Author: homegoal.ca

In an effort to make housing more affordable for first-time homebuyers, the Government of Canada has announced that it is eliminating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on new-build homes. According to the Government of Canada, this rebate will “lower the upfront cost of buying a new home for young Canadians and spur the construction of new homes across the country”.  First-time home buyers purchasing a new construction home priced up to $1 million are eligible for a GST rebate covering 100% of the GST. In comparison, first-time home buyers purchasing a new construction home priced between $1 million and…

Pandemic-era lockdowns had their pluses for those of us who are introverts. In the case of the Fulton family (self-proclaimed introverts all), it led to a less in-your-face way of doing business that better suited them and many of their more reserved clients.  “COVID changed everything,” asserts Katelyn Fulton, who, along with her sisters Paige and Carly, helps run the family business, Century 21’s Percy Fulton brokerage in Toronto. “We found the power of video showings and virtual business. It worked out so well that we adapted our business. We came up with a specialized home-selling system for introverts.”           …

Homebuyers and investors have increasing opportunities to choose new properties that integrate advanced green technologies, ranging from renewable energy systems and high‑performance building envelopes to water‑saving strategies and smart monitoring tools. These options include mass‑timber construction for carbon sequestration, ground‑source geothermal heating and cooling, solar‑ready infrastructure, rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, energy‑recovery ventilation, and digital sub‑metering for real‑time consumption tracking. These features are important, not only for sustainability, but because they can lower operating costs and improve indoor air quality. For investment properties, the ability to reduce environmental footprints and offer greener urban living, without compromising design or comfort, can…

The Province of BC is overriding local government decisions to an alarmingly undemocratic degree, say housing experts and former policymakers.The NDP government just passed controversial Bill 13 and Bill 15, which give the Province the power to fast-track land use and public sector and infrastructure decisions. A year and a half ago, they passed Bill 44, which expedites development by requiring local government to update zoning bylaws to permit multi-family housing in single-family areas, limits public hearings for projects that are consistent with the official community plan (OCP), and mandates that local governments update their OCP every five years. Meanwhile,…

Retirement is a time to kick back, relax, and enjoy life. For many, that means saying goodbye to a bigger house and hello to a smaller, more manageable one. But if you’re downsizing, it’s important to think beyond square footage. Making sure your new space has the right accessibility features can make all the difference in comfort and safety as the years roll on. Here are a few areas to focus on within your home to improve its long-term accessibility.  1. Make entryways work for everyone One of the first things to consider for an accessibility upgrade is the entrance.…

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board’s lawsuit against the leaders of an online opposition to the Ontario Realtor Wellness Program was heard in court last week, with both sides of the controversial decision going before a judge.~  On Thursday, the case against Sandra Maher and Penny Dutkowski, both Realtors, along with two unknown individuals, was heard in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto.  A decision from the judge is pending.  TRREB launched a lawsuit against Maher, Dutkowski, Jane and John Doe in 2024 for allegedly using TRREB’s confidential or proprietary information to communicate with TRREB members. This includes…

Like our ever-changing cities and towns, Ontario’s real estate and development landscape (and the people who make it run) are also ever-changing. From new hires and retirements to promotions and partnerships, here are all the notable moves, updates, and appointments you should know about from April.NationalMarie-Pascale Des Rosiers has started as the new Chief of Staff for Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson.Henry Yu has been promoted to Portfolio Manager at CPP Investments.Gavin Swartzman has been announced as the next President of Christie’s International Real Estate brand.Maxime Menard has been appointed Global President and CEO of Fiera Capital.Michael Quast…

Canada’s central bank will hold rates in June despite the economy’s rising headwinds, according to BMO. In a report to investors, the bank warns accelerating core inflation is now above 3%—not just above the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) target rate, but also above its upper tolerance range. Slowing economic factors may bring down inflation eventually, and government policies may reinforce inflation—but until then, the BoC is expected to remain cautious.   “Core inflation at 3% and the economy avoiding the worst case scenario (for now) means that policymakers cannot afford to risk their credibility on inflation with a cut at this…

Looking for charm, history, and strong resale potential? Victorian homes for sale in San Francisco check all the boxes. These iconic properties are among the most sought-after in the city, thanks to their unique details and prime locations. Here are 6 stunning Victorian homes for sale in San Francisco that buyers should have on their radar. Listing courtesy of Paula R Gold-Nocella of vanguard properties | Agent Phone: 707-292-7505 Listing courtesy of Paula R Gold-Nocella of vanguard properties | Agent Phone: 707-292-7505 Listing courtesy of Paula R Gold-Nocella of vanguard properties | Agent Phone: 707-292-7505 Property Details: 1497 sqft Specs:…

Pat Hare, owner of the Calgary brokerage that employed Ponzi schemer Eric Drinkwater, not only failed to report the illegal activity, but also advised the fraudster against coming forth himself, a judge has ruled.~ In a decision of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta dated April 24, Justice Barbara Romaine found Hare, a Realtor of more than 40-years, knew about the multi-million-dollar scheme as far back as 2022. Last week, Re/Max announced it cut ties with Hare’s brokerage Re/Max Central amid the Ponzi scheme controversy. Hare is the uncle of Drinkwater, who is charged with $1.9-million in alleged fraud. …