The Blog
Real Estate Advice for Coquitlam & the Lower Mainland
Practical guides for buyers and sellers in the Tri-Cities and Fraser Valley, from mortgage pre-approval to choosing the right neighbourhood.
BC's Speculation and Vacancy Tax: Who Declares, Who Pays
If you own a home in most of Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley's larger cities or another taxable area of BC, you have to file a speculation and vacancy tax declaration every year, even if you live in the home and owe nothing. The rates rose for 2026, and more changes start in 2027. Here is who has
Self-Employed? How to Get a Mortgage in Canada
Working for yourself shouldn't stop you from owning a home, but it does change how lenders look at your income. Here is what lenders ask self-employed buyers for, how they count your income, the mortgage insurers' programs for business owners, and how to get ready before you apply. The short version
Buying a Home in BC as a Newcomer to Canada
Moving to Canada and ready to put down roots? Permanent residents can buy a home in BC much like anyone else, while work permit holders and students face extra rules and taxes. Here is who can buy, which programs depend on your status, and how to get a mortgage without a long Canadian credit history
Reverse Mortgages and Home Equity in Retirement
Many homeowners reach retirement with most of their wealth in their home. If you want to stay put but need more income, there are several ways to draw on that equity. Here is how a reverse mortgage works, what it costs, and how it compares with a home equity line of credit, BC's property tax deferme
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