Last week the REALTOR.ca app for Blackberry® was released.  How cool is that?  The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) now has apps for three of the most popular smartphones. REALTOR.ca is the most visited real estate website in Canada, listing on average some 350,000 properties at any time.
 
"Consumers today use their smartphones in many ways, and this free application provides Blackberry users all the features and functionality of the REALTOR.ca website" said CREA President Gary Morse. "REALTORS® across Canada are proud to be providing this service to house hunters."

           
 
The free REALTOR.ca app is provided at no cost to consumers by Canada's 100,000 REALTORS® and more than 100 real estate Boards and Associations.
 
The app provides users with the features and functionality of REALTOR.ca and takes full advantage of Blackberry device features, such as:
·         Using the handheld's GPS technology:
o       Properties Near Me - get up-to-date property information, photos and driving directions;
o       New Listings Near Me - recent listings in the area you're visiting;
o       Open Houses Near Me - find open houses near your present location;
·         My Agent - Contact either your agent(s), or the listing agent for more information about a specific property;
·         Property Search - Search for houses and properties across Canada, and connect with REALTORS® to view, buy or sell a property;
·         Personalized settings allowing the user to set default language, unit of measure, how properties are displayed, and search radius for "Near Me" searches;
·         Interactive BING mapping is embedded to allow focus on specific neighbourhoods; 
·         Scheduled Open Houses can be added to the device's calendar.
"When considering one of life's biggest financial transactions, easily accessible, detailed information about homes and neighbourhoods, as well as access to REALTORS®, helps people make well-informed decisions" stated Morse.

Now isn't that something? :) 

Well guess what?  My neighbourhood of Garrison Crossing is contention to be recognized as the Best Neighbour in Canada to Live in.  Many of you have seen the posts I've done on Garrison and know what a unique and wonderful neighbourhood it is. 

We're currently in second place overall - however we are in first place in the category of Neighbourhoods - however we would love to move into first place overall.  In order for that to happen I'm asking my Active Rain family to cast a vote for us - or anyone else that reads this post!

If you click on the link below and help us get there by voting for Garrison Crossing. The system will allow you to vote once per day minimum and sometimes more...so please vote often.
 
I really appreciate your support.
 
Garrison Crossing has been nominated as one of the Great Places in Canada!
Please help us win the title VOTE HERE NOW!

Come see what we're talking about! 

 Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing - A Winter's Tale - First in a Series

 Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing - Winter Wonderland - Second in a Series

 Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing - Wintertime - Third in a Series

 Frosty - in Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing - Fourth in a Series

Winter in Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing - Branching out with Vintage Townhomes - Fifth in a Series

******************************

 If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing, Cultus Lake, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Chilliwack Realtor Liz  Moras of Keller Williams Elite  a call at- 604-799-0459  or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.   

Copyright © 2011 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. Please do not use without permission.   Information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive.  It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Keller Williams Elite Realty.   
                       

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing, Cultus Lake, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give

Chilliwack Realtor Liz  Moras of Keller Williams Elite Realty

  a call  at 

604-799-0459   or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.  

  
Copyright © 2011 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. Please do not use without permission.   Information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive.  It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Keller Williams Elite Realty.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing, Cultus Lake, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give

Chilliwack Realtor Liz  Moras of Keller Williams Elite Realty

  a call  at 

604-799-0459   or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.  

  
Copyright © 2011 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. Please do not use without permission.   Information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive.  It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Keller Williams Elite Realty.  

So you are convinced it is a Good Idea to Buy a Home That Was a Former Grow Op?

Are you considering buying a property that was a former Marijuana grow operation or meth lab?  I'm far from an expert on the subject, although Chilliwack has more than its fair share of former Grow-Op Homes.  Perhaps speaking to a Home Inspector might provide some critical information, however I can speak on it from the perspective of a Realtor.

