Burnaby sees a drop in value of building permits in first two months of 2010

The first two months of 2010 saw a significant drop in the value of building permits in Burnaby compared with the previous three years.

Gay couple clashes with Christian bed and breakfast owners over right to stay

Does freedom of religion trump the right not to be discriminated against due to sexual orientation?

B.C. Supreme Court sides with two home sellers

Two court decisions tell the stories of individuals who entered into agreements to purchase homes and ended up losing a lot of money.

Greater Vancouver real estate shows signs of life in the Olympic month

Prices are up, listings are up, and sales volumes have increased.

Renovation tax credit sought by Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association

The CEO of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association wants the federal and provincial governments to create a “permanent home-renovation tax credit”.

Surrey real-estate agents receive suspensions

The Real Estate Council of British Columbia recently announced that two Surrey real-estate agents have received suspensions for committing professional misconduct.

Federal government targets Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation rules

On February 16, the Conservative government announced three new measures to make it more difficult for some Canadians to finance home purchases.

Cameron McNeill plans to hand out 2,010 red umbrellas in city core

McNeill isn't the only one trying to paint the town red.

Canadian bankers plot new mortgage rules on down payments and amortization periods

Representatives from the Big Six banks want the federal government to raise minimum down payments from five to 10 percent of the purchase price and shorten the maximum amortization period from 35 to 30 years.

Straight article offers clue why bankers want higher down payments and shorter amortization periods

Perhaps the bankers aren't just acting out of a benevolent concern for the solvency of financial institutions.

Mortgage alarm raised by New Westminster chartered accountant

New Westminster chartered accountant Elbert Paul is no stranger to waging lonely crusades on behalf of the public.

Real Estate Council of British Columbia penalizes 10 agents

The Real Estate Council of British Columbia has recently penalized 10 real-estate agents for professional misconduct.

Cambie Street corridor increases density

In July 2009, council approved the terms of reference for the Cambie Corridor Planning Program, which will deal with the area between West 16th Avenue and Southwest Marine Drive. The first phase will define planning principles and an interim rezoning policy.

Gay tenants win B.C. Human Rights Tribunal complaint

The B.C. Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination in tenancy on a number of grounds, among them disability, sexual orientation, and lawful source of income. What Edmund Bro and Keith Scott experienced with their landlord, Michael John Moody, is exactly what the code forbids.

B.C. home sales soared in December

Home sales in the province in December 2009 were the second-highest for December in the past 20 years, the B.C. Real Estate Association reported on January 12.