Tag: country_ca

Four essential tips for first-time buyers

Entering the property market as a first-time homebuyer can be both exciting and daunting.  With interest rates down 2% since last April, you can expect market activity to pick up very soon. So, navigating the journey to homeownership requires careful planning, research and a solid understanding of the process.  A crucial first step is to…
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How to maximise your ROI when renovating

Renovation can be rewarding, breathing new life into your home and increasing its value. It’s essential to approach any renovation strategically. In today’s competitive market, buyers are increasingly discerning, seeking homes that provide not just comfort and functionality but also aesthetic appeal and modern amenities.  By concentrating on renovations that meet this criteria, you can…
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How downsizing creates a new chapter in your life

Downsizing is becoming increasingly popular with older homeowners who seek a simpler lifestyle, driven by the desire for financial flexibility and more time to travel and follow leisure pursuits. While emotionally challenging, the benefits of shedding excess possessions and embracing a smaller home can outweigh the difficulties.  If you’re thinking of downsizing, you might have…
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Why staging your home can boost its value

The decision of whether to spend marketing dollars on “staging” your home when you’re ready to sell depends on your individual circumstances and available budget. Naturally, you’re looking to maximize your home’s appeal and achieve a higher sale price. So, asking a company to style your home and rent additional furniture for the sales campaign…
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Seven ways you can turn your home eco-friendly

As owners become increasingly aware of their environmental impact, many believe creating an eco-friendly home is no longer a trend but a responsibility.  Using sustainable practices contributes to a healthier planet and promotes a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle.  So, what is an eco-friendly home? It’s designed and operated with minimal environmental impact, incorporating sustainable…
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Cooling rents still offer good news for investors

The large rent hikes Canada has experienced since the pandemic are finally coming off the boil. Rents are not falling but the rate of growth is tapering down, slowing to 5.4% from a historic peak of 8% in mid-2023. That means investors have not only enjoyed record levels of rental income but will continue to…
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Get ready for boom spring selling season

Significant challenges confront our country in 2025 with a change of leadership, continuing economic turbulence and a different style of engagement with the US. Among the concerns of many people is how this will affect the Canadian real estate market and their ambitions to buy their first home, upgrade to a bigger property or downsize…
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Ownership back in the sights of young Canadians

Against a background of speculation that we may see a fourth rate cut from the Bank of Canada, a new survey suggests young Canadians have rediscovered their desire to buy their own home. And that’s great news for the entire market!  Interest rates are currently at 3.25%, and retail banks are bending over backwards to…
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New mortgage rule changes hit positive note for market

Changes to rules for how you can buy property in Canada are likely to give the local market a significant boost in 2025 and beyond. It’s great news for upgraders and first homebuyers after a two-year period of high interest rates and appreciating property prices. The price cap for taking out an insured mortgage is…
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Quiet markets indicate smart investor buying

Predictions of a turnaround for the Canadian property market follow a quiet transaction period as we ended 2024.  And while last December may seem a lifetime ago now, the transaction trend in many urban centres suggests there’s excellent buying opportunities if you can make your move before the 2025 market really springs into action. As…
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