BC REALTORS® Adapt “Open House” Practices to Protect Consumers

BC REALTORS® Adapt “Open House” Practices to Protect Consumers

Vancouver, BC – July 8, 2020. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA), the Real Estate Council of British Columbia, and the Office of the Superintendent of Real Estate, with support from WorkSafeBC, have developed guidance to support BC’s REALTORS® in adapting traditional “open house” practices to keep consumers safe. While BC has entered Phase 3 of its Restart Plan, it will be anything but business as usual for Realtors and consumers when it comes to resuming open houses.
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Blanket Ban on Residential Evictions Ends

Blanket Ban on Residential Evictions Ends

On June 24, the BC Government made it possible to evict residential tenants for reasons other than non-payment of rent. That means real estate transactions that require vacant possession can now proceed.

Landlords with existing orders for eviction can take them to the courts beginning July 2, 2020, for enforcement and can enforce a writ order effective immediately. Landlords can enter a rental suite with 24-hour notice and don’t need the tenant’s consent. And documents can now be served in person.

REALTORS® and landlords are expected to follow health guidelines like physical distancing, cleaning and wearing masks when appropriate. Please continue with your diligence in showing property and meeting with clients. Check out the protocols from WorkSafeBC for more information.
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A Glimpse into COVID-19’s Effect on Canadian Housing Markets

A Glimpse into COVID-19’s Effect on Canadian Housing Markets

During these unprecedented times, buyers and sellers across Canada remain wary of the lasting impacts that COVID-19 will have on the housing market. The prospect of making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life while many uncertainties remain in the current market puts many Canadians in a difficult position—either wait or act fast.

To help you stay informed, we’ve analyzed housing markets across Canada, so you can better understand the current outlook and plan accordingly. Check out our May 2020 snapshot below:
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Home Prices Remain Steady, Buyers and Sellers Become More Comfortable Operating in Today’s Market

Home Prices Remain Steady, Buyers and Sellers Become More Comfortable Operating in Today’s Market

VANCOUVER, BC – June 2, 2020 – Metro Vancouver* home prices have remained steady since provincial health officials implemented physical distancing requirements in March.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that the MLS® Home Price Index1 composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver today is $1,028,400. This is virtually unchanged from April 2020, a 1.4 per cent increase over the last three months, and a 2.9 per cent increase compared to May 2019.

“Home prices have been stable during the COVID-19 period,” Colette Gerber, REBGV Chair said. “While we’re seeing a variety of long-term projections for the market, it’s critical to understand the facts and trends as they emerge.”
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Home Sales and Listings Down Amid COVID-19, New Tools and Practices Emerge to Help Buyers and Sellers Adapt

Home Sales and Listings Down Amid COVID-19, New Tools and Practices Emerge to Help Buyers and Sellers Adapt

VANCOUVER, BC – May 4, 2020 – While Metro Vancouver* home sale and listing activity remains limited by the COVID-19 situation, REALTORS® across the region are fast adopting new tools and practices to help advise and serve their clients in a responsible way.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 1,109 in April 2020, a 39.4 per cent decrease from the 1,829 sales recorded in April 2019, and a 56.1 per cent decrease from the 2,524 homes sold in March 2020.

Last month’s sales were 62.7 per cent below the 10-year April sales average and was the lowest total for the month since 1982.
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