Making the move

Why choose a Realtor with relocation experience?

A relocation buyer needs help connecting a property to everyday life, often before they can spend much time locally. Look for an advisor who can explain building differences, organise efficient visits, provide clear comparable sales and coordinate deadlines with your lender and conveyancer. Ask how remote showings, document delivery and local inspections would work for you.

Buying a home when relocating

• Define your timeline and essential requirements. Include start dates, pets, school needs, accessibility and possession flexibility.

• Obtain financing advice before touring. Confirm how employment changes, non resident status or a different ownership type affect the loan.

• Shortlist areas and buildings. Ask for a map and a realistic commute for each address.

• Tour in person where possible. If viewing remotely, request live video of the suite, shared areas, parking and nearby streets.

• Review comparable sales and write an offer with suitable conditions and deadlines.

• Arrange inspection and strata review, and confirm financing and insurance for the specific property.

• Coordinate completion and possession with your lawyer or notary. Book travel and movers with contingency time.

Keep the offer protections clear

The BC Home Buyer Rescission Period applies to certain residential transactions and allows cancellation within three business days, with a 0.25 per cent payment where applicable. Exceptions and different rules can apply. It does not replace properly drafted financing, inspection and document review conditions. Confirm the rules for your transaction with your advisor and conveyancer. [19]

Remote buying deserves extra care

A video tour should show what listing photos leave out: views in all directions, traffic sounds, storage, ventilation, laundry, elevator access and the route from the street to the suite. Have the camera pause in bedrooms and shared spaces. An independent inspection and a careful document review remain important even when travel is difficult.

Your condo review before you commit

Documents worth reading closely

• Form B and supporting records: confirm the strata fee, known liabilities, parking and storage arrangements and information relevant to the suite.

• Recent council and annual meeting minutes: look for repeated leaks, disputes, repair proposals, insurance claims and funding decisions.

• Financial statements, current budget and contingency reserve: compare available funds with upcoming obligations.

• Depreciation report and engineering reports: examine timing, cost assumptions and the funding approach for major work.

• Bylaws, rules and insurance: check pets, renovations, use restrictions, move procedures and deductible exposure.

BC depreciation report rules have changed. The Province says strata corporations with five or more lots must obtain reports, with subsequent reports on a five year cycle. Check the applicable transition requirements and the specific corporation’s compliance with the current provincial guidance. A report forecasts work; it does not guarantee that a levy will be avoided. [20]

Questions to ask at the building

From completion to possession

Completion is the legal and financial transfer; possession is when you receive access under the contract. Do not assume they happen at the same time. Confirm fund transfer instructions independently with your conveyancer, arrange insurance for the required date, and document the condition of the suite when you take possession. Keep the strata manager’s details handy for move procedures and building access.