Author: homegoal.ca
Last week, the City of Vancouver officially announced the launch of its new strategy to deliver market rental housing on City-owned land, which will be guided in large part by the Vancouver Housing Development Office (VHDO). The intent of the strategy is to “generate financial returns and non-tax revenues to address the growing infrastructure deficit and Council priorities,” the City said, through housing development on City-owned real estate. “The launch of the VHDO is a big step forward in making sure we have the right homes for the people who need them,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “By putting our real…
Time for your cheat sheet on this week’s top stories. Canadian Real Estate Toronto’s Unemployed Population Hits 357k, Nearly 1 In 11 Workers Canada’s largest city is experiencing a surprising employment downturn. Toronto CMA added tens of thousands of jobs in January but added far more workers—a trend that’s been consistent for a few years now. Stat Can data shows the region’s unemployed population reached a whopping 357k people in January. It was a big jump, helping to push the unemployment rate (8.7%) much higher than the national average (6.2%). Is the region just ahead of the rest of the…
Renting has become a popular and flexible housing option for many, whether you’re temporarily residing in a new city, saving up to buy a home, or simply seeking a more manageable living situation. It offers convenience, flexibility, and less commitment compared to homeownership. However, despite its many benefits, renting does come with challenges. Even experienced renters can fall into costly traps. Here are some of the most expensive errors renters make, along with tips on how to steer clear of them. Not Reading Lease Agreements Carefully When renting a home, one of the most crucial yet often overlooked steps is…
The City of Edmonton is investing up to $20 million in grants to support affordable housing development in 2025, marking the seventh round of funding through its Affordable Housing Investment Program. This initiative aims to accelerate the creation and preservation of affordable homes by providing financial support to non-profit and private-sector developers. Since 2019, the Affordable Housing Investment Program has offered financial assistance for both new developments and the rehabilitation of existing units, with an investment of $254 million to date by the City of Edmonton. The program’s latest round of funding is now open to eligible developers, with applications…
For years now, real estate lawyer Mark Morris has been sounding the alarm on blanket appraisals, a financing arrangement where the bank assumes the original purchase price of a new build rather than the true appraisal value. It’s not an unattractive proposition at first blush, particularly when you think about the state of the new condo segment in the Greater Toronto Area, for example, where valuations have aggressively downtrended.“It happened frequently, particularly several years ago,” says Morris, who’s with LegalClosing.ca. “I’ve seen it less now, but it still does happen.” In fact, The Globe and Mailreported earlier this week that…
Montessori schools help children reach their full potential by encouraging them to learn and explore at their own pace alongside peers of various ages. This child-centered approach nurtures independence, creativity, and a love for learning. While many parents are familiar with Montessori classrooms, creating a similar environment at home is entirely achievable with a thoughtful design. The growing trend of Montessori-inspired playrooms stems from a desire to give children spaces that foster self-directed learning and development. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine an existing playroom, these tips will guide you in creating a nurturing environment where your…
Canada’s homeownership rate is steadily declining, with affordability challenges and supply shortages pushing more people into the rental market. A new report from Re/Max Canada, The Nation of Renters, highlights factors currently shaping the country’s housing landscape. First-time homebuyers are struggling to enter the market, while renters face affordability and supply constraints of their own. Christopher Alexander, president of Re/Max Canada, describes affordability as “by far, the greatest barrier to homeownership from coast to coast.” He notes that “with the average price of a home in most Canadian markets more than doubling between 2006 and 2021, first-time buyers are falling…
On February 2nd, Playbook Media hosted the inaugural event of its 2025 Investor’s Series, a one-day lunch and learn session that brought together over 200 investors and industry professionals for a successful afternoon of learning. Combining an informative, educational program with exclusive investment opportunities, the event provided a comprehensive look into the evolving landscape of real estate investment. The gathering not only delivered valuable insights from experienced speakers but also offered a chance to invest in a master-planned development in Kitchener-Waterloo – The Platform at Station Park – with benefits. Pre-construction incentives were available, for a limited time for attendees,…
With the Ontario election set for February 27, and a federal one looming, we must not lose sight of the fact we need to pick political leaders who can step up to the plate and take a serious swing at the housing crisis.We are in unprecedented times. Housing starts and sales are abysmal. People are leaving our cities because they can’t find an affordable place to live. We need unprecedented solutions. In Ontario, unless there is a very sudden and dramatic turnaround, the much-touted target of building 1.5 million homes by 2031 is a pipe dream. Roughly 74,500 units were…
When considering the question of whether rural or urban residents are happier, the latest data from Statistics Canada reveals some fascinating trends. In its 2023 report, titled Life Satisfaction in Canada, Statistics Canada sheds light on how different living environments influence the overall well-being of Canadians. This raises important questions about the role that lifestyle, environment, and community play in shaping the happiness and life satisfaction of individuals. A Snapshot of the Findings According to the 2023 survey, 59% of rural Canadians reported having high life satisfaction. In comparison, only 49% of urban residents felt the same way. This disparity…