The second busiest season for buying and selling homes is upon us, but what is it about autumn that causes an upswing in real estate activity? According to Patricia Verge, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association, a variety of factors may be responsible for the increase in sales. “Much like spring, fall offers a great climate in which to show your home. Also, many buyers are back from summer holidays and getting back to business.” Some of the benefits for buying a home... [read more]

Confidence in your skills and vehicle is important when it comes to winter driving. However, even the most experienced drivers can be thrown off by icy, snowy roads. Stay safe while driving with these tips:  Be prepared  Before it starts to snow, make sure you have your winter tires on. Keep an extra bottle of de-icing windshield washer fluid and a winter survival kit that includes extra clothing and boots, a first aid kit, small shovel, scraper,... [read more]

Our nation has a big challenge ahead to solve the issue of household food insecurity. But recent studies have shown signs of improvement and some good news on the food bank front. Mimi Lowi-Young, executive director of Food Banks Canada, shares a few positive stories on our nation's journey to relieve hunger. We're engaged In a recent survey, 87 per cent of respondents said that they believe hunger is not only... [read more]

Homebuyers and sellers will do well to know a thing or two about the process of home inspections. Making informed decisions about the home you hope to buy, or the one you plan to sell, is an important step as part of your financial considerations. “You’ll want to be aware of the processes around home inspections and know what they do and do not normally cover,” says Lincoln Thompson, a broker-owner with Royal LePage Gardiner Realty in Fredericton, New Brunswick.... [read more]

When replacing your countertop, you need to consider both your individual style and your budget before choosing a surface. To help you with your project, Rose DiFonzo, kitchen and installs expert at The Home Depot shares a few helpful insights. Lasting durability. If your last countertop took a beating and you are not looking to make the same mistakes, invest in Silestone, a combination of natural quartz, raw minerals and resin. This extraordinarily resilient, non-porous work... [read more]

You've decided to get going on your dream renovation and worked out the details with a contractor. Now you're anxious to get the work started. But the contractor wants half the money up front. What should you do? Think very carefully before paying. Then think about finding a different contractor. Outside of specific circumstances — such as pre-ordering high-value custom products that cannot be returned, paying for permit fees, road cuts, tree removal, building demolition, or... [read more]

Largest Cohort of Millennials Changing Canadian Real Estate, Despite Constraints of Affordability and Mortgage Regulation https://www.royallepage.ca/realestate/news/largest-cohort-of-millennials-changing-canadian-real-estate-despite-constraints-of-affordability-and-mortgage-regulation/#.WZXJ1jOGMdV [read more]

Interesting article about Gen-Y, have a read here...   http://www.repmag.ca/news/millennials-to-heavily-impact-real-estate-229593.aspx [read more]

During the warmer months, there’s often nothing better than spending a weekend outside working in the garden or fixing up the house. Sharon Grech, Colour & Design Expert at Benjamin Moore, shares some ideas for weekend summer projects that add value to your property. Deck it out. A great way to make a fresh statement in your backyard or breathe new life into an aging deck is to give it a colour makeover. Grech recommends Benjamin Moore ARBORCOAT, a premium stain available in... [read more]

Spring cleanup doesn’t have to be a chore — becoming familiar with just a few easy tasks can help make that enviable lawn seem effortless. “Even just keeping on top of a few regular jobs is enough to make a difference,” explains John Ladds, operations manager at Weed Man Canada. Ladds recommends incorporating the following tasks into your home’s spring check-up: 1. Tools and equipment review. Before beginning anything, give all your equipment a once-over.... [read more]

Freshening up your home for spring and summer is simple with a few strategic changes, inspired by top trends from design experts and Pinterest boards. Here are some ideas to make your home magazine cover-ready. Contemporary colours. Colour is having a major moment, with new hues shaking up classic design. Navy is the new black and works as a great neutral in the kitchen or living room, while jewel tones are perfect for decorative accents. Greenery is Pantone’s colour of the year... [read more]

With summer on its way, now’s the time to start thinking about maintaining the look of your deck. Before you start the process of cleaning and staining, it’s important to know the differences between oil and water-based stains, and which is most suited to your needs. There are several factors to consider when choosing a stain, says the research and development team at Thompson’s WaterSeal, who are experts at deck care. The first thing to do is determine the type of wood... [read more]

