Should landlords in British Columbia be forced to accept pets in rental properties?

Several organizations, including the BC SPCA and First United, are calling on the province to restrict or eliminate “no-pet” clauses in rental housing. Advocates argue that renters should never have to choose between finding a home and keeping a beloved animal—and that housing restrictions have contributed to thousands of animals being surrendered.

I understand that argument. I genuinely love animals.

But this debate is also about property rights, financial risk and responsibility.

Rental-property owners pay the mortgage, property taxes, strata fees, insurance, maintenance and repair costs. When something goes badly wrong, a pet-damage deposit of only half a month’s rent may not come close to covering the bill.

In this video, I share the story of a tenant’s adorable puppy that caused devastating damage to one of my brand-new condos. The urine damage became so extensive that the flooring buckled, the hardwood warped and portions of the drywall, baseboards, cabinetry and trim had to be replaced. Today, I estimate the repairs could easily cost approximately $20,000.

We also discuss the possible unintended consequences of removing landlords’ right to prohibit pets:

• Higher rents
• More selective screening
• Landlords removing suites from the rental market
• Small investors selling their rental properties
• Even less rental housing being available

There may be room for compromise—particularly when distinguishing between large institutional rental corporations and a homeowner renting out one condo or a basement suite. Tenants deserve choices, but I believe property owners should retain choices as well.

What do you think?

Should BC prohibit no-pet clauses—or should landlords keep the right to decide what risks they are prepared to accept?

Share your opinion in the comments, but please keep the conversation respectful. There are legitimate concerns on both sides of this debate.

If you own rental property, are considering becoming a landlord or want to invest in British Columbia real estate, subscribe for more discussions about housing policy, real estate investing and protecting your bottom line.

And if you’re serious about building long-term wealth through real estate, grab a copy of my bestselling book, Rockstar Real Estate Investing.

Protect your investment. Know your risks. Think long term.

#BCRealEstate #BritishColumbia #LandlordBC #RentalHousing #PetFriendlyHousing #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyRights #BCHousing #LandlordTips #VancouverRealEstate

Could This Court Decision Affect Your Mortgage? What BC Homeowners Need to Know

Most homeowners assume that once they purchase a property, everything is straightforward. You buy the home, secure a mortgage, register the title, and make your monthly payments. End of story.

Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple.

A recent court decision involving Aboriginal title in Richmond, British Columbia, has raised important questions that could affect homeowners, mortgage lenders, buyers, sellers, and real estate investors across the province.

While the legal process continues to unfold, one thing is certain: uncertainty can have a significant impact on mortgage financing.

Why Mortgage Lenders Pay Close Attention to Property Title

When a bank or mortgage lender approves a mortgage, they aren’t just looking at your income and credit score.

Every lender asks three important questions:

• Can the borrower afford the mortgage?
• Is the property good security for the loan?
• Can the lender recover their money if something goes wrong?

That third question is where this recent court decision becomes important.

Mortgage lenders rely on clear and marketable property title. If uncertainty develops around ownership rights, lenders may become more cautious when financing certain properties.

That doesn’t necessarily mean mortgages will stop being approved.

However, uncertainty often causes lenders to review risk more carefully.

The Relationship Between Real Estate and Mortgage Financing

Many people think of mortgages and real estate as two completely separate industries.

They’re not.

The property you purchase directly affects your financing options.

If you’re buying a home in BC, choosing the right property is just as important as choosing the right mortgage.

Likewise, if you’re selling a home in BC, financing availability can influence how quickly your home sells and what buyers are willing to pay.

That’s why successful transactions require both experienced mortgage advice and knowledgeable real estate guidance.

Why Homebuyers Should Pay Attention

If you’re planning to purchase a home this year, legal developments like this are another reminder of why due diligence matters.

Before removing subjects, buyers should fully understand:

• Property title
• Financing conditions
• Title insurance
• Property disclosures
• Any legal issues affecting the property

Working with an experienced BC Realtor can help identify potential concerns before they become expensive problems.

