Real Estate Blog

Canadian Home Sales See Surprising Rise?

On Tuesday, November 15, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) released its national housing statistics for the month of October. Below, CREA’s Senior Economist Shaun Cathcart provides an update on the current state of housing markets in Canada and explains what the data means for members:

In a surprise to many, home sales recorded over Canadian MLS® Systems edged up 1.3% between September and October 2022.

To close observers, this should not come as a surprise given that month-to-month sales declines have been becoming increasingly smaller since May. For some, the change from negative to positive results is a big deal, if only psychologically.

A 1.3% increase may not seem like much since our natural inclination is to compare it to…

435 Views, 0 Comments

5 Trading Spaces Room Makeovers That Missed the Mark

As the 1990s and 2000s make a comeback in the form of TV, film, and fashion, we can’t help but be nostalgic about original home improvement shows that paved the way for so many of today’s reality home shows. 

The most notable of these classic shows is TLC’s Trading Spaces. The premise is simple: two sets of neighbours swap homes and transform a room in two days with a budget of $1,000 using the help of expert designers. This format made the show, which ran from 2000 to 2009 before its 2018 reboot, a huge hit. 

Trading Spaces’ successful results inspired a generation of reno enthusiasts to try their hand at updating their own spaces, but sometimes left homeowners shocked and even in tears. 

While it may seem like these things were done…

877 Views, 0 Comments

How to Apply Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper (And Ways to Use It)

Have you ever wondered how you can transform an ordinary room into something extraordinary? With peel-and-stick wallpaper, you can easily and quickly decorate your home—especially if you’re a renter or like to redecorate often.

Install peel-and-stick wallpaper to add a pop of colour to bland walls, a subtle texture to a ceiling, or a fun pattern to walls, stair risers, and furniture. When compared to traditional wallpaper (which requires pasting), it’s much easier to install and remove. No commitment, no wall damage! Peel-and-stick wallpaper is typically sold by square foot, so your costs will depend on how large of a space you’re looking to cover. You can find it at local home improvement or craft stores for about $70 for 30 square feet, or online…

559 Views, 0 Comments

5 Design Trends on Their Way Out for 2023

With 2023 just around the corner, many of us are beginning to think of what to bring into the new year and what to leave behind. This applies to our homes as well. When all of the holiday décor comes down, it’s a good time to consider what sort of design elements in your home are in need of a shakeup. By nature, home décor trends come and go, but there are a few making their way out as we usher in the new year. From all-white minimalism to modern farmhouse, read more to find out what experts say should be left behind in 2022.

1. Modern farmhouse

Modern farmhouse has really had its moment. Starting in the mid 2010s, the design was revered for its homey vibes and was hailed as a way to bring bits of rural life…

258 Views, 0 Comments

Tips to Enhance Your Curb Appeal This Winter

The grey and lifeless winter landscape can leave your home’s curb appeal… lacking. If you’re selling your home and are hoping to channel your inner Norman Rockwell in a cozy, welcoming scene, take it from the experts: it is a lot simpler than you think! Homeowners who want to give their front yard a facelift or prepare their home to sell during the winter season should be aware that it does not require too much of an investment. From a fresh coat of paint to a modest bird feeder, it is the little things that count, and can add the most charm to your home’s exterior. We have compiled a list of tips from real estate experts on how you can enhance your curb appeal this winter.

6 Tips to Enhance Your Curb Appeal This Winter

…

483 Views, 0 Comments

What Are Condo Fees?

What are condo fees, how are they calculated, and what do they cover? Condos have become the home of choice for many Canadian homebuyers, particularly first-timers, but increasingly move-up buyers as well. But many don’t understand this lifestyle option before deciding that it’s right for them.

Homeowners are drawn to condo living for a variety of reasons. It is a good option as residents age and can no longer care for a house or want to downsize. There is less maintenance and repair responsibility and more security features. But the big draw is often on-site amenities such as a swimming pool that you would not otherwise be able to afford.

Affordability is a big factor behind the relatively recent shift to condo living,…

462 Views, 0 Comments

How to Prepare Your House Before You Go on Vacation

Most people have watched the movie Home Alone or have at least know the storyline. To summarize, a family goes away for Christmas vacation, and two robbers scope out the house and decide to break in and steal everything. However, the family forgets their youngest son, who spends his days pranking the robbers and keeping them at bay. While this makes for an amusing movie plot, being in this situation in reality is not what anyone wants – especially when they are out of the country. Now, in you’re wondering how to prepare your house before you go on vacation this winter, read on!

While the likelihood of you forgetting one of your children at home when you leave for winter vacation in next to none, the chances of someone breaking into your home while…

315 Views, 0 Comments

How Do You Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster?

Buying a home is a big investment and a huge commitment, but most homeowners will attest that the pay-off is worth the pains and strains of making those regular mortgage payments. Most people focus on their mortgage interest rate as a way of saving money (or at least, ensuring more of it goes toward your principal), but there are other ways to decrease the amount paid in interest. One way is to pay your mortgage off faster. More on that below, but let’s start with a basic mortgage 101.

What is a mortgage?

In order to buy a home in Canada, you’ll need a down payment of at least five per cent of the home’s purchase price (but it can be more). These funds are typically saved over time and can be boosted with the help of…

506 Views, 0 Comments

Retirement May Change What You Need in a Home

Approaching one’s retirement years can be a very exciting time. You’ve made it through your work years, you’ve raised a family, the kids have left the nest, and you’re finally ready to enjoy more time at home and doing the things you’ve been waiting your whole life for. However, you may find that your current home does not fit your new lifestyle. It’s too big, too much to maintain, and too expensive. If that is the case, it may be time to think about downsizing to a smaller home that will better suit your lifestyle.

Determine What You Need in a Home in Retirement

If you’ve been living in your home for many years, it can be challenging to make a significant life change like selling your home. Your current home is full of memories, and your…

399 Views, 0 Comments

How to Make the Most of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday

Though Black Friday feels like something that’s emerged over the last couple of decades, the “Black Friday” name was first used in connection with the crash of the United States gold market in September 1869. It was only in the late 1980s Black Friday took on its role as the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. “Black” refers to retail accounting practices where black ink represents profits. It’s suggested it took until late November for retail businesses to finally move out of the unprofitable red ink that leads to the clearance-type prices available on Black Friday.  

Today, the Black Friday shopping event has also spawned other retail events, including Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday. No longer do Canadians…

325 Views, 0 Comments