HOMES . VEHICLES . PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
FIND YOUR ISLAND DREAM HOME
Common MORTGAGE MISTAKES
2017
VISIT US ONLINE AT ISLANDBUYERS.CA
ⰻ꣡⚥俒晜
FR EE
TOP 10 CARS OF
BILL BROWN Territory Manager
Hi! My name is Bill Brown, and on behalf of the entire Island Buyers’ Sales and Specialist team, I would like to take this opportunity to say that we are very excited about the potential to help foster and share in the future growth of Auto Dealers, Real Estate and other Service Professionals from up and down the Island ! Both online and in newsstands across the Island, we look forward to serving the ‘Island Buyers’ customer with great editorials, advertorial and educational content that actually informs the consumer on best practices to assist with their buying experience. Further, the buyer will find the Island’s largest directory of automobiles, their respective dealers, and a showcase of many Island professionals that is available in print and an online format! With the former Island Dealers print and online car magazine under our umbrella, we have access to mediums and products that draw eyes at every consumer touch-point! We’re confident that the opportunity to reach out to native Islanders and newcomers alike on our platform, offers a unique opportunity for any business or individual aiming to build their brand while increasing market share and exposure on Vancouver Island. ISLAND BUYERS MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
Having said that, we are totally beefing up our online capabilities and re-engineering our web presence, and social media platform to attack the reality of the hand-held era. As most of those who offer any type of merchandise or service today undoubtedly understand, the best way of getting in the consumer’s mind, is to be in their face. Our print product aims to do just that – a great marketing vehicle in its own right, but also a gateway to our upcoming online and mobile products. With direct connections to mainland China, we are also mirroring the Island Buyers website in Mandarin, and a portion of the print magazine will also be printed in that language. We want every new consumer on the Island to believe that the best way to find an automobile, property or local service, is visit IslandBuyers.ca! However, in conjunction with that, and just as important, we want to be a platform that you, the professionals also trust, and use to showcase your products, knowing that we give you great breadth of exposure, and brand recognition right across the Island! Finally, if you have any feedback or suggestions for upcoming editions’ content or means of marketing, please don’t hesitate to give me a call or send an email — we’d love to hear them! I look forward to seeing you on the road, up and down the Island! Additionally, we are in a position to showcase our individual Professional Specialists from across the Island, and direct those new buyers who need assistance in finding the best services and products available within our network. Our mandate is clear: we are in the business of recommending and offering services to all Islanders, striving to make the process a smooth and beneficial experience! That is why we require excellence from all of
the professionals that we advertise and recommend within our network. Our aim is to be known as the go-to product and service directory for those on, or coming to the Island from other parts of the world.
CONTENTS FEATURED CONTENT Top 10 Cars of 2017 — 05 Common Mortgage Mistakes — 12 Home Inspection Tips — 17 Real Estate Agent or Not? — 19 The Next Boom? — 21 MANDARIN CONTENT / âšĽäż’ć™œ â¸…ć¤šä¨ťé¤§ĺ‚žĺƒ’ćœˆćś¸ę?Ąéœ´ Ë‹ 䨝㞋ĺ?…낉䋗朸çż&#x;餓 — 27 âœˆä¨ťéŠłäŞŞçľ‘ç´Źâžƒă Ťď˜˝ Ë‹ 䨝â?ĄâšŒćś¸â™´â™§âšĄćŽšćŒżâź“ăš–ď˜˝Ë‹ MASTHEAD 1VCMJTIFS %FSFL +JBOH EFSFL!JTMBOECVZFST DB
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Copyright Š 2017 by Island Buyers / Van-Isle Peking Consultancy Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,� at the address below.
Derek Jiang Publisher
Island Buyers 4-4166 Departure Bay Road Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9T 4B7 www.islandbuyers.ca
ISLANDBUYERS.CA THE ISLAND’S BEST HOME . VEHICLE . SERVICES LISTINGS
3
The Island’s Only Mandarin Weekly
viweekly
“
www.viweekly.ca
VI WEEKLY, Nanaimo
VI WEEKLY
—
▪ LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS ▪ 7000 WECHAT* FOLLOWERS ▪ 25% OF MARKET REACHED IN FIRST MONTH OF OPERATION Tianzhu
To find out more about this advertising opportunity, give us a call at 250.585.2898
VI Weekly — short for Vancouver Island Weekly, is the first and only Mandarin newspaper printed on the Island. Launched in February, 2017, VI Weekly serves Chinese communities in both Victoria and Nanaimo. *WeChat is the dominant social media platform in the Chinese community.
温哥华岛
周 报
VI WEEKLY
www.viweekly.ca
250.585.2898
sales@viweekly.ca
TOP 10 CARS OF
2017
I
t’s often difficult coming up with ‘top ten’ lists that are an accurate reflection of what’s available in the marketplace, given what’s a key feature for one person, mayn’t be a notable option for another. With vehicles, as a result of the plethora of choices available to the consumer, we felt an effective way to declutter the list was to focus on those standout models which also received significant updates for 2017. The following represents a wide cross-section of product offerings designed to whet the appetites of automotive enthusiasts and busy families alike. MAZDA MX-5 RF: Or “retractable fastback,” references its retractable hardtop and stylish roof-line. This is a hardtop update to the fourth-generation MX-5 Miata that went on sale this year. This is a huge win for Mazda from a business perspective, as the company has indicated that roughly 50% of its 3rd generation Miata sales
were of the hardtop variety. The hardtop has a formidably engineered design, including rear window glass that is fully stowed within the roof upon retraction. Its is concealed behind the rear seats, so the trunk capacity isn’t compromised. The roof retracts or closes with the flip of a switch, even at speeds of 10km/h or less. A 2-litre four cylinder engine powers this coupe, yielding 155 horsepower. Both manual and automatic transmissions are available. VOLKSWAGEN Golf Alltrack: Clearly targeting Subaru, Volkswagen has unleashed the Golf Alltrack — a variant of the small Golf SportWagen. Its unique grille and which sports a honeycomb design set it apart from its sibling. Normally operating in front-wheel-drive mode — a boon to fuel economy — the Altrack automatically switches to all-wheel-drive when the vehicle detects wheel slip. Further, a selector allows the driver to choose “off-road”, for those situations
ISLANDBUYERS.CA THE ISLAND’S BEST HOME . VEHICLE . SERVICES LISTINGS
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requiring more traction. The Alltrack shares the same 1.8-litre, four-cylinder engine with the SportWagen, which yields a respectable 170 horsepower, and automatic emergency braking is among available safety features. With a 6 speed manual planned for the near future, a six-speed automatic is standard for the present. Assuming similar gas mileage with its sibling, the Alltrack should get up to 29 mpg in city and highway driving. HYUNDAI Elantra: This year the Hyundai compact gets a complete makeover. Very slightly longer and wider than its predecessor (about an inch in each direction), its interior is now large enough to be classified as a mid-size car under U.S. EPA rules. Hyundai has aimed this car squarely at those in the small to mid-sized market, looking for a little more luxury. Hyundai reinforced the chassis, giving it substantially better handling. This fact aside, the company touts its lower noise and vibration characteristics. There are new engines available this year: a 2.0 four cyl-
inder and 6 speed manual and automatic transmissions with 147 horsepower, and a 1.4-litre turbo 4 Eco model which puts out 128 horsepower, and gets 35 mpg (combined city-highway) with aid from a 7 speed automatic.
