Author: homegoal.ca

This article was written and submitted by former CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) Tim Hudak and long-time senior Ontario civil servant Frank Denton. Hudak is currently partner at Counsel Public Affairs Inc., and Denton is a senior advisor. The collapse of iPro Realty, one of Ontario’s largest independent brokerages, has left at least an $8-million shortfall in its trust accounts and put the regulator, the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), under an intense spotlight. For buyers, sellers, and real estate agents, the scandal raises urgent questions about whether their deposits are safe. When suspicion falls on…

Few investments have created wealth as broadly in Canada as real estate, but is it always the best return? A new study from wealth management firm PWL Capital compares homeowner equity to the invested savings of renters. The results were surprising: in most major markets—including Toronto—renters came out ahead. While past returns don’t guarantee future outcomes, the data offers insights that can help shape your financial future.  About Today’s Data  Today’s study compares renting and owning from 2005 to 2024 across 12 major Canadian cities. It examines how renter’s net worth would compare to a homeowner’s if they invest the…

Since the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter-point last month, anticipation of a real estate rebound has been growing. Mortgage applications rose 29.7% ahead of the rate cut announcement, and climbed again the following week by 0.6%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.  The average 30-year mortgage rate now sits at 6.3%. Compared to two years ago, when the average rate was 7.19%, this is a welcome improvement for affordability.  As a result, average monthly mortgage payments are more affordable than they once were. In some cases, prospective homebuyers stand to save thousands of dollars annually compared to…

Each month, REM shares brokerage expansions and conversions, leadership appointments and other key industry moves. Have an announcement to share? Email your news to [email protected] by the 26th of each month, and don’t forget to include a photo! Leadership moves   Re/Max Twin City adds to leadership team   Re/Max Twin City Realty has appointed Brian Santos as managing broker for its Waterloo, Ont., and New Hamburg, Ont., offices.  Santos brings 17 years of experience to the role, including as a past president of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors and two-term director at Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). He is…

A snazzy new two-tower, high-rise development is headed for the High Park North neighbourhood of Toronto that could deliver over 870 new rental units within walking distance of Keele Station. The proposal was submitted by Elysium Investments in early-September and comprises an Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment application for a 41- and 39-storey building with a shared six-storey podium.If approved, the development would replace 11 single-detached homes located just north of High Park. Addressed as 26-36 Mountview Avenue and 21-29 Oakmount Road, the proposed site sits just northwest of the Bloor Street West and Keele Street intersection. The site…

As fall approaches, it’s the perfect time to plan some energizing weekend getaways from Toronto. It’s a chance to soak in the beautiful views, enjoy a change of pace, and watch the leaves change colour in scenic small towns. Everyone deserves a little escape, so here are 5 stunning weekend getaways just a short drive from the city. Jump ahead: Elora: Where History Meets Art Distance: 1 hour 50 minutes (115km west via ON-401) Elora is just as beautiful as its name suggests. The village is known for its natural scenery and historic architecture. It’s also a hub for art…

Minimalism has long been a staple in interior design, but today’s take is warmer, softer, and more personal. While “minimalist” once conjured images of cold, clinical spaces and stark modern lines, the style has evolved – now embracing comfort, texture, and lived-in character. Ready to simplify your space without sacrificing comfort or personality? Here’s how you can achieve a minimalist look that feels intentional, inviting, and uniquely yours. Table of contents What is minimalist interior design? The rise of warm minimalism in 2025 Declutter with purpose Use a neutral colour palette Lighting ideas for minimalist spaces Curved and functional furnishings…

A coalition of B.C. municipalities, housing organizations and community groups is calling on the provincial government to establish a permanent housing policy roundtable. Announced on Monday, the call for action follows a resolution passed by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM). The motion, brought forward by the North Central Local Government Association, urges the province to create a standing body that brings together: local governments Indigenous housing organizations market and non-market housing groups academic experts provincial and federal housing officials The goal is to support collaborative, evidence-based housing policy that reflects the needs of communities across the province, advocates say.…

Fall is now in swing, and with the new season, some in real and estate and development across BC are settling into new roles. In fact, September brought a host of new hirings and promotions, including some high-level executive moves, such as Darren Tangen starting as the President of Westbank and Erin Elliott joining Conwest Developments as Chief Financial Officer.The month also brought moves in government, across brokerages, and in finance.Here are all the people who were hired or received promotions in BC in last month.Development and Construction:Darren Tangen has been named President of Westbank.Erin Elliott has joined Conwest Developments…

Realtors often measure success in deals and awards. But too many discover that hitting those milestones comes at the expense of their health, relationships, or happiness. That’s where Braden Wheatcroft offers a different perspective. As a broker-owner of multiple Re/Max offices on Vancouver Island and a longtime coach with Richard Robbins International, he has helped launch the careers of more than 200 agents. His message: growth is good, but only if it supports the life you want to live. In his conversation on The Leads Are Sht Podcast*, Wheatcroft laid out frameworks and practical advice for building a sustainable business.…