For the first time since 2018, the Bank of Canada (BoC) increased its target for the mortgage-influencing overnight rate earlier this year, kick-starting what’s predicted to be one of many increases to mortgage rates in 2022. Experts have slightly different takes on where the overnight rate—which influences how banks will determine their own lending rates—will…
BC Financial Services Authority (“BCFSA”) announced today that it has delivered its report, Enhancing Consumer Protection in B.C.’s Real Estate Market, to the Minister of Finance. The report contains a suite of advice on potential parameters of the Government’s proposed homebuyer protection period, commonly referred to as the cooling-off period, for residential real estate sales,…
Deciding on what home improvements yield the greatest return on investment can be daunting. According to a recent survey, kitchen renovation is the most worthwhile home improvement project and next is a bathroom renovation. If you might be looking for general guidance on what to home improvements to invest in, check out the great visual…
Has the pandemic changed what we want from our homes? The following article says the pandemic has changed what folks want from their homes and builders say they expect those changes to last! The big picture: A ton of pandemic-era adaptations are becoming common fixtures in new homes. The model homes that builders are showing…
If you are thinking of selling your home in the upcoming months find below a great infographic. It offers lots of tips on what you might tackle to get your home ready to list. The actions mentioned help to focus on how to make your home inviting, show it’s cared for, and enhance your curb…
At the start of the pandemic, the Bank of Canada drastically cut Canadian interest rates from 1.75% to 0.25% (March 2020). Today, the Bank hiked the rate by a quarter-point bringing the overnight target rate to 0.50%. The Bank said today, “interest rates will need to rise further”. For more details click here for…
BC owners of strata property in buildings with rental restrictions are no longer exempt from the BC Speculation and Vacancy Tax (SVT) as of January 1, 2022. This exemption, which ends December 31, 2021, applied to strata property owners who: were banned from renting units due to a rental restriction in place on or before…
Last year BC Assessment assessed over two million properties. Overall Greater Vancouver assessments for both detached and strata homes went up. The BC Assessment website is handy to do searches for property assessment(s), available services and products, for example, the assessment process, appeal, etc., and property information and trends While perusing the website I found…
BC Government Links First Time Buyers’ Program reduces or eliminate the amount of property transfer tax you pay when you purchase your first home New Home Registry provides the name of the builder or developer and contact information of the warranty provider Registry of Licensed Residential Builders (including Building Envelope Renovators) Search a particular builder…
As a result of highly competitive market conditions and escalating housing prices, BC’s real estate regulator, the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA), is developing a consultation on “blind bidding” to understand whether changes to the offer process in real estate transactions could improve protection for homebuyers. This announcement was paired with recent news that the…
