Author: homegoal.ca
The sprawling redevelopment of the old Barrie fairgrounds has been placed under receivership, jeopardizing the future of the historic site in one of the latest instances of a real estate development facing financial difficulties.The project was set for 175-199 Essa Road and 50 Wood Street, located along Highway 400, which together span about 55 acres. The Essa Road properties were the home of the Barrie Fair since 1961, according to a planning document, while the Wood Street property has been used for industrial purposes since the 1950s. According to court documents, Digram Developments — through Green World Construction Inc. —…
The Canadian economy may be outperforming, but households are getting slaughtered. The latest data from the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB) shows consumer insolvencies surged in March. The 12-month volume has reached levels only seen during the 2010 and 2020 peaks—both periods known for sharp declines in economic activity. While annual growth had been slowing, March’s sudden spike suggests this trend may worsen before improving. Key Findings March Spike: Insolvencies jumped 11.2% month-over-month to 12,126 filings (4.9% higher than 2024). 12-Month Total: 137,635 filings—just shy of the pandemic peak and 8% higher than last year Recession Incoming: Consumer…
The spring market is often the hottest time to buy real estate, and in the past three years, that heat came with a hefty price tag. Fueled by bidding wars and record-breaking prices, many Canadians who bought in the spring of 2022 or 2023 locked in the highest home values their markets had ever seen. Others chose to wait, sidestepping the peak in hopes of a better deal. Zoocasa looked at the lowest spring home prices in major markets from March and April over the past three years and compared them to April 2025 values to see where early buyers…
Royal LePage survey offers new insights into the home ownership trends of retirees Nowadays, owning a home is a challenge – and paying off your mortgage in full is an even greater one – especially when you consider the continuing rise in property prices, exacerbated by the increased demand for real estate resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant increase in Canada’s population in recent years. But, what happens to one’s ‘homeowner status’ when the time comes to consider retirement, given that Canadians are leaving the workforce later and later, as life expectancy increases? Financial freedom redefined According to…
Buying a one-bedroom condo in the Greater Toronto Area isn’t just about square footage; it could mean a budget six figures more if a wishlist includes a parking space. An analysis of 2024 data from Wahi shows how costly parking can be in certain neighbourhoods. In Riverdale, for instance, one-bedroom units with parking sold for a median of $793,860—$202,360 more than similar units without a parking spot. “In dense, walkable neighbourhoods, a parking space is an extremely valuable asset— both for convenience and resale value,” says Benjy Katchen, CEO of Wahi. “Buyers should be aware that in some parts of…
In today’s fast-paced real estate environment, agents and brokers/owners are continually challenged by the need to juggle multiple tasks, from lead generation and client management to marketing and transaction orchestration. For many, those tasks can feel like a barrier to building relationships and more actively helping clients. To counter this, REMAX has invested in a robust technology ecosystem designed to empower agents and brokers/owners. With a comprehensive, end-to-end platform at no additional cost, REMAX offers an integrated tech stack that covers everything from customizable IDX websites to dynamic marketing and transaction management tools. REMAX is well-known for being a leader…
A 70-storey mixed-use development could be headed for Eglinton Avenue East, pending City staff’s review of a Zoning Bylaw and Official Plan Amendment application. The development would replace an 11-storey office building with a largely residential tower offering over 550 condo units and around 2,000 sq. ft of retail space at grade. A proposal was submitted by the owners of the development site, Ruth Reisman Ltd., in late April and it seeks to amend the site’s current ‘Commercial Residential’zoning to allow for the significant increase in building height alongside other factors like density and setbacks. For example, current zoning limits…
Despite soaring equity markets and resilient household spending, Canadian consumer confidence continues to erode. A new report from BMO Capital Markets explores the growing disconnect, suggesting consumer anxieties may not be rooted in actual economic weakness. However, if sentiment doesn’t improve it can slow the economy—triggering the concerns they fear. Canadian Households Feel Gloomy, But TSX Has Never Been Better Canada’s largest stock market is the latest data point to ignore eroding consumer confidence. The TSX kicked off the week hitting a record high on Monday, and is up 5% year to date. It’s not often that investors are feeling…
Toronto’s community centres are more than just gyms or activity hubs—they serve as vital “third places,” offering a welcoming, accessible space outside of home and work where people can gather, connect, and build community. These inclusive centres provide affordable ways to meet up with friends, join group activities, or simply be part of a shared environment. They support residents of all ages and backgrounds, from fitness classes and swim lessons to cultural programs and after-school care. Toronto community centres are also a smart go-to year-round: a warm, inviting escape during cold winters, and a budget-friendly way to stay busy in…
Three in ten Canadians planning to retire within the next two years say they will carry a mortgage into retirement Retirement marks an exciting new chapter for many Canadians, one filled with more personal time, the freedom to explore new interests, and possibly travel. For homeowners, it has traditionally also meant making the final payment on the family property and entering retirement mortgage-free. However, for a growing number of Canadians, that milestone is no longer a given. A recent Royal LePage survey, conducted by Leger,1 suggests a new housing reality for older Canadians is taking shape. According to the survey,…