Top 4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Mortgage With home prices and rates still relatively high, securing a mortgage can feel daunting––even to the most experienced borrowers. But don't let that deter you: If other homebuyers’ experiences are any indication, odds are you'll eventually find a home loan that works well for you.  In fact, research from the Real Estate and Mortgage Institute of Canada (REMIC) found that even after the Bank of Canada... [read more]

GREATER TORONTO AREA HOME SALES AND LISTINGS DROP IN FEBRUARY 2023 Uptick in Home buying Expected Later This Year February sales in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) were down substantially from the pre-rate hike levels of early 2022. However, the number of new listings also dropped substantially year-over-year. The result was that the average selling price and MLS® HPI continued to level off after trending lower through the spring and summer of last year. “It has been... [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]

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]

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]