HONDA Civic Hatchback: After more than a decade, the return of the hatchback Civic has been greeted with considerable market anticipation. Sporting a 1.5-litre, 174 horsepower power plant, the Civic cranks out an extra 6 on the Sport and Sport Touring models. With a combined highway and city driving rating, the vehicle gets 34 mpg, and features either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission. Tech options include driver-assist features, such as forward collision warning and automatic braking, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control that can work at high and low speeds. Sure to turn heads after so long absent from the market, the new Civic is clearly destined to please Honda enthusiasts.
2017 HONDA CIVIC HATCHBACK
ISLAND BUYERS MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
2017 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIME
CHEVROLET Bolt: Chevy’s fully electric Tesla rival is now available and looks like it’s up to the challenge. The company says its new vehicle boasts a 320 kilometre range on a single charge, of which 80% can be reached in an hour with a 240volt charger. Suffering a little identity crisis, this compact also has a hatch — yet bears a resemblance to an SUV. Featuring a 10.2 inch touch screen, the five-passenger Bolt, is certain to be a contender in the busy field of upcoming all-electric vehicles. BMW 2 Series: While not a massive upgrade, this small coupe gets the next generation of BMW four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines and a slight change in numbers. The 228i goes to 230i and gets a new 248-horsepower turbocharged 2-litre four. The M235i becomes the M240i and gets a new in-line 3-litre, 6-cylinder twin-turbo engine with 335 horsepower, 15 more than its last incarnation. BMW quality is of course, standard equipment.
AUDI A4: Last redesigned in 2013, Audi’s mid-size sedan has received some major attention. Sportier than previous incarnation, this new model additionally includes a standard powered sunroof. Additionally an updated 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine delivers 252 horsepower — increased from 220. An all new seven-speed transmission further sweetens the deal. Lighter and with superior handling than its predecessors, the A4 gets up to 31 mpg in combined city and highway driving. A more spacious interior is with better head and legroom allows for a more comfortable ride. Further, a newly available heads-up display, which projects information into the driver’s field of vision is available. MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class: Mercedes’ Moving from Audi to Mercedes, the E-Class mid-size sedan the first redesign love it’s seen since 2010. Longer than its predecessor, E-Class and has the extended hood and sloped roof of its relatives, the S-Class and C-Class. Optionally available, a 12.3-inch
ISLANDBUYERS.CA THE ISLAND’S BEST HOME . VEHICLE . SERVICES LISTINGS
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dashboard screen and touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel let the driver control the infotainment system with smartphone-like gestures. There’s even another perk: 64 colour choices for interior ambient lighting — pretty cool! This latest E-Class includes some advanced semi-autonomous technology, including automatic lane changing and ‘Drive Pilot’, which can maintain a set speed and keep the car within lanes. A new nine-speed automatic transmission is mated with a 241-horsepower, 2-litre turbo four cylinder. FORD ESCAPE: Ford’s number one selling vehicle in the U.S. after the F-Series truck, the Escape SUV — gets major updates for 2017. With a rugged exterior redesign and more interior storage areas, this ride seems to hit a sweet spot. With two new engines available, an EcoBoost four-cylinder 1.5-litre, and a 2.0-litre, both with marginally improved horsepower, the Escape gets up to 26 mpg in city and highway driving.
TOYOTA PRIUS PRIME: Perhaps inspired by Transformers, this new plug-in hybrid version of the Prius is now dubbed the Prius Prime. With more aggressive styling setting it apart from its siblings, it has a more pronounced and deeply grooved nose, and automatic grille shutters to help reduce drag. Powered by a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder engine and Toyota’s first dual motor hybrid system, Toyota has also doubled the car’s energy capacity with an 8.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It can drive in electric mode for up to 35 kilometres, which doubles the range of its forbearer, and can even get up to 135 kilometres per hour in electric mode. While Toyota maintains that it takes five-and-a-half hours to fully charge the car on a 110-volt outlet (less than half that less than half that on a 240-volt), it has a range of over than 600 miles on a full electric charge and one tank of fuel. We feel that’s certain to please anyone looking to take cross-country trips over the upcoming summer months!
