Blog, Community Buzz, Real Estate
I am proudly supporting the Holi Milan Samaroh event organized by Biharis in Vancouver Group. This special gathering is a chance for people from Bihar, Jharkhand, and the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh to reconnect with their roots, enjoy Holi special food, & celebrate Indian Festival of Colours – Holi!
Event Details:
Venue: Port Kells Community Hall, 18918, 88 Ave, Surrey
Date & Time: March 8, 2025; 12pm Onwards
Entry: Contact the founder of Biharis in Vancouver Group, Aditya Kumar for adding you to the group.
Blog, Community Buzz
Vancouver Desipreneurs Network founded by Neeraj Kumar is a platform for Desi (Indian) Business Owners, Professionals, & Entrepreneurs to network & connect for collaboration & mutual benefit. The group meets often to provide in-person meeting & networking opportunities.
There are professionals such as Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, Accountants, Real Estate Lawyers, Car Salesman, Digital Marketers, Insurance Professionals, Restaurant owners, Immigration Consultants, Community Event Organizers, and many more professional categories in the group.
Next Business Networking Meetup:
The next meetup is happening 6pm-10pm on February 27, 2025 in Burnaby at Kurry Wala Indian Restaurant located at 7660 6th St, Burnaby, BC V3N 3M7. The price for the event is $35 per person which includes delicious Indian dinner. Connect With Neeraj Kumar or fill this form if you would like to join this Vancouver Indian Network of Desi Small Business Owners.
Blog, Community Buzz, Real Estate
Vivek Canada is hosting its annual Vasant Utsav on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Taj Park Convention Centre, located at 8580 132 Street, Surrey, BC. Basant or Vasant in Hindi refers to the spring season. Let’s join and welcome spring with a meaningful cause!
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and features an evening of live music, poetry, and storytelling by celebrated local artists. Attendees will enjoy appetizers and dinner during the program. All proceeds from the event support Vivek Educational Foundation of Canada’s initiatives in India and Canada.
Neeraj Kumar Real Estate Team is proudly supporting this event of community celebration!
Vivek Canada, a registered charity since 2006, provides free primary education to children living in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve area of Uttar Pradesh, India. The organization operates schools in remote villages lacking electricity and proper roads, aiming to improve the standard of living for these children and their families.
For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, please visit Vivek Canada’s official website
Blog, Real Estate
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but navigating the mortgage process can feel overwhelming. Here are the top five mortgage tips to make your journey smoother:
1. Check and Improve Your Credit Score
Your credit score plays a significant role in determining your mortgage eligibility and interest rate. Review your credit report for errors, pay off debts, and avoid taking on new loans before applying for a mortgage. A higher credit score can save you thousands in interest over the life of your loan.
2. Understand Your Budget
Before you start house hunting, calculate how much you can afford. Factor in your down payment, monthly mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and other expenses. Use online mortgage calculators to estimate payments and work with your lender to determine a comfortable range.
3. Save for a Down Payment and Closing Costs
While some programs allow for low down payments (as little as 5% in Canada), saving more can reduce your mortgage insurance costs and monthly payments. Don’t forget to set aside funds for closing costs, which typically range from 1.5% to 4% of the home’s purchase price.
4. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
A pre-approval letter shows sellers you’re a serious buyer and gives you a clear idea of how much you can borrow. This step also helps streamline the buying process, so you can act quickly when you find the right home.
5. Research and Compare Mortgage Options
Not all mortgages are created equal. Compare fixed vs. variable rates, different term lengths, and lenders to find the best option for your financial goals. Seek advice from a trusted mortgage advisor who can explain the terms and ensure you’re getting the most favorable deal.
Your first home purchase is a significant investment, and having the right mortgage strategy can make all the difference. By following these tips and working with an experienced mortgage professional, you’ll be well on your way to finding your dream home with confidence.
If you’re ready to start your homeownership journey or have questions about mortgages, feel free to reach out, I can provide you great references for mortgage professionals. I’m here to help!
Check out our Vancouver Real Estate Seminars page where we share educational seminars for the first-time homebuyers.
Blog, Community Buzz, Real Estate
Bengali Food Festival is coming to New Westminster this Saturday, January 18, 2025. The event is hosted by BongMilanti – Metro Vancouver Bengali Cultural Association at New Westminster Secondary School.
Flyer Credit: The original flyer was created by SD Ronaldo
The organizers are claiming that it is going to be the biggest Bengali Food Festival in Metro Vancouver, featuring food stalls, dance competition, phuchka (pani puri) competition and cultural experiences.
Neeraj Kumar Real Estate Team is the proud sponsor of this event.
Event Details:
Date & Time: January 18, 2025; 6PM onwards
Location: 820, 6th Street, New Westminster, BC
Registration: Online Registration Required
Blog, Community Buzz
Since 2017, I have had the honor of supporting Friends For Cause Foundation (FFCF), an organization dedicated to restoring the sight of underprivileged individuals in rural India through free eye camps. These camps provide life-changing cataract surgeries to those in need, ensuring that people who would otherwise not have access to treatment can regain their vision—and, in many cases, their independence.
The foundation, led by Yogesh Bhatia, has been running these camps for years, with Yogesh ji himself dedicating months of his time each year to travel to India and oversee this vital work. His passion and commitment are a driving force behind the success of these initiatives, and it’s been heartening to see how many lives have been touched by the organization’s efforts.
How Can You Help?
This year, FFCF is hosting its annual fundraiser on October 26, 2024, at Fraserview Banquet Hall in Vancouver, and I’m inviting the entire Vancouver Indian community to come together in support of this worthy cause.
What makes this event even more impactful is the fact that just $50 is enough to cover the cost of one cataract surgery. That means one ticket purchase can directly help restore sight to one individual. It’s a beautiful way to make a tangible difference in someone’s life.
Why This Matters
Cataract blindness is one of the leading causes of vision loss in India, particularly in rural areas where medical resources are scarce and expensive. For many, a simple procedure can reverse years of blindness, but without access to affordable healthcare, these surgeries remain out of reach. FFCF’s eye camps bring this critical care to those who need it most, and your support can help continue this mission.
The people who benefit from these surgeries are often elderly, and restoring their vision helps them regain their autonomy, allowing them to live with dignity. For others, cataract surgery can mean the ability to work, support their families, and lead fulfilling lives once again. The impact of each surgery extends beyond just the individual—it strengthens families and communities.
Event Details:
️ Date: October 26, 2024
Venue: Fraserview Banquet Hall, Vancouver
Ticket Price: $50 (The cost to restore one person’s vision)
What to Expect: A night of community, celebration, and hope. Enjoy an evening with like-minded individuals committed to making a difference, while learning more about the ongoing work of FFCF.
Let’s Come Together
I encourage the Vancouver Indian Community to join us at this event and become part of a movement that’s changing lives. By purchasing a ticket, you’ll not only enjoy a meaningful evening but also give the gift of sight to someone in need.
Get Your Tickets Today
If you’re unable to attend but still want to support the cause, please consider making a donation. Every contribution, big or small, makes an impact.
Together, let’s help make this year’s fundraiser a success and continue the work of bringing hope, light, and vision to those who need it most.
For tickets and more information, please visit zeffy.com
