BUYERS
How can I help protect you in your purchase?
Buying a property is a huge investment, often the biggest investment in our lives and I would like to ensure you know everything about the property you are about to purchase.
Apart from collecting data from the listing realtor, I will also contact City Hall to find out if your property was ever listed as a previous Grow-op or drug lab (often sellers do not know about it or they are not honest about it), whether there was any renovations done without a permit or if there is a set-back on the property line.
If it is a condo or townhouse, I will read the General meeting minutes to detect current and possible upcoming problems, I will find out how healthy the contingency reserve funds is and highlight any By-Laws which might affect you.
With all the information gathered, we will sit down and decide what kind of clause we would like in the body of the Contract of Purchase and Sale to provide you better protection. This contract is enforceable by the Courts of British Columbia.
Property Transfer Tax
Property Transfer Tax is payable by the Buyer when they make a purchase on a property, it is a land registration tax. It must be paid when an application for a taxable transaction is made at any Land Title Office in British Columbia to register changes to a certificate of title. Property Transfer Tax is payable on the fair market value of the property being transferred.
Property Transfer Tax is calculated as follow:
1% on the first $200,000 of the fair market value (which is usually the agreed price)
and 2% on the balance.
Example:
Agreed price on property is $1,000,000
1% on first $200,000 = $2,000
2% on balance ($800,000) = $16,000
Total: $18,000
*First-time Homebuyers incentives
For more info on Property Transfer Tax, please go to:http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/business/property_taxes/property_transfer_tax/ptt.htm
For my buyers that wish to build their own home, I will contact the City of Vancouver to find out what the property setbacks are, if there are any by-laws governing what is allowed to be built on site, whether there is a lane dedication, can a laneway house be built, if a property is sub-dividable and etc.
The general rule of thumb for maximum finished area a 2 level house can be built on site is: 20% of total lot size + 1,400sqft (E.g: Standard size lot of 33×122 will allow 800sqft + 1,400sqft giving a total of about 2,200sqft) For 3 level houses (a.k.a 2 level + basement), it is 70% of lot size (E.g: Standard size lot of 33×122 will allow an approximately 2,800sqft 3 level home to be built on site) This is a general rule of thumb for approximate calculation, I still consult with City Hall on maximum buildable size as sometimes there are other restrictions like what is allowed above gradient.
Realtors do title search to protect the interest of their Buyers as it reveals any easements, right-of-ways and lien on the property as these may affect the value of the property or prevent a Seller from being able to convey a free and clear title to the Buyer. It also allows me to know if I am dealing with the rightful owner of the property.>/
Easement = An easement is the right to use another person’s land for a stated purpose. It can involve a general or specific portion of the property. (E.g: Power or cable lines running across property)
Right-of-way = A right-of-way is a type of easement that gives someone the right to travel across property owned by another person.
Lien on property = When a lien is registered in the Land Title Office, it becomes a charge against the title to the land or property involved. This lien is paid off before the title becomes free and clear. (Happens when a person builds a house or do massive renovations without full payment of work, the builders can put a lien on the property)
Home inspections are always recommended as it allows you to find out if the property has any latent defects or conditions that will affect the value of the property, this is for the sole benefit of the Buyer, it generally takes about 3 – 5 hours depending on the size and condition of the property.
What do they look for?
Plumbing
Plumbing is of high priority when it comes to home inspections. Defective plumbing is classified in three ways namely leaking, clogging, and corrosion. A visual inspection will detect leaks and corrosion on pipes. Turning on all faucets in the highest bathroom and then flushing the toilet can gauge water pressure. The sound of water flowing through your pipes often indicates that the pipes are undersized. Additionally, if water coming from the pipes is dirty or contains debris, then the pipes are most likely rusting. The home inspector will evaluate all of these.
Damp or Wet Basement
The basement or crawl space is often the most revealing area in the building and usually provides a general picture of how the building works.
An inspector will check your walls for a powdery white mineral deposit a few inches off the floor, and will look to see if things you store right on your basement floor have suffered any moisture-related damage. Mildew odours are also a red flag for home inspectors. Difficult to eliminate, and indicative of other problems, an inspector will certainly be conscious of them.
