Featured Archives - Page 3 of 7 - Fraser Valley Lifestyle

abbotsford April 27, 2022

Help Preserve BC’s Fish Stocks for Future Anglers

BCFDF Fundraiser is Coming in May

Join the BC Federation of Drift Fishers on May 26th for their first fundraiser in two years!

They say, “The British Columbia Federation Of Drift Fishers was formed in March 1996 by a group of concerned anglers who felt that their chosen method of angling was in jeopardy.

“The Federation has grown to be recognized as the voice of British Columbia’s river anglers. Protection of the resource is our primary concern. The Federation is committed to working with other similar-minded organizations and government agencies, whose goals parallel our own.

“Concerned anglers who wish to preserve anadromous fish stocks for future generations should consider joining the Federation: your voice can make a difference! We sit on over 15 Provincial boards or committees including the main board of the sports fish advisory board.

“If you fish B.C. Rivers, get involved, your voice alone is quiet, but collectively we are heard.”

WHEN? MAY 26th, 2022 – 6pm to 10pm

WHERE? LANGLEY GOLF CENTRE- 21550 44th Ave, Langley, B.C.

TICKETS – $35 per person – See https://mailchi.mp/c3b6a62b9573/bcfdf2022fundraiser

_ _ _ _ _

Photo by Luke Brugger on Unsplash

Featured April 21, 2022

Fraser Valley Real Estate Update April 2022

Our guest today is Mike Wilson. Mike is the publisher of the Fraser Valley Lifestyle and a realtor here in the Fraser Valley.

Listen Here:

FUELRADIO.COM · Fraser Valley Real Estate Update April 2022

In today’s interview, we try to address the ongoing question of what’s going on in the real estate market. It’s probably one of the questions that Mike and most realtors get asked most often. So, we talk about:

what it takes to get into the market today
possible changes happening in interest rates and how that will affect purchasing or selling a home
government changes and regulations that are taking place
the importance of due diligence and how the opportunity to do that has returned
the importance of making a plan with your agent when you are looking to sell and buy a home.

Get in touch with Mike!

Mike Wilson
Royal LePage Northstar Realty
Web – https://fvlifestyle.com/real-estate-home/
604-538-2125
mike@fvlifestyle.com

Featured April 12, 2022

Springtime Homestaging Do’s and Don’ts

Spring is the most active season for home sales.1 Use this guide to stage your home in a way that complements the season to really let it shine! Even if you’re not planning on selling, use these tips to give your home a refresh.

DO burn a candle. Choose a spring scented candle with a subtle fragrance to avoid overwhelming potential buyers.

DO spring clean your closet. Give your closet more space by boxing up your bulky winter clothing.

DO go fresh. Add some colour to your kitchen by placing a bowl of fresh, in-season fruit on the counter.

Don’t go overboard with florals. It’s easy to get carried away with flowers. Mix things up by adding small indoor plants to brighten your space.

Don’t leave the windows closed. Opening the windows lets in fresh air and sunlight, which has been proven to boost moods.2

Don’t keep your winter welcome mat. Replace it with a clean, spring-themed one to help make a positive first impression.

Don’t go colour crazy. Bright colours can liven up your space but too much can be off-putting. Stick to just splashes of colour throughout your home.

Footnotes:

© 2022 Buffini & Company. All Rights Reserved. RMMK APRIL EREPORT C
SOURCES: 1. Rocket Homes 2. Psychology Today
Photos – Unsplash

abbotsford April 7, 2022

Easter Events in the Fraser Valley

There are a ton of activities going on in the Fraser Valley this Easter. If you are looking for something for you and your family to do, here are several Easter events that caught our eye and we want to pass along…

Easterfest (Egg Hunt at the Farm)
Fri, Apr 15, 9 AM
Applebarn Pumpkin Farm (Taves Farms) – 333 Gladwin Rd, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
They say… “Celebrating Easter 2022 in Abbotsford? Make plans, discover some very interesting Annual Egg Hunts events happening in Abbotsford.”
WEBSITE / PHOTO

