Latest News
Our latest ramblings.
Enjoy! We definitely have important things to say!
Our latest ramblings.
Enjoy! We definitely have important things to say!
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has new changes to their program effective May 30th, 2014. CMHC is committed to benefiting all Canadians by contributing to the stability of the housing market, while effectively managing and reducing taxpayers’ exposure to risk. The program is undertaking a review of it’s mortgage loan insurance business.
What are the CMHC program changes?
CMHC is discontinuing its Second Home and Self-Employed Without Third Party Income Validation mortgage insurance products (both high and low ratio), effective May 30th, 2014.
Why are these changes occurring?
Both these types of mortgage insurance products accounted for only a small portion of CMHC’s business last year, in 2013. These changes are not expected to have a material impact on the housing market.
If you are self-employed you are still are able to qualify for CMHC-insured financing through CMHC homeowner products with validation of their income using traditional methods.
As summer is sneaking up on us, you may be starting to think about how to get your lawn green this season. With Scotts Lawn Service Best Practices for a green lawn, we share 3 tips for you.
1. Understanding the Elements of a Green Lawn
Below the surface of that picture-perfect green grass, there are many factors that determine and contribute to a healthy lawn. These factors include:
A healthy, balanced soil will contain 45-50% minerals, 25% water, 25% air, and 2%-5% organic matter. The soil is responsible to improve water retention, deepen root systems, and improve nutrient storage and release.
2. Maintenance is Key
In order to grow a perfectly green lawn, patience, commitment and expertise are key to success. Every lawn does have the potential to turn into the perfect shade of green, however the level of maintenance is what sets the lawns a part. Proper maintenance requires professional-grade fertilizers, preventing insect damage, and weed control treatments. The dependents are climate and soil type.
3. Trust the Green Lawn Experts
Expertise is important as they know exactly how to get your lawn green. Lawn maintenance is a science and when combined with the knowledge of the experts, you are on your way to having the picture-perfect lawn!
For more information regarding lawn maintenance from Scotts Lawn Service, click here.
Are you a first-time home buyer? We want to provide you with the top 5 common mistakes that you can avoid during your purchasing experience. A smooth ride is what we want for you.
1. Thinking You Don’t Need a Real Estate Agent
As a first-time home buyer the process of finding your dream home can be overwhelming and confusing. A real estate agent helps you meet your needs, negotiate offers, ensure inspections are scheduled, and handles financial details.
2. Getting Your Heart Set on a Home Before You Do Your Homework
Research is very important. It’s also important to keep your mind open as that what you have your eyes set on may not always be what it seems. If you jump in too fast, you may quick to go over budget or may overlook potential pitfalls.
3. Picking a Fixer-Upper Because the Listing Price is Cheaper
Ensure that you are extra diligent in the inspection period despite the home’s potential. It’s recommended to negotiate a long due-diligence period which will give you more time to get the estimates from contractors just in case you need to back out. Finding what it will really cost you to do the fixes you have in mind will help you ultimately decide if that house is the right one for you.
4. Committing to More Than You Can Afford
Overextending yourself can put your investments, including your house, on the line. Don’t sacrifice your retirements savings and emergency funds for mortgage payments. Keep those savings safe as you never know what life could bring you next.
5. Going With the First Agent That Finds You
Ask for referrals! Be sure to talk with your potential choices as you want an agent who understands your all your needs.
Need advice? Looking for your first time? Give us a call at 604-588-4466 or email us info@brokersmart.ca to find out how we can help you find your dream home that fits your lifestyle.
The Fraser Valley housing market was reported to have a healthy balance this past month. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) have released the April Statistics report.
Key Stats:
Benchmark Prices:
The President of FVREB, Ray Werger says, “There’s a lot of optimism right now. It will take a few more months of numbers, but our 2014 market is already on track to outperform last year. A measurement we rely on to gauge the health of the housing market is the ratio between sales and active listings and in April that number was the highest it’s been in our region in three years. Last month, that ratio for both single family detached homes and townhomes was 21 per cent, meaning for every 100 homes available, 21 sold. That’s a strong, balanced market.”
Werger adds, “In some of our areas we have an oversupply of condos and you’ll see that reflected in prices. Generally, prices of benchmark or typical apartments have decreased over the past year. However, both buyers and sellers need to be aware that it depends on the community and the age and quality of the condo.”
To see the full FVREB April Statistics Report, click here.
All statistics are from the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®)
If you have any questions regarding the above, please give us a call at 604-588-4466 or email us at info@brokersmart.ca
This past April there has been steady increase of buyer and seller activity in the Greater Vancouver housing market. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) has released their April Statistics report.
Key Stats:
Benchmark Prices:
The President of REBGV, Ray Harris stated, “We saw steady increases in home seller and buyer activity in April, which is typically the case in the spring months. People often look to buy or sell their home this time of year as the school year draws to a close and the summer holiday season is still a few months away.”
To see the full REBGV April Statistics report, click here.
All statistics are from the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®)
If you have any questions regarding the above, please give us a call at 604-588-4466 or email us at info@brokersmart.ca
Are you current moving or temporarily re-locating? Canada Post gives the 3 best reasons why forwarding your snail mail is beneficial for you. Forward your mail anywhere in Canada or around the globe. You can take one less thing off your mind during this busy time!
1. Peace of Mind
The thought of knowing that your bills, cheques, final statements and other important mail have been prevented from being lost or returned to the sender will put your mind at peace.
2. Security
By forwarding your snail mail, you are eliminating any risk of identity theft by knowing your mail won’t be delivered to the new occupant of your old house or location.
3. Convenience
You are able to pick up your mail yourself! No need to ask friends or relatives to collect your mail from your previous house or location.
Forwarding your snail mail can be accomplished by choosing the right service for you in a few easy steps. To forward your mail to a new home or a new location, click here.
If you have any questions regarding the above, please give us a call at 604-588-4466 or email us at info@brokersmart.ca
19978 72nd Ave. Unit 205
Langley, B.C. V2Y 1R7
P: 604-588-4466
F: 604-588-4483
info@brokersmart.ca