Common Questions, Clear Answers

Start with property tax information, mortgage details, records of renovations and permits, and relevant warranties. For a strata home, ask which strata records and forms are needed. Your realtor and legal adviser can help identify additional documents for your property.

Consider the deposit, subjects and deadlines, completion and possession dates, included items and any special terms. A higher price can come with conditions or timing that affect your plans. Review the whole offer and the risks before accepting it.

Timing varies with property type, pricing, presentation and the competition at the time you list. Separate the preparation period, time on market and the period between an accepted offer and completion. Build your plan around current comparable activity rather than a promised deadline.

That depends on your financing, comfort with uncertainty and the availability of suitable homes. Selling first gives you a clearer budget, while buying first can create carrying costs and financing pressure. Review both timelines with your realtor and lender before deciding.

Yes. A principal residence exemption may shelter the gain, but reporting and designation requirements still apply. If you rented out part of the property, owned it briefly or have other unusual circumstances, ask your accountant how the rules apply before relying on an exemption.

Start with an estimated sale price, then subtract your mortgage payout, agreed commission and applicable tax, legal costs, lender charges and net closing adjustments. Account separately for preparation and moving costs already paid. Add any tax allowance your accountant recommends.

You may, depending on your mortgage terms and when you sell. Ask your lender for a written payout estimate tied to your expected completion date. If you plan to buy again, ask about porting and the conditions you would need to meet.

Yes. Commission is negotiated between you and the brokerage and recorded in the listing agreement. Ask about the total fee, applicable tax, included services, separate expenses and any amount offered to a buyer’s brokerage before you sign.

The total depends on your agreed commission, legal fees, mortgage terms, preparation and moving costs, and completion adjustments. Start with a property-specific estimate so you can see the likely amount left after the sale. Ask your lender for payout details and your lawyer or notary for a completion quote. Our guide to the cost of selling a home in Vancouver walks through each item.

Yes. An early conversation can help you understand likely pricing, preparation and timing before deciding whether a sale makes sense. Bring your questions and your preferred timeline so we can discuss the next step at a pace that works for you.

No. I’ll explain the market realities and the likely outcomes of different price points, but the final decision is always yours. My role is to advise, not push.

It depends on the plan we choose. I work with sellers to minimize disruption and make the process as predictable and manageable as possible.

Not always. The useful work depends on your home’s condition, the buyers it is likely to attract and your timeline. Start with a walkthrough and a prioritized plan. Cleaning, repairs and presentation may be more practical than a major renovation, but the decision should fit your property.

That’s something we plan for upfront. I’ll talk you through different scenarios ahead of time so there are no surprises — and so you always feel in control of next steps.

A pricing recommendation should consider recent comparable sales, homes currently competing for the same buyers, your property’s condition and current market activity. The asking price is part of the marketing strategy; it is not a guarantee of the eventual sale price.

By slowing things down and focusing on fundamentals — pricing context, comparable sales, condition, and long-term value. The goal is to make decisions based on understanding, not pressure or headlines.

That’s okay. Buying a home is a big decision, and clarity often comes in stages. There’s no obligation to move forward just because you’ve started the process.

That depends on the purchase price and your situation. I’ll walk you through the basics early on and help you understand what’s realistic — before you start seriously looking.

Not always. There are a few different ways to approach this, and each has trade-offs. We’ll talk through your timeline, risk tolerance, and options so you can choose what feels right for you.

There’s no “right” number. Some buyers find the right place quickly, others take more time. My job is to help you evaluate homes properly so each showing adds clarity instead of confusion.

No. My role is to guide you, not rush you. I’ll help you understand when a home is worth acting on — and just as importantly, when it’s not. The decision is always yours.