Speculators Left the Party — The Real Buyers Have Not 💃

July's numbers are in from Greater Vancouver REALTORS®, and at first glance it looks dramatic: home sales dipped 9.8% year-over-year, with 2,061 homes changing hands. Cue the ominous headlines. 📉

But zoom in and the story is a lot calmer. Prices barely moved — down just 0.9% from June, landing at a benchmark of $1,088,800. And the sales-to-active-listings ratio sits at 13%, right in the sweet spot of what's considered a healthy, balanced market (not the "everyone panic" zone, not the "bidding war" zone either).

Translation: the market isn't dead. It's just done being a circus. The speculators chasing quick flips and rapid gains have disappeared, but the people who actually want a home to live in? Still here, still buying, still finding a market that's behaving... pretty normally. Wild concept, I know.

One more thing worth keeping on your radar: Canada's ban on foreign homebuyers is set to expire January 1, 2027, and Ottawa hasn't confirmed whether it'll extend, lift, or land somewhere in between. There's real speculation the government could adopt an Australia-style approach — allowing foreign buyers back in for new construction and vacant land (the same fuel that drove so much of our pre-sale market pre-ban), while keeping resale homes off-limits. Nothing's set in stone, but if you're weighing a move in the next several months, it's a development worth watching. 🗓️

If you've been sitting on the sidelines wondering whether now's the time, a balanced market — with potential policy shifts on the horizon — is usually a good moment to have an actual conversation about it. I'd love to grab a coffee and talk through what this means for you specifically — zero pressure, just a chat.

And if you're curious what your home would fetch in today's (refreshingly sane) market, just reach out anytime. I'm always happy to help. ☕

📞 Get in touch anytime:

 604-831-3616

📧 Email: kr@welcomehomeyvr.com

Interest Rates Held @ 2.25% — July 15, 2026The Bank of Canada held its benchmark interest rate steady on July 15th, continuing its cautious, "wait and see" approach as inflation works its way back toward target. 📊For buyers and sellers, this pause offers a bit of short-term predictability—borrowing costs aren't climbing, and the broader economy is showing early signs of resilience, with growth picking up again in Q2.Looking ahead, the next rate announcement is scheduled for September 2nd and will be closely watched. 👀What this means in real terms: we're in a holding pattern rather than a shock environment. The job market is still a touch soft, but rates staying put gives buyers and sellers room to plan with more clarity rather than reacting to constant swings.As always, timing the market perfectly is nearly impossible—but understanding the direction of rates can help you make smarter, more confident decisions.

A quick note for my film industry friends: if you’re self-employed or working contract to contract, a good Mortgage Broker is especially important. They know how to position your income in a way that a traditional bank often won’t.📩 Reach out anytime — I’d love to connect you with the right person.

🏡 It’s never been more important to present your home well!First impressions are everything —if a potential buyer doesn’t feel a connection the moment they walk in, they’re likely to move on to the next property. 👀This is where I can help. With my extensive background in design, I can assist with staging, decluttering, and highlighting your home’s best features so it feels warm, inviting, and memorable. ✨The great news? This service is included free of charge for all my clients!  It’s just one of the ways I help sellers stand out in a competitive market and get the best possible results

Referrals ✨

I absolutely love helping people find their dream homes —and the best part? Seeing happy clients thrive in their new spaces!Referrals are the heart of my business, and every person you send my way gets the upmost care, honesty, and guidance ❤️Who can you refer?Friends thinking of buying or selling 🏠Family ready to take the next step 🌿Colleagues curious about the market 💼Sharing is easy!  Connect us by email, text, or drop me a message. I’ll handle the rest!🙏 Thank you for trusting me with your referrals—they truly mean the world🌟

Wishing you a wonderful Summer Season

604-831-3616

kr@welcomehomeyvr.com

www.welcomehomeyvr.com

101-3151 Woodbine DriveNorth Vancouver BC V7R2S4

P. 604-831-3616F. 604-620-7970