Author: homegoal.ca

As Ontario’s provincial election approaches, it’s no surprise that housing affordability and supply have emerged as leading concerns for voters. A new survey from Royal LePage reveals 69 per cent of Ontario adults say a party or candidate’s stance on addressing the housing crisis will influence their vote. Support for housing-focused policies is even higher among younger demographics, with 72 per cent of Generation Z and 75 per cent of millennials prioritizing the issue. Source: Royal LePage “Since the onset of the pandemic-induced real estate boom in 2020, housing affordability has been a growing concern, particularly in the country’s most…

For Canadian buyers seeking property abroad, the choice of country depends on finding a balance between affordability, potential, and long-term security. While attractive prices can make certain markets appealing, buyers need to account for factors such as economic stability, local property laws, and additional costs to make an informed decision.  Establish Your Budget and Goals The first step is to determine your financial capacity and goals for purchasing property abroad. This involves more than just calculating how much you can afford to spend on the property itself.  Factor in the cost of the property, taxes, legal fees, and any additional…

The VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is planning two high-rise towers as part of its long-awaited expansion plans, according to a rezoning application published by the City of Vancouver on Thursday (after it was published briefly on Monday then un-published). The site of the expansion project is 900 and 990 W 12th Avenue, two parcels located near the southwest corner of the existing building, just west of the existing above-ground parkade. The 1.4-acre site is currently occupied by the 14-storey Windermere Care Centre at the corner of W 12th Avenue and Laurel Street (900 W 12th Avenue), while a three-storey…

Canadian workers might want to hang onto that job extra tight—at least for the next few months. Statistics Canada (Stat Can) data shows job vacancies plunged lower in December. Over recent months, employers have been looking to fill fewer roles against a backdrop of rising unemployment and unprecedented labor force growth. Consequently, the job vacancy rate has dipped to the lowest level since 2017, leaving workers with the worst job prospects in the past 7 years.  Canadian Job Vacancies Plunged 13% Lower Canada saw a sharp reduction in the number of jobs available last month. The agency reported a 13.3%…

You’ve likely heard that buying a home is a smart financial move, but just how much equity can a property accumulate over time? Equity builds as you pay down your mortgage and as the property’s market value appreciates, potentially increasing your financial security. To give you a clearer picture, let’s explore some compelling examples of homes in the GTA that have built impressive equity over more than a decade. Listed by: Coldwell Banker Community Professionals Listed by: Coldwell Banker Community Professionals Property Details: Detached 3 beds, 3 baths, 5 parking Walk score 54/ Transit score 37/ Bike score 39 Originally purchased for…

QUICK HITS   A buyer who failed to close on a Burlington property due to lack of funds attempted to rely on legal defences of force majeure and frustration, citing difficulties accessing inherited money from Afghanistan and a failed sale of another property.  The Ontario Superior Court ruled that these circumstances did not qualify as unforeseen events under contract law and that the buyer remained responsible for fulfilling the APS.  As a result, the court awarded the sellers $280,739 in damages, covering the $250,000 difference in sale price and additional expenses incurred while relisting the property.   Parties to a…

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recently published its January 2025 housing start data, offering detailed insights into the market. Nationally, housing starts are showing a steady trend; however, urban centres are displaying different dynamics. In cities, especially in the multi-unit residential sector, there has been a stronger performance—reflecting a significant boost in purpose-built rental projects. This divergence between overall national activity and urban-specific trends highlights the evolving demand patterns in densely populated areas. National Trends and Moving Averages The data shows that the six‐month trend measure for housing starts, calculated as a moving average of the seasonally adjusted…

Canada remains in the grips of a historic housing crisis, one that is sure to be top of mind as voters gear up to elect a new Liberal leader to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the wake of his January resignation.The Liberal leadership race likely conclude after voters hit the booths on March 9, and the winner will assume the role of Prime Minister for a short period. But with a federal election set to occur sometime on or before October 25 of this year, the Liberal candidate that is elected could serve as Canada’s leader for years to…

Canadian businesses had a rough year throughout 2024, and it didn’t get much better by year end. Statistics Canada (Stat Can) data shows a slight drop in the number of active businesses in November. Annual growth remained positive but just barely, printing the lowest rate since 2021, when the economy was locked down & restrictions on trade were put in place.  Canada Saw 2,300 Fewer Businesses Survive &  Proceed To The Next Round of Its Hunger Games Canadian businesses are still navigating a tough environment. The seasonally adjusted data shows just 890.3k businesses continued operating in November, about 0.26% (-2.3k)…

If you’re lucky enough to share your home with a furry companion, you know they quickly become an important part of the family. But balancing your needs with your pet’s can be a challenge. Whether you’re a dog parent, a cat lover, or both, here are some tips for creating a comfortable, safe, and pet-friendly space where everyone can thrive. Create a “Purrfect” Cozy Space A pet-friendly home starts with carving out a special area just for your furry friend. Whether it’s a cozy spot by the window or a quiet corner in the living room, this space should be…