Blog

  If you’re wondering what’s going on with home prices lately, you’re definitely not the only one. With so much information out there, it can be hard to figure out your next move. As a buyer, you might be worried about paying more than you should. And if you’re thinking of selling, you might be concerned about not getting the price you’re aiming for.  So, here’s a quick breakdown to help clear things up and show you what’s really... [read more]

  Are you on the fence about whether to sell your house now or hold off? It’s a common dilemma, but here’s a key point to consider: your lifestyle might be the biggest factor in your decision. While financial aspects are important, sometimes the personal motivations for moving are reason enough to make the leap sooner rather than later. An annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) offers insight into why... [read more]

Selecting the right real estate agent can make a world of difference when buying or selling a home. But how do you find the best one? Here are some tips to help you make that big decision as you determine your partner in the process. Check Their Reputation Start by gathering information about agents in your area. From there, try to narrow down the list. Ask the people you trust if they have someone they’d recommend. You’ll want to find an... [read more]

One of the biggest bright spots in today’s housing market is how much the supply of homes for sale has grown since the beginning of this year.  Recent data from Realtor.com shows that nationally, there are 36.6% more homes actively for sale now compared to the same time last year. That’s a significant improvement. It gives you far more options for your move than you would’ve had just a year ago. And with supply improving,... [read more]

Here are 12 ways Realtors can help homeowners sell their homes faster and for more money   Market Knowledge: Listing agents have in-depth knowledge of local market trends, including pricing dynamics and buyer preferences. They can leverage this knowledge to position the home effectively and set the right price.   Staging Advice: Agents can provide valuable advice on how to stage the home to make it more appealing to potential buyers. This may include decluttering,... [read more]

      7 Questions To Ask When Hiring A New Realtor   When interviewing a new realtor, it's essential to ask questions that help you gauge their experience, expertise, and suitability for your needs. Here are seven questions to consider: What is your experience in real estate? This question helps you understand the realtor's background and how long they've been in the industry. Look for someone with a proven track record and... [read more]

With mortgage rates hovering in the 7% range, being able to snag yourself a mortgage with a much lower interest rate probably sounds very appealing. This is why a new company called Roam has been all over the news recently, after recently launching a platform to help home buyers find mortgages they can assume for as low as 2%. You’re probably thinking that sounds a little too good to be true, but certainly worth looking into if it’s even remotely possible. And... [read more]

Are More Homes Coming On The Market? An important factor shaping today’s market is the number of homes for sale. And, if you’re considering whether or not to list your house, that’s one of the biggest advantages you have right now. When housing inventory is this low, your house will stand out, especially if it’s priced right. But there are some early signs that more listings are coming. According to the latest data, new listings... [read more]

  One question that’s top of mind if you’re thinking about making a move today is: Why is it so hard to find a house to buy? And while it may be tempting to wait it out until you have more options, that’s probably not the best strategy. Here’s why. There aren’t enough homes available for sale, but that shortage isn’t just a today problem. It’s been a challenge for years. Let’s take a look at some... [read more]

Reaching retirement is a significant milestone in life, bringing with it a lot of change and new opportunities. As the door to this exciting chapter opens, one thing you may be considering is selling your house and finding a home better suited for your evolving needs. Fortunately, you may be in a better position to make a move than you realize. Here are a few reasons why. Consider How Long You’ve Been in Your Home From 1985 to 2009, the average length of time... [read more]

  With interest rates rising over the last year, it has made it tougher and tougher for real estate investors and owner-occupied home buyers. People need places to live whether they are rentals or personal houses and higher rates make those properties much more expensive unless someone is paying cash. While higher rates make it tougher to buy real estate that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be buying. It is extremely hard to time markets and usually, the best time to buy is... [read more]

  Have you been trying to buy a home, but higher mortgage rates and home prices are limiting your options? If so, here’s some good news – based on what Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, has to say – smaller, more affordable homes are on the way: “Buyers should expect that over the next 12 to 24 months there will be a notable increase in the number of entry-level homes available.” In some... [read more]

It’s a confusing time to be a homeowner. Rates are up, and everyone has an opinion on what will happen next. It’s easy to get sucked into social media rabbit holes and make decisions motivated by fear. But at times like these, it’s crucial to block out the noise and do what’s right for you. To that end, here are three common scenarios along with my recommendations on how to save money and hang onto some peace of mind. Scenario #1: My mortgage is up for renewal this... [read more]

In the vast and varied landscape of investment opportunities, two major contenders often vie for investor attention – real estate and stocks.  These two options represent fundamentally different approaches to growing wealth and can significantly shape an investor's financial trajectory. As we delve into the captivating world of property investment, let's explore five compelling reasons why real estate often outshines stocks, especially during times of economic... [read more]

Are you putting off selling your house because you’re worried no one’s buying because of where mortgage rates are? If so, know this: the latest data shows plenty of buyers are still out there, and they’re purchasing homes today. Here’s the data to prove it. The ShowingTime Showing Index is a measure of buyers touring homes. The graph below uses the latest numbers available and compares them to the same month in the last normal years... [read more]

Canadian GDP To Show Slowing Growth, Or The BoC May Hike Rates Canada’s biggest bank is warning investors of an economic slowdown brewing. Gross domestic product (GDP) data for Q2 won’t be released until next week, but RBC expects it to show the economy was hit with a sharp slowdown. Coupled with a mild acceleration to inflation, everyone has one question—is a slowing economy enough to prevent further rate hikes?   Preliminary Estimates For... [read more]

Generation Z (Gen Z) is eager to put down their own roots and achieve financial independence. As a result, they’re turning to homeownership. According to the latest Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 30% of Gen Z buyers transitioned straight from living under their parents’ roofs to owning their own homes. If you’re a member of this generation, and you’re interested in... [read more]

There’s been talk about a recession for quite a while now.  But the economy has been remarkably resilient. Why? One reason is employment and wages have stayed strong. Let’s look at the latest information on each one and why both are good news if you’re thinking about selling your house. More Jobs Are Being Created Instead of facing the job losses typical of any recession, the economy has been growing and adding jobs. According to the Bureau of... [read more]

  The housing market continues to shift and change, and in a fast-moving landscape like we’re in right now, it’s more important than ever to have a trusted real estate agent on your side. Whether you’re buying your first home or selling once again, it’s mission critical to work with an expert who can guide you through each unique step of the process.  The reality is, not all agents operate the same way. To truly make a powerful and confident... [read more]

Happy Fall 2020! What a crazy year it has been so far!  We hope you and your families are staying safe and healthy!  We have been learning to work virtually both for real estate as well as high school classes for our daughter in grade 11.... glad to say we are all adjusting successfully and motoring ahead! The Covid times definitely slowed down the real estate market in the spring with record sales drops, but the market rebounded in the late spring and summer with record... [read more]