At the same time, your mortgage broker can ensure your financing is structured appropriately from the beginning.

Could This Affect Mortgage Renewals?

Many homeowners assume their mortgage renewal will simply arrive in the mail every few years.

Most of the time, that’s exactly what happens.

However, lenders continually assess risk.

If circumstances surrounding a property have changed, lenders may ask additional questions during the renewal process.

That’s why I always recommend starting your mortgage renewal several months before your maturity date.

Planning early gives you more financing options and avoids unnecessary stress.

Real Estate Markets Don’t Like Uncertainty

Whether uncertainty comes from interest rates, government policy, or court decisions, one thing rarely changes:

Real estate markets dislike uncertainty.

If financing becomes more difficult for buyers, demand can soften.

When buyer demand softens, property values can become more sensitive.

This doesn’t necessarily mean prices will fall dramatically.

It simply means buyers, lenders, lawyers, and insurers become more cautious.

What About Real Estate Investors?

If you’re purchasing an investment property, understanding legal and financing risks is every bit as important as understanding rental income and cash flow.

Experienced investors evaluate:

• Financing availability
• Property marketability
• Future resale potential
• Legal risks
• Long-term appreciation

Having a knowledgeable real estate agent and mortgage broker working together can help identify opportunities while minimizing unnecessary risk.

Should Homeowners Be Worried?

No.

They should simply stay informed.

The legal appeals surrounding this case are still ongoing, and nobody knows exactly how everything will ultimately be resolved.

Fortunately, most homeowners will never experience any direct impact.

However, staying informed allows you to make smarter decisions regarding your mortgage and future real estate plans.

The Importance of Working With the Right Professionals

Whether you’re purchasing your first home, upgrading, refinancing, or preparing for your next mortgage renewal, it’s important to remember that real estate and mortgage financing work hand in hand.

Buying the right property is just as important as securing the right mortgage.

If you’re considering purchasing property, working with an experienced Realtor in British Columbia can help you navigate today’s changing market with confidence.

Likewise, if you’re refinancing, renewing your mortgage, or purchasing a home, obtaining professional mortgage advice early in the process can help you secure the financing that’s best suited to your goals.

Final Thoughts

Court decisions like this serve as an important reminder that owning real estate involves more than simply making mortgage payments.

Property ownership, financing, legal rights, and market confidence are all connected.

While there is no reason for homeowners to panic, there is every reason to stay informed and seek professional advice before making major financial decisions.

Whether you’re purchasing your first home, refinancing, renewing your mortgage, or investing in BC real estate, understanding both the financing and real estate sides of the transaction will always put you in a stronger position.

Need Mortgage Advice?

If you have questions about mortgage renewals, refinancing, purchasing a home, or how legal developments could affect your financing options, I’d be happy to help.

As both a licensed Mortgage Broker and Realtor in British Columbia, I help clients understand every aspect of the transaction—from financing and mortgage strategy to buying and selling real estate—so they can make informed decisions with confidence.

Picking the right tenant can make your rental profitable and peaceful. Picking the wrong one? Late rent, damage, and drama. In this video I show you exactly how to attract, screen, and approve A+ tenants—even in a competitive British Columbia market. Stick around to the end for the #1 screening mistake landlords make and how to get tenant credit checks for free (details in the video).

