Homes sales across Canada rose for the fifth consecutive month and recorded a double-digit increase compared to a year ago in part aided by interest rates, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association. However, sales in Vancouver and Toronto, the two largest domestic markets, remained “well below” the levels achieved before mortgage stress tests were […]

About twice a year, one of the big Canadian banks likes to run an advertising campaign for their cash back mortgages. These are mortgages usually with 5 year terms where you receive a certain percentage back in cash. The percentage varies from 1% to 5% in most cases. You can use these funds to build […]

There is always a lot of talk about the growing debt in the personal finances of everyday Canadians. And to some extent, it may be true. No doubt, many consumers have gotten used to throwing things on a credit card and then moving on to the next big purchase. The federal government was so concerned […]

Oftentimes even the most organized and detail oriented first-time homebuyer can overlook some unexpected costs that come with the purchase of their new home. We are outlining four of the costs that we most commonly see overlooked by homebuyers in hopes that we can better prepare you—and save you from a few surprises!   Closing […]

The Women’s Collaborative Hub (WCH) is looking for unsung women heroes to honour and celebrate. Nominations are open for the third annual WCH Women Influencer Awards, put on by the group that encompasses Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. This year’s event will be held Nov. 17 at the Hard Rock […]

With the return of a buyer’s market, finally a reduction in the qualifying rates assists both people buying a home or people looking to access to their equity to take advantage of the situation. If you are currently shopping for a home, review your pre-approval with your mortgage broker. On a $500,000 mortgage, the new […]

The interest rate used by the federally regulated banks in mortgage stress tests has declined for the first time since 2016, making it a bit easier to get a mortgage. This is particularly important for first-time homeowners who have been struggling to pass the B-20 stress test. The benchmark posted 5-year fixed rate has fallen […]

Reverse mortgages are continuing to grow as a retirement solution for Canadians 55+. Homeowners 55+ are unlocking their home equity for tax-free funds that improve their cashflow and pay-off higher interest loans. Consider your own financial needs. Do any of these 5 common scenarios sound familiar? 1) You have missed a payment/made a late payment. […]

Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you will make. It’s common for a first-time homebuyer to be overwhelmed when it comes to real estate industry jargon, so this BLOG is to help make some of the jargon understandable. To help you understand the process and have confidence in your choices, […]

BCBusiness’s weekly snapshot of what’s selling around the province Vancouver and Victoria had the priciest residential real estate sales last week. Both Vancouver properties sold quickly: a Point Grey townhouse went for $1.7 million in a single day, while a Yaletown condo fetched its asking price of $1,271,900 in three days. The most-expensive single-family home […]