Blog Archive
May 2013
Posted by Cameron McNeill on May 21, 2013 in Investing in Real Estate
How much deposit do I have to put down on a presale condo?
The question about deposits and what is standard is one that often comes up when considering buying a presale home. Most presale new homes require a…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on May 07, 2013 in Sales and Customer Experience
What to expect before you get the keys to your brand new home.
Purchasing a presale home has many benefits including selecting a colour scheme, customizations, spreading out deposits and much more. However, you also need to…Continue Reading
April 2013
Posted by Suzana Goncalves on April 23, 2013 in MAC News
We’re Hiring! Job Posting for Project Leader/Marketing Manager
JOB POSTING: Project Leader / Marketing Manager MAC Marketing Solutions is looking for a positive and dynamic individual to add to our marketing team!…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on April 23, 2013 in Exploring New Communities
Finding Metro Vancouver’s Next Neighbourhood
When looking to buy a new condo, it’s only natural to start exploring existing neighbourhoods such as Vancouver’s coveted Kitsilano, Downtown’s English Bay or…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on April 09, 2013 in Taxation, Laws and Policy
What does the move back to GST/PST mean for new home buyers?
April 1, 2013 marked the official switch back to GST/PST away from HST. For most industries, the change is immediate and you should have…Continue Reading
March 2013
Posted by Cameron McNeill on March 26, 2013 in Architectural Design
Building Amenities Add Value
There is much to consider when you are deciding between new condominium projects. You need to decide on a neighbourhood that feels right, floorplans…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on March 12, 2013 in Taxation, Laws and Policy
The $10,000 BC First-Time New Home Buyers’ Bonus Ends Soon
The clock is ticking down on the BC First-Time New Home Buyers’ Bonus. The BC First-Time New Home Buyers' Bonus helps make owning your first…Continue Reading
February 2013
Posted by Cameron McNeill on February 26, 2013 in Interior and Home Design
Making Sense of Floorplans
Buying pre construction real estate has its advantages such as potential for capital appreciation, low cost of ownership with minimal deposits and the benefits…Continue Reading
January 2013
Posted by Cameron McNeill on January 29, 2013 in Investing in Real Estate
Thinking About Buying a Home in 2013? Do your due diligence.
It’s 2013 and thankfully the world did not end with the Mayan Calendar. The online world and the media were abuzz with reports about…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on January 15, 2013 in Investing in Real Estate
How to Choose a Realtor
Christmas is over and it is time to get back into the swing of things. With the new year comes resolutions and often life…Continue Reading
December 2012
Posted by Michael Connolly on December 11, 2012 in Technology
Great Apps for Realtors & Real Estate Agents
We’ve seen the smartphone landscape change dramatically over the past several years with Blackberry hot out of the gates only to be taken over…Continue Reading
Posted by Suzana Goncalves on December 07, 2012 in MAC News
Project Leader / Marketing Manager
MAC Marketing Solutions is looking for a positive and dynamic individual to add to their marketing team! The ideal candidate will have a strong…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on December 04, 2012 in Market Updates
Looking Forward to 2013
As the year draws to a close, many people are wondering what can be expected in the year ahead for Metro Vancouver’s real estate…Continue Reading
November 2012
Posted by Michael Connolly on November 27, 2012
Be Smart with your Space.
