The deadline for the British Columbia Speculation and Vacancy Tax declaration is quickly approaching on March 31st, less than two weeks away. This annual tax aims to address housing affordability by encouraging owners to rent out vacant homes and reducing speculation in BC’s real estate market. Property owners in specified regions including Metro Vancouver, Greater […]

  The Bank of Canada (BoC) reduced the overnight rate by 25 basis points this morning, bringing the policy rate down to 3.0%. The market had anticipated a nearly 98% chance of this 25 basis point reduction, and consensus aligned with this expectation. The Federal Reserve is also set to announce its rate decision this […]

Getting to know the essential systems and maintenance needs of your home is key to ensuring its longevity and functionality. Here are 10 important areas to keep an eye on: Roof Inspect your roof at least once a year for signs of damage or wear. Look for missing shingles, leaks, or granule loss from asphalt […]

  Interest rates have dropped, leading to lower monthly payments for many.  While we would all love to save on our mortgages, this week’s 50 basis point rate cut in the prime rate brought some welcome relief for homeowners with variable-rate mortgages and lines of credit specifically. If you prefer the stability of your fixed […]

      Today’s Bank of Canada’s 50-basis-point rate cut will decrease Canada’s prime rate to 5.45%. This adjustment means lower variable mortgage and line of credit rates, providing relief to some homeowners facing higher borrowing costs. Some variable rate borrowers have payments that change with changes to the prime rate, as payments for line […]

  Learning how your condo’s major systems work will keep you prepared, save time, and keep things running smoothly. This includes essential information on your plumbing, electricity, heating/cooling, and building-specific systems.  Some of these systems may not apply to your property but knowing how to maintain and troubleshoot the systems you do have is key […]

      With climate change and energy efficiency top of mind for many Canadians, there’s a growing desire to reduce our eco-footprint and make our homes as energy-smart as possible. Whether it’s lowering monthly bills or contributing to a greener future, adopting a few energy-saving habits offers significant benefits. If you’re looking to trim […]

    Canada’s economy is closely tied to the U.S., and major changes south of the border impact Canadian mortgage rates. Trends to follow include: Canadian Fixed Mortgage Rates May Trend Up or Remain Buoyant as U.S. Yields Increase: Canadian mortgage rates, often follow changes in the U.S. economy. If U.S. interest rates rise, Canadian […]

  Following last week’s adjustment in interest rates, several key economic events are approaching that could further influence mortgage rates in Canada. Here’s a closer look at the current landscape and what it might mean for you: What’s Happening? Doubling its typical 25-basis-point adjustment, the Bank of Canada lowered its overnight lending rate by 50 […]

    Slower GDP growth and easing inflation trends are likely to influence the Bank of Canada’s upcoming rate decision, offering key insights as we approach their October 23 meeting. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 1.6% year over year in September, the slowest pace since February 2021 and down from a 2.0% gain in August […]