Author: homegoal.ca

A number of development proposals received zoning approvals at Wednesday’s Toronto City Council meeting, bringing them one step closer to fruition (AKA shovels-in-the-ground territory). In total, six applications got the green light from Council, spanning from Etobicoke to East York and ranging from City-led affordable housing to a 40-storey purpose-built rental.Below are the projects that received approval this week. Toronto City Council is set to meet again next week, on Tuesday, February 11 to discuss Budget 2025.450 Dufferin Street450 Dufferin Street/superkül, HullmarkDeveloper and Architect: Superkül retained by HullmarkLocation: 450 Dufferin Street, between Queens and Dundas in Little PortugalApplication type: Official…

Selling a home can be one of the most exciting and stressful experiences of a homeowner’s life. You’ve found your new place, packed up your belongings, and listed your property—only to find that it’s not selling as quickly as you’d hoped. If your home isn’t moving off the market, you might start to feel frustrated and uncertain. But don’t panic! There are several strategies you can implement to increase the appeal of your property and attract the right buyers. Reevaluate Your Listing Price One of the most common reasons homes don’t sell is due to an overpriced listing. Buyers are…

designed by freepik Vancouver is known for its stunning scenery, vibrant city life, and high-end properties. The Vancouver luxury real estate market is always evolving, influenced by economic trends, buyer preferences, and global investment patterns. But what’s driving this market right now? From ultra-luxury homes to eco-friendly features, the trends are constantly evolving.  If you’re curious about what’s happening in Vancouver’s high-end property market, you’re in the right place!  Growing Demand for Vancouver Luxury Real Estate Recently, the demand for Vancouver luxury real estate has stayed strong. Wealthy individuals, both local and from overseas, are investing in the market. Vancouver’s…

In addition to acting on purchases and sales, real estate agents may be engaged to find tenants for their clients. The services provided in this regard can include listing the rental property and vetting potential tenants.  If a tenant found through the listing process causes damage to the client’s property, can the agent be liable to the client? In Carola v. VIP Realty Inc., the Ontario Superior Court of Justice left this possibility open.   The listing process and alleged negligence   The plaintiff in the case was the owner of a property in Cumberland, Ont. The defendants were an…

The Bank of Canada’s latest decision to lower the overnight lending rate by 25 basis points from 3.25% to 3% is giving homeowners and prospective buyers plenty to consider. With two previous half-point cuts in late 2024, this latest move continues to ease pressure on borrowers with variable-rate mortgages. But does it make variable rates the smarter choice over fixed rates? Or have fixed rates bottomed out, making them the safer long-term bet? How the Rate Cut Impacts Borrowers For those with variable-rate mortgages, the immediate impact is clear—lower monthly payments. Since variable rates move in direct response to the…

After almost a full year, a buyer has finally been found for the mysterious Westfield Business Centre in Surrey, according to filings in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. The Westfield Business Centre sits at 14178 104 Avenue in Surrey and makes up the entire block between 141 Street and 142 Street, about midway between Surrey City Centre and Guildford Town Centre. According to court documents, the three-storey commercial building was constructed in 1998 and was intended to serve as a stratified shopping mall called “The Asian Centre.” It’s unclear who the original developer was and why the mall never…

Canada’s economy is booming… or not. Depends on whether you’re in economics or finance—or in academia or looking for a job. Statistics Canada (Stat Can) seasonally adjusted data shows the country added tens of thousands of jobs in January, pushing the unemployment rate lower. Unadjusted data tells a very different story, with the country adding nearly 200k jobseekers, pushing the unemployment rate to the second highest monthly print since the 2021 recession. We promise, you’ll understand jobs data and how to read it better than your local politician in just a few minutes.  Canada Adds 76k Jobs… Sort of. Depends…

In recent years, shopping at thrift stores has become more than just a way to find unique, affordable items. According to Capital One Shopping Research, approximately 17% of Americans shop at thrift stores yearly, while 93% shop online for secondhand items. As we all look for ways to minimize our environmental impact, buying reusable goods from thrift stores offers a perfect solution. Not only can you find great pieces to refresh your home, but you also have the opportunity to repurpose and breathe new life into second-hand treasures. Whether you’re on the hunt for stylish decor or practical home essentials,…

The Story of J&L Selling a home isn’t just about putting up a sign and waiting for offers—it’s a strategic process that can mean the difference between a good sale and a great one. In The Exit Strategy, we pull back the curtain on real stories from BREL clients who’ve navigated the highs and lows of selling in Toronto’s competitive market. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions, challenges, and strategies that led to their success—from pricing tactics and staging transformations to marketing moves that made their homes stand out. If you’re looking to maximize your sale price, minimize…

I think January 2025’s supply story is one of those data points. This could be the biggest year-over-year jump up in new listings we’ve ever seen, and the majority of it was driven by condos. In 2024, we started with 6,300 active condo listings and almost hit 12,000. In 2025, we started with 8,500 active condo listings and could hit 15,000, should historic growth trends hold. Source: TRREB/TheHabistat.com    I will caveat that the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board added a few new local boards, so I’m still trying to see if that’s had an impact on the data, but…