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We are relocation specialists, covering the whole of B.C. This site, like us, is dedicated to helping immigrants relocate to British Columbia. As well as plenty of information, advice and our newsletter we offer a number of relocation services.

We strongly advise people to come out to British Columbia to see what it is really like. Internet research helps but nothing beats coming out and seeing for yourself. Our research trip service is designed so that you can meet a local expert in the area and find out all about the place.

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You can also keep up with happenings in British Columbia via facebook. Like our page and you will get occasional updates via facebook too.

The Great Canadian Adventure – a book to entertain and inform

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Frank

I wanted to let everyone know about this great book by Damian Trasler because I am sure it will be of great interest to anyone planning a move to Canada. And the book is available at $2.99 as a kindle download (I don’t know how long this special price will last).

Damian brought his family, including three daughters (aka the weasels), to Canada in 2009. This book is beautifully written and very amusing. Believe me, most books on this subject are dry and boring, so it is refreshing to be able to recommend a book which will both inform and entertain.

You can read Damian’s own introduction to the book on his blog, or go directly to Amazon to buy the book.

Three tips on getting to know your new neighbourhood

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Frank

Community notice board When you’ve just moved into the neighbourhood you can feel a bit isolated at first. Here are three tips on getting to know the neighbourhood.

1. Check the local papers

You may get a free paper delivered, and in some areas there may even be more than one. Most of them have their own web sites too. Have a look at the local issues, news and upcoming events. Often it gives a sense of the community feel.

2. Check the bulletin boards

Find the local community centre, recreation centre or pool. There you will find bulletin boards on classes and events in the area.

Another place to look is on the notice boards at the local coffee shops. Here you will see what’s going on locally.

3. Check in with social media

There are a host of social media sites like Yelp, Urban Spoon and FourSquare and there you can find tips and reviews on local eateries and services. You can connect via these media to others in the area too.

Five questions to ask yourself before you rent or buy

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Frank

I met with a new arrival in Vancouver this week and one of the things we discussed was the whole issue of whether it is better to rent or buy.

I strongly believe that there is no single answer to this question as so much is down to your personal circumstances. So instead, here’s some questions to ask yourself that will help you make this decision for yourself.

1. Can I get financing?

This is the first question for a reason. If the answer is NO, then there’s no need to even think about any of the other questions!

Financing is available when you first arrive in Canada, despite your not having a credit rating here, IF you have enough money to put down on the property. That is generally 35% or more. And that can be a large chunk of change.

If you are newly arrived and have a job already, then your financing may be available with a smaller down payment. You will need to have passed your probation in your job.

My advice is to contact a mortgage broker (like ours: Keith Baker) because then you will have access to a wide range of financial institutions. There’s no charge for this and you’ll get advice that’s specific to you.

2. Do I know where I want to live?

This is a pretty basic question and one that every immigrant should ask quite carefully. Let’s face it there’s no point in buying a lovely home in an area that you sooner or later find is not one that suits you.

If you’ve done really good research and been over here enough to know what area is right for you, then buying is worth considering.

If not, then you’re probably still in the research phase of your move – even if you’ve landed. Now’s the time to rent for a while and check out whether what you think is the right area is really so in practice.

3. How long am I going to be here?

Real estate is a long term investment especially when it is your family home. If you aren’t sure how long you will be in the area, then renting might be better for you. Buying and then selling within a short time can be ok, but only when the market is active and moving up. When it is slow or the prices are going down then you might lose out.

4. What about schools?

Getting your child into a specific school can be a factor. Most schools have catchment areas and your challenge might be in finding a rental property in the right area for the school you want. And once you’ve found one there’s a possibility that your lease will not be renewed at the end of the year and you’ll be looking for another suitable place.

Buying somewhere to be in the right catchment area is a familiar tactic all over the world. In Canada it happens too. You would need to be certain that you want the school and are prepared to live in the area for the time your child is in that school. If so then buying is for you.

5. How do I feel about renting?

So far, if you’ve been following along, you’ve been asking practical questions. This one is all about your own thinking and gut feeling about renting or buying.

Some people just object to renting at all. They’re the ones who see rent as “dead money” or talk about “paying someone else’s mortgage”. Depending on how strongly you agree with this, you might be buying even if some of the other practical factors suggest renting is better.

