The strength of the Canadian real estate market has continued to prove itself time and time again during the pandemic. While we’re not out of the woods yet, we are expecting continued growth for the duration of 2020, with an active market for the foreseeable future and balanced conditions at the national level into 2021. This is great news for Canadians. So why all the fear mongering by the...

The First Time Home Buyers' Program reduces or eliminates the amount of property transfer tax you pay when you purchase your first home. If you qualify for the program, you may be eligible for either a full or partial exemption from the tax. If one or more of the purchasers don’t qualify, only the percentage of interest that the first time home buyer(s) have in the property is...

Make no mistake about it: when you’re selling your house, potential buyers want to see everything. That means no area of your home (not even your utility closet) is safe from the gaze of a serious house hunter. That’s why it’s crucial to maximize every square inch of your place—backyard shed included—by minimizing your overall clutter. Before you can successfully show off your house to anyone...

Square footage determines how big a home is, but painting, furnishings and decorating can affect how big a home feels. Looking to make a small space feel bigger? A few simple cosmetic changes can help. Consider these four ways to make any small space in your home appear more, well, spacious. 1. Incorporate mirrors Create the illusion of expansive walls with the addition of a mirror. This...

Canadian Real Estate Market Sentiment 56 per cent of Canadians who are planning to engage in the real estate market say they expect to do so within less than a yearAlmost half (44 per cent) of Canadians believe that the real estate market will bounce back to the strength it was before COVID-19 by 202129 per cent of Canadians believe that before the end of 2020, the Canadian housing market will return...

Buying a home is a big investment and a huge commitment, but most homeowners will attest that the pay-off is worth the pains and strains of making those regular mortgage payments. Most people focus on their mortgage interest rate as a way of saving money (or at least, ensuring more of it goes toward your principal), but there are other ways to decrease the amount paid in interest. One way is to pay your...

Canadian real estate has been a tough nut to crack for some homebuyers, and those with less than 20 per cent as a down payment now face another challenge, with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.’s (CMHC) tighter qualification rules for borrowers of high-ratio mortgages. This move is in response to the global pandemic that has left many Canadians vulnerable. The changes, which include lower debt...

With social distancing advisories and non-essential business closures in place, many people – some realtors included – are scrutinizing whether real estate is an essential service as it has been classified in many regions across Canada and the US. Those who argue against the essential classification are coming from a good place, with hopes that more-stringent lockdowns will stop the spread of...

As Covid-19 sweeps its way through our cities and neighbourhoods, we’ve also seen acts of kindness emerge in its wake. From cities and countries pulling together to weather the economic storms ahead, to online communities offering support for individuals, families, students, homeowners, renters, business owners, employees, those looking for work, and those trying to manage their day to day in this new...

According to research by the National Association of Realtors, there are huge benefits to working with a real estate agent, including higher sale prices. However, every homebuyer and seller would be wise to do some “home work” to find a real estate agent who knows his or her market and who has a proven track record. Treat your vetting process like you would a job interview: ask lots of...