Erin Price Emery- +1(604) 767-7725 erin@priceemery.com
REAL ESTATE TIPS
REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGE TIPS

List It Vancouver: A Smarter Way to Buy a Home in Vancouver
A Smarter Way to Buy a Home in Vancouver List It Vancouver was built to make the home buying process clearer, calmer, and more strategic for buyers across Vancouver and Greater Vancouver. In a fast-moving market, having the right tools and guidance can make all the difference between feeling overwhe
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Building Generational Wealth Through Real Estate: Your Vancouver Starting Point
It’s not just about buying a home. It’s about creating stability, long term appreciation, and options for passive income. 🌿 Why real estate hits differently than other investments Real estate rewards patience. It’s tangible. You can live in it, improve it, rent it out, and leverage it over time. Wh
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The Hidden Oil Tank Risk in Older Vancouver Homes and What to Do About It
If you’re buying an older home in Vancouver or North Vancouver, there’s one sneaky issue that can get missed: an old heating oil tank, sometimes buried in the yard. Even if the home has long since switched to gas or electric, that tank may still be there and if it’s leaking, it can mean soil contami
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What Is a Home Appraisal and Why It Matters in Vancouver
When you’re buying a home in Vancouver, one of the most important and most misunderstood steps is the home appraisal. An appraisal is a valuation used by the lender to confirm the property’s market value and to make sure the price you’re paying lines up with current market conditions. In plain langu
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Buying a Condo With a Dog in Vancouver: 3 Steps Every Pet Owner Should Know
Buying a condo when you have a dog isn’t just about finding a home you love. It’s about finding one that truly welcomes your four-legged family member too. Vancouver has lots of pet-friendly buildings, but every strata has its own bylaws, limits, and enforcement style. Here are three steps that will
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Property Disclosure Statement (PDS) in BC: The Form That Can Save You From Expensive Surprises
When you’re buying a home in British Columbia, there’s one document that can reveal a lot about the property’s real story: the Property Disclosure Statement, often called the PDS. It’s filled out by the seller and is meant to share what they know about the home’s condition and history. Used properly
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Fixed Rate Mortgages in Canada: The Peace of Mind Comes With a Catch
When you’re buying a home in Canada, one of the first big decisions is choosing between a fixed rate mortgage and a variable rate mortgage. Fixed often feels like the safest option, because it’s predictable. But before you commit, it’s worth understanding the part many buyers do not hear about until
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Income and Mortgage Approval in Vancouver: What Lenders Really Look For
When you’re buying a home in Vancouver, one of the first things lenders focus on is your income. Whether you’re salaried, commission-based, earning tips, or juggling a side hustle, how your income is documented can directly impact how much you qualify to borrow. Let me walk you through the most comm
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Looking for a Deal in Vancouver? It Often Starts With a Motivated Seller
In Vancouver’s competitive market, getting a great deal isn’t just about offering less. It’s about reading the situation, understanding what the seller cares about, and making an offer that solves their problem. Motivated sellers tend to be more flexible on price, terms, and timing. The key is knowi
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Credit Score and Mortgages in Canada: What Vancouver Buyers Need to Know
When you’re starting your home buying journey, one of the first things a lender will look at is your credit. And I get it. Credit scores can feel confusing, especially if you’ve never needed financing before. Here’s what you need to know. What a credit score actually tells a lender A credit score is
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RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan: A Smart Down Payment Strategy for First Time Buyers in Canada
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to save a down payment while managing everyday life. Here’s the good news: you may be able to use your RRSP to help fund your purchase through the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP). Used properly, it can boost your down payment and im
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Mortgage Pre Approval in Vancouver: Why It Matters More Than Ever
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Vancouver, one of the smartest first steps you can take is securing a mortgage pre approval. With the market constantly shifting, pre approval does more than tell you what you can afford. It can save you stress, sharpen your strategy, and help you move with
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Vancouver Home Buying Guide: A Step by Step Roadmap
Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones in life, but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t have the right plan and support. That’s why I created this Vancouver home buying guide to walk you through the process from start to finish. Whether you’re buying your first condo, upsizing f
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Home Buying Deposits in BC: How They Work and What to Expect
When you buy a home, one of the first major steps you’ll face is paying a deposit. And for many buyers, this is where the questions start. When is it due, how much is normal, and where does it actually go? Let me walk you through it. When your deposit is due In British Columbia, the deposit timing i
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Why a Title Search Matters When Buying a Home in BC
