Doesn't hurt to just hit up open houses on the weekend.
Then you'll learn what you like and don't like, ie which direction it's facing, layout and etc etc.

Learning from experience plus supplement that knowledge with shit your realtor will teach you assuming he/she isn't shitty.

I would consume as many open houses as possible even if it's something that you may not like or even over your budget. Heck even look at different properties condo/single family/townhome. Seeing all the different types of properties, lay outs, new vs old, pre sales, prices ranges, styles within diff cities all teach you something in some way,

Buy the condo close to skytrain with the better facing view eventhough itll stretch your budget. My condo is still appreciating even in these slow times while my neighbors are staying stagnant.

Research the developer thoroughly by checking out their previous builds.

+1

100%, at the end of the day it's nothing money can't fix if I have to I'll just throw more money at people to make it worth their wild.

Still not looking forward to finding a place.......

Feel free to pick my brain, no strings attached :D A one-on-one personal overview is infinitely more relevant. Always enjoy working with potential buyers.

For condos and townhomes I also have a checklist I occasionally repost. It’s moreso to do with brand new units and the finishing walk through but it also gives an idea of some things go to look at.

In other news East Van sales seems to be heating up, our neighborhood behind us sold his house with 1 open house and 8 days on the market. Also lots more sold signs all over

so my wife wants to buy another house....."investment opportunity" she says and rent out our current house

the last thing i thought I would be entertaining right now was buying a new house. I'm in an extremely comfortable position with my current house/mortgage and don't really feel all that excited to take on a much larger monthly payment

only upside would be getting a double car garage....that i would be pretty pumped for

she would like to be closer to burnaby, i say fuck no....i like the coquitlam center area would entertain going up the hill ie poirier area

Can you repost that link? I am doing a new condo inspection next week, that would be incredibly useful.

After being in Coquitlam over a year went back to metrotown last weekend and my God there are way too many people, line up everywhere. I much prefer coq center

oh man i haven't been to metrotown in a LONG LONG time and can't say i miss it

when i say she would like to be closer to burnaby i mean north burnaby.

Anyone familiar with or used Laurentian Bank of Canada?

They are offering 3.3% on a high interest savings which is way more then anything else I've seen.

They're an offshoot like Tangerine>Scotia, so online-only based. I've heard the website/app is pretty buggy like their other offshoot, B2B so caution there if you need cash access at a moments notice. Rate isn't guaranteed.

Deposits up to $100k are covered through CDIC, so if you have deep 6 figures but want to take advantage of these rates, you'll need to open separate accounts or go through different banks.

Wow 3.3%..

I seen that as well about the CDIC but then when I was looking at a major bank like RBC it's the same insurance so I don't know if this totally standard?

https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/partners/cdic/index.html

We're looking to park a decent amount on the short term, about 750. My brother in law said the same thing, if you need cash quickly be careful because they'll probably mail you a draft on a large amount and it could take weeks.

Gives a decent overview / realistic assessment:

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/inve...e-33-per-cent/

can't see anything mentioning the 3.3% on their website?

https://www.lbcdigital.ca//en/index

I did call and speak to them, they said you could link your primary bank and transfer money online, it's an online account. I was told no limit to the amount you could deposit it's not an introductory rate but at the same time like anything it's subject to change.

Anyone used Spagnuolo & Company for their real estate transaction?

^^^

They're one of the largest RE conveyancing firms out there. Tons of branches. Slight premium for similar results so up to you as to their value. Had a few clients comment in the past for getting passed around for answers since multiple people can end up handling one file.

ya i used them on my last mortgage renewal

got it thanks, also want to confirm it's the high interest savings account not the checking account

I've been trying to open one online, but the stupid equifax questions are so crazy random and keeps gonging me out... how am I supposed to remember if I might have switched phone companies in August of 2015 :alone:

Can you define slight premium? They quoted $950 for a purchase with mortgage, plus disbursements.