PLANTING YOUR GARDEN HARVEST, NO MATTER HOW SMALL

Gardening is an inexpensive hobby that provides fresh produce and a rewarding and relaxing experience. With grocery prices rising and many of us trying to buy more Canadian produce, our approaching summer is an excellent opportunity to try…

UNDERSTANDING CHANGES TO HOME INSURANCE

As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, staying informed about your homeowner’s insurance policy is more important than ever. In recent years, some insurance providers have changed their policies to include or exclude coverage…

FIXED-RATE VS ADJUSTABLE-RATE: WHICH MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

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As a mortgage broker here in Canada, I know that diving into the world of mortgages can feel like stepping into a labyrinth of numbers and jargon. In this article, I will explore two of the most common mortgage options in Canada: fixed-rate…

BACKYARD KITCHEN PROJECTS & LOCAL BY-LAWS

Adding cooking structures to your backyard can provide new opportunities for dining and entertaining and allow you to create the perfect outdoor kitchen. While jumping in and getting started is tempting, be sure you understand the local by-laws…

HOW REMOTE WORK IS SHAPING THE CANADIAN MORTGAGE AND REAL ESTATE LANDSCAPE

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a seismic shift in our work lives, notably the rise of remote work brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This change isn’t just about swapping office desks for dining tables; it’s profoundly impacting…

INTRODUCING THE CORNERSTONE OF ASSOCIATING REALTORS: REALTOR’S TOGETHER, STRONGER TOGETHER

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What started as an idea to amalgamate the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) and Waterloo Region Association of Realtors (WRAR) soon caught wind and spread like all good ideas often do. Julie Sergi, a realtor with RAHB for 19…

GOVERNMENT’S NEW HOUSING RULES: A BOOST FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS OR A RECIPE FOR HIGHER PRICES?

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The Federal Government announced in September that, in addition to the new 30-year amortization option for first-time homebuyers of new builds (which took effect August 1st), they will also extend this option to first-time buyers of resale…

WITH A LOWER INTEREST RATE, IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO REFINANCE YOUR MORTGAGE?

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With interest rates dropping, many homeowners ask the same question: Is now the right time to refinance my mortgage? The simple answer? It could be! But as with most financial decisions, a few factors must be considered to ensure it’s your…

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY: A GUIDE TO FLOODPROOFING YOUR HOME

Severe weather events have become more common nationwide, specifically in Ontario. The most recent, an extreme rainfall event in July 2024, saw record-breaking flooding in Mississauga, along major highways, and in parts of Toronto, including…

OUR AGING POPULATION: HOUSING OPTIONS AVAILABLE NEAR YOU

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Retirement is around the corner for many in Canada today, with a quarter of the demographic falling into the senior category by 2030. While so much of the population is hitting this milestone, their housing options may differ from what they…

WHERE ARE THE BUYERS COMING FROM? REALTORS SHARE THEIR INSIGHTS

It’s no secret that the dream of buying a home is becoming harder for many families and first-time homebuyers, yet the housing market is still doing well, and homes are still selling at all price points. It begs the question: Who are the buyers?…

7 THINGS TO KNOW WHEN PURCHASING A COTTAGE OR VACATION HOME

PURCHASING A COTTAGE OR VACATION HOME CAN BE AN EXCITING VENTURE, OFFERING A PERFECT GETAWAY FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF CITY LIFE. HOWEVER, IT’S ESSENTIAL TO APPROACH THIS PURCHASE WITH CAREFUL CONSIDERATION AND THOROUGH PLANNING. HERE…

UNDERSTANDING CHANGES TO THE CAPITAL GAIN TAX

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The 2024 federal budget recently announced a change to the capital gains tax, which caused concern for Canadians who own multiple properties. While the Liberal government has indicated that the new plan is aimed at the wealthy and that 99.87…

SPRING PROJECTS TO PERK UP YOUR PATIO

With spring in full swing and gardening projects on your mind as you hunker down at home, it’s time to start thinking about enjoying the patio again. A few small projects can take that dull, blank space and turn it into a patio with panache. 1.…

HELP (AND HOPE) FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

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The recent federal budget announced several plans to tackle the housing and affordability crisis. Several initiatives were included to assist first-time homebuyers in saving and affording a house in the current market climate. Other plans to…

THE IMPACT OF CANADIAN ECONOMIC TRENDS ON THE IMPACT OF CANADIAN MORTGAGE RATES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Navigating the world of mortgages can sometimes feel like trying to predict the weather in Canada: just when you think you’ve got it figured out, things change. But unlike the weather, understanding the economic factors that influence mortgage…