Gazing into a crystal ball is a fraught exercise at the best of times, but many buyers and sellers are anxious to know how the property market might behave once we’re through the worst of the coronavirus crisis. To find that answer, you need to look at the price levels immediately before and during this…
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If the walls are closing in and your incarcerated kids have convinced you it’s time to sell up and find a bigger home, then the time to act is now. As we are seeing with the easing of restrictions across Australia, the lockdown won’t last forever. And it always takes a few months to prepare…
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As winter draws in, the importance of maintaining your roof so it’s in great condition becomes increasingly obvious. As every Canadian homeowner knows, our properties are under constant threat from the elements at this time of year. So, it’s imperative to be proactive with your maintenance to ensure small issues don’t turn into expensive problems.…
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In an effort to maximise their home’s value, owners will make at least two significant improvements before it goes on the market. One of the most common areas of focus is the bathroom because of its influence on a buyer’s assessment of your home. A full renovation of a bathroom can cost tens of thousands…
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One of the biggest hurdles for homebuyers is picturing themselves living in a house or apartment that still feels like it belongs to someone else. When you list your home, your goal is to make it as easy as possible for potential buyers to emotionally connect with the property. Real estate agents overwhelmingly recommend decluttering…
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Real estate thrives on fashion – we love colours that are in vogue, textures that are back in style and ideas for renovating that capture the imagination of owners and buyers alike. One of the most anticipated reports from those of us who follow the fashions is the trend survey undertaken by America’s Kitchen and…
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Have you ever scrolled through real estate listings and wondered exactly what is meant when it says the property is to be sold “as is”? The language is pretty obvious, but what are the implications for your legal protection should you wish to purchase? Should this phrase raise a red flag? Should you assume properties…
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Amid the concerted program of interest rate cuts over the past 18 months – the official cash rate is down to 2.25% from a 5% post-Covid high – our real estate market is experiencing an erratic recovery that will eventually see values rebound consistently. The latest data shows the number of home resales increased by…
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It’s crystal ball season, and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has updated its forecasts for 2026 – and it’s feeling bullish! National home sales are forecast to rebound by 7.7% to 509,479. If correct, that prediction would deliver the highest level for activity since 2021. “Historically, national home sales have only ever cracked the…
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With Canada’s policy interest rate now less than half of its peak of 18 months ago, Canadians continue to cautiously return to the real estate market. While delighted that the Bank of Canada has reduced its benchmark overnight rate to 2.25% from a peak of 5% in May 2024, Canadians remain concerned about the economic…
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When you step into a potential new home, it’s easy to let the existing furniture and decor distract you from the true potential of the space. Many buyers get stuck on the seller’s furniture choices and their layout of the living room. For example, if a TV is sitting in front of a fireplace, some…
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Lemon is often cited as the ultimate cleaner, its sharp acidity cutting through household grease and dirt better than most retail products. Unfortunately, as many first-time buyers find out once they’ve moved into their new home, the humble lemon can also permanently damage expensive materials. If you’re looking for a natural cleaning product, lemon is…
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