Category: Latest Posts

  • Ottawa unveils $2-billion home retrofit plan

    Ottawa unveils $2-billion home retrofit plan

    Canada is launching a $2 billion home retrofit program to improve energy efficiency in 1 million homes, featuring a National Heat Pump Rebate for up to 820,000 households. Low-income households may receive up to $10,000, others $2,000, with no required energy audits and quick approvals. The plan also supports retrofits in 280,000 apartment units via mortgage insurance and infrastructure financing, replacing the Canada Greener Homes Loan program.

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  • Canada Buyers Need the Right Agent

    Online listings help buyers search, but a skilled REALTOR® adds guidance on offers, closing steps, hidden risks, and getting keys with confidence.
    Interview several agents and verify licensing through provincial registries. Compare approaches, property and neighbourhood experience, professional education, and strategy for your search.
    Buying is a process, not one event. The right agent can support planning, searching, negotiating, closing, and questions long after move-in too.
    With an exclusive buyer representation agreement, the REALTOR® becomes an advocate, owing fiduciary duties to protect buyers and act in their interests.
    Local knowledge is critical because location cannot be changed later, and understanding distinct neighbourhood dynamics can make a major difference in your buying decision.

  • Are Lower Rates Reviving Buyers?

    Falling mortgage rates are improving affordability and encouraging more Canadians to resume postponed home-buying plans.
    Household formation remains resilient despite slower national population growth this year.
    More first-time buyers are expected to support activity across the broader resale market.
    Market confidence is forecast to improve gradually through late 2026.

  • Small-Scale Infill Expands Canada’s Housing Supply

    Small-scale infill had been taking a larger role in housing starts, even though larger developments still delivered most new construction across established neighborhoods.
    Zoning changes allowing more homes on existing lots suggested supply could shift upward, especially where infill rules became more permissive within established neighborhoods.
    The broader housing pattern showed more building on previously developed land, with new construction becoming denser and ground-oriented homes representing a smaller share.
    Recent policy changes helped enable more missing middle housing, but project momentum still depended on fees, approval timelines, building rules, and financing.
    Small-scale infill emerged as an important source of ground-oriented homes, while its longer-term growth still hinged on whether projects remained financially viable.

  • Canada Housing Faces Trade Turmoil

    Canada's housing market softened recently, with activity ↓~7% yearly and national sales ↓<1% MoM as buyers weighed trade tensions, oil prices, and inflation worries.
    Rising Canada bond yields added pressure to fixed mortgage rates, yet an industry expert still expected Late-Q3 and Q4 activity to stay busy.
    Canada's central bank recently held its policy rate, while inflation stayed near ~3% for a second month and some economists saw room for 2027 easing.
    For the rest of 2026, one expert expected either no change or one small hike, then possible cuts in 2027 as conditions improve.
    The biggest rebound catalyst remained a US trade deal, while buyers were urged to watch the next 6 to 12 mo and stay ready.

  • Election Day: Municipal Election 2026

    Election Day: Municipal Election 2026

    White Rock’s 2026 municipal election takes place on October 17, 2026. Residents will have the opportunity to vote for mayor, councillors, and school trustee—local leaders who help shape decisions affecting neighbourhoods, services, growth, and community life.

    Voting is free and available at Centennial Arena, Kent Street Activity Centre, and White Rock Community Centre. Mark the date now and choose the location that best fits your schedule. Checking official information in advance can help make Election Day simple and stress-free.

    Before you go, review the City of White Rock’s official event details and confirm current voting guidance, eligibility information, and any updates: https://www.whiterockcity.ca/Calendar.aspx?EID=4743&calType=0&day=17&month=10&year=2026.

    As local real estate professionals, we know engaged residents help build strong communities. Share this reminder with your White Rock neighbours, make a voting plan, and take part in the decisions shaping the city’s future.

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  • What First-Time Home Buyers Should Consider

    What First-Time Home Buyers Should Consider

    Mortgage insurance and home insurance serve different purposes. Home insurance protects homeowners from financial loss due to damage or destruction, while mortgage insurance safeguards lenders if borrowers default on payments. In Canada, mortgage insurance is required for down payments under 20%. Home insurance is also essential, especially for mortgaged homes. Buying your first home can evoke a mix of emotions, but thorough preparation can lead to confidence and excitement in the home search process.

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  • Canadian Home Sales Adjust About 5% in 2026

    A bank economist cut Canada's housing forecast, expecting home sales to ↓~5% in 2026 as higher government bond yields keep fixed mortgage costs elevated.
    Avg. Canadian home prices are projected to stay roughly flat in 2026, then edge up by <2% in 2027 rather than rebound sharply.
    The revised outlook kept 5-yr Canada bond yields near the mid-3% range through Late-Q4, with a gradual decline expected across 2027 overall.
    Ontario and British Columbia were expected to see sales improve in 2027, while Alberta was expected to lead Canadian price growth overall.
    The modest recovery depended on bond yields starting to ease in Late-Q4, alongside the central bank holding policy steady through 2027 overall.

  • The Beer Shack

    The Beer Shack

    Every community has those places that make a neighbourhood feel more connected, and The Beer Shack is one of White Rock’s local spots to add to the list. Located at 1515 Johnston Rd, this welcoming bar offers an easygoing setting for locals who want to relax, meet friends, and enjoy a casual night out close to home.

    What makes a neighbourhood favourite? It is often the atmosphere as much as the menu—the friendly energy, the familiar faces, and the feeling that you can drop in without making a big production of it. The Beer Shack fits naturally into that role, giving White Rock residents a comfortable place to gather and enjoy the Johnston Road community vibe.

    For real estate professionals, local gems like The Beer Shack are part of what makes a neighbourhood memorable. A great home is not only about the property itself; it is also about having convenient places nearby to unwind, connect, and experience daily life. Add The Beer Shack to your White Rock discovery list, whether you are a longtime resident or exploring the area for the first time.

    Ready to explore a local favourite? Visit The Beer Shack at 1515 Johnston Rd, White Rock, and bring a friend along for a relaxed neighbourhood outing. Check the linked map for directions, then share your favourite local spots with us.

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  • Canadian Home Sales Forecast Hinges on Bond Yields

    A bank economist sharply cut Canada’s resale outlook, shifting from a much smaller forecast decline earlier in 2026 as bond yields climbed.
    National home sales are projected to ↓~5% this year, while avg. prices are expected to finish flat before a modest 2027 gain.
    The outlook assumed the central bank would stay on hold near 2%, but modest next-year gains depended on bond yields easing in current Q4.
    Support for a recovery also hinged on pent-up demand and a slowly improving job market, though the labour outlook was trimmed after trade tensions.
    Even under the baseline, next-year sales were expected to remain well below pre-pandemic levels, showing how elevated yields could extend Canada’s slower reset.