Author: homegoal.ca
Bonita Residences The Dominican Republic has become one of the Caribbean’s most appealing real estate markets, offering investors a rare combination of stability, growth, and incentives. Its robust economy and record tourism provide a strong foundation for demand, while government policies, most notably the CONFOTUR law, deliver powerful tax exemptions that reduce costs and enhance profitability. These financial advantages, together with steady market performance, accessible financing, and secure ownership rights, make the DR an increasingly attractive option for international investors seeking both returns and long-term value. Tax Incentives Under the CONFOTUR Law The most significant financial benefit for real estate…
Canada’s economy was already unraveling before the immigration boom, according to CIBC Economics. A new report from the bank argues the downturn was inevitable—cheap credit masked deeper structural issues, and the post-pandemic recoil would have occurred in any event. The bank suggests the non-permanent resident (NPR) boom may have softened the economic damage, not amplified it. Canadian Economy In Decline Prior To Immigration Boom Canada’s shrinking GDP per capita is one of the most strongly associated trends with immigration. But CIBC Economics argues the problems started earlier, with productivity already collapsing, and real GDP growth failing to keep pace with…
The last time the Toronto Blue Jays won the World Series in 1993, the average home in the city sold for $206,490. Adjusted for inflation, that’s roughly $397,319 in 2025 dollars. Fast forward to today, and the numbers tell a very different story. According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), the average home price in September 2025 is $1,059,377. To buy a home at that price, a 20% down payment would total roughly $211,875. That’s a 417% jump in average home prices since the Jays’ last World Series championship — a rise almost as dramatic as the team’s…
Investing in a property for short-term rentals, such as those listed on platforms like Airbnb, can be a lucrative venture. Short-term rentals can generate higher income compared to long-term leases, but there are significant challenges, including legislative restrictions and managing higher turnover. To successfully purchase and manage a short-term rental property, consider the following: Research Local Regulations Understand the local regulations governing short-term rentals. Some cities have strict rules or outright bans on short-term rentals, while others require specific licenses or permits. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to avoid fines and legal issues. Check local government websites and consult…
Luxury brokerage Sotheby’s International Realty Canada is on the hunt for its next president. The brokerage has launched an official search, seeking an executive “to lead the next chapter of growth and scale.” The successful candidate will report to the CEO of Peerage Realty Partners, Tara Brown. To fill the role, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers. Applications are due Nov. 14. In April, Don Kottick resigned from the role of president and CEO at Sotheby’s, and was announced shortly after as the president of Re/Max Canada. Effi Barak, a consultant with Peerage and former…
As Canada’s housing market continues to recalibrate after two years of shifting conditions, smaller urban centres are increasingly standing out for their resilience. While the country’s largest metropolitan areas have seen price growth flatten or dip in response to higher borrowing costs, a number of secondary markets are quietly seeing year-over-year gains. Some of these smaller markets also offer greater affordability, or are in pockets where job stability or new population inflows are supporting local demand. Below are ten markets where benchmark or average home prices have risen compared to a year ago, and where broader conditions continue to reinforce…
When I first arrived in Canada, everything felt familiar enough. People were polite, the scenery was stunning, and everyone seemed to enjoy talking about the weather. But once I settled in, I began to notice the subtle quirks and cultural shifts that make life here uniquely Canadian — and surprisingly different from what I’m used to at home. I grew up in Invercargill, a small town of around 50,000 people located at the southern tip of New Zealand, and spent my early twenties working in country clubs. In 2017, I decided to trade small-town life for an adventure abroad on…
It’s a situation every Realtor dreads: a buyer was unable to close their new construction deal. It was signed months, maybe even years ago, and the agent was already partially paid. Those funds are long gone, having been used to run their business and their life. Now, the developer is demanding those funds back in full. It’s a reality more Realtors face in a market experiencing an uptick in failed new construction deals. The numbers are dismal: Urban Nation reports 10 projects were cancelled in 2025’s third quarter alone, bringing the year-to-date cancelled total to 18 projects and 4,040 units. …
Time for your cheat sheet on this week’s top stories. Canadian Real Estate Canadian Mortgages Backed By Inflated Home Values, Zero Equity Canadian lenders are using inflated new home appraisals to increase mortgage leverage. Following the sharp drop in home prices, lenders are turning to blanket appraisals—which recognize the contract price as the asset value. This potentially means that tens of thousands of mortgages may be issued with little to no equity—a problem about to ramp up in coming months. OSFI has acknowledged the issue, but the bank regulator’s official response doesn’t appear to appreciate the scale of the problem.…
As the weather turns colder and the days get darker earlier, it’s the perfect time to start cozying up your home for winter. You’ll want to make sure your home stays warm and inviting, creating a space where you can relax and escape the chilly weather. To help you get inspired, we’ve put together a list of 6 simple ways to keep your home cozy this winter. Fireplace & Scented Candles There’s nothing that brings more warmth and comfort into your home than a fireplace. Keeping a fire going instantly sets a mood, making everything feel so much more homey…