In the realm of real estate, one crucial decision can make or break your property journey: whether or not to hire a Realtor®. As a White Rock/Surrey Real Estate Agent with over 35 years of experience specializing in Home Downsizing, First-Time Buyers, and even Luxury Homes, I understand the importance of this choice. In this blog, we will delve into the top four reasons why hiring a Realtor® like me, Leanne deSouza, can be a game-changer in your real estate endeavors. So, let's explore the world of Realtors® and Real Estate Agents.

David Navarro is a Financial Advisor with Navarro Financial Group, offering Mutual Funds through Investia Financial Services Inc.

“Can I downsize my home and use the proceeds to fund my retirement?” is a common question for late-career homeowners. This is for good reason: downsizing often makes sense for lifestyle reasons alone, but with house prices soaring, it can also provide an instant nest-egg.

Today, the Bank of Canada increased its overnight interest rate to 5.00% (+0.25% from June) because of the “accumulation of evidence” that excess demand and elevated core inflation are both proving more persistent and after taking into account its “revised outlook for economic activity and inflation.” This decision was not unexpected by analysts but is disconcerting – as is the Bank’s pledge to continue its policy of quantitative tightening. To understand today’s decision and the Bank’s current thinking on inflation, interest rates and the economy, we highlight its latest observations below: Inflation facts and outlook In Canada, Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation eased to…

Spring is here in the Fraser Valley, and with a pause in interest rate hikes, the confidence of buyers and sellers may be building. While sales of all three property types are up significantly from February, low supply is still a concern.

Our latest Eye on the Market has the details.

Watch and Share!

First Time Home Savings Account (FHSA) launched April 1st (no it wasn't an April Fools Day joke either)

• You must be a First-time buyer as defined by the federal government (link here for your reference https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/first-home-savings-account/opening-closing-and-fhsa.html
• You can contribute up to $8,000 a year ($40,000 lifetime)
• Contributions to your FHSA are tax-deductible

This blog on investing is courtesy of Danny Duong who is an excellent mortgage broker. Danny offers some thoughts on investing in real estate. Give Danny a call at 778-998-7142 for your mortgage needs. I would be happy to answer any or all your real estate questions in this regard.

Have you thought about building wealth and passive income through real estate? The following are factors that make purchasing a rental property an attractive investment now:

It's cold out there. And on February 25, I'm going to do something about it. Together with thousands of Canadians across the country, I'll be walking and fundraising to support people and families experiencing homelessness, hurt, and hunger in my community. It has been many years that I have been part of Coldest Night of the Year. This organization is very dear to my heart after a family member during a time of illness chose homelessness. Since then, every person I see that is homeless reminds that it can happen to anyone. I have also been impressed that each time I have seen a person that appears homeless I have called Sources to let them know the location of this person and been assured someone will reach out to offer support from our community. We can all help our vulnerable.

Please, give generously by clicking the "Donate Now". Thanks!

Here is some timely advice from one of my office's mortgage agent, Danny Duong, after having a great conversation over email with BCREA's Chief Economist, Brendon Ogmundson. The Economist presented a market update at a Mortgage Broker's conference which outlined key trends/metrics that we should watch over the next few months.

Original Article Source Credits: https://fvreb.informz.net/

Article Written By: N/A

Original Article Posted on: N/A

Link to Original Article: https://fvreb.informz.net/informzdataservice/onlineversion/ind/bWFpbGluZ2luc3RhbmNlaWQ9MjU3ODIzNyZzdWJzY3JpYmVyaWQ9NTI2NTczMjg5

As expected the Bank of Canada has raised its trend setting interest rate. It jumped by another, outsized, three-quarters of a percentage point to 3.25%. This has triggered a series of knock-on effects in the lending and mortgage markets.

Original Article Source Credits: http://news.fvreb.bc.ca/

Article Written By: N/A

Original Article Posted on: June 16, 2022

Link to Original Article: http://news.fvreb.bc.ca/member-updates/video-how-fast-is-the-market-shifting-our-latest-eye-on-the-market-breaks-it-down/

I received a very informative email from one of my favourite mortgage brokers, Angela Creed, that even I find insightful & informative:

It's been a bit of a wild time lately between the Federal Government releasing their 2022 budget and the Bank of Canada making their 3rd announcement of 2022 regarding lending policy. So I figured it was the perfect time to break down what's been happening and the affects.

For the third consecutive month, there has been an increase in listings, giving the buyer more choice.

White Rock, BC - With housing markets soaring all over Canada, Leanne de Souza Personal Real Estate Corporation of HomeLife Benchmark Realty Corp., White Rock is the top ranked real estate agent in White Rock for 2021. Leanne took the top spot over 15 other local realtors. She earned 12 reviews in 2021 to win the top rated Realtor spot for the year.

Rate-My-Agent.com analyzes all the ratings and reviews on the site annually to compile a list of the Top Real Estate Agents in White Rock. The rankings are determined by the reviews each agent received in 2021. Rate-My-Agent.com verifies all the reviews and throws out thousands of fake reviews. Buyers and sellers will find negative and positive reviews on the site so they can tell which agents to avoid and which agents will be a good fit.

(NC) Moving to a new place involves lots of changes, and it can take time to get used to your new surroundings, including new people, shops, parks and more. But living somewhere new is also an opportunity to explore and build community with your neighbours and in local spaces. Here are some tips to discover your area:

The Bank of Canada increased its target for the overnight rate to ½ %, with the Bank Rate at ¾ % and the deposit rate at ½ %. The Bank is continuing its reinvestment phase, keeping its overall holdings of Government of Canada bonds on its balance sheet roughly constant until such time as it becomes appropriate to allow the size of its balance sheet to decline.

This week’s interest rate announcement by the Bank of Canada was almost universally expected to bring an increase; probably 0.25% but possibly as much as 0.50%.

Then Russia invaded Ukraine.

Happy New Year! It is still new, isn’t it?

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board reports a balancing in the market for this past January 2022, with more listings.
Good news for buyers with more to choose from than previously.

While I certainly have hit the ground running, I have my fair share of buyers and I am looking forward to my first seller for 2022. Could it be you? Call me.

#CNOY22. Please join me in raising money for local residents experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.
Due to Covid restrictions, we are doing a socially distanced walk, 2 or 5 Km, Feb 25 - 27

Partner through my office, Homelife Benchmark Realty White Rock or sponsor me directly. Any support is good support.
Thank you
Event details here.