Summer Maintenance: How to Get Your Gutters Ready for Vancouver’s Upcoming Rainy Season

Marci • August 18, 2014

It’s that time of year again in Vancouver – get ready for the heavy rains to roll in. Part of surviving these West Coast downpours involves preparing your gutters to handle an increased volume of water. Properly preparing your gutters will protect your roof from leaks and prevent water from pooling in unwanted places. Here are a few things you can do to ensure your gutters are ready for the deluge.

You know that your gutters are going to see a great deal of use in the near future. Now is the time to get out the ladder and inspect your gutters. Remove any debris that has accumulated during the year. You can even sweep your gutters out with a small broom to make sure water will flow easily. Inspecting your gutters twice per year (once in the spring and once in the autumn) will keep them in top shape.

What’s Your Angle? Choosing the Right Pitch

Your gutters’ angle, or pitch, is a vital piece of the puzzle when it comes to managing heavy rains. One of the best ways to test your pitch is to pour water down the gutter and keep a close eye on the flow. Water should not collect in pools anywhere. If it does, you’ll need to make an adjustment. You may need to add spikes and sleeves or change your gutter hanger. Test your gutters after every change to see if it makes a difference. Finding the right pitch means your gutters won’t be susceptible to rust, and that will extend their lifetime.

Check The Elbow for Debris

Your gutter system contains a piece that bends outward to pull the water away from your foundation. This piece is called the elbow. Your gutters’ elbow is a common source of clogging, so it’s important to keep the elbow clear. You should be able to remove the elbow to clear out any debris. Once you have checked the elbow, the downspout should be your next priority. Clean it thoroughly to keep rainwater moving.

Make Sure Water Drains Away From Your Home

As rainwater leaves your downspout, it should be directed away from the foundation of your home. Water that continues to accumulate close to your house could actually cause your foundation to settle, leading to major problems down the line. A simple way to avoid this problem is to lengthen your downspout or install splash blocks.

Take Care Of Any Holes

Having holes in your gutter system can spell disaster. If you have holes in your gutters, it’s important to plug them immediately. If the holes are relatively minor, you can apply plastic cement that is designed for gutter repairs. Severely damaged sections of your gutters may need to be replaced. If you are replacing your whole gutter system, a plastic or aluminum system is best.

Get Rid Of Rust Before It Causes Problems

Rusty spots in your gutters will erode and lead to holes. Scrape away any rust and apply a rust-resistant paint to your gutters. If you find any holes while you are treating your gutters for rust, use plastic cement to create a patch.

Large quantities of water can easily damage your home if you’re not prepared. Keeping your gutters in good shape is a great way to prevent water damage and increase your home’s value. For more great homeowner resources, or to discuss options for your next mortgage, contact me today.

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Everything You Need to Know About Second Mortgages

By Marci Deane • May 6, 2026
What Is a Second Mortgage, Really? (It’s Not What Most People Think) If you’ve heard the term “second mortgage” and assumed it refers to the next mortgage you take out after your first one ends, you’re not alone. It’s a common misconception—but the reality is a bit different. A second mortgage isn’t about the order of mortgages over time. It’s actually about the number of loans secured against a single property —at the same time. So, What Exactly Is a Second Mortgage? When you first buy a home, your mortgage is registered on the property in first position . This simply means your lender has the primary legal claim to your property if you ever sell it or default. A second mortgage is another loan that’s added on top of your existing mortgage. It’s registered in second position , meaning the lender only gets paid out after the first mortgage is settled. If you sell your home, any proceeds go toward paying off the first mortgage first, then the second one, and any remaining equity is yours. It’s important to note: You still keep your original mortgage and keep making payments on it —the second mortgage is an entirely separate agreement layered on top. Why Would Anyone Take Out a Second Mortgage? There are a few good reasons homeowners choose this route: You want to tap into your home equity without refinancing your existing mortgage. Your current mortgage has great terms (like a low interest rate), and breaking it would trigger hefty penalties. You need access to funds quickly , and a second mortgage is faster and more flexible than refinancing. One common use? Debt consolidation . If you’re juggling high-interest credit card or personal loan debt, a second mortgage can help reduce your overall interest costs and improve monthly cash flow. Is a Second Mortgage Right for You? A second mortgage can be a smart solution in the right situation—but it’s not always the best move. It depends on your current mortgage terms, your equity, and your financial goals. If you’re curious about how a second mortgage could work for your situation—or if you’re considering your options to improve cash flow or access equity—let’s talk. I’d be happy to walk you through it and help you explore the right path forward. Reach out anytime—we’ll figure it out together.

Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — April 29, 2026

By Marci Deane • April 29, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. This decision comes against a backdrop of significant global uncertainty — and for Canadian homeowners, buyers, and anyone with a mortgage coming up for renewal, here's what it means.

Your Guide to Successfully Navigating the Housing Market

By Marci Deane • April 22, 2026
Wondering If Now’s the Right Time to Buy a Home? Start With These Questions Instead. Whether you're looking to buy your first home, move into something bigger, downsize, or find that perfect place to retire, it’s normal to feel unsure—especially with all the noise in the news about the economy and the housing market. The truth is, even in the most stable times, predicting the “perfect” time to buy a home is incredibly hard. The market will always have its ups and downs, and the headlines will never give you the full story. So instead of trying to time the market, here’s a different approach: Focus on your personal readiness—because that’s what truly matters. Here are some key questions to reflect on that can help bring clarity: Would owning a home right now put me in a stronger financial position in the long run? Can I comfortably afford a mortgage while maintaining the lifestyle I want? Is my job or income stable enough to support a new home? Do I have enough saved for a down payment, closing costs, and a little buffer? How long do I plan to stay in the property? If I had to sell earlier than planned, would I be financially okay? Will buying a home now support my long-term goals? Am I ready because I want to buy, or because I feel pressure to act quickly? Am I hesitating because of market fears, or do I have legitimate concerns? These are personal questions, not market ones—and that’s the point. The economy might change tomorrow, but your answers today can guide you toward a decision that actually fits your life. Here’s How I Can Help Buying a home doesn’t have to be stressful when you have a plan and someone to guide you through it. If you want to explore your options, talk through your goals, or just get a better sense of what’s possible, I’m here to help. The best place to start? A mortgage pre-approval . It’s free, it doesn’t lock you into anything, and it gives you a clear picture of what you can afford—so you can move forward with confidence, whether that means buying now or waiting. You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re curious, let’s talk. Together, we can map out a homebuying plan that works for you.