Every Summer, residents prep their garages and gather their used items to host a garage sale or yard sale and make some extra cash! Now, most homeowners who have ever hosted a Garage Sale will tell you the hardest part is getting exposure. You may have some great items for sale but if your home doesn’t get enough traffic it won’t sell (sounds a bit like the real estate industry!) Well that’s where the Aman Brah Community Garage Sale comes in! It’s a massive garage sale in the Tri-Cities - Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody area's such as Riverwood, Birchland Manor, Harbour Place, Harbour Chines, etc... hosted by homeowners looking to clear out some of their belongings.
Homes that want to participate RSVP to me and I create maps with the locations of homes and their full address. I take care of all the advertising for the event - which includes placing ads in newspapers, online marketing, on Social Media and on my website.
The heart of a community can be measured by the involvement of its residents. So I think its awesome that Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody residents can unite through local events, fundraisers, and a community garage sale!
To participate, residents simply plan a garage sale at their home on September 7 from at least 9 am to 1 pm, and register online at Aman Brah's Community Garage Sale.
Participants who register by the deadline of August 30, 2024 will get free advertising for their sale prior to the event, as well as on the garage sale webpage and map. Email me at info@AmanBrah.com for more information.
2024 Aman Brah Annual Community Garage Sale
Keep an eye out for signs throughout Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody on Saturday September 7th.
If you’re looking to make your festive season truly merry and bright, look no further than these locations where Christmas lights are the main attraction in Metro Vancouver & the Fraser Valley.
With Metro Vancouver’s many trees, green spaces and natural setting, lighting up for the holidays is must-do. Stop by for a spectacular photo-op and even some pretty amazing light shows across the region!!!
Vancouver
Burnaby & New Westminster
Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam & Port Moody the Tri-Cities
Pitt Meadows & Maple Ridge
Surrey & Delta
Langley
Abbotsford & Mission
If you would like to add or remove your Christmas Lights located at your home, business or venue to the light list fill in the Form.
If you’re looking to make your festive season truly merry and bright, look no further than these locations where Christmas lights are the main attraction in Metro Vancouver & the Fraser Valley.
With Metro Vancouver’s many trees, green spaces and natural setting, lighting up for the holidays is must-do. Stop by for a spectacular photo-op and even some pretty amazing light shows across the region!!!
Vancouver
Burnaby & New Westminster
Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam & Port Moody the Tri-Cities
Pitt Meadows & Maple Ridge
Surrey & Delta
Langley
Abbotsford & Mission
If you would like to add or remove your Christmas Lights located at your home, business or venue to the light list fill in the Form.
The Overview above will give you great picture in how the BC Assessment process and details work. The number one thing to keep in mind is that the value that is generated by BC Assessment requires that properties be assessed as of July 1st each year. So if values have gone up, down or stayed consistent from July 2nd to December 31 in the balance of the year, that will not be reflected in the Assessment you receive in January.
Below is my annual Property Tax 101 information.
Assessments vs. Taxes
It may seem counterintuitive, but assessment increases don’t necessarily result in tax increases.
Every city’s budget is set completely separately from assessments, some cities know more than a month before assessments are updated (when they budgeted spending) exactly how much money was going to come in from property taxes, even before the assessments were available. From a budget perspective, it doesn’t matter to a city whether assessments rise or fall, since the budget is set.
So, here it is – Property Tax 101
Each year, every city does its budget process, and determines how much it will cost to provide the services (police, fire, parks, roads, etc.) that it’s responsible for. Usually it’s a few percentage points higher than the previous year’s budget, accounting for such cost increases as inflation, increased service demand, increased regulation (from senior governments), and downloading of increased responsibilities (from senior governments). City Council actually wrestles quite hard about every line item, trying to keep our tax increase as low as possible while covering the needed services and investments. Some of the arguments get heated. But when it’s all done, each city sets its budgeted spending. That’s the “expenditure” side of the budget, and that’s where all the decisions are made.
On the revenue side, by comparison, there are few decisions to be made. In BC, similar to other Canadian provinces, cities are required to collect their needed taxes based on property value (called “assessment”) as established by BC Assessment (BCA), a provincial agency. Assessments are used to determine each resident’s “share” of the city’s expenditures. In December/January each year, BCA provides the valuation of all the properties in the province (importantly, the assessments are based on estimated fair market value as of the previous July 1).
Once BCA finalizes those values (after most appeals are finished in March), and the city sets its budgeted expenditures (which some cities did back in December), the city’s tax department can calculate the tax rate needed to raise exactly the specified revenue needed for the budget. The Tax Rate (often called the “mill rate"), when multiplied by the total value of all the property in that class across the city, will equal the total revenue needed to be collected from that class of property (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.)
