Burnaby real estate guidance for buying, selling, and investing.

Buying in Burnaby and Greater Vancouver typically starts with timing, budget, and the kind of home that fits daily life. Many buyers arrange a mortgage pre-approval before they look seriously, because financing can affect how an offer is written and how quickly subjects need to be removed.

From there, the work is usually comparing neighbourhoods, buildings, and strata documents, then writing an offer. The Burnaby real estate guide covers housing forms and the strata documents that typically sit behind a condo offer. Subjects may include financing, inspection, insurance, and document review, depending on the property and the market at the time. Completion is typically coordinated with a lawyer or notary.

British Columbia also has a property transfer tax. Some first-time buyers may qualify for an exemption or reduction; eligibility and amounts change, so the official program page is the source to check. Alex can walk through the sequence and the questions to raise. He does not replace mortgage, legal, or tax advice.

A lender may also offer optional mortgage life insurance at approval or renewal. That product is different from default (CMHC) insurance, and federally regulated lenders cannot require it as a condition of the mortgage. If you are comparing a lender offer with personally owned coverage, start with mortgage life insurance vs personal life insurance.

For a fuller overview, see the First-Time Home Buyers Seminar or talk with Alex about a specific search.

Selling typically begins with a clear picture of the home, the timing of the next move, and recent comparable sales. Preparation, presentation, and the list price usually work together. The right mix depends on the property, the building, and buyer demand at the time — not a promise about speed or price.

Once a home is listed, showings and offers follow. Offers may include subjects, and negotiation can involve price, dates, and conditions. Completion is coordinated with a lawyer or notary, and the statement of adjustments shows the costs that affect net proceeds.

Alex helps sellers plan that sequence through Coldwell Banker Prestige Realty. The Sell With Confidence Seminar covers the same topics if you want the overview before a listing conversation. If the home is tenanted, selling does not automatically end the tenancy — see selling a tenanted home in B.C.. Burnaby-specific seller questions, including strata packages versus detached homes, are in the Burnaby real estate guide. Current listings are on Homes for Sale.