Category: First Time Buyers

Investor primetime as hopeful tenants queue in streets

It seems hard to believe, but footage of aspiring tenants lining the streets to inspect rental properties is back on the TV news.  Rental vacancies nationally are back under 2%, and rents are rising as a consequence. And while this is agony for young people seeking a home, investors will recognise the opportunity. Where to…
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From Budget to Keys – Buying Your First Home

Buying your first home is exciting – but it can also feel overwhelming. This friendly guide breaks down the process for first-time homebuyers. We’ll cover everything from figuring out your budget to the moment you get the keys. WHAT CAN YOU AFFORD Buying a home starts with knowing what you can comfortably afford. Before you…
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De-listing sellers spoil happy holidays vibe as prices climb

The real estate market enters 2026 with sales momentum as the number of deals for November jumped 0.5% month-over-month and annual values rose 1.2%, according to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Leading property aggregator Zillow said its pricing figures showed the luxury segment increased 2.6%, but 21% of sellers in…
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What will ignite the 2026 real estate market

As we enter 2026, the US housing market stands at a critical juncture.  For buyers, the struggle has been defined by record prices and “decades-high” mortgage rates. Sellers and especially upsizers have faced the “lock-in effect” – a reluctance to trade a low pandemic-era mortgage for a new, expensive one.  Sellers’ response has been to…
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Can mortgage costs fall in 2026 – and by how much?

Predicting the fate of the real estate market in America for 2026 is probably more precarious than in recent years with prices continuing to hit record highs, mortgage costs challenging buyers and the direction of the economy uncertain. One of the most influential factors for 2026 will be the cost of money.  How low will…
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‘Showdown’ slowing the market recovery, says RBC

Do we have a “stand-off” between buyers and sellers in the Canadian real estate market with neither side willing to compromise – the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) certainly thinks so. The latest housing data released by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has prompted the RBC to speculate that neither buyer nor seller is…
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Ahead of brighter 2026, retreat blamed on tariffs and buyer caution

Canadian real estate didn’t finish 2025 with a bang, which would have been as surprising as it would have been welcome! For owners and buyers, it’s been a helter-skelter 12 months marked by American tariffs on core industries and the uncertainty of job security and the future in general. In this scenario, cities such as…
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Flooring options that may make you think twice

Choosing the right floor for your home is such an important decision because it sets the tone for design and comfort. Most of us make this type of decision so few times in our lives, it’s difficult to be confident we’re making the right selection without lots of research and advice. Another challenge is that…
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Eight tips for inspecting a new rental property

If you’re an aspiring first-home buyer trying to save for a deposit while renting, this time of year is often an ideal opportunity to re-evaluate your accommodation. With many leases expiring, anecdotal evidence suggests a lot of renters are seeking arrangements that last longer than 12 months to give them stability and rent-cost predictability.  When…
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Buyers to prioritize money-saving green tech in 2026

If you’re thinking about listing your property this year, you’ll need to go beyond the purely decorative touches and a neatly trimmed garden that you’ve been told will win over buyers.  This year, the housing market will slowly undergo a shift of emphasis with a greater focus on green-related efficiencies rather than pure luxury, such…
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