A gorgeous kitchen can definitely make your life better, but before you start your reno, find out more about five common pitfalls and how to avoid them. 1. Kitchens are expensive. It’s easy to spend $25,000 to $50,000 on a mid-range kitchen makeover. Even budget remodels of a small kitchen can run up to $15,000. Expert do-it-yourselfers can cut these costs in half, but most of us don’t have the required skills and will likely need a professional contractor to deliver the best... [read more]

Laundry rooms are often crammed, busy spaces. Many times they are — more practical than inspiring, but, that doesn’t have to be the case. Design expert Kimberley Seldon believes that surrounding yourself with beautiful colours, finishes, and a calming but practical lighting scheme is one way to make the chore of laundry a little more enjoyable. Seldon partners with the Electrical Safety Authority to provide tips to create an attractive, functional laundry room. Amp it up.... [read more]

Mortgage Insurance Basics The individual buys a house and takes out a big loan to pay for it. Now, the bank is asking whether they want life insurance.  Reluctant to leave an unpaid debt when they die, they say yes.  Within minutes, their application is approved and the cost is added to their mortgage payments. For lenders, life insurance is an easy sell.  They suggest it at a time when the customer is most vulnerable and have yet to do any comparison shopping.  The... [read more]

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The Canadian Real Estate Association reports that the national average price for homes sold in November 2016 rose 7.3 per cent year-over-year, making it a desirable time for homeowners to consider selling. If you’re thinking of getting on the bandwagon, consider these smart pre-sale renovation tips to boost your home’s value and attract the right potential buyers. 1. Change up the paint colours. One of the quickest and easiest ways to spruce up a room is to paint the walls. Avoid... [read more]

The most common question Real Estate Agents are faced with on almost a daily basis; Is There Really a "Good Time" To Buy or Sell?  When The Rainmaker Team discusses this question with our clients we look at it from a variety of different perspectives.  First we consider what YOU mean by “good time”? Is it the right time in your life; is it the right time of year, week or month; or is it based on the market? These are all topics we... [read more]

The thought of a kitchen renovation may cause your eye to twitch and your sweat to trickle. You've heard the horror stories — work costing more than expected, lasting too long, or not ending up the way you expected. While you can't predict everything, there are ways to keep the road to a shiny new kitchen relatively stress-free. Robin Saxberg, principal designer at Hamilton, Ontario's DESZA Design, advises that leaving the project to a professional may save you headaches in... [read more]

Downsizing your home is a hard decision. Once you've made the choice to move, you have another set of choices to make that may be even more difficult. Because often the homes we move to have less space, you wont have enough room for all the possessions you've accumulated over the years, so how do you know what will you take with you?  They say, in most homes, you can get rid of 30 per cent of its contents and never miss it, so how much are you willing to part... [read more]

TORONTO, ONTARIO, July 6, 2016 – Toronto Real Estate Board President Larry Cerqua announced that Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 12,794 residential transactions through TREB’s MLS® System in June 2016. This result was 7.5 per cent higher than the 11,905 sales reported in June 2015. In line with the prevailing trend so far this year, the number of new listings was down by 3.8 per cent. “As I start my term as TREB President, we are certainly in an... [read more]

Generation X buyers of cottages, cabins and chalets across Canada outnumber Baby Boomers by almost two to one, according to the Royal LePage 2016 Canadian Recreational Housing Report released today. Still, planning for retirement living is among the most common reasons potential buyers give for the purchase of a recreational property.  The annual report compiles information from a cross-Canada survey of real estate advisors who specialize in recreational property... [read more]

Moving to a new home can be stressful for humans, so The Rainmaker Team with Royal LePage Your Community Realty Inc., Brokerage in King City, Ontario, wants you to imagine what your pets must feel when they suddenly find themselves in new surroundings. However, your four-legged friend doesn't need to feel displaced when you change settings. RELATED STORIES   The Rainmaker Team - Royal LePage... Many pets have a sixth sense and they know when something's... [read more]

Investing in landscaping can bring some of the biggest returns for homeowners, yet too often it remains overlooked or underdone. The same care and attention we apply to interior renovations should be applied to the garden. “Curb appeal plays a huge role in selling your home and adding value to it,” says Michelle Sordi, director of marketing at Husqvarna, the world's largest producer of outdoor power products. “Enhancing your outdoor space with smart landscaping solutions... [read more]