That probably sounds complicated, so let’s simplify it.
A Simplified Example
Let’s use an example, simplified completely; let’s ignore a whole bunch of complicated details like commercial property taxes, user fees, development fees, parcel taxes, etc. Again, for simplicity, let's say that the city's budget last year raised $100 million from property taxes from a population of 100,000 (an average of $1000 per resident) to fund the $100 million budgeted expenditures. Let's say that BCA last year calculated our 40,000 residential properties (average of 2.5 residents per household) at between $200,000 and $2,000,000, with an average of $500,000. So, the aggregate value (the total of everybody’s assessment) comes back with a total of $20 billion in residential property values in our city. At that point, the City's finance department does the math ($100 million needed from taxes, divided into $20 billion in aggregate property value) and comes up with a required tax rate of .005, or a “mill rate" of $5 of tax per thousand dollars of assessed value.
If your home’s assessed value was $500,000 (the municipal average in our simplified example), then your taxes last year were $500,000 x .005, or $2500.
So that was last year; what happens in a year that assessed values rise substantially? Again let's simplify our example by saying that the city's costs don't increase at all (its budget stays at $100 million). In January, BC Assessment reports that the average property value increased by, say, 25%, such that the new aggregate value is $25 billion. A windfall for the City? No, though some people think that everyone’s taxes would rise by 25%, and the city would automatically get 25% more revenue. But it doesn’t work that way, as we’ve already set how much money we need to raise. Instead, the Finance Dept does the math again (Budgeted Costs over Aggregate Value, or $100M / $25B), and the new tax rate is .004, or $4 per thousand. If your property experienced the same increase in value as the average (up 25%), your assessment notice shows its new value of $625,000. This value would be multiplied by the new mill rate of .004, and you would pay $2500 — the same as last year, because the City’s budget didn’t increase, and your assessment changed by the average.
But what if your property value increased by less than the average? In this scenario, an assessment increase that is less than average would actually result in your taxes going down. And if your property value went up by more than the average, your taxes (or your “share” of the city’s costs) would increase.
Of course, most municipalities are facing the challenge of rising costs, both conventional inflation and cost pressures from such issues as downloading, increased regulation and climate change. But the principles are the same if your city institutes a 3% tax increase; if your property value increases by the same as the average, then you'll face the 3% budget increase. Most properties, though, will face assessment increases either higher or lower than the average (and a few will see decreases).
Those are the principles behind property taxes. Of course, we make it more complicated by establishing a much higher tax rate on commercial properties, by exempting some properties (owned by charities, for example), instituting parcel taxes, etc. Plus, any new buildings added to the assessment roll (new development) tend to lower the tax rate (since the city’s costs are spread out over more properties), though of course on the expenditure side there is a cost to providing services to new buildings/residents.
Summary
The main principles are these:
the increases in property values that residents are experiencing don’t result in an increase in revenue for the city,
property values don’t tell cities how much tax they will bring in, they only determine how the tax bill will be split up among residents,
if your property value rose by more than average, your taxes will rise by more than the budget
If you’re looking to make your festive season truly merry and bright, look no further than these locations where Christmas lights are the main attraction in Metro Vancouver & the Fraser Valley.
With Metro Vancouver’s many trees, green spaces and natural setting, lighting up for the holidays is must-do. Stop by for a spectacular photo-op and even some pretty amazing light shows across the region!!!
Vancouver
Burnaby & New Westminster
Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam & Port Moody the Tri-Cities
Pitt Meadows & Maple Ridge
Surrey & Delta
Langley
Abbotsford & Mission
Please note usual events are in red if they are cancelled due to Covid-19. If you would like to add or remove your Christmas Lights please contact us.
Every Summer, residents prep their garages and gather their used items to host a garage sale or yard sale and make some extra cash! Now, most homeowners who have ever hosted a Garage Sale will tell you the hardest part is getting exposure. You may have some great items for sale but if your home doesn’t get enough traffic it won’t sell (sounds a bit like the real estate industry!) Well that’s where the Aman Brah Community Garage Sale comes in! It’s a massive garage sale in Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam area's such as Riverwood, Birchland Manor, Harbour Place, Harbour Chines, etc... hosted by homeowners looking to clear out some of their belongings.
Homes that want to participate RSVP to me and I create maps with the locations of homes and their full address. I take care of all the advertising for the event - which includes placing ads in newspapers, online marketing, on Social Media and on my website. Then, on the morning of the Garage Sale, I put directional arrows throughout the neighbourhoods drawing people to your house.
The heart of a community can be measured by the involvement of its residents. So I think its awesome that Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam residents can unite through local events, fundraisers, and a community garage sale!
