Let’s face it, moving is hard for everyone. Big moves bring up all sorts of feelings, from stress to uncertainty, and excitement. Luckily, there are a few actions you can take before the big day to make moving with kids easier on them – and you. Little People, Big Dreams Whether you’re hoping to stay […]
The latest trend in the Canadian real estate market today is blind bidding, a practice that has dramatically raised housing values nationwide, leaving many families sitting on the sidelines. What is it exactly? Blind bidding is the process of submitting a bid without knowing what the other homebuyers are offering. For example, if there are three people interested […]
Looking to buy a home but don’t quite have the finances? You might have heard that rent-to-own is the ideal solution. But what exactly is rent-to-own, and how does it work? In this guide, we’ll cover the basics and take a look at whether it’s the right choice for you. The Basics A rent-to-own home […]
In the day-to-day craziness of life, balancing the needs of family, work and self can often create a high-stress schedule that keeps the tempo high and relaxation a precious commodity. Consider making your home an island of calm as an important source of balance. Keeping it simple, no matter the style The Japanese call it kanso – […]
The Canadian housing story in May 2021 was a continuation of the April one—markets appear to be calming down. Sales were down about 7% from April to May, with new listings down by about the same. Both were also down from March to April. That said, it was still a record for sales in the month of […]
For some first-time home buyers, help from family or close friends can be the key to breaking down the barriers to homeownership. One of the ways loved ones can help hopeful home buyers is by agreeing to be a co-signer on the mortgage. Co-signing can be applied to most types of loans, not just mortgages. Essentially, a co-signer takes on […]
In a scheduled announcement on June 9, 2021, the Bank of Canada kept its target for the overnight lending rate at its effective lower bound of 0.25%. The Bank continues to signal it will keep rates low until economic slack is absorbed and inflation is sustainably back to its 2% target. The Bank also plans to continue purchasing up to $3 billion worth of Government […]
If you’re on the hunt for a first home, or even settling in, you’re likely bracing for the inevitability of paying property taxes. You probably saw the annual property taxes displayed on property listings, and might be wondering who sets these rates, what purpose property taxes serve, and how tax rates are determined. Fortunately, you’re in the right […]
Whether it’s your very first home or a fresh start, there’s a lot to be aware of when it comes to household maintenance. While some developers provide guides to help homeowners get acquainted with maintenance schedules, most owners have to learn on their own. That’s why we consulted Paul Justice, of Justice Construction, to compile a comprehensive—and handy!—timeline […]
For many Canadians, a home represents a secure, stable asset and an investment in their future. Despite the challenges with housing affordability across the country, research shows homeownership can play a significant role in reducing inequality—with benefits that extend across income levels, ages and regions. Lower-income Canadians benefit most from owning a home This isn’t limited to […]