They both start with the letter 'd', and they both require a large sum of money to secure the purchase of a home. However, a 'deposit' and 'down payment' are very different. “A lot of my first-time home buying clients ask me what the difference between a deposit and down payment is,” says Ray Ferris, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). “Simply put: a deposit is associated with your offer to purchase a home, while the down payment... [read more]

Add style, function to interior, exterior spaces   (Family Features) Whether you recently purchased a new house and are looking for ways to add your own style and personal touches or are looking to upgrade your longstanding home, it’s essential to add style and function when completing any home improvement project. From adding light and ventilation to updating your home’s safety, closets, facade or backyard, you can take advantage of these ideas to enhance the... [read more]

Please make note of local municipality's Outdoor Water-Use Bylaw before using water for lawns and gardens. All local municipalities in York Region state that houses with odd numbers may only use municipal water out-of-doors on odd numbered days of the month and even house numbers may only use water outdoors on even numbered days of the month.  For example, if your house number is 24, you can water on even days (2, 4, 6, etc.). Time of day for watering varies... [read more]

With thermostats turned down and windows pushed open, most people aren't thinking about their natural gas bill during the spring and summer months. But did you know that, next to home heating, the greatest source of natural gas costs comes from heating water and swimming pools? Here are some tips from Enbridge Gas to help you manage your energy use through the warmer months: Install a smart thermostat. Unlike ordinary thermostats, smart thermostats adapt to your routine by learning... [read more]

(Family Features) Kitchens are moving outside. And they’re doing it in a big way. According to a recent study from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), outdoor kitchens are expected to be a top design trend in 2016. “An outdoor kitchen can drastically improve the value of a home,” said Alana Busse, designer and NKBA Central Coast and Valleys chapter president. “They also bring people together. Whether, it’s simply your neighbors coming over for... [read more]

Are you ready to create some lasting memories now that the good weather days are returning? No matter whether it's enjoying the company of family or taking in the beautiful landscapes of Canada, there is always a little piece of paradise that can be found during those scorching hot days. You don't, however, have to travel very far to find your oasis. With a few renovations, you can create a world that reflects you and your family – and projects of this kind also help to protect... [read more]

The warmer weather has arrived, and with it comes moving season. If you're moving this summer, there are tons of things you'll need to keep track of. While it may not be as a glamourous as planning the new paint colour or décor, Enbridge Gas recommends keeping these things in mind when evaluating any potential new home. They can save you time and money in the long run. Estimate your average monthly bills. Ask the seller for past utility bills or monthly costs so you can... [read more]

The Rainmaker Team with Royal LePage Your Community Realty Inc., Brokerage in King City, Ontario, knows King City Township inside and out. That means when it comes to choosing the right neighbourhood where your dream is, you'll have a lot of knowledge to draw from. RELATED STORIES   The Rainmaker Team - Royal LePage... The township includes the villages of King City as well as Nobleton and Schomberg, each with their own unique features and amenities to offer your... [read more]

NEW RELEASE OF PARKING & LOCKERS Now Available With ALL Suite Sizes!* Due to popular demand, a selection fo parking spaces and lockers is available - no matter what suite size you choose to own.  Parking is $25,000 each Lockers are $5,000 each Indigo offers spacious living and connected lifestyle steps from the Maple Go Station MAY PROMOTION OFFERS ADDED INCENTIVES FOR NEW BUYERS**** If you don't yet own, act now and buy Suite 2-B1 to receive a FREE locker... [read more]

The headlines are playing out in familiar patterns across Canada with the notion that homeownership is quickly slipping out of reach for many. At the same time, mortgage rates have continued to fall, with little indication that things will change significantly any time soon. “Affordability is an interesting conundrum,” says Craig Blanchard, broker-owner with Royal LePage Atlantic Homestead in St. John's, Newfoundland. “While home prices have risen sharply in some of... [read more]

Life is full of little tests, and the choices you make when you use credit are always being scored. Your credit score determines your credit worthiness to a lender. You get points for actions that demonstrate you can use credit responsibly. You lose points for things that show you have difficulty managing credit. But don't panic, there are ways to improve your score, like this: • Pay bills on time “The most significant factor influencing your credit score is your... [read more]