Mini Easter Plushies – with Tana
Sat, Apr 9, 1 – 3 PM
The Painted Loft – 19955 Fraser Hwy, Langley, BC, Canada
They say…”Mini plushies are a huge trend now, and they are so cute! You can make your own as a gift, or keep them for yourself! All supplies provided for this workshop.
WEBSITE

Easter Egg-Stravaganza
Fri, Apr 15 – Sun, Apr 17
Maan Farms Market and Estate Winery – 790 McKenzie Rd, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
They say… “Maan Farms Baby Animal Easter Days are back! Spend Easter Weekend snuggling baby animals, trying their Egg-cellent Ice Cream, and gallivanting with the Easter Bunny.”
WEBSITE / PHOTO

Easter Brunch at the Langley Golf & Banquet Centre
Sun, Apr 17, 10 AM – 1 PM
Langley Golf & Banquet Centre – 21550 44 Ave., Langley, BC, Canada
They say…”Join us for a fun-filled day of celebration as you enjoy our delicious buffet, meet the Easter bunny, go on a chocolate hunt and see some magic! It’s one event geared up to be a memorable one, so we can’t wait to see you there. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite or by calling 604.534.4555 ext 3.”
WEBSITE

North Delta Lions Club’s Event
Sun, Apr 17, 2 PM
Sunbury Park – 10409 Dunlop Rd, Delta, BC, Canada
They say… “Spend this holiday with fabulous Easter 2022 events in Delta; from Virtual egg hunts to fun games and activities, there is a lot more that awaits. Discover all things fun like food festivals…”
WEBSITE

Easter Egg Hunt
Fri, Apr 15, 9 AM – Sun, Apr 17, 4 PM
Chilliwack Corn Maze / Greendale Acres – 41905 Yale Rd W, Chilliwack, BC, Canada
They say… “Join us for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Greendale Acres, Friday, April 15th – 17th from 9am–4pm. Our egg hunt takes place in the apple orchard and every child receives a goodie bag for their…” Read more on their website.
WEBSITE / PHOTO

abbotsford March 31, 2022

April Events in the Fraser Valley

Looking for something to do in the Fraser Valley in April? Here are some of our Fraser Valley picks. From Food Truck wars to flower shows.

Abbotsford

Celtic Illusion – Wed, Apr 6, 2022, 7 – 9 pm
Fusing contemporary Irish Dance with magic and grand illusions, Celtic Illusion features a cast of champion and internationally-acclaimed dancers, including performers from both Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. Displaying some of the fastest taps in the world, the dancers’ thunderous rhythm fills the stage in perfect unison. Celtic Illusion is led by Australia’s Anthony Street, the first Australian to perform leading roles in Michael Flatley’s widely-acclaimed Lord of the Dance, including the very role that Michael Flatley originally performed himself. Since its premiere in 2011, Celtic Illusion has played to sold-out audiences all across Australia and recently completely sold out a tour in Canada. Celtic Illusion features a new soundtrack composed by a team including Angela Little (co-composer of Baz Luhrman’s film Australia), Steve Skinner (arranger and producer for artists such as Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder, and the Broadway musical Rent), and Michael Londra (Emmy® nominated singer and producer).
WEBSITE

Bradner Flower Show – Fri, Apr 8 – Sun, Apr 10 2022, All-day
92nd Annual Bradner Flower Show: “A Place to Dream”.
The Annual Bradner Flower Show began in 1928 and is attended by thousands of people from all over the lower mainland. It has been on hiatus for the last 2 years due to COVID restrictions, but is now back for 2022! At the Bradner Community Hall
WEBSITE

