Blog by Craig Rushton | Vancouver Real Estate | 604.505.6503

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As Banks tighten Buuyers & Sellrs get Creative

November 13th, 2011

An interesting article on Europe's incresaingly popular House Swapping. I am curious if this could catch on in North America where we tend to embrace home buying as a process instead of an end goal.

Via The Vancouver Sun

MADRID - When Jorge Lucero decided he needed a bigger home for his growing family, he knew it would be tough getting a loan from Spain’s risk-shy banks.

So instead of buying ...

Willow Street Lofts, Truro Nova Scotia

September 5th, 2011

Willow Street Lofts.jpgI was born and lived for 12 years in the town of Truro, a town in the very middle of Nova Scotia. Like my mother before me I attended Willow Street School from Kindergarten to grade 6 (mom and I actually had a teacher in common which is still a bit weird).

A few things I learned while at Willow Street School:

  • Basketball is fun (though I haven't touched a ball in probably 5 years.
  • Math is ha ...

Water Damage 101; Pillar to Post Home Inspections

August 30th, 2011

water-damage-vancouver-wa.jpgOur good friends at Pillar to Post sent over some info on water damage causes and prevention, here is what they had to say:

Water damage can come from a variety of sources: storms, flooding, broken water pipes and lines, leaking washing machines, and more. This can lead to mold and odor problems, and worse. If left unmitigated, water damage can eventually cause structural damage, which can e ...

Tour the 2011 PNE Prize Home

August 24th, 2011

The PNE Prize Home is fully-furnished with over 3100 square feet of superior finishings. The home will settle in Kelowna offering outstanding panoramic lake views.


Via: The Vancouver Sun

Tips from Ozzie Jurock when buyinga condo

July 25th, 2011

House Cloud.jpgThings To Do Before Buying a Used Condo

- Buy a good location in the building. Choose your suite wisely: Not over a garage door! Not over the entrance! Not near a garbage can.

Buy:

  • Corner units - particularly in Townhouse in complex. Buy the top floor in 3-story building. Buy balconies. Buy view.
  • Buy a building where you can rent out the suite! In BC councils can vote tenants out. In many p ...

New Feature on craigrushton.com

July 6th, 2011

bar-graph.gifWe believe that education and knowledge are vital to your success in Real Estate (as well as life). With this in mind we are proud to announce that our new neighbourhood stats feature is now up and running! By signing up for this you will receive monthly updates on a specific community, building, neighbourhood or subarea...whatever you are looking for! You can also get historical sales data g ...

Pillar to Post Summer Maintenance Checklist

June 29th, 2011

With summer's kickoff on the way, it's time to get your home in top shape for the months ahead. Whatever your weather, taking some time to take care of your home will help to ensure a worry-free, comfortable summer.

pillar to post.png

OUTDOORS


  • Inspect siding for cracks and make any needed repairs.
  • If paint is peeling, cracking, or chipped, repair and repaint now to limit damage to the underlying materials.
  • ...

Vancouver Property Tax Homeowners Grant

June 28th, 2011
Vancouver Property Taxes are due on July 5th and you may be eligible for a grant of $570 or more! 

For more information visit: Vancouver.ca/ehog

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From the website:

The basic grant can reduce your property tax by as much as $570. The minimum tax payable ($350) ensures that all homeowners (or eligible occupants, which includes an eligible occupant of an eligible apartment, housing unit, lan ...

Non Resident Buyers in Vancouver

May 28th, 2011
A quick guide for non-residents buying in Vancouver:globe.jpg

Downpayment:
  • Minimum 35% of the Purchase Price


Eligible Properties:

  • Rental Properties up to 4 units 
  • Recreational Properties meeting conventional standards


Application Process:

  • Standard Income Verification is required
  • Verification of all assets and credit obligations, including the down payment is required.
  • Confirmation and verific ...

It Can Pay to Snoop on Neighbors/Neighbours

May 24th, 2011

Interesting article from the Wall Street Journal on looking at your neighbours homes seeing what they have done and making your renovation choices from there.

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Open House Cards.jpg
Going to the open house of a home for sale down the block may make you feel like a nosy neighbor. But there are good reasons, beyond sheer curiosity, to take a peek inside.

By knowing the selling prices and how properties look insi ...

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