Blog
Real estate insights, tips, and market updates.
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Mortgage Stress Test Canada 2026: Qualifying Rate, How Much You Can Afford
The federal stress test forces you to qualify at roughly 2 percent above your real mortgage rate. With best 5-year fixed near 4.04% in May 2026, that means qualifying at 6.04%. Here is the math, the GDS/TDS ratios, and how a $100K BC household stacks up.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Cheapest Places to Live in BC 2026: Median Prices by City
The 10 cheapest cities to live in British Columbia right now, ranked by live MLS median prices, from $326,500 in Dawson Creek to $549,900 in Port Alberni.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Condo vs Townhouse in BC: Costs, Strata Fees & Which Holds Value Better
Metro Vancouver condos median $665K, townhouses $1.04M. Townhouses cost 60% more overall but 25% less per square foot. Compare strata fees, appreciation, and financing across BC.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Court-Ordered Sales BC: Auction Bidding Guide & Investment Strategy
Learn how to bid at court-ordered sales auctions in BC and acquire properties at 10-20% discounts. Understand bidding mechanics, winning strategies, and investment returns.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Use RRSP for Down Payment in BC: Withdraw $35,000 Tax-Free (HBP 2026)
Yes, you can use RRSP for a down payment in BC. The Home Buyers' Plan lets first-time buyers withdraw $35,000 tax-free ($70,000 per couple). Here are the 2026 rules, repayment, and FHSA comparison.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Home Insurance BC: Compare Rates & Save 20-30% (2026)
BC home insurance in 2026 runs $700-$950/yr in Metro Vancouver, $550-$750/yr in Surrey, $500-$700/yr in Burnaby. Six factors drive your rate, and five tactics can cut it fast.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Home Appraisal in BC: What Lenders Check and What Happens If It Comes In Low
A home appraisal in BC is a lender-ordered valuation that protects the bank, not you. It costs $300-$500 and can kill a deal if it comes in low. Here's how to handle it.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Assignment Sale BC Explained: How Presale Contract Transfers Work in 2026
An assignment sale in BC transfers a presale contract before the building completes. Tax rules changed in 2024. Here's what assignors and assignees actually pay in 2026 — plus where to find active listings.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Best Neighbourhoods Surrey 2026: Prices, Schools, Transit
Surrey's median sits at $989,950 with 9.2 months of inventory — a clear buyer's market in 2026. Here are the best neighbourhoods for first-time buyers, investors, and SkyTrain commuters.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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How to Choose a Realtor in BC: 7 Questions to Ask Before Signing
Seven questions to ask any BC realtor before you sign a listing or buyer agreement — covering track record, commission, and local expertise. Plus three red flags that should end the interview.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Realtor Commission in BC 2026: Exactly What Sellers Pay on a $1.2M Home
Realtor commission in BC: 7% on the first $100K + 2.5% on the balance + GST. On a $1,189,000 Metro Vancouver home, that's $33,697. Always paid by the seller and always negotiable.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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What Is a Strata in BC? Fees, Bylaws, and What Buyers Should Check in 2026
Strata is BC's legal structure for shared ownership — usually condos and townhouses. Fees typically run $250-$600/month. Here's what they cover, the 3 strata types, and what to check before buying.
Hamidreza Etebarian