2017 FORD ESCAPE
ISLAND BUYERS MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
YEAR
5
100,000 KM WARRANTY • COMPREHENSIVE • POWERTRAIN • ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE • 100% TRANSFERABLE
$5,000 OFF
PLUS SPECIAL FINANCING ON ALL IN-STOCK 2016 OPTIMAS
Limited Time Offer (Ends March, 31, 2017) 2016 Optima LX (OP2784) 2016 Optima LX (OP2784) 2016 Optima LX (OP2740) 2016 Optima EX (OP2827) 2016 Optima EX TECH (OP2860) 2016 Optima SX (OP2763) 2016 Optima SXL (OP2791) 2016 Optima SXL (OP2810) 2016 Optima EX TECH (OP2232)
*All vehicles subject to prior sale
MSRP $25,913 MSRP $27,883 MSRP $29,283 MSRP $31,961 MSRP $34,376 MSRP $37,213 MSRP $39,813 MSRP $40,161 MSRP $43,766
Sales Hours
Mon-Friday 8:30am-6pm Saturday 9:00am-5pm Sunday 10am-3pm (sales only)
Parts & Service Mon-Sat 8:30am-5pm
You Pay $20,913 You Pay $22,883 You Pay $24,283 You Pay $26,961 You Pay $29,376 You Pay $32,213 You Pay $34,813 You Pay $35,161 You Pay $38,766
Courtenay The Power to Surprise
www.courtenaykia.com 1025A Comox Road, Courtenay (250) 334-9993
Sale
Winter Liquidation 2016 Sunseeker 2500TS
2016 Sunseeker 3010DS
Liquidation
Liquidation
Was $135,523
Biweekly
PRICE
Was $151,424
Biweekly
SAVE
$399 $99,000 $35,623
PRICE
SAVE
$440 $109,900 $41,524
St#1469
St#1483
2017 Georgetown GT3 24W
2016 Georgetown GT3 30X
2016 Georgetown 270S
Liquidation
Liquidation
Liquidation
Was $152,882
Was $146,096
Biweekly
PRICE
Biweekly
SAVE
PRICE
Was $162,851
Biweekly
SAVE
PRICE
SAVE
$479 $119,900 $32,982 $518 $129,900 $32,951
$479 $119,900 $26,196
St#1496
St#1498
St#1618
St#1457
St#1597
2016 FR3 32DS
2017 Sunseeker TS 2390
Liquidation
Liquidation
Was $160,901
Biweekly
PRICE
Was $115,856
Biweekly
SAVE
$479 $119,900 $41,001
PRICE
SAVE
$362 $89,900 $25,956
St#1456
PRE-OWNED SUNSEEKERS
St#1580
2013 Sunseeker 2450S Liquidation
$ 2014 Sunseeker 2450S Liquidation
$
2014 Sunseeker 2450S
2014 Sunseeker 2650S
PRICE
PRICE
Liquidation
Liquidation
PRICE
61,900
$
Rental St#5080
PRICE
55,900
61,900
$
Rental St#5079
Rental St#5078
2014 Sunseeker 2650S Liquidation
62,900
$
PRICE
66,900
Rental St#5074
Rental St#5075
Financing is OAC . On Approved Credit. Pre credit approval is available. Call Bill at 778-431-0021 for more information. Each loan is open with no penalty or service charge for term of the loan. Each payment includes our Get Ready Fee Trailers $495, Class C $695 and Class A $895 and all applicable taxes. The payments are based on a 20 year amortization with no money down. The interest rate used is 6.9% and may vary depending on term, amount financed, type of unit purchased and customers credit ability.
250-871-4700 1-877-730-3146 1608 Ryan Road East, Comox
comoxvalleyrv.com
DL#31107
ISLANDBUYERS.CA THE ISLAND’S BEST HOME . VEHICLE . SERVICES LISTINGS
11
n o m oC m
MORTGAGE MISTAKES
B
uying a new home can be a difficult process, but may be made considerably easier by avoiding common mistakes. Of course, a key element in this process is securing a mortgage. This undertaking is often daunting; however, by doing the research and understanding how to avoid missteps, one that may be more easily addressed. DON’T RUSH YOUR BANKING OPTIONS Many banking institutions have a variety of payment plans and services, all depending on your finances and current situation. By researching which bank or lender is right for you, the easier the home buying process can become. For example, the Toronto-Dominion Bank includes services such as an online mortgage payment calculator, and mortgage specialists who can discuss loan pre-approval, among numerous other financial options. Not doing your research can cost you dearly in the long term. Don’t Forget About Extra Fees
cusing on the home’s purchase price and mortgage interest rate. It’s beneficial to also be aware of any extra expenses surrounding a mortgage. This can include closing costs and the possibility of private mortgage insurance, which can be required from some banking institutions. Neglecting to account for additional fees can leave you short the necessary finances you may wish to devote to other projects, such as renovations or furnishings; so be smart and make a complete accounting of your purchase costs.
KNOW YOUR LOAN TYPE Knowing what type of loan you have can greatly help you understand your mortgage finances. Costs can vary greatly depending on whether you have a fixed or variable mortgage as well as other differences in your payment plan. The main difference between a fixed and variable loan is flexibility. A fixed loan keeps the interest rate the same throughout the set term of the loan, while a variable loan’s interest rate can change to adjust to market rates. Whatever As a new home-buyer, you may be only fo- type of loan you decide on, it’s important to ISLAND BUYERS MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
本文中文译文请参见杂志所附中文版
fully understand all the conditions of your loan. Variable rate loans in a low interest rate market may seem an attractive option; however, may come back to bite you should conditions change — buyer beware! AVOID TEASER RATES Although it may seem like a great deal, teaser rates are generally too good to be true. A teaser rate is a low and adjustable interest rate for a loan, often accompanied by the enticement of small down payments. These rates will only be in effect for the beginning of the term, usually only a few months, after which it will gradually increase until achieving the full indexed rate, resulting in high interest payments. Despite the appeal, these rates can often end up costing much more than initially advertised. The financial crisis of 2008 was largely predicated on loans of this variety being foisted upon unsuspecting consumers. Know what you’re getting into! GET PRE-APPROVED Getting pre-approved for a loan speeds up the process of acquiring a mortgage and also makes sure your potential offers look attractive to sellers, as your offer is not dependent on obtaining financing. This is different from getting
pre-qualified for a loan. Pre-qualification would be done early in the home-buying process and involves a cursory financial evaluation by the lender which determines the potential amount you may qualify for. Becoming pre-approved involves a thorough evaluation of your finances by a bank or lender that determines whether you qualify for a loan, and the maximum amount of that loan. The difference between these two steps is both cost and effort. Getting pre-qualified is often a free and relatively painless process, but does not include an in-depth look at your ability to buy a house. Getting pre-approved often involves a fee and includes an official mortgage application and check on your credit rating. A common mistake is confusing these two steps, as well as believing that getting pre-qualified guarantees you a mortgage loan — it does not. Completing these two steps will expedite your mortgage process, and provide you with concrete information on exactly how much you can afford to spend on your new home . AVOID REVERSE MORTGAGES As a homeowner, the ability to receive payments on the equity in your home may seem like an excellent idea. While a good option in a
ISLANDBUYERS.CA THE ISLAND’S BEST HOME . VEHICLE . SERVICES LISTINGS
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LIMITED SELECTION OF REMAINING 2016 ZIPPING PAST THE GAS STATION
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@ 2.99% APR# * DOWN PAYMENT‡
Weekly on a 60 month term with 260 payments. Selling price $20,885** includes freight and PDI.
Apple CarPlay™€¥ & Android Auto™
Multi-angle rearview camera
ECON mode and Eco Assist™
HandsFreeLink™ Bluetooth®
ALL-NEW 2017 CR-V. SEE AND BE SEEN.
