The Journal.

Life on the Island. A closer look at home.

Ideas, local stories and perspectives from our archive. For today’s numbers, explore Market Intelligence.

Real Estate Updates · June 18, 2020

New CMHC Rules For Homebuyers 2020

The new stricter lending standards from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corportation (CMHC) will no longer allow homebuyers to use borrowed funds for their down payment, will require a higher credit…

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Buying · March 11, 2020

Real Estate Terminology Explained

Buyer’s Agent vs. Listing Agent: Typically, when it comes to the sale of a home, there are two agents involved – a buyer’s agent and a listing agent. The listing agent represents the seller, while…

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Real Estate Updates · February 21, 2020

B.C. Strata Insurance Rates Increasing

Rising strata insurance rates across B.C. are leaving condo owners responsible for enormous bills. The cost of strata’s building insurance is passed to homeowners in their maintenance fees and, if…

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Buying · January 13, 2020

Understanding Exceptions and Reservations on Title

Have you ever been reading through your Nanaimo title search for a property you’re interested in purchasing and wondered what the section entitled Exceptions and Reservations – Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway Company means? Well we actually see this on title for most of the homes in Nanaimo so here’s an explanation for you.

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Buying · January 7, 2020

Joy of Downsizing

Seniors, empty-nesters or anyone moving from a residential home to an apartment or condominium face the challenge of a new living space with limited room for furniture, clothes and treasured items.…

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Buying · May 26, 2017

6 Things to Consider When Downsizing

Money Matters The bulk of Canadians have a massive chunk of their personal equity tied up in real estate which makes sense as it is often the largest purchase of their lives. As such, it also holds…

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Buying · November 22, 2016

Real Estate “Titles” Explained

Problems with Title in Real Estate Even though you may have bought a house, and paid off the mortgage, you may not necessarily have clear title to your property. Some of the “clouds” or “exceptions”…

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Real Estate Updates · October 14, 2016

A New Set of Rules For Canadian Mortgages

First National anticipates a drop of about 8-10% in that lending category. Vancouver home sales in Metro Vancouver in September dropped by 32.6 per cent compared to the same month last year. Although…

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Buying · June 2, 2016

Helpful Moving Checklist

As Soon As Possible: Start early. Investigate and research moving companies and/or truck rental companies. Hire a moving company or if you’re doing it yourself, reserve a moving truck. Be sure to get…

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Buying · May 2, 2016

Tips for a Worry-Free Moving Day!

The first thing you should do when you’ve made the decision to move is to sit down and create a list of everything that has to be done. Stick this list somewhere visible to keep you reminded about to…

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Buying · March 15, 2016

6 Things To Know About Mortgages

1: Get the Right Information Whether you are about to buy your first home, or are planning to make a move to your next home, it is critical that you inform yourself about the factors involved.…

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