Experience Luxury Living in Scarborough: Welcome to 105 Dowswell Drive     Your journey in the quest for the perfect home, navigating through a myriad of options, can often be a thrilling experience. It demands diligence, an eye for detail, and a readiness to embrace potential. Every so often, a unique gem surfaces that not just fulfills your checklist, but surpasses it, offering more than just a house - a home. We're thrilled to introduce you to 105 Dowswell Drive, a... [read more]

Bank of Canada’s (BoC) latest interest rate hike and the Impact on the Real Estate Market This Spring/Summer The Bank of Canada (BoC) has recently implemented its second rate increase of the year, taking the overnight rate up by 0.25% to a total of 4.75%. This move has been largely influenced by the persistently high inflation rate. This announcement is particularly noteworthy for those with variable-rate mortgages and individuals looking to secure a mortgage, as it directly... [read more]

Toronto East Real Estate Thrives in May 2023: A Comprehensive Market Overview   In the Toronto East Region, the real estate landscape for May 2023 was buzzing with high activity and robust demand. The dynamic nature of the market is depicted by a range of housing types - from detached and semi-detached homes to condos, townhouses, and co-ops. Here's a snapshot of how each fared in May 2023 and on a year-to-date basis. In May 2023, a total of 757 home transactions took... [read more]

  The Greater Toronto Area Real Estate Market: A Closer Look at May 2023     May 2023 brought encouraging news to real estate enthusiasts in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as the housing market experienced a significant improvement. Home sales shot up by 24.7% compared to May 2022, signaling robust demand for ownership housing in the region. However, this high demand was not met with an equally high supply, with new listings witnessing a decrease of 18.7% over the... [read more]

      Thistletown-Beaumond Heights   Thistletown-Beaumond Heights, a culturally diverse neighborhood with a population of 9,432, embodies a rich history and a sense of community. Known for its blend of age groups, the neighborhood attracts people in their 20s to 50s, making it a vibrant and dynamic environment. This neighborhood is characterized by a rich ethnic diversity, with residents originating from 108 different ethnic backgrounds. Families are a... [read more]

    The Ultimate Guide to a Clean, Organized, and Clutter-Free Garage   Introduction: A well-organized garage is more than just a place to park your car; it's an extension of your living space that can vastly improve the functionality and value of your home. Unfortunately, garages often become a catch-all for unused items, seasonal decorations, tools, sports equipment, and other clutter, making it difficult to find the things you need or even park your car.... [read more]

Gen X Leads the Charge in Canada's Cottage Market: Remax 2023 Cottage Trends Report The Canadian cottage market has witnessed a significant shift as Generation X takes the lead in recreational property transactions, fueled by the $1 trillion transfer of wealth from Baby Boomers and the search for more affordable housing options. With 91% of recreational regions surveyed experiencing increased activity from Gen X buyers, this trend is reshaping the landscape of cottage country. This... [read more]

  TRREB Q1 2023 Rental Market Statistics: A Snapshot of the GTA Condominium Apartment Rental Market                                                                                                              ... [read more]

April 2023 GTA Real Estate Market Update: A Closer Look at the Numbers   Introduction:   The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market witnessed a decrease in sales and new listings in April 2023 compared to April 2022. GTA REALTORS® reported 7,531 sales through TRREB's MLS® System in April 2023, a 5.2% decrease compared to April 2022. Additionally, new listings were down by 38.3% year-over-year. Despite this, the average selling price increased... [read more]

959 Albion Rd   Exceptional Mixed-Use Investment Property in Thriving Thistletown-Beaumond Heights: Commercial & Residential Spaces with Growth Potential   Introduction   Embrace the chance to own a remarkable investment property situated in the bustling area of Albion Rd/Islington Ave, within the vibrant Thistletown-Beaumond Heights neighborhood. This exceptional property offers a wealth of possibilities for investors, featuring a rare blend of... [read more]

Canada's 2023 Real Estate Hotspots: Uncovering the Most Valuable Neighborhoods and Regions     After experiencing dramatic fluctuations, the Canadian real estate market is finally stabilizing. In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into the regions and neighborhoods that offer the greatest value and growth potential for homebuyers in 2023. Following a period of unprecedented price increases, the market has begun to level out, allowing for strategic investment in key... [read more]

Comparing Toronto Real Estate Market: March 2019 vs. March 2023   Introduction: The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market has undergone significant changes in recent years. In this blog post, we will provide a detailed comparison of the TRREB data from March 2019 and March 2023 to help you understand the market's evolution and make informed decisions in the competitive GTA housing market.   Key Findings:   New Listings: March 2019:... [read more]

Spring into Action: Tips and Secrets to Stage Your Home for a Quick Sale   Introduction: Spring is the perfect time to put your home on the market. With warmer weather, blooming flowers, and motivated buyers, it's an ideal season to make your home stand out and sell quickly. Staging your home effectively can make all the difference in attracting potential buyers and securing a sale. In this blog post, we'll share tips and secrets to help you stage your home for a... [read more]

    Toronto Real Estate Market Update: March 2023   Introduction: The Toronto Real Estate Board (TRREB) has published its housing market data for March 2023, revealing the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has experienced the lowest number of listings in years. This summary provides a snapshot of the key findings from the report, offering insights into the current state of the GTA real estate market. Read the Full Report   Key... [read more]

Protecting Yourself from Real Estate Fraud and Identity Theft, Including Title Fraud by Renters Earlier This Year, there have been two incidents of homeowners returning from trips to find their houses sold or listed for sale without their consent. Toronto police warned about a pair of individuals who impersonated the owners of an Etobicoke home, hired a real estate agent, and successfully sold the property, with new homeowners taking possession. Authorities are also investigating a... [read more]