There used to be a time when this problem was the domain of derelict old homes in run down neighbourhoods.  Unfortunately, not any more - if anything it is just as likely to be in a posh family oriented neighbourhood or a brand new development.  As a matter of fact its become quite a popular method of paying down a mortgage.  However these days grow houses  are seldom used for extended periods of time since these 'investors' tend to switch up their locations fairly frequently.  Nevertheless, unsuspecting homeowners are always shocked when they find a drug raid occuring at the house next door to them.

Recently the Chilliwack Progress did a series of articles on former grow ops in our area and they were kind enough to provide maps pinpointing these locations.  I'm not sure but the police web site might even have that information.  However knowing a home was a grow op is a lot easier to deal with then buying one where the operations went undetected. 

                               Similar type Map in Toronto

The best advice I could possibly give you is to have each and every home you consider buying, inspected by a Licensed Home Inspector; although admittedly there are still some inspectors that do not know how to identify a former Grow Op home.

However this question relates specifically to the potential home buyer that is wondering what the pros and cons of buying a home that hosted a former grow operation; so I'll try and simplify it with a couple of lists:

The Cons: (Listed in no particular order)

Potential health and safety risks -  Most grow operators illegally bypass hydro meters in order to steal the large amounts of power required for heating and lighting a grow operation. This usually results in dangerous electrical connections that are capable of causing serious injury or possible death. Operators often install large ventilation tubes to exhaust chemical fumes through the roof of a home often causing serious structural damage due to large holes cut in floors  and ceilings.

- Humidity levels are kept very high in grow operations to promote plant growth. Unfortunately high humidity levels also promote mold growth which can be very carcinogenic and have long lasting health effects for humans. Use of various chemicals in both grow operations and in particular meth labs, can easily contaminate drywall, plaster and even wooden framing.

- Remediation required to restore a grow operation property back to a safe and healthy state, can be extremely costly and in the case of former meth labs, often deemed a lost cause, as chemical infiltration into all the building material within a home is usually so widespread.                                       

- There may be some current and future property insurance issues - some companies will not insure former grow ops.     

- If you're told that the these homes have no problems being resold - check the data and see how many times they've been on the market and for how long and with how many price reductions before they are eventually sold.    

- I also encourage you to seriously consider whether tearing down the property might not be a better idea than rehabilitating it.                     

The Pros - (Yes there are some )

- If you have private money and can gut the house, and your are able to purchase the house at a great reduced price; if you spend money to have environmental engineers do spore tests etc. and perhaps have the construction skills or trusted contacts that can do it - you could end up a decent investment.

- Some believe that many former grow ops that have been repaired are in better condition than other homes. Why is this? because within the lower mainland most municipalities require former grow ops to have environmental air testing, mold and noxious material reports done. Until this is done and passed the city will not re-issue an occupancy permit.

- Depending on the extent of the grow op - some cities require the property to be brought up to current building codes that include items such as plumbing and gas, building, electric etc. This forces the homeowner to upgrade many features that were unaffected by the grow op. And these items could be as small as adding railings to stairs or as big as fixing a foundation of structure.

- There may be an opportunity  get this property at a bargain price - however make sure  to take all the additional costs into consideration before you proceed on what looks like a bargain price.

So what would I do given all the pros and  cons? I would probably pass.  Chances are there will be headaches.  Certification for home insurance could be a problem if you do disclose - if you don't disclose you may find yourself uninsured even after paying premiums.  In my experience this is often a deal killer. The insurance company requires city approval for the home but if it was a grow op before the city required certification for grow ops you end up in grow op limbo land.  If repairs were made before the Cities were required to approve the repairs  - chances are no bank would touch it. I suspect the contract was eventually submitted  without the grow op disclosure...

Lastly, the house is always stigmatized with the 'former grow-op label' - and then again there are the stories of grow rip or drive by shootings - unaware that the house has been sold! 

