When buying a home, many people focus on the kitchen, bathrooms, and overall living space. However, the attic is often overlooked, even though it plays a crucial role in the home’s structure, energy efficiency, and air quality. If you're considering purchasing a home with an attic, a thorough inspection is essential to avoid costly repairs and ensure a safe living environment. Below are the key reasons why an attic inspection should be at the top of your home-buying checklist.

1. Identifying Potential Problems

Insulation Issues

Attic insulation is critical for maintaining a home's temperature and reducing energy costs. Insufficient or damaged insulation can cause heat to escape during the winter and trap heat during the summer, making the…

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Vancouver's real estate market is one of the most dynamic in Canada, and presale condos continue to attract investors and homebuyers alike. But what exactly makes presale condos in Vancouver such a desirable option? From potential appreciation to lower upfront costs and modern features, presale properties offer a range of advantages that stand out in the real estate market.

Let’s dive into why new Vancouver presale condos are appealing and how they fit into the city's ever-evolving housing landscape.

1. Lower Upfront Investment & Flexible Payment Plans

Unlike purchasing a fully built apartment/condo, buying a presale condo requires only a deposit, typically ranging from 5% to 20%. This allows investors to secure a property at today's prices…

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The real estate market is shifting in 2025, and homeowners are looking for ways to increase their property value to maximize their home equity. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or just want to improve your home’s market value, strategic upgrades can make a significant difference. A well-maintained home not only attracts more buyers but also ensures a higher home appraisal when it's time to refinance.

If you're thinking about boosting your property’s worth, here are the top seven upgrades that will bring the best return on investment in 2025.

1. Upgrade Your Kitchen for Maximum Returns

A kitchen renovation remains one of the smartest ways to improve home value. According to Redfin estimates, a remodeled kitchen can yield an ROI of up to…

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Buying or selling a home in Vancouver can feel overwhelming. The real estate market in the city is highly competitive, and navigating it without expert guidance can be challenging. A Vancouver real estate agent brings knowledge, experience, and negotiation skills to ensure a smooth process while maximizing your investment. Whether you're a first-time buyer, upgrading, or selling a property, working with a professional can save you time and money.

Meet Adam Chahl – Your Trusted Vancouver Realtor

Adam Chahl is an award-winning Vancouver real estate agent with PLACE Real Estate Team - Oakwyn Realty. As a Medallion Club member (awarded to the top 10% of agents in Vancouver), Adam has helped countless clients navigate the real estate market with…

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March 12, 2025

The Bank of Canada lowered its overnight policy rate by 25 basis points this morning from 3 per cent to 2.75 per cent. In the statement accompanying the decision, the Bank noted that trade tensions will slow momentum from robust GDP growth observed in the second half of 2024, though how much the economy might slow is complicated by the uncertainty from a rapidly evolving policy landscape. On inflation, the Bank expects prices to rise slightly above their 2 per cent target as the GST tax break ends and forecasts that core inflation will remain above 2 per cent due to persistently elevated shelter costs.

Thanks to tariffs, the Bank of Canada is faced with heightened uncertainty and an economy that may be set to slow down rather than…

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A mortgage pre-approval is when a lender evaluates your financial obligation, credit rating, income, and assets to determine how much they can lend you. The lender will examine various factors, including your income stability, employment history, and existing debt, to assess your ability to repay the loan. It also provides an estimate of your interest rate and loan terms, helping you plan for your future mortgage payments. While pre-approval does not guarantee final loan approval, it is a crucial step in the real estate buying process. A pre-approval letter signals to sellers that you are a serious buyer and increases your negotiating power, especially in a hot market like West Vancouver.

Why You Need a Mortgage Pre-Approval in West Vancouver

With …

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Building wealth through investing is a solid financial move, but the big question is: should you go for real estate or stocks? Both options come with their own perks and downsides, so understanding them is key before making a decision. Real estate gives you a tangible asset and rental income, while stocks offer easy liquidity and high potential growth. Your choice depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and how much involvement you want in your investment. In this article, we’ll break down the differences, risks, rewards, tax advantages, and management involved in both investment strategies.

Understanding the Basics

What is Real Estate Investing?

Real estate investing involves buying and managing physical properties—whether houses,…

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Selling a home in Vancouver can be a competitive and rewarding experience. With the city's booming real estate market, homeowners must take strategic steps to ensure their properties attract buyers and sell at a desirable price. Whether you’re relocating for work, upgrading to a larger home, or cashing in on your investment, selling quickly and efficiently is always the goal. However, with so many properties on the market, how do you make your home stand out? The key lies in a well-planned approach that includes boosting curb appeal, setting the right price, working with an experienced real estate agent, and staging your home to perfection. Each of these factors plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and profitable home sale.

Enhancing Your Home’s…

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The outlook for the Canadian economy in the coming months presents a picture of cautious optimism with high uncertainty. Economic indicators were expected to strengthen this year, driven by resilient consumer spending and a robust export sector. Housing activity was poised to accelerate this year as well.

However, when the newly inaugurated US president began to threaten Canada with 25% tariffs at the end of January, home sales slowed markedly. However, challenges such as global market volatility and inflationary pressures could temper this growth.

The Bank of Canada will maintain its current monetary policy stance, carefully balancing interest rates to manage inflation while supporting economic activity. The housing market remains a key area of…

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Buyers Gaining Upper Hand in Fraser Valley Real Estate Market

SURREY, BC - For the first time in four months, home sales in the Fraser Valley have increased as buyers capitalize on more selection and weakening prices.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 920 sales in February, up 13% from January, but 26% below sales recorded in February 2024.

Despite a 9% drop in newly listed homes on the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), new listings remained 14% above the 10-year seasonal average, at 3,121. Overall inventory remains high, at 8,070 active listings, 45% above February 2024 and 55% above the 10-year seasonal average.

Market Conditions

The overall sales-to-active listings ratio continues to signal a buyer’s market in the…

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