Real Estate Blog

Your Guide to Working Remotely in a Rural Area

As remote work has become increasingly normal for many office jobs, Canadians have taken advantage of the opportunity to live in rural areas like towns, villages and out in the country. A few have even taken up homesteading to live self-sufficiently. There are many advantages to working remotely in a rural area, and with these tips, you can make it work.

Advantages of Living Rural and Working Remotely

Many Canadians have migrated out of large cities and transitioned to remote work as their company has allowed. For some, this has allowed them to achieve their dream of living in rural and more remote parts of the country. There are many advantages to choosing a rural location when you have the freedom to work remotely:

• Home prices are more…

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Canadian Real Estate Prices Expected To Decline 3.3% in 2023 – Why This Could Be Good News for Buyers

It is no secret that the Canadian real estate market has been shifting over the last year. Home prices have tumbled, and sales activity has fallen. The Bank of Canada (BoC) has been raising interest rates since March 2022 to return the annual inflation rate to its two-per-cent target rate. In the process, this tightening campaign has increased mortgage rates and cooled off Canada’s red-hot housing sector.

But with the central bank still expected to pull the trigger on rate hikes for the next few months to ensure inflation has been defeated, what does this mean for the Canadian real estate market, especially with the typically busy spring buying season?

It could be a terrific opportunity for homebuyers, especially with…

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Upcoming Patio Trends for 2023

Sure, there may still be snow on the ground in most parts of the country, but it’s never too early to start thinking about how you’re going to spend the summer. In fact, it’s actually recommended you start thinking about any patio and landscaping plans you have ahead of time so you can be ready to go once the ground is thawed! If you’re looking to spruce up your backyard space by adding a patio, or just updating the one you have now, you’ll want to be in the know about the upcoming 2023 patio trends for this spring and summer. 

We spoke with Calumma Creative Landscapes, an award-winning landscape design company in North Vancouver run by husband-and-wife duo Taylor and Noemi Fifield. Taylor gave us his best tips and advice for what’s going to be hot…

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How To Get Pre-Approved For A Mortgage

If you're planning to buy a home, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is an important step to take. Not only will it give you a clear idea of how much house you can afford, but it can also help you make a stronger offer when you find the perfect property. Here are some things to consider in order to get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Check your credit score

Before you apply for a mortgage, it's important to know your credit score. This will help you determine if you're likely to be approved for a mortgage and what interest rate you can expect. You can check your credit score for free through websites like Equifax® Canada or TransUnion®.

Gather your documents

To get pre-approved for a mortgage, you'll need to provide documentation that…

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Preparing Kids for Moving

Moving to a new community can be a stressful experience for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for families searching for a new home. Children, in particular, may struggle with leaving behind familiar surroundings, friends, and routines, and it can be hard for them to adjust to a new place. As a real estate agency, there are several things we can do to help you preparing for the move and make the transition as smooth as possible. Here are some tips:

Involve your children in the moving process

Talk to your kids about the move and involve them in the planning process. Let them help you pack their belongings, choose the new house, and pick out the decor for their new room. By involving them, they will feel more in control and less anxious about…

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How to Save for a Down Payment While Renting

Renters across Canada have been struggling with rising rent costs and wondering how they will be able to save for a down payment while renting. However, with some money management tricks and adjustments to your daily living, you can save for a down payment. It might go slowly, but every little bit helps. Here are some tips to save for a down payment while renting.

1. Make a Budget and Stick to It

Making a budget is the easiest way to make your financial goals happen. When you have a plan for where your money is going, it puts the power back in your hands and gives you an idea of how long it will take to save for a down payment.

To make a budget, write down your monthly income. Then, list your monthly expenses, including your savings goal.…

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DIY - Laundry Room Makeover

If you're looking for a DIY project that can transform your home, a laundry room makeover is a great place to start. Not only will it improve the functionality of the space, but it can also make laundry day a little more enjoyable. Let's look at what's needed for a DIY laundry room makeover.

Step 1: Plan and Prep

Before you start any DIY project, it's important to plan and prep. Take some time to envision what you want your laundry room to look like. Consider factors such as storage, lighting, and color scheme. You may also want to make a list of supplies you'll need for the project, including paint, shelving, and organizational tools.

Once you have a plan in place, it's time to prep the space. This may include cleaning, removing any existing…

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Five Ways to Make a Small Space Feel Bigger

From using light and neutral colours to incorporating multifunctional furniture, this post covers various ways to create an illusion of space in a small room. We emphasize decluttering and storage solutions, as well as the strategic use of lighting and mirrors to reflect light and create depth. Get an idea of how to maximize space in a small room and make it feel more open and inviting.

Use light and neutral colours

The use of light and neutral colors can make a room feel bigger in a few ways. First, lighter colors reflect more light, which makes a space feel brighter and more open. This is especially true for white, which reflects almost all light that hits it. Darker colors, on the other hand, absorb light and can make a room feel smaller and…

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A Guide to Buying Your First Home

As a first-time homebuyer, navigating the Canadian real estate market can be a daunting task. With fluctuating interest rates and housing prices, it’s essential to do your research and be prepared before making any significant investments. Here’s a guide to help you buy your first home in today’s market.

Determine your budget

Before you start looking for a home, it’s crucial to establish your budget. You should consider your income, debts, and other monthly expenses when determining how much you can afford to spend on a home. Experts suggest that your monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 30% of your income.

Check out our mortgage calculator!

Save for a down payment

Typically, you need a down payment of at least 5% of the…

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Home Improvement Projects You Can Do For Under $50

Home improvement projects can be a great way to add value to your home, increase your comfort, and make your living space more functional. However, many people assume that home improvement projects require a significant investment of time and money. While some projects can certainly be expensive, there are plenty of options for those on a tight budget. Here are some home improvement projects under $50 that you can tackle with just a little bit of time and effort.

Install a new light fixture

Lighting can make a big difference in the look and feel of a room. You can find affordable light fixtures at most home improvement stores, and installing them is usually a straightforward process that you can do yourself. A new light fixture can instantly…

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