u/happymistakes

First owners bought a new single family build in 2022 and are asking for $100,000 more than the original purchase price, which I assume does not include GST in the price. We are in BC and I am under the impression that the housing market should be down today compared to 2022. One of the reasons my realtor has said to justify the price is that these sellers had to pay GST on it. Should GST be factored in the assessment?

My partner and I both own individual 1 bedroom condos in interior BC from when we were single. We have been primarily living at one condo, while the other sits empty with the others’ furniture. We are ready to take the next step and are looking at consolidating into one place as we are burning money with two condos. We are not interested in becoming landlords due to risk and we would also not be able to break even with renting.

We are looking at buying a home to future proof for when we have kids. We thought about buying a 2 bedroom condo in the meantime as we currently enjoy the downtown lifestyle, but thought it might not be worth it if we have to move again in the next 5 years.

We have a gross income of $260k/year. We spoke with a mortgage specialist at one of the big banks. She laid out two scenarios for us. If we sell one condo, we could be approved for a $1.4M mortgage. If we sell both condos, we could be approved for a $2M mortgage.

We have my partner’s condo listed and accepted an offer, now pending conditions to be removed. I have not listed mine yet as I was thinking of keeping it to live in until we find a home. However, the developer of my condo had promised the residents of the condo a pool/hot tub. These were active for a short time but showed issues that could not be repaired. The developer has been held responsible to rebuild the pool/hot tub from scratch, but there has been chatter about the developer going bankrupt. The developer also owns a handful of penthouse-type units and apparently has not paid the condo fees on these for some time. So, I am wondering if I should list my condo to sell now before this news is confirmed if it is true? As a side question, if this was not an issue, is it wise at all to keep holding onto the condo until we buy a home?

My partner and I have been looking at engagement rings since the new year. It took a few months for me to decide what setting and what stone I would like to have. I finally made a decision at the end of the April. The setting I want is a replica of the Melanie Casey snowdrift ring. Note that their website shows multiple angles of this ring. The jewelry company I have been working with markets themselves as specializing in engagement rings and wedding bands. They have sent me two renders so far which do not exactly match the setting I asked for. The last email I sent them detailed what I am looking for with screenshots of side by side comparisons. This was sent 2 weeks ago and I have not received an updated render since, apparently there has been a lot of back and forth about the renders in the background. I am wondering if I should continue to work with this company? A couple things I am thinking of are:

1. They sent me two subpar renders at the beginning that do not match what I asked for. I feel like if a company markets themselves as specializing in engagement rings, they should have been able to create what I am asking for especially since what I am asking for has been done before and has photos from multiple angles to reference.
2. It is now 1 month since I made my decision and told them what I want and I still do not have a completed render.

What are your thoughts? Am I being too critical? I am only asking now because a friend of mine met with a jeweller in mid-May and is expected to receive their ring by the end of May!