What you’ll learn

• How to position your suite so great tenants want it
• Pro-level marketing that stands out (photos, copy, floor plans, syndication)
• A fast pre-screening system that filters time-wasters
• What to look for at showings (subtle red flags)
• A rock-solid application + screening checklist (credit, income, ID, references)
• Deal-breaker red flags and when to walk away
• How to set expectations so good tenants stay good

Chapters

00:00 Intro
00:38 Attracting the Right Tenants Starts with You
02:06 Market It Like a Pro (photos, copy, syndication, floor plans)
04:21 Pre-Screening Questions that Save Time
06:10 In-Person Showings: Green/Red Flags
08:03 Application & Screening Checklist (credit, income, references)
10:27 Major Red Flags to Watch For
12:05 Bonus: Set Clear Expectations Up Front
13:20 The Biggest Mistake Landlords Make
14:25 How I Can Help (Free credit checks for clients in my database)

Quick checklist (copy/paste)

Prep the unit: clean thoroughly • fix anything broken • fresh paint/updated hardware • stage for photos
Marketing must-haves: pro photos (natural light + key features) • detailed description (rent, sqft, amenities, area highlights) • clear criteria (income, credit, smoking, pets, references) • post everywhere (Craigslist, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, Rentals.ca, social) • include a floor plan (ask a Realtor for past MLS floor plans)
Pre-screen questions: monthly income • occupants • employer/role • pets • why moving • commute checked? • smoking/drinking • criminal record
At the showing: punctuality • communication • respect for property • general cleanliness • their vehicle condition • trust your gut
Screening items: full application • credit check (Equifax/TransUnion) • employment verification (pay stubs/job letter) • previous-previous landlord reference (not just the most recent) • government ID
Red flags: missing docs • pressure to skip steps • “need to move in today” • big cash up-front offers • refuses credit check • inconsistent story • trashes prior landlord
Set expectations: rent due date & late policy • maintenance reporting • visitor/pet rules • property care • move-out process • give a welcome letter/binder

Want help?

Nervous about picking the wrong tenant? I can help. If you’re already in my client database, I can handle screening—including no-charge credit checks—and walk you through the process. Not in the database yet? DM or email me to get added and we’ll get your place rented right.

📩 DM me or email (see channel About)
📞 Book a quick call (link in channel header)
📘 Grab my book Rockstar Real Estate Investing on Amazon

Disclaimer (BC): This video is for educational purposes only and isn’t legal advice. Tenancy rules vary by province/municipality—verify requirements with the Residential Tenancy Branch and applicable human rights legislation before implementing any screening criteria.

#landlording #tenantScreening #realEstateInvesting #BritishColumbia #LandlordTips #RentalProperty #PropertyManagement #Cashflow #BCRealEstate #Investing

Are you rethinking your pre-sale purchase? With rising rates, construction delays, and prices dropping in some areas, many buyers are asking the same question: “What happens if I walk away?” 

In this episode, I break it all down: 

👉 Why so many buyers are walking from pre-sales right now 

👉 What your developer contract actually says (and why it matters) 

👉 The real consequences of walking away — including losing your deposit and possible lawsuits 

👉 My personal $200,000 loss story (and the hard lessons I learned) 

👉 Strategies to save your deposit — like assignments, negotiating a release, and getting legal help 

If you’re stuck in a pre-sale contract in British Columbia (or anywhere), this could save you tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

⚠ Key Takeaways: 

Deposits are often non-refundable (5–25%) 

Developers can sue for damages if they resell at a loss 

You may face legal costs or credit impacts if it goes to collections 

There are ways to limit the damage — but only if you act quickly 

📩 Need Help? If you’re considering walking from a pre-sale, don’t go silent. 

Let’s talk about your options: 

→ Can we assign it? 

→ Can we negotiate out? 

→ Can we structure a backup plan? 

👍 Like this video, share it with someone thinking of selling, and subscribe for real market advice—not media hype. Watch and subscribe for more!

Your home hasn’t sold… and you’re wondering why.

In this episode, I break down the real reasons listings sit stale in today’s 2025 market—plus what you can do to fix it.

Here’s what we cover:

Why pricing just 3–5% too high can kill your showings

The importance of condition and curb appeal

How location impacts your asking price

The difference between great marketing vs. lazy marketing

Why choosing the wrong realtor could cost you thousands

What happens when your listing goes stale (and how to revive it)

The good news? Most of these issues are completely fixable. By the end of this video, you’ll know exactly what to change to finally get your home sold—and avoid leaving money on the table.

