Chalet-Inspired Design

While it’s 6,154 kilometers from Parliament Hill to the Matterhorn on the Swiss-Italian border, the Alpine design influence is much closer, given the highlands, mountains and winter climates shared between regions. Likewise, there’s a shared rustic sensibility about architecture and design that suits the rugged surroundings found in abundance in these locales. It’s no wonder the steep-roofed A-frame style pops up all over Canada, along with cozy interiors aimed at warming the soul as much as the body. 

Alpine design style (known also as Swiss chalet style in places where the phrase doesn’t conjure thoughts of rotisserie chicken) has much in common with Canadiana as well as the Canuck tendencies toward timber frame and log cabin construction. 

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Fireplaces: Function, Feature and Performance

It’s hard to dispute how relaxing it is to curl up under a cozy blanket while cradling a hot beverage in front of a crackling fire on a cold evening. Fireplaces in Canadian lifestyle have undergone a shift in purpose over the years from staple heat source to optional design feature. If you’re thinking of installing one or updating or converting an older fireplace, there’s a lot to consider. Let’s explore the different types of fireplaces and the features, benefits and risks involved.

Wood-burning fireplaces

There’s nothing like the snap and crackle of a real wood fire—its welcoming rustic scent wafting through your home. While a traditional wood-burning fireplace has numerous parts, there are essentially three main components: fire box, flue…

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Design Trends to Watch Out for in 2023

Looking to update your home’s interior style in 2023? If you’re thinking about sprucing up your home décor, you might be paying attention to what’s in and what’s out. 

Each of the following design trends provides an opportunity for you to explore what décor is most in line with your own style. Trends are a great way to glean inspiration, not necessarily dictate your entire home design. From dark and moody colours to bold marble and curves, learn more about some of the trends that are predicted to dominate 2023.

Moody jewel tones

Interior design is all about creating a certain feeling in a space. One of the quickest ways to do that is through the use of colour. According to HGTV, there are some dark, moody colours trending for 2023 that…

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What a Shift to Car-Free Cities Means for Housing Markets

As the Canadian population grows and climate change continues to have devastating impacts across the globe, a city that can function without the use of cars can be a move in the right direction when it comes to reducing carbon emissions. While it’s easy to say—less cars means less pollution—there are many other benefits to highlight.

Why are Canadian cities making the shift to car-free?

“Today, there seems to be a consensus around climate change that it is a challenge, and we need to do more to reduce our carbon footprint as mankind,” says Cam Forbes, a REALTOR®, Toronto-based broker, and Chief Operating Officer at RE/MAX Realtron. 

Cars are the obvious culprit; transportation is one of the largest sources of carbon pollution in Canada,…

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Buying a Home? Narrow Down Your Needs and Wants List

When you’re looking to buy a home—whether it’s your first, something larger, downsizing, or an investment property—you need to think about your needs versus your wants. This way, when you meet with a REALTOR®, they’ll be able to better assist you in finding a home that suits you and your budget.

While you may think you really want to splurge for hardwood floors throughout your new home, you may actually need to have an extra bedroom for when family comes to visit, so there are going to be compromises you must make. Taking the time to narrow down your needs and wants will help make the house-hunting process even smoother, as you’ll already know what things you can and can’t live without.  

How do you define a need vs. a want?

While many people…

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5 Canadian Border Towns Worth Exploring

When it comes to setting an example of being neighbourly, the relationship between Canada and the United States certainly comes to mind. In fact, the border between the two countries is the longest international–not to mention, undefended– border in the world at a staggering 8,890 kilometres. 

There are 119 border crossings, many of which are within towns and cities that embody this true neighbourly spirit. Some of these places and their landmarks are more talked about than others—Niagara Falls, Windsor, and Sault Ste. Marie, for example—but there are tons of other border towns worth spending time in. 

Fuel your wanderlust with a look at the following five towns between Canada and the United States, what makes them special, and what they have to…

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How to Prioritize Home Renovations

Whether you’ve bought a fixer-upper, or your property simply needs an update, homeowners may find themselves confronted with multiple renovations at a time. Upgrading your home can also be  contagious—once you update one room, it can feel tempting to do them all. If you’re looking at several home renovations on your to-do list, where do you even start? How do you decide what projects come first and what tasks can sit on the back burner? 

Rebecca Hay, president and principal designer of Rebecca Hay Designs, gives us some pointers on how to prioritize home renovations.

How to decide where to start

You have several areas of your home that need a renovation—the kitchen is dated, the entryway isn’t functional, and the bathroom…

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Bank of Canada Raises Target for Overnight Lending Rate

Bank of Canada Raises Target for Overnight Lending Rate Again, Changes Language on Future Rate Hikes

The Bank of Canada hiked its target for the overnight lending rate by 50 basis points to 4.25% while continuing its policy of quantitative tightening but stated that looking ahead it would need to consider whether the policy rate should rise further—a much more neutral stance than previous announcements.

After the announcement, financial markets were pricing in the potential for one more interest rate hike by the third quarter of 2023.

The Bank noted economic growth was stronger than expected in the third quarter of 2022 and continued to operate in excess demand. The Bank expects growth to stall through the end of the year and into the…

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How To Choose A Real Estate Agent

Buying a home is one of the most complex and important transactions that most of us will ever undertake. As a homebuyer, you get to choose who will represent you throughout the process. When choosing to work with a real estate agent, you expect a professional who has experience in both the market and your preferred neighbourhood, as well as in the type of housing you are looking for.

But not all real estate agents are created equal, so there are factors you must consider when searching for the right agent for you.

Agency Representation

Agency Representation (or fiduciary representation), simply means that the agent you hire is legally bound to represent your interests. When choosing…

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RE/MAX Commercial

Commercial For Buyers

The iconic red, white and blue balloon that represents one of the largest brands in the world is much more than it seems. The RE/MAX brand is made up of three different segments combined to become a name to be reckoned with in the real estate industry. Whether buying a residential home, a luxury property, or a commercial property, RE/MAX delivers a level of awareness, trust, and confidence competitors simply can’t match.

With access to the industry’s top training system, corporate support services, and a powerful referral network, it is easy to see why RE/MAX has become one of the most dynamic names in the commercial sector.

In your search for a RE/MAX Commercial property, you will work with a RE/MAX Commercial…

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