 Also be aware that there have seen many, many homes sold without the owner disclosing they had a grow op (sometimes because they didn't know and it was several sales ago).  So Buyer beware!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing, Cultus Lake, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give

Chilliwack Realtor Liz Moras of Keller Williams Elite Realty

  a call  at 

604-799-0459   or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.  

  
Copyright © 2011 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. Please do not use without permission.   Information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive.  It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Keller Williams Elite Realty.  

Your house hasn't sold?  Its been 3, 6, 12 months?  You're shaking your head and wondering why?  Well here are the straight goods........Look at the list and check it twice! :-)

First of all lets see why other similar properties sold and yours didn't:

1.) They made sure their property was priced correctly right from the very beginning.

2.) They made showings easy - and left the home during showings so the Buyers could explore comfortably.

3.) They invested in professional home staging - realizing that the way they saw there home was not necessarily the way others would see it.  We see our homes with different eyes and may not accentuate the positive and minimize the negative.  Time and time again data shows that staged houses sell for more and sell quicker.

4.) They were more aware of market trends and so knew that being more flexible when negotiating was necessary. They also did not reject offers outright.

                             

That doesn't mean that some houses still don't sell, but your odds are greatly improved.  

Somethings to consider...

1. )  How motivated were you to sell? Were you holding out for a sale price similar to the one your neighbor received a couple of years ago?  Are you prepared to wait another two years to get your house sold?

2.) Are all parties involved equally motivated?  Sometimes holding back on appropriate pricing is a strategy for delaying decision making when both parties are not equally ready to sell!

3.)Are you thinking your house hasn't sold because of your Realtor?  Although that may be a possibility chances are that probably isn't the reason your home hasn't sold.  However sometimes people think that changing up the Realtors might make a difference - and that is unfortunate.  Although the temptation might be to find a new Realtor and THEN reduce your price - the odds are that after investing both time and money there is no one more motivated in selling your home than the Realtor you already have!

4.) However if you think your house is worth more than anyone else?  Bonus:  You might just  get to keep it! :)

 

 

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing, Cultus Lake, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Chilliwack Realtor Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty  a call at- 604-799-0459  or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.   

Copyright © 2011 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. Please do not use without permission.   Information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive.  It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Landmark Realty Chwk. Ltd.  
                       

                                             

 

  If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing, Cultus Lake, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Chilliwack Realtor Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty  a call at- 604-799-0459  or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.   

Copyright © 2011 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. Please do not use without permission.   Information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive.  It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Landmark Realty Chwk. Ltd.  
                       

You've sold your home - You know what the sale price is and what the Real Estate commission is, but what other costs will affect your bottom line?  Know you additional costs so that you are not surprised when you arrive at the Lawyers to go over your Statement of Adjustments.  People are often shocked and not usually because there is MORE money there then they thought!

 1. Property Transfer Tax: This tax is payable on the purchase of all real property in BC. The calculation is based on 1% of the purchase price up to $200,000 and 2% of any amount above $200,000. Most first time buyers are exempt from this if they meet certain criteria. The main criteria are; a) borrower has never owned a principal residence anywhere; b) maximum purchase price of $275,000 in most areas; c) borrow at least 70% of purchase price; d) be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and residing in BC for a minimum of 12 months. Online Calculator.

2. H.S.T. Harmonized Sales Tax - Online Calculator - British Columbia harmonized its provincial sales tax (Social Services Tax, aka PST) with the Federal goods and services tax (GST) effective July 1, 2010.

Note H.S.T. is only payable on Newly Constructed Homes.  There is a new housing rebate for new homes purchased as a primary residence - a partial rebate (71.43%) of the provincial portion of the HST for new housing to ensure that new homes up to $525,000 (increased from $400,000) bear no more tax than under the previous PST system, while homes above $525,000 receive a flat rebate of $26,250.