Want personalized advice? DM me, email me, or scan the QR code in this video for a confidential chat about your listing.

Grab a copy of my best-selling book Rockstar Real Estate Investing on Amazon for even more in-depth strategies.

Like this video, share it with someone thinking of selling, and subscribe for real market advice—not media hype.

Watch and subscribe for more!

Learn more, call Jessi at 604 716 6474, email jessi@jessijohnson.ca or schedule a time to chat here: https://calendly.com/jessirealestate

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of my best-selling book on Amazon, Rockstar Real Estate Investing if you haven’t yet and we are here for your questions at any time.

Pick up my book here: https://amzn.to/3uX43SA

Is Canada’s real estate market actually crashing, or is it just hype? The media loves doom and gloom—it gets clicks—but the real story is more complicated.

In this Summer 2025 Market Update, I break down what’s really happening in Canadian real estate. While headlines scream about Toronto condos, pre-construction projects, and overleveraged investors, the truth is the market is deeply divided by micromarkets.

Yes, some areas are sliding—especially high-rise condos in downtown Toronto, where inventory is so high it could take over five years to sell. But in Greater Vancouver? Detached homes in family-friendly suburbs and townhomes with rental suites are still moving—if they’re priced and presented right.

Here’s what we cover in this video:
~ Why the “crash” narrative is mostly driven by a few struggling markets
~ How Greater Vancouver’s prices have barely moved in two years
~ The real difference between median and average sale prices
~ Why pricing your home like it’s 2022 will guarantee it won’t sell
~ The winning pricing strategy for late 2025 (list at or 1–2% below the most recent comparable sale)
~ Why staging, marketing, and a strong CMA are more important than ever
~ How bidding wars are still happening on the right properties

Fun fact: May 2025 was reportedly the slowest month for sales on record, with June coming in second—yet well-prepared sellers still got great offers. The key? Smart pricing + strong presentation. If your home hasn’t sold, it’s not too late to turn it around. In an upcoming episode, I’ll share exactly how to revive a stale listing and attract serious buyers. 📊 Want the data?

Reach out for my full report on which Greater Vancouver areas are dropping the most. 📞 Let’s talk: Book a confidential call with me today. DM or email me for skill-testing questions or advice on your property.

📚 Get my book: Check out Rockstar Real Estate Investing on Amazon for more in-depth strategies. 👍 Like this video, share it with someone who needs to hear this, and subscribe for more no-BS real estate updates.

👉 BOOK A CALL WITH JESSI: calendly.com/jessirealestate Jessi Johnson Personal Real Estate Corporation Realtor | eXp Realty 📞 604 566 8968 (office line)

Canadian real estate investors are disappearing. Government restrictions are causing investors to relocate funds to other opportunities, many outside of Canada. We need investors to buy properties, ideally upgrade/maintain them, and create rentals for the market. The vast majority of Canadians can no longer afford to buy homes, so they have to rent. That’s a whole other story, of course.

The ban on Airbnb has a negligible impact on investor buyers but has caused some owners to list their homes so they don’t need to deal with our tenancy laws that heavily favour the tenant. Is this a good thing? Well, there are more listings, but not necessarily more rentals. Also, without Airbnb, tourists visiting Vancouver are forced to pay disturbingly high hotel fees, so many are likely going to avoid coming at all. It’ll hurt tourism more than help the housing market. I, for example, refuse to spend $500+ for a night in a hotel and will only travel to cities with Airbnb options, in most circumstances.

The new minimum four-month notice to move into an existing tenanted property, which also requires a one-month rent payment to the tenant, is causing buyers to avoid tenanted properties.

The minimal amount you can increase rent annually doesn’t keep up with inflation, high interest rates, and the cost of maintenance. This means taking on a property with an existing tenant is often a huge burden and would cause a normal property to be cash-negative. A smart investor will avoid this property, too.

