Sheila Sontz Real Estate

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Sheila Sontz Real Estate Your Go-To for selling real estate in and around Vancouver, BC

I'm experienced and have special expertise in negotiating contracts and marketing of real estate both locally AND INTERNATIONALLY.

10/12/2026

In Vancouver, Square Footage Isn't the Only Kind of Space
In Vancouver, 'space' takes on a different meaning. Here, it’s not just about a bigger backyard—it’s about the proximity to mountain vistas and the ocean’s edge. Many homes I’ve marketed throughout Vancouver Westside, Eastside, Downtown, and beyond offer that rare combination: the city’s vibrant energy paired with daily access to sweeping views of the North Shore mountains or quick escapes to the coastline. For some buyers, moving further out brings more square footage but means trading away those stunning daily panoramas. From many downtown streets, those peaks are always in sight, especially on a crisp September afternoon. When considering your next move, which matters more—a larger home, or waking up to the beauty that makes Vancouver truly unique?

10/11/2026

Happy Thanksgiving

CMHC Projections Highlight Opportunities to Boost Housing DevelopmentRecent CMHC projections highlight a major challenge...
10/11/2026

CMHC Projections Highlight Opportunities to Boost Housing Development
Recent CMHC projections highlight a major challenge: Canada is currently not on track to meet federal housing targets. The numbers are striking—between 417,000 and 469,000 new homes will be needed annually to address a supply gap of 187,000 to 238,000 homes. Toronto stands out as having the largest shortfall, but this is a nationwide issue. As someone who works daily with buyers and sellers in Vancouver Westside, Eastside, Downtown, New Westminster, and Surrey, I see firsthand how slowing construction impacts affordability. These figures reinforce how critical it is for all of us—industry professionals and home seekers alike—to be aware of the broader dynamics shaping our market.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/sheila-sontz/2057409-CMHC-Projections-Highlight-Opportunities-to-Boost-Housing-De

Home affordability finds its footing, but rising rates could change thatLately, I've been watching affordability shift a...
10/10/2026

Home affordability finds its footing, but rising rates could change that
Lately, I've been watching affordability shift across our local markets. With Canada's average five-year fixed mortgage rate reaching 4.55% in August, we've seen that payments haven't changed much yet. What’s really making a difference for buyers is the drop in home prices—especially in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montréal. If you’re considering a move in the Vancouver area, it’s important to stay updated as rates and prices continue to evolve.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/sheila-sontz/2071620-Home-affordability-finds-its-footing%2C-but-rising-rates-could

Building Permits Data Release: What It Means for Canada's Housing MarketCanada’s latest building permits data is always ...
10/09/2026

Building Permits Data Release: What It Means for Canada's Housing Market
Canada’s latest building permits data is always worth keeping an eye on, especially for those of us watching the housing scene here in Vancouver and beyond. These numbers are a reliable indicator of what’s coming next—from potential new construction and housing supply to possible shifts in job growth and economic stability. When permit approvals are strong, we typically see positive momentum in GDP, more homes in the pipeline, and steady employment. On the other hand, weaker numbers can be a sign of slowing demand, tighter inventory, and job losses. As someone who’s worked across Vancouver Westside, Eastside, Downtown, New Westminster, and Surrey, I pay close attention to these shifts—they often tell us what’s around the corner for both buyers and sellers.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/sheila-sontz/1926467-Building-Permits-Data-Release%3A-What-It-Means-for-Canada%27s-Ho

10/08/2026

Vancouver Resales Edge Up
Vancouver’s resale market has shown a meaningful uptick—resales climbed about 10% month-over-month, finally topping 2,000 homes for the first time in nine months. While prices continued to ease, the decline slowed, with the local home price index down roughly 6% year-over-year. This signals a softer market, but not a sharp downturn. Ongoing economic uncertainty and trade tensions continue to weigh on buyer confidence, yet the recent gain in resales stands out as a positive sign. One economist described this slowdown as a temporary detour, not a turning point, suggesting that Vancouver’s market is worth keeping an eye on, rather than worrying over. The forecast expects stability through the rest of 2026 and into 2027—how Vancouver fares will depend on how the broader recovery unfolds. As someone who’s worked across Vancouver Westside, Eastside, Downtown, New Westminster, and Surrey, I’m always watching these trends closely for my clients.

10/07/2026

Vancouver Housing Stays Globally Desirable
Vancouver continues to shine on the world stage, recently securing 24th place out of 1,000 global cities — a testament to our city’s enduring appeal and vibrant talent pool, even as housing affordability remains a major challenge for many. While strong economics and skilled residents keep Vancouver highly desirable, a recent study puts our median multiple close to 11, ranking us among the least affordable major markets internationally. It’s clear that residents here are dedicating more of their income to housing than almost anywhere else, making affordability a real constraint for buyers and renters alike. According to a housing agency, the supply gap and slower housing starts projected through 2026 continue to limit improvements in affordability. As someone who’s worked across Vancouver Westside, Eastside, Downtown, and beyond, I see firsthand how these factors shape the real estate experience for buyers and sellers in our unique city.

10/06/2026

Toronto, Vancouver housing still hugely desirable despite recent challenges
Even with the challenges we all see in the headlines, Toronto and Vancouver remain among the world’s most sought-after places to live—ranking 20th and 24th globally, thanks to their robust economies. Yet, we can't overlook the impact of high housing costs on overall quality of life. For Canada to truly make housing more affordable, we’d need to see 430,000 to 480,000 new homes built each year—targets we’re not quite meeting yet. As someone actively guiding buyers and sellers in Vancouver’s dynamic neighborhoods, I see firsthand both the demand and the hurdles. It’s a fascinating time to keep an eye on the market and understand what these numbers mean for your next move.

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1399 Homer Street
Vancouver, BC
V6B5M9

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+16045519505

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