January is here — which usually means thinking ahead and dreaming a little bigger. (We’re all doing it, right?) And for a lot of people, becoming a homeowner is one of those goals that pops up every year around this time. It feels exciting… and then quickly overwhelming. Because once you start looking into […]
Every January, we’re told to look back at what we didn’t accomplish and try harder this time. Bigger goals. More discipline. Less spending. Better habits. But what if this year wasn’t about forcing change, and instead about resetting with intention? For Nanaimo homeowners, the new year is a great time to reflect on more than […]
The holidays are a time for joy, generosity, and connection, but they can also bring financial stress. Between gifts, gatherings, and travel, it’s easy to overspend and face a credit card shock come January. For many families across Vancouver and Vancouver Island, where the cost of living is already high, the holidays can put even […]
If your mortgage is coming up for renewal in 2026 or 2027, now’s the time to start preparing. Thousands of homeowners across Nanaimo and Vancouver Island will be renewing in the next couple of years – and with rates, budgets, and life circumstances always changing, a little preparation can make a big difference. Here are […]
Canada’s New Public Housing Strategy: What It Means for Nanaimo Buyers and Homeowners Canada has introduced a national housing plan aimed at addressing the housing shortage and improving affordability, particularly for first-time buyers. The strategy’s goal is ambitious: to double residential construction and build up to 500,000 new homes per year over the next decade. […]
Economic Chaos or Opportunity? History Repeats Itself — Which Path Do We Choose? “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt We’ve seen this before. Markets rise and fall. Rates soar, then crash. Governments overspend, consumers overborrow, inflation bites — and then, somehow, we bounce back stronger. Right now, the economy […]
Bank of Canada Maintains Benchmark Interest Rate at 2.75% in June 2025 Bank of Canada Maintains Benchmark Interest Rate at 2.75%, a position it has maintained since March and April of this year. This decision reflects the Bank’s cautious approach amid ongoing economic uncertainties, particularly regarding U.S. trade policy’s potential impacts on the Canadian economy. […]
CMHC’s Eco Improvement Program CMHC’s Eco Improvement Program provides financial incentives to encourage the construction or renovation of energy-efficient homes. The Eco Program plays a pivotal role in Canada’s efforts to meet climate goals. CMHC’s Eco Program has an updated and expanded list of energy efficient certifications. Building codes are progressing toward net-zero ready standards […]
Unlocking Homeownership: Canada’s New First-Time Home Buyers 30-Year Insured Mortgage As home prices continue to rise, it can feel nearly impossible for first-time buyers to break into the market. The 30-year insured mortgage is a game-changer for young Families, and first time buyers trying to purchase their first home, especially in cities where prices have […]
Maximizing Income vs. Using Business Write-Offs: A Balancing Act When Qualifying for a Mortgage If you’re self-employed and planning to buy a home, refinance, or transfer your mortgage, balancing income and tax write-offs is crucial when tax season arrives. Your financial profile plays a significant role in mortgage qualification, and understanding how lenders assess self-employed […]
