Author: homegoal.ca
Almost exactly a year after the project was put on the market as part of a court-ordered sale, the rental project known as The Sophia has found a buyer: Nicola Wealth Real Estate, the real estate division of Vancouver-based wealth management firm Nicola Wealth.The project was set for 304 and 316 E 1st Avenue in Vancouver at the intersection with Scotia Street, about one block west from the future Great Northern Way-Emily Carr Station that’s currently being constructed as part of the Broadway Subway Project.The site is currently occupied by two warehouses that were originally constructed in 1939 and 1974,…
Exploring a neighborhood often begins with its dining scene, and in Ottawa, Canada’s capital, a thriving brunch culture offers a delicious introduction. From heritage cafes in the heart of the city to cozy, creative nooks in the west end, Ottawa’s restaurants offers a delicious window into the city’s vibrant communities. Whether you’re searching for the perfect eggs benny, locally roasted coffee, or a sunlit patio with a view, this guide to Ottawa’s best brunch spots serves up a taste of the city’s most beloved areas. Byward Market and Rideau Street ByWard Market sits just off Rideau Street, a bustling downtown strip…
Every month, Kate Teves, HR consultant, recruiter and founder of The HR Pro, answers Realtors’ questions about anything and everything related to human resources. Have a question for Kate? Send her an email. Question: How can brokerages and teams navigate recruitment and retention challenges in the current market conditions? Kate: As the market continues to shift in many regions across the country, the ripple effects go far beyond transactions and property values. While much of the focus remains on agents navigating tighter margins and longer sales cycles, there’s another, less-discussed challenge emerging behind the scenes: the recruitment and retention of…
Tucked into a peaceful cul-de-sac in Oakville’s coveted Morrison neighbourhood, a custom-built abode masterfully — just snapped up from the market — combines classical craftsmanship with the comforts of modern living.Surrounded by mature trees and located a stroll from the shores of Lake Ontario — and Downtown Oakville’s storied heritage district — 1259 Sprucelea Drive exudes elegance before you even step through the front door. Designed by esteemed local architect Michael Pettes in 2009, the residence showcases over 6,800 sq. ft of exquisitely finished living space, where soaring ceilings, refined detailing, and enduring design rule the day.The home’s traditional stone…
The air is warmer, the days are getting longer, and after an exceptionally snowy winter, the grass is finally starting to reveal itself. Spring officially is upon us, which means that all of that snow is starting to melt. As the spring makes its arrival, be sure to take these important steps to protect your home and prevent major water damage during the seasonal thaw. Inspect your home’s foundation As temperatures rise, melting snow can lead to water pooling around the base of your home, increasing the risk of leaks, cracks and basement flooding. To redirect water runoff, clear away…
Despite making up less than 1 per cent of potential long-term housing stock, short-term rentals continue to shoulder a disproportionate amount of blame for Canada’s housing crisis, and Ontario has become ground zero for this narrative. The short-term rental (STR) industry has been under scrutiny for the better part of the last decade. Initially, criticism was rooted in concerns about neighbourhood disruptions: noisy guests, parking congestion, and communities losing their character. But this narrative has largely shifted. Today, STRs are being blamed for deepening Canada’s housing shortage. With immigration at its highest levels in a century, Canada faces unprecedented demand…
Canada’s purpose-built rental market showed signs of renewed momentum in March 2025, reversing a multi-month downward trend with a modest monthly increase in asking rents. While year-over-year figures remain slightly negative, purpose-built units are demonstrating greater stability and long-term growth compared to their condominium rental counterparts. According to data from Rental.ca’s April 2025 Rent Report, average asking rents across all residential property types rose by 1.5% month‑over‑month to $2,119 in March. This marks the first monthly increase since September 2024, as markets emerged from the seasonal winter slowdown and leasing activity picked up in advance of spring. Despite this rebound,…
While the Conservatives and Liberals remain divided on many issues, when it comes to tackling the housing crisis, both parties seem set on cutting red tape and incentivizing development through tax reform, with the greater goal of increasing supply and affordability. The parties differ in how they plan to achieve these goals, but several of their proposed policies echo one another, one of the most popular being the pledge to eliminate GST on new homes.Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre was the first to propose the tax break in October 2024 when he pledged to eliminate GST on new homes priced at…
Canada’s labor market has eroded fast since the glory days of the pandemic, and it may get worse soon. Statistics Canada (Stat Can) data shows the job vacancy rate for February came in at nearly half its peak rate just a few years ago. BMO Capital Markets warned investors this problem is combining with elevated unemployment to create a job market worse than we saw pre-pandemic. A problem they see getting worse if the trade war isn’t resolved amicably in the coming weeks. Canada Has Fewer Jobs Available Than Pre-Pandemic Canada’s job market has changed dramatically since the good old…
You don’t need to leave the city to feel like you’ve somewhere special. Whether you’re a longtime local or a recent transplant, Toronto’s hotel scene is full of reasons to check out—without ever checking in at Pearson. These curated staycation spots blend luxury, local flavour, and neighborhood charm, offering everything from rooftop pools to art-filled lobbies. And there’s more to it than plush robes and pillow menus. A hotel weekend can give a whole new perspective on the city, letting you explore areas you do not usually spend time in. Perfect for celebrating a milestone, trying out a new neighbourhood…