How to Become a Homeowner on a First-Time Buyer’s Budget It's not easy being a first-time home buyer right now. At the end of last year, housing affordability hit an all-time low.1 Additionally, mortgage rates have risen significantly since 2021, while inventory remains tight for many property categories, but especially for starter homes. Even lower-priced condos are harder to snag these days, as investors and downsizers muscle out first-timers by offering stronger, often... [read more]

7 Common Homebuyer Regrets (And How To Avoid Them)  To avoid buyer's remorse, be sure to consider your future self when shopping for a home.  Most new homebuyers don't regret becoming homeowners. In fact, according to a recent survey by Zolo, 80% of Canadians who purchased a home during the pandemic say they're glad they bought their current homes.1 But that doesn't mean newly-minted homeowners don't have any regrets about their buying... [read more]

Upgrade Your Home With These 2024 Design Trends One of the best parts of owning a home is the freedom to make it truly your own with design choices that reflect your personality and lifestyle. Whether you lean toward contemporary design or a farmhouse aesthetic, your home is your canvas.  Even so, it’s always smart to think about the long-term impact those decisions might have on your home’s value. Choosing over-personalized or unpopular materials and finishes could... [read more]

GTA Real Estate Market tightens in January 2024 compared to 2023 housing activity TORONTO, ONTARIO, February 6, 2024 – Home sales were up in January 2024 in comparison to January 2023. This annual increase came as some homebuyers started to benefit from lower borrowing costs associated with fixed rate mortgage products. New listings were also up year-over-year but by a lesser annual rate compared to sales. The resulting tighter market conditions when compared to the same period a... [read more]

20 Unique Home Gifts for Every Person on Your List Every year, it seems the holidays sneak up on us—and every year, that brings with it the dreaded last-minute gift panic. Finding a present that hits all the right notes can be surprisingly stressful, even when it comes to people you’ve known for years. But have no fear! We’ve lined up a list of gifts for every “type” on your list. And since we work in real estate, they’re all centred around home... [read more]