We’ve talked a lot lately about micro-suites and in general we have seen homes sizes decrease over the years. Through these years we have…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on November 20, 2012 in Taxation, Laws and Policy
Shape Your City – Get Involved in the Community Planning Process
For almost 25 years, I have been involved in the development community and have witnessed the change that Metro Vancouver has experienced over the…Continue Reading
Posted by Grace Austin on November 06, 2012 in Interior and Home Design
Living in Tiny Spaces
Following up on Michael Connolly’s blog on micro living from two weeks ago, we’ve received a lot of comments on how people can actually…Continue Reading
October 2012
Posted by Dan Thomson on October 30, 2012 in Sustainable Living
The Weather Outside is Frightful…
It’s late October and the clouds are setting in and you’ve just started looking for your new home. Now is the time of year…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on October 23, 2012 in Investing in Real Estate
Boutique Living – A Special Place to Call Home
Vancouver is well known for its tall and glimmering towers and as density continues to shift we are seeing more and more city centres…Continue Reading
Posted by Michael Connolly on October 19, 2012 in MAC News
Station Square Grand Opening
In what many people are calling a soft real estate market over 500 people line up for the Station Square grand opening. CTV's Nafeesa Karim…Continue Reading
Posted by Michael Connolly on October 16, 2012 in Investing in Real Estate
Micro-Condominiums
Affordable housing continues to be a hot topic around the city and through the years we have seen condos get smaller and smaller until…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on October 09, 2012 in Investing in Real Estate
The Evolution of Condo Living
Condo living has evolved significantly over the last decade, and so too has the profile of condo buyers. Historically, demand for condos was driven…Continue Reading
Posted by Irshaad Ahmad on October 02, 2012 in Exploring New Communities
Enhancing the Granville Street Bridge
Can we afford to decrease traffic lanes on another Vancouver bridge? Well that’s what the City of Vancouver has indicated in their last conceptual…Continue Reading
September 2012
Posted by Cameron McNeill on September 25, 2012 in Investing in Real Estate
Great Rewards Possible for Those that Wait
Often I get asked why someone who wants to live in their home would buy presale. Presale means you buy your home in advance…Continue Reading
Posted by Kim Robertson on September 11, 2012 in Fun topics and Miscellaneous
This Old House
Vancouver’s second oldest house is one step closer to demolition: One of the oldest houses in Vancouver will likely be torn down. News 1130…Continue Reading
Posted by Dan Thomson on September 04, 2012 in Architectural Design
Rethinking the “Box”
I’m a fan of things modern. In fact, I have a past blog written about why we don’t see more “modern” or “contemporary” homes compared…Continue Reading
August 2012
Posted by Dan Thomson on August 28, 2012 in Architectural Design
The Architect in Me
One of the ways MAC adds values to a developer is by helping to fine-tune floorplans – one of the most enjoyable elements of…Continue Reading
Posted by Michael Connolly on August 21, 2012 in Sustainable Living
The Research that Led Me to “Charge and Go”
I love Europe. Each time I grab my backpack and trek through the beautiful cities and countrysides of the European Union, I am often…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on August 14, 2012 in Architectural Design
Industrial Revolution: Understanding PDR
Since our incorporation in 1886, Vancouver has transformed dramatically from its industrial roots to one of the world’s most livable cities. With our natural…Continue Reading
Posted by Janis Gall on August 07, 2012 in Sales and Customer Experience
Customer Service is Important
As many of you may have noticed, customer service is particularly important to us at MAC, even though it seems to be a dying…Continue Reading
July 2012
Posted by Cameron McNeill on July 31, 2012 in Sustainable Living
How a 30 Minute Commute Will Change the Way You Think
Vancouver recently topped a study performed by GPS device maker TomTom as the most congested city in Canada and second most congested in North…Continue Reading
Posted by Irshaad Ahmad on July 24, 2012 in Market Updates
Headlines Shouldn’t Create Fear
“Vancouver sales hit 10-year low…” Imagine being at the point in your life where you’re ready to purchase a home – and then you…Continue Reading
Posted by Michael Connolly on July 17, 2012 in MAC News
UDI Project of the Month - Meccanica - Part 4
This month, UDI is featuring 'Meccanica' developed by Cressey and marketed by Mac Marketing Solutions. This series will focus on the key project features…Continue Reading
Posted by Michael Connolly on July 17, 2012 in MAC News
UDI Project of the Month - Meccanica - Part 3
This month, UDI is featuring 'Meccanica' developed by Cressey and marketed by Mac Marketing Solutions. This series will focus on the key project features…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on July 17, 2012 in Investing in Real Estate
Knowing When to Buy
For many, home ownership is considered to be a rite of passage. Whether it’s a house or a condo, people of all stages of…Continue Reading
Posted by Dan Thomson on July 10, 2012 in Fun topics and Miscellaneous
What’s in a Name?
