Author: homegoal.ca

Canadians are increasingly divided on where the country’s economy is heading in a year. The Bank of Canada (BoC) released the results of its Q1 2025 Consumer Outlook Survey (COS) showing a record share of households fear losing their job. Over 1 in 5 consumers believe they will lose their job within the next 12-months, as the economy slows. However, not all consumers feel this way—a similar share of consumers also plan to leave their job voluntarily over the same timeline, indicating economic confidence.  Over 1 In 5 Canadian Consumers Expect To Lose Their Job In A Year The share…

A few decades ago, the classic Canadian dream meant a detached house with a backyard and maybe even a tire swing. But in recent years, that vision has drifted further out of reach for many families, especially in cities where real estate prices have skyrocketed. Take Vancouver, for example. If you’re eyeing the price of a single detached home in the Greater Vancouver Area,  you’ll need to save a down payment of just over $400,000. In Toronto, the average price of a single detached home means the minimum down payment will be around $350,000. For most families, these numbers push…

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is hosting its 2025 Annual General Meeting today in Ottawa, bringing together Realtors and member boards and associations from across the country to vote on key motions, elect new directors and chart the path forward for the national association. The AGM kicks off with an open forum at 8:30 a.m. EDT, followed by the formal meeting. This year’s agenda includes proposals that could reshape aspects of CREA’s finances and legal strategy.   What’s on the table   $75 special legal assessment CREA is asking members to approve a one-time $75 per-member fee to bolster…

This article was submitted by John DiMichele, CEO, Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB).The events south of the border demonstrate that Ontario must double down on its efforts to build more homes.On its own, Ontario’s homebuilding outlook should demand bold action from Queen’s Park. Coupled with uncertain US-Canada trade relations, the need to build more homes is even greater. Housing policy must become part of our plan to protect the province from the US administration tariffs and become a pillar of Ontario’s future economic competitiveness.Housing policy has not, historically, been part of the province’s industrial strategy. When Ontario announced historic…

A few weeks ago, REVEL corporate was a hub of frenetic activity.  Preparation was underway for the first major event of REVEL’s calendar year—REVEL TIP OFF 2025.  Themed under the caption, “Thrive in 2025,” many moving pieces needed to come together in order to host REVEL’s growing membership of agents. From installing technological platforms to finalizing catering and securing a roster of inspiring speakers focused on motivating each and every attendee, REVEL TIP OFF 2025 launched the Spring selling season with celebratory energy, new swag, social sparks, and keen market insights.  REVEL’s commitment to its agents   Staged at the…

Renovating multifamily properties strategically is an investment in the future of a property that goes beyond an aesthetic refresh. Property owners are choosing renovations that not only enhance the look and feel of their buildings but also boost operational efficiency, tenant satisfaction, and overall property value. Smart Technology Smart home technology has been on the rise for some time, and is continuing to be a preferred upgrade for not only multifamily properties, but homes in general. As these innovations become more common, tenants now expect them as a standard feature rather than a unique advantage. The key advantage to upgrades such as smart…

Despite worries about lagging housing development in Ontario, Toronto’s crane count remains miles ahead of any other North American city, shows the latest Crane Index report from Rider Levett Bucknall’s (RLB). The quarterly report measures the current state of the construction industry’s workload by tallying the active crane count in 14 large cities across Canada and the US, and in the first quarter of 2025, Toronto outstripped its closest competition by 64 cranes.In total, Toronto had 106 active cranes, followed by 42 in Los Angeles, 24 in Calgary, and 17 in Seattle. This landslide comes even after RLB reduced Toronto’s…

In recent years, small towns across Canada have seen a resurgence, with the rural population growing the fastest (+0.4%) from 2016 to 2021 compared to other G7 nations, according to Statistics Canada. This shift is driven by factors like affordability and lifestyle preferences, with remote work playing a key role. As of May 2024, 18.7% of employed Canadians worked mostly from home, making it easier for people to leave urban centers in favor of small towns that offer a more affordable, peaceful way of life without sacrificing career opportunities. Jump Ahead What’s Causing the Shift? In recent years, many people—especially…

Mistakes happen in any profession. Honest, minor mistakes are typically forgiven, and the parties move on. However, in real estate transactions, mistakes can end up costing either the buyer or seller significantly. And if the mistake results from a Realtor not having the accurate square footage in a listing, it can have long-lasting, damaging legal consequences.  The worst instances make it into the news and Real Estate Magazine, as was the case in Stouffville, Ont., in 2020 when a first-time homebuyer was informed by a real estate agent that a property was approximately 2,100 square feet, but an appraisal later…

Renovating an investment property can enhance its value and appeal, but it is important to approach renovations strategically to ensure they make financial sense and maximize your return on investment (ROI). Here are some things to consider as you plan a renovation:Prioritize High-Impact RenovationsFocus on renovations that provide the highest ROI. Kitchens and bathrooms typically offer the best returns, as they are highly used and significantly affect the impression of a property. Other high-impact renovations include updating flooring, painting and updating any area that is most noticeably worn and tired or suffering from deferred maintenance.Budget WiselySet a realistic budget for…