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PAYMENT‡
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Apple CarPlay™€¥ & Android Auto™
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ECON mode and Eco Assist™
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AWD AWD
CRA
dealer URL FPO
from Campbell River
Lewis Park
Honda Sensing
Superstore
Highway 19A
Comox Road
from Comox
Comox Road
Island Honda 5th Street Bridge
17th Street Bridge
Power Tailgate
DLR # 30592
Weekly on a 60 month term with 260 payments. Selling price $28,415** includes freight and PDI. *Limited time weekly lease offer and all other offers are from Honda Canada FinanceLoaded Inc., on approved credit. #The weeklylike: lease offer applies to a new 2017 CIVIC 4D L4 LX 6MT FC2E5HE/CR-V LX 2WD CVT RW1H3HES for a 60 month period, for a total of with features 260 payments of $58.96/$78.94 leased at 2.99%/3.99% APR based on applying $145/$350 “lease dollars” (which are deducted from the negotiated selling price after taxes). ‡Down payment of $0.00, first weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $15,329.60/$20,524.40. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometer allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometers. **MSRP is $20,885/$28,415 including freight and PDI of $1,595/$1,725. */#/**Prices and/ or payments shown do not include a PPSA lien registration fee of $30.31 and fee of $5.25, tire/battery tax of $25, or air conditioning charge (where applicable) of $100, all of which are due at time of delivery. Additional charges for waste disposal 1.5Llien registering agent's AWD fees, environmental fees and handling charges (all of which may vary by dealer and/or vehicle) may apply. £No monthly payments for 90 days (payment deferral) offer is available on all new Civic models Ayrienna financed between February 1, 2017 and February 2017 at Larry Landon Logan28, Graves participating British Columbia Honda Dealers. Offer applies only to purchase-finance offers on approved credit through Honda Financial Services Inc. Monthly payments are deferred for 90 days. Contracts will MacGregor be extended accordingly. Interest charges will not accrue during 1.5L, turbo Power the first 90 days of the contract. Starting 90 days after the contract date, interest starts to accrueAWD and the purchaser willHonda be required to repay the principal and interest monthly over the term of the contract. Offers valid from February 1, 2017 through February 28, 2017 at with 190hp Sensing Tailgate participating Honda retailers. Offers valid only for British Columbia residents at BC Honda Dealers locations. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.bchonda.com or see your Honda retailer for full details. €None of the features we describe are intended to replace the driver's responsibility to exercise due care while driving. Drivers should not use handheld devices or operate certain vehicle features unless it is safe and legal to do so. Some features have technological limitations. For additional featurelease information, limitations restrictions, www.honda.ca/disclaimers and refer to the vehicle's Manual. ¥Only with certain and operating systems. Cellular and/or voice charges apply, *Limited time weekly offer and all otherand offers are from please Honda visit Canada Finance Inc., on approved credit. #The weekly Owner's lease offer applies to a compatible new 2017 CIVIC 4D L4devices LX 6MT FC2E5HE/CR-V LX 2WD CVT data RW1H3HES for a 60 monthmay period, forincluding a total of 260 payments of $58.96/$78.94 leased charged at 2.99%/3.99% based on applying $145/$350 “lease dollars” (which of are deducted from the negotiated selling taxes). ‡Down payment $0.00, policy fi rst weekly payment and $0 deposit due lease inception. roaming charges and/or other amounts by your APR wireless carrier. Apple CarPlay™ and Siri are trademarks Apple Inc. For Apple CarPlay™ data useprice and after privacy policy, see Terms andofPrivacy for Apple CarPlay™ or security contact Apple Inc. at at www.apple.com.
dealer URL FPO
250-338-7761 1025 Comox Road, Courtenay
limited number of cases The danger of overlooking the costs of a reverse mortgage often appear too late however. A reverse mortgage allows a homeowner to exchange the equity in their home for regular payments, often used to supplement income. But unlike traditional mortgages, reverse mortgages increase over time, with a commensurate increase in the interest on the loan. What once looked like a short-term solution can often become a longterm problem as the cost of the reverse mortgage increases. Don’t make the mistake of assuming a reverse mortgage is the only answer to your immediate financial needs; take a look at all your options, and you may discover significantly less costly and risky alternatives.
extra costs such as the requirement for private mortgage insurance. No down payment mortgages generally also carry higher interest rates, which may result in a strain on your finances. Unless you need a property immediately and don’t have the adequate funds for a down payment, or are engaged in the high-risk business of flipping houses, these types of mortgages are typically best avoided.
YOUR HOUSE IS NOT AN ATM When you finally buy your new home and acquire your mortgage, it’s essential to not view this asset as a source of extra income. If possible, avoid refinancing the equity in your home when you’re in need of cash. This will only hurt your finances in the long-run as you are not SHORTER TERMS? paying off your home’s mortgage enough to While shorter amortizations have traditionally substantially increase its value. been seen as the better approach to home financing, there are certain advantages to longer RENEWAL terms. Longer amortizations, which typically Finally, considering the complexity and difficulspread payments over 30 to 35 years, can cost ty of obtaining a mortgage in the first place, more in mortgage interest but also include many people find themselves tempted to acmany benefits. This includes lower mortgage cept the first offer their lender makes upon repayments, which can free up your cash flow. newing their loan — after all, who needs to go Although shorter amortizations force you to through all that again!? This is a mistake. Home save, a longer amortization can be a better owners can often find themselves saving anyoption for well-qualified borrowers interested where from a quarter to a full percentage point in more high-yielding investment. Certainly in by simply doing a little shopping around — a many cases, a shorter term may be the right strategy that will save you thousands over the choice for home buyers; however, for those course of the full mortgage term. An informed requiring liquidity of capital for investment pur- and diligent approach to what is likely to be poses, a longer term may be the best option your largest financial consideration over the — particularly in the age of record low inter- course of your lifetime is always the best stratest rates. Know your financial situation, and be egy to adhere to. certain of the advantages of your choice over the long term. DON’T BE FOOLED BY NO DOWN PAYMENT Before figuring out if you qualify for a no down payment mortgage, there are certain risks to be aware of. Firstly, putting no money down on a home purchase means you have no equity in the property, which means you don’t own any of it. This can make lenders consider you a high-risk borrower, which can create ISLANDBUYERS.CA THE ISLAND’S BEST HOME . VEHICLE . SERVICES LISTINGS
15
2014 DODGE RAM 1500 4x4 Only 50,254 kms, 5.7L Hemi Tow package! Stk#3633
25,995
$ urtenay
Road, Co 950 Comox
18,995
$
4 4 3 3 7 9 8 r! 250ed Consignment Deale Licens
2015 DODGE JOURNEY SE Only 33,060 kms, 4 cyl auto, full load Still has Chrysler Warranty!
ONLINE CREDIT APPLICATIONS! SELL IT FAST!
Stk#3577
FINANCING AVAILABLE! 2014 Toyota Corolla L
2009 Honda Civic EX-L
2008 Hyundai Tiburon GTP
2006 Ford Mustang
2005 Smart ForTwo
Only 86,941 kms, loaded 4 cyl auto, Toyota quality!
