property boundaries land survey

We have all heard stories of neighbours fighting over a property line that is not clearly defined. A land survey takes the guesswork out of property boundaries by mapping all boundary lines and structures on your property. While we only think about land surveys in relation to conflict, they are also useful when purchasing a new home. A land survey provides an accurate picture of your property so that you know exactly what you are getting into in buying it. Let’s take a closer look at what a land survey entails, how it works, and why it is useful.

What is a Land Survey?

A land survey is a map showing your property’s area and the legal boundaries. It also indicates any buildings and other structures on the property and any…

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Can non-Canadian residents participate in the Canadian real estate market? Sure, they can, but how does this work? We have put together a brief guide on selling a property in Canada as a non-Canadian resident.

Selling a Property in Canada as a Non-Canadian Resident Owner

A non-resident is allowed to buy and sell residential property in Canada.

Indeed, non-residents can enjoy many of the same facets of the Canadian real estate market as residents. They can obtain a mortgage loan from financial institutions as long as they fulfill the bank’s requirements and are approved for equity loans. Plus, for extra earned income on a property in Canada, non-resident property owners can also earn income on a property in Canada by renting it or using it as…

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Family-focused condos

It used to be that the sign of a growing family was a detached house in the suburbs, where children can run in the backyard and go on adventures with neighbourhood kids. However, family-focused condos are giving many parents another option for a home that meets their needs.

Large cities around the world have been building residences that are suitable for families, and Canada is beginning to follow. Modern condo buildings are larger and packed with amenities, perfect for the families that are now calling them “home.” As the children grow, urban centres offer endless opportunities for work and school, convenience and entertainment right outside your door. And once the kits move out, there’s no need to downsize because the…

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Can I Be Denied a Mortgage After Pre-Approval

If you are in the market for a new home and have already been pre-approved for a mortgage, you might think you’re in the clear. However, this is not always the case. There are several reasons a mortgage can be denied after pre-approval, and you must understand what causes it to happen to ensure your mortgage will be approved.

Reasons a Mortgage Can Be Denied After Pre-Approval

There are a number of reasons that a mortgage can be denied even after the prospective applicant has received pre-approval. Here are a few of the more common reasons:

Change of employment – One of the requirements for being approved for most mortgages is steady employment. If you have changed jobs and are still in the probationary period with…

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Canadians throw away about three million tonnes of plastic every year, with only 9% actually being recycled, according to the Government of Canada. As more and more people become mindful of the effect their choices have on the environment, solutions that help to mitigate climate change continue to grow in popularity, and ecobricking is  one of those methods.

In keeping with guidelines from the Global Ecobrick Alliance—a group that has been forging the way in plastic transition—ecobricks transform used plastic into reusable building blocks that can be used to construct furniture, food-forest gardens, parks, and indoor modules like beds, tables, and chairs. They’re also an eye-opener when it comes to fully understanding how much plastic we use on a…

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housing shortage affordability crisis

The Canadian real estate market is experiencing a correction period. While many industry observers are stopping short of calling this downturn a crash, it is clear that the once-sizzling housing sector is being doused by rising interest rates and broader uncertainty surrounding market conditions. So, are we still experiencing an affordability crisis?

In September, the national average home price tumbled 3.9 per cent from the same time a year ago to $637,673, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Even when Toronto and Vancouver – two of the hottest housing markets in Canada – are eliminated from the equation, the typical residential property in the country sold for more than $500,000. While this is…

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Your garage space can be put to many uses, from a study space or a home office, to a gym or an art studio, but as the colder weather hits, it’s not always ideal to be hanging out in an uninsulated concrete room. During these chilly months, cold air can seep into your garage from the doorway, windows, and even from exterior walls. An improperly insulated garage can even lead to damage of your storage items and heat loss from your home, resulting in rising heating costs during the winter. Luckily, there are garage renovations you can do to winterize your space for all seasons.

Seal your windows and garage door to prevent air leaks

Checking for air leaks

Check if air is leaking around your garage door or any of your windows. For windows,…

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In recent years, environmental impact has been a topic on many people’s minds, and you might be searching for ways to live more sustainably. Over time, sustainable architecture strategies can positively affect air quality and resources, and even save you money. Sustainable architecture isn’t just for people who are constructing a new home. Anyone can apply these strategies to make their home an eco-friendly place to live.

What is Sustainable Architecture?

Sustainable architecture is a term that refers to the way a building is designed, constructed and inhabited. The building is designed to maximize natural resources like airflow and sunlight and is constructed using environmentally friendly materials. It also uses renewable energy sources for…

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haunted house

Superstitions, stigmas and the supernatural – whether you believe in them or not, they can have a very real impact on how long it takes to sell your home and the price you’ll get for it. As a homebuyer, even the mere thought of a haunted house can have you running for your life. With that said, there’s always an upside, and in the case of a stigmatized house, an unbothered buyer could be in store for a quick closing and a great price.

Did Someone Say *GULP* Haunted House?

Most people would agree that living in a murder house might be creepy, and it may be enough to turn buyers off, regardless of tight market conditions – which some industry observers might consider even scarier than an other-worldly house guest. Whether…

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What Happens If I Can’t Pay My Mortgage

While you might have felt perfectly capable of making mortgage payments when you bought your house, sometimes financial situations arise that affect your ability to make regular mortgage payments. This can have a huge negative impact on your credit score and can put your home in danger of being repossessed if you don’t take immediate action. Luckily there are options that can give you time to turn your finances around. Here’s what you should do if you can’t pay your mortgage.

What Happens If I Can’t Pay My Mortgage

Determine the Reason You Can’t Pay

In most cases, people do not fall behind on mortgage payments on purpose. Rather, there is an underlying reason that you can’t afford to make your mortgage payments. Once…

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