Category: General

Spring clean your pantry in eight easy steps

The old fashioned idea of a spring clean makes sense after the dank and cold days of winter, but it’s often hard to find time in our schedule to get the job done. Instead, it’s a smarter idea to approach a spring clean by breaking down the tasks and completing them over a few weeks.…
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Six ways to take decluttering in your stride

The accumulation of clutter at home can be overwhelming.  Decluttering can seem a daunting task, but with a strategic approach and a commitment to the process, you can transform your living space into a haven of order and tranquillity.  When you’re selling your home, decluttering is a vital part of the preparation. A home full…
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‘Historic’ mortgage reform to help first homebuyers

New loan rules to expand insurance mortgages from 25 to 30 years are set to take effect next month to help first homebuyers into the market. By increasing the repayment period five years, first-time buyers will face lower monthly mortgage bills.  However, if the loan were to go to full-term, they would pay more in…
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Five podcasts to keep you in the property loop

In the ever-changing world of real estate, it pays to stay informed.  Listening to a podcast is a great way to stay up to date and learn valuable new tips without it feeling like hard work. We’ve identified five podcasts that unlock a wealth of knowledge and insights for both seasoned investors and first-time buyers…
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Look twice before breaking your fixed-rate deal

If you’re watching Canada’s interest rate tumble faster than anywhere else in the world right now, you’ll either be delighted you have a variable lending rate or annoyed you took a gamble on a fixed rate. For those who gambled and lost, the temptation is to call the lender and immediately ask for a new…
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Long wait for rate cut slows spring sales

Buyer anticipation of an elusive cut in interest rates has applied a temporary brake on the property market as sellers entered the first month of the traditionally strong spring season. With the rate stuck at 4.35%, buyers appear to be waiting for the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to make its move to reduce mortgage…
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Rate cut to put bounce back into the market

Forecasting the recent ebbs and flows of our real estate market has been less about overall economic wellbeing and market sentiment and more about the raw impact of high interest rates. With the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) latest 0.5% reduction in the cash rate, we have now seen the base rate fall 1.25% in a…
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How your home can ease cost-of-living pain

With a focus on cost-of-living pressures since the post-Covid spike in inflation, many homeowners have been investigating the benefits of downsizing or taking out a reverse mortgage – and sometimes both. The impetus to downsize usually strikes so-called “empty-nesters” – those couples whose adult children are no longer living in the family home. But levies…
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Young Canadians sideline marriage for property goals

Forget wedding bells, young Canadians are more interested in being a homeowner. Some 40% of under-30s say buying a property is critical to their five-year plan, signalling a preference over travel (30%) and marriage (24%). The survey conducted by the Royal Bank of Canada comes as interest rates have dropped a further 0.5% to 3.75%,…
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10 ideas to make your home eco-friendly

As more people become increasingly aware of their environmental footprint, sustainable living is gaining momentum.  This translates into a growing interest in eco-friendly home renovations and upgrades. By making conscious choices, homeowners can significantly reduce their impact on the planet while enjoying a comfortable and healthy living space.  And just as importantly, you’ll be adding…
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