Bryce Hansen Team Blog - Bryce Hansen

New Mortgage Rules for 2018

On October 17, 2017 the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada  (OSFI) published the final version of Guideline B-20 - Residential Mortgage Underwriting Practices and Procedures.  This revised guideline will come into effect on January 1, 2018 and applies to all federally regulated financial institutions.

What does this mean for new buyers?  OSFI is setting a new minimumum qualifying rates, or "stress test" for uninsured mortgages.  As well, lenders will be required to enhance their loan-to-value measurement and limits. Dave Robertson, Mortgage Specialist with RBC has kindly taken the time to provide an overview of changes to come.  Be sure to watch our video shown below.  

For more details…

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Community Corner - Exploring Goose Spit in the Comox Valley

Come with us as we explore Goose Spit, in the beautiful Comox Valley. Goose Spit is a favorite spot for all age groups. Whether it is a night on the beach with your loved ones or hanging out with some friends, storm watching, kayaking, a stroll along the beach - you will be sure to enjoy the panoramic views.  If you could live near this beautiful waterfront location, what would be your favorite activity?  

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Community Corner - Peewee Hockey in the Comox Valley

Comox Valley living can be described as peaceful, tranquil and for many it is a place to consider for retirement.  The good news is it doesn't stop there!  With so many abundant opportunities for business, sports and recreation, it is clear why so many young families consider this vibrant area as a first choice for relocation. An example of the fun that can be had is shared by our own Bryce Hansen, Realtor in this fun video shown below.  Do you have a favorite sport in the Comox Valley?  Please share below - we'd love to hear about it! 

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Comox Valley Real Estate Market

Real Estate Fast Facts on the Comox Valley - September 2017 Update 

Whether you are an investor, a homeowner, or considering buying your first home, it's always interesting to keep an eye on how the real estate market has been evolving over recent months.Each month MGD kindly provides RE/MAX Ocean Pacific Realty with stats from Building Links and the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB). This information, along with historical data,  is also posted to our Market Statistics page - accessible by CLICKING HERE.  

⌂  In the 12 months ending September 30th, 2017, there were 1841 sales of all property types, a 10% decrease over the same period in 2016.  The highest number of annual sales was 2256 in 2007.  The lowest was 879 in 1998.  2017 marks…

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Renovations & Permits - Are You Prepared?

Paintbrushes, hammers, screwdrivers and saws, all common tools that you might find in the garage of a homeowner.  Many homeowners thrive on tackling new projects, attending to repairs and planning renovations. For others, it is either not feasible or simply an unwanted task, yet the job needs to be done. Whether you are doing it yourself, or hiring a contractor, there are some renovations that will require a permit.

Getting a permit in advance not only ensures that you stay in the "good books" with the authorities, it can be helpful when the time comes to sell your home. Consider it an investment in your real estate. Imagine if you spent your hard earned money building a wonderful second dwelling on your property for rental income, only to find out…

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The Comox Valley Real Estate Market: Still Thriving

October’s real estate statistics are clear - the Comox Valley area is continuing to dominate the local real estate market. Much of our region is seeing significant increases in home price and value as well. 

What does that mean for our current buyers and sellers? We break down what you need to know:

The Comox Valley Buyer

Home prices in October of 2016 rose 17 per cent over the same time in 2015. The benchmark price here stood at $398,500 for the month. While this is not the highest price point in the region, prices are steadily increasing. What does such a substantial increase in values mean to buyers? Home shoppers will find that the Comox Valley region remains competitive for buyers. The lower inventory typically leads to multiple offers on…

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Tips for Buying a Home in the Comox Valley Region

The Comox Valley is getting a lot of attention from interested homebuyers. This community is one of the hottest in the region for many reasons. It is a growing community with modern amenities and fantastic access to the outdoors. It is also an ideal area for those who are looking for a higher quality of life that is still close enough to the big city. Is this the area that is just right for you? The Comox Valley Region includes the Town of Comox, the city of Courtenay, the Village of Cumberland, as well as many other smaller regions and neighbourhoods. Finding the right place to buy a home can be a hard decision to make.

Determine What You Need

Before you decide to buy a home in Comox Valley, the first step you will need to take is to determine the…

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New Comox Valley Community Spotlight: The Ridge

Located in South Courtenay, The Ridge is a Comox Valley new construction community featuring breathtaking ocean and mountain views. The community will consist primarily of single-family homes, with up to a total of roughly 300 properties that will eventually be available. Among the single-family residences, buyers will find bungalows, duplexes, and patio homes to be available as well. If you are thinking of building a custom home in the Comox Valley region, this community may be perfect for you.

Image via www.TheRidgeBC.com

Phase one of development at The Ridge consists of construction of 69 single-family homes. Of this initial build-out, nearly 50% of the homes are already sold. The community exudes a relaxing, rural feeling, but features…

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Why Buy a Home in the Comox Valley?

Located in the heart of British Columbia, the Comox Valley is one of the most naturally beautiful regions in the area. It is growing, too. Over 63,000 residents call the region home, and the area itself spans over 2425 square kilometres. The scenery, accessibility, and amenities have made it a popular tourism destination, and the Valley offers a wide range of opportunities for those looking to find home here. But why should you choose to live here? What makes the Comox Valley region the right location for your family’s next home?

Choosing the Right Comox Valley Community

The Comox Valley is a large area with smaller communities and neighbourhoods throughout. The main communities in the region are Courtenay, Comox, and Cumberland. There are several…

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Why Should I Move to the Comox Valley Region?

The Comox Valley is a fantastic place to call home. Just ask any of the people who have recently purchased homes in this beautiful area! (Don’t know any? Let us put you in touch!). Our region is large with numerous small communities dotting the landscape, allowing for everyone who is considering buying a home here to find what they want and need. From a large, custom built home on an acreage, to that quiet cabin in the heart of a wooded area – the Comox Valley has got it all!

Why People Say They Buy Here

The Comox Valley region is one of the few areas on Vancouver Island for those who truly want to step away from the big city life and spend more time enjoying nature, outdoor recreation, and a more independent lifestyle. With that in mind however,…

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