Thinking of Moving to BC? Which City Matches Your Personality?

Marci • May 12, 2015

Have you made the life-altering decision to move to British Columbia?

Are you considering relocating to Vancouver and becoming part of the great expat community ? The Northwest will not let you down. It really has something to offer everyone, set against a constant backdrop of natural beauty.

Which British Columbian city is the one for you? Here we match up personality types with cities! Enjoy!

The Athlete

Do you enjoy riding the natural endorphin high? For a sports enthusiast, the Whistler area is your best match. This Olympic co-host provides state-of-the-art skiing and snowboarding opportunities with over 200 marked trails leading you down the mountain. Blackcomb Peak, another top-notch skiing mountain, can also be found in the area.
Don’t feel the need to be at the top of the mountain at 9:00? Sleep in and take a relaxed snowshoe stroll or cozy up to the family in a horse-drawn carriage. Thus, Whistler fulfills the needs for snow athletes and their families!

The Outdoorsy Type

Surf’s up, dudes. Head to the western side of Vancouver Island if you need some time with the waves. Tofino is quite the place, it even has a taco shack. This is also an ideal area for kayakers, hikers, and cyclists alike. For energetic nature lovers, this is a must-experience or even a must-live in region.

The Golfer/ Wannabe Painter

If laidback sports are your thing, Kamloops offers great golfing prospects. Golf courses abound. There are also many opportunities to hike, mountain bike and camp if you’re up for a more challenging pastime. Furthermore, if you do decide to take on some water sports, lakes and rivers provide excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and rafting.
Kamloops also hosts many music and theatre festivals, to satisfy its large arts community.

The Student

In Victoria and Kelowna, a significant part of the population consists of students. If you are hitting the books, you’ll feel at home, and you’ll be able to find others who feel your pain when it comes to exam time. For those considering Victoria, you will enjoy the aesthetic perks of living in a historic waterfront capital with artsy areas, cosmopolitan architecture, and plenty of shopping opportunities. Those calling Kelowna home, however, may just become wine experts, being surrounded by wineries.

The Explorer of Cultures

If you dig the multicultural vibe, try Richmond, with 60% of its population being of Asian descent. Shopping and dining in the Golden Village provide some of the most authentic experiences that you will come across outside of Asia. This city is only 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver and has further international connections through Vancouver International Airport, located in Richmond.

The Tranquility-Seeker

Craving a quaint living environment with the perks of a large city? Steveston is the place for you. This seaside fishing village provides a peaceful atmosphere, historic buildings, and all the fresh seafood dining you could ever dream of.

The Beach Babe

The 180-km long Sunshine Coast provides an island-like atmosphere. With the scenery combining forests with beaches, and mountains with ocean, you could not ask more of nature. Bohemian culture is prevalent along the coast and options for outdoor activities are limitless. If you’re up for some adventure, paddle out to one of the nearby islands.

The Big Guns

As a city of over 603,000 people, living among natural beauty, Vancouver has a lot to offer. Vancouverites have the luxury of hitting the slopes in the morning and warming up on the beach in the afternoon. The environment offers many routes of escape from life, such as skiing and whale watching.

Vancouver rivals its fellow Canadian cities, Montreal and Toronto, for the honorary title of Canada’s culinary capital. It has the biggest Asian dining scene and an amazing variety of fresh seafood, including wild salmon and spot prawns.

Multiculturalism is a way of life in Vancouver. Presently, almost half of the population is bilingual. Neighborhoods at the height of the multicultural scene include Chinatown, Punjabi Market, and Little Italy. Few major cities can compete with the quality of life in Vancouver. Ranked fifth in the 2012 Mercer Quality of Living Survey, the city comfortably remained in the top ten for more than a decade. However, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Cost of Living Survey 2013, Vancouver was ranked 21st on an international scale and was named the most expensive city in North America to live in. Thus, the career type may suit this city best.

With so many possibilities and places to live, it will not take long to adapt to the Canadian way of life.

This was previously published on the site Oct. 7th 2014, but it was too good to stay buried in the archives, so we brought it out to play! Also, this post was originally sourced here  with some of our own additions!