3. Legal Fees: Legal representation will cost you approximately $750 for a purchase and a mortgage, add approximately another $450 if you are selling a property at the same time. The legal fees to only register a mortgage will be in the $350 range.  Phone for all-inclusive estimates (taxes, disbursements and courier fees included) - note Notary fees are not always cheaper that Lawyer fees.

4. Interest Adjustment: This is the interest you will pay for receiving your mortgage money before the official start of your mortgage (ie: if your "completion" were on the 23rd of a 30 day month, your interest adjustment would be 8 days interest).

 5. Property Tax Adjustment: Generally, property taxes for the calendar year are paid at the beginning of July for the full calendar year. If you purchase a property before July 1st, the seller will be paying you for the days they owned a home from January 1st to completion day. You then are responsible for the entire amount to be paid to the municipality on July 1st. If you purchase a property after July 1st you will pay the seller for the days you own the property from completion day to December 31st, as they will already have paid the entire amount to the municipality on July 1st. To calculate this amount: one days' taxes on owner occupied properties is the annual taxes, less $470 homeowner grant, divided by 365.

6. Strata Cost Adjustments & Form A Certificate: For those purchasing a strata property, the adjustment works similar to the property tax adjustment explained in item 4. The difference is that strata fees are paid monthly not annually, so the adjustment will be based on the number of days in your completion month that you have ownership. A Form A Certificate is required only on strata purchases and is issued by the strata corporation in order to confirm that the seller does not owe the strata corporation any money. This certificate will range in price up to approximately $50.

7. CMHC Application Fee: This is a $75 underwriting fee paid to CMHC for processing a high ratio mortgage application and initiating the mortgage loan insurance. This fee is usually deducted from the mortgage proceeds. (Note:  This fee may be applicable if you have less then 15% down on the purchase).  If you are funding a "High-Ratio" Mortgage CMHC will be charging you a fee - please check with them for their fee schedule.

8. Property Appraisal: The property is evaluated by a professional appraiser to determine the market value of the property. This is done to ensure that; a) the lending institution is not over lending on the property and; b) to protect the borrower from over-paying. Generally, a standard residential appraisal will cost approximately $250-300.  It is usually your financial institution that arranges for the appraisal - and the report will go to the financial institution -but you will be charged.

9. Property Inspection: An inspection is a thorough evaluation of the structure, systems and components of a home. The inspection report is usually multi-paged, and comments on the condition of, but not limited to: foundations, electrical, plumbing, heating, water heaters, appliances, fireplaces, drainage, roof, walls, floors, attic, crawl spaces, patios... The inspection is usually performed a day or two before the market value is determined by the property appraisal.  This property inspection is your responsibility and will usually cost somewhere in the range of $450-550.

10. Survey Certificate: A bank will require a survey to confirm that the house and/or any outbuildings do not encroach or cross over the property lines. The seller will often already have a survey, especially if the seller also had a mortgage on the property. Otherwise,  you may want to call to get estimates on a new survey. CMHC requires a survey on all properties insured by a high ratio mortgage. Keep in mind, however, that surveys can be replaced by title insurance and that new surveys are not required on strata properties.  Title Insurance is significantly cheaper and usually costs less than $200.

11.Insurance Binder: This is a requirement by the bank to ensure that the borrower has arranged sufficient insurance to cover any losses that may be incurred on the purchase. Proof of coverage by way of an insurance binder supplied by the insurance agent is necessary and usually costs $35 (this is not applicable for a strata property).

*This information is being provided to assist in the planning of a home purchase. It is not intended to be legal advice and the information set out may not be applicable in all cases. In some situations, a purchaser may be required to pay for other additional expenses such as a second mortgage, an assignment of rents, power of attorney, or independent legal advice.

  If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing, Cultus Lake, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Chilliwack Realtor Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty  a call at- 604-799-0459  or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.    

Copyright © 2011 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. Please do not use without permission.   Information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive.  It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Landmark Realty Chwk. Ltd.  
                        

