Author: homegoal.ca
Like our ever-changing cities and towns, Ontario’s real estate and development landscape (and the people who make it run) are also ever-changing. From new hires and retirements to promotions and partnerships, here are all the notable moves, updates, and appointments you should know about from February.DevelopmentCraig Mode has joined Great Gulf as COO, after a year at Fitzrovia.Grace Lee Reynolds has been appointed the new CEO of MaRS Discovery District.Cameron Dowell has been promoted to Director at Peakhill Capital.Shelly Poulin has been promoted to VP of National Operations at Hazelview Properties.Peter Kuretzky has joined Starlight as EVP of Development, and…
One of the biggest hurdles to homeownership is saving for a down payment while keeping up with rising rent costs. Each month, renters pay for a living place without building any equity. But just how much of that rent could have been redirected toward homeownership? Five Years of Rent Could Cover a Down Payment—Multiple Times Over Zoocasa calculated the total rent using Rent.ca’s average one-bedroom rental prices from 2020 to 2025. The total sum was then compared to the down payment a February 2025 homebuyer would need to purchase the average-priced home in each respective city. The findings were striking:…
Realtor.ca has officially become a standalone, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), and with that comes the need for new leadership. On Feb. 27, Interim CEO Patrick Pichette announced the recruitment process for a new board of directors is underway, with The Leadership Agency spearheading the search. Realtor.ca’s transition to standalone subsidiary Until recently, Realtor.ca operated as a not-for-profit, but with growing competition and rising costs, CREA says it saw a need to rethink its approach. By transitioning to a for-profit model, it believes the platform can unlock new revenue streams and reduce its reliance…
Spring break is the perfect time to take a break from the daily routine and create lasting memories with your family. If you’re looking for a getaway that combines relaxation and excitement, Canada offers a wide range of experiences to suit every interest. Whether your family loves outdoor adventures, exploring new cities, or enjoying indoor fun, there’s something for everyone in the Great White North. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your family’s spring break in Canada. Explore Canada’s Winter Wonderland For families who enjoy winter sports, Canada boasts some of the best ski resorts in…
Perched atop the esteemed Fairmont Pacific Rim Residences, Penthouse One is the pinnacle of sophisticated urban living in downtown Vancouver. This exclusive 6,480-sq-ft. residence offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of the city’s skyline, complemented by breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean, North Shore Mountains, and the dazzling cityscape. Seamlessly fusing elegance, comfort, and architectural brilliance, this one-of-a-kind home presents an unmatched lifestyle at one of Vancouver’s most prestigious addresses.Designed by the renowned Robert Bailey, the penthouse spans two meticulously crafted levels, connected by a private interior elevator. The main floor is defined by soaring 21-ft floor-to-ceiling windows,…
Time for your cheat sheet on this week’s top stories. Canadian Real Estate What Slowdown? Canadian GDP Tops BoC Call, Past Data Gets More Revisions Canadian GDP is growing much faster than the Bank of Canada (BoC) anticipated. Statistics Canada (Stat Can) released Q4 GDP data that shows annualized growth came in nearly a point higher than the central bank anticipated. The growth was also accompanied by upward revisions of Q2 and Q3, indicating the economy is doing better than thought. Before getting too excited, there’s still a lot of questions regarding the gaps between this boom and more concrete…
In recent years, the appeal of pre-fabricated (pre-fab) homes has been on the rise. These homes, built off-site in a factory and then transported to their final location, offer an alternative to traditional home construction. For many, pre-fab homes offer an enticing solution to high construction costs, long build times, and environmental concerns. However, as with any housing option, there are both advantages and drawbacks to consider before deciding if a pre-fab home is right for you. Pros of Pre-Fab Homes Cost-Effective One of the most significant advantages of pre-fabricated homes is their affordability. Because these homes are mass-produced in…
For those who find the island lifestyle appealing, but who also like the big city atmosphere, the southern end of Vancouver Island — which is largely made up of Victoria and Saanich — provides the best of both worlds.Victoria and Saanich are the two largest population centres on Vancouver Island (accounting, in fact, for nearly half of the island’s population, as of the most recent Census). Yet, both are surrounded by nature and water, providing the easy breezy lifestyle that one expects with island life.Case in point is the recently listed 4351 Gordon Head Road. The new property waits in…
Dirty kitchens, also known as back kitchens, are the latest kitchen trend for keeping functionality and aesthetics in mind. At first glance, the idea of a kitchen that’s intentionally messy might seem strange. However, as open-concept living spaces have become the norm, the need for a secondary, behind-the-scenes kitchen space has grown. But what exactly is a dirty kitchen, and why are designers increasingly incorporating them into their plans? What is a Dirty Kitchen? A dirty kitchen is a secondary kitchen that serves a practical, behind-the-scenes role. It’s a place to carry out all the messy, day-to-day cooking tasks—like chopping,…
Saskatchewan’s housing market appears to be off to a strong start in 2025, according to Saskatchewan Realtors® Association’s latest statistics. Sales An increase in sales in January of 1% year-over-year and over 17% above 10-year averages was seen. This led to the nineteenth consecutive month of above-average sales in the province, a streak of robust sales that dates back to June 2023. “While market activity in the coming months will provide a clearer picture of trends for 2025, monthly sales figures continue to outperform expectations,” said Association CEO, Chris Guérette. Listings New listings declined by 2% year-over-year and were down…