Buying and selling a home is an exciting experience. But it can also be stressful. The process is easier with a good real estate agent on your side who will help you navigate buying and selling for the best price. But with so many brokerages and agents across Canada, finding the right one can be a daunting task. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right real estate agent. Meet with several...
Canada’s commercial property boom is well underway in 2019. It’s no doubt helped by a short supply of properties and the lowest unemployment rate in four decades. Toronto (1.3%) and Vancouver (1.5%) posted the lowest industrial vacancy rates in North America in 2018 and are projected to rank among the tightest three markets this year. These 10 cities in Canada are leading in terms of investment prospects according to PWC: Toronto Vancouver Montreal Ottawa Quebec City...
I’ve got good news and bad news, folks. The bad news is: all of us are living with tremendous amounts of stress and it’s really not good for our health. According to an article by Global News from 2018, 73% of all working adults aged 20 to 64 experience at least some level of stress. That’s a worrying percentage, especially given the numerous negative effects of stress and the fact that’s it’s contagious! The good...
The smart appliance industry is going to reach $37.2 billion by 2020. That means we are bound to see a new wave of smart tech we just can’t live without. Here is what you can expect to see popping up in more homes in 2020. Steam ovens One of the biggest appliance trends you’ll see more of in 2020 is steam ovens. These smart appliances let you get the health benefit of steamed foods without the...
Photo credit @joelixjoelix . Not just for Spice Girls fans. Pink and yellow especially are having a big moment, with orange making welcomed guest appearances. They’re bright and optimistic colours that spark joy, and feelings of positivity and empowerment. They are reminiscent of lighter times and convey a sense of nostalgia. It’s no wonder so many body positivity, female empowerment and other inclusive, progressive groups and companies have adopted these colours for their branding and...
On October 30, the Bank of Canada reported that it will continue to hold its policy interest rate (otherwise known as its “overnight interest rate”) at 1.75%—the same rate we’ve had since October 2018. The implications of this announcement are worth exploring, but here’s the quick and dirty conclusion: Canada is in “Keep Calm and Carry On” mode. How does the Bank of Canada’s rate affect everyone? There are eight fixed dates every year when...
A home inspection isn’t a legal requirement when you buy a home in Canada. Yet, it’s certainly a wise decision for the largest purchase you will likely ever make. Here are five reasons why you should opt for a home inspection when buying a home, even if it is a brand-new build. 1. Things unseen The home you want to buy may have a gorgeous skylight, cathedral ceilings and a huge master bedroom. But the...
Are you dreaming of buying a vacation rental property, have just bought one, or are strongly considering it? If so, your mind is probably abuzz with design ideas and thoughtful touches you could add to the home. In order to make a rental property into a viable business, you need to set a reasonable budget and stick to it. And everything in the home should be geared towards rental guests. Some elements may not align...
There’s a lot of pressure on big corporations and the government to respond to the climate emergency our planet is in. But you don’t have to wait for people in high places to make changes. There are many things you can do to make your home more eco-friendly and make a difference. Read on to learn how to reduce your carbon footprint. Home energy monitors In order to figure out how to make your home...
There are more than 120,000 members of the Canadian Real Estate Association. In Greater Vancouver, the number of agents increased by 23% in the five-year period of 2012-2017. In Toronto, there is one real estate agent for every 96 adults under the age of 70. More Canadians are starting careers in real estate than ever before. Part of the appeal is no doubt due to the portrayal of realtors on TV shows. Some people think real...
