The True Cost of Homeownership: What You Pay Beyond the Mortgage When many new Canadian homebuyers calculate whether they can afford a new home, they focus almost exclusively on one number: the monthly mortgage payment. It's the figure lenders use for the mortgage stress test, the number real estate agents discuss during showings, and the benchmark buyers use to determine their budget. However, the mortgage is only the starting line. Homeowners also pay for property taxes,... [read more]

2025 Ends with More Affordable Housing Market and Paves the Way for Year of Recovery Annual Greater Toronto Area (GTA) home sales declined in 2025 compared to 2024, as economic uncertainty weighed on consumer confidence. Over the same period, listing inventory remained elevated, allowing for selling prices to be negotiated downward, helping improve affordability. “The GTA housing market became more affordable in 2025 as selling prices and mortgage rates trended lower. Improved... [read more]

Planning Your 2026 Real Estate Moves: A Guide to the Best Buying and Selling Seasons Timing isn’t everything in real estate, but it can still be the difference between saving real money or paying a premium, selling in 30 days or sitting for three months, and negotiating from a position of strength or uncertainty. As we look toward 2026, that timing question matters even more in Canada. CREA is calling for a modest pickup in activity into 2026 as rates ease and confidence returns,... [read more]

GTA Housing Market Provides More Choice and Greater Affordability for Buyers As Real Estate Prices Drop by 7.2% in October 2025 Home sales in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) were down year-over-year in October, while new listings were up. Market conditions continued to favour homebuyers, as average selling prices were negotiated down alongside lower mortgage rates. “Buyers who are confident in their employment situation and ability to make their mortgage payments over the long... [read more]

Can You Really Trust Online Home Valuations?   For millions of Canadians, the home‑search journey often starts on REALTOR.ca—Canada’s largest real estate platform—and continues across consumer portals and brokerage sites. Along the way, many homeowners encounter online valuation widgets (AVMs) from data apps and brokerages (e.g., HouseSigma, Zolo, and others) that promise an instant estimate of value. The appeal is obvious: quick, free, and convenient. A quick... [read more]