Have you ever wondered where the names for buildings come from? I sometimes flip through the pages of the Condo Guide and wonder where…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on July 05, 2012 in Taxation, Laws and Policy
The New Mortgage Rules - How will they affect you?
Just last week the federal government made the announcement that the mortgage rules are once again being tightened. This is the third time in…Continue Reading
June 2012
Posted by Anna Warshawski on June 25, 2012 in Sustainable Living
I Want To Ride My Bicycle
One of the greatest privileges of living in Vancouver, aside from enjoying a peaceful, democratic society, is being a part of this immensely bike-friendly…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on June 19, 2012 in Investing in Real Estate
Affordability: Stop, Rethink, Participate, Win
It’s no secret that there is wide-spread conversation surrounding affordability in Vancouver and I believe it’s time that we all need to rethink what…Continue Reading
Posted by Michael Connolly on June 14, 2012 in MAC News
UDI Project of the Month - Meccanica - Part 2
This month, UDI is featuring 'Meccanica' developed by Cressey and marketed by Mac Marketing Solutions. This series will focus on the key project features…Continue Reading
Posted by Meghan Schroeder on June 12, 2012 in MAC News
Westcoast Homes with Arran Henn: Affinity
Affinity, a Burnaby condo development from Bosa, Vancouver's most recognized real estate developer. Affinity offers spectacular views, as well as Bosa's renowned quality, just…Continue Reading
Posted by Janis Gall on June 12, 2012 in Fun topics and Miscellaneous
Communication
Everyone communicates few people connect. Those who do connect take their relationships, their work, and their lives to another level - John Maxwell The…Continue Reading
Posted by Meghan Schroeder on June 08, 2012 in MAC News
Westcoast Homes with Arran Henn: Vantage
Learn more about Vantage, proudly brought to you by Embassy Development. This stunning 33 storey high-rise in the heart of the Brentwood neighbourhood of…Continue Reading
Posted by Krista Shirreff on June 07, 2012 in MAC News
Boutique High-Rise Modern is Unveiled
On Tuesday, June 5th, 2012 Amacon unveiled Modern, it’s exciting new boutique high-rise coming soon to the downtown West End neighbourhood. Over 120 realtors…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on June 05, 2012 in Architectural Design
Mass Timber En Masse – The Rise of the Wood Highrise
The home building industry is a hugely important sector of our economy, and it’s important to always look for ways to innovate and improve.…Continue Reading
Posted by Michael Connolly on June 04, 2012 in MAC News
UDI Project of the Month - Meccanica - Part 1
This month, UDI is featuring 'Meccanica' developed by Cressey and marketed by Mac Marketing Solutions. This series will focus on the key project features of Meccanica, and…Continue Reading
May 2012
Posted by Irshaad Ahmad on May 29, 2012 in Interior and Home Design
Latest in Condo Trends
For the past 20 years, condos in Vancouver have been ever changing. So when it comes to condos, staying on the cutting edge of…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on May 22, 2012 in Investing in Real Estate
Downsizing – Not a Dirty Word
MAC Marketing Solutions has recently had the pleasure of being involved in several new communities where many of the buyers have been making the…Continue Reading
Posted by Dan Thomson on May 15, 2012 in Investing in Real Estate
A Rebate for Locals - My Answer to Affordability
The topic of affordability in the Metro Vancouver market has been active for some time now. However, it seems to be making an even…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on May 08, 2012 in Exploring New Communities
Downtown South – A Neighbourhood Taking Shape
Downtown South is an emerging neighbourhood in downtown Vancouver from Burrard Street to Seymour Street between Pacific and Davie Streets. Located just minutes from…Continue Reading
Posted by Michael Connolly on May 01, 2012 in Interior and Home Design
Looking to Your Parents for Inspiration
I’m pretty certain almost every adult secretly loves visiting their parents house as there’s always ‘something’ which is so comforting, and my Mom’s place…Continue Reading
April 2012
Posted by Michael Connolly on April 30, 2012 in MAC News
2012 MAC Golden Cube Awards Video Recap
The MAC Golden Cube Awards celebrated the successes of 2011 and unveilled the projects of 2012.
