"The moment I saw the numbers, my investing thesis changed forever. In Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, my home area, securing a modest, older detached house means facing a benchmark price that often hovers around $1.2 million to $2 million. With local rents, that purchase translates to zero, or even negative cash flow. I was investing purely on the hope of appreciation. That's why when I saw Moncton, New Brunswick's average home price sitting below $400,000, I knew I had found the solution. I could buy three properties in the Maritimes for the price of one teardown in BC. This is the story of how I stopped hoping for appreciation and started buying for positive cash flow by trading my familiar BC streets for a corner lot nearly a whole country away."

🔎 The Research: Following the MoneySense Map

Like many Canadian real estate investors, I live by the annual pilgrimage to the MoneySense "Where to Buy Real Estate in Canada" list. It’s how I chose my previous investment cities, like London, ON, and even closer to home in Chilliwack, BC. But with prices exploding everywhere, the goal shifted from finding a good market to finding a cash-flowing market.

Moncton, NB, kept popping up, and a deeper dive confirmed the attraction:

• Affordability: The barrier to entry was low, which meant I could leverage my down payment for a much higher rate of return on invested capital.

• Strong Demand: Moncton is one of Canada's fastest-growing cities, thanks to its growing economy, bilingual workforce, and influx of interprovincial migrants seeking affordability. This population boom has kept the rental vacancy rate incredibly low (often under 2%), ensuring tenant stability.

• The Taxes: The only initial sticker shock was the higher property tax rate for non-owner-occupied homes in NB, but the lower purchase price still made the overall picture work.

Once the research was complete, I secured a pre-approval from a mortgage broker and was referred to a great local realtor—my core team was in place.

🏡 The Purchase: A 4,000 km Showing

Buying a home sight-unseen (by me, anyway) is a leap of faith. The logistics were a challenge, so my sister flew to Moncton. She spent one whirlwind trip seeing about a dozen homes in Moncton and Saint John, giving her a crash course in Atlantic Canadian real estate.

The winner was an old home on a nice corner lot. Older homes are where the real cash flow potential is, but they always come with deferred maintenance risk. That risk became very real after the inspection.

The Reality Check: Unexpected Capital Expenses

The inspection revealed the house had been lived in for a very long time and was due for some major life-safety and structural upgrades. The two biggest were a full electrical rewiring and drain tile replacement.

Combined, these critical repairs ate up $20,000 of my initial contingency budget before a single tenant moved in.

The first year was truly a "school of hard knocks":

• We had a broken washing machine that needed replacement.

• We had to purchase an extra fridge to accommodate the room rental strategy.

• There were countless small repairs that chipped away at the income.

My initial cash flow projections were thrown right out the window for the first twelve months as we poured money into making the old house safe and functional.

The Key to Cash Flow: Renting by the Room

The financial strategy that makes this whole venture work came from the rental manager my realtor referred us to. Instead of renting the entire home to one family for a set price, they suggested we rent the rooms separately.

This is the key to maximizing income, but it flips the expense model:

By absorbing the utility costs and paying higher management fees, the rent per room is higher, attracting working professionals and students, and generating a much higher total net operating income than a single-lease strategy ever could.

Looking Ahead: A Positive Second Year

It’s easy to get discouraged when you have to spend $20,000 on major fixes in your first year. But the essential truth remains: I own a cash-flowing asset in a rapidly growing city, something that was an absolute impossibility in my home province of BC.

Now that the major capital expenses (wiring and drain tile) are complete, the foundation for the long-term success of this Moncton investment is set. I am highly optimistic that with only routine maintenance, the second year will finally allow the property to hit the projected numbers to turn a small profit.

It’s a long game, but sometimes you have to look 4,000 kilometers away to find a real estate market where the fundamentals of income and affordability still work.

Are you also a long-distance investor, or has BC priced you out? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below!

The Vancouver and Fraser Valley winter brings its own unique challenges—a persistent mix of heavy rain, the occasional deep freeze, and the resulting humidity. Protecting your home now can save you thousands in repairs later. As your local Real Estate expert, here is your essential guide to winterizing your property.

1. Water Management is Your #1 Priority 

The sheer amount of rainfall we receive in the Lower Mainland makes water damage the single biggest winter threat. Proper drainage protects your foundation, roof, and siding—key elements of your home’s long-term value.

• Check Your Gutters and Downspouts: Ensure they are clear of leaves and debris. A blocked gutter can cause water to back up under your roof eaves, leading to rot or interior leaks.

• Extend Your Downspouts: Make sure all water is being diverted at least six feet away from your foundation. Pooling water is the primary cause of damp basements and crawl spaces.

• Inspect Your Grading: The ground around your home should slope away from the foundation. If you are experiencing repeated water ingress, this may be a sign of a structural issue that needs an expert assessment.

2. Guarding Against the Deep Freeze 🧊

While less frequent than the rain, the sudden cold snaps can cause rapid and expensive damage, especially burst pipes.

• Insulate Outdoor Taps (Hose Bibs): Disconnect all garden hoses and attach foam faucet covers.

• Know Your Main Water Shut-Off: Every homeowner should know exactly where the main water shut-off valve is located. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water quickly minimizes damage. (This is essential knowledge for any checklist!)

• Vulnerable Pipes: Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during extreme cold weather to allow indoor heat to circulate and prevent freezing. For pipes in crawl spaces or unheated garages, consider adding pipe insulation.

3. Combatting Mould and Moisture 🌬️

The combination of a cool exterior and warm interior creates condensation, making the Fraser Valley a hotspot for mould growth—a serious concern for both health and property value.

• Ventilation is Key: Ensure bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are working and used regularly. In cold weather, it can be tempting to keep windows sealed, but brief ventilation periods are vital.

• Monitor Humidity: Aim to keep your indoor humidity level below 50%. Investing in a simple dehumidifier can make a huge difference in basements and laundry areas.

• Regular Inspections: If you are planning to sell soon, it’s crucial that your home is free of any moisture issues. You can start by getting a professional opinion on your home's current condition with a Home Evaluation.

4. Heating Efficiency and Safety 🔥

Ensure your home is running safely and efficiently before the core of winter hits. This not only saves you on energy bills but ensures your family's safety.

• Furnace Tune-Up: Have your furnace serviced annually. A clean, efficient unit will save energy and ensure it doesn’t fail when you need it most.

• Change Filters: Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your furnace work harder and consume more energy.

• Seal the Leaks: Check for drafts around windows and doors. Simple weather stripping can prevent heat loss. Every dollar saved on utilities is a dollar you can put toward your next down payment! Use our Mortgage Calculator to see how efficient spending impacts your purchasing power.

Ready to Buy or Sell this Winter?

Don't let the weather put your real estate goals on ice. Winter is often a slower season, meaning less competition for serious buyers and highly motivated sellers.

If you are thinking of entering the market, reviewing the seasonal market trends is crucial. You can find the latest data and insights on the Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley regions on our Market Update.

Ready to talk about your move? Contact Me to book an appointment with a local expert today.