We know our pension is not going to get us through our retirement years.  However, the unstable global economy environment worries us whether or if we should invest.  Well, so many recent report came out from all over the world as well as our economists agree Canada is one of the safest place to invest in the world.  I met an immigration lawyer recently & he is helping immigrants from all over the world like Egypt.  We are having more & more rich people around the world wanting to come to Canada.  I understand many of us  believe Vancouver real estate is very unaffordable.  However,if you have good planning & stop thinking of buying the "Perfect" property but just get your foot into the real estate door, there are many opportunity out there.  The most important rules for investment is :
1) we buy what we can afford.  If we can't afford DT, Westside, Richmond, etc, then just have to accept that you need to consider further East areas
2) Be an investor not speculator.  The reason why I love real estate is I am the President, CEO of my property.  I can keep it as long as I can hold on to it. 
3) plan ahead for the down payment.  For eg: Burnaby apartment at 250k, rent approx. $1200 20% is $50000. 5 yrs term, 3.29%, 30 yr amortization, monthly pmt $872 + $200 strata fee + $131 ppty tax=$1203.  Cost to buy is $53000. After 1 yr, $3992.41/$53000 gives u 7.5% ROI! 

There are many property around $250k range, brand new development in the lower mainland but maybe in Fraser Valley but some in Richmond or New Westminster.  If you don't mind older building, you can stay find them in Burnaby.

If you are able to invest millions like those who does it in Westside, Richmond, etc.  There are more choices than just buying resident detached house like multi family, shopping mall, warehouses, hotels, gas stations, storage

Knowledge means everything, following what your friends buy is not the right way to invest.  What works for them doesn't mean it works for you.  I now have a consultation group called West Noble Real Estate Investment Consultant.  3 of us cover residential & commercial real estate with a combination of over 80 yrs of experience.  If you not sure what is right for you or not, we'll offer you our advice based on your situation to see if residential or commercial real estate is right for you.  Feel free to contact me at 604-412-5860 or www.TinaMak.ca

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver reports that residential property sales of detached, attached & apartment properties on the region's MLS reached 2,360 in November, 1.9% increase compared to the 2,317 sales recorded in October 2011.  Listing on another hand declined 26.3% compared to October 2011 at 3,222 in total.

If you are interested in knowing which part of the city is better for return on investment, here's the quick summary chart below for your reference on the increase of the price range percentage for each city:

Detached:
1) Port Moody  15.4%
2) Squamish     10.8%
3) Pitt Meadows     9%
4) Sunshine Coast   7.1%
5) Coquitlam    6.2%
6) Port Coquitlam   5.1%
7) South Delta    4.9%
8) West Vancouver/New Westminster  4.2%
9) Maple Ridge  3.4%
10) North Vancouver   2.9%
11) Richmond/Vancouver West   2.7%
12) Burnaby  2.6%
13) Vancouver East   2.4%

Apartment:
1) West Vancouver  9.8%
2) South Delta   5.7%
3) Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows  3.2%
4) Port Moody  3%
5) Port Coquitlam  2.7%
6) North Vancouver  2.2%
7) New Westminster  2.1%
8) Vancouver East     2%
9) Richmond    1.5%
10) Burnaby  1.3%
11) Vancouver West 1.2%

Although sales are down no matter we compare to last year same month or last month, the housing price are still appreciating.  To see the full report, please click November Vancouver Housing Stats

Should you have any question, please feel free to contact me at 604-412-5860 or email me at tinamak@tinamak.com