Posted by Michael Connolly on April 24, 2012 in MAC News
2nd Annual MAC Golden Cube Awards Wrap-Up
MAC Marketing Solutions was honoured to host the 2nd annual MAC Golden Cube Awards, presented by TD at the River Rock Show Theatre on…Continue Reading
Posted by Janis Gall on April 17, 2012 in Fun topics and Miscellaneous
Thank You
Noun 1. Thank you – a conversational expression of gratitude or politeness in response to something done or given. While waiting in line for…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on April 10, 2012 in Investing in Real Estate
Presales and Realtors - What’s the Relationship?
Recently MAC Marketing Solutions held a contest on our social media sites, asking our followers, “What’s on your mind?” We wanted to know if…Continue Reading
Posted by Irshaad Ahmad on April 03, 2012 in Exploring New Communities
A Neighbourhood Created by the People
Skinny jeans, Converse shoes, thick framed glasses, oversized toques and a few coloured accessories to make the look their own. This is what I…Continue Reading
March 2012
Posted by Cameron McNeill on March 27, 2012 in Market Updates
Spring Home Buying Season Looks Promising
It’s upon us. The Spring real estate market. A time when home activity begins to ramp up, both in listings and sales, and buyers…Continue Reading
Posted by Dan Thomson on March 20, 2012 in Fun topics and Miscellaneous
What’s on Your Mind
Each week the MAC team decides what our weekly blog should address in the real estate world. We write about what we think is…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on March 13, 2012 in Sustainable Living
Affordability in Vancouver – Overcoming Common Misconceptions
It’s a common sentiment that Vancouver’s housing market is one of the least affordable in the world. However, each year many new homeowners are…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on March 06, 2012 in Taxation, Laws and Policy
HST - Here We Go Again
Just when we got comfortable working with HST we now must navigate the waters back to GST/PST. The past few weeks have been interesting…Continue Reading
February 2012
Posted by Cameron McNeill on February 28, 2012 in MAC News
After 10 Years, MAC goes Platinum
On Saturday night, 25 MAC team members joined me and my wife at the 20th Annual Georgie Awards, hosted by the Canadian Home Builders…Continue Reading
Posted by Janis Gall on February 21, 2012 in Fun topics and Miscellaneous
What do British Columbian Employees Value in the Workplace
BC's Best Companies to work for 10th annual competition hosted by BC Business and their partners at MindField RPO Group Inc., found that a…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on February 14, 2012 in Architectural Design
Creating Affordable Housing Requires Out of the Box Thinking
Regardless of which survey you read, the issue of affordable housing tops the list for most Metro Vancouverites. And for good reason - with…Continue Reading
Posted by Irshaad Ahmad on February 07, 2012 in Sales and Customer Experience
Your Steps to Completing on your New Home
Congratulations! Your new condo is nearly complete and you are just weeks away from closing on your home. Although this is a very exciting…Continue Reading
January 2012
Posted by Cameron McNeill on January 31, 2012 in Taxation, Laws and Policy
Assessing Your Assessment
Whether you are already a homeowner, or looking to purchase your first home, understanding how your property is assessed and taxed is an important…Continue Reading
Posted by Dan Thomson on January 24, 2012 in Investing in Real Estate
2.99%
What were you doing last week when you heard BMO dropped its 5 year mortgage rate to the record low of 2.99%? If you…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on January 17, 2012 in Investing in Real Estate
Understanding Strata Fees
Condo living definitely has its perks. You can take advantage of amazing locations in the heart of urban centres close to public transportation. You…Continue Reading
December 2011
Posted by Suzana Goncalves on December 20, 2011 in Fun topics and Miscellaneous
Yet Another Year, But Unlike the Others
2011 has been a pivotal year at MAC Marketing Solutions. We celebrated our 10 year anniversary, we orchestrated the first ever MAC Golden Cube…Continue Reading
Posted by Michael Connolly on December 13, 2011 in Fun topics and Miscellaneous
Vancouver Visualizing the Viaducts
The City of Vancouver is going through an extensive planning process to identify development and land use opportunities for the downtown viaducts and adjacent…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on December 06, 2011 in Investing in Real Estate
Home Ownership Types in BC
While there are many different types of home ownership in Canada I thought it would be worthwhile to review the four most common: Freehold…Continue Reading
November 2011
Posted by Janis Gall on November 29, 2011 in Fun topics and Miscellaneous
The Importance of Teamwork and Positive Energy in the Workplace
Employees are a company’s greatest asset or the biggest liability. It is one thing to hire exceptional individuals it is another to hire exceptional…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on November 22, 2011 in Investing in Real Estate
Urban or Suburban?
