The following Case Study illustrates one of the most compelling reasons for buying and owning rental investment real estate is the phenomena of expanding value and expanding return on investment. This occurs as a well bought and well maintained property experiences income growth and decreasing debt over the investment period. As rents increase (modestly) year to year, and mortgages are paid down on a regular, escalating basis, the prudent and patient investor can watch while other people (tenants)...

(originally published in 2010, updated to 2017) By Bob Bracken

The following Case Study illustrates an answer to the title question, ‘’Vancouver Real Estate, can prices go any higher?” This question has been asked over and over in the many years that I have been in the business. The answer is always a matter of supply and demand, economic climate and the political climate in British Columbia. Having said that, prices have consistently advanced over the past 50 odd years in...

(originally published in 1999, updated to 2018)

The following Case Study illustrates that Sellers may not want to be tied up with long completions and will look at all offers as to when they would best receive the sell proceeds and their price. It is always the story to have your financing in order to be ready to compete with what you can afford and thus can compete and win against offers that turn out to be higher in price but with longer terms. This case study was done originally in 1999....

(originally published in Spring 1997, updated to 2017)

The following Case Study illustrates Investment Properties have equaled a very affordable Home for some savvy Investors. Income from Suites can make the difference of every owing real estate, especially in Vancouver and not having to pay rent. It is a number game, between the sell price of the property, down payment, available cash flow rental income from the property Suites and the mortgage obtained. This case study was done in the Spring...

The following Case Study illustrates, again, the principle that there are always gems and opportunities in the Market. These are usually found by looking past the superficial elements of a property to realize its potential for value upside. Sometimes (often) it takes a bit of time for the right buyer to come together with the Seller to work this out as a Win-Win for both. For this Seller, we agreed that it was essential to take all steps to get the highest price possible for the property. That started...

The Property: A 2200 sq.ft., 3 level “character” house containing 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 3 kitchens on a 24.75’ X 112’ lot on West 12^th (busy street) in the City Hall area of Vancouver.  Built in 1910, the building is structurally sound, with partially upgraded plumbing, electrical, and cosmetic work.  The accommodation is Top floor: 1 bdrm suite; Main floor: 2 bdrm, 2 bath suite; and Basement: 3 bdrm suite; plus single car detached garage with electric service....

The Property: A small, 3 level triplex (legal duplex with unauthorized basement suite) in the Mount Pleasant area of Vancouver. The building is approx. 2100 sq.ft., with 3 1 bedroom suites on a 40’ x 66’ lot. The condition is good, as the owners had done renovations during their 4 years of ownership.

The property generates rent of $1,750/month, with tenants paying heat and light. Taxes and expenses are roughly $350/mo.

The Sale: The property sold for $260,000 to an owner occupier planning...

The Buildings: Two “Duplex Buildings”, with a total of 4 three level (including full basement) townhouse units. Each of the units is totally self contained with its own hydro and gas meters, hot water tank, furnace and laundry hook-up. The units are just over 1600 sq.ft., for a total building area of 6500 sq.ft. The buildings are very plain and about 60 years old, but are in reasonable condition with no pressing maintenance issues. The basements are mostly unfinished and have further ...

One of the most compelling reasons for buying and owning rental investment real estate is the phenomena of expanding value and expanding return on investment. This occurs as a well bought and well maintained property experiences income growth and decreasing debt over the investment period. 
As rents increase (modestly) year to year, and mortgages are paid down on a regular, escalating basis, the prudent and patient investor can watch while other people (tenants) work to pay off his property -...

There is a common perception that only those with large net worths and high incomes may buy significant real estate assets. The following case study defies that logic, and illustrates that the most important factors can be the investors’ will to work with what they have, and their patience to look past the surface of a situation to realize value.

The Property: A 4 level, 13 suite apartment block on a 75’ x 120” RM-4 lot near Yew Street and 1st Avenue, 2 blocks to the beach in the...

Ugly Ducklings don’t always turn into Swans, and concerns over location, tenant mix and shabby conditions are usually valid reasons for a Buyer to pass on a property. Here, however, is another instance where an experienced and capable investor was able to accept a bit of a “project” in order to realize handsome returns.

The Property: A 4 level, 12 unit Apartment Block on a 33’ x 120’ RM-4 lot on Broadway near Fraser Street, in the Mount Pleasant area of Vancouver. The...