Did you know, that approximately 50,000 new homes and condominium units are ready for possession every year across Ontario? That translates into thousands of people realizing their dream every day, although there are always some who are ready to move in but experience delays. With so many stages involved in building a new home, delays in construction are not unusual – and while the purchase agreement includes specific dates for completion, there is always flexibility that allows those... [read more]

With much attention to home prices these days, property owners are increasingly curious about the value of their homes. According to the Royal LePage House Price Survey, Canada's residential real estate market showed strong year-over-year price increases in the first quarter of 2016.  The Greater Vancouver and Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate markets continue to lead the country in home price appreciation while Quebec shows promising signs of renewal, particularly in the... [read more]

The thick bed of snow that covered your backyard over the winter didn't offer much in the décor department and it likely left you dreaming about the warmer months ahead. So now that your perennials are giving life back to the scene, why not give your whole backyard some DIY love to get everything looking like summer again? Here are a few tips to help you: Decorate and add personalized touches. Bring the indoors outside with colourful pillows, candles and even a rug. An upcycled... [read more]

The Rainmaker Team with Royal LePage Your Community Realty Inc., Brokerage in King City, Ontario, knows there are many choices out there when it comes to choosing a sales representative — but they have a solid reason why you should choose them. RELATED STORIES   The Rainmaker Team - Royal LePage... While you could go with one agent who has some knowledge of the local market, when you choose Rainmaker you choose ateam of dedicated agents who are available... [read more]

With virtual open houses becoming more prevalent, some real estate pros dismiss the practice of holding the bricks-and-mortar variety. However, open houses can, and often do, get the property sold -- but are they worth it? “In our brokerage, we have some agents who argue that an open house is only for looky-loos and an outdated tactic that many homeowners just don't want,” says Marian Barry, a broker-owner with Royal LePage True North Realty in Fort McMurray, Alberta.... [read more]

Winter weather can be tough on a home – inside and out. While maintenance is a year-long task, now is the ideal time to get your home in tip-top shape so you can enjoy it more in the sunny months ahead – remember, they don't call it “spring cleaning” for nothing. Here are four easy maintenance tips to spring your home back to life this season. 1. Front Door Facelift With harsh weather, comes cracked or peeling paint. A fresh paint job can boost your home's... [read more]

Scheduling an open house is a great tool to give a large number of potential buyers the opportunity to take a look inside your home. For some people, however, letting strangers tour their private dwelling can be unnerving. “For safety reasons, we generally try to keep strangers out of our homes, and yet 'open houses' do the very opposite,” says Ray Ferris, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). “Realtors have experience hosting open houses, and... [read more]

While the popular view suggests that springtime is prime selling season, there are a variety of factors that play into the best time to sell a home. “Depending upon the number of homes on the market at any given time, the ultimate window for the quickest sale and the highest price can swing significantly,” says Mark Wolle a broker-owner with Royal LePage Wolle Realty in Kitchener, Ontario. “It boils down to supply and demand, so in fact, you may do better price-wise when... [read more]

As the days get longer and the weather improves, this is the time to make sure that our homes or rental properties are well maintained. Here are a few do-it-yourself projects to keep your home in tip-top shape: Top up your attic insulation. Many older homes have inadequate levels of insulation in the attic that wouldn't meet today's building code. Topping it up will help to save on energy consumption and keep your house cooler in the summer months. A great product for this task is... [read more]

According to Statistics Canada, between 1991 and 2011, the number of farm operators in Canada under the age of 55 decreased from 265,000 to 152,000 while the number of older operators increased from 125,000 to 141,000. Moreover, the group of farmers under the age of 35 poised to fill their boots is shrinking rapidly, representing only 8.2 per cent of all farmers. The trends of fewer operators and fewer farms show no signs of reversing and could indicate significant turnover in... [read more]

We all know that it takes more than April showers to bring May flowers into your yard. Building and maintaining a beautiful outdoor landscape is the result of long hours, hard work and a green thumb. Before you begin to create this year's garden oasis, make sure you've given some thought to protecting your home from the unintended water penetration that can result from poorly planned landscaping. This could not only have an impact on your home and what's in it, but it could also... [read more]

The Rainmaker Team with Royal LePage Your Community Realty Inc., Brokerage in King City, Ontario, believes that everyone is entitled to have a bit of clutter in their home now and then, what with the demands of our daily schedules and mouths to feed. However, if you can't find the television remote because of extra junk in your home, or you find yourself avoiding certain rooms out of embarrassment, then the team says it's time to clean house! RELATED STORIES   The... [read more]

