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 […]
With Canadians spending more time at home, opportunities to level-up our living spaces continue to present themselves. You may have spent time pampering your pets, setting a new tone in the bathroom, or even performing some long-overdue home maintenance. If you’ve been considering uncharted home improvement territory, then it could be time to finish your […]
As much as we all love Canada’s hottest season, summer also means one thing—bugs. From mosquitoes and cluster flies to earwigs, insects are the unpleasant reality we suffer each year. While it may be impossible to avoid their presence altogether, especially in rural areas, here are 11 ways to deter them and even reduce their populations […]
Could changes to mortgage qualification rules be enough to cool the hotter-than-hot Canadian housing market? We’ll find out soon enough, with the changes taking effect on Tuesday, June 1. A new study by Ipsos Reid-TD Bank revealed that most young Canadians are prepared to engage in bidding wars and pay over the asking price. About […]
Last year was crazy to say the least — both inside the home and in the outside world. Now, going into 2021, you’re probably wondering what to do with the year and your living situation going forward. Perhaps you’ve thought about it before or are just beginning to consider whether you should sell your house. […]
The Canadian real estate market has been consistently dominating the news headlines for the last year. Reports of sales volume and average housing prices breaking records from coast to coast have been the story since the latter part of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021. With the global pandemic causing many to work from home, the […]
Stakes in Canadian real estate have never been higher. Industry professionalism needed to restore buyer and seller confidence. Particularly for buyers engaged in the Canadian real estate market, the transaction is filled with mounting complexities and undeniable frustrations – most specifically, the lack of transparency in under-market-value listing strategies within an already expensive market, and […]
Home insurance is exactly what it sounds like—a type of insurance for your property and its contents that protects against damage, liability, and loss. While home insurance isn’t mandatory in Canada, buying a home is one of the largest purchases you’ll ever make, so it’s worth your time to invest in protection in the event of any sudden […]