Buying a Home

On January 1, new mortgage qualification rules took effect targeting uninsured mortgage borrowers. Here’s what you need to know about the new rules, and how they could impact Canada’s housing markets in 2018.

Canada posted year-over-year residential price gains in 2017 across most regions. Now in 2018, many housing markets could see reduced purchasing power resulting from the new OFSI mortgage rules that took effect on January 1^st.

What the what???

If you’re among the ?37 per cent of Canadians are not aware of the stress test regulation changes or how they will affect their ability to purchase a property in the future???, read on....

There's no need for an expensive gym membership or high-tech equipment to slim down this year. Here are a few suggestions for creating a home gym, even in a small space:

1. Designate a space

Regardless of whether your workout space is an entire room or just the width of a yoga mat, take steps to separate it from the rest of your living area. Experts agree a dedicated space helps keep you motivated. A room divider can help separate your equipment from the rest of your life — and prevent it from becoming a drying rack for your laundry.

2. Admire and inspire

A $10 mirror can make all the difference when it comes to checking your alignment and preventing injury. It can also give you a way to...

What’s more important when it comes to buying a home? The style and size of the house? Or the neighbourhood it’s in?

Whether “location” or “style” tops your must-have list, I can help you find what you’re looking for. I’d be happy to discuss your style and location needs in person. You can find my information below.

While affordability plays a big part in condos’ rise in popularity, it’s not the only reason Canadians are interested in them.

1. Affordability

Condos are seen everywhere from bustling urban centres to sleepy suburban pockets, but since we’re talking affordability (or lack thereof) let’s see where they fall in relation to their single-detached counterparts in Canada’s priciest housing markets – Toronto and Vancouver.  According to recent figures reported by the Toronto Real Estate Board, the average price of a condo in the 416 was $555,004. While that price was up 20.9...

How many times do you swear up and down that you will be very organized for your next move? Compared to the last time you moved when you quickly shoved everything into boxes scrambling to your new digs. Well, this time, things will be different. We have put together a few suggestions for you think about before and after your move. Some very simple tips will go a long way to improving the entire stressful process!

1. Pack a bag containing all the essentials for a weekend away

This may sound a bit strange at first, but if you have enough to keep you going for a few days, likely you could go longer if something happens during the move. If you were heading out for the weekend you would pack a couple pairs of shoes, under garments, t-shirts, pants, toiletries, wallet, keys, and maybe a few other essentials....

Affectionately known by locals as "Harewood," University District was once a predominantly rural area. Today, this up and coming neighbourhood is attracting a different demographics: first-time homeowners (especially VIU students) and avid investors. In the last decade, the city has made enormous strides to improve the livability of this area for students and longtime residents alike. Old shopping plazas have been refreshed with major renovations, derelict buildings removed to make way for new developments, and new homes are popping up all over the neighborhood, adding a fresh feel to the mature streets. 

Thanks to these efforts, property values in the University District...

Nanaimo is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, and for good reason. With a mild climate, breathtaking coastal scenery, and a growing number of amenities for residents of every age, our beautiful city has a lot to offer. However, it's no secret that Nanaimo's real estate market is booming, and current homeowners are consistently surprised when they find out how much their home is worth. 

Unfortunately, many eager first-time home seekers are finding that rising home costs are pushing their dream of home ownership further from reach. If you're sick of renting and are ready to own, here's what you need to know about buying your first home in Nanaimo's hot housing market: 

1) Set Realistic Expectations & Stay Positive

Potential homebuyers are always cautioned to be aware of mortgage lending standards and the difficulty they might face when trying to obtain a mortgage. Credit availability is expanding, making it easier to get a mortgage now than it was a year ago. The market is still tight however, and homebuyers should be prepared to shop around until they find a lender who is offering something that will meet the needs of their family.

Mortgage lending companies have high standards so it is important to make sure you and anyone else who will be included on the mortgage have their credit in check. The mortgage market is strict because lenders do not want to be put in a situation where they are forced to repurchase loans that are not paid on. They also do not want to end up in a litigation...

There has been some discussion recently on home prices in relation to mortgage rates. Some believe if there is a rapid rise of mortgage rates, home prices should decrease. Logically it makes the most sense for the price of the house to drop when interest rates are rising, but this is not always the case.

This theory of home prices decreasing is typically discussed by future home buyers. As a buyer you would like to think if you are paying higher rates on your mortgage, you should be able to see a decrease in cost somewhere else. Unfortunately, these rates are rising because the economy is in better shape. As the economy succeeds, incomes rise, rates go up, as well as the price of the home.

A recent study by the John Burns Real Estate Consulting found mortgage...