Buying a home is one of the biggest steps a person can take. But before you start scrolling through listings or booking showings, there's one crucial step every serious buyer should complete: getting a mortgage pre-approval. It’s not just a formality—it’s the foundation of knowing what you can actually afford. In this guide, we’ll walk through what pre-approval means, how it works, and why it matters so much in today’s real estate market.

What Is Mortgage Pre-Approval?

A mortgage pre-approval is a process where a lender looks at your credit score, income, debt, and financial documents to decide how much money they’re willing to lend you for a home. The lender will give you a pre-approval letter, which shows sellers…

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Vancouver, BC – May 14, 2025. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that 6,453 residential unit sales were recorded in Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems in April 2025, down 14.6 per cent from April 2024. The average MLS® residential price in BC in April 2025 was down 6.1 per cent at $942,884 compared to $1,003,638 in April 2024.

The total sales dollar volume was $6.1 billion, a 19.7 per cent decrease from the same time the previous year. BC MLS® unit sales were 27 per cent lower than the ten-year April average.

“Regional activity continued to diverge in April with more expensive regions experiencing a larger drop in sales activity,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “Uncertainty regarding trade and…

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New Westminster, often referred to as “New West,” is one of British Columbia’s oldest and most historic cities, tucked between Vancouver and Surrey. Once the capital of the province, it’s now a thriving urban community known for its river views, walkable neighborhoods, and small-town charm in the middle of a busy region.

If you're a professional commuting to Vancouver, a family looking for parks and schools, or a retiree wanting a livable place with great amenities, this guide walks through the major pros and cons of living in New Westminster.

The Pros of Living in New Westminster

1. Central Location with Fast Transit Access

The city’s location and transportation network are among its top benefits. With five SkyTrain stations, including…

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Port Coquitlam (often called PoCo) is a suburban city in Metro Vancouver’s Tri-Cities area, about 35 km east of downtown Vancouver. It sits along the Coquitlam River and has a population of roughly 64,000 (2021 Census). In recent years PoCo has been touted as a more affordable alternative to Vancouver proper, but rising housing costs have raised questions about its relative affordability. In this in-depth guide, we analyze PoCo’s housing prices, rents, cost of living, and community amenities in 2025, and compare them with nearby Coquitlam and Vancouver. We include up-to-date data from real estate boards, city reports, and rental indexes, as well as local development plans.

  • Key findings: As of late 2024, benchmark prices in PoCo are lower than in…

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When planning a home renovation in Vancouver (or anywhere, really), it’s natural for homeowners to look for ways to save money. You might receive a tempting low bid from a contractor who isn’t licensed or fully qualified. At first glance, hiring an unlicensed person to work on your project may seem like a smart cost-cutting move. However, those up-front savings can quickly evaporate once you understand the financial, legal, and property-related risks involved. In fact, hiring an unlicensed contractor could cost you far more than you think, turning your dream home improvement into a nightmare.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly why cutting corners on proper licensing can lead to serious consequences for homeowners in Vancouver, BC. We’ll explore…

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Buying a home in Vancouver has always been a major decision – the real estate market here is one of the most talked-about in Canada. Lately, though, both investors and families are wondering if now is a wise time to make that purchase. Surprisingly, the current housing market conditions in Vancouver offer a unique combination of timing, value, and opportunity that could make buying a home right now a smart move.

In this post, we’ll break down why that is, using recent data and trends to paint a clear picture. We’ll cover what’s happening with prices, inventory, mortgages, and neighbourhoods, and what it all means for buyers – whether you’re an investor looking for a promising property or a family searching for your forever house.

Vancouver’s…

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 Selling a home is a significant process that can feel overwhelming, especially in the current real estate market of 2025. As a seller, you want to get the best price for your property without unnecessary delays or costs. To achieve a successful sale, there are certain critical things you simply cannot afford to overlook. From preparation to marketing to handling offers, every step matters. Below, we outline the 10 essential areas that sellers should pay close attention to when selling a house or home. These tips will help you save time, maximize value, and avoid leaving money on the table in today’s market.

1. Set the Right Price from Day One

Pricing your home correctly from the start is crucial. An agent will tell you that an overpriced listing…

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Buying a condo in Vancouver can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or a seasoned investor, the stakes are high in one of Canada’s priciest real estate markets – even a condo (typically more affordable than a house) is a major purchase. To avoid costly surprises, it’s essential to do thorough due diligence. Here are 5 crucial things you should check before buying a Vancouver condo. Following this checklist will help you protect your interests and ensure the property is the right fit for your needs and budget.

1. Vancouver Real Estate Market Conditions and Pricing

Before you start condo hunting, get a clear picture of the current housing market. Vancouver’s real estate landscape in 2025 is notably different from the…

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Vancouver’s condo market is vibrant, with properties valued as much for their convenience as for their investment potential. Whether you’re a first-time condo buyer, a real estate investor, or a long-term resident, taking care of your unit and building is crucial. Regular maintenance not only keeps your home safe and comfortable but also preserves property value in the competitive Vancouver real estate market. The city’s coastal climate – characterized by heavy rain, mild winters, and occasional cold snaps – presents unique challenges for condo owners. Proactive upkeep helps prevent common issues like moisture damage, HVAC problems, and wear in shared areas. In this post, we’ll cover five essential maintenance tips specific to Vancouver condos. Each tip…

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Abundant Listings and Stable Prices Not Enough to Drive April Sales in the Fraser Valley

SURREY, BC – Home buyers in the Fraser Valley are enjoying a selection of homes for sale not seen in more than a decade. The growing inventory of more than 10,000 active listings means, in many cases, that buyers have time, selection, and price negotiation on their side.

“There’s definitely a surge of activity in the market — buyers are out viewing homes and attending open houses,” said Tore Jacobsen, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “What’s noticeable in the current market is the level of choice. A buyer might see a home they like and then have an opportunity to tour five or ten more just like it, without feeling rushed to make an immediate…

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