Blog, Community Buzz
I am honored to have attended the Diaspora Day event hosted by the Consulate General of India in Vancouver on March 15, 2025. This vibrant gathering brought together members of the Indian diaspora from across the region, celebrating our community’s rich cultural heritage and contributions to Canadian society.
From L-R. Vandna Sidher, Founder of Vivek Educational Foundation of Canada Mr. Harmesh Sidher, Consulate General of India, Vancouver Mr. Masakui Rungsung, Neeraj Kumar, & Alekha Sinha.
Many friends from the Vancouver Indian Community attended the prestigious event. I left the event with a renewed sense of pride in our Indian heritage and a deeper appreciation for the vibrant community we have built in Canada.
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