To participate, residents simply plan a garage sale at their home on August 21 from at least 9 am to 1 pm, and register online at Aman Brah's Community Garage Sale.
Participants who register by the deadline of August 13, 2021 will get free advertising for their sale prior to the event, as well as on the garage sale webpage and map. Email me at info@AmanBrah.com for more information.
2021 Aman Brah Annual Community Garage Sale
Keep an eye out for signs throughout Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam on Saturday August 21st
Riverwood, Birchland Manor, Harbour Place & Harbour Chines residents are encouraged to donate left over items to charity to benefit those in need and reduce the amount of waste generated.
Several area charities, in the Tri-Cities, accept donations of household items (please phone ahead regarding larger items).
BC Family Day Long Weekend is here, in a typical year, there are so many fun activities to choose from. Due to Covid-19 we are limited this year but we've put together a list with whatever we can, 2021 is not a normal year!
NOTE: Because of COVID-19, many special activities that take place most years won’t be possible in 2021. Exact details in some cases, however, are to be confirmed.
As we're all well aware the Borders to Canada, British Columbia and our beautiful area of the World have been closed for almost 10 months. Covid has affected everything from seeing family to the World economy and the full effects and aftermath are yet to be determined.
As a Local Realtor we have seen the market completely halt in the initial stages of Covid locally and once our footing and 'new normal' was established the Market rebounded fairly quickly with all the pent-up demand from the last few years of correction and market stabilizing. Quickly becoming sellers market in most area's and property types across Metro Vancouver and throughout BC.
Foreign Buyers, Immigration and everything else under the Sun has long been blamed for Real Estate affordability here. There has been no Immigration over the last 10 months, no Tourism and the tiny percentage of the market that was affected by Foreign money has not been not been a issue but the market and pricing continue to defy the odds. Covid is changing a lot of behaviours and one of them seems to be increased Migration into BC and the Metro Vancouver area from within Canada. U-Haul has released their migration patterns for Canada, it's shows us small sample of what's happening. Once the borders and travel open back up whether it's a year, two or more away I feel the demand and housing situation will be like we've never seen before. The region’s increasing population is projected to grow by about 35,000 per year, housing and real estate will need to respond to new growth. So as a region we are adding approximately 1.3% + every year. Looking into the future the projections show a increase of population of 1 million new residents by 2050 meaning we will need 400,000 new homes added. The Desire to be in Metro Vancouver, BC is here to stay as far as I can tell. It's something everyone looking to eventually get into and invest in the housing market should account and prepare for.
As many know and I've said for years with the dwindling land supply in the Metro Vancouver region prices will always trend upward. Doesn't matter what taxes or polices the government throws at it. It's a simple economic supply and demand situation and long term you can not go wrong with land. We all wish we bought more of it 5 years ago, the same will be said next year and the next and so on. I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes "Buy land, they're not making it anymore." - Mark Twain.
If you’re looking to make your festive season truly merry and bright, look no further than these locations where Christmas lights are the main attraction in Metro Vancouver & the Fraser Valley.
With Metro Vancouver’s many trees, green spaces and natural setting, lighting up for the holidays is must-do. With limited activities due to Covid-19 we can still drive by for a spectacular photo-op and some pretty amazing light shows across the region!!!
Vancouver
Burnaby & New Westminster
Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam & Port Moody the Tri-Cities
Pitt Meadows & Maple Ridge
Surrey & Delta
Langley
Abbotsford & Mission
Please note usual events are in red if they are cancelled due to Covid-19. If you would like to add or remove your Christmas Lights please contact us.
A full comparison of the Liberal, NDP and Green party’s platforms in BC for the 2020 Election. Details on issues impacting real estate and housing, including COVID-19 economic recovery, rental housing, market housing affordability, strata insurance and energy efficiency. For more information on voting visit Elections BC.
COVID-19 Economic Recovery
Green
Allocate $300 million to create a six-month rent subsidy program for small businesses.
Liberal
Eliminate the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) for one year and then set it at three per cent for subsequent years.
Permanently eliminate the Small Business Income Tax.
Implement a short-term commercial rent relief that flows directly to tenants.
NDP
A one-time $1,000 direct deposit to families ($500 for individuals) whose household income is under $125,000 annually ($62,000 for individuals).
A 15 per cent refundable tax credit for small and medium-sized businesses based on eligible new payroll.
Rental Housing
Green
Close the gap between affordable rent and what renters are actually paying.
Provide a means-tested grant that applies to low- and moderate-income earners who are paying more than 30 per cent of their income in rent.
Liberal
Create a new residential property sub-class for rental housing of three or more units.
