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What is a Home Appraisal? Everything You Need to Know
4 min read What is a Home Appraisal? Everything You Need to Know A home appraisal is a designated appraiser's independent opinion of a property's market value. How it works in BC, what it costs and what affects the result. September 18, 2025
Retrospective Appraisal: When and Why You May Need One
6 min read Retrospective Appraisal: When and Why You May Need One A retrospective appraisal establishes what a property was worth on a past date — for estate settlement, separation, capital gains and tax assessment appeals. July 22, 2025
Change in Use of Property
14 min read Change in Use of Property Converting your principal residence to a rental (or back) is a change in use the CRA treats as a deemed disposition. What it means for your capital gains tax. May 29, 2025
BC Short-Term Rental 2025
7 min read BC Short-Term Rental Rules 2025: What Airbnb Hosts Need to Know BC's short-term rental rules changed in 2025 — principal-residence limits, provincial registration and local exceptions. What Airbnb and VRBO hosts need to know. April 30, 2025
Greater Vancouver Housing Market: What to expect in 2025
7 min read Greater Vancouver Housing Market: What to expect in 2025 Greater Vancouver’s housing market is expected to be more balanced in 2025, with prices 15–18% below their 2022 peak and inventory at its highest in years. February 26, 2025
BC Assessment 2025: Think Your Notice of Assessment is Incorrect?
5 min read BC Assessment 2025: Think Your Notice of Assessment is Incorrect? Every January, homeowners across British Columbia receive their Notice of Assessment, which outlines the assessed value of their property as of the previous July. In the Lower Mainland alone, over 1.1 million properties are evaluated annually. BC Assessment 2025 January 22, 2025
Is Canada on the Brink of a Mortgage War as Interest Rates Decline?
3 min read Is Canada on the Brink of a Mortgage War as Interest Rates Decline? Canada’s mortgage market is on the verge of a major shift, with experts predicting a potential “mortgage war” between the country’s largest banks. As interest rates begin to fall and over half of all mortgages are set to renew in the next two years, competition among lenders is expected to intensify. November 27, 2024
Mortgage Reforms 2024: Key Changes and the Importance of Mortgage Appraisals
5 min read Mortgage Reforms 2024: Key Changes and the Importance of Mortgage Appraisals On September 16, 2024, the federal government introduced a major mortgage reform aimed at making homeownership more accessible in Canada. With plans to build 4 million new homes, increase the insured mortgage price cap, and extend amortization options, these measures will impact first-time buyers, buyers of new builds, and anyone seeking an insured mortgage, making housing more affordable. As these reforms roll out, it’s important to understand not only the new mortgage rules but also but also how mortgage appraisals play a pivotal role within the updated framework of these changes. October 29, 2024
Understanding Mobile Home Appraisal
6 min read Understanding Mobile Home Appraisal As single-family home prices continue to rise in Canada, the dream of homeownership is becoming out of reach for many people. In a market where prices are sky high, more people are turning to affordable alternatives, with mobile homes also known as manufactured homes being a feasible option. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the key aspects of mobile home appraisals, helping you navigate the process with confidence. September 4, 2024
B.C.'s new short-term rental regulations 2024
4 min read B.C.'s new short-term rental regulations 2024 The British Columbia Government has introduced new regulations that significantly impact travelers and short-term rental operators alike. Effective May 1, 2024, B.C.'s new short-term rental regulations restrict such rentals to principal residences and secondary suites. The primary objective is to redirect more short-term rental units back into the long-term rental market, addressing the BC's housing needs. May 9, 2024
Appraisal for Tax Purposes | How Can I Save Taxes with my Principal Residence?
3 min read Appraisal for Tax Purposes | How Can I Save Taxes with my Principal Residence? If need a tax appraisal in the Lower mainland, you can rely on WesTech Appraisal's expertise and local market knowledge. We are your trusted appraiser of choice, offering you a high-quality service and a professional experience. Appraisal for tax purposes. April 11, 2024
7 Home Renovations That Increase Home Value in BC
6 min read 7 Home Renovations That Increase Home Value in BC Prior to commencing any home renovations , consider consulting an appraiser. Real estate appraisers offer invaluable insights to inform your decisions, optimize return on investment, and navigate the complexities of the real estate market. March 25, 2024
7 Factors that Influence the Cost of a Home Appraisal: How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost?
6 min read How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost in BC? 7 Factors That Set the Fee A home appraisal in BC typically costs $395–$595. Here are the 7 factors that raise or lower the fee, explained by WesTech's designated appraisers. March 7, 2024
Property Division in a Divorce? Divorce Appraisal
4 min read Property Division in a Divorce? Divorce Appraisal Divorce Appraisal - Divorce can be a challenging and overwhelming journey, especially when it comes to division of assets. A home appraisal provides an unbiased and accurate valuation of the home achieving a fair and equitable settlement for all parties. particularly in British Columbia. February 29, 2024
What is the first-time home buyer incentive?
5 min read What is the first-time home buyer incentive? The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (FTHBI) is a program designed to empower first-time homebuyers across Canada. Led by the Canadian government, this initiative aims to minimize the challenges often associated with purchasing a first home February 22, 2024
How to choose an appraiser in Vancouver?
4 min read How to choose an appraiser in Vancouver? A professional real estate appraiser can make all the difference, significantly influencing the success of a transaction. But how to choose an appraiser in Vancouver? February 15, 2024
Letter of Transmittal x Reliance Letter
3 min read Letter of Transmittal x Reliance Letter Navigating the details of appraisal documents requires a clear understanding of their purpose and implications. Letter of Transmittal and Reliance Letter are two key documents, each playing a distinct role in the appraisal process. February 12, 2024
Will Canada's international student cap affect rents in BC?
3 min read Will Canada's international student cap affect rents in BC? Canada's international student cap will decrease new student visas by 35%. This significant reduction may impact rents in BC. February 9, 2024
Greater Vancouver Housing Market: What to expect in the first half of 2024?
2 min read Greater Vancouver Housing Market: What to expect in the first half of 2024? If you're thinking of buying or selling a home, you might be wondering how the Greater Vancouver housing market will look like in the first half of 2024. February 6, 2024
WesTech Gift Of Appreciation Experience 2024 Series
3 min read WesTech Gift Of Appreciation Experience 2024 Series WesTech Gift of Appreciation. Throughout the year of 2024 WesTech will be giving you chances to enjoy 11 fabulous experiences to remember why you live in Vancouver. Whether you are our partner, use Westech as a source of information, or simply support our business, we want to extend a warm invitation to everyone. Anyone is welcome to participate, and every month you will have the chance to win. February 1, 2024
How to appeal property tax assessment?
3 min read How to appeal property tax assessment? How to appeal property tax assessment? if you believe your home is overvalued compared to your neighbors and similar properties, you might have a case for appeal, potentially leading to a considerable reduction in the total amount of tax you have to pay on your home. January 26, 2024
BC Assessment vs Home Appraisal
4 min read BC Assessment vs Home Appraisal A BC Assessment and a home appraisal both play essential roles in determining property value, yet they serve two completely different financial purposes. January 25, 2024
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