First Time Home Buyer
Hidden Costs of Home Ownership
There are many expenses and hidden costs that come with buying a new home that home buyers should be aware of. Find out some costs you should budget when completing the purchase: [Read Full Article]
City Comparison: Urban vs. Suburban Living
More family time or more space? Quaint shops or quiet cul-de-sac? Urban living or Suburban living? Read why some people prefer one over the other. [Read Full Article]
First Time Home Buyers Wish they had a Second Chance
Buying a first home is one of life’s most significant purchases, and a new poll shows many first-time homebuyers wish they had done things differently. A TD Canada Trust report on first-time homebuyers finds that more than half have regrets that they didn’t buy a home sooner. [Read Full Article]
Handle with Care: How to keep your belongings safe during a move
With all of the excitement and stresses associated with moving day, one of the most oft-cited is the fear of some prized heirloom or delicate object will be broken in the move. However, there are many things that you can do to minimize this risk and set your fear of breakage at ease. [Read Full Article]
10 Tips for Aspiring Home Buyers
Thinking of buying? These tips, from Suzanne Schultz of RBC Dominion Securities, will help keep your finances in check:
Laneway Homes eases the path to Ownership
There is a growing trend that sees smaller homes popping up next to larger ones, on the same lot, considered Laneway homes which may ease the path to ownership.
Consider the Costs of Maintenance when Buying a Home
A mortgage is the biggest financial burden of home ownership, but it’s not the only one. The cost of maintenance is often overlooked when buyers plan their real estate purchase, but is a major expense that should be considered in the decision.
[Read Full Article]
FIrst Time Buyers Have Options for that all-important Down Payment
Saving money for a down payment is one of the biggest challenges homeowners face, but it's not impossible. Read this article for some suggestions on getting that first down payment:
[Read Full Article]
How to Prepare for Buying a Home
Buying a first home is a daunting task for many people. This video provides some great advice for first time home buyers. Canadian Press reporter Lauren Krugel says seeking professional help can ease the process. Watch video HERE.
Home Buyer Seminar
Attention First Time Home Buyers! The First-time Home Buyer Seminar will held by The Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association (GVHBA) and will take place on Tuesday, April 3. To register for this seminar call 778-565-4288. Click here to find out more about the seminar.
Possible First Time New Home Buyer's Bonus
Great news for first time new home buyers! The BC Government intends to implement a temporary BC-First-Time-New-Home-Buyer's Bonus, effective February 21 - March 31 2012. However, it is still subject to approval by the legislature. Read more about it and see if you qualify:
4 Tips to Determine How Much Mortgage You Can Afford
By knowing how much mortgage you can handle, you can ensure that home ownership will fit in your budget. Read the 4 tips to determine how much mortgage you can afford.
To Buy or not to Buy?
Thinking of buying a new home? Rob Cummings, a mortgage specialist from RBC, offers great advice in this article that may help you make your descision, whether you looking to buy or thinking of buying, it's worth a peek. "From an historic perspective, the present mortgage rates are extraordinarily low."
[Read Full Article]
Home is a Family Affair
With the rise of the price of housing and the economic downturn, the goal of owning a home is elusive for some. Therefore, living with children or parents/in-laws makes good financial sense, especially in light of the local real estate market. For some cultures, however, multi-generational housing has always been the norm. The arrangement could be very beneficial to both parties.
Before Buying a Condo, Check Condo Maintenance Records
Leaky condos aren't the only challenge buyers face. Another issue that affects all condominium developments is maintenance. Verify amount of contingency fund and money for emergencies. [Read Full Article] for great tips on what to check before buying a condo.
Plan for all Condo Costs
If you are planning on buying a condo before it is built, it is essential to plan ahead and be aware of new debts and major purchases that may affect your credit score while the condo is being built. Waiting, however, can have its upsides.
Mortgage Advice: How to Save Money Monthly
Great mortgage advice from experts regarding paying your mortgage. The terms and conditions of a mortgage must be understood; as well, it is wise to ensure you have the flexibility you need for your stage of family life and career.
10 Most Commonly Asked Mortgage Questions
Have some mortgage questions? Read the article below for the answers to the most commonly asked mortgage questions.
Be Open to Possibilities when choosing a Home
Buyers should be encouraged to become familiar with the different types of properties on the market, and to keep an open mind as possibilities can be found around every street corner.
25 Condo Buying Tips
Condo sales are at an all-time high. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, people are rediscovering the joys of living downtown again, along with the low-maintenance, easy lifestyle that goes with havng your very own castle in the clouds. With housing real estate prices at truly stratospheric levels across the country, a condo is an affordable way into the market, especially for young people. Click on the article to read up on 25 insider tips when you’re thinking of going condo.
What's the Best Way to Save for a House?
Some serious saving is going to be required to meet the minimum 5-per-cent down payment for buying a home, not to mention the 20-per-cent threshold for avoiding costly mortgage default insurance. Two ideal vehicles for saving are registered retirement savings plans and tax-free savings accounts. Which is best?
Ask the Expert - The Mortgage Game
With rates predicted to rise, should you lock in, or take a risk and how much should first timers spend? First-time buyers may be particularly concerned with entering the national capital’s expensive real estate market. Article by Imran Syed, The Ottawa Citizen
[Read Full Article]
Moving Checklist for Buyers
Review this check list for buyers moving into a new home. This article gives you friendly reminders of what to remember while making the big move. Whether you are downsizing, moving into a condo, house or changing cities, here are a few pointers to remember!
[Read Full Article]
October Mortgage Newsletter
Read up on what's happening in Vancouver's market! Mortgage information, tips on keeping your money, down payment and pre-approval information- all brought to you by Shanna Gottfried.
[Read More]