Setting the right rental price for your investment property is one of the most important decisions a landlord can make. A price that’s too high can lead to long vacancy periods, while a price that’s too low can reduce your income and overall return on investment (ROI). This guide offers a straightforward process to help landlords and property investors evaluate rental prices accurately, ensuring maximum cash flow, minimal vacancy, and long-term profitability.

Whether you own one property or multiple properties, understanding the key factors that affect rental rates and how to calculate them effectively can help protect your income and grow your investment over time.

1. Understand Your Local Market

The first step in pricing your rental property…

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Burnaby is one of the fastest-growing cities in Metro Vancouver. Known for its blend of urban convenience, natural spaces like Deer Lake and Burnaby Mountain, and access to Vancouver via the SkyTrain, it’s a place many people consider when looking for a home. But with its increasing popularity, the question comes up more and more: Is Burnaby expensive to live in? Let’s break it down.

1. Burnaby at a Glance

Located between Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, Burnaby is the third-largest city in British Columbia by population. It’s known for its strong community programs, cultural diversity, and central location. The city’s rapid growth over the past few years has led to major developments, especially around Metrotown and Brentwood.

2. Housing…

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Basement flooding can lead to significant damage, including structural issues, mold growth, and costly repairs. Implementing preventive measures is essential to safeguard your home. Below are practical steps to help protect your basement from flooding.

1. Install and Maintain a Sump Pump

A sump pump is a critical component in preventing basement flooding. It collects excess water and pumps it away from your home's foundation. Ensure the pump is regularly tested and maintained. Consider installing a battery backup to keep it operational during power outages.

2. Seal Foundation Cracks

Inspect your basement walls and floors for cracks. Even small openings can allow water to seep in. Use appropriate sealants to repair…

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West Vancouver, British Columbia is a scenic coastal community in Canada that offers an exceptional quality of life. In recent years, many people – from local homebuyers and growing families to international investors and retirees – have been drawn to this area. Unlike a typical real estate article full of numbers, this post will explore the lifestyle perks, amenities, and sense of community that make West Vancouver so attractive.

To give a quick overview, here are some of the key reasons why residents love living in West Vancouver:

  • Breathtaking Scenery and Parks: Nestled between the ocean and mountains, West Vancouver boasts stunning views and countless parks and trails for an active outdoor lifestyle.

  • Safe, Family-Friendly…

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Canadian prices, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose 2.3 per cent on a year-over-year basis in March, down from a 2.6 per cent increase in February. Month-over-month, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the CPI was unchanged in March.

The overall slowdown in headline CPI is largely driven by lower gasoline prices, with the CPI excluding gasoline rising by 2.5 per cent in March.

Shelter price growth continues to cool, as mortgage interest costs were up 7.9 per cent, marking the nineteenth consecutive month of deceleration. Similarly, rent was up 5.1 per cent year-over-year in March, down from 5.8 per cent in February.

In British Columbia, consumer prices rose 2.6 per cent year-over-year, down from 3.0 per cent in February.

The Bank…

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The Bank of Canada held its overnight policy rate at 2.75 per cent this morning. In the statement accompanying the decision, the Bank noted that pervasive uncertainty makes it unusually challenging to project GDP growth and inflation in Canada.

The Bank sees two potential scenarios for the Canadian economy:

  • High but limited tariffs that temporarily weaken growth
  • A protracted trade war that causes both a full recession and inflation to rise above 3 per cent

The Bank is already seeing signs of a slower economy due to the impact of uncertainty on consumer and business confidence. However, it expects tariff-driven supply chain disruptions will put upward pressure on prices later this year.

Perhaps most importantly, the Bank ended its…

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Date: April 14, 2025

Canadian housing starts fell by 3 per cent to 214,155 units in March at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR). Compared to the same month last year, starts were down 12 per cent.

Single-detached housing starts remained flat month-over-month at 49,667 units, while multi-family and other starts declined by 4 per cent to 164,484 units (SAAR).

British Columbia Highlights

In British Columbia, total housing starts rose by 5 per cent month-over-month to 31,145 units (SAAR), covering all regions across the province.

In urban areas with populations of 10,000 or more:

  • Single-detached starts increased by 3 per cent to 3,866 units.
  • Multi-family starts grew by 6 per cent to 25,302 units.

Overall, British…

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British Columbia’s housing market has been on a roller coaster in recent years, leaving many to wonder: will home prices finally go down in 2025? This guide examines the latest data and forecasts – focusing on B.C. – to help both buyers and sellers navigate the 2025 housing market. We’ll look at recent price trends (2023–2024), supply and demand indicators, mortgage rate forecasts, and what they all mean for home prices in the year ahead. This is a data-driven analysis (no wild guesses or expert hype) to give you a clear picture of risks, opportunities, and timing considerations in British Columbia’s housing market.

Recent Market Trends: 2023–2024 Recap in B.C.

Over the past year, Canada’s housing market – and B.C. in particular – experienced a…

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In the ever-changing housing market, many buyers and investors are searching for smart ways to stretch their dollars, boost cash flow, and build long-term equity. One option that keeps rising to the top of that list? Duplex homes.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an experienced investor, or someone trying to house extended family, a duplex house might offer just the right blend of affordability and opportunity. But is it really worth it?

Let’s break it all down—floor plans, square footage, garage space, and that all-important return on investment.

What Is a Duplex?

At its core, a duplex is a single structure split into two separate units. Each unit usually has its own entrance, kitchen, living room, bath, and bedrooms. From the outside, it…

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Selling your house is all about making strategic renovations that boost your property’s appeal and market value without breaking the bank. Not all home improvement projects are created equal – some upgrades can significantly increase your home value and attract potential buyers, while others might only recoup a fraction of their cost. In fact, the average remodeling project adds only around 60% of its cost to the home’s value, so it’s crucial to focus on high-ROI improvements. The good news is that a handful of home improvements consistently deliver strong returns at resale. From curb appeal enhancements to kitchen and bathroom updates, the following seven upgrades will help you maximize your sale price and get the best return on your investment.

1.…

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