Buying a house is one of the biggest purchases that most Canadians will make in their lifetime. Because of this, it is important that buyers make the right decision about what kind of house to purchase. Choosing whether to buy new or old Comox Valley houses can seriously impact your satisfaction. By understanding the pros…
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Live in Your Home Before Renovating It
Buying a new home is exciting. Depending on where you are on the property ladder, you may not be getting a move-in-ready property. Although it can be tempting to jump right in to transform your space, it’s not always a good idea to rip down walls as soon as you close the sale. Here are…
Understanding Heating and Cooling Systems
For most, the extent of our heating and cooling system knowledge is pretty basic. When it’s cold out, turn on the heat and when it’s hot, turn on the air conditioning. However, as homeowners, it’s important to know how these systems work, what maintenance is required, and when it’s time to look at updating your…
Prepping Courtenay Houses for Sale for an Open House
Open houses are a great way to attract buyers to your listing. Many agents use an open house as part of their selling strategy to draw attention to your property. But, before you host an open house, it is essential to prepare your home. In today’s market, buyers expect that Courtenay houses for sale are…
Credit Scores: What Are They and What Affects Them?
Much like your income and down payment, your individual credit score is a major financial component of qualifying for a mortgage. Your credit score will be one of the main criteria lenders will examine when you apply for a mortgage. It’s important to ensure your score is in good standing before embarking on the home…
Oh, So Suite
Housing prices are near record levels and interest rates are on the rise. It is hardly surprising many buyers have and will continue to turn to “mortgage helpers” or secondary suites. This is a way to supplement their income or increase their purchasing power. According to a May 2023 article from Statistics Canada1, British Columbia…
7 WAYS TO SET UP YOUR YARD FOR SENSATIONAL SUMMER FUN
Your family backyard is the ideal location to create a summer full of memories for you, your family, and your community. Easy to access? Check. Affordable? You bet. Able to accommodate all sorts of activities? Absolutely. Your backyard’s potential is really only limited by your imagination and willingness to roll up your sleeves to create…
The Difference Between Being Pre-Qualified and Pre-Approved
After eight successive rate hikes, the Bank of Canada held its benchmark policy rate steady to 4.5% in March 2023. Since then there has been another increase and might be more. As a result, some Canadians may be ready to reassess their home-buying plans. This might require some mortgage shopping. Pre-qualification and pre-approval are common…
Ready to Sell? My Home is Priceless
After years of taking care of your home, you are ready to sell. You may have made some minor home improvements. Maybe you even completed a major renovation. The trouble is, you think your home is worth more than the experts are saying. According to a company that establishes residential and commercial property values, many…
How to Reduce Humidity in Houses in Courtenay During The Summer?
During the summer, our homes can become a lot more humid than in cooler seasons like winter and fall. This is because hot air holds more moisture. If your home has high humidity, you can start to notice all sorts of problems. For instance, trouble sleeping, musty odours, sticky surfaces, and in the worst-case scenario,…
Effect of Latest Interest Rate Hike: Housing market activity will soften, but home prices are not likely to go down
Canadians continue to grapple with the increased cost of living. The Bankof Canada’s latest hike to interest rates on July 12 will add more pressure tovariable rate mortgage holders. It will also make it more difficult for thoselooking to qualify for lending. Buyers who have secured a rate hold are anxious to make a purchasebefore…
Strata Depreciation Reports
More than 1.5 million British Columbians currently live in strata housing. There are commercial, industrial and mixed-use stratas in BC. It’s important to understand a tool in assessing the condition of a strata property: the depreciation report. What is a Strata Depreciation Report? A strata depreciation report is a 30-year projection. It consists of thorough…
When to Increase Your Buying Budget
When you set a budget for a new home, you’re hoping to find the ideal property within that price range. You may even be expecting to be able to purchase within that range. But, it doesn’t always work out that way. In fact, there are many circumstances in which you might have to rethink or…
Painting Tips: Get the Job Done Faster
Unless painting a room is a passion, you probably want to finish the task as soon aspossible. You still want to do a quality job though and you want to be efficient.Here are some tips for doing just that: ● One-coat paints. Having to do a second coat is time-consuming. Fortunately,there are several “one coat”…
Signs That You Should Buy Comox Houses for Sale
Knowing when to look at purchasing a home is almost as important as having the finances to do it. Especially, given the current cost of living in Canada. There are so many different reasons that people choose to buy Comox houses for sale—whether you’re a first-time buyer or simply looking to downsize. When it comes…
Should You Worry about Competing Listings?