Planning to put your home on the market...soon?  Spring time seems to be a popular time for people to want to list their properties.......and the  Spring Selling Season is fast approaching......what to do?... 

I'm Thinking of Selling My Home - What Should I do to Get Ready?

With Christmas behind us and a New Year in full swing it is the perfect time to...

Start now and get ahead of the Spring Market!.....You can get your house ready for showing at a pace you can control.....it is the perfect time to start doing the necessary improvements, preparations and start organizing your home!

With more selection on the market there is more competition among home sellers than there has been in the last few years.... its time to take stock and definitely put your home's best foot forward!

Some home sellers have their homes in pristine condition and looking like the cover of a Martha Stewart Magazine...but for most of us we need a little help in that area!

                                                                                                                                               Times have changed, and the of multiple offers and homes with clutter, unsightly decor and green shag carpets should be over.....Until recently home sellers could get away with a lot because just about anything was selling.........For a few years now - Selling in a Seller's market has been a bit of a breeze and we've been spoiled.  Clients used to say 'what do we need to do'.......and the answer was - probably nothing! There was so little inventory that everything was selling - and selling quickly. But not anymore!

I've always said, that a Realtor should put their own home on the market every few years, just to remind us what its like for 'Sellers'...........And  I have!   So I can speak not just from the perspective of a Realtor - but from that of a Home Owner!  And I won't say that its not challenging...and my home really didn't need any major renno's or improvements......but here are a few tips if all you need is a general spiffing up!*

1.) Start leisurely  chipping away at your list of improvements well before your home goes on the market.  You ARE doing improvements aren't you?? :-) If you do you'll avoid so much stress...tackle the big items first and then start focusing on the small touches that will make your home stand out from the rest!

2.) Go to your local movers and ask if you can have their used packing boxes.  I refer my clients to these movers so I always get free boxes both for myself and my clients.  While you're at it get some packing paper too!

Then I put a box in every room in the house - and start pulling out every thing that might be considered to 'clutter' for some people; photos, knick knacks, books, pictures etc.,I wrap it up, label it and then start stacking the boxes in a corner of the garage.  Less clutter, less to clean and this way you'll be a quarter packed when you're ready to move!

3.)Rearrange some of your furniture - give your home 'flow' and make it easy to manoever.  

4.)For Cleaning....Divide up your home into areas.........not just rooms, ie.  Kitchen:  1. cupboards;stove;fridge;drawers.............Bedroom:  bedding,dressers,walk-in;....For example if yoiu have 2 weeks in which you want to get your home ready and you can set aside 2 hours a day - divy up the chores.........you won't  be overwhelmed, and you'll be done in no time.  Actually once you find yourself working your plan, you might even get on a roll and get way more done in a shorter period of time. This was my mom's tip - and i'll tell you - it will bring you down from 'overwhelm' to 'calm cool and in control'.........in no time! :-)

5.) Colour your world.......either wash your walls, paint your rooms, or touch them up....paint a feature wall and maybe add a little drama or 'ping' to your home...

6.) Buy some flowers - candles etc......do a fruit arrangement - anything with a bit of whimsy...

7.)Light up your house!  Open up all your blinds and window coverings - clean your windows.........and make sure all your light fixtures have lighbulbs in them and light it up!

8.) Pay special attention to your Entrance, Walk Way - and what we like to call your Curb Appeal! Mow your lawn, trip your tree branches, shrubs, clear your walkway.......and make your Entrance Sizzle......first impressions are so important.....

9.)If all this is a little more then you can handle...... hire a 'home stager'!........Seriously people, for the few hundred that they charge, you'll more then make up for it in the sale price of your home, not to mention the peace of mind and de-stressing effect it will have on you!  Check out Active Rain......for a Home Stager near you - you'll be happy you did !  :-)

10.) Last but not Least - Hire a Realtor that you Connect With.  Pick Someone that Sparkles with Enthusiasm and Prepares with Professionalism.  Frankly...you have a lot of Realtors to Choose from.....choose the Best - I'd suggest you choose Me! :) 

Choose the one thats Best for You!  That doesn't necessarily mean the one with the Most Listings, the One with the Biggest Team, Your Aunt or your Best Friend's Friend.......Do some research...check the papers if you like.........but definitely check out their Website....Head for the Testimonials Page - and see what others have to say.......and for Heaven's Sake pick a Realtor that has aBlog! 

