Another “Buyer Beware” Seminar…

May 22, 2010 by John Grasty · Leave a Comment 

This popular free real estate seminar will provide you with insights to avoid pitfalls and ways to protect yourself as a buyer, whether first-time, up-sizing or down-sizing.
“For anyone considering entering the real estate market we would highly recommend taking this seminar.” – Jim and Anna R. – Coquitlam
Next Seminar: Saturday, [...]

Sponsorship questioned…

May 21, 2010 by John Grasty · Leave a Comment 

Letter to the Editor – Re: “Builders showcase new homes this weekend” (The Times, May 14).
Sponsorship Questioned – published May 20, 2010
The Homeowner Protection Office, and what little it did for homeowners, has been completely dismantled by Rich Coleman and his cronies. No-interest loans and PST rebates for leaky condo owners [...]

Builders showcase new homes…

May 14, 2010 by John Grasty · Leave a Comment 

The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA) is presenting another popular consumer event this week.  Open House: A Showcase of New Homes highlights the latest advancements in architecture, design, construction technology and energy efficiency.
Some of the region’s most prominent builders will feature 50 decorated and furnished showhomes at 22 home sites in Abbotsford, Burnaby, Coquitlam, [...]

加国修订法规 木结构房屋最高可以盖到六层

May 13, 2010 by John Grasty · Leave a Comment 

超级多伦多网 – 加拿大中文门户网站 来源: 网络文载                        字号:  小 中 大 | 打印
卑诗省府修订建筑法规,准许木造建筑的限制楼高从原先的四层楼提高到六层楼,新法从4月6日起生效。省府表示,这项修法是基於木造建筑的若干优势: 成本较低、较為环保,並可為卑诗木材开拓出新市场。
為了消弭民眾对高层木造建筑是否经得起地震衝击的疑虑,省府已在上述新法生效前三日,针对高层木造建筑增订新的防震安全规则。
「消费者权益与支持屋主协会」(Consumer Advocacy and Supportfor Homeowners Society)主席葛拉斯提(John Grasty)却质疑,省府是根据其他城市的经验,制订高层木造房屋的防火安全规定,但这些法规却未在本省验证过。
他说:「我们毫不留意,就草率作出这些决议。」
他並指出,卑诗惨痛的漏水公寓问题,就是经由类似过程所酿成的灾难。
这项议题已引发相当多的爭论,许多人担心高层木造房屋的防火和防震安全。
但也有人指出,木造房屋因為具有弹性,其实是最耐震的,加州早已批准建造六层楼的木造房屋,有关防震问题其实无须过虑。
另外,若发生火灾,云梯消防车还可救出木造屋高层住户,这和钢筋水泥大厦的四、五十层楼居民相比,还算是较有安全保障的。

Six-storey buildings raise concerns

May 13, 2010 by John Grasty · 1 Comment 

Six-storey buildings raise concerns.

Leaky condo owners get double the tax pain

May 13, 2010 by John Grasty · Leave a Comment 

Leaky condo owners get double the tax pain.

BCLocalNews.com – Unsure about six-storey wood construction

April 24, 2010 by John Grasty · Leave a Comment 

BCLocalNews.com – Unsure about six-storey wood construction.

Would you select your REALTOR® from a “For Sale” sign?

January 19, 2010 by John Grasty · Leave a Comment 

Many REALTORS® believe that the more of their “For Sale” signs there are in the eye of the public, the more successful it will make them appear.
So there are certain REALTORS® who will accept the owner’s price, or just about any price, just to get the listing (and the “For Sale” sign placed).  In the [...]