In November 2022, the British Columbia government enacted Bill 44, the Building and Strata Statutes Amendment Act, 2022, which introduced significant changes to the Strata Property Act. These amendments removed most rental and age restrictions in strata properties, aiming to increase housing availability and flexibility for homeowners.

BC Financial Services Authority 

Key Changes:

  1. Removal of Rental Restrictions: Strata corporations can no longer enforce bylaws that restrict the rental of units. This change allows homeowners to rent out their units without facing previous limitations, potentially increasing the number of rental properties available in the market.

    BC Financial Services Authority

  2. Modification of Age…

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Embarking on the journey to find your dream home is an exciting and personal endeavor. As you envision the space where you'll build a lifetime of memories, it's essential to articulate your desires clearly. Here's a comprehensive dream home wishlist to guide you on this thrilling quest for the perfect abode.

 1. **Location, Location, Location:**
Begin with the perfect backdrop for your dreams. Whether it's a tranquil suburban neighborhood, a bustling urban center, or a serene countryside retreat, the location sets the tone for your dream home. Consider proximity to schools, workplaces, and local amenities to ensure convenience.

2. **Architectural Style:**
Define your aesthetic preferences. Do you envision a modern marvel with clean lines, a cozy cottage…

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As the snowflakes start to fall and the festive spirit fills the air, the Comox Valley transforms into a magical haven of holiday cheer. From twinkling lights to joyful celebrations, here's your guide to the top holiday events that make the Comox Valley truly special during the most wonderful time of the year.

### 1. **Comox Valley Christmas Parade:**
   The streets come alive with the twinkling lights of the annual Comox Valley Christmas Parade. Join the community in celebrating the season as festive floats, marching bands, and cheerful participants make their way through the heart of downtown. Bring the whole family and experience the joy of this beloved holiday tradition.

### 2. **Filberg Festival of Lights:**
   The historic Filberg Heritage Lodge and…

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1. Comox Valley Farmers' Market

Location: Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds

The Comox Valley Farmers' Market is a year-round gem, and its winter edition is a celebration of local bounty. Explore stalls adorned with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and handmade crafts. From hearty winter vegetables to unique holiday gifts, this market is a haven for those seeking the best of the season from local producers.

2. Downtown Courtenay WinterFest Market: Heart of the Holidays

Location: Downtown Courtenay

Immerse yourself in the festive ambiance of Downtown Courtenay's WinterFest Market. The heart of the holidays beats here, with vendors showcasing an array of holiday crafts, decorations, and unique gifts. Stroll through the charming streets, enjoy…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Moving can be a huge task to tackle if you’re foregoing the route of hiring a professional moving company. An independent move delegates all of the responsibility from packing, purging and delivering to you and your dedicated team of friends and family. Even when movers are involved, there’s still some parts of the process the pros are not able to do. These five tips will help make your upcoming move easier on your little ones – and yourself!

 

Prepare a Plan for Moving Week
To have things run as smoothly as possible, get a plan of action ready ahead of time. Create a timeline for the whole week before your move-in date, so you know what to expect and you have some strategies in place. Consider which rooms to pack on what days, the logistics for…

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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…

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Not all real estate transactions are created equally. Some moves happen by choice in effort to acquire more space for a growing family, or to downsize when the empty nester era sets in. In other circumstances, a real estate transaction must take place because of a job transfer, death in the family, divorce or other monumental life change.

If you find yourself having to move during these times, you’ll want to ensure more than ever that you’ve hired the best professionals to stand in your corner. Among your team of professionals will be a mortgage lender, a real estate lawyer/notary and a trusted Comox Valley Real Estate Professional. By building your very own team of experts you can ensure your important questions are answered by industry specialists,…

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