Posted on
July 20, 2021
by
Moe Pourtaghi
There’s no question that the real estate market in British Columbia has been white-hot over the last year. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, we’ve seen significant year-over-year increases in sales and home prices across the province. The province has now entered phase three of BC’s Restart Plan, as an increasing percentage of the population has been vaccinated, and fewer individuals...
Posted on
September 16, 2020
by
Moe Pourtaghi
All the key tips to buying, using, and even renting out a vacation home.
So, you are looking to purchase a second property! Congratulations! This is an incredible opportunity and we are here to help provide you with the keys to success to expand your financial portfolio and ensure stability for the future.
Before you launch into this purchase there are a few things you should know, depending on which...
Posted on
September 3, 2020
by
Moe Pourtaghi
Help your property put its best foot (or room) forward.
When selling a home, presentation is everything. Successfully staging a property can help buyers visualize themselves living in your home, which ultimately can lead to more offers.
While staging your home for photos has always been important, sellers now have to pay even more attention to their home’s “screen appeal” to...
Posted on
May 12, 2020
by
Moe Pourtaghi
If you’re thinking of buying a home, you’ve come to the right place. Once you’ve decided you’re ready to buy, REALTOR.ca can guide you through the entire process and a REALTOR® can help take care of the rest.
Here’s an overview of what to think about:
Prepare to buy
Few joys can match the pride of owning a home, but the responsibility can also come with sacrifices ...
Posted on
May 8, 2020
by
Moe Pourtaghi
From virtual picnics to video-chat mimosas, you can still celebrate her from afar.
From birthday car parades to virtual happy hours, we're starting to navigate this whole "shelter in place" thing relatively well, all things considered. But a socially distanced Mother's Day feels particularly hard, doesn't it? After all, your mother's likely the very person you need most right now—for a reassuring...
Posted on
May 7, 2020
by
Moe Pourtaghi
Sure, you can afford your home now, but what if mortgage rates go up?
Low interest rates and mortgages have been a fact of life in Canada for some time now. At the time of publication, the 5-year average mortgage rate has hovered around 5% for nearly a decade. This is a far cry from late 1981 when mortgage rates were as much as 21%.
New mortgage rules
In 2017, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial...
Posted on
March 18, 2020
by
Moe Pourtaghi
For free Real Estate Advice please call/text me at (604) 537-9791
Summary Findings:
- While it’s unknown how the unfolding COVID-19 outbreak will impact the economy in the long-term, BC is facing a sudden stop in economic activity with little guidance to when things may return to normal.
- Based on our scenario analysis, BC home sales and prices will likely face declines in the spring...
Posted on
February 4, 2020
by
Moe Pourtaghi
The idea of quitting your 9-to-5 and working from home, a beach or on the opposite side of the world may sound like a dream, but if you ask the 4.2 million Canadians who are either temporarily employed or self-employed (without employees of their own) they might tell you it's great—until you want to put down roots.
Buying a home is often seen as a milestone towards adulthood. But as the real estate...
Posted on
February 4, 2020
by
Moe Pourtaghi
Are you thinking about breaking your fixed-rate mortgage? While traditionally considered a financial faux-pas, many Canadians choose to break their fixed-rate mortgage when they find their current terms and conditions no longer meet their needs.
“Breaking a fixed-rate mortgage occurs more often than you would think,” Jared Ksenica, Regional Vice-President, Mortgage Specialist, with BMO Bank...
Posted on
February 4, 2020
by
Moe Pourtaghi
There are many factors to consider when searching for your dream home, including cost, number of bedrooms, layout and neighbourhood. But if you have children—or plan to someday soon—you need to think about another important selling feature: schools.
After all, you don't want to buy a house only to discover the local schools don't get a passing grade.
Find the perfect school with REALTOR.ca...
Posted on
February 4, 2020
by
Moe Pourtaghi
Home buyers might assume there's no need to work with a REALTOR® when purchasing a pre-construction build. After all, the builders and developers have on-site representatives promising to take care of all the paperwork, right?
Not so fast. There are a number of advantages to working with someone who has your best interests in mind. Here's what you need to know if you're thinking about buying a brand-new...
Posted on
January 9, 2020
by
Moe Pourtaghi
Scroll through your Instagram feed and you'll likely see hundreds of photos documenting your friends' renovation progress, interior décor choices and house hacks. Social media has given us a sneak peek into the best parts of other people's lives. What were once intimate celebratory moments are now carefully-curated photo-ops to share with followers. REALTORS® are even setting up photoshoots...
Posted on
January 9, 2020
by
Moe Pourtaghi
In 2017, 22% of Canadians (about 6.2 million people) reported having at least one disability but the real number is likely higher and growing. With such a staggering statistic, it's unsurprising the focus on accessibility is gaining traction in architecture, design, real estate—and even in outdoor public spaces.
Why is accessibility so important?

Accessible parks and playgrounds connect people...
Posted on
January 9, 2020
by
Moe Pourtaghi

For most, the fantasy of building a dream home is just that—a fantasy: the perfectly styled gourmet kitchen, the shower big enough to fit an elephant and every tiny detail carefully considered to be exactly what you want.
As a trained architect, it haunts me that at my age I still haven't designed and built my own home. With so much to consider, where do you begin? As always, a good place to start...
Posted on
January 9, 2020
by
Moe Pourtaghi
If you're a millennial considering buying your first home, congratulations! You're probably excited until you remember: houses are expensive and—regardless of your current financial situation—you'll likely need to save money to afford one.
This can be intimidating for anyone but, according to a recent survey, millennials in particular say it's become more difficult to buy a home....
Posted on
January 9, 2020
by
Moe Pourtaghi
People born between 1981 and 1996 (birth year definitions vary) who have reached adulthood in the early 21st century are dubbed “millennials”. It's an entire generation who have been collectively branded with a mix of stereotypes, including being smartphone-addicted avocado lovers who are content to live with their parents well into their 30s and who aren't interested in buying a home.
...
Posted on
January 8, 2020
by
Moe Pourtaghi
Seasons come and go, as do houses on the market! Curb appeal, less competition and serious buyers are just some of the many benefits to listing your home in the winter. Surprisingly enough, the winter months may also be the most wonderful time of the year…to buy a home. In fact, there are many benefits to buying a home in the off-season. Now that we have entered subzero temperatures, here are...
Posted on
December 9, 2019
by
Moe Pourtaghi
For some people, living in a city loft is the epitome of style; think skyline views, plank hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and heritage features offering inimitable character. With open floor plans and central locations, lofts make ideal crash pads for downtown living. However, the loft lifestyle isn't for everyone.
Here are a few things to know before deciding if a loft is the right home...
Posted on
December 8, 2019
by
Moe Pourtaghi
You found your dream century home and your conditional offer has been accepted. But after receiving your home inspector's report, it turns out your charming Victorian cottage needs more than a fresh coat of paint.

Photo by Nolan Issac on Unsplash
While this doesn't mean you need to back out of the deal, it's important to know you can always head back to the negotiating table. Your REALTOR® is a...
Posted on
December 8, 2019
by
Moe Pourtaghi
he question of whether to buy a condo or a house may be obvious to some, but for others, it's not so simple. Each comes with its own pros and cons as far as convenience, amenities, resale value and space is concerned.
It's important to start by identifying your goals, lifestyle and budget. A REALTOR® can help you navigate the different options in your desired market, including the factors to consider...