Recently some members of my team were talking about a new 30-minute show on HGTV called “Urban Suburban”. Homebuyers are shown six homes with…Continue Reading
Posted by Irshaad Ahmad on November 15, 2011 in Investing in Real Estate
Things Often Overlooked When Buying a Home
Buying a home can be a very overwhelming experience. With so many questions that need to be answered it’s easy to overlook tedious things…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on November 08, 2011 in Architectural Design
When Old Becomes Modern Again
Vancouver is an amazing city, one of the most beautiful in the world. Whenever I travel, I find that when I come home, I…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on November 01, 2011 in MAC News
Homer is Where the Heart Is
The year of 2011 marks a big year for MAC! 2011 not only marks our 10th anniversary…. but as of this week, we are…Continue Reading
October 2011
Posted by Cameron McNeill on October 25, 2011 in Architectural Design
The Evolution of Building Amenities
Many new multi-family residential developments in Metro Vancouver include some form of “amenity” space. This shared space, open to all residents, often starts as…Continue Reading
Posted by Suzana Goncalves on October 18, 2011 in Taxation, Laws and Policy
Evergreen Line is One Step Closer
Although you may not appreciate the $0.02 gas tax it looks as though this will be paired with ridership increased fares and another measure…Continue Reading
Posted by Irshaad Ahmad on October 11, 2011 in Architectural Design
Vancouver Architecture: An Age Old Debate
Much has been said on the “City of Glass” in Vancouver. As usual, some people love our shiny and reflective city while others moan…Continue Reading
Posted by Meghan Schroeder on October 04, 2011 in Interior and Home Design
Easy Fall Updates to Your Home
As the weather turns cooler, and we begin to spend more time indoors, many people like to refresh their décor and invest in some…Continue Reading
September 2011
Posted by Cameron McNeill on September 27, 2011 in Investing in Real Estate
Thinking of Investing in a Condo?