Another psychological factor that often plays is “wanting to get settled”. Immigrating is a stressful process and for most of us, we are in limbo whilst waiting for the visas to come and the move to happen. That leads to a feeling of being unsettled that is uncomfortable. Buying a home and finally unpacking all your belongings is very appealing.

On the other hand, you might be someone who is happy to have no mortgage and to be flexible enough to move around. Perhaps coming to Canada was your chance to be freer and you wanted to move around and explore the country. Renting is for you! (Or maybe an RV?)

The pleasures of seasons

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Frank

Last week we met up with Andy, a friend from Ontario when he was over in Vancouver for a business trip. It was raining lightly that day, as it does from time to time here, so we ended up comparing the weather.

Andy started off being quite smug, since it was raining outside. (Not heavily enough for most Vancouverites to wear rain gear, or even notice). He got somewhat less smug when Sue said how much she loved spring in B.C. It is a beautiful time of year, with the spring flowers, buds on trees and of course our cherry blossoms at their best. (We celebrate this with our annual Cherry Blossom Festival in April).

Andy, not the keenest of gardeners, hadn’t really noticed the cherry trees until we pointed them out. It was then that he admitted nothing much was growing in Ontario as yet. (This has it’s benefits, since I am already cutting the grass every week).

The difference that we most appreciate about B.C. is not only the milder weather but particularly the fact that there are seasons. We have spring as I’ve said. Much of the rest of Canada leaps from winter to summer since the sub-soil is too frozen to allow for spring flowers to appear.

Admittedly our winters are not real Canadian winters. That’s OK because the snow is still there on the hills ready for us to go play whenever we want. And not having to shovel snow off the drive does leave you with more time for golf, fishing or hiking.

My mother lived in Calgary for many years. She told me that she missed the spring, but she did love the cold winters, with sunny days and snow on the ground. She was a real Canadian! I remember one time when I visited her in the winter the temperature was -28°C. Not for me, but my mother liked it, so maybe you would.

Summer in Vancouver is not super hot and humid, as it can be in Ontario for example. We certainly make the most of the summer as you’ll see if you go to the beaches in English Bay or Kitsilano.

Autumn (or Fall as I still struggle to say) is often a very good time in B.C. The summer weather seems to stretch well into October, so visiting in September or October isn’t a bad idea for a research trip. But eventually the autumn weather comes, with rain being the main feature!

If you’re still deciding on where to live in Canada, then the seasons may be something to consider. We like gardening (Sue especially) and having a real spring is important as it brings in so many beautiful blooms and it is always a cheery sign of good weather to see the spring bulbs appearing. Just saying!

Five tips for securing a rental

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Frank

If you’re in B.C. and looking for a rental, here are my tips.

1. Check out all the places rentals may be advertised.

There’s definitely been a move to online advertising so you should check them out first. (See my list of agents and internet sites as a starting point.)

Remember the local papers, particularly the free ones that are delivered in the areas you’re targeting. Older landlords and those willing to pay to advertise will still be using the printed press.

Walk the streets in areas that you particularly like and look out for the rental signs. In my area, for instance, there are definitely signs that appear from time to time.

2. Be quick to respond

Being first in to see a property is the best way to find somewhere. If you’ve not yet started work then use your availability to your advantage.

3. Be prepared

Landlords want good tenants who will treat their place well and pay their rent. Be prepared to satisfy them on all counts. That means having references available should they ask. If your references are from out of country then it can help to have copies of letters from previous landlords, employers or character references.

If at all possible find someone locally who can vouch for you. If you do have a job then confirmation of the job offer will be useful.

4. Be decisive

There’s a fair amount of competition for good rentals, so be prepared to make a quick decision. I have seen people lose out simply by taking too long to make a decision, or by holding out for something better.

5. Negotiate

This might not always be possible, but there are times when you can negotiate a drop in the rent. Use whatever factors you can to make your case. For example if you’re willing to sign a longer lease (over the standard one year) then use that. But you must be sure that you can stay for the term agreed.

If there’s something you don’t like about the property then see if you can get it fixed before you move in or get something off the rent. You can even use factors that aren’t really problems to you. For example if it has one parking place, you could say you’d ideally like two places and see if you can be compensated for only having one!

The Relocation Coach