Demystifying the BC Rescission Periods

Not many genuinely grasp the BC rescission periods, their protective nature, and their effectiveness. Given the haze around the topic, I’ve crafted a comprehensive guide for you.

Greetings! I’m Jessi Johnson, the mind behind the bestseller “Rockstar Real Estate Investing”, a seasoned realtor from Greater Vancouver with eXp, and your compass in the multifaceted domain of mortgages since 2006.

The Rescission Period Unveiled

Think of the rescission period as a window, granted to buyers like you, to reconsider and possibly negate a contract. This buffer promotes confidence, especially when maneuvering in the high-intensity realm of real estate.

The term ‘rescission’ might ring a bell from presale contracts. Its primary goal? Shielding independent buyers from overzealous sales pitches, ensuring they aren’t nudged into contracts without proper scrutiny.

An independent buyer, to clarify, operates solo, sans realtor expertise.

While presale contracts provide a 7-day window, resale contracts come with a shorter 3-business-day interval.

Why the Rescission in Presale Contracts is a Blessing:

Safety Net for Buyers: It buffers against hasty decisions.
A Closer Look: Scrutinize every disclosure, from property insights to fiscal implications. If things seem off-kilter, there’s a way out.
Consultation Time: The 7-day span is perfect for engaging experts, from mortgage pros to trusted confidants, ensuring your choice is well-informed.

Before this 7-day provision, intense research preceded contract finalization. This lag meant missing out on prime properties, leading to hurried decisions without adequate homework.

But let’s pivot to the recent 3-day resale rescission window.

Earlier termed “Cooling off period”, its 2023 rebrand was indeed a smart move.

Is this a nationwide norm? Not quite. Each province has its autonomy; this isn’t a blanket federal rule.

Driving Forces Behind the Rescission Window:

Greater Vancouver’s realty sector has been a whirlwind, with bidding wars at the epicentre and no cessation on the horizon. In the scramble to clinch deals, key steps like property inspections or mortgage considerations took a backseat, prompting the government to step in, a move reaping positive outcomes.

To the skeptics, yes, the 3-day period has refined the bidding process. (On a side note, if bidding wars intrigue you, do check out my podcast episode on mastering them!)

How Does the 3-Day Rescission Benefit You?

This window is your safety net to get inspections done, receive the green signal from your mortgage broker, and do your homework on the property.

Wondering about the rescission price tag? It’s 0.0025% of your purchase price, designed to discourage non-committal multiple contracts yet ensuring it doesn’t empty your pockets. If a contract termination is due to pre-existing conditions, this fee is waived off.

Admittedly, my initial reactions were skeptical. But looking back, embracing it was a wise move.

Craving more insights? Like, share, subscribe, and delve deeper into real estate with my book, “Rockstar Real Estate Investing“, available on Amazon.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Jessi Johnson, urging you to stay informed and encouraging you to truly Own Your Life! If personalized advice is what you seek, find my calendar link below.