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Getting a Mortgage Shouldn’t Be Stressful—We Can Help

By Marci Deane • December 31, 2025
Buying a Home? Follow These 6 Key Steps for a Smooth Experience Buying a home is likely one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s exciting—but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding how mortgage financing works. To help make the process smoother (and far less stressful), here are six essential steps every homebuyer should follow: 1. Start With a Mortgage Professional—Not MLS It’s tempting to start your home search by scrolling through listings and booking showings—but the real first step should be speaking with an independent mortgage professional . Unlike a bank that offers only one set of products, an independent mortgage expert has access to multiple lenders and options . That means better advice, better rates, and a better chance of finding a mortgage that truly fits your needs. 2. Build a Personalized Mortgage Plan Unless you’re buying your home with cash, you’ll need a solid financing strategy. That means: Reviewing your credit score Running affordability calculations Exploring different mortgage types, terms, and features Understanding down payments and closing costs The sooner you start planning, the more confident you’ll feel. Don’t wait until you’ve found the “perfect” property— get ahead of the process now . 3. Figure Out What You Can Actually Afford What a lender says you can borrow doesn’t always match what you can comfortably pay each month. Take a close look at your budget, lifestyle, and spending habits. Think about how your mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and other costs will fit into your everyday cash flow. Avoid the stress of being house-poor by knowing your real-life affordability , not just your paper pre-approval. 4. Get Pre-Approved the Right Way A true mortgage pre-approval isn’t just entering numbers into an online calculator. It means: Completing a mortgage application Submitting all your required documentation Having a mortgage professional fully assess your file When you’re officially pre-approved, you’ll shop for homes with confidence , knowing what you qualify for and that you’re financially ready. 5. Submit Your Documents Promptly and Stay Flexible Once you find a property and your offer is accepted, time is of the essence. That’s when all the upfront work you’ve done really pays off. Be ready to: Provide additional documentation if requested Respond to your mortgage professional quickly Stay flexible and proactive throughout the approval process Your lender needs to verify everything before finalizing the loan, so staying organized is key. 6. Don’t Make Big Financial Changes Before Closing Once you’ve secured financing and waived your conditions, freeze your finances until after you get the keys. Seriously—don’t: Change jobs Apply for new credit Take out a loan Make a large withdrawal Even small changes can throw off your approval. Keep everything status quo until you officially take possession. Recap: 6 Steps to a Smooth Home Purchase Connect with an independent mortgage professional Create a mortgage plan early Know what you can afford (not just what you qualify for) Get fully pre-approved Stay on top of documentation Avoid major financial changes before possession Ready to Buy with Confidence? If you’re thinking about buying a home—or just want to know what’s possible—let’s talk. I’ll help you map out a personalized plan that makes your homebuying journey feel simple, strategic, and stress-free. Reach out anytime. I’d love to help you get started.

Get Unbiased Advice: Work with an Independent Mortgage Pro

By Marci Deane • December 24, 2025
Why Work With an Independent Mortgage Professional? If you’re in the market for a mortgage, here’s the most important thing to know: Working with an independent mortgage professional can save you money and provide better options than dealing directly with a single bank. If that’s all you read—great! But if you’d like to understand why that statement is true, keep reading. The Best Mortgage Isn’t Just About the Lowest Rate It’s easy to fall for slick marketing that promotes ultra-low mortgage rates. But the lowest rate doesn’t always mean the lowest cost . The best mortgage is the one that costs you the least amount of money over time —not just the one with the flashiest headline rate. Things like: Prepayment penalties Portability Flexibility to refinance Amortization structure Fixed vs. variable terms …can all affect the true cost of your mortgage. An independent mortgage professional looks beyond the rate. They’ll help you find a product that fits your unique financial situation , long-term goals, and lifestyle—so you’re not hit with expensive surprises down the road. Save Time (and Your Sanity) Applying for a mortgage can be complicated. Every lender has different rules, documents, and policies—and trying to navigate them all on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating. When you work with an independent mortgage professional: You fill out one application They shop that application across multiple lenders You get expert advice tailored to your needs This means less paperwork , less stress , and more confidence in your options. Get Unbiased Advice That Puts You First Bank specialists work for the bank. Their job is to sell you that bank’s mortgage products—whether or not it’s the best deal for you. Independent mortgage professionals work for you. They’re provincially licensed, and their job is to help you: Compare multiple lenders Understand the fine print Make informed, long-term financial decisions And the best part? Their services are typically free to you . Mortgage professionals are paid a standardized fee by the lender when a mortgage is placed—so you get expert guidance without any out-of-pocket cost. Access More Mortgage Options When you go to your bank, you’re limited to that bank’s mortgage products. When you go to an independent mortgage professional, you get access to: Major banks Credit unions Monoline lenders (who only offer mortgages) Alternative and private lenders (if needed) That’s far more choice , and a much better chance of finding a mortgage that truly fits your needs and goals. The Bottom Line If you want to: Save money over the life of your mortgage Save time by avoiding unnecessary back-and-forth Access more lenders and products Get honest, client-first advice …then working with an independent mortgage professional is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Let’s Make a Plan That Works for You If you're ready to talk about mortgage financing—or just want to explore your options—I'm here to help. Let's connect and put together a strategy that makes sense for your goals and your future. Reach out anytime. I’d be happy to help.

