So what do I need to do now?

Here are just a couple of quick questions designed to help you clarify what is important to you as you begin your search and how this site may be able to help you. Good luck out there!

1. Is this a good time for me to buy?

a) Is this a good time to buy a house on the Westside of Vancouver?

Historically there is no better place to buy a home in Canada than right here. Due to the geographic limits placed on it by water on three sides, beautiful beaches, wonderful views and close proximity to Downtown, values remain as solid here as ever. Traditionally when the market takes a dive elsewhere, prices here dont go down, they just stop and wait. The only exception to this was in the 1990's, when money from Hong Kong came, and then left, so fast that it skewed the land values. However since 2001, driven almost entirely by local buyers, it has been business as usual and the market has steadily increased by approximately 20% each year. But will it last? The fact is that whether the current "hot" market lasts for another year or another decade should not necessarily govern whether you purchase a home at this time. Real estate will eventually rise in value so the only critical element is whether you might have to withdraw from the market again in the short term before that increase materializes. Safe to say, this location will protect you better than any other and as Vancouver itself comes of age over the next 20 years, like it or not, owning a house on the Westside will become a privelege of the few.

b) Is this a good time for me to buy personally?

As a homeowner looking to secure ownership of your own four walls, I believe that there is no such thing as a bad time. With interest rates at a consistently affordable level, it makes even more sense.

As an investor you have to prove to yourself that this market will outperform the other options you have in front of you and that the risk vs gain is reasonable.


In both situations, the success of your investment will not just be dependent upon general market conditions. Every sub area, every neighbourhood, every street and every house will appreciate at a different rate. The trick is to find the property that suits your needs but also stands to outperform the rest over your time as the owner.

2. What makes the most sense for my lifestyle?

1. Affordability. Know your limits. Consult with a mortgage broker or lender to find out what is available to you, then do some hard talking to determine how much of your disposable income you are really willing to part with every month.
2. Location. Visit the neighbourhoods section of this site to get a flavour of what the Westside communities can offer you.
3. Time. Renovations often pay dividends but does your lifestyle allow you the time and flexibility to live through the chaos. Is it really worth it to you personally?

3. What are my wants and needs?

Surprisingly, possibly the least important question, because, with the right realtor this will become self evident after just a few hours of your search, making it easy for you both to focus in the right direction.

4. Do I really need a Realtor?

No! You can handle the entire process yourself.
However... here is the analogy.

You require a complicated surgery. Do you:

1. Read up as much as you can on the internet and do it yourself.
2. See if one of your friends/relatives who is a doctor will do it for you, because you want to support their career, even if it isn't their field of expertise.
3. Take your time to find the best qualified, most experienced surgeon and set up a meeting with them to discuss the process. Then, if you feel comfortable, proceed knowing that your are in good hands and confident of the right outcome.

Buying the right/wrong piece of real estate is not life threatening but it can be life changing. If you would like to know more about Duncan and his team, click on About Duncan.

In the meantime, good luck in your search!