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  With the first Bank of Canada rate drop having occurred in June, many individuals are looking at the housing market with renewed vigor and an expectation that rates will continue to come down to a more sustainable level. If you are someone who is considering entering the housing market this summer, there are a few things you should keep in mind: With the first Bank of Canada rate drop […]

The Bank of Canada finally began an easing cycle on June 5, taking their overnight policy rate down 25 bps to 4.75%–the first major central bank to do so. The housing market has languished over the past year with extremely weak affordability. The Multiple-Listing Service Home Price Index fell again in May and is now down 2.4% year-over-year and is off 14.4% from the early 2022 peak when the overnight […]

  With the summer in full swing, we haven’t seen the increase in home sales that many predicted.  Places like Toronto were down over 16% in comparison to 2023, while Ottawa managed to outperform 2023 by .1%. While the Bank of Canada’s rate reduction in June did spark some optimism, most people are remaining on the sidelines, waiting to see if it continues. The interesting part is that home prices […]

  We all invest a lot into our homes, so we want to ensure we enjoy them to the fullest all year. As we head into the prime of summer, there is no better time to update your space and turn it into the perfect staycation paradise so that you can fully enjoy the season! Here are my top 5 tips for creating that backyard oasis: Expand Your Outdoor Entertaining […]

  While the recent news of the Bank of Canada’s rate change -.25% may have caught your attention, it’s essential to understand its direct relevance to your financial situation. If you’re currently with a fixed-rate mortgage, this change may have a limited impact on you. The Bank of Canada’s overnight lending rate, which is the rate that has been reduced, only impacts variable-rate mortgages and products. However, on the bright […]

  Canadian inflation has fallen considerably for the past four months. Excluding shelter, inflation is a mere 1.6%. While the job market was relatively strong in April, the unemployment rate continues to rise. Job growth, though strong, is not keeping up with the surge in working-age immigrants. GDP growth was likely about 2.3% in the first quarter, but per capita GDP is falling. Moreover, economic activity will likely slow to […]

  Creating a pet-friendly home involves considering the comfort, safety, and well-being of your furry friends. Here are some home features to consider: Durable Flooring: Choose scratch-resistant and easy-to-clean flooring like hardwood, laminate, or more durable tile options. Avoid carpets if possible, or choose pet-friendly carpeting that’s stain-resistant. Pet-Friendly Fabrics: Choose furniture and upholstery made from pet-friendly fabrics like leather or microfiber that are durable and easy to clean. This helps in […]

  If you’re carrying high-interest debt on credit cards or loans, it can be challenging to make ends meet each month. However, refinancing your mortgage may be the solution to your financial woes. By refinancing, you can consolidate your debt into one manageable payment and save money on interest. Here are some of the benefits of refinancing your mortgage to pay off high-interest loans or credit cards. Refinance up to […]

When purchasing a home, most offers include conditions or subjects, which are requirements or criteria to be met before the sale can be finalized and the property is transferred. Some of the most common subjects include: Financing approval Home inspection Fire/home insurance protection Strata document review if appliable The purpose of these subjects is to protect the buyer from making a poor investment and ensure that there are no hidden […]

  When traditional lenders like banks or credit unions decline your mortgage application, it’s easy to feel discouraged. However, it’s important to know that alternative options are always available. If you require a mortgage but don’t meet the requirements of traditional institutions, you’ll find yourself in what’s commonly known as the “Alternative-A” or “B” lending space. This sector consists of three types of lenders: Alt-A lenders: These include banks, trust […]