The SearchStrata blog
Your guide to navigating strata document analysis, condo due diligence, and the Canadian real estate market. Learn how to spot red flags, understand financials, and make confident buying decisions.
These articles are general information about BC strata and home-buying, current as of each post's publication date — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Verify current rules and consult a qualified professional before acting.
How to Tender Strata Contracts Defensibly: A Council Member’s Guide
Tendering contracts for maintenance, repair, or services is one of the most impactful duties a BC strata council undertakes. Here’s how council members and property managers can build a transparent, defensible process that serves the strata’s best interests—and stands up to owner scrutiny.
Understanding Special Levies: What Every BC Strata Owner Should Know
Worried about a possible special levy in your condo? Learn what special levies are, why they're raised, the warning signs, and what your rights and responsibilities are as a BC strata owner.
How to Vet a BC Strata’s Finances, Bylaws, and Risks Before You Offer
Buying a BC condo or townhouse? Learn how to assess a strata’s financials, bylaws, and risk factors before you write an offer. Spot hidden issues early and make confident decisions.
How to Document and Approve Strata Council Decisions Defensibly
Strata council decisions must be documented and approved clearly to withstand scrutiny. Learn best practices for recording, discussing, and ratifying decisions—protecting your council, your strata, and your owners.
Noise, Pets, Parking: What Your BC Strata's Bylaws and Rules Really Allow
Living in a BC strata comes with unique rules around noise, pets, parking, and more. This guide breaks down what your strata’s bylaws and rules actually cover and how to ensure you’re on solid ground as an owner.
Timing Your BC Home Purchase: What Every Buyer Should Know About Offer, Completion, and Possession Dates
Navigating offer, completion, and possession dates is crucial when buying a home in BC. Understand what each milestone means, key pitfalls, and how to protect yourself from timing risks.
Responding to Owner Records Requests: A Council Member’s Guide to Defensible Process
Records requests are routine for BC strata councils, but mishandling them can risk owner trust and legal exposure. Here’s how council members and property managers can respond to records requests the right way—without over-sharing or stonewalling.
What Strata Owners Should Know About Requesting Section 35 Records in BC
Current BC strata owners have the right to request a wide range of strata records under Section 35, from minutes to financials. Here’s how to make the request, what you can access, and what to expect.
What BC Home Buyers Underestimate About Closing Costs
Most BC buyers focus on down payments, but closing costs catch many off guard. This guide breaks down what to expect for legal fees, taxes, adjustments, inspections, and more so you’re not surprised on completion day.
Proxies, Quorum, and Voting: What Strata Council Leaders Must Know for Defensible Meetings
Strata council members and managers need a rock-solid grasp of proxies, quorum, and voting thresholds to run meetings that withstand scrutiny. This guide clarifies what counts, what’s risky, and how to avoid the classic missteps when owners’ decisions are on the line.
Working Effectively With Your Strata Manager: A BC Owner’s Guide
Many BC condo owners feel unclear about what their strata manager actually does and how to get results. Here’s a plain-language guide to understanding the role of your strata manager, when to contact them versus council, and tips for smooth communication.
What BC Home Buyers Need to Know About the Home Buyer Rescission Period
The Home Buyer Rescission Period gives most BC buyers a brief window to walk away from a signed offer on a home. Learn what triggers it, the key deadlines, and what costs may be involved if you rescind.