By Scott McGillivray   If today's real estate market has you frazzled, a home renovation project may be just the right answer. With house prices on the rise, finishing a basement is the latest trend towards building even more equity in the home. A finished basement can offer a little extra room to give a growing family space to breathe, and with so many uses, a renovated basement may be the exact solution to what your home is missing. It can provide additional storage space, a... [read more]

Have you ever wanted to make a salad from vegetables you grew yourself? Or give a bouquet to your loved one made of fresh flowers picked from your own garden? Now is your time to shine and grow like a pro with a few tips to get you started: Research While your first attempt may not be as beautiful as Butchart Gardens in British Columbia, it can certainly serve as inspiration as you begin to visualize how you would like your garden to look. Hop on the web, take a stroll through your... [read more]

It takes a lot of effort to keep a home clean and in working order inside and out, but it pays off according to Ray Ferris, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association. “By taking care of your home you will preserve the value and quality of your investment,” says Ferris. “It also makes a difference to a neighbourhood when everyone takes care of their property.” In a recent survey by OREA, seven out of 10 home sellers in Ontario said that 'cleanliness'... [read more]

King City is an ideal place to find your dream home surrounded by urban amenities and nature — and The Rainmaker Team with Royal LePage Your Community Realty Inc., Brokerage in King City, Ontario, can help make the process of buying the perfect property easier. RELATED STORIES   The Rainmaker Team - Royal LePage... If you're ready to live in luxury (like you deserve to), the Rainmaker Team is the right group to help you find what you're looking... [read more]

Excessive energy bills can be a concern in spring and summer, just as much as they are in the winter. So how can you save money while keeping your home cool? The solution is simple: Top up your attic insulation. A poorly insulated attic is a primary source of energy loss, forcing your AC unit to work harder than necessary over the warmer months. Most attics are insulated, but often, the amount of insulation present is inadequate—especially in older homes. Over time, insulation can... [read more]

So, you're ready to find the perfect property with the help of The Rainmaker Team with Royal LePage Your Community Realty Inc., Brokerage in King City, Ontario. RELATED STORIES The Rainmaker Team - Royal LePage... That's great news! However, you might be getting a bit ahead of yourself. While the home itself is very important, of course, you should first consider what neighbourhood you want to live in. There are many factors that go along with this decision, such... [read more]

Thinking green throughout the year can offer some significant benefits. Here are some easy ways you can go green in your own home and lower your energy bills: Invest in a programmable thermostat. It will automatically adjust the temperature in your house, saving you energy while you're out for the day, away on vacation or sleeping. Switch all of your lightbulbs to CFLs (compact fluorescent light) or LED bulbs. They last longer and use up to 75 per cent less energy than... [read more]

It's renovation season, and with so many projects on the to-do list, which should you tackle first? While some projects provide great long-term return on investment, a few simple ones can provide instant savings. Here are the top five home projects to help you save money: Caulk around windows and doors - Stop air leaks around your home by sealing existing gaps and cracks. Use caulking or weather stripping around doors and windows. Installing a door sweep is also a good... [read more]

There's no harm starting your bathroom remodel project with a trip to the home centre, but don't bring anything home just yet. “Gather ideas and see what's out there, but know that you'll create a more functional and useful space with a specific plan,” says Marian Barry, a broker-owner with Royal LePage True North Realty in Fort McMurray, Alberta. “And always keep future buyers in mind with any project.” Start with a wish list—a written... [read more]

The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in a house, which means it can also become home to a lot of clutter. But, that doesn't mean getting organized has to be difficult or even complicated. Bring order to the bath with these easy tips: Stash Your Stuff Where You Can See ItYou don't need a large bathroom to find the perfect spot for all your stuff. If you have blank space on the walls, consider adding a few open shelves. Above a toilet is the perfect spot for a head-height... [read more]

While everyone sets out with the best of intentions, the truth is that making goals is easier than following through with them, especially when it comes to personal finance. But with a little preparation you can be the exception to the rule. Prioritize Goals While you may think that saving money, getting promoted at work and earning a significant pay increase are all great aspirations, you may be biting off more than you can chew. Determine one or two top priorities so you can fully... [read more]

