the internet, ebooks, consumer’s advocacy groups than yesteryear when I purchased my very first home.

Back then, there were no zero per cent down so it was difficult for first time home buyers to get pre-approved for a mortgage as easily as today. In addition, mortgage application forms are made easy today for the consumers. One can get a pre-approval on-line, with a computer and mouse! I remember when my husband and I went to the banks and it felt like they were pulling teeth--it was difficult for the banks to give us a home loan as we were new to the work force, and fresh out of University. Actually, we were still in University.

In addition, today there are buyer’s agents who represent the buyers and listing agents who represent the sellers. At that time when we purchased, there was no clear definition or designation. Now, I understand that in a year’s time, they will no longer have dual agency but DESIGNATED agency so that each party is best represented by their own agent. That means for REALTORS and agents, there will be no double ending the deal.

Today, the MLS listings are posted on-line, through the Real Estate Board. Before, we had to go through an agent and they were the ones who carried around this huge listings books as thick as the yellow pages and they would not lend it to buyers as it was too costly.

REALTORS today encourage that consumers hire the services of a certified home inspector so that consumers can determine for themselves the health of the home. Back then, it was not common to do so, and oftentimes, if one had a relative who was a plumber or electrician, they would “inspect’ the property with their limited capacity as a plumber or electrician.

So many things have changed from way back when I purchased my home, (as well as the price). Consumers can feel comfortable that they have the tools to get empowered. This is why I wrote my book, the “Complete Home Buyer’s Guide for Canadians” because it has everything you need to know about purchasing today and why you should take the time to borrow it from your local library, your bookstore or friend!

Is this the Year to Buy Your Recreational Property?

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Mon, 03 May 2010 10:46:43 -0700

Is This the Year to Buy Your First RECREATIONAL HOME?

by Geraldine Santiago

Author, Realtor: www.vancouverhomes.info

Is this the year to buy your dream home you’ve been thinking of all these years? Since 2000 recreational property sales across Canada have increased and trends are showing that this will continue for some time. It is STILL a great time to borrow and buy now. Interest rates are still relatively low.

As with first time home buyers, first time recreational home buyers also have to do their homework carefully. Compared to purchasing in the city or suburbs, it is even more crucial to choose a REALTOR in the local area who lives and works in the area you are considering to purchase. There are a lot of unique characteristics specific only to certain geographic areas, provinces and municipalities.

If you are buying recreational property, you have to learn about the larger market conditions that could affect your purchase. Equally important are land and water regulations that pertain to fisheries, oceans, wildlife, forests and the environment. Your local REALTOR is knowledgeable and skilled in these areas. Don’t choose a REALTOR without experience or knowledge of the area. A REALTOR in the city cannot claim to know about recreational property purchase unless they also live and have a recreational property of their own in the area.

My book, “Buy and Sell a Recreational Property in Canada” Self-Counsel Press Ltd. provides basic information for buyers and sellers of recreational homes in the hope that your recreational home purchase or sale will be a satisfying and rewarding experience.

Consumer's Guide To Buying Real Estate in Vancouver BC

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:07:40 -0700

A CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO BUYING REAL ESTATE IN VANCOUVER, BC

By Geraldine Santiago

Author and Realtor

The “Complete Home Buyer’s Guide for Canadians” would be, in my opinion, more appropriately titled if it was titled, the “Consumer’s Guide to Buying Real Estate in Vancouver, BC and CANADA” because it was written to benefit the consumer-buyer.

It is a guide loaded with information for buyers: what to expect, what to watch out for, what are some of the documents, legal terminology, and so on.

Borrow this book at a library, a friend, purchase it used--- you will see first hand how amazing this book is for first time home buyers, and how useful it is in your home buying process. It has checklists located at the back of each chapter to help guide you. It contains resources, information for the buyer to do their due diligence and research.

In addition, Self-Counsel Press Ltd. is an awesome and trust-worthy publishing company. They have many great authors who write for them, all of whom are experts in their own field!

With the ‘leaky condo crisis’ still existing in Vancouver and Victoria, it is a good way to find out how to protect yourself, as a buyer, and what you need to know. If you are purchasing a new or newer home, with a warrantee, it explains when the expiration date is, what will happen, and what is and is not covered.

There are a list of things buyers need to know, and realtors may not always explain everything as there is so much to learn and understand. So, to keep abreast of what consumers need to know, it is always a good idea to have this guide book with you. If I were to rewrite the the title of my book, it would be the “Consumer’s Guide to Buying Real Estate in Vancouver BC and Canada”. But it is not, so look for the “Complete Home Buyer’s Guide for Canadians” at your local library, new or used bookstore, or borrow from a friend!

Knight Open House!

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:07:56 -0700

We are proud to announce that this Sunday, May 2, 2010, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 5522 Knight Street in Knight, Vancouver. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Detached for sale in beautiful Knight.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Knight Detached for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Vancouver Real Estate
TRG Realty Kitsilano

Knight Open House!

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:06:26 -0700

We are proud to announce that this Saturday, May 1, 2010, 2:00 PM to 4:00 AM we will be hosting an Open House at 5522 Knight Street in Knight, Vancouver. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Detached for sale in beautiful Knight.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Knight Detached for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Vancouver Real Estate
TRG Realty Kitsilano

5522 Knight Street, Vancouver, BC

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:40:06 -0700

I just finished uploading this Detached for sale, 5522 Knight Street, Vancouver, BC

Seeing is believing! Don't just drive by, come and have a look at this great opportunity! The house is quiet inside! Don't miss this opportunity. This has a legal basement suite, with separate entrance, separate kitchen, income earner. Three bedrooms upstairs and 3 bedrooms downstairs. The living room is so big you can make that an extra den or bedroom for guest or homestay program! The tenants (both sets) would like to stay! Business license Permit for basement suite is provided to you. You can rent out the basement suite as your mortgage helper, and live upstairs. OR use both as mortgage earners. The choice is yours! With interest rates as low as this, this is a time to buy and borrow! Presently this house is shared with two related family members-- you can also do the same with your parents or grandparents living with you! Close to schools, parks and transportation, with great back yard for kids to play. Great upstairs deck to BBQ and enjoy the beautiful majestic mountain views! Close to East 41st, you can go to Oakridge shopping centre easily! Realtors--if you can't make it to the open house, send your buyers! Full cooperation is guaranteed!

Mt. Pleasant Open House!

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:35:41 -0700

We are proud to announce that this Sunday, April 25, 2010, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 710 East 6th Avenue , in The MacMillan House in Mt. Pleasant, Vancouver. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Apartment Unit for sale in beautiful Mt. Pleasant.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Mt. Pleasant Apartment Unit for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Vancouver Real Estate
TRG Realty Kitsilano

UPDATED: Mt. Pleasant Open House!

www.vancouverhomes.info (Geraldine Santiago) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 18:43:07 -0700

Please note the change for this upcoming openhouse.

We are proud to announce that this Saturday, April 24, 2010, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 710 East 6th Avenue , in The MacMillan House in Mt. Pleasant, Vancouver. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Apartment Unit for sale in beautiful Mt. Pleasant.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Mt. Pleasant Apartment Unit for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Vancouver Real Estate
TRG Realty Kitsilano