Summer is finally here! Now is a better time than ever to begin your home improvement projects-the weather is great for outside work and MOST IMPORTANTLY if you want to capitalize on the amazing fall real estate market, you need to be ready by mid September. To help you get a head start, here is a list of five renovation projects that will increase the overall value and enjoyment of your home ...

When comparing the cost to rent vs. the cost of a mortgage, one thing that people often forget is that eventually, your house will be paid off completely. When that day comes, you will no longer have to shell out monthly mortgage payments. You will be an owner, 100% free and clear. Then, when you are old you will not have to pay rent, or anything except repairs and property tax as the worlds ...

It is amazing the impact one person can make in helping the environment. For instance, if every household replaced one standard bulb with a compact florescent light bulb, we could save enough energy to power three million homes a year (I really can’t believe that but apparently its true!). Taking small steps, whether this is switching to a more environmentally friendly light bulb, or reducing ...

This long weekend, did you get a chance to get out of the city? Judging by the traffic trying to get out on Friday and then back again on Monday afternoon, half the city was away.   One of the best things to do on a long weekend summer getaway is to go to a cabin by the water. There are many popular vacation hotspots in BC including Bridal Falls, the Shuswap Lakes and the Okanagan.  This ...

Feeling frazzled by your hectic life? Create an eco living space to alleviate your stress. By following these easy tips, you can turn your current home into a peaceful refuge— a perfect place to escape to after a long day at work.    Relaxation always starts at the home. Studies have shown that natural hues such as greens, mauves, and earthy tones, have relaxing effects on the body. By inco ...

Interest rates are going up. This puts a limited window on the time that you can get money for record-low rates.   There has never been a better time in the history of borrowed money as right now. In the 80s they had to sweat up to 20% interest payments. Today, it’s next to nothing….and the payments per $100,000 borrowed are crazy low…   Did you know you can get a 10-year loan from the ...

There is still hope for Millennials locked out of the Vancouver housing market. It comes by way of generous parents investing in their kin.   As their baby boomer parents downsize from large houses into condos, the surplus wealth can go towards down payments for their children.   Obviously, this is not ideal for the rugged individualist. But the days of Vancouver being (quite literally) t ...

Drama sells newspapers. Everyone loves to talk about, and fret about, and monger fear about the dreaded Vancouver housing bubble. But the reality is, if we are due for a little correction, it will likely be nothing too exciting. This is Canada after all. The big Hollywood style explosions and implosions just don’t seem to happen to us like the do in the States.   Will property values drop? ...

When buying real estate in Vancouver it is important to remember that along a large enough timeline, all real estate goes up in value.   Many buyers get too caught up in the short game. They are influenced by the media and the market watchers without thinking of the big picture: Your family needs a place to live. You are not going to reselling any time soon. In fact, there is even a small c ...

Here are a few of the things that most people don’t consider when writing about the benefits of their home. They are also things you should ask about when house hunting.   1.     Privacy - It is one thing to say that the property is private, but what does that really mean? It is easier to paint a picture of space and conjure an emotion if you add some details. If your apartment is a corner ...