The ban on flipping is causing all of those impostors to find opportunities outside of the country. A flipping investor buys a property in poor condition and updates it for the next buyer. I do not see the harm in this or why this ridiculous band is in place. Again, more investors are leaving.

The updated capital gains tax when selling rental properties is causing investors to think about the point of investing here if they lose the majority of their profits with a future sale. Again, they’re looking to other areas to invest their money.

Yes, the foreign buyer ban has had a positive (although minimal) effect. However, it was 40 years too late, and the damage was already done.

The reckless levels of federal immigration are going to raise rental rates further.

Our provincial and federal governments are an absolute disaster right now and things are looking like they’re going get a lot worse before there’s any hope of getting better.

Even worse, the federal government is now considering taxing your principal residence. If that happens, how many citizens will give up, say F-this, and leave Canada?

Money is leaving Canada at record levels, and it’s about to get a lot worse. This is not good for our country. We need new governments, provincially and federally.

To make money in real estate today, it would be best to buy a principal residence, renovate and live in it until our wonderful (extreme sarcasm) government permits you to sell it without heavy penalties. Rinse and repeat.

Buying long-completion presales is also an option, but mainly for your principal residence. Seeing how you are essentially now banned from assigning/flipping them, that is no longer an ideal investment strategy.

More importantly, what do you think?

Sales Statistics Overview:

• METRO VANCOUVER (SnapStats): Link
• GREATER VANCOUVER (SnapStats): Link
• FRASER VALLEY (SnapStats): Link

Recent data shows significant gains in property values across Greater Vancouver:

• Detached houses: Up nearly $120,000 since January.
• Townhouses: Increased by about $69,000.
• Condos: Appreciated over $25,000.

Reflecting on earlier predictions, values have already risen by at least 5%, aligning with forecasts. The Bank of Canada recently lowered rates in June, in line with expectations.

Looking ahead, the Bank of Canada anticipates further rate reductions, aiming for a 2.75% overnight rate by 2025. Economic indicators, including increased business bankruptcies and rising unemployment, may necessitate additional rate cuts to spur recovery.

While economic uncertainty persists, real estate in Greater Vancouver remains resilient despite media skepticism from other markets. Increased inventory may moderate sales pace, emphasizing the importance of strategic pricing for sellers.

For those contemplating a property purchase within the year, early preparation is advised to navigate market dynamics effectively.

For more insights, refer to my best-selling book, ‘Rockstar Real Estate Investing‘.

Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Remember to Own Your Life!

Introduction

Navigating the complex world of property valuation in British Columbia can be a daunting task, especially when relying on BC Assessments. These assessments, while necessary, are not always the most accurate reflection of your home’s current market value, given their reliance on data from the previous year. With the real estate landscape in Greater Vancouver and beyond being so dynamic, it’s crucial to have a more immediate and precise understanding of your property’s worth.

I’m Jessi Johnson, bringing to the table 18 years of invaluable experience as a mortgage broker and realtor, ready to guide you through the intricacies of accurately determining the value of your home.

Understanding BC Assessments

BC Assessments provide a snapshot of a property’s value based on conditions as of July 1st of the previous year. This retrospective valuation can be significantly out of step with the current real estate market, particularly in fast-moving regions like Greater Vancouver. Recognizing this limitation is the first step in seeking out more accurate and timely valuations.

Methods for Accurate Home Valuation

When the BC Assessment doesn’t suffice, consider these two reliable alternatives:

1. Professional Property Appraisal

Hiring a licensed property appraiser is a solid choice, especially when securing a mortgage. The cost ranges between $300 to $500 but offers a precise valuation of your home based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors including location, size, and condition.

2. Expert Realtor Guidance

Alternatively, consulting with a knowledgeable local realtor can provide insights into your home’s value within the current market context. If you’re in Greater Vancouver, I’m here to offer my expertise and assist you in navigating the valuation process.

