20Nov

Vancouver to Continue to Lead Canadian Economic Growth For the Next Year

[Source: BIV,  November 14, 2016] Vancouver will lead the country in terms of economic growth in both 2016 and 2017, according to a Conference Board of Canada report released November 14. Overall this year, the city will see growth of 4%, driven in large part by the construction sector, followed by an increase of 2.8% next year. “Vancouver is on track to boast the fastest-growing metro area economy for the second straight year in 2016, as the region’s housing market remains one [...]

British Columbia, Canada, Vancouver Real Estate
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20Nov

New Tax Reporting When You Sell Your Home – Effective 2016 Tax Year

How principal-residence tax changes will affect every Canadian homeowner [Source: Globe and Mail, Oct. 06, 2016] Finance Minister Bill Morneau introduced tax changes that were aimed primarily at foreign investors in Canadian real estate to ensure they abide by our existing tax rules. But the changes also catch many Canadian residents who, in the past, have often inadvertently escaped paying tax on their principal residences. The tax rules around principal residences are so complex that many Canadians simply don’t recognize when they [...]

British Columbia, Canada, Vancouver Real Estate
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20Nov

How will the new ‘Stress Test’ impact you?

Chana Charach, MB Today's home buyer will be looking at lower purchase price limits now that the new 'stress test' has taken effect. At this point it is impossible to say with absolute clarity what the impact of this change will be. It is estimated that the new 'stress test' will reduce the amount of mortgage that borrowers qualify for by about  20 - 30%.  This will have a significant effect on first time buyers because it will be harder to [...]

Canada, Vancouver Real Estate
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