Spectacular south facing 2 bdrms, 2 bthrms penthouse in the Star of Kitsilano. The largest suite in the building, the high ceilings and open plan make it perfect for entertaining. Large windows and skylights, new flooring, paint and light fixtures make this a special place to call home. Insuite laundry, gas fireplace and lots of insuite storage. One parking, pets allowed, centrally located. Expansive views from the common rooftop deck with shared BBQ. Don't miss this one!

Lovely 3 level town home overlooking green belt in Heritage Woods. On main, big kitchen island, powder room, 2 decks, laminate flooring in dining/living room. Upstairs, 3 spacious bedrooms & 2 full bath. Bright, sunny rec room & lots of sto rage in the basement. Tasteful color paint throughout. Great community, close to school, day care, parks & trails. Perfect home for your family.

View this recently sold Townhouse or see all my home sales

With the HST implementation date quickly approaching, many of you have asked what effect this new value-added tax will have on real estate prices in BC. To answer this question, we must break down its effects into 3 categories: New Construction, Resale, and Fees.

New Construction

This category is the one that is likely to be most influenced by the change from GST to HST. All new residential construction will now be taxable at the 12% rate rather than the previous 5%. To offset some of this, the government has introduced a New Housing Rebate which will significantly reduce the burden of the additional tax up to a house value of $525,000. For new construction valued at over $525,000, the purchaser will receive a flat rebate of $26,250, meaning the increased burden of this tax will only affect those purchasing a new home over $525,000.

But that's not the end of the story. The changeover from the GST & PST to the HST should result in significant real savings to the construction industry as they can now receive government rebates on their inputs. These cost savings will, through time, result in lower overall construction costs, which should help mitigate some of the additional tax burden for those buying new construction valued at over $525,000.

In fact, for those buying property valued at less than $525,000, the overall cost may eventually be lower than before the HST is implemented.

Resale

The HST should have little to no effect on the resale market as'used' homes are not subject to GST and will not be subject to HST. Instead, the government has a Property Transfer Tax, which will remain the same: 1% on the first $200,000; 2% on the balance.

Fees

HST will apply to the fees associated with a transaction and will lead to a slight increase in these fees. That said, many of the fees currently associated with transacting a home already charge both GST & PST so there will be no change; however, the taxes on a realtor's fees will increase by 7%. For a $1,000,000 home, real estate commissions typically average 2.95%. A tax increase of 7% on this amount means that the typical realtor commission should increase by roughly 0.2065%.

Taking all of this into account, it is clear that the HST will have a negative effect on the market, but only slightly so. Depending on your asset class, you may even end up ahead. And taking into account the fact that the GST was lowered from 7% in 2006 to 5% today, consumers are definitely ahead compared to that time.

To calculate how the HST will affect a typical new house price, please visit macrealty.com to use the HST calculator. Remember though, there are many subtleties to the HST laws and its associated transition rules. An accountant will likely be needed to answer these more detailed questions.

We're hoping this has cleared up some confusion. Should you have any questions related to the HST or real estate, please contact us at anytime.  Cheers!

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Vancouver Heights Townhouse for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Christine & Shannon
MacDonald Realty Ltd.

This spectacular view townhome is show suite beautiful. Two bedrooms and den in desired Vancouver Heights neighbourhood. Features include, large kitchen with rolling island, 3 renovated bathrooms, laminate through all main living areas, beautifully painted and the largest rooftop deck in the complex - 445 square feet of newly finished deck with amazing 360 degree views of the city. Great place to spend summer nights and watch the sun set. Also included are two side by side parking stalls and a storage locker / bike rm. Rentals allowed, pets under 50 lbs welcome. Walk to trendy shops and restaurants from this centrally located suite in North Burnaby's most sought after neighbourhood.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Kitsilano Condo for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Christine & Shannon
MacDonald Realty Ltd.

Spectacular south facing 2 bedroom 2 bathroom penthouse in the Star of Kitsilano. The largest suite in the building, the high ceilings and open plan make it perfect for entertaining. Large windows and skylights, new flooring, paint and light fixtures make this a special place to call home. Insuite laundry, gas fireplace and lots of insuite storage. One parking, pets allowed, centrally located. Expansive views from the common rooftop deck with shared BBQ. Don't miss this one!

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Fleetwood Tynehead Townhouse for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Christine & Shannon
MacDonald Realty Ltd.

Spectacular 2 bedroom townhome in the desired Veranda. Bright end unit with open layout perfect for entertaining. This suite has many upgrades and unique features including: laminate flooring throughout, 12 foot ceilings in master bedroom, granite countertops and stainless appliances, beautiful stone fireplace, closet organizers, sound proof upper floor windows, 2 car tandem garage, and a private fenced rear yard and deck. Pets allowed. Built Green with water conserving plumbing fixtures, energy star appliances environmentally conscious construction practices and the remainder of the 2-5-10 year warranty make this a smart, safe buy.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Burnaby North Townhouse for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Christine & Shannon
MacDonald Realty Ltd.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Burnaby North Townhouse for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Christine & Shannon
MacDonald Realty Ltd.

Aerie views of ocean and mountains. Unique bareland strata development above the beach. Monthly fees $150. Major renovations including rainscreening completed January 2009. All measurements approximate. Plans available.

Character 4-plex in desired Cambie neighbourhood.Top floor: 1 bed and den. Main: 1 bed and den. Basement: Two bedroom suites, approx 650sf each. 3 car garage rented for $390/mo. Great condition, many upgrades including new roof on house & garage, new back stairs,some new appliances and new flooring in 2 suites. Updated electrical and plumbing and newer drain tiles. Many options for this large house. Great for owner occupiers, investors or reconfigure to a large family home with or without a mortgage helper. Total income over $58,000 per year. Out of respect for the tenants please do not access this property without listing agent. Don't miss this great opportunity.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Burnaby North Townhouse for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Christine & Shannon
MacDonald Realty Ltd.

Spectacular 2 bedroom, 3 bathroom townhome in desired North Burnaby. This suite shows like a display suite. Great room sizes, 3 renovated bathrooms, and a 445 sqft rooftop deck with 360 degree views of the city and mountains. solid building with 2 years new roof, still 8 years on warranty. Don't miss this opportunity, call your movers!

View this recently sold Condo or see all my home sales

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Grandview VE Condo for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Christine & Shannon
MacDonald Realty Ltd.

Call your movers! This large, immaculate One-Bedroom Corner Unit in Grandview Manor must be seen. The large rooms accommodate house-sized furniture and flexible use of space. This bright corner unit just off 'The Drive' features: insuite laundry, semi-ensuite, large insuite storage, cozy gas fireplace and view of the city & Northshore mountains. All this in a well cared for rainscreened building. New roof 2008 with 10-year warranty. One secure parking & bike storage. Pets welcome, sorry no rentals. Walk to funky shops & great restaurants. OPEN HOUSE: Saturday & Sunday November 21st & 22nd, 2-4 PM.