Depending on severity and location it could cost you between $400 and $1,100 to seal a crack in your basement foundation. Another option is to add a sump pump and pit, which could cost around $750-$1,000. Finally complete waterproofing of an average 3-bedroom home could cost between $5,000 and $15,000. It’s important to factor these costs into the calculation of what you want to net on the sale of you home.
Damp Attic Spaces
Just as detrimental to a home seller as basement dampness are mould and mildew problems in the attic. Improper ventilation, insulation and vapour barriers can cause water and moisture to accumulate in the attic. This moisture and associated mould and mildew can lead to premature wear of the roof, structure and building materials. Oftentimes costs associated with fixing this damage can be in excess of $2,500.
Roofing Problems
The major problem associated with roofing problems is leakage, which can occur for a variety of reasons. Physical deterioration of asphalt shingles, mechanical damage from a windstorm or ice build-up as a result of poor drainage are all common causes of roofing issues. Leaky gutters and downspouts can also damage siding and exterior walls. Remember that it is only a matter of time before external damage becomes an internal problem.
Rotting Wood
Rotting wood, an issue particularly prevalent in older homes, can occur in many places such as door or window frames, trim, siding, decks and fences. Building inspectors will oftentimes probe the wood to check its integrity – and are particularly sceptical of woodwork that has been freshly painted.
Masonry Work
Brickwork commonly succumbs to water damage, minor ground and foundation settling and a host of other time-related changes. Redoing brickwork can be expensive, but when left unattended can sag, warp or even collapse. It’s particularly important to inspect your chimney for signs of moisture damage and structural integrity as problems in this area can lead to falling bricks and collapsing roof stacks.
Inadequate Wiring and Electrical Systems
Inadequate wiring can occur in many forms. Home inspectors will look at octopus plugs and extension cables as indications of inadequate circuits and potential fire hazards. Also your home should have a minimum of 100 amps service, and this should be clearly marked. All wiring should be copper or aluminium.
Unsafe or Over Fused Electrical Circuits
Unsafe electrical conditions are created when more amperage is drawn from a circuit than is intended. 15 Amp circuits are the most common in typical homes, although larger circuits are used for appliances such as stoves and dryers.
Older homes will also contain fuse panels rather than circuit breakers. Replacing a fuse panel with a circuit panel can often cost hundreds of dollars, but will be a factor that the home inspector will examine.
Poor Heating and Cooling Systems
A home inspector will scrutinize heating and cooling systems for efficiency and performance.
Insufficient insulation, and an inadequate or poorly functioning heating system, are the most common causes of poor heating. A home inspector will check the age of your furnace to see if it exceeds the typical life span of 15-25 years. Additionally, in a forced air gas system, the inspector will place the heat exchanger under particular scrutiny examining for cracks and damage as a potential source of carbon monoxide in your home. If the heat exchanger is damaged it must be replaced as it cannot be repaired.
Cooling systems are of equal importance. A home inspector will examine your air conditioning unit to evaluate size, installation, noisiness, dehumidification and cooling ability. A home inspector will pay particular attention to the exterior compressor/condenser units to make sure they are free of debris and have sufficient room in which to operate.
Adequate Security Features
A home inspector will examine your home for proper locks on windows and patio doors, dead bolts on the doors, smoke and even carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom and on every level. Installing these components can add to your costs, but will demonstrate an adherence to basic security standards in your home. A purchased security system will also be examined.
Structural/Foundation Problems
An inspector will most definitely examine the underlying footing and foundation of your home. A cracked foundation or unstable footing can cost thousands in your home’s value.
Upon discovering a deficiency in the home inspection, the Buyer has a few options they can use:
They can choose to accept it as it is
Come back to the table and renegotiate on the price or for work to be completed on said deficiency
Walk away from the agreement as the cost to fix deficiency far exceeds the value
Home Pro Inspectors (Roland Klann)
Telephone (604) 240-3314
D.C. Reid Appraisals Inspectors (Dave)
Telephone (604) 880-5028
IN-SIDE-OUT Home Inspection (Vaughn)
Telephone (604) 761-1220
Reliable Inspection (Jim Small)
Telephone (604) 649-3497
John Henry Inspections
Telephone (604) 202-6400
James Dobney Inspections
Telephone (604) 942-8272
Delbert or Peter
(604) 240-3235
Quality Inspections (Robert / John)
Telephone (604) 271-7177
Warren Mak Inspections
Telephone (604) 671-1188
BUYERS
How can I help protect you in your purchase?
