22nd Annual Neighbourhood Garage Sale on Saturday, May 2nd Compliments of Dave, Cindy and Kimberly Walker, HomeLife Benchmark Realty! 17 homes this year, including Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary in Walker Driveway raising over $2300.00 toward comfort care and machines. The Weinart family once again organized the Crescent United Church in their driveway raising $890.00 with a number of dollars accolated toward Ray Shepherd School Back-Pack Buddies Program supporting over 18 families! Great weather and all sellers did well selling their merchandise! All in all a successful day!

Key takeaways you should know:

• This marks another hold in 2026, as the Bank continues to wait for clearer economic direction. 

• Inflation has ticked up recently (largely due to energy prices), but remains relatively controlled. 

• Ongoing global uncertainty (Middle East conflict, trade/tariffs) is a major reason for the cautious stance. 

• The Bank signaled that future rate moves could go either way, but if things track as expected, changes should be gradual. 

Bottom line:
Rates holding steady keeps variable-rate borrowers stable for now, but the door is still open for potential increases later this year depending on inflation.

Quick Spotlight: What is Alternative Lending (Why it matters for your clients)

What is alternative lending?
Alternative (or “B” / private) lending provides mortgage solutions outside of the major banks, often with more flexible qualification criteria.

These lenders look beyond strict income and credit guidelines focusing more on equity, overall financial picture, and the story behind the file.

Who does it help?

• Self-employed clients with write-offs

• Clients with bruised or limited credit

• Those between jobs or income transitions

• Buyers who just don’t fit the bank “box” (increasingly common)

Why it’s on the rise:

• Tighter bank rules + stress test challenges are pushing more borrowers out of prime lending 

• Growth of “near-prime” borrowers - strong clients who simply don’t meet rigid bank criteria 

• Economic uncertainty is making income qualification harder for many Canadians

How it benefits your clients:

• Keeps deals alive when banks decline

• Provides short-term bridge solutions (typically 6–24 months) to get clients back to prime lending

• Offers flexibility to restructure, consolidate debt, or stabilize finances

Alternative lending isn’t a last resort anymore. It’s a strategic tool when used correctly, with a clear exit plan.

Great news - the GST Rebate for First-Time Homebuyers has finally come into effect!!

Announced last spring by the federal government, the bill received Royal Assent last week and eliminates “the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for first-time home buyers on new homes up to $1 million and reducing the GST for first-time home buyers on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million.”  The Canada Revenue Agency will now be able to start processing rebate claims. 

Please note that the rebate will generally apply to agreements of purchase and sale entered into on or after March 20, 2025, and before 2031. 

If you have clients that were first time home buyers and purchased a new home under $1,500,000 between March 20, 2025, and today you should reach out and make sure they apply for the rebate.  We are combing through our files so that our clients are notified, but you should do the same, in particular if they did not use us.

Big Shout to Everyone Supporting the 13th Annual Coldest Night of the Year, raising $215,000 and counting, with funds raised supporting individuals and families in our community experiencing, hunger, homelessness, isolation and mental health challenges.

Great-full to the part of HomeLife Benchmark Realty, Leading Co-Sponsor.

• Saturday, February 28 -  4 PM @ Memorial Park, White Rock

• 2 to 5 km walk

• Raising funds for counselling, homelessness & poverty

• Join our team or simply donate $20.00                                                         

• Link To Donate:  https://cnoy.w-ith.me/WalkerFamily 

We have numerous reviews over the years for top production, but what means most to us is satisfied clients!