342 articles by Richard Morrison
Updated: . When I first started investing in rental properties back in Vancouver, I thought hiring a property manager was just about collecting rent and handling tenant complaints. Boy, was I wrong. After dissecting dozens of property management contracts across BC and the rest of Canada, I realized
Have you ever considered subdividing your property in Vancouver to create additional lots that can be sold or developed? Subdividing property can certainly unlock value, but it's important to understand the process and requirements before pursuing this route. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk y
When I first heard about someone making six figures flipping a single house in Vancouver, I thought it was just another exaggerated success story. But after working with dozens of real estate investors over the past decade, I've witnessed firsthand how strategic property flipping can transform modes
When I first helped a young couple navigate their home purchase in Vancouver, they were shocked by a legal fee invoice that seemed to appear out of nowhere. "Why didn't anyone tell us about this?" they asked. You're not alone if you've wondered about the mysterious world of legal fees when buying a
When I first started helping homeowners sell their Vancouver properties, I thought pricing was straightforward – just look at what similar homes sold for and pick a number. But after witnessing countless sellers either leave tens of thousands on the table or watch their homes languish unsold for mon
When I first started working with homeowners in British Columbia who needed to sell quickly after purchase, I thought the process would be straightforward—list the property, find a buyer, close the deal. But after helping dozens of clients navigate selling a house within a year of purchase, I realiz
Leaky condos? What does it mean in Vancouver real estate? As an experienced analyst and resident of this beautiful city , let me explain why leaky condos are a problem and how you can avoid them when searching for your dream home . Water damage from inadequate waterproofing seeping into stucco or wo
Quick Summary Vancouver is full of amazing developments created by talented developers. Who are the top 12? This article will introduce you to them, providing their backgrounds and accomplishments. Find out who's behind your favourite buildings and learn more about the city's real estate market . Ge
Need an affordable home ? Canada, the second-largest nation, has some of the cheapest land. According to a recent report, one acre of land in some parts of Canada costs $500 CAD! This makes it an attractive option for homebuyers looking to invest in property without breaking the bank. However, with
Dreaming of owning your own home in Canada? For most buyers, the first step is hiring a real estate agent to help navigate the complex process of finding and purchasing property. However, some savvy buyers choose to go it alone and buy a house without the help of a realtor. If you do choose to [&hel
When I first heard about rent-to-own homes, I thought it sounded too good to be true. Pay rent and eventually own the place? But after diving deep into how rent-to-own works in BC Canada, I realized this path to homeownership is far more strategic—and legitimate—than most people imagine. Rent-to-own
Are you seeking a fresh start and the freedom of land ownership? Canada has great opportunities if you look! This article lists 8 Canadian towns with free land. These towns in Alberta and Manitoba offer new adventures and a break from city life. These communities offer land for homes and businesses.
Are you considering a home improvement project? Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can be rewarding and cost effective, but they may not always be the best option. As a real estate agent with over 20 years of experience in home improvements, I’m here to help guide your decision making process. When it co
When I first started helping clients navigate British Columbia's property tax landscape, the speculation and vacancy tax confused nearly everyone who walked through my door. But after guiding hundreds of property owners through their annual declarations over the past few years, I've realized this pr
Thinking of turning that spare property into an Airbnb rental? Airbnb investing can be quite lucrative, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Weighing the pros and cons carefully is key before taking the plunge. Key Takeaway: Airbnb investing can yield higher returns than traditional ren
Fractional ownership allows multiple investors to purchase shares of a property, providing affordable access to real estate that may otherwise be unattainable. Though fractional ownership offers benefits like shared costs and flexible usage, limitations like resale restrictions and consensus decisio
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between average and median real estate prices? It’s a commonly asked question in today’s market, so let me explain. As an experienced Realtor, I understand how important it is to know the differences. The first thing to note is that average and median re
Renting a home in British Columbia can be an exciting yet stressful process. As a renter, you want to find the perfect home that fits your needs and budget. However, renting also involves legal contracts, negotiations, and financial commitments. Going in prepared with the right questions will help s
When buying or selling a home, you may hear the term "holdback" used by realtors, lawyers, or lenders. But what exactly is a real estate holdback and when are they used in a property transaction? Key Takeaways An Overview of Real Estate Holdbacks A real estate holdback refers to a portion of the sal
When I first helped a young couple navigate their home purchase in Metro Vancouver back in 2018, they thought buying their first home would be as simple as finding a place they liked and signing some papers. But after six months of searching, multiple rejected offers, and countless sleepless nights,
Vancouver is known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle. For many, owning a piece of this world-class city is a dream come true. But when it comes time to sell your Vancouver condo, the process can seem daunting. For example, if you receive a subject to sale offer from