Escape Velocity Bike Spring Series – Sat, Apr 16 2022, 9:30 – 11:30am
Location: Aldergrove Regional Park, 685 Lefeuvre Road (ACCESS IS ALDERGROVE BOWL)
Race Director: Ryan Cousineau: 604 512 8863, rcousine@gmail.com
We are ‘springing back’ from a two-year Spring Series hiatus! Our first race of the season will be the Aldergrove Long Course-a 10.2 km punchy crowd pleaser!
WEBSITE PHOTO

Langley

LAILA BIALI Trio – April 1, 2022, 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Appearing with Laila will be West Coast Music Award winner, Juno nominated and local hero, bassist Jodi Proznick and drummer Nicholas Bracewell. Bez Arts Hub says, “We hosted Laila at BEZ in the ‘before time’, January of 2020 – it was a stunning show and she was performing music from her newly released recording, Out Of Dust. The album received high praise from around the world and throughout the ‘big world crazy time’ she kept her spirits up and continued to win hearts with her passionate and joy-filled music. You won’t want to miss a highly entertaining evening with Laila, she’s a national treasure!”
Website and Photo

Music Night with Steve Halfnights – April 2, 2022, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
On Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 6 – 9 pm, enjoy your evening with Backyard Vineyards listening to live music by Steve Halfnights and sipping on wine. Music will take place in our tasting room so seating is limited, be sure to grab your tickets in advance.
WEBSITE

Barney Bentall – April 15, 2022, 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Barney Bentall, the man with the legendary heart returns to Bez Arts Hub. With a career that spans decades and timeless songs that are woven into the fabric of our nation, Barney Bentall is an absolute must-see, especially in the intimate and up-close listening room at Bez Arts Hub. His newest recording is a rugged, fiercely ambitious work, The Drifter & The Preacher combines intensely personal artistry with a broader vision of a public figure coming to terms with his ordered life as a musician, as a songwriter, as a husband, as a father, and as a son while turning in his most urgent, and forceful performance in memory.
WEBSITE

Kilt Night Cask Festival – April 24, 2022, 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
A Cask Beer Festival! Finally! Join us for Kilt Night Cask Festival. Wear a Kilt – Win a Prize! Kilt Night Cask Festival. Smugglers Trail is beyond excited to get involved in Cask Festivals again! Everybody needs an excuse to wear a kilt! (Of course, other modes of fashion are more than welcome!) Everybody is welcome! Enjoy Smugglers Fresh Cask Ales on our unique handpumps and sample wildly creative offerings from several guest breweries … FRESH FROM THE CASK! Live Music featuring The Contingency. $30 Ticket includes entrance, souvenir glass, and 8 drink tokens. Extra tokens are available for $3 ea.
WEBSITE

Festina Lente Turns 5! – April 30, 2022, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Festina Lente is turning 5! Swing by for Live Music, pizza pop-up, prizes, special wines…what more could we ask for? Of course we will also have cake and a nice sample of Zephyr to pair with it! Tastings are complimentary all weekend.
WEBSITE/PHOTO

Surrey

Seedy Saturday – April 2, 2022 10:00am – 12:00pm
Get ready to plant your garden at our annual gardening event. Drop by the farm for a seed and plant sale, including flowers, vegetables, and herb seeds collected from our heirloom garden. Even bring your own open-pollinated seeds for the seed exchange. Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions about all aspects of gardening. Bring the Family – There will be crafts set up in the Stewart Hall for children to enjoy. The farmhouse will also be open for tours. Both of these indoor activities require proof of vaccine and masks. Finish off the experience with a walk through Elgin Heritage Park or a picnic on the scenic grounds.
WEBSITE and PHOTO CREDIT

New Start Art Show – April 3, 2022 10:00am – April 29, 2022 3:30pm
Find bright flowing colours, coastal wildlife, and more at this art show. Surrey’s Artswest Society is excited to share their art with you. Their show, New Start, reflects their joy. After two years of learning to live with the COVID-19 pandemic, they are bursting to show the many things they have created. Bright flowing colours, coastal Wildlife, moody landscapes, and intricate designs are just a few of the things you will find in the show.
WEBSITE

