Oakridge Re-Development Approved!!  Vancouver city council voted March 14 to approve a $1.5 billion redevelopment of Oakridge Centre that would allow 14 towers that would range between nine and 44 storeys and more than 1.8 million square feet of retail space. "The new Oakridge Centre will support thousands of new jobs, build urgently needed new affordable housing and offer remarkable communit ...

Hoodies for Hunger! Get a $5 discount on a Hoodie purchase by using the code "coffeenews" through Union Apparel. This is an awesome program which gives you a new Hoodie and feeds our homeless at the same time. Visit: unionapparel.org

Thinking of becoming a "Snowbird" and purchasing a home in the  USA?  The new "JOLT" Act, currently before Congress, could effect you if you are thinking of purchasing a home Stateside.  If this Act passes, it could mean that Canadians who own property in the US could become subject to US Income Tax and Estate Tax Laws, as you will be deemed "residents."  It is prudent to check out all your f ...

How has the price of your home changed in today's market?  How much are other homes in your neighbourhood selling for?  Just give me a call for a no-fuss, professional evaluation. P.S......and maybe I'll even give you the 'inside scoop' on what's happening in your neighbourhood! How has the price of your home changed in today's market?  How much are other homes in your neighbourhood selling ...

I am collecting your pre-loved running shoes as part of the Vancouver Sun Run Shoe Renu program. Your generously donated footwear will be laundered, given new insoles, and distributed to those in need. In addition to receiving at least one pair of new shoes, recipients will also receive a clean pair of socks. They remind us, that at a very basic level, a clean, dry, comfy pair of shoes has th ...

Good News from Victoria!!  The Provincial Government has recently altered the Strata Property Act to make it mandatory for Strata Corporations to identify parking spaces and storage lockers associated with each strata lot.  This is a welcome change and will be forthcoming on all new Form B documents when you purchase a stratafied home.  However, it will still be up to the Buyer to determine t ...

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 ...