Author: homegoal.ca
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…
Calgary’s real estate market has been on a rollercoaster ride, with frenzied bidding wars in the spring giving way to a much cooler landscape by the end of 2024. New data from Wahi suggests that the market slowed significantly in the fourth quarter, with the vast majority of neighbourhoods experiencing underbidding rather than the heated competition seen earlier in the year. A shift in buyer behaviour According to Wahi’s analysis, only four of the 176 Calgary neighbourhoods where at least five homes sold in Q4 landed in overbidding territory—just 2 per cent of the market. Meanwhile, six neighbourhoods…
What if your mortgage could do more than weigh on your finances? What if it could work for you—saving you money on taxes, cutting down your interest payments, and even growing your wealth? For savvy homeowners, this isn’t just a pipe dream. The Debt Swap strategy turns these possibilities into reality. With today’s rising interest rates and stretched household budgets, Canadians are hungry for smart financial solutions. The Debt Swap strategy is an under-the-radar approach that transforms part of your mortgage into a tax-deductible tool, all without disrupting your cash flow or financial stability. Here’s the good news: it’s simpler…
A recent resubmission from Toronto-based developer Almadev seeks to add substantial height to portions of its master-planned community set for Sheppard and Victoria Park avenues. The 15-acre development has been dubbed ‘Lansing Square’ or ‘LSQ’ and once complete, will consist of five Blocks containing seven buildings with heights currently ranging from four to 43 storeys.After originally being proposed in May 2019, the ambitious development received zoning approvals to redevelop the 2550 Victoria Park Avenue site with a new transit-oriented mixed-use community in July 2022. Previously approved by city council were two residential mixed-use towers of 43 storeys (Tower A) and…
Just as the amount of groceries you can buy with $100 will differ between downtown New York and rural Ohio, the type of housing you can afford will also differ depending on local purchasing power. Due to regional price level variations, $100 in some cities is worth more than in other cities, leading to some home buyers being able to purchase more for less. As calculated by the Tax Foundation, $100 in Los Angeles is actually worth $88.40 when adjusted for the area’s cost of living compared to the US average, while in Tulsa it’s the equivalent of $110.50. This…
— We take our content seriously. This article was written by a real person at BREL. That congratulatory bottle of champagne you put on ice? Don’t open it yet. In a more balanced market like the one we’re experiencing in Toronto, it’s normal for sellers to receive offers that are ‘conditional’ on the buyer meeting specific requirements, like getting financing or a home inspection. Most buyers satisfy and waive their conditions within a week, and the sale moves forward. But sometimes…the buyer walks away. When it happens, it can feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you.…
Re/Max Canada’s decision to settle the Sunderland and McFall class-action lawsuits represents a major development in the Canadian real estate industry. The lawsuits challenged traditional commission structures, alleging that sellers were unfairly required to compensate buyer brokers, thus inflating costs and limiting competition. With Re/Max agreeing to a $7.8-million CAD settlement, the industry is left wondering what’s next and whether further settlements or legal challenges will follow. Looking south of the border, the Sitzer/Burnett case in the U.S. offers a glimpse of what could be in store for Canada. That landmark antitrust case led to over $1-billion in settlements, policy…
Investing in snowfront properties in Canadian winter destinations offers an enticing blend of lifestyle benefits and strong investment potential. These properties are not only gateways to world-class winter sports and scenic mountain landscapes but also represent a unique asset class that demands careful consideration. When considering such a purchase, buyers must weigh location-specific factors, market dynamics, regulatory restrictions, property features, and long-term financial implications. Location and Destinations Canada’s mountainous regions have long been a magnet for winter sports enthusiasts and investors alike. Renowned areas such as Whistler, Canmore, Mont Tremblant, and others each have a distinctive character but offer unparalleled…