IT IS INEVITABLE that at some point in our lives we decide to sell the house. We may have lived there since birth, purchased it not to long ago or maybe we built our dream home and it is time to move on. Either way we will be dealing with one of the biggest investments of our lives! There are three variables in selling a house. One is the market place, how strong is it? Is it a buyers or sellers market? Are things moving? How long is it taking to sell a property in our area? The second is... [read more]

You may have noticed a flurry of recent press concerning the “inverted yield curve” that we have recently moved into Canada. An “inverted yield curve” means that the long-term bond rates are actually lower than short-term bond rates. In addition, almost every Canadian government bond is now below the Bank of Canada’s 1.75% overnight rate. That’s pretty rare. What does all of this actually mean for the economy and our real estate market? Typically, an... [read more]

MOVING UP TO YOUR “forever home” is exciting. When you bought your first place, chances are you were young, strapped for cash and prepared – if not warned – to make some concessions. The move-up buyer typically has some savings and home equity to work with, making this next move feel less like a compromise and more as a thoughtful selection. But move-up buyers face their own set of challenges that call for carefully considered strategy. Here are three options for the... [read more]

The majority of borrowers pay off their mortgage in monthly installments. However, it’s not unusual to hear of borrowers who insist that paying bi-weekly is the way to go. Are these people on to something? Most banks offer borrowers the option of paying bi-weekly, but what are the benefits of going down that route? Could it pay off your loan faster? Will you pay less interest over time? Is it something everyone should be doing? Here’s everything you need to know about bi-weekly... [read more]

With all this talk of climate change, it’s easy to forget that it’s more than just a catchy phrase. The earth’s temperatures have reached a historic high, and natural habitats, resources and wildlife are experiencing a rapid decline. Here are some environmental upgrades that home-owners and prospective buyers can prioritize when purchasing and renovating, to help create a more sustainable future! What role does Real Estate Play in Global Warming? In Canada heating and... [read more]