There is no better way to get to know how Professional - Knowlegeable - Respected - What their Values are - Their Hobbies - or about their Family -  then to read about A Day in Their Life in a Blog! 

 *Not a complete list  - now I couldn't tell all here could I?  :-) For more tips - call - e-mail - or post a comment or question on my Blog!  :-)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~               

 If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing, Cultus Lake, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Chilliwack Realtor Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty  a call at- 604-799-0459  or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.   

Copyright © 2011 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. Please do not use without permission.   Information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive.  It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Landmark Realty Chwk. Ltd.  
                       

How do I go About Buying Recreational Property in British Columbia?

Did you know that the average sale price of recreational land in BC has increased 157% in the last 10 years - while single-family residential properties have appreciated 115% in the same period, according to Landcor Data. Interesting isn't it?l

The average sale prices of waterfront recreational land in BC has increased 237% in that same time period.

Recreational Property in the Okanagan increased over 406%.  Don't you wish you'd invested then?

A good place to start is with Maps! 

Click on Map of British Columbia

How does one get started and gain the confidence in knowing what to buy and how  to research investments?   According to Western Investor a good resource is the recently published book by Rudy Nielsen, president of Niho Land and Cattle Company, entitled The Secrets to Investing in Recreation Land...Rudy a legendary recreational land investor has probably owned more raw land then most small countries.

Guts, Motivation and Maps are what he considers the Top 3 Keys! Do the necessary Research!

Check out these Maps and Online aerial photos that provide information about just about any Recreational Land in B.C.!

Pre-emption Map - This is the most important map.  It gives you the big picture - Crown vs. private land, roads, railroads, power lines, rivers, creeks, mountains, towns and much much more.  If you can't find a pre-emption map......

An easy substitute is...

Online Cadastre - The BC government has an internet-based interactive map site for viewing on your computer as the pre-emption Map ....  The only difference is that these maps don't distinguish between Crown and Private Land.  Its free and easy to use......

Contour map - This map shows you if the property is hilly, steep or swampy, as well as access trains...they can also be viewed online cadastre by turning on the contour layer.

Plan - If the property has been subdivided you can order a subdivision plan for the property from BC Online or the Land Titles office.  This will give you the size and measurements of the property and tell you where the roads are located.

Agricultural Land Reserve Map - contact the ALC for a copy (some are available online).  This map will determine if all or part of the property is in the agricultural land reserve, which will have a major baring on what you can do with the property.

Aerial photos or orthophotos - These can be obtained from Land Datas BC, giving you a view of the property from the air.  Its also useful for identifying roads, timber and water on the property.  Orthophotos can be viewed on  onlined cadastre also, just by turning on the 'orthophoto layer'. 

Google Earth - Another tool for aerial imaging that is free and easy to use.

Fish Wizard - this free online resource tells you the depth of lakes on or near the property and the type of fish found within it.  How interesting is that?

Zoning Map - To find out the zoning and permitted land use of your property, contact the Regional District and request a zoning map.

Now theres a headstart if you're interested in doing your own research! 

Then call your local Real Estate Expert!  

If you're looking in the Fraser Valley call - Liz Moras with Landmark Realty - if not I can refer you to an expert in your area.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Chilliwack's Garrison Crossing, Cultus Lake, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Chilliwack Realtor Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty  a call at- 604-799-0459  or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.   

Copyright © 2011 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. Please do not use without permission.   Information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive.  It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Landmark Realty Chwk. Ltd.