Food Truck Wars – April 8, 2022 12:00am – April 10, 2022 11:59pm
Enjoy 40 different food trucks spanning 3 days. Food Truck Wars will be Metro Vancouver’s LARGEST Food Truck Festival where you will see 40 different food trucks spanning over 3 days. Trophies and prizes will be awarded to various food trucks based on categories like “Between the Buns”, “International”, “Sweets”, “Fusion”, “Classic”, and “Plant-Based”. In addition to these epic food trucks, there will also be local market vendors courtesy of BC Shop Local, two stages of live music and entertainment, site-wide beer and wine, and much more to come!
WEBSITE

FOOTNOTES
Abbotsford Events – https://www.abbotsford.ca/community-events/events-abbotsford/events-calendar
Langely Events – https://www.tourism-langley.ca/events/
Surrey Events – https://www.surrey.ca/news-events/events
📸 Photos – Please email rod@impactintl.com for credit or removal.
No copyright infringement intended.

Chilliwack March 24, 2022

Spring Projects for Your Fraser Valley Home

Spring is a time of new beginnings, making it the perfect season for tackling home improvement projects. Get your house ready for warmer weather with these spring projects.

Gutter Maintenance

Make sure your gutters can withstand April showers by either cleaning or replacing them. If they’re not in tip-top shape, water can pour down the sides of your home, potentially causing damage to the windows, siding and doors.

Signs That Your Gutters Need To Be Replaced

Bent or floppy
Rust
Cracks
Mold

Power Wash

Spring clean your home’s exterior and windows with a good power wash. If you’re not sure whether your home can handle the impact from a pressure-washing nozzle, hire a professional to get the job done.

Fresh Paint

Give a room a fresh update for spring with a new coat of paint. When deciding on the colour, remember that paint often dries brighter or darker than the swatches. Avoid any unpleasant surprises by sampling the colour on a piece of cardboard or a small area of a wall

Upgrade Your Deck

Get your deck ready for entertaining or relaxing outside! Whether you want to completely renovate or just do some cleaning and maintenance, now is the perfect time to revamp your deck.

abbotsford March 10, 2022

Digital Ways to Show Your Gratitude

Looking for a way to show gratitude to people you aren’t seeing in-person? Fraser Valley Lifestyle and the digital world has you covered — here are a few quick, heartfelt ways to virtually tell your friends and family you appreciate them!

Digital Gift Cards

Send an online gift card to Amazon, a food delivery service, streaming platform, or favourite local restaurant. Be sure to include a thank you message to let them know why you sent it!

Sharing a “Memory” from Social Media

A simple yet meaningful gesture to remind a friend or family of a fun time you had together in the past. Add a line about why you’re grateful for that experience!

Send a Video Message

Record a quick message that expresses your gratitude for the person on the other end. List specific qualities you love and thank them for being there! This is a great way to get face-to-face from afar.

Send an eCard

Customize the card online and add photos. Some programs even let you send to friends
to sign digitally for bigger occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Platforms to try: GroupGreeting, Punchbowl, Blue Mountain

Send an Inspiring, Uplifting Quote

See a quote or video that might resonate with a friend? Text or direct message it with a message that says, “Thinking about you!”

Ship a Small Care Package

Mail a small item to a friend as a surprise appreciation gift. Go for simple yet useful items like a coffee mug or journal or a handmade item or drawing that reminds you of that person.

Footnotes
© 2021 Buffini & Company. All Rights Reserved. RMMK OCTOBER EREPORT C. Used with Permission
All photos UNSPLASH

abbotsford March 2, 2022

March Events in the Fraser Valley

Looking for something to do in the Fraser Valley in March? There are lots of interesting events to choose from.