The Rainmaker Team with Royal LePage Your Community Realty Inc., Brokerage in King City, Ontario, knows that many people are thinking about how they can become more eco-friendly — and that the home is a great place to start. There are many relatively simple things you may have overlooked that you can do that will not only lessen your footprint on the environment but also save you money on your energy bill in the long run. For example, you can prevent substantial heat loss in... [read more]

Most homeowners, no matter how proficient in home improvements they are, will look to hire a contractor at some point in time. “Major remodeling projects rarely go as planned, but bringing in the right people can ensure any bumps in the road are smoothed over as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible,” says Craig Blanchard, broker-owner with Royal LePage Atlantic Homestead in St. John's, Newfoundland. Blanchard recommends these guidelines for a successful remodelling... [read more]

There's no harm starting your bathroom remodel project with a trip to the home centre, but don't bring anything home just yet. “Gather ideas and see what's out there, but know that you'll create a more functional and useful space with a specific plan,” says Marian Barry, a broker-owner with Royal LePage True North Realty in Fort McMurray, Alberta. “And always keep future buyers in mind with any project.” Start with a wish list—a written... [read more]

As a successful home-based business owner, you may eventually need to decide if it's time to move into a commercial space. If so, new offices could give you a more professional presence with room for both expansion and for hiring employees. Your first decision will be whether to lease or purchase commercial space. In both cases start by carefully examining your cash flow. Many financial institutions offer cash flow calculators to help determine your business position. Although renting... [read more]

By: Joseph Cartaginese, Broker TheRainMakerTeam @ Royal LePage Your Community Realty www.therainmakerteam.com   The primary purpose of an RRSP is tax deferment from a current high marginal tax rate to a lower marginal tax rate in the future. If you are one of those lucky individuals whose marginal rate will keep on increasing and never reduce, you do not need an RRSP. The majority of us are not that lucky. Therefore, an RRSP could be quite useful for... [read more]

Homeowners should familiarize themselves with the most common risks for break-ins, thefts, fires and other mishaps that can occur in homes today. “Home security doesn't necessarily mean hard-wiring alarms and installing cameras. While those are certainly options, there are often simple steps you can take to decrease the opportunity for crime or accidents to occur,” says Marian Barry, a broker-owner with Royal LePage True North Realty in Fort McMurray, Alberta. She recommends... [read more]

For many, you'll know it's time, when posed with the question to stay or sell. Specific reasons to sell your home can come quickly, including job changes, divorce, children, health issues and marriage. But for others, the decision to stay or sell will be one of great deliberation. “Few decisions will have bigger impact on your life than selling your home,” says Craig Blanchard, broker-owner with Royal LePage Atlantic Homestead in St. John's, Newfoundland.... [read more]

If you're shopping for a mortgage, it's important to think about the long-term implications of the contract you're signing. One little-understood aspect of a mortgage contract is how the mortgage security will be registered. Ask each lender you contact whether they will register the mortgage security with a standard or a collateral charge. The charge gives your financial institution the right to sell your home if the loan is not repaid as agreed. Investigate your options to... [read more]

Finding a contractor is kind of like finding a mate. Like dating, it means you have to know what you're looking for, ask a lot of questions, seek advice from friends and family and most importantly, take your time deciding. After all, the contractor you choose is vital to the success of any remodeling project you take on. Here is what you need to know to find the perfect contractor: Do your research. Make sure you've done your homework. Research your project so you have a... [read more]

Did you know that Canadians spend nearly 90 per cent of their time indoors? This is especially true in colder months. Consequently, concern about indoor air quality is increasing – and rightly so. Air pollution and contaminants can be found in abundance throughout our homes in products and materials that we are in contact with every day. Poor air quality can be caused by household chemicals, by biological pollutants such as mould, mildew, and dust mites, and by off-gassing from... [read more]

Thinking of breaking your current mortgage before the end of its term to take advantage of lower interest rates elsewhere? Many Canadians believe their current lender can only charge three months' interest—usually just a few thousand dollars—to break an existing mortgage. That's not necessarily the case, and far too many homeowners who have broken their mortgage contracts have been shocked by penalties amounting to tens of thousands of dollars. “All homeowners... [read more]

One of the worst mistakes a homeowner can make when tackling a major renovation is to jump in sledgehammer first without a plan. Whether you're an aspiring homeowner looking to enter the housing market with a “fixer upper,” or coming into the New Year looking to renovate and add function or value to your space, a renovation can be a good solution, but it can also be mess. Dust and hard work aside, a renovation has obvious appeal as it generally brings a higher resale price.... [read more]

