Author: homegoal.ca

Investing in real estate in the Dominican Republic (DR) presents a compelling opportunity for both seasoned and novice investors. The nation’s robust tourism industry, favourable government policies, and affordable property prices contribute to its appeal. There are several reasons why many Canadian investors choose to invest in real estate in the Dominican Republic – and why I have chosen to do so, too. With increasing restrictions and other factors influencing the Canadian real estate market, I began thoroughly researching alternatives, and the Dominican Republic stood out for the below reasons.The Dominican Republic stands as the leading tourist destination in the Caribbean in…

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Vancouver-based real estate developer Westbank has unveiled a new condo project that’s been in the works for several years, according to a new rezoning application published by the City of Vancouver on March 25. The subject site of the proposal is 1010 W King Edward Avenue in Vancouver, which is situated at the southwest corner of the intersection with Oak Street. Toward the east is the Safeway-anchored King Edward Mall and further in that direction is then the Canada Line SkyTrain’s King Edward Station.The site is owned by Westbank under 1000 King Edward Property Inc. and BC Assessment values the…

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Every month, over 45 million households in the U.S. pay rent. While this monthly cost is often lower than a mortgage payment, the total amount spent over several years is a significant expense that renters never recover. If this money could be redirected toward homeownership, would it be enough to cover a down payment?   Zoocasa calculated the total rent spent over five years in 43 cities from 2020 to 2025 using Rent.com’s average prices. The total sum was then compared to the 20% down payment on a median-priced single-family home in each respective city, using data from the National Association…

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Though economic anxieties may temper buyer demand, home prices in recreational regions are forecast to rise 4% this year With warmer weather on the way, it won’t be long before Canadians swap snowshoes for flip-flops and backyard views for lakeside escapes. While some buyers may be hesitant to invest in their dream cottage or cabin this year due to ongoing political and economic uncertainty, others are ready to dive in – pushing up recreational property prices across the again. According to the recently-released Royal LePage® 2025 Spring Recreational Property Report, the median price of a single-family home in Canada’s recreational…

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In a shift that could reshape Canada’s housing market, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) is considering replacing the controversial mortgage stress test with a new portfolio-level approach to risk management.  This potential change marks a fundamental transformation in how Canada regulates mortgage lending, moving from individual borrower qualification to institutional portfolio management.   Source: Valery.ca   In retrospect, while the stress test appears to have achieved its initial objective of protecting Canada’s financial system during the period of low interest rates, the current economic landscape presents new challenges. With emerging inflationary pressures from potential trade wars…

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Domestic tourism is expected to be on the rise this summer, so more cabin owners are curious about the potential income their properties could generate. Recent data indicate that searches for domestic stays have risen by nearly 20% this spring, as more Canadians opt to explore hidden gems and beloved nearby destinations. Many are planning to rediscover the charm and convenience of summer cabins offering rustic retreats. For cabin owners, there are several factors to consider when assessing their potential rental income. Market Demand Evaluating the rental potential of Canadian summer cabins begins with gauging local demand. Domestic travel in…

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The controversial Vancouver Housing Development Office (VHDO) created by the City of Vancouver to better generate revenue from the City’s land holdings has unveiled a second project, planned for a long vacant site near Science World. The subject site of the rezoning application, which was published by the City earlier today, is 1405 Main Street and 1510 Quebec Street, two parcels that make up the block bounded by Terminal Avenue on the north, Main Street on the east, a rear lane on the south, and Quebec Street on the west.The site, located directly across the street from the Expo Line…

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Canadian households are anxious about the economy, despite the parade of above-normal expectations. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index plunged to a new record low in March. Economists at BMO wrote to investors explaining its no surprise with the trade war compounding cost of living pains. They also don’t see any improvements on the horizon.  Canadian Consumer Confidence Plunges To A Record Low Canadian households have never felt more uncertain about the economy, a remarkable accomplishment considering recent global events in the past decade. The Consumer Confidence Index fell 8.4 points to 44.2% in March, following a 12-point drop in…

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When it comes to real estate investments, condos are often seen as a more affordable and flexible option. But just because you’re living in a condo doesn’t mean you can’t increase its value over time. With some strategic upgrades, you can make your space more appealing and potentially increase its resale value. If you’re preparing for a sale, here are some of the simple condo upgrades you can implement to boost your property’s value.  Beyond personal enjoyment, well-chosen upgrades can attract higher offers when it comes time to sell. In a competitive market, you’ll want your property to stand out…

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(Canva) QUICK HITS   The Ontario Superior Court of Justice dismissed a motion by Ojohome Canada Ltd. seeking to restore its access to MLS data feeds from TRREB and CREA.  The court found that the brokerage, which operated a referral-based business model, failed to meet the high legal threshold for a mandatory interlocutory injunction and did not demonstrate irreparable harm.  As a result, Ojohome remains without access to the majority of GTA listings while the broader dispute continues through regular legal proceedings.   In Ojohome Canada Ltd. v. The Canadian Real Estate Association, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice dismissed…

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