Dr Sam Mehrbod’s Blog
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Metro Vancouver Landlords May Hike Fees Instead of Rent
Metro Vancouver landlords can now clearly outline optional service costs separately from rent, making budgeting easier.Renters must be notified of changes, and if a service is withdrawn, the rent should decrease accordingly.
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Confusing Market: How Can a Mortgage Broker Help?
Mortgage brokers can search a wide network of lenders to find you the best rates and terms, saving you money. An experienced broker will listen to your needs and goals, then tailor a home loan solution that fits your situation.
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Vancouver drops below Calgary in world’s most livable cities
Vancouver drops to seventh while Calgary rises to fifth in the Economist Intelligence Unit livability rankings. Vancouver's lower score is attributed to an acute housing crisis affecting infrastructure. Calgary outperforms Vancouver in stability and infrastructure, with lower housing costs. Vancouver excels in culture and environment metrics. Despite the ranking change, Vancouver still performs well globally…
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Vancouver housing starts dip, contrary to national trend
CMHC reports national housing starts in May rose 10% from April to 264,506 units, driven by Montreal and Toronto increases. Montreal saw a 104% surge, Toronto 47%, while Vancouver dropped by 32%. Urban housing starts in Canada were up 11% to 246,111 units, with multi-unit starts rising 13% and single-detached starts up 2%. Rural starts…
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Vancouver Staff Oppose First Right to Buy by Law
Vancouver City staff advise against a bylaw giving the city first right to buy properties.Proposed "pre-emptive right bylaw" requires property owners to offer sales to the city first.
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$2,367 for Unfurnished 1-Bed in Vancouver
Metro Vancouver renters spending more income on rent. Avg income-to-rent ratio in Early-Q2 was ~61.5%.
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Buying in Vancouver Got Slightly Easier: Required Income Down
A recent report indicates a slight ↓ MoM in the income needed to purchase an avg home in Vancouver. Vancouver's avg home now demands $232K annually.
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Check out my new listing Address: 3509 TRIUMPH STREET
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Vancouver: Mixed-Use Developments on the Rise
A new zoning code in Vancouver allows for more office uses in industrial areas. This creates mixed-use buildings with office space stacked above industrial uses.
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Vancouver Squeeze: Can the City Keep Up?
Vancouver needs to build 2,500 new homes each year for the next 10-yr to meet housing demand. At least 1K of these new units should be affordable housing for low-income residents.