Change BC Assessment practices to ensure rental properties are no longer valued based on the highest and best use, but rather on actual rental use.
NDP
Freeze rental rates to the end of 2021. After 2021, permanently limit rent increases to the rate of inflation.
Provide an ongoing income-tested renter’s rebate of $400 per year for households earning up to $80,000 annually that are not already receiving other rental support.
Provide new rent supplements for residents of supportive housing ready to move on to independent living.
Ensure no net loss of rental units in real estate redevelopment projects.
Ensure prompt and effective resolutions of tenancy disputes.
Market Housing Affordability
Green
Close loopholes in the Speculation and Vacancy Tax that allow many foreign owners and satellite families to be exempt.
Liberal
Work with municipalities to review the current property tax structure to incent affordable housing development, prevent speculation and drive affordable rental housing.
Develop tax-relief measures to help people hurt by COVID-19 economic impacts to keep their homes.
Replace the Speculation and Vacancy Tax with a condo-flipping capital gains tax.
Implement higher property taxes for non-residents of Canada.
NDP
Eliminate outdated parking minimums in projects close to public transit.
Develop a single-window provincial permitting process.
Work with local governments to streamline the approval process.
Strata Insurance
Green
Convene a taskforce to deal with the rising cost of strata insurance to develop solutions as soon as the BC Financial Services Authority finished their investigation. The taskforce should include insurance brokers, insurers and strata owners
Liberal
Encourage and facilitate self-insurance models for stratas.
Eliminate the practice of “best-terms” pricing.
Reduce statutorily-required insurance for strata properties from full replacement value to a level in line with actual claims cost history.
Modernize the BC Building Code to address strata insurance premiums.
NDP
Continue with the BC Financial Services Authorities’ investigation to bring down strata insurance costs. If rates have not been corrected by the end of 2021, develop a public strata insurance option, similar to Saskatchewan.
Housing Supply
Green
Expand supports for co-op housing through extending leases for existing co-ops about to expire, create a land bank for new co-ops and provide security of tenure for co-ops on leased land.
Work with local governments to expand the “missing middle,” such as townhouses and triplexes.
Liberal
Establish an incentive fund for municipalities with housing policies that enable demonstrable increases in the construction and supply of new housing.
Implement tax and permitting changes to boost housing supply, including rental and market housing, to increase choice and improve affordability for British Columbians.
Require reviews of Official Community Plans every five years and require zoning bylaws be updated to reflect changes to the plan within one year after adoption.
Allow the waiving of hearings for Official Community Plan compliant projects.
Support zoning reform to provide inclusionary zoning and to ensure the Residential Rental Tenure Zoning tool cannot be used to devalue and downsize property.
Use provincial and municipal land for affordable housing.
Reduce delays in building-permit approvals and new homeowner costs.
Improve the municipal development approval process, based on best practices.
Strengthen and enforce Regional Growth Strategy targets so they are robust and effective.
Provide provincial funding to create a digital tracking tool to allow municipalities and applicants to track the progress of individual applicants and identify roadblocks.
NDP
Continue with the 10-year housing plan to provide 114,000 new, affordable homes.
Continue rolling out the Homes for BC plan.
Deliver the remaining units in the previous $550 million commitment for on- and off-reserve housing for Indigenous people, while pressuring the federal government to do its share.
Energy Efficiency
Green
Enact Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)-enabling legislation.
Work with industry partners to enhance the Clean BC Better Homes, Better Buildings program by:
increasing the short-term incentives offered to stimulate retrofits,
accelerating the requirements of the building code and efficiency requirements of equipment, and
partnering with colleges, technical institutes and private organizations to develop training programs to expand employment in green retrofit space.
Liberal
Encourage the retrofitting of homes and businesses.
Modernize the BC Building Code to address energy efficiency.
NDP
Increase programs and incentives for both residential and commercial buildings, including PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing that allows homeowners to take out loans for efficiency upgrades and pay them back over time through annual property taxes.
Require REALTORS® to provide energy efficiency information on listed homes.
Empower local governments to set their own carbon pollution performance standards for new buildings.
Wildfire and Flood Protection
Green
Provide $100 million over four years to fund climate adaptation initiatives.
Protect communities from wildfires and flooding through landscape level, ecologically-centred, forest management and fuel treatment projects.
Liberal
Reduce the impact of climate-related disasters like wildfires and floods.
Agricultural Properties
Green
Make food production and food security part of the Agricultural Land Commission’s mandate.
Restrict and regulate foreign ownership of Agricultural Land Reserve land.
Liberal
Implement reforms to the Agricultural Land Commission to allow more opportunities for secondary residences.
