Naru Menon’s Blog

  • Three things to know about getting a mortgage if you’re self-employed

    Self-employed homebuyers can secure loans but must provide more documentation, such as two years of tax returns, profit and loss statements, and IRS Form 4506-T. Maintaining a good credit score and separating business from personal finances is crucial. Business write-offs that reduce reported income may affect mortgage qualification. With proper planning and organization, self-employed individuals…

  • Canada: Is 2026 the Market’s Turning Point?

    Canada: Is 2026 the Market’s Turning Point?

    CREA notes that early-2025 uncertainty — including tariff-related disruptions and economic hesitation — temporarily slowed buyer activity, especially in higher-priced regions like Ontario and BC. 2025 average prices are projected at $676,705 (↓1.4%), with weakness in BC/Ontario offset by expected ↑4–8% gains in several mid-priced provinces. National sales are forecast to rebound to 509,479 in…

  • 6 Tips to Improve Your Credit Score Before Your First Home Mortgage

    Improving your credit score before applying for a mortgage can save you thousands in interest. Key steps include correcting errors on your credit report, reducing and consolidating credit card balances, keeping credit utilization below 30%, using credit cards responsibly, paying bills on time, and avoiding new credit applications. You can access free annual credit reports…

  • Are Mid Fall Property Values Stabilizing Nationwide?

    Are Mid Fall Property Values Stabilizing Nationwide?

    Canada’s housing prices are flat again in October — second straight month. Single‑family home values softened: townhouses −1%, semis −2%, condos −6%. Detached markets stalled too — no more resilience beyond September’s strength. Since 2005, Canadian property values have more than tripled — but lately, things are stabilizing. National numbers mask surprising regional strength —…

  • Are “Good Rates” About to Wake Real Estate?

    Are “Good Rates” About to Wake Real Estate?

    Slide 1 Rates finally sit in a “good place,” but buyer confidence hasn’t fully bounced back yet. Slide 2 Canada’s nine rate cuts brought major relief, yet affordability still challenges first-time buyers nationwide. Slide 3 Lower borrowing costs usually boost sales, so stronger buyer activity could show up early next year. Slide 4 A recession-triggering…

  • Can 2026 Bring Steady Gains in BC?

    Can 2026 Bring Steady Gains in BC?

    High-demand urban neighbourhoods and select suburban corridors expected to lead gains in 2026, driven by employment hubs and limited available listings. 2026 projected avg price $968,141, ↑1.8% indicating moderate growth as supply slowly adjusts to increased market activity. 2026 projected sales 80,342, ↑12.6% reflecting a return of delayed demand and renewed buyer confidence. Market recovery…

  • नवंबर में खरीदारों के लिए खास मौके

    नवंबर में इंटीरियर रियल एस्टेट बाजार में उल्लेखनीय मंदी देखी गई, जहां बिक्री पिछले साल की तुलना में 5% से अधिक घट गई। नई लिस्टिंग्स में 6.6% की कमी आई, जबकि सक्रिय लिस्टिंग्स में हल्की बढ़ोतरी हुई, खासकर नॉर्थ ओकानागन में। बेंचमार्क कीमतें अक्टूबर से ज्यादातर कम रहीं, लेकिन कई क्षेत्रों में पिछले नवंबर से…

  • 5 Tips on How to Choose the Right Mortgage Lender

    Choosing the right mortgage lender involves understanding your financial situation, including credit score and budget. Research various lenders like banks, credit unions, brokers, and online options to find the best fit. Compare interest rates, loan terms, and customer service. Get preapproved by multiple lenders to strengthen your position. Avoid lenders with poor transparency or pressure…

  • 4 Ways to Strengthen Your Mortgage Application as a First-Time Homebuyer

    First-time homebuyers can improve mortgage approval chances by focusing on four key areas: enhancing credit scores by correcting errors and reducing debt; managing debt-to-income ratio and building savings; obtaining mortgage pre-approval with verified financial documents; and exploring suitable loan programs like FHA, VA, or USDA loans. Shopping around and considering assistance programs can also make…

  • Happy Holidays

    Happy Holidays

    The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them, and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.Popular modern customs include gift-giving and the display of various holiday decorations.Here's wishing…