Author: Shirley Brown PREC*

  • Leaving your mortgage renewal too late narrows your options

    Leaving your mortgage renewal too late narrows your options

    Homeowners approaching mortgage renewal should start the process months in advance to avoid limited options and higher costs. Fixed rates have risen, with many facing payment increases around 20%. Early preparation allows securing rate holds, gathering financial documents, and comparing options beyond just rates, including prepayment privileges and penalties. Waiting too long may force rushed decisions and less favorable terms.

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  • 15869 YORKSHIRE PLACE, Surrey BC V4A 5K7

    15869 YORKSHIRE PLACE, Surrey BC V4A 5K7

    Perfect Retirement Home – Own Your Land! Discover this spacious double-wide manufactured home on a 5,507 sq. ft. lot in a 50+ community-ideal for retirement living! No strata fees or pad rent, just the freedom of homeownership in a quiet cul-de-sac. Enjoy low-maintenance living with two outdoor decks for relaxation and an eco-friendly driveway. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home comes with central air conditioning for year-round comfort. Good Functional layout. Great workshop for the Handyman. The community offers a large clubhouse for social gatherings and free RV parking for residents. Conveniently located near White Rock and White Rock Hospital, this is the perfect place to settle down and enjoy life! Don't miss this opportunity-schedule a viewing today!

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  • Maillardville comparison

    Maillardville comparison

    Central Coquitlam and Maillardville offer distinctly different experiences for families and redevelopment-minded buyers. Working in both areas each week, I often see Central Coquitlam appeal to buyers seeking established detached homes on larger lots, with access to amenities such as Mundy Park, Como Lake Park, and schools bordering Mundy Park.

    Central Coquitlam generally refers to the area extending from Como Lake Road toward Coquitlam Centre. Its established streets, parks, and larger detached properties can make it an attractive option for families who value outdoor space and a more traditional residential setting.

    Maillardville, located around Lougheed Highway and Brunette Avenue, is an older French community with a distinct historical setting and identity. Buyers may be drawn to its character, location, and evolving housing landscape, but the overall feel and property opportunities differ from Central Coquitlam.

    For redevelopment-minded buyers, larger Central Coquitlam lots may offer potential under current small-scale housing rules. However, zoning, lot dimensions, setbacks, servicing, heritage considerations, and other site-specific constraints must be verified for each property. Reach out for a tailored comparison of available homes and redevelopment possibilities.

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  • Detached-home character

    Detached-home character

    Established detached homes on larger lots are one of Central Coquitlam’s defining features. In my work with buyers and sellers each week, I see how this long-standing residential pattern continues to shape the neighbourhood’s identity and appeal, particularly for people seeking family-oriented living and more space.

    The area’s character is also closely connected to its surroundings. Access to destinations such as Mundy Park and Como Lake Park supports an outdoor lifestyle, while nearby schools including Hillcrest Middle and Charles Best Secondary add to the neighbourhood’s appeal for families planning ahead.

    At the same time, Central Coquitlam is evolving. Some larger lots are attracting redevelopment interest under small-scale housing rules, creating opportunities for additional housing options while raising important questions about how established neighbourhood character can be maintained.

    Whether you are considering buying, selling or exploring redevelopment potential, local context matters. Reach out to discuss how Central Coquitlam’s housing patterns, amenities and changing rules may affect your next real estate decision.

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  • Inflation climbs, home sales rise: what it all means for Canadian borrowers

    Inflation climbs, home sales rise: what it all means for Canadian borrowers

    Canada's inflation rose to 3% due to higher oil prices, but the Bank of Canada is expected to hold interest rates steady next month. Variable mortgage rates likely remain stable, while fixed rates face uncertainty. Home sales and prices are rising, signaling a positive housing market outlook. A potential US-Canada trade deal and reduced tariff threats could boost market confidence and encourage more homebuyers, especially first-timers.

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  • Brave Spaces: Active Witnessing Creating Safer Communities

    Brave Spaces: Active Witnessing Creating Safer Communities

    Safer communities are built when people recognize harm and feel prepared to respond. Brave Spaces: Active Witnessing Creating Safer Communities is a free local session designed to help participants identify discrimination, harassment, and other harmful behavior while considering safe, constructive ways to take action.

    The session offers an opportunity to learn practical active-bystander approaches, including how to interrupt harm, support someone affected, document concerns appropriately, or seek help when direct intervention may not be safe. The focus is on thoughtful action, personal safety, and respect for the people involved.

    Join fellow Coquitlam residents on October 27, 2026, at Coquitlam Library – City Centre Branch. As a local real estate professional, I value the welcoming neighborhoods and strong connections that make our community feel like home—and conversations like this can help strengthen both.

    Admission is free. Learn more and confirm event details at https://www.coquitlam.ca/Calendar.aspx?EID=3004&calType=0&day=27&month=10&year=2026

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  • Coquitlam Buyers: Prices Down 9% Year Over Year

    Coquitlam Buyers: Prices Down 9% Year Over Year

    Home prices in Coquitlam dropped 9% compared to last August, opening up new opportunities for buyers. This shift means more affordable options for those looking to enter the market or move up. If you've been waiting for a better entry point, now could be your moment.

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  • Happy Thanksgiving

    The perfect opportunity to embrace your inner "foodie" and unbutton your pants at the dinner table!In Canada, post-Thanksgiving is all about creative cranberry sauce solutions. Cranberry sauce pancakes, anyone?It's that time when multiple ovens are a blessing. Turkey, pies, casseroles – less stress!

  • Home Financing Tips for First-Time Buyers

    Home Financing Tips for First-Time Buyers

    Buying your first home requires careful financial planning. Key mortgage terms include principal, interest, amortization, and equity. Mortgage types include fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, and government-backed loans. Preparation involves assessing financial health, saving for a down payment, and budgeting for extra costs. First-time buyers should get pre-approved, understand options, and negotiate terms. Specialized loans exist for low-income, poor credit, and self-employed buyers.

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  • Canada Housing Starts Trend Down 1.3%

    Canada’s 6-mo housing-starts trend ↓~1% MoM in Mid-Q3 to ~244K annualized units, while the monthly annualized pace stayed essentially flat near 229K.
    In larger Canadian centres, actual starts totaled 17.7K in Mid-Q3, ↓~2% yearly, bringing the current year’s first eight months to 149.5K, ↓~4%.
    Homes under construction in Canadian centres above 50K population edged ↓<1% MoM to 371.7K units, showing a still-large pipeline despite slight cooling.
    Completions softened faster, ↓~11% MoM to 17.6K units, while approved permits not yet started ↑<1% to 142.4K, signaling future projects remained queued.
    The national housing outlook said starts were still elevated versus recent years, but the downward trend was expected to continue as construction moderated toward year-end.