Get ready, Vancouver! The future of housing is here, and it's all about multiplexes. We're not just talking about your usual single-detached homes anymore. A leading Vancouver developer has a clear message: if we want to cater to a broader range of homebuyers, multiplexes are the way to go.

In 2024, Vancouver is set to reshape its low-density residential streets. These areas, traditionally filled with detached houses, have seen skyrocketing housing prices and dwindling populations. It's a trend that's caught the attention of governments and city planners alike.

Last fall, Vancouver made a game-changing move by approving new zoning for "missing middle" housing. This allows for more diverse housing options like multiplexes – buildings with up to six homes on a single lot. The response? Builders are all in! In just the first month, the city received 19 development applications for these multiplexes, translating to a potential 84 new strata homes.

Replacing single-family houses with these multiplexes means more homes in the same space – think triplexes or even a second building at the back of a lot. This isn't just a Vancouver thing, either. Other B.C. cities like Victoria, Kelowna, and Kimberley are on board, and with new policies from the B.C. government, we could see this change in every city with a population over 5,000.

Architect Michael Lu from Lineform Architecture, who's behind four of these new projects, is all for it. He's designed detached houses and duplexes before, but this shift to multiplexes offers a more certain and streamlined process. Plus, it's about bringing life back to these neighbourhoods. Lu notes that his own low-density area in Burnaby is "pretty quiet," with few kids or Halloween trick-or-treaters. More density could mean more vibrancy and community spirit.

So, Vancouverites, keep your eyes peeled. Multiplexes might just be the new norm on your side street!

When most people think about home security, they tend to focus on locks, alarms, and cameras. While these safeguards are essential, there are many other things you can do to prevent break-ins — without having to invest a lot of money.

Landscape Your Way to Safety
Well maintained landscaping can be a powerful deterrent to burglars. Overgrown trees and bushes provide perfect hiding spots for potential intruders. So, keep shrubs trimmed and ensure tree branches don’t offer easy access to upper-level windows.

Let There Be Light
A well-lit exterior can make your home an unattractive target for burglars. That doesn’t mean you need to illuminate your home like a Christmas tree 24/7! Instead, consider motion-activated lighting. It not only conserves energy but can startle and deter anyone trying to sneak around your property.

Silence the "No One's Home" Alarm
Heading on vacation? Hold your mail and newspaper deliveries, ask a neighbor to pick up flyers, and resist the urge to post your holiday pictures on social media. Don't let your absence become an open invitation for burglars!

The Bottom Line
Don’t rely entirely on gadgets and systems. Take a more comprehensive approach to home security and you’ll have more peace of mind when you’re away.

What do you do for your home security? Share your tips with us in the comments below!

Interest rates skyrocketed in 2023, and even as rates soften they may continue to be unpredictable. So, how do you manage your finances during such periods? Here are some helpful money-saving tips to consider.

Review and Reduce

Regularly review your monthly expenses. Are there any subscriptions or services you’re no longer using? Is there an unused gym membership or magazine subscription that can be cancelled? By trimming the fat from your budget, you’ll have more to put towards savings.

Build an Emergency Fund

When you have money set aside, you won’t have to dip into your line of credit or carry a credit card balance when something urgent comes up. Putting just a few dollars a week into a fund can add up over the year — and give you peace of mind.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Investing in energy-efficient appliances, windows, and even home insulation can lead to significant savings on utility bills over time. Additionally, some energy-efficient upgrades come with tax credits and other incentives.

Buy in Bulk

Watch out for sales on goods you purchase regularly, like breakfast cereal. If the discount is substantial, stock up. Over the year, this strategy can save hundreds on your grocery bill. Just be sure to pay attention to expiration dates!

Avoid Interest Charges

As much as possible, reduce or eliminate anything that charges interest. For example, pay credit cards by the due dates. (Note: credit card interest on cash advances often begins immediately.)

As you can see, making smart money decisions can help you ride out the current wave of interest rate uncertainty. What are your money saving strategies? 

Say you’ve found a house for sale in an area that’s unfamiliar to you. How do you figure out if it’s going to be the ideal neighbourhood.

Take a Walk

The first step is to take a walk! Stroll the neighbourhood and explore. If you get the chance, chat with homeowners and get their opinions of the area. Ask what they love about it. Ask what they don’t like.

Lifestyle Needs

Next determine how the neighbourhood is going to fit with your lifestyle. You’ll want to consider things like commuting routes, local amenities, schools, parks, shopping, etc. Google Maps is a great tool for this. Just turn on satellite view and get a bird’s eye view of the areas features.

Neighbourhood Data

Get the latest data on neighbourhood characteristics such as noise, demographics, crime rates, and more. You’ll be surprised by how much data is available, and the valuable insights you can gain about what it’s going to be like to live there.

Explore the Options

Now that you’ve determined your ideal neighbourhood it’s time to explore your options! Using DK Group's website you can search for your dream home by neighbourhood. You’ll be able to see specific location information for each individual listing such as exact distance to transit, schools, parks, and so much more! Make informed decisions about your new home’s location, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your lifestyle and preferences.

There is a reason why “The early-bird gets the worm” is such a popular expression. Real Estate is one of many examples in life when being early, or even first in line, gives you an advantage.

When shopping for a new home, being among the first to learn about a new listing benefits you in several ways:

You have more time to see the property and make a decision. 

You have the ability to submit an early offer. 

You’re under less pressure to make a decision quickly.

Overall, by finding out about a new listing early, you improve your chances of getting the property.

How do you get the early-bird advantage?

If you scour the internet for new listings, you can still miss opportunities. For example, “Coming soon” listings may not yet be published on the MLS. A better strategy is to arrange to be alerted to new listings and coming-soon opportunities the moment they come up. That way, you’re always the early-bird and your likelihood of finding and buying your next dream home increases.