You may have fewer people viewing your home during the fall and winter months, but that doesn't necessarily mean fewer offers. Compared to selling a home in the spring when there are more homes on the market, selling during the final months of the year can often be a successful endeavour. “With careful planning and a few helpful tips you can showcase your home and find time to enjoy the season too,” says JoAnn Jusdanis, broker-owner with Royal LePage Burloak Real Estate... [read more]

The weather outside might be frightful, but that doesn't mean that your home improvement projects need to wait. In fact, tackling projects during the winter will give you more time to enjoy spring when it finally rolls around. If your intent is to sell your home, now is the time to start preparing it for sale. “Homeowners planning to sell their homes in the spring are best to prepare them for sale now so that they're ready to go in the new year,” says Pat Verge, president... [read more]

Consider this: It's a cold winter day and you've just sat down with a mortgage professional to figure out how much house you can afford. You've determined that your finances are in order and you're ready to start looking for a home. You've heard that spring is the best season for buying and selling real estate. Does that mean you'll need to put your search on hold until the tulips start to bloom? “If you've worked out what you can afford and you're ready... [read more]

A lot has changed in the real estate world over the past few years. Understanding those changes can come in handy for anyone entering the market, especially when looking to down-size. Here are a few ways the real estate marketplace has changed, and how these changes may impact buying or selling a home. Buyers and sellers have more access to info. Today many buyers can look at online resources like the Multiple Listing Service at realtor.ca to see homes that are available for sale. The... [read more]

Carbon monoxide (CO) has taken the lives of entire Canadian families, left scores of people with debilitating physical and mental handicaps, and sent thousands more to clinics and emergency rooms. It has even inspired new legislation in Ontario and the Yukon. So why are homeowners still so slow to install the one inexpensive safety device that protects their family from this deadly gas? “Carbon monoxide safety comes down to awareness and education,” says Carol Heller, a home... [read more]

When your dream house is someone else's dream house too, you may be facing a bidding war. Having to make an offer on short notice is not only stressful, it can present a real risk that something important will be overlooked. How can you reduce the risk when you buy in a hot market? First, visit your bank before you start your search to obtain pre-approval for financing. Having a commitment in place will reduce uncertainty, especially if you're asked to waive a financing... [read more]

If boots, a warm hat and a tuned-up snow blower are the only items on your winter preparation list, your home maintenance plan may need a makeover. These simple home maintenance projects can help to lower your energy bills, avoid more costly repairs and/or increase the lifespan of your home: 1. Heating & Ventilation - Examine your fireplace and chimney system to ensure that no soot or creosote has collected. Any cracks or voids present could potentially cause a fire. Before you turn... [read more]

A crisp breeze and falling leaves are tell-tale signs that the holidays are just around the corner. If home entertaining is in your plans this may also be the right time to redecorate. Here, Sharon Grech, the Benjamin Moore colour and design expert, shares her tips on how to refresh your home in time for the revelry. Pick a Functional and Festive Palette: Create a welcoming atmosphere with paint to make your guests feel at home. When people think of holiday palettes, they think of... [read more]

Plumbing issues are part of being a homeowner. Over time you are bound to experience a problem with your drains, toilets, or showers. However, one potential plumbing issue that most Canadians don't think about is the possibility of the pipes freezing during the winter. Once the temperature outside goes below zero, be aware that the pipes could freeze. This could happen for a number of different reasons, however, it commonly occurs when the heat is turned down when a homeowner is away for... [read more]

When it comes to real estate, there is no shortage of terminology and plenty of room for confusion. Here is a list of a few common real estate terms you'll hear at least once during your home buying and selling process: • Fixed-rate Mortgage: The mortgage rate and payment you make each month will stay constant for the term of your mortgage. • Variable-rate Mortgage: The mortgage rate set by your lender will change with the prime lending rate. These loans may be... [read more]

For many, the holiday season is a busy time that includes shopping, cooking and entertaining. Amidst the hustle, it may seem difficult to find time for selling a home. Yet some home owners would prefer to list their home at this busy time. “Sometimes professional, or personal, circumstances arise that require owners to sell their homes,” says Pat Verge, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association. “But other times home owners are simply ready to sell and the prospect... [read more]