Each year on September 30, we recognise the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours residential school survivors, kids who never made it home, and their families and communities. A crucial step in the healing process is public remembrance of the tragic and painful past and ongoing effects of residential schools.

This federally recognised holiday was established through changes to the law approved by Parliament.

The Meaning Behind The Visuals

The sun (the summer solstice), which serves as the focal point of the celebrations, is at the centre of the numerous visual components used to illustrate Indigenous traditions. The artwork on the right depicts the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis as well as the four elements of…

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So, you’ve decided to sell your home. No matter what your reasons are for moving, such a big change can be overwhelming. It can seem daunting with everything you need to know. Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Selling your home can be emotional, which is why it helps to have an expert guide you through the process. Your RE/MAX agent has the expertise you need to make it easier to move on, and help you get the best price for your home, and offering guidance on things like home staging. So, what is home staging anyway? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Home Staging?

If you think it means putting on an off-Broadway production in your living room, you’re wrong – but you’ve come to the right place to get the right answer! To put…

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Autumn can be the most beautiful time of year for many, and the transition from summer to winter is often an enjoyable stretch for homeowners to prepare their yards for those post-winter glory days.

There are plenty of autumn jobs that score huge dividends for the coming months—tasks that go beyond closing down gardens. We’ve gathered some of the most important points to address, whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring pro contractors or landscapers.

1. Check eavestroughs, gutters, and downspouts

It doesn’t matter how little or how much snow you get where you live, all precipitation turns to water at some point, and that water can be a threat to your home if not addressed and routed away from problem spots. Your roof is your biggest…

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You’ve got your mortgage pre-approval, and you’re shopping the market for your perfect home. If you find one that’s priced too close to your limit, you run the risk of being house poor. Let’s look at what it is, what you can do to avoid it, and what to do if you are already house poor.

The Costs of Owning a Home

When you begin the process of looking for a home, you may think that the amount in your pre-approval letter and the house sale price are the only things that matter, but that’s not the case. There are several other costs associated with buying and maintaining a home that people often overlook:

Utilities – Your home needs water, electricity, and natural gas to run. You may also require utilities like internet and possibly city services…

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Have you ever wondered how much your property’s value has changed since you purchased it? Home appraisals can play a big role. Let’s break down the appraisal process—what it means, when it happens, and other important factors you need to know.

Image via Pexels

What is a home appraisal?

An appraisal is an process to determine how much money a property is worth. It sounds simple in theory, but a lot goes into determining the appraised value of a piece of real estate. 

Valid appraisals must be conducted by a licensed appraiser—a third-party professional who’s  unbiased towards the sale. Appraisers are required to hold a license in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, but other provinces may have different requirements. Typically, they’re ordered by…

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A year ago, housing affordability dominated national conversations as the Canadian real estate market exploded in growth, across major urban centres and rural communities alike.

For the last couple of months, it seems like this discussion has shifted, with affordability taking a back seat given recent moderation in the market following the unprecedented “COVID boom.”

The average price for a home in Canada was sold for about $630,000 in July, recent data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) confirm. This is down five per cent from the same time a year ago. When the red-hot markets of Toronto and Vancouver are removed from the equation, the typical price for a residential property falls to roughly $525,000.

Despite the last several…

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As hibernation season begins and our time indoors increases, we naturally begin to think of ways to make our home more comfortable. Home improvement projects can help revitalize your space and create the perfect cozy haven. What’s more, completing these projects early in the season has an added bonus: your home will be refreshed before guests ascend for holiday get-togethers! 

Whether your preference is new curtains for bedroom windows or fresh lighting in the kitchen, we’ve got you covered for all the little projects you can do around your home for less than $100—perfect for a weekend DIY when the weather starts to get a bit drab.

1. Organize your entryway

Proper storage is a key aspect of organizing your front hallway. Shelving units,…

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Renovation mortgage financing

The good news is that you’ve found your dream home. The bad news is it’s a bit of a fixer-upper. You’ve saved for the down payment but do not have the money to undertake the necessary renovations. Fear not, homebuyer! There are many options available to help you finance the renovations, so you can stop dreaming and start enjoying your new home.

How to pay for renovations when buying a home

Renovation mortgage financing is one of the most popular renovation financing options for new homebuyers. It allows you to add renovation costs to your mortgage when you purchase your new home. So if your mortgage was $500,000 to cover the purchase price and you needed $60,000 for the renovations, you would assume a mortgage of…

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With cooler weather approaching, it makes sense to start thinking about cozy ways to spruce up your home. 

Perhaps you’ve experimented with a little fall DIY project in the past, or maybe this is the year you’ve decided to put your design and creativity to the test. Regardless of your motivation, there are plenty of ideas for every part of your home. From incorporating more texture and sustainable materials, to emulating fall foliage, we’ve outlined some of the upcoming fall trends you can implement below!

Natural hues with a pop of colour

Fall is so often associated with rich and earthy tones—think burnt orange, deep chocolate brown, muted greens, camel, and mustard yellow. This fall, in addition to the expected warm and calming colour…

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CMN Champion and REMAX Agent Bruce Johnson

As a kick-off to RE/MAX’s annual Month of Miracles on August 1, Bruce Johnson, founder of Motorcycle For Miracles and Sales Representative with RE/MAX By The Bay, set off from his home in Wasaga Beach, Ontario for a 10,000-kilometre solo ride to Labrador, with a goal of raising $250,000 for Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). Bruce stopped at 10 CMN hospitals along the way, visited with children and families, and reached his fundraising goal. But this ride, dubbed the “Road to a Million,” marked another significant milestone for Bruce, bringing his total funds raised for CMN to $1 Million.

“Road to a Million holds a very special significance for me,” Bruce explained. “Having raised $750,000 for CMN to this point, aiming for…

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