Author: homegoal.ca

Negotiation often gets overlooked. It’s not flashy like marketing campaigns, it doesn’t generate clicks, and most tech platforms won’t teach it. Yet it’s the skill that separates good agents from great ones. But here’s the better question, the one that actually drives results: What if the next deal you’re struggling to close could be won by improving how you negotiate? Across Canada, agents taking the Accredited Real Estate Negotiator (AREN) Certification Course are gaining the confidence and strategies to secure better outcomes — not by working longer hours, but by mastering the art of negotiation.   Stop leaving deals on…

QUICK HITS Buyer refused $1.8-million farm purchase, alleging unlicensed gas wells breached environmental warranty in APS. The court ruled the warranty covered environmental matters, not gas wells; seller was entitled to $250,000 deposit plus damages. Real estate agent’s sloppy paperwork led to RECO warning, but conduct did not constitute legal negligence, the judge decided. Case highlights the distinction between professional conduct rules and negligence law; imperfect work isn’t always actionable negligence.   In disputes between a buyer and seller arising from an aborted transaction, the real estate professionals involved may be dragged into the dispute for their roles in the…

Canada may be fighting trade wars on two fronts, but its job market didn’t get the memo. Statistics Canada (StatCan) data show the country added tens of thousands of jobs in September. Heck, the data even shows a 6-figure addition of full-time jobs over the 30-day period. Suspicious? You’re onto something. Let’s talk about the overadjustments that likely just occurred.  Canada Gained 60k Jobs In September, Driven By Manufacturing Canada’s job market was booming last month, despite the flood of negative news stories. Seasonally adjusted employment grew 0.3% (+60.0k) to 21.02 million in September, which is a remarkable month. Not…

In Canada’s north, it’s cold enough by Halloween that trick-and-treaters are already in snowsuits. Bundling up in layers is de rigueur for adults and kiddos alike. “If you look good, you’re probably cold,” quips Kim Knutson, who’s been president of the Northwest Territories Association of Realtors (NWTAR) for the past four years.  Knutson is pleased to report that recently, the NWTAR succeeded in its push to be upgraded to membership in the Canadian Real Estate Association as a territorial association. This carries more voting clout than its previous designation as a local association member.  “Now we get two votes at…

Canada’s job market oversold and underdelivered. Statistics Canada (StatCan) data contained a special Labour Force Survey (LFS) supplement examining labour market efficiency in September. The data reveals a huge mismatch—1 in 6 Canadians aren’t working in their field of post-secondary training, and a fifth are overqualified for the work they found. The problem is even more amplified amongst recent immigrants, with 1 in 3 overqualified for the role they’re working.  1 In 6 Canadians Can’t Find Work In Their Field Canada’s recent graduates are being forced to settle for any job regardless of their education. The latest data revealed 1…

Ever wondered what city you’d be if American cities were zodiac signs? Just like astrology, every American city has its own unique charm; some are calm and dreamy, while others are fast-paced and lively. Each city captures the unique energy of the zodiac signs, so we’ve matched every sign with a city that fits its personality.  Aries: Los Angeles  Aries signs are known for being courageous, energetic, and ambitious. They are natural leaders who aren’t afraid of challenges and can sometimes be impulsive and competitive. Aries is paired with Los Angeles, as the city perfectly mirrors their bold energy, full…

Re/Max Canada confirms the court has approved its $7.8-million settlement of two class-action lawsuits that challenge real estate commission structures. The company confirmed in a statement to Real Estate Magazine that a decision was issued this week, enabling Re/Max to move forward with addressing allegations in the Sunderland and McFall cases, which claim that existing rules mandating homesellers to pay buyer brokerage commissions inflate costs and limit competition. Re/Max first revealed the settlement agreement in February.  “Re/Max Canada is pleased the court has approved our settlement in the Sunderland and McFall cases, and we thank the court for its thoughtful…

In today’s market, where buyers scroll through dozens of listings in seconds, first impressions don’t just matter – they decide outcomes. Buyers aren’t just purchasing square footage; they’re making emotional decisions about where they see themselves living. This is where staging comes in, not as a decorative flourish, but as a measurable business tool that drives results. Across Canada, Realtors and sellers are confronting buyers who are cautious, selective and increasingly influenced by presentation. Two recent projects in the Edmonton area illustrate how intentional staging can shift the trajectory of a listing, even in slower markets.   A West Edmonton…

Canadian mortgage delinquencies are climbing at the fastest pace in a generation, and that’s only the visible part of the problem. Equifax data shows the rate continued its sharp ascent in Q2 2025, up from record lows barely two years ago. The trend offers only a glimpse of the broader credit stress now rapidly emerging across the mortgage market.  Canadian Mortgage Delinquency Rate Is Climbing Fast Mortgage arrears are rising quickly across Canada’s mountain of debt. The delinquency rate climbed 1 basis point (+4.5%) to 0.23% in Q2 2025, and 2 basis points (+9.5%) from last year. Nearly half the…

As the holiday season approaches, it’s the little details that help set the tone for a warm and welcoming Thanksgiving celebration. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or want to add festive touches, these budget-friendly Thanksgiving decoration ideas will help you craft a beautiful dining table that wows without breaking the bank. Repurpose What You Already Have You don’t need to buy everything new to create a festive Thanksgiving table. Everyday items around your home can be repurposed in creative ways. Mason jars, pasta jars, and wine bottles make perfect candle holders or vases for a centerpiece. Fruit baskets or…