Sporty black coupe 5 spd manual, 139,911 kms
V6 6 spd, sporty and fast! Black on black leather
V6 deluxe coupe, 5 spd Aftermarket exhaust, 121,237 kms
Economical 3 cyl diesel Only 86,950 kms
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14,995
$
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6,995
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8,995
$
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5,495
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2012 Ford Focus SE
2012 Ford Focus SE Hatchback
2012 Chrysler 200 Touring
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WHAT YOUR INSPECTOR SHOULD BE LOOKNG FOR
A
re you looking to buy a home? If so, you probably know what you’re looking for: something with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, open concept, etc. But do you know how to look beyond the cosmetics and recognize clues that can lead to defects in the homes major components? Don’t worry if you answered no, many home buyers don’t — that’s where a qualified home inspector can help.
damage or evidence of past repairs. Are the floors, walls, and door frames level? Are there any additions on the original build? Are they to code? Make sure the home inspector checks the roof, the crawl space, and the attic. These are common areas where signs of structural damage can be spotted and if caught, can save the home buyer money — and headaches down the road. PLUMBING The house’s piping system, along with the drains, vents, waste systems and heaters should be tested. There should be no signs of leakage, damage or DIY repairs. Is the water pressure and temperature adequate? These are things your inspector should be able to tell you.
But what should your home inspector be looking for? A lot. A qualified inspector will carry a multi-page checklist with hundreds of items to inspect. Home inspectors can range in competency, and as a home buyer there are some key aspects you want to make sure your inspector is thoroughly checking. ELECTRICAL An inspector will check that the service panSTRUCTURE el has an ample supply of power for the size Make certain the foundation is solid with no of the home and is operating properly. They ISLANDBUYERS.CA THE ISLAND’S BEST HOME . VEHICLE . SERVICES LISTINGS
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will check that all exposed wiring is fitted to code and functioning safely. All rooms will be assessed for functional light switches and outlets. The house should additionally be equipped with working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
ly when it comes to foundation. Checking the property’s exterior can sometimes reveal issues such as settlement cracks that would require professional repair. If there is a deck or stairs leading up to the house, are they structurally sound? Are railings, pathways and retaining walls safe? You want the inspector to WATER DAMAGE check that gutters and drains are functioning While an inspector is checking the previous and installed properly. components of the home he should be constantly keeping an eye out for water damage. FINALLY Water marks on walls and ceilings, lifting and There are a number of other components that separating of floor boards, and damp, musty the inspector will assess. It is wise to accombasements should be considered. If there are pany the home inspector during their visit. You signs of water damage make sure there is a will have the chance to bring up any and all thorough examination for mould and mildew. concerns, and gain the opportunity to get to These kinds of problems can deter a lender know your potential property better. Often a from getting involved in a deal. home inspection is what makes or breaks a deal. Some home buyers get scared away by EXTERIOR too many issues. Others see the issues as an There is a lot going on inside a home and opportunity to renegotiate with the seller, resometimes the exterior may seem secondary, questing they either make the fixes or lower but your home inspector should definitely give their asking price. When it comes to real estate, the outside a thorough inspection — especial- an inspector will keep you safe not sorry.
ISLAND BUYERS MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
本文中文译文请参见杂志所附中文版
Real Estate Agent?
W
hen buying a home the question always comes up: realtor or no realtor? There are a multitude of online resources packed full of advice for investors wanting to buy a home without the services of a realtor. The financial undertaking of purchasing a home is daunting enough, so why not cut out the cost of one more person? It may seem like those step-by-step guides can successfully lead you through buying a home, but here are a few things to consider before flying solo.
trained to handle and explain all related documentation. Realtors also make a point of getting to know other professionals in the industry, including home inspectors, mortgage brokers, lawyers, etc. These connections can be invaluable to a home buyer as you work through the process.
REALTORS KNOW HOW TO NEGOTIATE Negotiating isn’t a skill everyone processes, but in today’s housing market it’s crucial. With bidding wars and sky high prices the competition is fierce, and a realtor can get you a step ahead REALTORS HAVE RESOURCES while negotiating moves that won’t put you at Buying a home can be very time consuming, risk. and for a lot of people time is money. Researching the market, the neighbourhood, the The back and forth on a offer agreement can homes’ history and going through the moun- be time consuming and the lingo confusing. tains of paperwork can be all-consuming — es- A realtor will be able to walk you through the pecially if you’re not familiar with the ins and documents, ensuring there is appropriate time outs of a home transaction. Realtors are privy for inspections, disclosures are met, and all isto all this information and are professionally sues are resolved before the sale is final. ISLANDBUYERS.CA THE ISLAND’S BEST HOME . VEHICLE . SERVICES LISTINGS
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A LICENSED REALTOR HAS ETHICS We’ve all heard it, “a realtor is just out to get their piece of the profit”; however, this a common misconception. Of course they want to be paid for their services — don’t we all — but the vast majority of realtors genuinely want to provide a useful service. Further, codes of conduct have been put in place to ensure the consumer relationship with their agent is one in which the latter works with the former’s best interests as their chief goal. In Canada, all licensed realtors must belong to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), whose Strict Standard of Conduct is publicly available on the CREA website, CREA.ca. Realtors run on reputation; they strive to make a good name for themselves.
ISLAND BUYERS MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
REALTORS OFFER SUPPORT A realtor really does work for you. They provide more than just the security of having a professional on your side. Buying a home brings up a lot of questions, and a realtor is there to help you work through all that arise. Further, if they can’t assist you directly, they use their connections to find someone who can. Not only is a realtor able to help you make sense of all the technical paperwork, they can be that reassuring voice encouraging you to pursue your dream investment!
THE NEXT BOOM? A
ccording to some real estate professionals, the dream of homeownership in Metro Vancouver is dead for the average family. Despite the area’s attempts to approve a large number of affordable new builds, the supply just can’t keep up with the demand. Out of all townhome starts completed in the area in 2016, only eight of them remained unsold by the end of December. For as long as inventory continues to be unable to meet demand — as it seems to be in the Vancouver area — prices will remain sky-high. NEW TAX REGIME In an attempt to combat the sizzling 2016 market, the government implemented a series of new real estate rules that — while seemingly effective on cooling the market — haven’t made home buying much easier. Last summer, the first of these attempts emerged when the government released a plan to charge an additional fifteen percent tax on foreign buyers purchas-
ing homes in the Metro Vancouver area. The intended result of this tax was to bring home prices back down to more attainable thresholds. . More recently, the City of Vancouver implemented an empty homes tax to encourage home owners to rent out their currently vacant homes, in hopes that this will help with the lack of rental units on the market at present. The new tax will charge home owners an additional one percent of the property’s assessed value if the property is left vacant for more than six months out of the year. STILL OUT OF REACH However, the new rules haven’t made much of a difference for the average buyer — and certainly not for buyers looking to obtain the detached home, single-family lifestyle. According to the MLS Home Price Index report, the benchmark price of a detached home in the Greater Vancouver area was at $1,474,800 for
ISLANDBUYERS.CA THE ISLAND’S BEST HOME . VEHICLE . SERVICES LISTINGS
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January 2017. In a shocking comparison, the benchmark price for a detached home on Vancouver Island was just $400,000 for the same month. So, why aren’t more people making the jump across the Strait of Georgia? Stats show that more and more people may now be starting to feel the magnetic pull of the island. School District 61 (Greater Victoria) saw a surge in enrollment starting in 2017, and is expecting to see a growth spike of 2000 students within the next ten years!
in traffic), and that elusive “small town feel” by many people’s reckoning.