Buying a home in British Columbia is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. While it’s exciting to imagine life in your new space, there are a few legal steps that protect your investment before the keys are in your hand. One of the most important is reviewing the title search. A t
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Strata Ownership in BC: What It Means and Why It Matters Before You Buy
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial and lifestyle decisions you’ll ever make. If you’re looking at a condo, townhouse, or even some detached properties in British Columbia, you’re going to run into one word fast: strata. So what does strata ownership actually mean, and how does it affect y
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The Hidden Costs of Buying a Home in Vancouver (That Catch Buyers Off Guard)
When most people start thinking about buying a home, their focus goes straight to the list price. That big number is usually the first thing you see. But here’s what you need to know: the purchase price isn’t the only cost of homeownership, and it’s not even the only cost of buying. In BC, buyers of
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Agency Relationships in BC Real Estate: What “Representation” Really Means
When you work with a REALTOR in British Columbia, it’s essential to understand who they represent and what that means for you. In real estate, this is called the agency relationship, and it’s the foundation for your rights, your protection, and the advice you can expect. Here’s what you need to know
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The Bank of Canada Cut Rates. Here’s What That Means for Vancouver Buyers
On September 17, 2025, the Bank of Canada cut its policy rate by 0.25%. Specifically, it reduced the target for the overnight rate to 2.50%, with the Bank Rate at 2.75%. That quarter-point move might sound small, but it matters. It changes borrowing costs, buyer confidence, and market momentum, espe
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First Time Home Buyers GST Rebate: Yes, It’s Real Money (and Most Buyers Miss It)
If you’re buying your first home in Canada, there’s a rebate that could put serious money back in your pocket, especially if you’re purchasing a brand-new home. It’s called the First Time Home Buyers GST HST rebate. It’s designed to eliminate or reduce the GST, or the federal portion of the HST, for
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Mortgage Pre Approval: Why It Should Be Your First Move in Vancouver
If you’re getting serious about buying a home in Vancouver, Burnaby, or anywhere across the Lower Mainland, there’s one crucial step to take before you fall in love with a listing online or that dreamy kitchen you saved on social media. You need to get pre approved for a mortgage. Why pre approval s
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Conventional vs Insured Mortgages: What’s the Difference?
Are you confused about the difference between a conventional mortgage and an insured mortgage? You’re not alone. If you’re planning to buy a home in Canada, this is the kind of “small detail” that can change your budget, your rate, and even your buying timeline. In this blog, I’m breaking down what
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What Every Vancouver Home Buyer Needs to Know About Perimeter Drainage Systems
If you’re shopping for a home in Vancouver, Burnaby, or anywhere in the Lower Mainland, it’s easy to get swept up in the kitchen, the layout, and the street appeal. Totally normal. But here’s what you need to know. Some of the most expensive issues are the ones you cannot see during a showing, and p
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Is 2026 the Right Time to Buy Real Estate in Vancouver?
Is 2026 the Right Time to Buy Real Estate in Vancouver? If you’re a first-time home buyer, an investor, or someone who’s been waiting for the “right” moment, 2026 may be the opportunity you’ve been looking for. After several years of high interest rates and cautious buyer activity, the real estate m
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The Power of Tax-free RRSP Home Buying: A Step-by-Step Guide
Buying a home is an exciting milestone in life, but it often comes with a hefty price tag, especially when it comes to the down payment. For many Canadians, saving for a down payment can be one of the biggest hurdles in the home buying process. But what if there was a way
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How Divorce Affects Real Estate: Expert Advice from Abby Pang
Navigating Divorce and Real Estate: What You Need to Know Divorce is challenging enough on its own, but when real estate is involved, the process can become even more complicated. From determining who keeps the family home to negotiating how property will be divided, th
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New Rate Cuts for Current Homeowners and Prospective Buyers Announced︱October 2024
Bank of Canada Rate Cut: A Game-Changer for Homeowners and Buyers In October, the Bank of Canada reduced its interest rates by 50 basis points, creating exciting opportunities for both existing homeowners and prospective buyers in the real estate market. This adjustme
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Upcoming Down Payment Changes in Vancouver Real Estate: What Buyers Need to Know for 2024
If you plan to buy property in Vancouver, mark December 15, 2024, on your calendar—new down payment regulations will soon change the buying landscape. These updates are designed to affect how much you’ll need upfront, depending on the value of the property. For buyers seeking homes under $1.5 millio
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How to save 50% on your Renovation Costs | British Columbia Secondary Suite Incentive Program
Attention British Columbia Homeowners! The Secondary Suite Incentive Program (SSIP) will help homeowners create affordable housing in their communities. The program will provide money to help homeowners create a new secondary suite on their property to be rented out for below market value. Homeown
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