Homeowner advocate and local Realtor, John Grasty, offers Tri-City area homeowners (and buyers) relevant property information, including comparable sales data and the most up to date and accurate picture of activity and trends for a particular market.

"This is simply neighbourhood intelligence", says Grasty, one of the first 50 Realtors (out of over 98,000) in Canada to offer "Market Snapshot" as an added-value service, and with no strings attached. 

"Homeowners have better choices by staying abreast of their own market, including a chance to respond to changes that are likely to affect the real estate market in their area," and Grasty adds, "Knowing on an ongoing basis if prices have decreased (or increased) in a neighbourhood could help buyers determine how much to offer, or even help homeowners to decide if a property tax appeal makes sense."

Most residential properties have devalued in the past year and many of those being sold are already selling below the 2008 tax assessed value. 

The BC assessment of properties will normally reflect market values effective July 1 of the preceding year.  Each year, more than 98% of BC's 1.8 million property owners accept their assessment as provided by BC Assessment and do not file a formal complaint (appeal).

To curb a rash of property tax appeals...more here