LAND OF OPPORTUNITY? As of late, the Island has become home to a booming tech sector that should be capable of providing ample job opportunities to sustain a surge in the population. However, newcomers should prepare for a slower pace of life. Stop and smell the roses. Wave to your neighbours. The pleasantries of everyday living on the Island may come as a shock for those who are Those who have already made the jump know used to bustle of Vancouver — but, it’s an easy best why the Island calls out to families: it’s a lifestyle to get accustomed to! home that offers a truly “free” lifestyle. Worldclass outdoor recreation is just a stone’s throw At its core, Vancouver Island is a beautiful miaway, but a quick road trip will have you back to crocosm of all the best British Columbia has to the energy of the city. It’s a lifestyle that many offer, and as more people become weary of dream about: home from work within fifteen their hectic lives, may be the next in line for a minutes, more time with your family (and less real estate boom.
夏欣怡房产网 REALTOR® SELINA XIA
www.xiaxinyi.com
当地华人唯 一有关本岛 本地的华语 新闻来源
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⸅椚䨻餧傞 僒月涸ꝡ霴
购置一套新房可能是件令人头疼的事，但 如果能避免一些常见的错误，也可以变得相对 轻松。毋庸置疑，其中最关键的一环是成功申 请到房屋贷款，这往往令人感到棘手。然而， 只要做足功课，懂得如何避免犯错，这个问题 就可以迎刃而解。
餗嫱♲㹻♶銳➩⤛⨞Ɀ㹁 许多银行都有多种多样的房贷产品和服务来 适应客户不同的财务状况和需求。先做一些市 场调研，了解哪家银行或金融机构更适合你， 将起到事半功倍的效果。例如多伦多道明银行 （Toronto-Dominion Bank）提供了网上贷款计 算器的服务，其贷款顾问能向客户提供关于包 括贷款预先批准等各种特色服务的咨询等等。 贷款前没有做好功课可能会对你的长期利益造 成损害。
ⵆ䘍✫괄㢪餩欽 购买新房时，你可能只关注了房屋的购置价 格和房屋贷款利率。事实上办理房屋贷款还会 包含一些额外费用也须一并考虑。这些额外费 用包括成交费用以及一些银行要求办理的房屋 贷款保险所产生的保费等。忽视这些额外开销 可能会影响你本来打算花在其它项目上的资金
预算，比如装饰、装修等等，因此需要事先计 算好房屋贷款所涉及的全部费用。
✫鍒⡹涸餧妴猫碫 了解你的房屋贷款是属于哪一种类型对于 你的房屋贷款计划至关重要。你的房屋贷款是 固定利率还是变动利率，以及其他一些区别， 都将极大地影响到你未来的贷款支出。固定利 率和变动利率房贷最主要的区别在于灵活性。 固定利率房贷在一个设定的期限内保持贷款利 率不变，而变动利率房贷的利率水平会根据市 场利率的变动而变动。无论选择哪一种，最重 要的是了解你房贷的全部条款。在有利的市场 环境下变动利率贷款也许显得非常有吸引力， 但是当市场环境发生变化时利率也可能大幅上 涨，需要特别小心。
䬨絟⠏䟃ⵄ桧涸霶䞨 虽然看上去很美，优惠利率通常都没有你 想象的那么好。所谓优惠利率是一个比较低且 可变动的贷款利率，通常都伴有极具诱惑力的 低首付，这个利率只在贷款初期的几个月内有 效，随后渐渐增长，从而最终造成一个相对较 高的利息支出。虽然乍一看很好，但到后期的 花费将大大超出广告中所展示的金额。2008年
ISLANDBUYERS.CA THE ISLAND’S BEST HOME . VEHICLE . SERVICES LISTINGS
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的金融危机正是由于很多房屋贷款人在无意识 中选择了这样的变动利率房屋贷款而导致的。 选择此种房屋贷款务必谨慎。
♶銳䙐錠곫⯓䪠ⲥ涸ꅾ銳䚍 取得预先批准不仅有利于加速房屋贷款的 进程，同时还能增加你的报价对于卖家的吸引 力，因为你的报价将不再取决于你是否能贷款 成功。这与预先审核不同。预先审核通常发生 在房屋购买过程的初期，由贷款方对借款人的 财物状况做一个粗略的评估从而估算出一个大 致的贷款限额。而预先批准则是由银行或其他 贷款方对你的财务状况进行非常细致的评估， 从而确定你是否能获得贷款，以及贷款的最高 额度。这两个步骤之间的区别在于所花费的成 本和精力。预先审核通常是免费的，过程相对 轻松，但无法对你的购房能力提供深入意见。 预先批准则往往是要收费的，需要与正式的房 屋贷款申请相关联，并需要对你的信用状况进 行评估。一个常见错误就是把这两者混为一 谈，同时误以为预先审核保证你一定能成功申 请到房贷，而事实并非如此。完成这两个步骤 将加速你的贷款申请过程，并为你究竟能够承 担多大的购房支出提供坚实的依据。
屋贷款通常长达30至35年，虽然利息交的更多但 也有很多好处，例如更低的还款额度能够释放 你的现金流。虽然较短的还款期限能够强制你 进行储蓄，较长的还款期对那些想投资高收益 理财产品的借款人是一个更好的选择。诚然， 在很多情况下较短的还款期是一个正确选择， 对于一些需要较高资产流动性来满足投资需求 的借款人来说，长期贷款可能是最佳选择—— 特别是在低利率时期。所以务必了解你的财产 状况，确定你的选择符合你的长期利益。
ⵆ鄄ꨪ껷➰妬낕 在搞清楚 你是否符合零首付贷款的条件之 前，你需要了解这样做的风险。首先，买房时 不支付任何首付意味着你在这个房屋中不占有 任何资产，即你对房子没有任何的资产拥有 权。这会让贷款人把你当作一个高风险借款 人，从而产生例如要求购买私人贷款保险等额 外的费用。零首付贷款通常会有一个较高的利 率，可能会造成你财务上的紧张。除非你立即 就需要买房并且没有足够的资金用于首付，或 者你就是从事炒房这样的高风险职业，你最好 规避这些类型的房屋贷款。
