The time is coming to pay our property taxes and I want to help make the process as simple as possible for you. Below I have put together various ways to pay your taxes and register for your Home Owners Grant (HOG). If you haven't already received your 2017 notice, you should get it within the next week.


Claiming Your Home Owner's Grant

If your property is your principle residence you have to claim your Home Owners Grant (which is $570 on average, some cities it is less). There are 2 ways for you to claim:

1. Signing the tax notice and mailing or dropping it off at the city.

2. You can also complete it online if your city has an electronic payment capability on their website. If you are doing this online you will need the folio number and access code which is on your notice. It takes no more than 5 minutes to complete. Don't forget to print off a copy for your records.

Paying Your Property Taxes

There are 4 ways this can be done:

1. Some lenders allow you to pay your property taxes throughout the year with your mortgage payment. If that is the case, the lender will remit the payment directly on your behalf. Be aware your taxes can change from year-to-year so it is a good idea to call your current lender to ensure you have enough in your account. If you do not have the lender number we placed you with, simply give us a call and we can help.

2. If your lender does not collect your taxes, you can write a post-dated cheque for July 4th, and mail it to the city.

3. You can also make your payment at most chartered banks.

4. A great way to pay your taxes is to use your cities monthly pre-authorized debit program. If you do not, it is a convenient option to consider going forward. Instructions will be on your cities website or attached to your tax notice.

As a helpful tool, I have also provided some links for more information and electronic payment details. Please feel free to pass this email along to friends, family members and colleagues.

Delta
Langley (Township) * please note that the Langley (Township) online Home Owners Grant will be available from May 26, 2017
Langley (City)
Vancouver
Surrey
Chilliwack
Abbotsford
Burnaby * please note that the Burnaby online Home Owners Grant will be available May 31, 2017
Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam
Maple Ridge
Mission
North Vancouver
New Westminster
Richmond
White Rock
Hope
West Vancouver
Port Moody
Pitt Meadows

Thinking about replacing your floors? Especially if you have carpet, the choice seems clear: Hardwood floors are preferred by home buyers and renters across the country. But consider carefully whether hardwood floors are the right choice for every room in your home—and what type you might want to install for the best resale value.

As you weigh investing in your floors, you’ll need to evaluate your budget, the preferences and traditions in your community and your own personal taste. Some people only want to step on soft carpet, while others prefer hard surfaces. In some warm climates, ceramic tile flooring rivals hardwood in popularity. In more traditional markets, tastes still lean toward oak floors, but some owners of more contemporary homes are choosing to stain their wood floors in different colors. Other trends in hardwood include wider planks, the use of reclaimed wood or hand-scraped wood that looks antique and exotic species of wood such as hickory or walnut.

Homeowners on a tight budget also may want to look into laminate flooring, which offers the look of wood at a lower price point. Keep in mind that people with allergies typically want a hard surface that won’t hold dust. You should also think about the care and maintenance required for your floor surface since you’ll need to take care of it for years. Hardwood flooring lasts longer than carpet, can be easier to keep clean and can be refinished. In the end, though, the decision about whether to install hardwood or carpeting in a bedroom should be based on your personal preference, at least if you intend to stay in the home for years.

Hardwood Flooring: It's What Buyers Want

According to HGTV, the top request of home buyers and renters when looking for a home is hardwood flooring. In fact, a study of homebuyer preferences using data from the National Association of REALTORS® found that 54% of home buyers were willing to pay more for a home with hardwood flooring.

Installing hardwood flooring can cost between $9 and $12 per square foot, compared with about $3 to $5 per square foot for carpet—so some homeowners opt to install hardwood only in some rooms rather than throughout their home. However, carpet typically needs to be replaced if it becomes stained or worn out. Good quality carpet can last about 10 to 15 years, while hardwood can last forever. The return on investment for installing hardwood will vary according to your market and other factors, but hardwood flooring can often help your home sell faster.

Reasons to Install Carpet

While many buyers and homeowners prefer hardwood flooring throughout their home, some people prefer carpet in the bedrooms—because they like a softer surface. When you live in a two or three-story home, carpet also helps reduce noise. If you would still prefer hardwood floors throughout your home, you could use put area rugs in your bedroom.