Author: homegoal.ca

designed by freepik So, you’ve finally decided to take the plunge into homeownership – congratulations! You’ve crunched the numbers, figured out your down payment, and maybe even started browsing those dreamy listings online. But hold onto your wallet because there’s more to this adventure than just the sticker price. You’re probably thinking, “I’ve got my down payment and monthly mortgage figured out – what else could there possibly be?” That’s what people think during their first home purchase until those “surprise” expenses start popping up like uninvited guests at a party. Do you know that nearly 40% of first-time homebuyers…

Laurie Gagnier (supplied)   Laurie Gagnier is out there alone in the wilderness. There is no one following her to offer sips of water or transport her supplies to the next hostel. She’s carrying her shelter, food, water and clothes in her 35-pound backpack while hiking the rugged Appalachian Trail on a six-month solo trip to raise funds for The Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). Gagnier, a 54-year-old mother of three, grandmother of six, and Realtor of 25 years, began her journey on Feb. 1 in Georgia and is walking more than 3,250 kilometres through the eastern United States to Maine.…

The commercial real estate market in Canada has undergone significant evolution over the past few decades, shaped by a confluence of economic, demographic, technological, and regulatory factors. Major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa have each experienced distinct yet interrelated trends that have impacted the landscape of office, retail, industrial, and mixed-use properties.  Market Overview and Historical Trends Historically, Canada’s commercial real estate market has reflected the broader economic cycles of the nation. During periods of economic expansion, increased business activity and rising investor confidence have driven demand for high-quality office spaces, retail centers, and industrial properties.…

Now that the dust has settled from the provincial election, it is time to begin the process of fixing our planning approvals system to bring down costs and speed up construction of new housing. Sadly, the labyrinth of approvals and permits that builders of new homes must go through to get shovels in the ground, especially at a time when we are in the midst of a housing crisis, is perplexing.In Toronto, projects are supposed to be cleared in 90 days, but approvals are taking beyond 600 days to process. In some municipalities, the period for development approval processes can…

Open shelving is an increasingly popular trend that has found its way into kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and even bedrooms. Its appeal lies in the sense of openness and accessibility it creates, giving your space a relaxed, airy feel. However, one of the biggest challenges when it comes to open shelving is striking the right balance between functionality and aesthetics. If not done thoughtfully, open shelves can easily transform from a stylish feature to a chaotic mess. Limit the Items on Display One of the easiest ways to avoid clutter is by limiting the number of items you display. While…

Veteran broker Nelson Goulart has joined Century 21 Canada, bringing his 45-person team to the newly established Century 21 Signature Service in Mississauga, Ont. Goulart, who has more than 35 years of experience in the industry, made the move from Better Homes and Garden with his wife and business partner, Maria Goulart. The pair cited Century 21’s technology platform and brand reputation as key factors in their decision. “When we were looking at making a change in Canada, we carefully evaluated all the top brands and Century 21 Canada stood out,” Goulart said. “The technology, the support, and the reputation…

Calgary’s real estate market has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with luxury condominiums emerging as a noteworthy segment for homebuyers and investors. While Toronto and Vancouver have long been known for higher-end, luxury real estate, Calgary now offers an appealing alternative, characterized by strong economic fundamentals, affordable pricing, and the value-boosting effects of extensive urban renewal initiatives. Why Are Calgary’s Luxury Condos in Demand? Investing in luxury condominiums in Calgary offers many advantages, as they blend urban sophistication with practical benefits.  Convenience and Lifestyle According to Jesse Davies, leader of the Jesse Davies Team with Century 21, “One of…

As Canadians continue to absorb the news that the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC), our oldest and most iconic retailer, is now insolvent, there is a significant subplot that has received little attention: the creditor protection HBC was granted last Friday also applies to RioCan (TSX: REI.UN), one of the country’s largest REITs by market cap. RioCan was not an applicant and there is nothing to suggest that RioCan is in any kind of financial jeopardy, but it has a very large and complex joint venture with HBC that is now also under creditor protection, which means RioCan will undoubtedly be…

The Canadian economy has outperformed the central bank’s expectations for months now. That didn’t stop the Bank of Canada (BoC) from slashing the overnight rate by 0.25 points to 2.75% this morning. Since this easing cycle began 9 months ago, the key policy rate has been reduced by 2.25 points, making it one of the most aggressive in history. More importantly, the last round of cuts came as the BoC warns of accelerating inflation. Consequently, the well-intended cut may prove counterproductive by driving higher inflation expectations and borrowing costs.  Bank of Canada Warns Inflation Will Rise Sharply In Coming Report …

The Bank of Canada announced the second rate cut of 2025 today, bringing the overnight lending rate down by 25 basis points to 2.75%. This was a highly anticipated move after tariff uncertainty left many Canadians feeling shaky about the economy. A weak Canadian jobs report released last week further contributed to the expectation of a rate cut today.  The last time the overnight lending rate was below 3% was in September 2022. Similarly, the average 5-year fixed mortgage rate was 3.89% in February, the lowest since the summer of 2022. As buyers navigate 3-year lows in borrowing costs, will…