Imagine, you’ve been waiting for the right moment to sell your home. You’re finally readyto pull the trigger and list it. Just as you’re about to put up the sign, you notice that a fewother FOR SALE signs have unexpectedly popped up in the neighbourhood. Oh no! Now there are competing listings. Does that mean…
How to Pack for a Move
You never thought you owned a lot of stuff before. Now you have to move and you’renot sure where to begin. It probably feels like too daunting a task to get everything doneby your completion date. How are you supposed to pack it all up in time? Take a deep breath. With the right packing…
5 Kitchen Items Homebuyers Never Regret
You’re searching for a new home and would like an amazing kitchen. You are putting togethera wish list of features you want in the house and in this space. You may worry that you are being a bit too particular but don’t. According to some, the tworooms most scrutinized by buyers are the kitchen and…
Viewing Homes When You Have Little Time to View Homes For Sale in Comox
Have you ever had to go last-minute gift shopping? If so, you know what that can be like. You don’t have time to amble casually through numerous stores hoping to come across something suitable. The clock is ticking. You need to find the right gift, now! A similar thing can sometimes happen when shopping for…
Should I Get a Home Inspection When Buying Courtenay Real Estate
Getting a home inspection before you purchase a new home may seem like a no-brainer. However, given the right market conditions, you’d be surprised how many buyers neglect to have one done. When buying Courtenay real estate, it is crucial that you take the time to arrange for an inspector to visit your potential new…
Pros and Cons of Buying a Comox Valley Home As-Is
Buying a home as-is can be enticing. If you have been struggling to get into the Comox Valley market, the price point can be more affordable. For others looking to buy it can be a viable option to explore. Housing supply is low in Courtenay and Comox now. It may be your avenue in. However,…
DIY Tips for Lawn and Garden Care for Comox Home Sellers
Keeping your lawn, flowerbeds, and shrubs looking great enhances the curb appeal of yourproperty. However, it can also be a lot of work! Residents of Courtenay, Comox, and the area have a longer growing season than manyCanadians. Many have taken steps to simplify their landscaping to reduce water usage and timefor upkeep. You can make…
Condominiums to outperform single-family segment in Canada this year as buyers seek entry-level housing
Demand for condos in Comox is expected to outpace that of the single-family residential segment this year. It is anticipated homebuyers will be in search of more affordable housing options. They may have been sitting on the sidelines amid higher interest rates and increased day-to-day living costs. What will happen to the median price of…
Showing your Home on Short Notice
Unless you’re selling in a strong sellers’ market, you should take advantage of every opportunity to show your home. Say, for example, an interested buyer would like to see your property tomorrow evening. If you say no, they might see another listing in the meantime — and make an offer! Being prepared to show your…
Make Your Kitchen Stand Out in Courtenay Homes for Sale
Your kitchen is one of the most valuable areas in your home. In fact, many buyers will avoid putting in an offer on homes with poor kitchens. If you are planning on selling Courtenay homes for sale this spring, it is important to focus on making your kitchen stand out! Whether you are having listing…
Single-storey suite essential feature
Canadians who wish to age in place consider a main floor that is or can be converted to a single-story unit is essential. This means if the home is not one level, it must be able to accommodate a bedroom, full bathroom, laundry and kitchen all on one floor. A Royal LePage survey discovered 43…
Preparing to Sell: Get your Spring Cleaning Done Faster
Spring cleaning your home or condominium in the Comox Valley can seem like a great idea until you actually get started. Then it often turns out to be more work than expected! The good news is, there are proven techniques to make the job easier so you can get it done faster. Plan ahead for…
First-Time Buying Pitfalls to Avoid
Buying your first home is a major life milestone. It is possibly one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. It is a major financial and long-term commitment. It is not possible or realistic to be ready for every possible outcome. However, it is possible to prepare for potential pitfalls you may run into during…
How to Spot Potential Issues With Houses for Sale in Comox?
When it comes time to purchase houses for sale in Comox, it’s important to be wary of potential issues with the property. Oftentimes, it can be easy to get distracted by all of the features you love. For instance, the high ceilings, large windows, or gorgeous views. Because of this, potential issues like cracks in…
How home sellers in Comox can be successful in a cooling market
It’s no secret that Canada’s real estate market has undergone a notable shift for home sellers this year. Homeowners in the Comox Valley also face that reality. Those listing their property now might experience an increase in comparable inventory. It may take more days on the market and there will likely be fewer offers, compared…
How to beat the (work from home) winter blues
Working nine-to-five in winter can be a struggle. Whether you do your job at the office or from the comfort of your home there are challenges. Remote working certainly has its perks. No need for an umbrella or to shovel the driveway early in the morning. It can also present unique problems during the winter…
Up Your Chances of Selling Homes for Sale in Courtenay
Selling homes for sale in Courtenay is a big decision. In order to get the most out of your investment, it is important that you take the necessary steps to prepare. Before you sell your home, there are a couple of things you can do to attract buyers and return a better profit. In this…
Foreign Buyer Ban and Comox Real Estate
The federal government’s ban on new foreign ownership of residential property became law on January 1, 2023. It prohibits any non-Canadian citizen or permanent resident from buying residential real estate for two years. The federal government plans to work with provinces and municipalities during the two-year ban. Their aim is to develop a framework to…
Planning to Renovate your Comox Home?
Are you working on a home improvement project? Homeowners in Comox, Courtenay and the area do things to their homes to enjoy themselves. Others do them in preparation to put the property on the market. If this is you, you may be interested to know which renovations will give you the most bang for your…
Moving from a Property in Comox!
