If you're a homeowner or buyer in Canada, you may wonder whether your real estate agent can perform an official appraisal of a property. The short answer is that licensed real estate agents can provide market evaluations (like Comparative Market Analyses), but certified appraisals must be done by licensed appraisers. This article will explain the differences between certified appraisals and market evaluations, clear up common misconceptions about appraisals, and guide you on choosing the right professional for your needs.

Certified Appraisals vs. Market Evaluations

Certified Appraisal: A certified real estate appraisal is a formal, unbiased assessment of a property's market value performed by a qualified appraiser. In Canada, appraisals are…

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Canadian real GDP rose by 0.1 per cent in March, after declining by 0.2 per cent in February. Goods-producing sectors rose 0.2 per cent, while service-producing industries increased by 0.1 per cent.

Sectoral growth was led by:

  • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (2.2 per cent)
  • Construction (0.5 per cent)
  • Retail trade (0.8 per cent)

Output for the offices of real-estate agents and brokers fell by 4.5 per cent month-over-month. Preliminary estimates suggest that real GDP by industry increased by 0.1 per cent in April.

Q1 2025 Performance

Real GDP increased by 0.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, registering an annualized growth rate of 2.2 per cent.

Household spending growth slowed to 0.3 per cent, leading to…

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Imagine you’re a homeowner in Vancouver dealing with a loved one’s estate or planning to pass your property on someday. One term you’re bound to encounter is probate. It’s a concept that can raise a lot of questions and anxiety. But understanding what probate entails – and how it works in British Columbia – will give you and your family much-needed peace of mind. This guide will walk you through the essentials of probate in Vancouver, from what it is and when it’s needed to how the process works and who’s involved. We’ll also cover timelines, fees, the court’s role (including the probate registry), ways to handle disputes, and a few estate planning tips to make things easier. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of the probate process and how to…

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Vancouver’s skyline is a breathtaking blend of glass towers, mountain views, and oceanfront living. And at the pinnacle of these iconic buildings? Penthouses — the crown jewels of luxury real estate. But despite their exclusivity, scoring a great deal on Vancouver penthouses for sale isn’t a myth. It’s a game of timing, preparation, and smart strategy.

Whether you’re a first-time luxury buyer, an investor, or looking for that dream high-rise residence, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding value in Vancouver’s high-end penthouse market — without compromising on your dream.

Why Vancouver Penthouses Are Worth the Investment

Before diving into how to get a deal, it's important to understand why Vancouver…

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Buying a home in British Columbia can be challenging for first-time buyers, given the high property prices in the province. Saving enough for a down payment, closing costs, and securing a mortgage can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are many programs and incentives in B.C. – as well as federal initiatives across Canada – to help make home ownership more affordable. This guide provides a clear overview of these opportunities, explaining the basics of specific tax breaks, grants, and loans, along with practical details on how they work and how to apply.

If you’re new to Canada or just new to homeownership, it’s crucial to focus on programs relevant to British Columbia (for example, U.S. resources like hudhomesusa.org won’t apply here). In B.C.,…

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Purchasing a home is a significant milestone, but it doesn't have to break the bank. With strategic planning and informed decisions, buyers can save substantial amounts during the home buying process. Here are five effective tactics to help you retain more of your hard-earned money.

1. Enhance Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage

Your credit score plays a pivotal role in determining the interest rate on your mortgage. A higher score can lead to lower interest rates, translating to significant savings over the life of your loan. For instance, improving your score from 650 to 750 could reduce your interest rate by up to 1%, potentially saving you thousands.

Action Steps:

  • Review your credit report for inaccuracies and dispute…

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Canadian prices, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose 1.7 per cent on a year-over-year basis in April, down from a 2.3 per cent increase in March. Month-over-month, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the CPI was down 0.2 per cent in April.

The overall slowdown in headline CPI is largely driven by lower energy prices, catalyzed by the removal of the consumer carbon tax. The CPI ex-energy rose by 2.9 per cent in April.

While shelter costs remain the main driver of inflation, grocery price growth has also outpaced the headline CPI over the past three months, with prices rising 3.8 per cent year-over-year in April.

In British Columbia, consumer prices rose 2.0 per cent year-over-year, down from 2.6 per cent in March. The Bank of…

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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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