We all do it at some point—one minute you’re checking out homes listed on REALTOR.ca and then you end up scrolling through magnificent properties that stretch way beyond your budget, but hey, it’s fun to dream big, right? Whether it’s a show-stopping oceanfront mansion or a sprawling penthouse with killer views, luxury real estate can seem like a whole other world. We asked an expert to help us peek inside that world to find out what buyers and sellers need to know about high-end properties.

What is luxury real estate?

The definition of a luxury property has changed significantly in the past few years, says Colette Gerber, a REALTOR® and certified luxury home specialist at Heller Murch Realty in Vancouver, British Columbia.

“When I…

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selling in a balanced market

Here is something you may not have heard in a while: the Canadian real estate market is inching closer to balanced market conditions.

That’s right. After the buying frenzy in 2020 and 2021, Canada’s housing sector significantly cooled off in 2022, driven by the Bank of Canada (BoC) raising interest rates, which resulted in market uncertainty and many prospective buyers sitting on the sidelines. This allowed for overheating real estate market to get doused by eliminating the easy money era of the last few years.

Of course, one of the primary developments in all of this has been the shift away from the red-hot seller’s market.

According to the RE/MAX Canadian Real Estate Outlook 2023 report, 60 per cent of regions in the…

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For most, the extent of our heating and cooling system knowledge is as follows: when it’s cold out, turn on the heat and when it’s hot, turn on the air conditioning. However, as homeowners, it’s important to know how these systems work, what maintenance is required, and when it’s time to look at updating your system.

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The basics of HVAC systems

Your home’s temperature control system typically includes three basic components: 

  1. a source for warm or cool air such as an air conditioner or furnace;
  2. a means of distributing the air throughout your home such as ducts or vents and 
  3. a way to regulate the temperature, such as a thermostat. Fuel or energy is used to make the system run – everything from electricity to natural…

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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 Ottawa

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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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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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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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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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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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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