Author: homegoal.ca

Time for your cheat sheet on this week’s top stories. Canadian Real Estate Canadians Permanently Leaving Hits The Highest Level Since 1967  Canadian policymakers were so focused on growing the temporary population that they missed the citizen outflow. Emigration, the act of a citizen or permanent resident leaving for good, ramped up in Q4 2024. The year ended with a whopping 106.1k emigrants leaving in 2024, the highest volume since 1967. The number is also drastically under-reported since it depends on people declaring their absence. The country has quietly acknowledged an issue that results in significant overcounts of immigrants that…

designed by freepik As Ontario’s 2025 Provincial Election approaches, housing policies are one of the most significant issues. Housing costs have been high for years, and many people struggle to afford homes. Voters want to know how different political parties plan to solve this problem. A recent survey found that 84% of Ontario’s residents think housing affordability has worsened in the last five years. The biggest reason (19%) was inflation and economic problems. Next, 15% said there aren’t enough homes, and 14% blamed government policies and lack of action. Ontario is facing a housing crisis. Home prices and rent have…

Financing real estate in Canada for investment purposes involves distinct approaches depending on whether the property is a residential investment purchased to generate rental income or a commercial asset used for business activities. Although both types of financing require borrowers to demonstrate financial stability and an ability to repay, the lending criteria, terms, interest rates, and approval processes are very different.  Loan Qualification and Approval Process Residential Investment Properties Investment properties intended exclusively for rental income differ from owner‑occupied homes. Lenders assess the borrower’s personal financial profile, including credit history, income, and existing debt, but impose stricter standards. Because these…

After filing for and being granted creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) on March 7, the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) was set to return to court on March 17 with a liquidation plan. However, due to the scale of its insolvency and competing motions filed by affected parties, the court delayed its decision twice this week, before finally granting approval for the liquidation to commence starting Monday, March 24.In the late-evening on March 14, Hudson’s Bay published a press release announcing that it would undergo a full liquidation unless a last-minute solution materialized. Across the country, HBC…

Whether you prefer shopping in-store or online, many Canadian furniture brands offer convenient ways to browse and purchase high-quality pieces. Thanks to these furniture brands’ websites and showrooms, finding the perfect Canadian furniture for your home has never been easier. Consider these companies the next time you want to refresh your home.  Why Supporting Canadian Furniture Brands Matter Investing in local furniture brands is a meaningful way to support the economy. When you buy from Canadian brands, you’re helping to sustain local jobs and keep money circulating within the community. In contrast, purchasing imported furniture has less economic impact on…

designed by freepik Building a home is an exciting journey but can also be challenging. Construction delays, plan changes, and builder mistakes are common issues for many. If you’re building a home in Canada, you must be ready and know how to manage these challenges. In this blog, we’ll share simple advice to help you avoid construction delays in Canada and ensure your construction goes smoothly. Understanding Construction Delays in Canada Construction delays are a common issue when building a home. In Canada, these delays can happen due to bad weather, material shortages, or problems with permits.  Home building issues in…

Anyone hoping for a market rebound may need to brace themselves for a longer-than-expected slowdown. According to the latest Teranet–National Bank Composite National House Price Index, home prices dipped 0.1 per cent from January to February after seasonal adjustments. And according to National Bank of Canada economist Darren King, there’s reason to believe the trend may continue. “This decline in prices comes at a time when the resale housing market has slowed sharply in recent months, due in part to uncertainty surrounding trade tensions with the United States. ,” King writes. “Consumer confidence is in free fall and the most…

RBC recently released a special housing report examining the impacts of uncertainties on Canada’s housing market. The report aims to assess the effects on the market as it faced tariffs, volatile weather conditions, and other shifting dynamics in regional real estate activity. According to the report, early signs of market optimism observed in January quickly dissipated as concerns over the economic consequences of trade disputes took hold. As uncertainty grew, sellers and buyers alike reacted to the economic uncertainties, prompting a noticeable shift in market sentiment. Early figures from local real estate boards revealed a widespread decline in home sales…

On Friday, the Government of Canada announced two large funding commitments for British Columbia totalling over $1.75 billion that will go towards much needed infrastructure.The two commitments are coming via two different initiatives that were announced last year: the Canada Public Transit Fund and the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund. Canada Public Transit FundThe first is a $1.529-billion investment in regional transportation provider TransLink across 10 years, via the $30-billion Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF) that was announced last summer.The Canada Public Transit Fund delivers funding via three streams: a “Metro-Region” stream involving the provincial government, a “Baseline Funding” stream for…

Raising chickens in the city may sound like a farm fantasy. Still, it’s becoming an increasingly popular way for urban dwellers to enjoy fresh eggs, reduce food waste, and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. Even in smaller spaces, you can create a cozy little chicken haven that adds charm and personality to your backyard. Whether you’re looking for a fun hobby or a way to connect with nature amidst the hustle and bustle, raising backyard chickens in the city is easier than you might think.  After moving to a new property with a large yard in Oro Medonte, my family…