Surrey

March Tree Sale
Purchase up to three trees to plant in your yard. Your new trees will increase property value, help the environment, provide shade and insulation for your home, and make your neighbourhood more livable. Each tree planted contributes to growing the urban forest and increases tree canopy coverage across the City.
Date & Time – March 2, 2022 9:00am – March 27, 2022 5:00pm
Location – Purchase your trees online, then pick them up from the Surrey Operations Centre (6651 148 St) on March 27.
Website and Photo Credit – https://www.surrey.ca/renovating-building-development/trees-yard-garden/tree-sale-program

Blindside
Insightful, Authentic, and Hilarious Theatre – Come to the theatre for a one-woman show that is empowering, funny, and thoughtful. Blindside is the eye-opening, multi-award-winning comedy about resilience, empathy, and self-acceptance. In a feat of riveting comedy, one-eyed cancer survivor and Moth storytelling champion, Stéphanie Morin-Robert, recounts her life as a feisty seven-year-old who wields her glass-eye as a weapon. With the help of her cat, a pair of sunglasses, and an undesirable superpower, she soon discovers that she has what it takes to face the tormenting bullies at her new school and come to terms with her disability.
Date & Time – March 3, 2022 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Location – Centre Stage at Surrey City Hall, 13450 104 Ave, Surrey, BC
Website and Photo Credit – https://tickets.surrey.ca/TheatreManager/1/login?event=2343

I Am Woman! Hear Me Laff!
Laughter is the Best Medicine…and an Instant Vacation! Looking for an evening of belly laughs? Get your hilarity fix with one of the best nights of comedy the Lower Mainland has to offer! The annual event I Am Woman! Hear Me Laff! features some of Canada’s funniest comedians who are masters of their craft. Celebrate International Women’s Day with a night of feel-good chuckles you won’t want to miss. This all-female lineup is stacked with premium joke slingers. Headlined by the hilarious Elvira Kurt, this laughter fest also includes local comics Soo Jeong, Katie-Ellen Humphries and Yumi Nagashima. Gather your friends—this show is perfect for a girls’ night out!
Audience Advisory: mature themes and strong language.
Date & Time – March 9, 2022 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Location – Main Stage at Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88 Avenue
Website – https://tickets.surrey.ca/TheatreManager/1/login?event=2344

Celtic Fest
Join organizations from across the region as we celebrate all things Celtic.
Join the festivities! There will be small performances throughout the day with Kyle Banta on bagpipe and Allen Barnett on accordion. Visit community partner booths from Steele School of Dance, Ireland Canada Monument, White Spot Pipe Band, West Coast Calligraphy Society, Irish School Vancouver, and more. Do a scavenger hunt to earn a prize, finding the Celtic nation flags in the galleries. Check out a Celtic textile display by the MOS Textiles Team. Even bring home a Celtic knot craft!
Date & Time – March 26, 2022 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Location – Museum of Surrey
Photo by Robert Lukeman on Unsplash

Langley

Langley Rivermen vs Surrey Eagles
Head to The Lodge to watch the Langley Rivermen take on the Surrey Eagles! Single game tickets can be purchased at the George Preston Recreation Centre “The Lodge” box office 45 minutes before puck drop and by calling 778-246-2245 or emailing tickets@langleyrivermen.com or purchase online at HappsNow.
DATE: March 1, 2022 TIME: 7:15 pm to 9:15 pm
VENUE: George Preston Recreation Centre, 42 Avenue, Langley, BC, Canada
WEBSITE and PHOTO Credit: See website for more games – https://www.langleyrivermen.com/

West Fine Art Show
“Artists for Student Success”

Join us March 4-6, 2022 for the fifth annual early-spring edition of the West Fine Art Show, dubbed “Artists for Student Success. One of BC’s most popular art events we present an exceptional line-up of 18 artists and the rare opportunity for visitors to meet each artist. In addition, a special display titled “Emerging Young Artists” will showcase student art. This destination art show, with free admission, is organized in partnership with Langley School District Foundation and 25% of all art sales at the show will be donated to the Foundation by the show’s artists. The show is graciously hosted by Glass House Estate Winery, managed and operated by Joseph Richard Group.
Glass House Estate Winery, at 23449 0 Avenue. Langley, B.C V2Z 2X3
A complete list of participating artists can be found at (Photo Credit): https://www.westart.ca/

