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…
Tag: Houses for sale Comox Valley
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…