Buying a property is a huge investment, often the biggest investment in our lives and I would like to ensure you know everything about the property you are about to purchase.
Apart from collecting data from the listing realtor, I will also contact City Hall to find out if your property was ever listed as a previous Grow-op or drug lab (often sellers do not know about it or they are not honest about it), whether there was any renovations done without a permit or if there is a set-back on the property line.
If it is a condo or townhouse, I will read the General meeting minutes to detect current and possible upcoming problems, I will find out how healthy the contingency reserve funds is and highlight any By-Laws which might affect you.
With all the information gathered, we will sit down and decide what kind of clause we would like in the body of the Contract of Purchase and Sale to provide you better protection. This contract is enforceable by the Courts of British Columbia.
Property Transfer Tax
Property Transfer Tax is payable by the Buyer when they make a purchase on a property, it is a land registration tax. It must be paid when an application for a taxable transaction is made at any Land Title Office in British Columbia to register changes to a certificate of title. Property Transfer Tax is payable on the fair market value of the property being transferred.
Property Transfer Tax is calculated as follow:
1% on the first $200,000 of the fair market value (which is usually the agreed price)
and 2% on the balance.
Example:
Agreed price on property is $1,000,000
1% on first $200,000 = $2,000
2% on balance ($800,000) = $16,000
Total: $18,000
*First-time Homebuyers incentives
For more info on Property Transfer Tax, please go to:http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/business/property_taxes/property_transfer_tax/ptt.htm
For my buyers that wish to build their own home, I will contact the City of Vancouver to find out what the property setbacks are, if there are any by-laws governing what is allowed to be built on site, whether there is a lane dedication, can a laneway house be built, if a property is sub-dividable and etc.
The general rule of thumb for maximum finished area a 2 level house can be built on site is: 20% of total lot size + 1,400sqft (E.g: Standard size lot of 33×122 will allow 800sqft + 1,400sqft giving a total of about 2,200sqft) For 3 level houses (a.k.a 2 level + basement), it is 70% of lot size (E.g: Standard size lot of 33×122 will allow an approximately 2,800sqft 3 level home to be built on site) This is a general rule of thumb for approximate calculation, I still consult with City Hall on maximum buildable size as sometimes there are other restrictions like what is allowed above gradient.
Realtors do title search to protect the interest of their Buyers as it reveals any easements, right-of-ways and lien on the property as these may affect the value of the property or prevent a Seller from being able to convey a free and clear title to the Buyer. It also allows me to know if I am dealing with the rightful owner of the property.>/
Easement = An easement is the right to use another person’s land for a stated purpose. It can involve a general or specific portion of the property. (E.g: Power or cable lines running across property)
Right-of-way = A right-of-way is a type of easement that gives someone the right to travel across property owned by another person.
Lien on property = When a lien is registered in the Land Title Office, it becomes a charge against the title to the land or property involved. This lien is paid off before the title becomes free and clear. (Happens when a person builds a house or do massive renovations without full payment of work, the builders can put a lien on the property)
Home inspections are always recommended as it allows you to find out if the property has any latent defects or conditions that will affect the value of the property, this is for the sole benefit of the Buyer, it generally takes about 3 – 5 hours depending on the size and condition of the property.
What do they look for?
Plumbing
Plumbing is of high priority when it comes to home inspections. Defective plumbing is classified in three ways namely leaking, clogging, and corrosion. A visual inspection will detect leaks and corrosion on pipes. Turning on all faucets in the highest bathroom and then flushing the toilet can gauge water pressure. The sound of water flowing through your pipes often indicates that the pipes are undersized. Additionally, if water coming from the pipes is dirty or contains debris, then the pipes are most likely rusting. The home inspector will evaluate all of these.
Damp or Wet Basement
The basement or crawl space is often the most revealing area in the building and usually provides a general picture of how the building works.
An inspector will check your walls for a powdery white mineral deposit a few inches off the floor, and will look to see if things you store right on your basement floor have suffered any moisture-related damage. Mildew odours are also a red flag for home inspectors. Difficult to eliminate, and indicative of other problems, an inspector will certainly be conscious of them.
