This Week's Presenter Is...

Claire LeLacheur - Realtor, Prompton Real Estate


For someone who, by her own admission, has been known "cuss like a sailor", realtor Claire LeLacheur unfailingly delivers a lively, informative and PG-friendly presentation. It was easy enough to understand Claire's frustration and its attendant vocabulary restraint as she debunked myths and discussed the media's alarmist approach to all things Vancouver real estate.

One media-perpetuated misunderstanding centers around the term "HST free". Advertising re-sale style property (e.g. a previously owned house as opposed to one that has yet to be built) as "HST free" is like pitching water as "calorie-free", Claire explained. The various services involved with buying real estate, however, are subject to the new tax, as are newly built properties.

Another popular issue is the much-hyped 30% decline in sales. While there is some truth to sales having declined significantly over the past several years, what these articles fail to emphasize is the fact that property prices remain stable.


For a particularly insightful take on the Vancouver housing market, see Claire's blog post "Doom and Gloom and Bursting Housing Bubbles Again?" It contains a Vancouver Sun article by Chris McInnes whose last paragraph is, Clarie maintains, the best and most realistic:

Is a three-point increase in interest rates over the next few years more likely than a major price correction? I think so, but lacking a crystal ball, I still believe the best advice is to give up trying to time the ups and downs of the housing market. I think the best advice is to buy a home when you can afford it and you find one you like. After a few decades, you'll still have a home, no matter what kind of investment it turns out to be.

So, thinking of buying a home? Don't be ruled by fear. Click here to receive a free copy of Claire's book, A Guide to Buying Real Estate in Any Confusing Market.


Ultimately, whether you're looking to buy or sell real estate, it's a great idea to contact Claire. Remember: In any market, experience counts.

Website: www.thinkclaire.com


Email:claire1@shaw.ca


phone: 604-649-9253


fax: 604-255-1510