鼙⯝⿿ぢ䫻䬃餧妴굥ꤗ
ⵆ䪾⡹涸䨻㶩䔲⡲荈⸓䲿妴劼
作为屋主，能够利用房屋资产获取资金似乎 是一件好事。虽然在有限的一些事例中这是个 不错的选择，忽视反向抵押贷款代价所造成的 风险往往很迟才会显现出来。反向抵押贷款允 许屋主通过出售自己房屋资产的一部分来换取 固定收益，从而弥补日常开支。但不同于传统 房屋贷款，反向抵押贷款随时间而增长，贷款 的利息也会相应增长。而随着反向抵押贷款费 用的增加，曾经的短期解决方案往往演变为长 期的困扰。不要错误地认为反向抵押贷款就是 解决你当前财务需求的唯一途径——研究一下 所有的可行性，你也许能发现费用和风险更小 的替代方案。
鲽匠絯劍
♶銳雩⚹劍ꣳ馊瀊馊㥩
尽管传统观念认为房屋贷款还款期限越短 越有利，较长的期限有其自身的优势。长期房 ISLAND BUYERS MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
当你终于购买到称心如意的房子并成功获得 贷款，千万不要把这个房屋资产当作你的额外 收入的来源。 如果有可能，在你需要现金的时 候不要把你的房子进行再次贷款。长期来看这 只会对你的财务状况造成损害，因为你没有偿 还够你房屋的贷款从而增加其实际价值。
最后，因为考虑到首次申请房屋贷款时所 遇到的麻烦和困难，很多贷款人很容易就接受 了贷款人提出的第一份贷款续期报价——毕 竟，这样的痛苦谁想再经历一次呢？这是个误 区。屋主通常仅仅需要货比三家，就能获得 0.25到1个百分点的折扣，这个策略可以让你 从整个贷款期限中省下几千元。房屋贷款很有 可能是你这一生中最大的财务项目，在这方面 多多了解，多下功夫，永远是你应该坚守的最 佳策略。
䨻㾋 叅낉䋗 涸翟餓 你最近有要买房的打算吗？通常在岛上买房 的话，大部分人还是喜欢买独立屋。如果有此 打算，你可能已经知道你要找的是什么样的房 子了：4卧室的、3卧室的或者开放式的等等。 但是你知道该如何不仅仅只看表面，而是认真 搜索各种蛛丝马迹，找到可能导致房子各个主 要部件出现问题的线索吗？如果你的回答是“ 不知道”，那也没关系，因为许多购房者也都 跟你一样不甚了解，这时候房屋查验师（也称 验房师）就该发挥作用了。 验房师应该查验什么项目呢？要查的项目太多 了，一名合格的验房师在验房时会拿着一份有 好几页、几百个项目之多的查验表逐一对房子 的各个方面都进行检查。有一些十分关键的项 目购房者则务必要让验房师认真检查彻底。
絕匬 要确保房子的基础没有损坏，没有修补过 的痕迹。要看一下地面、墙面以及门框是否平 整。是否在原有建筑物上加盖了新的部分？一 定要让验房师检查好屋顶、Crawl Space(地面基
础与一层地板之间用于安装、检查管线或储物 的空间)，以及阁楼等等，通过检查这些地方最 容易发现结构性损坏的迹象。而一旦发现这些 迹象，购房者就会省下不少钱，更会省下将来 的诸多烦恼。
盗麤 房子的管道系统以及排水、通风、下水和暖 气系统都应该经过仔细查验，应该没有泄漏、 损坏或自行修补的痕迹。水压是不是够高？温 度是不是合格？这些事情验房师都应该有能力 跟你说清楚。
歏⸂ 对一所房子来说，验房师也会查看电力供应 是否足够，是否一切正常。他们会检查暴露在 外的电线是否布线妥当，是否还起作用。他们 还应该仔细查看所有房间的灯光开关和插座。 看房子是否加装了性能完好的烟雾和一氧化碳 探测器。
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漏水 验房师在查验上述项目时，他也应该时刻注 意是否有漏水的痕迹。要注意墙上或天花板上 是否有水迹，地板是否有凸起或分离的现象， 以及地下室是否潮湿或有霉味。如果有漏水的 迹象，则一定要检查是否有房屋结构霉烂或发 生霉变的现象。这些问题甚至都会把房贷机构 吓跑。
外部 房屋内部已经讲得够多了，房子的外部可 能看起来似乎不是那么重要。但是你的验房师 可不能这么想，而是应该里里外外都要检查彻 底，尤其是房屋的基础。比如：通过查看房屋 外部结构有可能会发现地面基础有裂隙，这种 问题就很糟糕，需要非常专业的技师来进行修 补。如果房子外部有阳台或楼梯，要看它们是
ISLAND BUYERS MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
否足够坚固，栏杆、通道或挡土墙是否足够安 全等等。你也别忘了让验房师检查排水槽以及 排水管是否还正常发挥作用，是否安装得当。
最后 当然验房师也得查验很多别的项目。在验房 师进行查验时，购房者最好陪伴其左右，这样 你就有机会提出你关心的问题，也就可以对你 要买的房子有一个更好的了解。房屋查验通常 要么会成就一桩房屋买卖生意，要么就会让这 笔买卖告吹。一些购房者确实会被房子的太多 问题吓跑。另外一些人则会拿发现的这些问题 跟卖房者协商——要么让原房主对房屋缺陷进 行修理，要么就得降低房屋售价。 所以在您买房时，验房师会让购房者最终买 到的是安全和舒适，而非“后悔”！
✈䨻銳䪪絑紬➃に
在
加国买房子的时候总会遇到这样一 个问题；是找房产经纪做自己的代 理呢，还是不找？网上有很多教投资 人不通过房产经纪人买房的各种“教义”。的 确，买房子本身产生的经济压力就够人承受的 了，为什么不尽量省掉找经纪人做代理的费用 呢？
史的调查以及阅读成堆的文件都是相当耗时的, 尤其是当你对房屋交易的知识还不太熟悉的时 候。经纪人就很熟悉这些信息，并且受过专门 的训练，能够解释清楚所有的相关文件。
另外一方面，经纪人也跟业内的其他专业人员 都很熟络，比如房屋查验员、抵押贷款经纪、 律师等等。这些关系纽带在购房人买房的过程 网上的这些教义看上去会指导你一步一步地 中会起到很大的作用的。 自己完成买房的工作，但是在你想要“单飞” 之前一定要考虑好一些事情。
絑紬➃濼麤霪㥵⡦靍ⴼ
絑紬➃剣䖎㢴餴彂 买房子很费时间，而对于一些人来说时间 就是金钱。对房产周围的市场、邻里、房屋历
谈判能力不是人人都具备的，在今天的市场 上尤其如此。现如今的抢购和高房价已经让购 房竞争变得非常激烈。买房人自己有一个经纪
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人就会让自己先人一步，不至于在谈判过程中 处于太被动的地位。在购房offer上来来回回的 谈判是很耗时的，文件里的行业术语也不太容 易让人搞明白。经纪人会帮你理解这些文件， 确保能够留有房屋查验的时间，遵守相关的信 息披露规定，并且在房屋交割前解决好所有 的问题。
