Blog
Real estate insights, tips, and market updates.
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GST on New Homes in BC: Rebate Thresholds, Who Qualifies & How to Claim
First-time buyers pay $0 federal GST on new BC homes up to $1M thanks to the 2025 FTHB rebate. See who qualifies, how it phases out to $1.5M, and how to stack it with the BC PTT exemption.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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BC Flipping Tax 2026: Rates, Exemptions & How to Avoid Paying 20%
Sell a BC home within 730 days and the province takes up to 20% of the profit. Here is the exact rate formula, every exemption, and how to file.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Court-Ordered Sales BC: Auction Bidding Guide & Investment Strategy
Learn how to bid at court-ordered sales auctions in BC and acquire properties at 10-20% discounts. Understand bidding mechanics, winning strategies, and investment returns.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Use RRSP for Down Payment in BC: Withdraw $35,000 Tax-Free (HBP 2026)
Yes, you can use RRSP for a down payment in BC. The Home Buyers' Plan lets first-time buyers withdraw $35,000 tax-free ($70,000 per couple). Here are the 2026 rules, repayment, and FHSA comparison.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Home Insurance BC: Compare Rates & Save 20-30% (2026)
BC home insurance in 2026 runs $700-$950/yr in Metro Vancouver, $550-$750/yr in Surrey, $500-$700/yr in Burnaby. Six factors drive your rate, and five tactics can cut it fast.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Home Appraisal in BC: What Lenders Check and What Happens If It Comes In Low
A home appraisal in BC is a lender-ordered valuation that protects the bank, not you. It costs $300-$500 and can kill a deal if it comes in low. Here's how to handle it.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Assignment Sale BC Explained: How Presale Contract Transfers Work in 2026
An assignment sale in BC transfers a presale contract before the building completes. Tax rules changed in 2024. Here's what assignors and assignees actually pay in 2026 — plus where to find active listings.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Best Neighbourhoods Surrey 2026: Prices, Schools, Transit
Surrey's median sits at $989,950 with 9.2 months of inventory — a clear buyer's market in 2026. Here are the best neighbourhoods for first-time buyers, investors, and SkyTrain commuters.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Property Transfer Tax BC: How Much Will You Pay in 2026?
BC Property Transfer Tax is 1% on the first $200K + 2% to $2M + 3% to $3M + 5% above. On a $1.2M home that's $22,000. First-time buyers can owe as little as $0.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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BC Property Assessment: Appeal & Challenge (2026 Guide)
BC Assessment values are set each July 1 and usually come in below market value. Here's how your assessed value is calculated, how it drives property tax, and when it's worth appealing.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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How to Choose a Realtor in BC: 7 Questions to Ask Before Signing
Seven questions to ask any BC realtor before you sign a listing or buyer agreement — covering track record, commission, and local expertise. Plus three red flags that should end the interview.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Strata Depreciation Report BC: What It Means for Buyers
Every BC strata with 5+ units must have a current depreciation report by July 1, 2026. Typical cost: $5K-$30K per building. Here's what the report covers and what buyers should flag.
Hamidreza Etebarian