RE/MAX is proud to join the Western Hockey League in a third season of RE/MAX Presents: Nickelodeon Nights for Children’s Miracle Network.
The charitable initiative debuted during the 2022-23 WHL Regular Season, driven by RE/MAX in partnership with Paramount Global, the parent company of global kids and family brand Nickelodeon.
The first two seasons of RE/MAX Presents: Nickelodeon Nights for Children’s Miracle Network have raised nearly $300,000 with funds supporting local children’s hospital foundations in Western Canada, including the BC Children’s Hospital, Stollery Children’s Hospital, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, and Children’s Hospital of Manitoba. Read more…
What is a Mortgage?
RE/MAX BLOG
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’re likely wondering how you’ll pay for it. So, what is a mortgage, anyway?
A mortgage is a loan given by a bank of a lender for the purchase of a home. The loan agreement will outline things such as the interest rate to be paid to the lender, the amortization period for the mortgage, the repayment terms, and the length of the term at which point a renewal will be required, either with the same or a different lender.
For the vast majority of homebuyers, a mortgage is an essential part of the purchasing process, and your choices now will impact your finances for years to come. To help make the most of your real estate investment, read on to gain a deeper understanding, so you can make an informed decision when the time comes. Read more…
Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea?
RE/MAX BLOG
Reverse mortgages have gained in popularity in the last few years. Reports suggest that reverse mortgage demand surged roughly 30 per cent in 2022 post-pandemic, with originations topping $1 billion for the second consecutive year. According to the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), Canadians were carrying more than $8.2 billion in reverse mortgage debt outstanding at the end of June 2024. And the trend is growing.
Why are more Canadians taking on reverse mortgages, or considering this financial product to complement their living standards? They are looking at their homes as a reliable way to fund their retirement without having to hit the sell button. Read more…
Canadian Real Estate: What to Know Before You Buy
RE/MAX BLOG
There’s no denying that Canadian real estate is valued, on many different levels. Owning is a way to plant roots, create security and build wealth. In fact, investing in the housing market how many of the world’s richest people have earned their fortunes, and it’s how many Canadians finance their retirement or build generational wealth.
Ultimately, the decision to buy a home is a very personal one that depends on a number of factors, such as your financial fitness, your lifestyle and your future plans. The good news is, professional real estate agents, mortgage brokers and real estate lawyers are there to advise you as you dive in. Here are some important things to consider, to help get you thinking about whether buying a home in the current Canadian real estate market is right for you. Read more…
How to Assess the Quality of Schools When Buying a Home
RE/MAX BLOG
When purchasing a new home, there are numerous factors to consider. From the location and price to the size and layout, the list can seem endless. However, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the quality of schools in the area. Whether you have children or not, the quality of nearby schools can significantly impact your property value and overall satisfaction with your new home.
One of the livability factors to consider when purchasing a home is the proximity to reputable schools. Even if you don’t have school-aged children, the quality of schools in your neighbourhood should still be a top consideration. A strong school system is an indicator of a thriving community and can positively influence property values. Homes located in areas with highly regarded schools tend to appreciate faster and hold their value better over time. Or families with children, this can make or break their decision to purchase a particular property. Read more…
How do Canadians Define Liveability in Today’s Housing Market?
RE/MAX BLOG
Should prospective homebuyers only concentrate on the asking price of a home for sale, or should they consider a whole range of factors? The general viewpoint in today’s housing market is that Canadians understand the benefits of home ownership, but many have been deterred in recent years because of how high prices are in many real estate markets across the country.
Indeed, if a household were to come across a single-family home or a townhouse that fit their budget but failed to meet their other criteria, should they submit an offer? This has become a key question for many families.
While affordability is a critical component in the journey to home ownership, Canadians have identified other crucial liveability factors to that are important to them when purchasing a home, whether it’s a detached house, a townhome or a condo. Read more…
What is a Studio Apartment?
RE/MAX BLOG
If you are single and looking for the ideal place to call home, a studio apartment might be the perfect option for you. Also known as bachelor apartments or, less commonly, efficiency apartments, these little units provide everything you need in a living area. Here is an overview of what a studio apartment is and the pros and cons of studio life. Read more…
A Guide to Rent-to-Own Homes
RE/MAX BLOG
A Guide to Rent-to-Own Homes
While Canadian real estate market prices have cooled since the pandemic-era housing boom, they remain higher than before COVID-19. As a result of the current landscape, households are trying to find any option to achieve the dream of homeownership.
One of these alternatives that is gaining momentum across the national market is rent-to-own.
But what is it exactly, and how can families potentially utilize this method to buy a home? Read more…
Buying or selling? Key insights into Squamish’s evolving real estate landscape
The Squamish Chief
Looking at the Squamish real estate market, it is clear that we don’t necessarily march to the same drum as the rest of B.C.—not a big surprise since we don’t really follow the usual trends in anything—instead, we usually prefer to set them.
You can’t judge what the market is like in Squamish by what is happening in Vancouver or the rest of B.C., in other words.
Stats from the British Columbia Real Estate Association show Lower Mainland sales are down 25% in September, based on the 10-year average.
But things look different in Squamish.
According to data provided by the Greater Vancouver Realtors, in Squamish, sales are up 5.8% above the 10-year average. Read more…
B.C. corruption fears plague real estate and construction, says poll
The Squamish Chief
Real estate and construction dominate the list of top corruption concerns in B.C., according to a new poll.
Tuesday’s survey from the Angus Reid Institute reveals 65 per cent of British Columbians believe the real estate industry is vulnerable to corruption, while 43 per cent see the construction sector as vulnerable to corruption.
These percentages were markedly higher in B.C. compared with other provinces, although the two industries remain significant concerns nationally as well.
“Examples in the construction industry centre around collusion and bribery, wherein municipal bids can be manipulated for certain firms, or seemingly competitive processes can be corrupted,” said the report from the Angus Reid Institute, done in partnership with Mindset Social Innovation Foundation and the World Refugee and Migration Council. Read more…
How B.C. real estate marketers are leveraging tech to drive sales
The Squamish Chief
Real estate marketing is evolving to adapt to a changing marketplace in which creative online content can be used to connect with purchasers and help curate and close property deals.
Long before a project breaks ground, real estate marketers are retained by developers to optimize the project to appeal to prospective buyers, who can then be engaged through things like podcasts, social media, testimonials, immersive digital content and experiential offerings.
Gone are the days when a sponsored spread in a newspaper would be enough to help a project achieve lift-off. Now, realtors are becoming influencers, using technology to drive public interest and target the right audiences.
The goal is to achieve careful product design and set a project apart, luring buyers with compelling content that tells a story, offers transparency and enables people to explore a new home years before it’s built.
“Whether it’s on their phones or tablets or a touchscreen at a sales centre, they’re able to really walk through it,” said Dan Hashemi, CEO of LNG Studios, which specializes in 3D renderings, animations and virtual experiences in real estate. Read more…
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