Live Music Sundays with Chris Witoski at Dead Frog Brewery
LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS! The beer is flowing, the tunes are going and we’ve got plenty of room for you and your craft beer buddies! We’ve got Live Music every Sunday 2:30-6pm at our Tasting Room. Come catch Chris Witoski play on March 6! Our tasting room has table service, 20+ craft brews on tap and lots of locally sourced fresh eats to make everyone’s taste buds happy! Check out our updated tap list, and fresh eats at deadfrog.ca.
Website and Photo Credit: https://deadfrog.ca/

LIVE MUSIC @ THE MERCH: Jordan Burgess and more!
Join us as we welcome professional guitarist & vocalist Jordan Burgess for Live “Music @ The Merch”
This is the fourth performance in our “Spring Series” that will run weekly on Tuesday evenings through April 12th.
Website and Photo Credit: https://thebarleymerchant.com/music-%40-the-merch

Head of the Fort Regatta
Rowing Race located in the Bedford Channel in the heart of Fort Langley.
Date: March 19, 2022, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Bedford Channel, Langley Township, BC, Canada
Website and Photo: https://www.facebook.com/UFV-Rowing-96393004723

Abbotsford Events

Nunsense
Fraser Valley Stage presents Nunsense, the second longest-running Off-Broadway show in history. The story follows the misadventures of five nuns trying to manage a musical fundraiser packed with hilarious, show-stopping song and dance numbers and fun for the whole family! Nunsense runs for 10 performances, including three matinees, March 24 – April 2, 2022 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre, 2329 Crescent Way, Abbotsford.
Website: https://fraservalleystage.com/
Photo: Unsplash

World Water Day at the Abbotsford Ravine Park Salmon Enhancement Society Hatchery
Spiritual Path to Awakening (SPA), in partnership with the United Church Earth Stewards, invites you to celebrate World Water Day on Tuesday, March 22 at 1:00 pm at the Abbotsford Ravine Park Salmon Enhancement Society Hatchery. During the event, Dale Taylor, president of Abbotsford Ravine Park Salmon Enhancement Society (ARPSES) will give a talk about the processes that the salmon go through, from egg stage to their release into local streams. Attendees will see the fry salmon in their indoor “incubation” tank and learn about the activities of the Stream Keeper volunteers who help to ensure the health of salmon habitat.
Date: Tue, Mar 22 2022, 1 – 2pm
Website: https://instabio.cc/SpiritualPathtoAwakening
Photo by Pavol Svantner on Unsplash

Purple Day Walk for Epilepsy Awareness
Walk/run around Mill Lake Park to support and spread awareness of epilepsy. This event is open to the public, anyone who is interested in joining can register
Date: Sat, Mar 26 2022, 10:30am – 2pm
Location: Mill Lake Park
Website and Photo Credit: https://esebc.org/purple-day/

FOOTNOTES:
Abbotsford Events
Langley Events
Surrey Events
Photos – No copyright infringement intended. Please contact us for credit or removal rod@impactintl.net
Main photo by Daniel Seßler on Unsplash

Featured February 19, 2022

The Real Estate Market’s Potential Silver Lining

Mike Wilson is the publisher of the Fraser Valley Lifestyle website and he is also a real estate agent with Royal LePage Northstar. In this article, he discusses whether or not there is a particular segment in the real estate market for whom it might be a good time to consider selling and buying a new home.

Have a plan

Mike says… we have seen a lot of things going on in the market and the consensus is if you are going to move you need a well-thought-out plan. In today’s market, there’s not a lot of supply and that has created a market where prices have gone up and made it more competitive when you buy a home too. That can be a challenge, but if you have the right strategy that encompasses all of the steps involved in selling and buying a new home, your stress level can be greatly reduced and you can enter the market with confidence.

Is it a good time to think about moving?