Moving can be one of the most stressful parts of selling your home. Packing, planning, and budgeting make moving a serious hassle. However, there are ways to make moving less daunting. From creating a checklist to hiring a professional there are lots of ways that you can ease the stress of moving to a property…
Mortgage Renewals in Comox for 2023
Given the rise in interest rates, it should be no surprise housing market activity in the Comox Valley has declined. Along with that, asking prices have come down. The Bank of Canada continues to combat inflation with rate hikes that are affecting the cost of borrowing. CIBC’s deputy chief economist, Benjamin Tal, describes it as…
Value of a Home Inspection in Comox
This article will address the key points of getting a home inspection in Comox and why it’s essential. The housing market has changed since earlier this year. It is cooling. Home sales are slowing down and prices are leveling rather than increasing or “crashing”. The Comox Valley includes Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, and the area. These…
Comox Real Estate Recap - 2022!
2022 was a bumpy year for real estate. However, everything seemed to balance out by the end! Over the course of the past year, I wrote several blog posts to keep everyone up-to-date with Comox real estate. Now that 2022 is coming to an end, I thought it would be best to write a year-end…
Preparing Houses in Comox for Winter
Preparing houses in Comox for winter is a crucial task. Although Vancouver Island doesn’t receive much snow, there is a lot of rain. Cold winds and lots of water can cause destruction to your home if you aren’t careful. By taking the time to prepare your home, you can avoid any damage or unforeseen costs.…
Planning a winter vacation? Some tips before you go.
Many people plan to spend winter months in sunnier southern locations. To make sure your home is safe during that time away, there are some things you should plan to do before heading out on that short or longer vacation. To minimize the risk of damage or break-ins, there are some simple things you can…
Real Estate in Comox to be Affected by New Mortgage Broker Rules.
The Mortgage Brokers Act in British Columbia has recently changed. These new laws are likely to affect those purchasing real estate in Comox and other cities across the province. Finance Minister Selina Robinson presented changes to the bill on Tuesday, October 4th, 2022 by. The claim of the bill is to provide consumers with more…
Apartments in Courtenay For Empty Nesters
Owning an apartment as an empty nester can be a great way to save money and better spend your time. Once your kids head off to college or move out, you have the chance to downsize. This opportunity can provide you with all sorts of freedoms that a single-family home may be hindering. Moreover, the…
Apartments in Comox For Retirees!
Downsizing can be beneficial for retirees. Especially for those looking to move to apartments in Comox. Moving into a smaller place can help you make time for the things you love. For instance, traveling, getting outside, relaxing, or picking up a new hobby. Furthermore, using the money from selling your single-family home can help you…
Townhomes in Comox Valley For a First-Time Buyer.
Living in townhomes in Comox Valley is a great option for first-time buyers. Townhomes are a great choice for buyers who can’t or don’t want to commit to owning a traditional single-family home. Furthermore, a townhome will provide you with a great in-between option that is in the middle of buying a home and condo.…
Amenities of Courtenay Townhomes for Sale.
Courtenay townhomes for sale are close to an abundance of amenities. From beaches and parks to ski hills and camping. Courtenay is home to every outdoor activity imaginable. Purchasing a townhome in Courtenay allows you to gain access to one of the world’s greatest outdoor playgrounds. Learn more about the outdoor amenities of townhomes in…
Why Live in Courtenay Apartments for Sale?
Purchasing Courtenay apartments for sale can be a great way to save money! However, it is important to get all of the information before you make the move. In this article, I will be going through some of the perks of moving into a Courtenay apartment. This way, you are better able to make the…
Advantages of Living in Comox Townhouses For Sale
Comox townhouses for sale can be an amazing investment. There are various factors that make townhomes desirable. If you’re looking to downsize or upsize, a townhome is the perfect middle ground. Follow along below to learn more about the advantages and perks of townhouse living in Comox, BC! Comox Townhouses For Sale Require Less Maintenance.…
Why Hire a REALTOR® in Comox Valley?
There are many reasons why people choose to hire a REALTOR ® in Comox Valley. The expertise and know-how of an agent, are certainly comforting when it comes to purchasing a home. Especially, if you are just getting into real estate. A great REALTOR® can come in handy in various situations. Learn more about why…
Episode 13: Tiffany Pratt – Wellness by Design: Creating a Home that Brings Joy
What is the relationship between our homes and our mental and physical well-being? Are there changes we can make to infuse a greater sense of joy into our living spaces? How can we reimagine the things we already have to elevate our homes aesthetically and functionally? In Episode 13 of REAL TIME, designer and TV…
Episode 12: Dr. Hadiya Roderique – Working While Black: A Conversation About Race in the Workplace
“You have to be part of changing the culture. If you want racist speech or actions to be unacceptable, you have to be one of the people saying it’s unacceptable.” In Episode 12 of REAL TIME, we discuss racial biases and opportunity gaps facing BIPOC professionals in Canada. Joined by Dr. Hadiya Roderique – speaker,…