National Real Estate Market Update for 2023 There’s an old adage in real estate: location, location, location. But ever since the Bank of Canada began its series of inflation-fighting interest rate hikes last year, a new mantra has emerged: mortgage rates, mortgage rates, mortgage rates. Higher rates had the immediate impact of cooling homebuyer affordability and demand. But when the Bank of Canada announced in early March that it would put additional rate changes on hold, the... [read more]

Stress-Free Home Cleaning: 27 Practical Tactics for Busy Households     Keeping a clean and orderly home is a challenge for many of us. Between busy work schedules, social obligations, and family commitments, it’s tough to keep up with daily chores—let alone larger seasonal tasks.  The effort is worthwhile, however. A sanitary environment can keep you and your family healthier by minimizing your exposure to germs and allergens.1 Plus, researchers have... [read more]

Downsize Your Home, Rightsize Your Life: How to Choose the Ideal Smaller Home   When you've lived somewhere for many years, it can be tough to say goodbye. But if you (or a loved one) currently have a home that is bigger than necessary or is too high maintenance, it may be time to trade unused square footage for a smaller, more manageable space.  Take it from the downsizers who’ve been there: Although living small might require some adjustments, it can also... [read more]

35 Tips to Furnish Your New Home for Less   Buying a new home is one of the most exciting experiences in life. And if you’re like most homebuyers, you’ll be planning your furniture placement and decor before the ink dries on your offer letter. But before you run to the nearest home goods store, take a deep breath. First, you’ll need to delay any major purchases before you close on your new home. A large outlay or additional line of credit could affect your... [read more]

Renovate or Relocate? 3 Questions To Help You Decide Does your current home no longer serve your needs? If so, you may be torn between relocating to a new home or renovating your existing one. This can be a difficult choice, and there’s a lot to consider—including potential costs, financial implications, and quality of life.  A major remodel can be a major commitment. From hiring contractors to selecting materials to managing a budget, it can take a tremendous... [read more]