Is Alternative Lending the Right Choice for Your Mortgage Needs?

By Marci Deane • December 17, 2025
Alternative Lending in Canada: What It Is and When It Makes Sense Not everyone fits into the traditional lending box—and that’s where alternative mortgage lenders come in. Alternative lending refers to any mortgage solution that falls outside of the typical big bank offerings. These lenders are flexible, creative, and focused on helping Canadians who may not qualify for traditional financing still access the real estate market. Let’s explore when alternative lending might be the right fit for you. 1. You Have Damaged Credit Bad credit doesn’t have to mean your homeownership dreams are over. Many alternative lenders take a big-picture approach . While credit scores matter, they’ll also look at: Stable employment Consistent income Size of your down payment or existing equity If your credit has taken a hit but you can demonstrate strong income and savings—or have a solid explanation for past credit issues— an alternative lender may approve your mortgage when a bank won’t. Pro tip: Use an alternative mortgage as a short-term solution while you rebuild your credit, then refinance into a traditional mortgage with better terms down the line. 2. You're Self-Employed Being your own boss has its perks—but mortgage approval isn’t usually one of them. Traditional lenders require verifiable, consistent income—often two years’ worth. But self-employed Canadians typically write off significant expenses, reducing their declared income. Alternative lenders are more flexible and understanding of self-employed income structures. If your business is profitable and your personal finances are healthy, you may qualify even with lower stated income. Even if interest rates are slightly higher, this option is often worth it—especially when balanced against tax planning and business deductions . 3. You Earn Non-Traditional Income Today’s income sources aren’t always conventional. If you earn through: Airbnb rentals Tips and gratuities Rideshare or delivery apps (like Uber or Uber Eats) Commissions or contracts You might face challenges with traditional lenders. Alternative lenders are often more willing to work with these non-standard income streams , especially if the rest of your mortgage application is strong. Some will consider a shorter income history or evaluate your average earnings in a more flexible way. 4. You Need Expanded Debt-Service Ratios Canada’s mortgage stress test has made it harder for many borrowers to qualify with big banks. Alternative lenders can offer more generous debt-service ratio limits —meaning you might be able to qualify for a larger mortgage or a more suitable home, especially in competitive markets. While traditional GDS/TDS limits typically sit at 35/42 or 39/44 (depending on your credit), some alternative lenders will go higher, especially if: You have a larger down payment Your loan-to-value ratio is lower Your overall financial profile is strong It’s not a free-for-all—but it’s more flexible than bank lending. So, Is Alternative Lending Right for You? Alternative lending is designed to offer solutions when life doesn’t fit the traditional mold . Whether you're rebuilding credit, running your own business, or earning income in new ways, this path could help you get into a home sooner—or keep your current one. And here’s the key: You can only access alternative lenders through the mortgage broker channel . Let’s Explore Your Options Not sure where you fit? That’s okay. Every mortgage story is unique—and I’m here to help you write yours. If you’re curious about alternative mortgage products, want a second opinion, or need help getting approved, let’s talk . I’d be happy to help you explore the best solution for your situation. Reach out anytime. It would be a pleasure to work with you.