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  • Smart Renovations That Help Homes Sell Faster

    To sell a house quickly and increase its value by up to 5%, focus on nine key upgrades: smart thermostats, security systems, lighting, minor kitchen remodels, bathroom updates, garage door upgrades, energy-efficient windows, smart smoke detectors, and home automation hubs. Exterior improvements like new siding and garage doors offer high ROI. Kitchen and bathroom updates should prioritize functionality and cleanliness. Smart tech enhances appeal and convenience. Basic maintenance and fresh paint also boost value with low costs.

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  • Mortgage Rates Surge Amid Iran War

    Mortgage Rates Surge Amid Iran War

    Iran war rattled bonds, reviving inflation worries as spring selling season began.
    30-year rate now highest in over a month; a year ago it averaged 6.65%.
    15-year fixed rate ↑to 5.50% from 5.43%.
    Existing-home sales ↑1.7% in February; NAR said sales hit 4.09 million annual pace, beating expectations.
    Oil rose above $100 a barrel; 10-year yield back over 4.2%, prompting lender reprices for the worse.

  • How Millennial and Gen Z REALTORS® are Reshaping the Real Estate Landscape

    Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping real estate by embracing authenticity and individual strengths. Their key lesson is to find and excel in a unique niche, whether through traditional methods or tech-driven approaches, highlighting the value of staying true to oneself in the evolving industry.

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  • Understanding Negative Amortization on a Mortgage: Common Ways It’s Addressed

    Negative amortization occurs when mortgage payments don’t cover the interest owed, causing the loan balance to increase. It can happen with certain variable-rate or interest-only mortgage structures, depending on the terms. In general, it may be addressed by adjusting payment amounts, changing the loan’s rate structure, refinancing, modifying loan terms, or speaking with a qualified housing or financial professional. Timing can matter, since negative amortization can create financial strain over time and may affect overall loan costs.

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  • Mortgage Brokerage Services Industry Forecast by 2030

    Mortgage Brokerage Services Industry Forecast by 2030

    Booming Growth: Industry projected to hit $182.6 billion by 2030.

    Strong Pace: Growing at over 10% annually.

    Digital Shift: Tech and fintech are transforming how brokers operate.

    Consumer Demand: Clients want remote advice, transparency, and personalized service.

    Key Tools: Rise of online platforms, digital onboarding, and data-driven rate comparisons.

  • Bank Holds Key Rates at 2.25%

    Bank Holds Key Rates at 2.25%

    Bank of Canada held rates at 2.25% as expected, citing weaker growth, soft labor market, and rising inflation risks globally.

    Middle East conflict pushed oil and gas prices higher, tightening financial conditions, increasing volatility, and complicating policy outlook amid uncertainty.

    After aggressive cuts from 2024 to 2025, Bank signals data dependence; next decision expected April 2026 as markets watch closely.

  • Will Canadian Mortgage Rates Stay Stable in 2026?

    Will Canadian Mortgage Rates Stay Stable in 2026?

    The Bank of Canada policy rate is currently 2.25%, with most forecasts expecting interest rates to remain largely stable through 2026.

    Canada’s prime rate sits near 4.45% while inflation is about 2.3%, suggesting borrowing costs may stay steady rather than fall sharply.

    By the end of 2026, about 33% of Canadian mortgage holders are expected to face higher payments when renewing their mortgages.

    Borrowers renewing 5-year fixed mortgages may see average payment increases around 20%, reflecting the shift from ultra-low pandemic-era rates.

  • BoC Rate Cuts Likely In 2026?

    BoC Rate Cuts Likely In 2026?

    The central bank may maintain a flexible policy approach as inflation stays close to the 2% target, allowing room to respond to unexpected economic changes.

    The economy is currently operating with excess supply, while inflation remains slightly above target, requiring cautious monetary policy adjustments.

    Interest rate cuts remain possible, but only if economic growth weakens significantly or inflation falls consistently below the target level.

    The most likely outlook suggests inflation hovering near 2% through 2026, leading policymakers to keep interest rates unchanged for most of the year.

  • Getting a Mortgage in BC: What the Process Often Looks Like

    Getting a mortgage in British Columbia often involves reviewing finances, getting a pre-approval, and working with licensed mortgage professionals as home prices change over time. New Mortgage Services Act rules expected in October 2026 may introduce stricter licensing and added consumer protections. Buyers often compare rate options, consider how pre-approval fits into an offer, plan for closing costs, and keep in mind that timelines to close can vary once mortgage details are finalized.

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  • Multiple buildings up to 48 storeys with thousands of homes planned for Surrey City Centre

    A new mixed-use development in Surrey City Centre will add over 2,700 homes, including 321 long-term rental units replacing existing apartments at below-market rents for 20 years. The project spans nine acres with 12 buildings, including seven high-rises up to 48 storeys, and 2,384 condominiums. It features 24,000 sq. ft. of retail space, 2,724 parking stalls, and will be built in eight phases over 30-35 years.

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