Factors Influencing Home Value

Several factors play a critical role in determining your home’s value:

• Location and proximity to amenities or busy streets
• The type and style of your home
• Square footage of both interior and exterior spaces
• Age of the home and any renovations or improvements, particularly those officially recognized through permits
• The number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and unique features like basement suites

It’s important to note that unpermitted renovations, while potentially adding value, won’t be reflected in your BC Assessment, impacting the government’s valuation of your property.

The Role of BC Assessments in Market Analysis

While BC Assessments are considered in comparative market analyses (CMAs) for context, they do not directly influence the valuation process. CMAs involve a detailed comparison of your property against similar, recently sold properties to establish a more accurate market value.

Addressing Inaccurate BC Assessments

Should you find your property’s assessed value to be misaligned with its true worth, it is possible to contest this figure with BC Assessment Authority. Whether you believe your assessment is too high or too low, correcting this value is crucial, not just for selling purposes but also because it affects your annual property taxes.

Conclusion

BC Assessments, while a helpful starting point, are not the be-all and end-all for determining your property’s value. By understanding their limitations and exploring alternative valuation methods, you can achieve a more accurate and beneficial outcome for your real estate endeavors. Remember, whether you’re curious about your home’s value or ready to step into the market, your local realtor is an invaluable resource. Don’t hesitate to reach out for expert advice tailored to your unique situation.

In this episode, we’re tackling a question that’s been on my mind for a while: Was buying real estate in Vancouver actually more affordable back when mortgage rates were at 20%?

Throughout my childhood, I frequently heard my parents lamenting how difficult those times were. But was the financial strain truly as severe as they described?

I’m Jessi Johnson, here to guide you with the insights I’ve gained from over 18 years as a mortgage broker and realtor.

Reflecting on the past, homes in the 1980s were astonishingly affordable compared to today – what you’d pay in property transfer taxes now could have bought you a house back then.

Although data varies, the average price for a Vancouver home in the mid-80s hovered around $160,000. Fast forward to today, and that figure has skyrocketed to $2,500,000, marking a 15-fold increase.

But have incomes kept pace? Absolutely not. The average income in Vancouver was about $30,000 in 1982, only to reach approximately $69,000 today – a mere doubling in 40 years, far from the exponential rise in home prices.

The disparity between income growth and housing price inflation has significantly eroded the affordability of homeownership.

Let’s break down the numbers:

In the 80s, a $160,000 home, with a 20% down payment, led to a $128,000 mortgage. At a 20% interest rate over 25 years, monthly payments were about $2,108, consuming 74.4% of the average income.

Contrast that with today: a $2,500,000 home requires a $2,000,000 mortgage (assuming a 20% down payment). With a 5.5% interest rate, monthly payments jump to $12,455, or 215% of the average income.

Despite these comparisons, the actual affordability of homes has drastically diminished due to the disproportionate increase in home prices relative to incomes.

And while I’ve focused on individual rather than household incomes, the conclusion remains starkly similar.

Given the choice, I’d opt for the 1980s’ pricing and mortgage rates any day.

As we delve into this topic, please support this video with a like and subscribe to the channel for more insights.

But why were the 1980s’ interest rates so high? The culprit was rampant inflation, which led to historically high mortgage rates, occasionally topping 20%.

Despite official reports, I’m skeptical about the accuracy of inflation rates, especially in light of recent underestimations.

For those feeling disheartened by today’s market, remember, it’s still possible to find your footing in real estate. Whether it’s through renovating an older property or investing in a presale with a long completion period, opportunities abound.

I’m here to guide you through each step of the process. To get started, book a consultation with me.

And if you’re looking for more real estate wisdom, don’t miss my best-selling book, ‘Rockstar Real Estate Investing,’ available on Amazon. Check the description for the link.

Let’s take charge of our lives and navigate the real estate market with confidence. I’m Jessi Johnson, here to empower you with over 18 years of experience. Remember, the key is to Own Your Life!