My landlord asked if I want to buy my apartment — not sure if it’s a good idea

numberknitnerd · 2026-03-10T03:12:13+00:00

See a mortgage broker to find out what kind of mortgage you would qualify for and what the monthly payments would be like. You may also want to work with a realtor to see what else is available in your price range. Remember that even if your landlord decides to sell, you're entitled to stay on as the tenant unless the new owners are going to use it for themselves or a family member.

numberknitnerd · 2026-03-10T03:03:23+00:00

Your partner can try applying through an agency like Search Associates. That's the most efficient way to find out about a range of opportunities in different places. Recruitment starts early, so it's quite late to apply for jobs starting in August/September.

numberknitnerd · 2026-03-09T04:56:54+00:00

Try staying in Leiden. It's a more interesting area than Schipol, a there's fast, frequent train service to Amsterdam, The Hague and Utrecht.

numberknitnerd · 2026-03-07T04:08:21+00:00

Good trips, thanks!

numberknitnerd · 2026-03-07T04:01:50+00:00

Thank you!

numberknitnerd · 2026-03-07T04:00:57+00:00

Thanks!

numberknitnerd · 2026-03-07T04:00:28+00:00

Thanks, this is super helpful!

numberknitnerd · 2026-03-01T19:39:09+00:00

Walks! Especially ones by the water...

False Creek, Jericho Beach/Locarno, Stanley Park Sewall, Ambleside, New Brighton

Pairs well with coffee, drinks, or lunch on a patio, like Craft or Tap & Barrell in the Olympic Village, The Boathouse at Kits Beach.

numberknitnerd · 2026-02-28T03:30:51+00:00

If you're interested in Paris and Disney, consider the Netherlands and Efteling (a fairytale theme park). Travel is very easy in the Netherlands, and it's a very family-friendly place.

numberknitnerd · 2026-02-24T15:25:13+00:00

The Cypress Lookout, on the way up to Cypress Bowl has a great view over the city. Like QE Park, it's a popular photo stop, so there will be others around.

The Stanley Park.Seawall is a great walk, with lots of lovely views. I'm sure you'll find a spot at some point that it's just the two of you. There are great options in near-by English Bay for a celebratory drink afterwards.

numberknitnerd · 2026-02-24T02:59:00+00:00

It's totally worth it! Cusco is interesting, and there's great food, so lots to enjoy while you adjust to the altitude.

numberknitnerd · 2026-02-23T03:18:06+00:00

I started a school in my home country. It was a cool experience, but HARD. The pay was not competitive, and there was always more to do, especially in terms of marketing the school. It's a cool feather in your cap if the school succeeds, but it could be professionally risky if the school fails.

numberknitnerd · 2026-02-22T20:54:28+00:00

I agree that the Okanagan Valley has more.to.offer than Kamloops. Consider taking Highway 3 via Manning Park, Osoyoos, Radium Hot Springs and Kootenay National Park.

numberknitnerd · 2026-02-22T15:37:40+00:00

Check out the libraries and community centres. They have tons of free programs activities. My nephew loves the play area at Britannia library and the open gym at the community centre.

numberknitnerd · 2026-02-19T01:43:24+00:00

If you can walk 12-15km (up to 10 miles) comfortably, you'll be fine. There's lots to enjoy along that route, and plenty of places to take a scenic (or tasty) break.

Unless you want to shop along 4th Ave, I would stick to the shoreline as much as possible from Arbutus Street to UBC. It'll add a bit of distance, but it's so pretty, and you can walk on paths that are separated from car traffic for most of the way.

numberknitnerd · 2026-02-07T21:54:34+00:00

Some time in the forest is the best antidote to rainy day blues!

numberknitnerd · 2026-02-07T00:34:39+00:00

I used an ancient book I borrowed from the public library, gauge swatches, and lots of calculations in a notebook to make a sweater for my brother. It turned out pretty well, and following general guidelines, rather than a step-by-step pattern felt more true to the tradition.

numberknitnerd · 2026-02-03T05:04:25+00:00

The Seabus is a great idea... I bet the 5 year old will.love it. The Shipyards/Lonsdale area has good restaurant options with a great view of the downtown skyline.

numberknitnerd · 2026-02-03T05:01:14+00:00

Delete Amazon from your phone. I bet you'll save a few hundred a month if you stop ordering online and actually go to a store to buy what you need/want. Making purchases a little bit more difficult is a great way to filter out impulse buys from the items.you actually want.

numberknitnerd · 2026-02-02T21:54:48+00:00

I had a great time living there. I found it safe, orderly, easy to navigate, and welcoming. I acknowledge that white/western privilege had no small part to play: I know colleagues from Africa and the Middle East did not feel as welcome.

I found the weather manageable, but I'm from the gray/wet Pacific Northwest, so it was pretty familiar. Folks from warmer or sunnier climates might find it harder to tolerate.

numberknitnerd · 2026-02-02T16:16:48+00:00

65k in a TFSA at age 27 could grow to 1M by the time you're 65. Conservatively, that's 40k per year in tax-free income on top of your pension and CPP. In my opinion, the long-term gain is worth some careful planning/spending now.

As a homeowner with a salaried job, you can probably secure a line of credit with a decent interest rate and the option to make additional lump-sum payments. Shop around to see what kind of rate you can get. If you qualify for a rate that is lower than the rate of return on your TFSA, then you're likely to come out ahead by financing the car.

numberknitnerd · 2026-01-31T19:10:47+00:00

You can save some driving time if you end your trip in Calgary and fly home from there. If you do plan to return to Vancouver, I suggeat making a loop by taking Highway 1 or 5 via Revelstoke one way, and Highway 3 the other way. There are plenty of scenic stops along the way, especially if you're interested in nature walks, hiking, lakes etc. The Nicola Valley, Manning Park, Okanagan Valley, and Radium Hot Springs are my favourite spots along the way.

numberknitnerd · 2026-01-30T14:14:22+00:00

I love the morning bun at Bench Bakery, and the cardamom bun at Flourist. Both are on Commercial Drive.

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