Should I buy a Brand New Home without my realtor? (single family, townhome or condo).  Here are 5 things to consider before buying a brand new home by yourself:1)  Using my own Realtor gives me a licensed, experienced person to navigate through the Developer's Sales and Display Center2)  Using my own Realtor will give me seasoned advise on which clauses to add to the Developer's Contract to p ...

Should I buy a home now?  If you will be purchasing with under 20% downpayment, you may want to consider purchasing prior to May 1, 2014.  Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp (CMHC) will be changing the insurance premium rates on mortgages under 20% down on May 1.  The 5% downpayment insurance premium will be 3.15% on the face value of the mortgage. Buy now and SAVE, SAVE, SAVE on this extra cos ...

The Federal Government just announced changes to CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp) insurance rates on new mortgages under 20% downpayment.  These rates will take effect on May 1, 2014. An example would be on a 5% down payment, the new insurance fee will be 3.15% of the gross mortgage borrowed.  The insurance fees are not required to be paid up front, but will be rolled into the mortgage ...

Winter weather is unpredictable and sometimes it causes us to have unexpected larger home heating and electricity costs during the winter months.  This can put a strain on your monthly budget.  I recommend that you set up an extra "home" expense account through on line banking and have automatic monthly transfers go in there for whatever amount you can afford.  Even if you can put aside $25 p ...

The Re/Max Quest for excellence program is a $1,000 Bursary program for Grade 12 students in Western Canada, to recognize students in their ongoing pursuit of leadership and community contribution initiatives. Deadline for submissions is March 10, 2014.  Contact Kwoodliffe@remax.net for further details. Wishing you huge success and good luck!

Great Question!!  If you are thinking of selling your home, you may want to consider a "pre-home inspection" prior to listing your home.  This inspection report will help you do two things:  1) find out and repair any defects in your home in advance, and 2) to be able to promote your home more confidently to potential Buyers.  Give me a call, if you would like to have my list of inspectors be ...

Great News out of Victoria this past week!!!!  The First Time Home Buyer's Tax Exemption Program (PTT) has been increased.  After February 19th, 2014, all first time home buyers will be EXEMPT from paying the transfer tax on home purchases up to $475,000 and an additional partial exemption up to $500,000 is also available.

Do you blindly sign your home insurance renewal policy? If you are one of these homeowners, I would highly recommend that you take a little time and do 2 things: 1) make sure that the coverage you need on your home is adequate, and 2) shop around and see if you can get better home insurance rates. It will take a bit of time, but will be well worth it.

Spectacular Olympics!! thanks to all of the amazing athletes for giving us such a great and exciting show.

Go Team Canada Go!!!!!  Wishing all our tremendous athletes huge success at the 2014 Olympic Games.