Are you a real estate agent looking to get the best deal for your client in BC, Canada? Doing a comparative market analysis (CMA) is essential if you want to ensure that both parties are getting fair value out of the transaction. But how do you go about doing one? Don’t worry – I'm here […]
Real estate development can be a lucrative business, but it requires knowledge and experience to truly make money. Knowing the ins and outs of how real estate developers earn their profits is key if you are considering breaking into the industry. In this article, we’ll explore all the ways that real
When I started working with landlords selling tenanted properties fifteen years ago, most of them thought they'd need to evict their tenants first. But here's what surprised me after helping dozens of property owners through this exact situation: selling a house with tenants in British Columbia is n
Buying property at a real estate auction in British Columbia can be an exciting way to get a great deal on your dream home or investment property. However, auctions have their own set of rules and procedures that are important to understand before jumping in. This comprehensive guide will walk you t
When I first encountered a client who needed to sell their Vancouver home but wasn't ready to move out, I thought it was an impossible situation. But after helping dozens of BC homeowners navigate rent-back agreements over the past decade, I've learned this arrangement is far more common—and benefic
Selling a home in BC's fiercely competitive market often means navigating intense bidding wars. While stressful, bidding wars give savvy sellers opportunities to maximize sale prices. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to effectively leverage bidding wars to your advantage as a BC s
Deciding whether to sell your home or rent it out when moving can be a tricky decision. Both options come with pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your financial situation, goals, and the local housing market. This comprehensive guide examines all the key factors to weigh when choosing be
When homeowners call me asking how to choose the right realtor, I always tell them: "You wouldn't hire a contractor without interviewing them first, so why would you trust someone with your biggest asset without asking the right questions?" After 20+ years as a real estate professional selling homes
When I first sat down with the Johnsons last spring to discuss selling their home, they looked genuinely shocked. "I thought it was just the realtor commissions," Mrs. Johnson said. But after 18 years helping Metro Vancouver homeowners navigate the selling process, I've learned that understanding th
The Role Of Technology In Real Estate License Education And How It’s Changing The Way We Learn As an experienced real estate agent , I’ve seen the way technology has revolutionized the industry. No longer do we have to rely on outdated methods of learning; now we can use digital tools and resources
When I first started helping buyers navigate Vancouver's real estate market, I thought I understood what "competitive market" meant. But after watching countless families lose their dream home to bidding wars—sometimes by mere thousands of dollars—I realized the truth about successfully buying a hom
So you finally decided to take the plunge and build your dream home in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. Congratulations! As exciting as this new chapter is, the process of building a custom home can feel overwhelming for first-timers. Naturally, one of the big questions on your mind is “How lo
The home appraisal is a key step in the home buying process. But how long should you expect to wait for the appraiser's final report? This comprehensive guide breaks down the appraisal timeline and factors that can delay your closing. Key Takeaways: After your home offer is accepted, the appraisal i
Passive real estate investing has become an increasingly popular way for Canadians to grow their wealth. By taking a hands-off approach, passive investors can earn income from real estate without the responsibilities of being a landlord. If done right, passive real estate investing can pave the road
Are you looking for an affordable way to build a house? Building your own home isn’t just about having a place of your own, it’s also about mastering the art and science of construction. If you’re considering building your own home but don’t know where to start, then this article is perfect for you!
As a top realtor in Vancouver for over 15 years, I've helped countless clients find their dream homes. But some of my most rewarding deals have come from properties that were never even listed on the market. Savvy investors often find off-market deals at property auctions, presenting unique opportun
As an experienced realtor in Vancouver for over 15 years, I've seen my fair share of booms and busts in the local real estate market. But one thing that has remained constant is the importance of staying on top of key statistics that impact sales, such as the average number of homes sold annually pe
Selling your home without a realtor in BC, known as FSBO (For Sale By Owner), can save you money on commissions but requires more time, effort, and expertise on your end. Do your research to determine if going the FSBO route is right for you. Most sellers will benefit from at least some professional
When I first started working with clients exploring affordable housing options in BC, I thought manufactured homes were simply "trailers" with limited value. But after helping dozens of families successfully purchase mobile homes in parks across the Okanagan, Vancouver, and Kelowna, I realized the t
One-part security system and one-part time saver, real estate lock boxes are a handy tool to help show a property and close sales. I often use lock boxes on my listings. For over 20 years as a Realtor I have showed many properties on lock boxes. Key Point Real estate lock boxes are secure boxes [&he
Being a real estate agent recruiter is one of the most challenging roles to take on in the real estate industry. After all, if you decide to work in this position, you will essentially be tasked to sales talk to some of the most adept salespeople in the world of business . How effectively you [&hell