Author: homegoal.ca
Canada’s economy is booming… or not. Depends on whether you’re in economics or finance—or in academia or looking for a job. Statistics Canada (Stat Can) seasonally adjusted data shows the country added tens of thousands of jobs in January, pushing the unemployment rate lower. Unadjusted data tells a very different story, with the country adding nearly 200k jobseekers, pushing the unemployment rate to the second highest monthly print since the 2021 recession. We promise, you’ll understand jobs data and how to read it better than your local politician in just a few minutes. Canada Adds 76k Jobs… Sort of. Depends…
In recent years, shopping at thrift stores has become more than just a way to find unique, affordable items. According to Capital One Shopping Research, approximately 17% of Americans shop at thrift stores yearly, while 93% shop online for secondhand items. As we all look for ways to minimize our environmental impact, buying reusable goods from thrift stores offers a perfect solution. Not only can you find great pieces to refresh your home, but you also have the opportunity to repurpose and breathe new life into second-hand treasures. Whether you’re on the hunt for stylish decor or practical home essentials,…
The Story of J&L Selling a home isn’t just about putting up a sign and waiting for offers—it’s a strategic process that can mean the difference between a good sale and a great one. In The Exit Strategy, we pull back the curtain on real stories from BREL clients who’ve navigated the highs and lows of selling in Toronto’s competitive market. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions, challenges, and strategies that led to their success—from pricing tactics and staging transformations to marketing moves that made their homes stand out. If you’re looking to maximize your sale price, minimize…
I think January 2025’s supply story is one of those data points. This could be the biggest year-over-year jump up in new listings we’ve ever seen, and the majority of it was driven by condos. In 2024, we started with 6,300 active condo listings and almost hit 12,000. In 2025, we started with 8,500 active condo listings and could hit 15,000, should historic growth trends hold. Source: TRREB/TheHabistat.com I will caveat that the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board added a few new local boards, so I’m still trying to see if that’s had an impact on the data, but…
Building community resilience to adapt to a changing climate is essential for protecting both housing values and the broader community. In British Columbia, the provincial government is taking proactive steps to mitigate the effects of climate change by investing in disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation projects. These efforts aim to enhance the ability of communities to withstand the growing risks posed by natural disasters. Investing in Community Resilience To enhance community resilience, BC has provided funding to 46 projects across 39 communities in B.C. through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) under the Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Adaptation (DRR-CA) stream.…
Although the companies are better known for telecommunications and construction, respectively, Telus and Ledcor Group are teaming up on a development project in Vancouver, according to a rezoning application published by the City on February 5.The project is being advanced through each company’s real estate development arm, Telus Living and Ledcor Properties Investments, and is set for 354-380 East 10th Avenue, immediately south of Kingsgate Mall out block away from the prominent intersection of Kingsway and East Broadway. The subject site is currently occupied by a three-storey bunker-type building at 380 E 10th Avenue that’s being used as a Telus…
— We take our content seriously. This article was written by a real person at BREL. Think being a landlord is just about collecting rent checks? Think again. When you’re a successful landlord, you’re running a small business – one that requires specific skills, dedicated time, and attention. As a landlord, you’ll need to be prepared to wear a lot of hats. You’ll need: Financial Management Skills Budgeting and cash flow planning Understanding market rates and trends Basic accounting and bookkeeping Tax planning and reporting Property Maintenance Know-How Ability to assess repair urgency Knowledge of preventative maintenance Network of reliable…
Canada’s national housing agency just published its latest piece of fan fiction. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has released its 2025 Housing Outlook, the agency’s forecast of various risk scenarios. The agency’s worst case scenario includes American tariffs delivering a devastating economic blow. The agency somehow sees this producing higher home prices, an immigration boom, and less risk for GDP than last year. To entertain the agency’s outlook as an honest attempt at reality, one needs to be on something so strong it would spark another border control issue. Forecasting The Base, Highs, and Lows Forecasting is tricky and…
The cost of living has always been a significant factor in shaping housing markets, but it has had an even more pronounced effect in recent years. Rising inflation, stagnant wages, and growing demand for urban spaces have all contributed to a dynamic shift in how people live and where they choose to live, especially in major cities across Canada and the U.S. As housing costs continue to soar, here’s how the cost of living is changing how we live. The National Association of Realtors shows that in the last half of 2024, single-family existing home prices were up in 87%…
With the arrival of a new year comes fresh trends and design inspiration – you might already be feeling the urge to redecorate or dive into DIY projects for your home in the months ahead. One of the easiest and most impactful ways to transform a room is through colour. A fresh coat of paint can instantly set the tone, adding warmth, energy, or a sense of calm, depending on your choice. So why not take inspiration from the most stylish hues of the year? Whether you’re looking to give your home a contemporary edge or a timeless refresh, here…