Market Updates

Dear Friends,

Happy February! 

I’d like to draw your attention to one important promise the Liberal Party made regarding home ownership: the First Home Savings Account. And it may not just be an election promise – this savings account recently was reiterated in the Finance Minister’s mandate letter at the end of 2021. Read on to learn more about what this means and how it may help you achieve your homeownership dreams.

And since we are now solidly into 2022, let’s take a look at some of the hottest trends and colours in kitchens this year. Hint: many of the trends reflect almost two years of the pandemic by really emphasizing the heart of a home.

If you need help finding the perfect kitchen – in the perfect home! – please reach out to me. I would love to hear from you and support you in your search. 

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Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! I hope 2022 brings you peace, joy and plenty of good tidings. 

If saving money and improving your finances are on your New Year’s resolution list … then I’ve got just the thing for you! Read on to find out how to save money on utilities this winter from setting your water heater to the optimal temperature to being strategic with your dishwasher. 

And bills aren’t the only place to find savings. As you start to prepare your tax return and gather receipts from last year, keep in mind some of the different tax breaks that are available to homeowners. I’ve included a list of some of the common ones that might apply to you.

If you have any questions or just want to chat about your dream home, please reach out. I would love the chance to talk more with you and help you on your journey. 

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Dear Friends,

It’s that time of year again – the time of cheer, holiday spirit and loved ones.

One of the most enjoyable sights in December are the bright lights shows! Looking for somewhere to go to see those shiny, uplifting displays? I’ve got a few suggestions of the best spots in our city this holiday season.

But while December is a fun-filled month for many, I do want to take a moment to acknowledge the devastating flooding that has impacted British Columbians recently. Now, more than ever, it's important to stand together and support one another. If you are wondering how you can help, I've included some information about verified organizations that are supporting those impacted by the floods if you are looking to donate.

I wish you the merriest of holiday seasons. If there is anything I can help you with in your search for the perfect property, please let me know. 

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Dear Friends,

Real estate investing can be one way towards financial independence and long-term security. When you imagine a real estate investor with an empire of properties, it may be hard to picture yourself in that role – but it shouldn’t be! 

There are many ways to building up revenue streams through real estate depending on your individual situation. Read on to learn more about the infamously coined term “house hacking” and what it means. 

On a similar note … you’ve made the purchase and have a new home. Now what? I have included a New Home Checklist to help you take the next steps. 

If you have any questions about these next steps, or any steps in the home purchasing experience, please feel free to message me. I am here to help you, no matter where you are in the journey.

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Dear Friends,

Here is a really crucial question: do you have the right insurance policy in place protecting your home? As the world sees an increasing number of natural disasters from wildfires to floods to tornadoes, it’s more important than ever to be properly insured. 

But do you know how living in a natural disaster zone can impact your premiums and even, in some cases, your ability to get insurance? Read on to learn more. 

The other thing I’d like to draw your attention to is much more light-hearted: accent walls. You’ve probably seen these “pops” of colour popping up all over your social media. I discuss what they are and how to use them. 

As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions. If you are looking for your next home, or know someone who is, I am here to help you get started.

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Dear Friends,

We hope you are enjoying the last few weeks of summer before the autumnal equinox later this month – soak up as much as you can before the shorter, colder days ahead!

If you are looking to take on an extra project, why not make your property work for you? There are a few ways your home can earn you some extra cash. 

By renting out portions of your home to holiday-goers (or buying a separate investment property), you can turn your property into a money-maker – and we have a few tips on how to add value to your AirBnB. If renting isn’t on your radar but you still want to boost the value, consider changing the exterior paint of your home. A fresh coat can bump up the value by up to 5 percent when it comes time to sell. 

If you, or someone you know, needs assistance finding the right property  - please reach out. We would love to help you find your dream home.

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Dear Friends,

The weather is fantastic in August and, if you’re anything like me, you’re soaking up as much sunshine outside as you can these days. 

And you’re not alone. The desire for outdoor living spaces – from cooking set-ups to sprawling patios – has skyrocketed since the pandemic. Read on to learn more about the hottest trends for outdoor spaces in 2021. 

On a less bright side, inflation hit a decade-old record this spring. What does that mean for investors and should you be concerned? Not yet. We look at what happening in the economy. 

As always, please feel free to reach out to me at any time if you should need assistance with your housing journey. I would be glad to help and guide you. 

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Dear Friends,

The sun is out and summer is in full swing – it’s the perfect time to get out and explore your neighbourhood. And the best way to explore? On foot. 

Read on to find out more about how walkable your area is … and what that means for the value of your property. (As a hint: each point on the Walk Score increases the value by $3,250).

We’ll also cover on how you can secure your home from burglars when you are going on a vacation. 

If you, or someone you know, is that prospective homebuyer – I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have at this stage of your journey and I’ll be happy to assist you.

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Dear Friends,

If you haven’t got the ball rolling to purchase a home, you may need to act quickly – The proposed higher mortgage stress test went in effect on June 1 and it may make it harder for borrowers to qualify for a mortgage. We have more details in this email.

And if you’re happily settled into your home and looking for a new project this summer, consider vertical gardening! It’s a great way to maximize space while still harvesting a bountiful crop or adding a natural atmosphere to your surroundings. We’ve got tons of ideas about how to start, from tin can fences to floating shelves. 

Whatever your needs are and whatever stage of the homebuyer’s journey you are on, I’m here to help guide you and assist you. 

Please feel free to reach out any time.

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Dear Friends,

Buying a home can seem like a daunting experience for many people. 

But homeownership is one of the best long-term investments Canadians can make. You may be familiar with the popular investment idiom “Time in the market beats timing the market” and, in many ways, that’s true for homeownership as well. With rising house prices, getting in sooner is often better than later. 

But where do you start? In this month’s newsletter, we look at down payments - what you need to know, how much you need to save and an often-overlooked way of saving money through RRSP contributions. 

If you find this information helpful, forward it to a friend! 

And, when you’ve got that down payment locked in and you’re searching for your dream home, I am here to assist you. 

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Dear Friends,

Everything looks a little brighter during the month of April. The remnants of winter are firmly washed away and, with that, comes the hint of new beginnings. 

Follow the natural cycle of the seasons and use this time for your own fresh starts in whatever areas you are pursuing – relationships, career, hobbies or home. Sometimes, all you need to start on the path of pursuits is shaking off the cobwebs and looking at life with a clean slate. 

As the economy bounces back from the effects of the global pandemic, many people in our province are feeling more optimistic about the housing market. And for solid reasons, now is a good time to buy. 

If you have questions about the process or need a supporting hand to guide you, please reach out. I would be delighted to work with you to find your dream home. 

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Dear Friends,

Smile, we’ve almost made it through winter at this point! March is here, a month full of uplifting dates and events. 

We have International Women’s Day on March 8 to celebrate equality and the strong women in all our lives, there’s St. Patrick’s Day coming up and – always a happy moment – the March equinox to mark the start of spring! 

If your goals for the coming spring include getting fitter – or perhaps it’s a lingering New Year’s Resolution - there is no better time than now. With the endless possibilities of home workouts, there is no excuse not to!

If you are planning on buying or selling soon, or know someone who is, please keep me in mind and I will be happy to help you with the process to make it as seamless and productive as possible. 

Don’t hesitate to get in touch!

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