Author: homegoal.ca
Growing up in the small, close-knit farming and fishing community of Cascumpec, P.E.I., Noreen Barwaise (Bryan), much like another island girl, Lucy Maud Montgomery’s fictional character Anne of Green Gables, believed that life was filled with limitless opportunities. As a child, she had no idea that her uplifting and positive outlook on life would lay the groundwork for her future pursuits, becoming one of Atlantic Canada’s most respected Realtors. The wisdom she gathered from the good people of Cascumpec—values such as authenticity, community, hard work, and dedication—would remain with her throughout her life. “What struck me,” Barwise says, reflecting on…
As part of Canada’s Housing Plan, the federal government has introduced the Housing Design Catalogue, a new resource aimed at simplifying the planning process for building new homes. It has now released the final renderings, floor plan layouts, and key building details from this catalogue, making available approximately 50 standardized housing designs. These designs include options for rowhouses, fourplexes, sixplexes, and accessory dwelling units. Developed by regional architecture and engineering teams, the catalogue has been crafted to meet local building codes, planning rules, and climate conditions, with a focus on gentle density and infill development in existing neighbourhoods. This initiative…
Just over a full year after foreclosure proceedings were initiated, the boutique Versante Hotel in Richmond has been placed under receivership as a result of the lender’s concerns regarding the owner-operator, according to filings in the Supreme Court of British Columbia obtained by STOREYS. The Versante Hotel is a 14-storey hotel with 100 rooms and amenity space that is located at 8499 Bridgeport Road in Richmond and has received much recognition from the hospitality sector since it opened in 2018. The hotel is part of the three-tower International Trade Centre (ITC), with the other two towers being the 10-storey office…
Canadian mortgage borrowers waiting on the central bank may be disappointed by its latest move. The Bank of Canada (BoC) cut its overnight rate by 0.25 points to 2.75% on Tuesday. Many professionals applauded the decision, believing it would improve mortgage affordability. Unfortunately, that may not be the case, as the decision boosted inflation expectations and sent bond yields higher. This ultimately applies upward pressure on popular fixed-rate products, raising the floor of borrowing costs. Bank of Canada Rate Cuts Influence Variable Rate Mortgages Most people hear rate cuts and think that means cheaper mortgages, but that’s not always the…
In recent years, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have become one of the most popular home upgrades for homeowners looking to maximize their property’s potential. Whether you’re looking to create additional rental income, provide housing for family members, or simply add more living space to your home, installing an ADU offers a great solution. In this post, we’ll walk you through the process of buying and installing an ADU on your property, from start to finish. What is an ADU? An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary, independent living space located on the same property as a primary residential home.…
Fierce competition among buyers during hot markets in B.C. is a well-known motif, even as softer markets are currently at play. However, recent regulatory changes could mean the return of bully offers when markets inevitably rebound. Effective Mar. 17, B.C. Realtors will no longer be able to use the Irrevocable Direction Regarding the Presentation of Offers (IDRPO) form, according to a Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) memo shared with Real Estate Magazine. The form was originally introduced to create a fairer process for buyers in competitive markets by ensuring all offers were considered simultaneously, preventing sellers from accepting last-minute…
Canada stands at a critical juncture in its ongoing battle to boost the supply and affordability of new homes. The need for new housing is dire, but figures show fewer homes are being built. The 2022-2031 period is on track to be the decade with the fewest homes built per new persons added to the Canadian population since at least 1972. This is not a setback; it is a catastrophe. Without swift and decisive action, rising housing costs will continue to deter Canadians from starting families and raising children, and continue to hinder economic development and undermine the financial stability…
A chic new infill development has been proposed for Toronto’s Yonge—St. Clair neighbourhood that would rise 38 and 43 storeys and provide over 700 new residential units and a new public park. The proposal includes a Zoning By-Law Amendment and Site Plan Control application submitted by Gairloch Developments and Fairway Developments in late February. If approved, the development would involve the demolition of 12 single-family homes, including a duplex, bringing the total number of dwelling units that would be razed to 13. But in close proximity to the 38,028-sq.-ft development site are several new buildings with heights reaching 45 storeys,…
Canadian households may feel economic uncertainty, but the good news keeps rolling in. Statistics Canada (Stat Can) data shows that household net worth made a big jump in Q4 2024. In fact, every quarter in 2024 saw households gain more wealth as higher rates suppressed debt while wealth growth advanced. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a win for everyone—the divide between the country’s rich and poor is getting wider. Canadian Household Net Worth Surges To $17.5 Trillion Canadian households saw their net-worth rise at a fairly brisk rate in 2024. Household net worth climbed 1.4% (+$236.3 billion) to $17.5 trillion in Q4…
It’s easy to feel like we’re constantly rushing—always moving from one task to the next, juggling work, family, and endless responsibilities. But what if there was another way to live? A way that allows you to slow down, be more present, and enjoy life in a more relaxed, intentional way? This is the essence of slow living. Slow living is about embracing a pace that focuses on mindfulness, quality, and connection. Rather than constantly striving for productivity, the basis of slow living is to push back on the need to get ahead and instead be more present and enjoy the…