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Is the Real Estate Market Going to Crash?
While many areas of the economy have contracted, the housing market has stayed remarkably strong. But can the good news last? When COVID-related shutdowns began in March, real estate brokers and clients scrambled to respond to the shift. Record-low interest rates caused some lenders to call a halt to new underwriting, ...
Continue Reading5 Inspiring Home Design and Remodelling Trends for 2021
We’ve all spent a lot more time at home over the past year and for many of us, our homes have become our office, our classroom, our gym and most importantly, our safe haven during times of uncertainty. So it’s no surprise to see that design trends for 2021 revolve ...
Continue ReadingNew Year, New Home? Set Homeownership Goals Whether You’re Buying, Selling, or Staying Put
The start of a new year always compels people to take a fresh look at their goals, from health and career to relationships and finance. However, with historically low mortgage rates, increased home sales and price growth, and a tight housing inventory, the time is right to also make some ...
Continue Reading10 Ways to Give Back to Our Local Community This Holiday Season
This year has demonstrated, perhaps more than ever, the importance of our family, friends, neighbors, and community. It truly “takes a village” to keep a community functioning effectively, whether that’s by keeping our waterways clean, feeding the hungry, teaching our kids, or supporting small businesses. With the holidays right around the ...
Continue ReadingMove-Up vs. Second Home: Which One Is Right For You?
The pandemic has changed the way many of us live, work, and attend school—and those changes have impacted our priorities when it comes to choosing a home. According to a recent survey by The Harris Poll, 75% of respondents who have begun working remotely would like to continue doing so—and 66% ...
Continue ReadingLowest Mortgage Rates in History: What It Means for Homeowners and Buyers
The interest rate on Canada’s most popular mortgage, the five-year fixed rate, has fallen to its lowest level in history. In early June, HSBC made headlines when it began offering Canadians a five-year fixed-rate mortgage below 2%. Multiple brokers followed suit, and some are now advertising even lower rates.1 And ...
Continue ReadingAdd Value To Your Home With These 9 DIY Improvements
Whether you’re prepping your house to go on the market or looking for ways to maximize its long-term appreciation, these nine home improvement projects are great ways to add function, beauty, and real value to your home. The best part is, once you’ve secured the materials, most of these renovations can ...
Continue ReadingIs Now a Good Time to Buy or Sell Real Estate?
Traditionally, spring is one of the busiest times of the year for real estate. But the coronavirus outbreak—and subsequent stay-at-home orders—led many buyers and sellers to put their moving plans on hold. In April, sales volume fell to its lowest level since 1984, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association.1 However, ...
Continue Reading20 Ways to Save Money & Stretch Your Household Budget
These days, it seems like everyone’s looking for ways to cut costs and stretch their income further. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your household expenses without making radical changes to your standard of living. When combined, these small adjustments can add up to significant ...
Continue Reading#StayHome: How to Create Functional Spaces in Your Home During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), many of us are spending a lot more time at home. We’re all being called upon to avoid public spaces and practice social distancing to help slow the spread of this infectious disease. While it can be understandably challenging, there are ways ...
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