Depending on severity and location it could cost you between $400 and $1,100 to seal a crack in your basement foundation. Another option is to add a sump pump and pit, which could cost around $750-$1,000. Finally complete waterproofing of an average 3-bedroom home could cost between $5,000 and $15,000. It’s important to factor these costs into the calculation of what you want to net on the sale of you home.
Damp Attic Spaces
Just as detrimental to a home seller as basement dampness are mould and mildew problems in the attic. Improper ventilation, insulation and vapour barriers can cause water and moisture to accumulate in the attic. This moisture and associated mould and mildew can lead to premature wear of the roof, structure and building materials. Oftentimes costs associated with fixing this damage can be in excess of $2,500.
Roofing Problems
The major problem associated with roofing problems is leakage, which can occur for a variety of reasons. Physical deterioration of asphalt shingles, mechanical damage from a windstorm or ice build-up as a result of poor drainage are all common causes of roofing issues. Leaky gutters and downspouts can also damage siding and exterior walls. Remember that it is only a matter of time before external damage becomes an internal problem.
Rotting Wood
Rotting wood, an issue particularly prevalent in older homes, can occur in many places such as door or window frames, trim, siding, decks and fences. Building inspectors will oftentimes probe the wood to check its integrity – and are particularly sceptical of woodwork that has been freshly painted.
Masonry Work
Brickwork commonly succumbs to water damage, minor ground and foundation settling and a host of other time-related changes. Redoing brickwork can be expensive, but when left unattended can sag, warp or even collapse. It’s particularly important to inspect your chimney for signs of moisture damage and structural integrity as problems in this area can lead to falling bricks and collapsing roof stacks.
Inadequate Wiring and Electrical Systems
Inadequate wiring can occur in many forms. Home inspectors will look at octopus plugs and extension cables as indications of inadequate circuits and potential fire hazards. Also your home should have a minimum of 100 amps service, and this should be clearly marked. All wiring should be copper or aluminium.
Unsafe or Over Fused Electrical Circuits
Unsafe electrical conditions are created when more amperage is drawn from a circuit than is intended. 15 Amp circuits are the most common in typical homes, although larger circuits are used for appliances such as stoves and dryers.
Older homes will also contain fuse panels rather than circuit breakers. Replacing a fuse panel with a circuit panel can often cost hundreds of dollars, but will be a factor that the home inspector will examine.
Poor Heating and Cooling Systems
A home inspector will scrutinize heating and cooling systems for efficiency and performance.
Insufficient insulation, and an inadequate or poorly functioning heating system, are the most common causes of poor heating. A home inspector will check the age of your furnace to see if it exceeds the typical life span of 15-25 years. Additionally, in a forced air gas system, the inspector will place the heat exchanger under particular scrutiny examining for cracks and damage as a potential source of carbon monoxide in your home. If the heat exchanger is damaged it must be replaced as it cannot be repaired.
Cooling systems are of equal importance. A home inspector will examine your air conditioning unit to evaluate size, installation, noisiness, dehumidification and cooling ability. A home inspector will pay particular attention to the exterior compressor/condenser units to make sure they are free of debris and have sufficient room in which to operate.
Adequate Security Features
A home inspector will examine your home for proper locks on windows and patio doors, dead bolts on the doors, smoke and even carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom and on every level. Installing these components can add to your costs, but will demonstrate an adherence to basic security standards in your home. A purchased security system will also be examined.
Structural/Foundation Problems
An inspector will most definitely examine the underlying footing and foundation of your home. A cracked foundation or unstable footing can cost thousands in your home’s value.
Upon discovering a deficiency in the home inspection, the Buyer has a few options they can use:
They can choose to accept it as it is
Come back to the table and renegotiate on the price or for work to be completed on said deficiency
Walk away from the agreement as the cost to fix deficiency far exceeds the value
Home Pro Inspectors (Roland Klann)
Telephone (604) 240-3314
D.C. Reid Appraisals Inspectors (Dave)
Telephone (604) 880-5028
IN-SIDE-OUT Home Inspection (Vaughn)
Telephone (604) 761-1220
Reliable Inspection (Jim Small)
Telephone (604) 649-3497
John Henry Inspections
Telephone (604) 202-6400
James Dobney Inspections
Telephone (604) 942-8272
Delbert or Peter
(604) 240-3235
Quality Inspections (Robert / John)
Telephone (604) 271-7177
Warren Mak Inspections
Telephone (604) 671-1188