Canadian Inflation Falls to 2.9% in January, Boosting Rate Cut Prospects The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.9% year-over-year in January, down sharply from December's 3.4% reading. The most significant contributor to the deceleration was a 4% decline in y/y gasoline prices, compared to a 1.4% rise the month before (see chart below). Excluding gasoline, headline CPI slowed to 3.2% y/y, down from 3.5% in December. Headline inflation of 2.9% marks the first time since June that inflation has moved into the Bank of Canada 1%-to-3% target band and only the second time to breach that band since M ..read more

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as the best investment option for you depends on your personal financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Both real estate and stock market investments have their own advantages and disadvantages. Real estate investments can provide a steady income stream through rental income, and the value of the property may appreciate over time, providing a potential return on investment. However, real estate investments can also require a significant amount of upfront capital and ongoing maintenance costs. Real estate in and around Victor ..read more

Real estate is considered one of the top-most long-term investments a person can make for several reasons: Appreciation: Over time, real estate typically increases in value, which means that an investment made today can be worth more in the future. Rent: Properties can generate rental income, providing a steady stream of passive income for the investor. Diversification: Real estate can be a good way to diversify an investment portfolio, reducing the overall risk. Inflation Hedge: Real estate is often considered a hedge against inflation because as the cost of living increases, so does the valu ..read more

There are several reasons why first-time home buyers in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada should consult with a professional real estate agent before beginning their home search: Expertise: Real estate agents have extensive knowledge of the local market and can provide valuable insights into the buying process. Network: Agents have connections with other industry professionals, such as home inspectors, mortgage brokers, and lawyers, who can assist with various aspects of the home-buying process. Negotiations: Real estate agents are experienced negotiators and can help first-time buyers get th ..read more

Yesterday's US Consumer Price Index (CPI) report surprised expert economists by revealing a (much) lower than expected increase in the cost of living. The US CPI decline in July resulted from the steep drop in energy prices that peaked in early June. The US CPI remained unchanged, down from a 1.3% spike in June, 2022. The overall effect of a reduction in the year-over-year inflation rate to 8.5% from a four-decade high of 9.1% will likely have an effect on the housing market and especially in the greater Victoria area real estate market. The US Fed will potentially keep interest rates level if ..read more

According to this CBC Article, Canada's overall housing market is in retreat the frantic pace in May, 2022. The recent decline on a federal average is showing the average Canadian house price now selling for just $711,000, a decline of more than $100,000 in the last quarter. Victoria BC Real Estate has seen a similar decline. According to the local real estate board, a total of 761 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate region in May, 2022. This is 27.5 per cent fewer than the 1,049 properties sold in May 2021 and a 7.6 per cent decrease from April 2022. Sales of condominiums were down 2 ..read more

Enjoy Downtown Living or Rental in A Unique Building. A 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, 1 Balcony Suite in Hudson Place One! Featuring Eat-In Kitchen with large, Quartz Waterfall Island, Bosch Appliances, Gas Cooktop, Integrated Fridge & Dishwasher, and Custom Built-Wine Rack! Built by Award Winning Developers and offering unparalleled Amenities such as Concierge, Gym, Yoga Studio, Sauna, Residents Lounge with Outdoor BBQ & Eating area, Billiard Room, Play Ground,Dog Wash,Hobby Room,Guest Suite and more! Hudson Place One is Pet & Rental Friendly with Underground Secure Parking, and Separat ..read more

Realtors in BC are being asked to act as police to help prevent money laundering within the real estate industry. The practice of adding responsibilities to small business to do government's job is an old and antiquated concept yet it persists today. So why should the public care? So what is money laundering in the BC real estate market? In general, laundering is the process of making illegally-gained proceeds appear legitimate. If a criminal suddenly starts buying assets with cash, it attracts the attention of many government and police agencies. To hide the sudden rise in their own net worth ..read more

As reported last month, the Royal Bank of Canada’s (TSE RBC:TO) mandatory regulatory filings for the second quarter of 2021 were rife with the major requirements including several best-case/worst-case scenarios that help the banking giant illustrate how much risk the company is exposed to. The single largest surprise was a section stating that home prices in Canada could see reductions by as much as 30% within 12 months, under certain conditions. This means the average price (as of mid 2021) of $713k could fall to as low as $500k. There is no data to indicate the spread of the impact over high ..read more