  The Uphill Battle for Millennial Renters: Key Findings from the 2023 Mercer Retirement Readiness Barometer Renters must save 50% more than homeowners.   The Retirement Challenge for Renting Millennials The 2023 Mercer Retirement Readiness Barometer indicates that millennial workers who rent throughout their careers must save 50% more than homeowners to ensure a comfortable monthly income during retirement. The study shows that lifelong millennial renters need to... [read more]

Living in a Floodplain: A Guide to Pros, Cons, and the Canadian Flood Map   Introduction: Floodplains are areas adjacent to rivers, lakes, and other water bodies that are susceptible to flooding. Living in these areas presents unique opportunities and challenges for homeowners. In this blog post, we'll discuss the pros and cons of having a house in a floodplain, as well as provide information about the Canadian Flood Map, a critical tool for understanding flood risks in... [read more]

Comprehensive Guide to Estate Sales and Avoiding Probate in Ontario       Overview: This guide delves into estate sales and probate laws in Ontario, offering valuable information and tips on how to circumvent the probate process when possible. We cover the basics, answer common questions, and provide guidance on what steps to take and what pitfalls to avoid. So, let's dive right in.   Understanding Estate Sales: In simple terms, an estate sale... [read more]

  Unpacking Ontario's Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST)   A Brief History of the NRST   Ontario first implemented the NRST in April 2017 to curb international investors from purchasing residential properties in the province, making homeownership more accessible for local residents. Initially, the 15% tax only applied to the Greater Golden Horseshoe Region (GGH) in Southern Ontario. However, it later expanded province-wide. On March 30, 2022, the NRST... [read more]

First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC)   First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit (HBTC) – Updates and Changes for 2022 and Beyond   Introduction The First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit (HBTC) is a non-refundable tax credit aimed at assisting first-time homebuyers in purchasing a qualifying home. The Canadian government has proposed changes to the HBTC for 2022 and subsequent taxation years, increasing the amount used to calculate the tax credit to... [read more]

First-Time Home Buyer Tips   As a first-time home buyer in Ontario, the process of buying a house can be both exciting and overwhelming. To help you navigate this journey, here is a detailed guide outlining the steps you should take:   Assess your financial situation: Before starting your search, analyze your financial health to determine your budget. Calculate your income, expenses, debt, and savings. Use a mortgage calculator to estimate your mortgage payments and... [read more]

FHSA: A Tool for First-Time Homebuyers   In April 2022, the Canadian government introduced the tax-free first home savings account (FHSA) as a response to the country's hot housing market. The FHSA is a new registered account that aims to help first-time homebuyers achieve their homeownership goals. But how exactly does this account work, and how can it be leveraged to its fullest extent? In this guide, I'll provide you with everything you need to know about the FHSA,... [read more]

Canada recently made some changes to the rules around the foreign home buyer ban . According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the amendments will "enhance the flexibility of newcomers and businesses looking to add to Canada’s housing supply." Enable more work permit holders to purchase a home to live in while working in Canada. The amendments will allow those who hold a work permit or are authorized to work in Canada under the Immigration and... [read more]

Home Buying Strategies for the Spring Season Define your needs: Determine your housing requirements, including desired home features and neighborhood characteristics. Consider the family size, lifestyle, and proximity to work. Remember that properties with spacious backyards and entertainment areas may be in high demand early in the spring season. Embrace competition: Prepare for potential bidding wars by anticipating competition from other buyers. Plan your budget with flexibility... [read more]

Take advantage of the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP): The HBP is a program that allows first-time homebuyers to withdraw up to $35,000 from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) tax-free to use towards the purchase of their first home. However, this amount must be paid back into the RRSP within 15 years. Claim the First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit (HBTC): This is a non-refundable tax credit of up to $10,000 that can be claimed by first-time homebuyers to help offset the costs... [read more]

Home renovations can be a game-changer when it comes to selling a property. Whether you're an investor flipping homes or a homeowner looking for a high return on investment, it's crucial to focus on the right renovations. Before starting any renovation project, it's important to research which ones will provide the most financial benefit when it's time to sell. Improving curb appeal is one of the most effective ways to boost the value of your property. Simple yet impactful... [read more]

When it comes to selling your house, timing can be everything. Spring is often considered the busiest time of year for the real estate market in Toronto, with more buyers actively searching for their dream homes. Therefore, if you're planning to sell your house, it's a great idea to prepare it for sale during the spring season. To make the most of this opportunity, you need to ensure that your house is ready to impress potential buyers and command the best possible price. The first... [read more]

Spring is a wonderful time of year, with longer days, warmer temperatures, and the renewal of life all around. For homeowners in the Greater Toronto Area, spring is also the perfect time to tackle essential home maintenance tasks. After a long and harsh winter, it's important to take proactive steps to protect your home, avoid costly repairs, and maintain its long-term value. In this article, we'll provide some useful tips for spring home maintenance in the Greater Toronto Area. Tip... [read more]

2023 Market Outlook & 2022 Year in Review By Treb (Summary)   Looking ahead to 2023, the housing market will be impacted by two significant forces: higher levels of immigration and increased borrowing costs. The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) is forecasting a total of 70,000 home sales, which is lower than the previous year but expected to show improvement in the second half of 2023. The average selling price for all home types combined is anticipated to reach... [read more]

A quick overview of the February 2023 market statistics sourced from the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB)  The average selling price of homes in February 2023 was $1,095,617, which represents a 17.9% decrease from the average selling price in February 2022.   The average selling prices for different types of homes in February 2023 were as follows: Detached homes: $1,439,735. Condos: $1,069,266 Townhouses: $934,834 Homes in general: $705,402   These... [read more]