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  • Ways to access your home equity (and when to use each)

    Home equity is the value of your home minus your mortgage balance. You can access it through five main options: home equity loan, home equity line of credit (HELOC), cash-out refinance, reverse mortgage, and home equity investment. Each has pros and cons, with varying payment structures and eligibility requirements like credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and minimum equity. Borrowing risks include losing your home if you default. Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5%. Alternatives include personal loans, lines of credit, and credit cards.

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  • Mortgage Rates Outlook Canada 2026-2030

    Mortgage Rates Outlook Canada 2026-2030

    BoC held policy rate at 2.25% 2026; prime rate currently 4.45%.
    Canada inflation is 2.3% yearly; rate-change effects can take 4 to 6 fiscal quarters.
    By end of 2026, ~33% of mortgage holders expected higher payments; fixed renewals in 2026 avg ~20% increase.
    Variable renewals vary: 10% projected ↑>40%, while ~25% could see payments fall by at least 7%.
    Most forecasts see 2.25% through 2026; some banks expect up to 50 basis points higher, to 2.75%.

  • Happy Women’s Day

    Happy Women’s Day

    International Women's Day, also known as IWD for short, grew out of the labour movement to become a recognized annual event by the UN.It all started in 1908 when 15K women marched through NYC demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote.
    Things were made official in 1975 when the United Nations started celebrating the day.
    International Women's Day has become a date to celebrate how far women have come in society, in politics and economics.
    While the political roots of the day mean, strikes and protests are organized to raise awareness of continued inequality.

  • Crucial Steps for Buying a Home in 2026

    Buying a home in 2026 requires patience and preparation due to shifting rates and competition. Key steps include assessing your financial situation, saving strategically for down payments and closing costs, improving your credit score, obtaining mortgage pre-approval, working with a local real estate agent, and reviewing local taxes and insurance. Proper preparation helps avoid surprises and strengthens your position in a competitive market.

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  • Canada Rate Outlook: Stable Through 2026

    Canada Rate Outlook: Stable Through 2026

    Core inflation is easing, with underlying price pressures moderating and reducing the urgency for further monetary tightening.

    Economic growth has stabilized after earlier weakness, while the labor market remains steady enough to support a policy pause.

    The Bank of Canada is widely expected to hold its policy rate steady through most of 2026 unless conditions materially deteriorate.

    If any adjustment occurs, markets anticipate a small rate cut later in the year rather than renewed tightening.

  • Metro Vancouver Buyers Enjoy More Options in Expanding Market

    Metro Vancouver's housing market in January 2026 saw a 30% drop in sales to 1,470 homes, while new listings surged to over 7,100, creating a supply-demand gap. Average days on market rose to 100, the highest recently, with sellers waiting longer for offers. Despite slower sales and more inventory, median prices dipped only 0.8% to $868,000, indicating a market pause rather than a sharp decline.

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  • Here’s how much it costs to rent a 1-bedroom apartment in Metro Vancouver in February

    Average rent for newly listed unfurnished one-bedroom units in Metro Vancouver dropped to $2,069, down from $2,111 in January and $2,297 a year ago. Langley, Richmond, and West Vancouver saw decreases. West Vancouver remains the priciest at $2,423 for one-bedroom units, with furnished three-bedroom units averaging $5,194. Eastern areas like Surrey, New Westminster, and Langley offer the most affordable rents. Multi-bedroom rents are rising in some areas.

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  • Accessing Increased Home Equity: Ways to Raise Your HELOC Limit

    Homeowners with increased property values cannot automatically access added equity in their HELOC. To access it, they must request a loan modification with their lender, obtain a new HELOC from another lender, or refinance the existing HELOC, all requiring verification of current home value through appraisal or automated valuation. Approval depends on combined loan-to-value ratios, typically up to 80-95%. Benefits include financial flexibility and potential tax deductions, but risks involve fees, rising interest rates, and possible foreclosure.

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  • Will the Policy Interest Rate in Canada Go Down in 2026?

    Will the Policy Interest Rate in Canada Go Down in 2026?

    The Bank of Canada policy rate sits at 2.25%, with inflation trends remaining the primary driver of future decisions.

    Current forecasts suggest rates will stay mostly stable through 2026, reflecting cautious, data-dependent central bank policy.

    Some projections allow a modest increase toward 2.50% late in 2026, still within the lower neutral range.

    Housing costs, global conditions, and inflation control will limit aggressive moves, keeping Canadian interest rates relatively steady.

  • Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley Homes Now More Affordable

    Home prices in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley have fallen to pre-pandemic levels due to slowed sales and increased listings. Benchmark prices dropped for the 10th consecutive month, with single-family homes, townhomes, and condos all declining year-over-year. Sales activity remains weak, with significant decreases in transactions and elevated inventory levels. Market conditions are shifting toward a more balanced or buyer-favouring environment amid ongoing affordability pressures and economic uncertainty.

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