007: Lower Mainland House Sales Are Cooling Off. Kate Miller Explains How To Get Your Property Sold

Marci • September 23, 2016

Marci Deane  talks with  Kate Miller about the current state of the North Vancouver real estate market, and how the foreign buyer tax is impacting the Lower Mainland. 

Introduction

Kate Miller is a realtor with Royal LePage Sussex with 5 and a half years of experience. She has been selected as one of Canada’s Top 100 Agents under 35, by Real Estate Professional Magazine. Kate talks about the current state of the market, and how the  foreign buyer tax is affecting North Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. She also gives her predictions for the upcoming months, and shares some tips for sellers entering the new landscape of real estate in Vancouver. 

Key points

  • [6:15]  There are over 12,000 realtors in the Lower Mainland, and not all of them do their job properly.
  • [7:55]  Kate talks about the foreign buyer tax.
  • [8:25]  The market was already starting to calm before the tax was implemented.
  • [8:30]  The tax caught everyone off guard.
  • [9:35] 457 deals did not complete as a direct result of the tax.
  • [10:00]  The government does not realize the tax will cause a domino effect.
  • [11:00]  Many people who move to Vancouver on work visas are still affected by the tax.
  • [11:41]  What’s your advice for the market in its current state?
  • [11:56]  The tax has changed the psychology of sellers.
  • [12:25]  West Vancouver has, only had 7 sales in the month of August 2016; last year it was 54.
  • [13:02]  Condos and single family homes under $1.4 million are still active.
  • [13:32]  The multiple deal frenzy has cooled.
  • [14:10]  What’s your advice to sellers heading into the fall?
  • [14:40]  With the end of multiple offers, you have to price your property correctly.
  • [15:00]  Your home should be in immaculate condition for showings.
  • [15:57]  The market in Vancouver should return to a more conventional market.
  • [17:50]  You should interview at least 2 realtors.
  • [18:20]  Ask your realtor about their statistics, and the statistics of the area you’re looking to buy in.

 

Contact Kate Miller 

Share

By Marci Deane June 17, 2026
Mortgage Registration 101: What You Need to Know About Standard vs. Collateral Charges When you’re setting up a mortgage, it’s easy to focus on the rate and monthly payment—but what about how your mortgage is registered? Most borrowers don’t realize this, but there are two common ways your lender can register your mortgage: as a standard charge or a collateral charge . And that choice can affect your flexibility, future borrowing power, and even your ability to switch lenders. Let’s break down what each option means—without the legal jargon. What Is a Standard Charge Mortgage? Think of this as the “traditional” mortgage. With a standard charge, your lender registers exactly what you’ve borrowed on the property title. Nothing more. Nothing hidden. Just the principal amount of your mortgage. Here’s why that matters: When your mortgage term is up, you can usually switch to another lender easily —often without legal fees, as long as your terms stay the same. If you want to borrow more money down the line (for example, for renovations or debt consolidation), you’ll need to requalify and break your current mortgage , which can come with penalties and legal costs. It’s straightforward, transparent, and offers more freedom to shop around at renewal time. What Is a Collateral Charge Mortgage? This is a more flexible—but also more complex—type of mortgage registration. Instead of registering just the amount you borrow, a collateral charge mortgage registers for a higher amount , often up to 100%–125% of your home’s value . Why? To allow you to borrow additional funds in the future without redoing your mortgage. Here’s the upside: If your home’s value goes up or you need access to funds, a collateral charge mortgage may let you re-borrow more easily (if you qualify). It can bundle other credit products—like a line of credit or personal loan—into one master agreement. But there are trade-offs: You can’t switch lenders at renewal without hiring a lawyer and paying legal fees to discharge the mortgage. It may limit your ability to get a second mortgage with another lender because the original lender is registered for a higher amount than you actually owe. Which One Should You Choose? The answer depends on what matters more to you: flexibility in future borrowing , or freedom to shop around for better rates at renewal. Why Talk to a Mortgage Broker? This kind of decision shouldn’t be made by default—or by what a single lender offers. An independent mortgage professional can help you: Understand how your mortgage is registered (most people never ask!) Compare lenders that offer both options Make sure your mortgage aligns with your future goals—not just today’s needs We look at your full financial picture and explain the fine print so you can move forward with confidence—not surprises. Have questions? Let’s talk. Whether you’re renewing, refinancing, or buying for the first time, I’m here to help you make smart, informed choices about your mortgage. No pressure—just answers.
By Marci Deane June 10, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is maintaining its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. For Canadian homeowners, buyers, and anyone with a mortgage on the horizon — here's what you need to know.
By Marci Deane June 3, 2026
Ready to Buy Your First Home? Here’s How to Know for Sure Buying your first home is exciting—but it’s also a major financial decision. So how can you tell if you’re truly ready to take that leap into homeownership? Whether you’re confident or still unsure, these four signs are solid indicators that you’re on the right path: 1. You’ve Got Your Down Payment and Closing Costs in Place To purchase a home in Canada, you’ll need at least 5% of the purchase price as a down payment. In addition, plan for around 1.5% to 2% of the home’s value to cover closing costs like legal fees, insurance, and adjustments. If you’ve managed to save this on your own, that’s a great sign of financial discipline. If you're receiving help from a family member through a gifted down payment , that works too—as long as the paperwork is in order. Either way, having these funds ready shows you’re prepared for the upfront costs of homeownership. 2. Your Credit Profile Tells a Good Story Lenders want to know how you manage debt. Before they approve you for a mortgage, they’ll review your credit history. What they typically like to see: At least two active credit accounts (trade lines) , like a credit card or loan Each with a minimum limit of $2,000 Open and active for at least 2 years Even if your credit isn’t perfect, don’t panic. There may still be options, such as using a co-signer or working on a credit improvement plan with a mortgage expert. 3. Your Income Can Support Homeownership—Comfortably A steady income is essential, but not all income is treated equally. If you’re full-time and past probation , you’re in a strong position. If you’re self-employed, on contract, or rely on variable income like tips or commissions, you’ll generally need a two-year history to qualify. A general rule: housing costs (mortgage, taxes, utilities) should stay under 35% of your gross monthly income . That leaves plenty of room for other living expenses, savings, and—yes—some fun too. 4. You’ve Talked to a Mortgage Professional Let’s be real—there’s a lot of info out there about buying a home. Google searches and TikToks can only take you so far. If you're serious about buying, speaking with a mortgage professional is the most effective next step. Why? Because you'll: Get pre-approved (and know what price range you're working with) Understand your loan options and the qualification process Build a game plan that suits your timeline and financial goals The Bottom Line: Being “ready” to buy a home isn’t just about how much you want it—it’s about being financially prepared, credit-ready, and backed by expert advice. If you’re thinking about homeownership, let’s chat. I’d love to help you understand your options, crunch the numbers, and build a plan that gets you confidently across the finish line—keys in hand.