Investment RSS Feed

Contrary to popular belief, as the buyer in a real estate transaction, you do not actually pay a real estate sales representative’s commission. The real estate agent actually earns a percentage of the brokerage commission, which is laid out in the purchase contract and is calculated from the price of the house. This commission is paid for by the person who is listing their home for sale. Essentially, you get the support and knowledge of a buyer representative for free – which is a great reason to utilize a REALTOR® when you’re looking to invest in Comox Valley real estate.

If the aspect of their professional services being free to you as a buyer isn’t enough to influence your decision single-handedly, here are five more reasons a real estate…

On July 1st, 2020 The Canadian Housing Mortgage Corp. (CMHC) executed their announcement to change the borrowing rules for homebuyers. If you’re in the market to purchase Comox Valley real estate and especially if you’re a first time home buyer, you’ll want to review these changes that may have impacted you directly. Here’s a closer look at the CMHC changes – and some tips to help you get organized for obtaining a mortgage pre-approval:  

Understanding Debt Ratios
Gross Debt Servicing Ratio (GDS) and Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDS) are the two key metrics used to qualify you for a mortgage. GDS is calculated by totaling your estimated housing costs and dividing it by your gross annual income. TDS is calculated by totaling your GDS with other…

We’ve all heard the horror stories that can happen if you don’t do your homework when choosing a trades professional. Like the contractor that demoed a kitchen, never to be seen again; or the pool company that accepted a homeowner’s deposit but keeps pushing back the installation date.

We want to make sure these disasters don’t happen to you when you’re looking for assistance with those big renovation projects around your home. Use these 5 tips to help you find the best trades professionals in the Comox Valley that can help with your home renovations – and increase the likelihood of your complete satisfaction!

All in Good Time
One of the biggest considerations when hiring professional trades companies is your timeline. Do you need the project…

Be sure to check this corner unit on the 1st floor, 933 sqft 2 bedrooms, 2 bathroom condo in downtown Courtenay, located by the airpark!

A River runs thru it...This house is a must-see, check this out! This property is hitting the market today!

It’s no secret that homes with attractive curb appeal command higher asking prices and spend less time sitting on the market. With so many ideas on the internet to boost your home’s curb appeal, you may be wondering which projects pump up your real estate’s value best? Though there aren’t specific values connected to certain improvement projects, here are some of our favourite financially-savvy ways to boost your home's equity with a little summer upgrade;

Squeaky Clean
Before you make the decision of whether or not to paint the facade of your property, turn to the tried and true method of a deep clean of your exterior with a pressure washer or some good-old-fashioned elbow grease. A bucket of hot soapy water and a long-handled bristle brush will likely…

Check out this new listing located in East Courtenay. This home is 1980+ sqft with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with plenty of room for the in-laws, or for a large family. Central to CFB Comox, beaches, Crown Isle Golf, Rec/Aquatic Centre, shopping, schools, NI College & new hospital. 

The B.C. government has continued to reassure renters they will not be evicted if they cannot pay rent during the state of emergency related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As you may be aware, it was announced on March 25, 2020 that the Province of British Columbia has halted evictions during the COVID-19 crisis. Though some support is being offered, it’s leaving tenants and landlords both posing questions of what the future holds in the Comox Valley and beyond. Below is some basic information to clarify the support available with additional links for extended funding education; 

A Temporary Rental Supplement (TRS) is currently available, offering up to $500 a month to help renters pay part of their rent and help ensure landlords continue to…

This 2713 sqft home sits on a ½ acre private acres. Located 1 driveway before the Town of Comox municipal boundary, Shoppers Drug Mart, Tim Hortons, McDonald’s, Chevron, and more! This home has plenty of room set up for the in-laws upstairs with 3 bedrooms, bathroom, spacious family room, and more! Downstairs this home has an updated kitchen has within the last 5 years, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, and a large open concept. If you are looking for a project, updating is required but you would finish up with a solid home to be proud of. A ton of potential here, the current CR-1 zoning allows for a) carriage house b) secondary suite c) secondary dwelling d)home occupation e) bed & breakfast on any lot 2000sq meters in area or larger = (0.494 acres, this property is…