Finding the right real estate agent in Vancouver can be the key to unlocking the door to your dream home or successfully selling your property. This guide explores the vital role of an adept real estate agent in navigating Vancouver's unique market and highlights why Adam Chahl is considered among the best.

Qualities of a Top Real Estate Agent

Local Market Knowledge

A top-tier real estate agent possesses an in-depth understanding of the local market. This knowledge is crucial for advising clients on the best times to buy or sell, understanding property values, and identifying upcoming trends.

Excellent Communication Skills

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful real estate transaction. The best agents maintain open,…

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Today’s StatsCanada Labour Force Survey for February was a mixed bag and shows the dramatic effect of surging immigration. Canadian employment rose by a much stronger-than-expected 41,000, dominated by a 71,000 rise in full-time jobs.

The employment rate–the proportion of the population aged 15 and older who are employed–fell a tick to 61.5%. This is the fifth consecutive monthly decline, the most extended period of consecutive decreases since the six months ending in April 2009 during the global financial crisis. The Bank of Canada has emphasized the importance of the employment rate in recent commentary.

The employment rate in February 2024 was down 0.9 percentage points from the recent peak of 62.4% observed in February 2023. This downward trend…

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The focus of the Bank of Canada is on slaying the inflation dragon. The good news is that the year has started with a marked decline in price pressures. Due to falling energy prices, airline fares, and a deceleration in clothing and food, year-over-year inflation in January dipped to 2.9%. This follows 3.4% inflation in December.

The cost of shelter represents nearly a third of the Consumer Price Index, and the combination of rapidly rising population growth and already acute excess demand for housing will continue to underpin higher-than-target inflation. While mortgage interest costs will decline once the central bank begins to cut interest rates, and home replacement costs have already declined because of the overall decline in national home…

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One of the important factors in home ownership is understanding things like your credit score. Some people don’t pay much attention to this metric until they begin the mortgage discussion!

However, you will find that your credit score is one of the most important factors when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage at the best rate – and with the most purchasing power.

What Affects Your Credit Score

Credit scores range from 300 to 900, the higher your credit score the better. Ideally, you should be aiming for a credit score of 680 for at least one borrower (or guarantor), especially if you are putting under 20% down. If you are able to make a larger down payment of 20% or more, then a score of 680 is not required.

This score is based on spending…

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The Bank of Canada maintained its overnight rate at 5 per cent this morning. In the statement accompanying the decision, the Bank noted that economic growth is slow, wage pressures are easing, and the economy overall appears to be in a state of modest excess supply. On inflation, the Bank cited that shelter costs remain the largest contributor to inflation and that it expects headline CPI inflation to remain close to 3 per cent in the first half of this year before gradually falling back to its 2 per cent target. This morning's decision was much more about what the Bank is signaling for future meetings than the decision itself.

All attention will now shift to April 10th, the Bank's next meeting and the first in which a rate cut is a real possibility.…

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Protecting yourself and your mortgage from fraud is crucial to safeguard your financial well-being. Understanding some of the more common mortgage fraud scams and how to protect yourself can make all the difference!

The most common type of mortgage fraud involves:

A criminal obtains a property, and then increases its value through a series of sales and resales involving the fraudster and someone working in cooperation with them. A mortgage is then secured for the property based on the inflated price.

Below are some red flags to be aware of as potential lead-ins to fraud:

  • If someone offers you money to use your name and credit information to obtain a mortgage
  • If you are encouraged to include false information on a mortgage application
  • …

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Welcome to your ultimate guide to finding your dream home at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Nestled between the breathtaking Pacific Ocean and vast forests, UBC offers not just world-class education but a vibrant community and a high standard of living. Whether you're a prospective student, faculty member, or simply looking for a beautiful place to live, UBC's diverse real estate options have something to offer everyone.

Why Choose UBC for Your New Home?

Educational Excellence

UBC Real Estate is not just a hub for academic achievement; it's a place where lifelong learning extends beyond the classroom. The university's global reputation attracts students and professionals from around the world, creating a rich, multicultural community.

…

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Sales, listings continue to pick up heading into spring.

Home sales in the Fraser Valley posted a second consecutive bump in February as new listings continue to rise and trend slightly above the 10-year seasonal average.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 1,235 transactions on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February, a 32 per cent increase over January but still 21 per cent below the 10-year average for sales in the region.

New listings increased to 2,797 in February, up 18 per cent from January and 4 per cent above the 10-year average. “There is somewhat of a buzz in the market right now,” said Narinder Bains, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “We are seeing new listings come onto the market and REALTORS® continue…

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Home sellers awaken this spring, bringing much-needed inventory to the housing market.

While Metro Vancouver home sellers appeared somewhat hesitant in January, new listings rose 31 per cent year-over-year in February, bringing a significant number of newly listed properties to the market. Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 2,070 in February 2024, a 13.5 per cent increase from the 1,824 sales recorded in February 2023. This was 23.3 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,699).

“While the pace of home sales started the year off briskly, the pace of newly listed properties in January was slower by comparison. A continuation of this pattern in February would have been concerning, as it could…

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Real gross domestic product (GDP) rose a moderate 1.0% (seasonally adjusted annual rate), a tad better than expected and the Q3 contraction of -1.2% was revised to -0.5%. This leaves growth for 2023 at a moderate 1.1%. Monthly data, also released today by Statistics Canada, showed that December came in flat, well below the robust flash estimate, while the January preliminary estimate was a strong +0.4% (subject, of course, to revision). The January uptick was driven by the return of Quebec public servants and a mild winter.

The fourth quarter growth was fuelled by higher oil exports and was moderated by a significant decline in business investment. Housing investment declined again in Q4--a sixth decline in the last seven quarters. Despite increased…

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