A friend recently asked me, "I’m looking to invest in a condo – what do you recommend?” Wow, that's a doozie as there are…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on September 20, 2011 in MAC News
Happy 10th Birthday MAC
It’s our birthday! In this week’s blog, we’re excited to re-cap some of our greatest milestones and challenges over the past 10 years, and…Continue Reading
Posted by Dan Thomson on September 13, 2011 in Interior and Home Design
Why Staging can often Improve your Bottom Line
As we approach the fall market, you might consider listing your home. Once you decide to sell your home, you must then decide whether…Continue Reading
Posted by Krista Shirreff on September 06, 2011 in Architectural Design
Amenities Can Add Cool Convenience to Your Home
Hit the gym in 30 seconds. Get a little space from the in-laws. Host a party that will be the ‘talk of the town’.…Continue Reading
August 2011
Posted by Cameron McNeill on August 30, 2011 in Architectural Design
Smart with Space
Due to the current cost of housing, developers and home owners are constantly searching out creative and intelligent uses for space. Homes are becoming…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on August 23, 2011 in Interior and Home Design
Kitchens – The Most Important Room in the Home
I am not an interior designer. I do, however, have the lucky distinction of working with some of Vancouver’s best designers and builders to…Continue Reading
Posted by Michael Connolly on August 16, 2011 in Architectural Design
Vancouver Architecture – Ever Changing Landmark Design
I grew up in the Lower Mainland and have seen the downtown core change dramatically from 3 and 4 level walk ups to the…Continue Reading
Posted by Kim Robertson on August 09, 2011 in Sustainable Living
The Dream of Widespread Smart Houses is Becoming a Reality
Perhaps you’re stuck in a snowstorm, yearning for a long soak in the bath the second you get home. Maybe you’re travelling abroad, and…Continue Reading
Posted by Janis Gall on August 02, 2011 in Sales and Customer Experience
Positive Energy in the Workplace
You can’t see it but you definitely can “feel” it or NOT? You have felt it. You walk into two similar competing places of…Continue Reading
July 2011
Posted by Cameron McNeill on July 26, 2011 in Technology
Find Your “App” then Find Your Home
Unless you’ve been under a rock for the past 5 years, you’re well aware of the exploding world of social media and now mobile…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on July 19, 2011 in Investing in Real Estate
Staying Ahead of the Curve
In May, the Globe and Mail reported that the 55th floor penthouse at the new Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences in Toronto sold…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on July 05, 2011 in Investing in Real Estate
Vancouver is Blue Chip Real Estate
The Vancouver housing market weathered the economic crisis better than many local markets, and is currently experiencing an increase in average prices and volumes.…Continue Reading
June 2011
Posted by Krista Shirreff on June 28, 2011 in Architectural Design
Cherishing the Past in the Present
I just returned from an Alaskan cruise with my parents, both retired teachers, whose promotion and adoration of ‘continuous education’ extends into all facets…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on June 21, 2011 in Market Updates
Warmer Temperatures bring Cooler Market Conditions to Lower Mainland
Why our Market is More Predictable than our Weather As we move into the first week of summer, the new housing market has cooled…Continue Reading
Posted by Grace Austin on June 15, 2011 in Fun topics and Miscellaneous
We Love You Vancouver
It feels difficult to focus on real estate when the Canucks are in the Stanley Cup finals today. By this evening we’ll know whether…Continue Reading
Posted by Kim Robertson on June 07, 2011 in Exploring New Communities
Convenience is Your New Backyard
Master planned communities are becoming increasingly more common in Metro Vancouver as city planners and residents discover the value of living, working and playing…Continue Reading
May 2011
Posted by Suzana Goncalves on May 31, 2011 in Taxation, Laws and Policy
Property Transfer Tax - The Way of the Dodo?
Recently it was reported that our new Premier, Christy Clark, is interested in eliminating the Property Transfer Tax. It seems as though not everyone…Continue Reading
Posted by Cameron McNeill on May 24, 2011 in Taxation, Laws and Policy
HST: Yes or No? Or is There a Third Option?
How plans for this summer’s referendum could change things again. Maybe for the better. It’s been almost a year since the HST was implemented…Continue Reading
Posted by Janis Gall on May 17, 2011 in Market Updates
Vancouver Spring Market Highly Active
Wow – The spring market in Metro Vancouver is surging forward into late spring and early summer! Just this past weekend alone there were…Continue Reading
Posted by Michael Connolly on May 13, 2011 in Exploring New Communities
Cressey High Point Equestrian Centre
High Point Equestrian Estates gallops into the homestretch with the opening of the High Point Equestrian Centre and Clubhouse.
Posted by Irshaad Ahmad on May 10, 2011 in Taxation, Laws and Policy
Kudos to the City of Richmond
Last Tuesday, an unfortunate event occurred in Richmond when The Remy, a six storey wood frame residential low rise, became engulfed with flames. Because…Continue Reading
Posted by Krista Shirreff on May 03, 2011 in Sustainable Living
Walking this Way…
“The conveniences of everyday amenities at your doorstep…” “A vibrant community just minutes away…” “Quick access to everything you need…” Sounds familiar, right? But…Continue Reading
