Author: homegoal.ca
“Don’t worry, your Realtor knows what they’re doing.” That reassurance didn’t age well. Our clients had rented their home for a few years before planning to sell. Aside from a couple of parking bylaw infractions and routine inspections, the tenancy had been uneventful until early 2025. The tenant’s insurance lapsed—often a sign they’re preparing to move—and our clients saw an opportunity to sell the unit vacant. Clients were upfront: if the tenant left, they’d list immediately to avoid the pricing drag of a tenanted sale. As our clients were up against a looming mortgage renewal, adding urgency to the decision,…
You’ve been house hunting in Toronto for months. Your budget’s tight, inventory in your target neighbourhood is slim, and then you see it: a house that checks most of your boxes but needs “some work.” The listing agent throws around phrases like “endless potential” and “perfect for someone with vision.” But here’s what they’re not telling you: that “potential” could cost you a LOT of money to unlock. And in Toronto’s real estate market, not every renovation dollar comes back to you. So how do you know if you’ve found a diamond in the rough or just… rough? The Real…
Striking the perfect balance between refined and homey is a tall task, but one that this South Mississauga home pulls off with ease. Located in the highly-sought after Applewood Acres — a mid-century suburb built, charmingly, over what was once a collection of apple orchards — 2121 Harvest Drive offers quiet, tree-lined streets and 5,000 sq. ft of stunning custom craftsmanship. Boasting inviting family spaces within, a number of schools within walking distance, and easy access to the nearby Queen Elizabeth Way, the property is also the ideal home-base for a family on the go.Rolling up the drive, residents are…
The “Happiest Place on Earth” is also one of the most expensive. The average Disney World vacation for a family of four costs $8,912, and that’s just for moderate spenders. For families seeking a more luxurious experience, NerdWallet estimates that it can cost up to $15,559 for 7 nights of magical moments. But not every family’s budget can go to infinity and beyond to afford these vacations. A LendingTree survey found that 45% of Disney-goers with children younger than 18 have gone into debt for a trip. While making memories is priceless, what if that money went toward something more…
A new wave of Canadian homebuyers is entering the market armed with digital tools, family support and a hint of financial pressure. According to the 2025 CMHC Mortgage Consumer Survey, the share of first-time homebuyers is on the rise, digital research is the norm and more buyers are stretching their budgets to the limit. While renewals remain the most common mortgage transaction, the proportion of new buyers grew this year, with first-time purchasers making up 12 per cent of mortgage activity, up from 10 per cent in 2024. These buyers are optimistic, with 74 per cent believing their purchase is…
Toronto City Council wrapped up its May session last week and, as with every month, several development applications were up for review. Of those, the lion’s share got the green light — albeit with varying degrees of amendments — which is perhaps a testament to the intensified emphasis on homebuilding in Toronto and its development review system that’s in the process of being streamlined by a newly-formed division.As part of the Province’s broader goal of 1.5 million new homes by 2030, Toronto has the tall order of delivering 285,000 new homes over the next 10 years, but has only achieved…
Wondering which home improvements pay off and which ones are just expensive hobbies? Here’s the definitive ranking of home improvements by ROI, based on real Toronto market data. No fluff, no wishful thinking – just cold, hard numbers that’ll help you spend your renovation dollars wisely. Whether you’re renovating for your own enjoyment or updating your home before listing it for sale, here’s what you need to know about the ROI of home renovations in Toronto. Related: How to Avoid Getting Ripped Off By a Contractor Home Renovation Data Renovation Project Average Toronto Cost (2025) ROI Range Key Notes &…
Canada’s surging rents have more to do with financialization than fundamentals, according to a new University of Waterloo study. Researchers from the School of Planning conducted a deep dive into Toronto’s rental market and found the most aggressive rental hikes came from large financial landlords. By using techniques like vacant units, algorithmic pricing, and systematic tenant displacement, these firms behave similarly to an oligopoly—coordinating towards a single goal: maximum rent extraction. The study warns that shelter instability will worsen as these firms get even larger. While the study was done in Toronto, this has become a global playbook. As housing…
Alberta’s big skies and mountain views are just the beginning. Its small towns offer charm, history, and opportunity. More people are rethinking life in the city as small towns in Alberta become more appealing. These towns offer a slower pace, a stronger sense of community, and access to nature—all without giving up the essentials. If you’re a first-time buyer, remote worker, retiree, or someone just looking for a fresh start, these eight towns might be exactly what you need. Canmore Just outside Banff National Park, Canmore offers year-round adventure. Hike Ha Ling Peak in summer or ski at nearby resorts…
Realtors in Kingston, Ont. will cast their vote—again—in June to decide whether they will form a single entity with their peers across Eastern Ontario, but some members are citing concerns with the process. A special meeting of the Kingston and Area Real Estate Association (KAREA) will be held on Jun.12, after members voted against an amalgamation with neighbouring boards in March. Of the nearly 300 votes, 163 (55 per cent) were in favour of the amalgamation, failing to reach the 66 per cent majority required to pass. Joel Thompson, a Realtor with eXp Realty in Kingston, said members need more…