Real Estate Blog

What is Missing Middle Housing?

A well-served housing market means different things for different cities—and, on a more granular level, different neighbourhoods. Some people benefit more from multi-family buildings, others are better served by a larger share of single-family homes. One trend in many major Canadian markets is missing middle housing, even in those that stand to benefit from it.

What is middle housing? 

Middle housing includes duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, townhomes, cottage courts, and laneway homes—it’s the middle ground between multi-family apartments or condos and single-family homes. Middle housing tends to be more affordable and requires a similar amount of land as single-family homes, while offering more…

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Fire Safety and Prevention Tips for Your Home

Fire safety in the home is essential throughout the year, though extra attention is encouraged during colder seasons as we fire up our heating systems and turn to candles to create warm atmospheres. There are simple, yet preventative, steps you can take to reduce the risk of fires in your home to keep you, your loved ones and your belongings safe.

This article will assess some of the key hazards in our homes we tend to overlook as well as the major, life-saving effect of working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Fire hazards in your home you may not realize

Some fire hazards are easily identifiable, including unattended cigarettes or fire-burning candles, but there are some less obvious dangers we often overlook. Be sure to add these…

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We Remember

Canadians recognize Remembrance Day, originally called Armistice Day, every 11 November at 11 a.m. It marks the end of hostilities during the First World War and an opportunity to recall all those who have served in the nation’s defence.

Armistice Day

Armistice Day was inaugurated in 1919 throughout much of the British Empire, but on the second Monday in November. In 1921, the Canadian Parliament passed an Armistice Day bill to observe ceremonies on the first Monday in the week of 11 November, but this combined the event with the Thanksgiving Day holiday. For much of the 1920s, Canadians observed the date with little public demonstration. Veterans and their families gathered in churches and around local memorials, but observances involved few…

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Pinpointing Your Property Boundaries with a 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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Selling a Property in Canada as a Non-Canadian Resident

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 You 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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Ecobricks: What Are They and How Can You Use Them?

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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5.8M Homes Needed by 2030 To Tackle 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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Winterizing Your Garage for All-Season Use

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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