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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Weak Canadian Job Creation Is The First Fallout From The Trade War

Today’s Labour Force Survey for March was weaker than expected. Employment decreased by 33,000 (-0.2%) in March, marking the first decline since January 2022. The drop followed minimal change in February and a streak of growth in November, December, and January, totaling 211,000 (+1.0%).

The employment rate—the proportion of the population aged 15 and older—fell by 0.2 percentage points to 60.9% in March. This partially reversed a 0.3 percentage point increase seen between October 2024 and January 2025.

Private vs. Public Sector Employment

Private sector employment dropped by 48,000 (-0.3%) in March, following minimal movement in February and a total increase of 97,000 (+0.7%)…

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Real estate investing can be one of the most rewarding paths to financial growth. Whether you're a seasoned investor or buying your first rental property, holding real estate long term comes with plenty of benefits—but also a list of key considerations you can't afford to ignore. This article breaks down what you need to think about to make smart decisions for your investment property.

1. Location Still Rules Everything

No surprise here: location is still king in real estate. A great location increases your property's value over time, brings in better tenants, and lowers your vacancy rate. Look for areas with strong job growth, access to transit, good schools, and future development plans. Desirable neighborhoods with proximity to employment…

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If you've been feeling like your house just doesn’t work the way it used to—or doesn’t feel quite right anymore—you’re not alone. Many people reach a point where their home no longer matches their lifestyle, or worse, starts to feel like a burden instead of a place of comfort. Whether you’re dealing with broken cabinets, peeling paint, or just an outdated kitchen, recognizing the signs that it’s time for a renovation can save you a lot of time, money, and stress down the road.

So how do you know when it’s the right time to jump into a renovation project? Let’s dive into five clear signs that your home is asking for a change—and how to make it happen without losing your sanity or your savings.

1. Your Home No Longer Matches Your Lifestyle

Your…

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Tariffs, Economic Uncertainty Stall Spring Market in the Fraser Valley


Date: March 2025

SURREY, BC - March home sales in the Fraser Valley remained nearly 50 per cent below the 10-year average — making for the slowest start to the spring market in more than 15 years.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 1,036 sales in March, up 13 per cent from February, but still 26 per cent below sales recorded this time last year.

Following a decline on the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February, new listings increased 22 per cent in March to 3,800. Overall inventory is at a decade-high level, with 9,219 active listings, 49 per cent above March 2024 and 59 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average.

“If not for the…

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A Market Made for Buyers is Missing Buyers

VANCOUVER, BC – April 2, 2025

Home sales registered on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver for the month of March were the lowest going back to 2019 for the same month, while active listings continue their upward trend.

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 2,091 in March 2025, a 13.4 per cent decrease from the 2,415 sales recorded in March 2024. This was 36.8 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (3,308).

“If we can set aside the political and economic uncertainty tied to the new U.S. administration for a moment, buyers in Metro Vancouver haven’t seen market conditions this favourable in years,” said Andrew Lis, GVR’s director of economics…

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Buying a townhouse in Vancouver West (Vancouver’s west side in British Columbia) is a significant decision. Vancouver’s real estate market is known for its resilience and high demand, but recent shifts have potential buyers wondering if now is a good time to buy. This comprehensive guide explores current market conditions, the pros and cons of townhouse living on the west side, financial considerations, and local lifestyle factors. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of whether buying a Vancouver West townhouse now aligns with your goals, and we’ll provide a call to action if you need expert help navigating your purchase.

Vancouver West Townhouse Market Overview

Vancouver West, often referred to as the West Side, encompasses prestigious…

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Yaletown’s waterfront is lined with modern condo towers, offering residents beautiful False Creek views along the seawall. Downtown Vancouver’s Yaletown has transformed from a former warehouse district into one of the city’s most vibrant and upscale neighborhoods. Home buyers are drawn to Yaletown for its unique blend of urban lifestyle perks and strong real estate investment potential. In this article, we’ll explore why purchasing a condo in Yaletown is a smart move – combining the best of downtown living with savvy property value advantages.

Yaletown’s Unmatched Urban Lifestyle

Yaletown is synonymous with an active, convenient, and trendy city lifestyle. This downtown enclave is bordered by False Creek and major streets like Homer Street,…

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Housing prices in Canada have been on a relentless upward trajectory, making the dream of owning a home increasingly elusive for many. From bustling urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver to smaller cities across the country, Canadians are feeling the squeeze of high housing prices. Homeownership affordability has deteriorated to record lows – by the end of 2023, the average Canadian household needed to spend over 60% of its income on ownership costs, double the traditional affordability benchmark of 30%. This affordability crisis is the result of multiple factors converging over recent years, from surging demand to constrained supply and everything in between. Below, we explore the key reasons housing prices keep climbing in Canada, and what it means…

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