Given the current real estate market conditions in the Fraser Valley, there is a specific group of buyers and sellers for whom this could be the time where they want to take a look at moving. That group of people may have gotten into the market over the last five to 10 years with a minimal amount of money as far as equity goes.

An Example

Let’s use a young couple as an example. They moved into their first condo, and they put a minimum of 5% down. They both have good jobs and maybe want to start a family, or they feel like they need some more space. Often people that start in condos want to move to a townhouse or to a house for more space or because their family is growing. If you were selling in this scenario, you had a huge increase in equity because of the increases in the market over the last five-plus years.

Equity

Let’s say you bought a condo for $500,000 five years ago and you put 5% down and now your place is worth close to $1 million. That extra $500,000 in equity is non-taxable at this point because it is your primary residence. If you had a revenue property situation the tax would be handled differently.

Meet with a mortgage broker

So what does this mean for the young couple in our example? In addition to the equity that they have built up, let’s say they also both have good jobs. In this case, they may want to sit down with their mortgage broker and establish what their monthly costs would be if they bought a larger more expensive home.

After sitting down with their broker the next question is, why do they want to move into a different property? One reason is that we all know that buying right now is a lifestyle decision because of the extreme cost. We’re spending a lot of money on housing. If we are making a lifestyle decision we want to live in homes that we enjoy because we’re spending a lot of money on it. Also if your family is growing you might need more space. So given these different scenarios; an equity bump, making a lifestyle decision, or needing more space they may want to sit down with a mortgage broker where the current interest rates are as historically low as they are.

Again, our young couple is going to have to pay a premium for their new home but they’re also selling for a premium. We are not talking about selling high and buying low. They are going to have to sell high and buy high, but because of the equity bump that allows them to qualify for a higher mortgage amount provided their jobs are solid.

Location, location, location

Another consideration in this scenario is that location is paramount. In real estate, it always has been location location location, so bear in mind that homes in some locations will return more and they will return more quickly. So another thing to think about is the location of where you want to buy and what will potentially happen to home values over the next few years in that location.

Think long-term

It’s also a time to look long-term and not just short-term like some people are doing right now. Selling and buying a new home is going to involve some stress but we have to look at real estate investing on the basis of the prospect that we may have a home for seven or eight years and what potentially is going to happen to home values during that time instead of looking at the short term.

Do you have real estate questions? I have answers…

If you have real estate questions, I’m always here to provide you with an answer so feel free to give me a call or text at 604-889-7653. You can also email me at mike@fvlifestyle.com.

Mike Wilson
604-538-2125
mike@fvlifestyle.com
Web – https://fvlifestyle.com/real-estate-home/

BUSINESS February 15, 2022

Tax Filing Mistakes to Avoid

Are you starting to think about submitting your 2021 tax return? Making mistakes on your tax return can cost you time and money. Here are five common errors you’ll want to avoid:

1. Messing Up on the Basics
It may seem like common sense, but it’s surprisingly easy to make mistakes on basic information while doing your taxes. Doublecheck that your name and the names of your dependents are spelled correctly and that all Social Security numbers are correct.

2. Inaccurately Reporting Your Income
Carefully enter all wages, dividends, bank interest and other income you received. Also, don’t forget that unemployment benefits are taxable income that need to be reported as well.

3. Not Checking for Typos
It’s easy to enter the wrong number, leave out a digit or misplace a comma. For example, you contributed $4,500 to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) but you accidentally entered $5,400 as the deduction on your return. These kinds of mistakes can cheat you out of your deduction amount.

4. Entering the Wrong Bank Account Number
If you’re getting a refund, you’ll likely get it much faster if you choose the direct deposit option. Avoid any holdups by making sure you give the CRA the correct account number and routing number.

5. Filing a Paper Return
You’re free to file your taxes as you see fit, but keep in mind that filing electronically reduces your chances of making an error and will also help expedite your potential refund.

TAX TIP: Keep a copy of your signed return, along with proof of filing.