Cave Girl in the City: April 2016

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Racism in Real Estate - What's the Deal Vancouver?

I had a really interesting conversation yesterday which brought up some of my own opinions and feelings.

Obviously Vancouver is changing. But it's pretty disappointing when you hear insulting and negative comments about the Chinese buying up all the real estate.

I'm sorry, but how many people do you know that have Chinese last names who are born in Canada?

How many Chinese friends do you have that are 3rd/4th generation but still have Chinese last names. The statistics don't look at that. They just look at the buyer's last name, and they make a generalization about that.

For example, my friend's last name is Chow, purchased a house, both owners were born in Canada.

I expect more from people than to just believe anything they hear.

I think you need to look at more than just the last name of the buyer. Come on now.

And even if that was the case, what's the big deal? Our communities have been changing for decades. If you look back to the 50s and 60s, do you think our communities looked anything like how they look now?

I say embrace it, make the best of it, and love the beautiful city that Vancouver currently is, and that Vancouver is becoming.

But hey, maybe I'm being too optimistic.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Me, My Mortgage and I

Last year in the month of June, I became a homeowner.

Or as I like to call it. A home possessor.

And by home I mean condo.

So really, last year in June I borrowed a bunch of money from the bank to be able to possess my 750 sqf condo for an undetermined length of time.

The reason I use the word possess rather than own is because this is what you get in Canada when you "buy property".

Real property laws in Canada state that the Crown is the only absolute property owner of land. All people who "purchase" land are fee simple owners, and they have the right to freely use the land, enjoy it, sell it, rent it, lease it, and to pass it onto their heirs.

This might surprise you, especially if you have recently purchased a home.

This might surprise you, especially if you are thinking about purchasing a home.

This might surprise you and turn you away from purchasing a home.

What you need to remember is that it has been this way since the year 1066, when William the Conqueror captured England. (I know, hard to understand why this even matters)

So don't let this turn you off from purchasing a home. I think it's really good information to be aware of.