絑紬➃雷宠翟⚌麤䗞 我们经常会听人说“房产经纪的本质目的就 是为了攫取他们的那一份利润”。这是一个很 常见的误解。他们当然希望自己提供了服务， 从而也能得到回报，我们不都是如此吗？大多 数的房产经纪都希望自己能提供可以帮得上别 人的服务。而且房产经纪行业的相关规定和准 则也要求房产经纪同他们的顾客建立公平合理 的服务关系，要求房产经纪把客户利益的最大 化作为自己的首要目标。 在加拿大，所有经过认证的房产经纪都隶属 于加拿大房房地产协会（CREA）。在CREA的 官方网站（crea.ca）上可以查阅到“严格化行为 标准”（Strict Standard of Conduct）。经纪人也 要靠声誉吃饭，他们都在挖空心思给自己挣一 个好的名声。
絑紬➃腊㢿䲿⣘佅䭯 房产经纪确实是为客户服务的。他们能够为 客户提供的不仅仅是客户身边多了一个专业人 士。买房子的过程当中会产生很多问题，房产 经纪的责任就是要及时帮你把这些问题一个一 个解决掉。而且，如果他们自身不能帮你直 接解决这些问题的话，他们也会利用自己的关 系帮你找到一个合适的能够协助你解决问题的 人。经纪人不仅仅是一个能够帮你搞明白那些 技术性文件的人，他们也是你身边支持你、鼓 励你实现购房梦的强有力的的后盾。
ISLAND BUYERS MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
䨻❡⚌涸♴♧⚡ 掚挿⼓㚖
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一些房地产业内的专业人士称，对普 通家庭来说在温哥华大都市区拥有一 座房子的梦想已经是遥不可及了。尽 管这个地区在努力尝试批准建设一批经济型的 新住宅，房屋供应还是跟不上需求的增长。该 地区所有在2016年完工的排屋中，截止当年12月 底只有8套尚未卖出去。只要房屋库存不能满足 需求，正如大温地区的这种状况，房价就永远 会维持在高位。 为了应对2016年热的发烫的房地产市场，当地 政府也采取了一系列针对地产行业的新措施。 这些举措看上去似乎起到了冷却市场的效果， 但这并没有使得普通人买房变得更容易。去年 夏天开始实施的第一个这样的政策就是针对大 温地区的外国买家征收15%额外税费。这项政策 的一个主要目的就是要把房价降到可接受的范 围内。 最近，温哥华市政府又出台了一项新的房屋 空置税措施，以鼓励房主把空置的房屋出租出 去，并希望通过此举能够缓解市场上可出租房 的紧缺状态。这项政策规定如果房屋空置达半 年以上，房屋拥有人就需要依照房屋的评估价 为此多交一个百分点的房产税。 但是这些新政的出台对普通购房者来说并没 有带来什么实质性的变化，当然就更别提那些 非常想买独立屋的人了。MLS房产价格指数报 告指出，大温地区2017年1月份独立屋的基准价 格为1,474,800加币，相较之下，温哥华岛上的独
立屋的基准价格在同一月份则仅为40万加币， 二者相差悬殊。 那么人们为什么不跨越乔治亚海峡搬到岛上 居住呢？数据显示越来越多的人都确实开始感 受到岛上的召唤力了。维多利的61学区2017年的 新生入学登记量已经在急剧攀升，预计在以后 10年里要增加2,000多名学生。 那些已经移居到岛上的人最清楚为什么这座 岛屿那么有召唤力了：只有在这里你才能体 会到什么才能称得上“自由的”生活方式。 世界级的户外休闲活动区域只在咫尺之遥，但 是驾车不用跑多远又会把你带回到繁华的都市 里。这就是很多人都梦寐以求的生活方式：家 离工作地点只有15分钟的车程，这就意味着你 可以有更多的业余时间陪伴家人，无需把时间 都花在每天的通勤路上，也就是那种许多人记 忆深处的“小镇感觉”。 最近，岛上的科技行业也逐步开始走向繁 荣，从而提供了更多的就业机会，人口也随之 增长。但是新来的居民要准备好接受慢节奏的 生活：驻足闻花香，向邻里招手问好……。岛 上的幸福生活对那些适应了都市繁华的人来说 确实是一个惊喜，不过这样的新生活方式也是 极容易适应的。 从本质上来说，温哥华岛就是一个微缩版的 卑诗省，在这里你能够发现卑诗省的全部。对 那些厌倦了忙碌生活的人来说，下一个房地产 行业的热点地区可能当属温哥华岛了！
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Live.
Whether you are an empty nester or a growing family, the community at Crown Isle is your ultimate home base. From kayaking, fishing, diving or boating, to biking, hiking and skiing, the Comox Valley region offers recreational activities from ocean to alpine and everywhere in between. A vibrant local cultural scene means you are never short for an excellent place to eat, drink or make new friends. From condominiums and patio homes to single family ranchers and fairway estates, our community offers easy access to recreational activities, shopping & amenities including the airport, hospital and schools.
Play.
Dine.
Our hotel villas, located adjacent to the 1st fairway, provide an opportunity to stay on-site at Crown Isle. Perfect for a golf getaway, corporate retreat, or a family vacation.
Stay. Our Graham Cooke-designed 18-hole championship golf course is playable for golfers at all skill levels. Host facility of the Mackenzie Tour - PGA TOUR Canada Qualifying School.
The Timber Room Bar & Grill is perfect for an aprĂŠs golf bite or an intimate family dinner. The Resort Centre offers banquet rooms for catered events including weddings, corporate functions, banquets and meetings.
Come for a tee time. Stay for a lifetime. www.CrownIsle.com
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