Naru Menon’s Blog
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Metro Vancouver Market Stabilizes, Creating New Opportunities
Home sales in Metro Vancouver fell 9.8% in February from last year, with 1,648 properties sold, 28.7% below the 10-year average. New listings dropped 6.4%, mainly in apartments, but total active listings rose 6.3%, 37% above the 10-year average. Benchmark prices declined moderately: overall by 6.8%, detached homes by 8.8%, apartments by 6.8%, and townhouses…
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OSFI Pressures Banks as Condo Appraisals Reset
Slide 1 Canada’s banking watchdog flagged risks in pre-construction condo appraisals potentially breaching 80% loan-to-value mortgage rules. Slide 2 Blanket appraisals worked during rising prices but create challenges as condo markets soften. Slide 3 Pre-construction condo prices dropped 10–30% from 2022 peaks, increasing valuation risks at closing. Slide 4 Regulatory scrutiny encourages stronger valuation practices,…
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BoC Pause: Muted Housing Rebound
Home price growth in Canada is expected to slow to around 1%, lower than earlier expectations of about 4%, mainly due to declining condo prices in British Columbia and Ontario. Housing demand remains weak, with high inventory levels and slower population growth limiting a strong market recovery. The policy rate is expected to stay at…
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BC Home Sales Decline Again
February 2026: 4,516 MLS sales, about one-third below the 10-year February avg of 6,532. Provincial avg price ↓2.9% yearly to $932,243. Greater Vancouver sales ↓8.8% to 1,648; Fraser Valley ↓7.6% to 785; Chilliwack ↓31%; Kootenay ↓29.4%. BCREA says sales ↓ in every region yearly. Earlier forecast projected 2026 MLS sales ↑10.7% to 80,600 units.
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35+ Success Tips of Top Real Estate Agents
Retaining clients in real estate is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Key strategies include building strong relationships through regular, personalized communication, attending client events, and gathering feedback. Leveraging technology like CRM systems, social media, newsletters, virtual tours, and automated reminders enhances engagement. Offering value-added services, maintaining transparency, and providing consistent follow-up foster trust and…
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कीमतों में गिरावट के बावजूद B.C. में किफायती आवास के लिए और घरों की जरूरत
ब्रिटिश कोलंबिया में 2022 से 2025 के बीच घरों की कीमतों में 9.1% की गिरावट आई है, लेकिन वे अभी भी 2019 की तुलना में 35.7% अधिक हैं, जिससे किफायती आवास की चुनौती बनी हुई है। 2025 में गृह निर्माण में 4.7% की कमी आई, जिसका मुख्य कारण सख्त भूमि उपयोग नीतियां, एकल-परिवार आवास को…
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Understanding Negative Amortization on a Mortgage: Common Ways It’s Addressed
Negative amortization occurs when mortgage payments don’t cover the interest owed, causing the loan balance to increase. It can happen with certain variable-rate or interest-only mortgage structures, depending on the terms. In general, it may be addressed by adjusting payment amounts, changing the loan’s rate structure, refinancing, modifying loan terms, or speaking with a qualified…
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Canada’s Real Estate Statistics Update
Canada’s national average home price in 2026 projected at $720,000–$740,000, ↑3–5% YoY. Housing market growth in 2026 expected to be moderate and steady nationwide. Home sales volumes forecast to rise slightly, reflecting stable interest rates and ongoing demand. Price growth driven by supply constraints and population increases across the country. National market remains affordable relative…
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2026 Starts Slow: Housing Split Widens?
2026 housing plot twist: national prices dipped 2% in early 2026, vibes shifting. Condos slid hardest, inventory piling up, buyers totally fatigued. Single-family homes dipped too, just not as dramatically. Hidden signal: shrinking supply quietly fuels price momentum. CMHC flags affordability plus stable jobs as 2026 price drivers.
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What to know as a first-time homebuyer?
In one home, the furnace failed after three months, and in another, roof and window leaks showed up after two years. There was also a big property tax reassessment. The driveway was repaved for curb appeal. It can be helpful to plan for potential home emergencies, maintenance, and other unexpected expenses that may come up.…