Moving Your Family to Greater Vancouver? Five Tips on How to Help the Kids Adjust to a New Home

Marci • October 21, 2014

Are you a parent who is moving to Greater Vancouver? Whether this is your first move with children or you’ve moved your family in the recent past, you’re already aware that kids go through a bit of an adjustment process when moving to a new city and a new environment. In today’s post we’ll explore a few tips on how to help your kids adjust to their new home and surroundings after a move.
Moving Your Family to Vancouver Five Tips on How to Help the Kids Adjust to a New Home

Introduce Them to Other Local Kids

One of the hardest parts of a move is making new friends, so getting your children introduced to other local kids is key. Ask your neighbours and other locals if they have children and if so, consider inviting the family over for a barbecue or dinner party. It’s a great way to meet other families and to get the children together to play. With any luck, your children will quickly form bonds and create lasting friendships.

Check Out your Community Amenities

Whether your children prefer to be skating on an ice rink or running around in a park, Vancouver and our massive array of community amenities has them covered. Bring the kids along to the local community centre and see if there are any organized sports, lessons or other programs that they would be interested in joining. If you have a dog, be sure to check out some of our off-leash dog parks and beaches where your children can enjoy playing with your pets. If you’re in Vancouver, Kitsilano or False Creek, be sure to strap on your helmets and enjoy riding around the seawall.

Accompany Them to Their New School

If you arrived in Vancouver over the summer your kids may have already adjusted to their new school and have started making new friends. However, if you are moving in to Vancouver after the school year has begun and you have younger children, consider accompanying them to school for the first week or two. Starting classes a bit late can be jarring for children and having you around to reassure them until they get settled in may help.

Explore All That Vancouver Has to Offer

After you’ve had a chance to settle in and start unpacking, be sure to take the family out and explore all that our wonderful city has to offer. From the peak of Grouse Mountain to the beaches of White Rock, the Greater Vancouver area has an endless number of day trips, activities, picnic spots and more. Spend some time getting acquainted with the communities and neighbourhoods outside of your own area – you’ll find that no matter where you go, there’s always something to discover.

Are you thinking about buying a new home in the Greater Vancouver area? If you’re in need of mortgage advice, I’m happy to help. Contact me today by email and we can meet, discuss your needs and get your mortgage financing started.

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How to Finance a Spousal Buyout After Separation or Divorce

By Marci Deane • November 4, 2026
Mortgage Options During Divorce or Separation: What You Should Know If you’re going through—or considering—a divorce or separation, you may not realize that there are mortgage solutions specifically designed to help one party keep the home . For many people, the family home is their largest asset and where most of their equity is tied up. In situations like this, a spousal buyout program can allow one person to refinance the property and buy out the other party’s share—often up to 95% of the home’s value . This option can work whether you want to keep the home or your former partner does. What Is the Spousal Buyout Program? The spousal buyout program is a refinancing option that allows one owner to purchase the other owner’s share of the property as part of a separation or divorce settlement. In some cases, it can also be used to pay off jointly held debts, as outlined in a legal agreement. Below are some of the most common questions about how the program works. Is a finalized separation agreement required? Yes. Lenders require a signed and finalized separation agreement that clearly outlines how assets and debts are to be divided. This document is essential for approval. Can the funds be used for renovations or personal debts? No. Funds from a spousal buyout can only be used to: Buy out the other owner’s share of equity Pay off joint debts specifically listed in the separation agreement They cannot be used for renovations, personal loans, or unrelated expenses. How much equity can be accessed? The maximum amount available is the amount required to: Buy out the other party’s agreed-upon share of equity Pay off any joint debts listed in the agreement This amount cannot exceed 95% loan-to-value . What is the maximum loan-to-value allowed? The maximum loan-to-value is the lesser of : 95%, or The remaining mortgage balance plus the required buyout and joint debt payout The property must be the primary owner-occupied residence . Do all parties need to be on title? Yes. All individuals involved in the buyout must currently be registered on title. Your solicitor will confirm this through a title search. Does this only apply to married or common-law couples? No. While commonly used for married or common-law couples, the program may also apply to siblings or friends who jointly own a property and need one party to exit the mortgage. These cases are typically reviewed on an exception basis and require insurer approval. If no separation agreement exists, the purchase contract must clearly outline the buyout terms. Is a full appraisal required? Yes. A physical, on-site appraisal is required to confirm the property’s value before the mortgage can be finalized. Final Thoughts This overview covers some of the most common questions about mortgage options during separation or divorce, but every situation is different. Working with an independent mortgage professional gives you access to multiple lenders, specialized programs, and unbiased advice—so you can clearly understand your options and choose what’s best for your future. If you’re navigating a separation and need guidance around keeping or selling the home, feel free to connect anytime. All conversations are handled with discretion and confidentiality, and I’d be happy to walk you through your options.

Bank of Canada Raises Rate to 2.5% — October 28, 2026

By Marci Deane • October 28, 2026
On October 28, 2026, the Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate by 0.25%, bringing it to 2.5%. If you have a mortgage, are shopping for a home, or have a renewal coming up, this decision matters. Here is a plain-language look at what changed, why it happened, and what it could mean for you.

How to Legally Assign a Construction Mortgage

By Marci Deane • October 21, 2026
Why More Mortgage Options Matter—Especially for Assignment Purchases One of the biggest advantages of working with an independent mortgage professional is access to choice. Instead of being limited to one lender and one set of products, mortgage brokers work with multiple lenders—each with different guidelines, risk tolerances, and mortgage solutions. That flexibility becomes especially valuable when your situation doesn’t fit neatly into a “standard” box. A great example of this is purchasing new construction through an assignment contract . Why Assignment Purchases Can Be Challenging Assignment purchases are often viewed as higher risk by traditional lenders. Rather than declining these deals outright, many lenders quietly make them difficult by adding layers of conditions, restrictions, or uncertainty. This can lead to delays, frustration, or financing falling apart late in the process. The Good News There are lenders—available exclusively through the broker channel —that have clear, favourable policies for assignment purchases. With the right lender and proper planning, these transactions are absolutely doable. Typical Financing Requirements for Assignment Purchases While every situation is unique, many lenders that allow assignment financing look for the following: Standard purchase qualification, including income verification, credit, and down payment Assignments accepted at either the original purchase price or current market value Minimum 620 credit score , with no prior bankruptcies or consumer proposals The full down payment must come from the purchaser —seller incentives cannot be used Required Documentation To secure financing, lenders typically require: The original purchase agreement signed by all parties The MLS listing (if applicable) The assignment agreement signed by the builder, original purchaser, and new buyer Any side agreements outlining changes to the purchase price A full appraisal to confirm value This list isn’t exhaustive, but it highlights that while assignment purchases require more coordination, they are very achievable with the right lender and guidance. Final Thoughts Assignment contracts can open doors to great opportunities—but only if your financing supports the transaction. This is where access to multiple lenders and specialized policies makes a real difference. If you’re considering purchasing new construction through an assignment, or if you’d like to explore more traditional purchase options, feel free to connect anytime. I’d be happy to walk you through the mortgage products available and help you choose an option that doesn’t limit your financing possibilities.