If you’re searching for drama, don’t limit yourself to Netflix. Instead, tune in to the real estate market, where the competition among buyers has never been fiercer. And with homes selling for record highs,1 the appraisal process—historically a standard part of a home purchase—is receiving more attention than ever.   That’s because some sellers are finding out the hard way that a strong offer can fizzle quickly when an appraisal comes in below... [read more]

We’ve all spent a lot more time at home over the past year. And for many of us, our homes have become our office, our classroom, our gym—and most importantly, our safe haven during times of uncertainty. So it’s no surprise to see that design trends for 2021 revolve around soothing colour palettes, cozy character, and quiet retreats.   Even if you don’t have immediate plans to buy or sell your home, we advise our clients to be mindful of modern design... [read more]

The start of a new year always compels people to take a fresh look at their goals, from health and career to relationships and finance. But with historically low mortgage rates, increased home sales and price growth, and a tight housing inventory, the time is right to also make some homeownership resolutions for 2021. Home buyers, is this the year you work to improve your credit score, pay down some debt, or save for a down payment? Home sellers, we’ve laid out plans for you to get... [read more]

10 Ways to Give Back to Our Local Community This Holiday Season  This year has demonstrated, perhaps more than ever, the importance of our family, friends, neighbors, and community. And with the holidays right around the corner, December offers the perfect opportunity to give back to the place we call home.   Let these 10 ways, both big and small, inspire you to do good in your town.   GIVE BACK NEAR HOME   1. Attract local wildlife.  By making your... [read more]

5 Secrets Buyers and Sellers Must Know About Virtual Home Tours   For years now, virtual home tours have helped real estate buyers far and wide find the perfect home. From long-distance military personnel being relocated, to investors expanding their portfolio, to homeowners looking for a vacation getaway, this technology makes finding a house that’s a bit out of driving distance much easier. And for real estate agents, virtual tours have been a useful way to help buyers with... [read more]

  October 2020 Go Ahead… Give Your Self a Real Treat This Month! The month of October can be a spooky month, maybe even a scary month with monstrous problems. Yikes!! Well maybe not, but words like that seem to be popping up everywhere as kids and adults alike look forward to Halloween.  In fact, according to the USA Today, adults spend more on themselves to celebrate Halloween than any other day during the year. I get that. Especially if they want to hang out with... [read more]

The pandemic has changed the way many of us live, work, and attend school—and those changes have impacted our priorities when it comes to choosing a home.   According to a recent survey by The Harris Poll, 75% of respondents who have begun working remotely would like to continue doing so—and 66% would consider moving if they no longer had to commute as often. Some of the top reasons were to gain a dedicated office space (31%), a larger home (30%), and more rooms overall... [read more]

Traditionally, spring is one of the busiest times of the year for real estate. But the coronavirus outbreak—and subsequent stay-at-home orders—led many buyers and sellers to put their moving plans on hold. In April, sales volume fell to its lowest level since 1984, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association.1   However, while sales have fallen, prices have remained stable. The average home price in April was down just 1.3% from the same month last year.1 And... [read more]

While no one can predict the future with certainty, there are signs that the Canadian housing market is starting to stabilize after a downturn in the first half of the year. Experts forecast that in most areas of the country housing prices will remain high, rents will rise, and mortgage rates will continue to creep up. So what does that mean for home buyers and sellers? To answer that question, we take a closer look at some of the top indicators. REAL ESTATE MARKET SHOWS SIGNS OF... [read more]

No one likes to think about disasters. Severe weather, fire, theft—or even a seemingly small issue like a broken pipe—can wreak havoc on your home and result in thousands of dollars in damages. Fortunately, a good homeowners insurance policy can offer you peace of mind that you and your family will be financially protected if disaster strikes. A homeowner’s insurance policy covers your home—as well as the belongings in it—in case of theft, accidental damage,... [read more]

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of buying a home. Once you’ve had an offer accepted on your dream house, you’ll probably be anxious to move in. However, before you make a significant financial commitment, it’s best to know exactly what you’re buying. When you hire a home inspector, you get a professional, in-depth examination of the property’s structures and systems. It’s a worthwhile investment that can save you money in the long run,... [read more]