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…
Category: Tips & Advice
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…