Author: homegoal.ca

Luigi Favaro/OREA   Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) CEO Luigi Favaro is currently on a leave of absence, nearly three months after stepping into the role.  In a letter sent to member board executive officers on Monday, OREA board president Cathy Polan confirmed Favaro’s leave, and said she will assume the role of acting CEO on an interim basis to maintain leadership continuity. In the letter, which was obtained by Real Estate Magazine, she asked members to respect Favaro’s privacy during his time away and to refrain from contacting him directly. Favaro was appointed OREA’s next CEO in July after…

The Great Canadian Real Estate Downturn isn’t easing—in fact, it’s accelerating beneath the surface. Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) data shows the mortgage arrears rate climbed again in August, hitting the highest in nearly four years. However, the more important issue is flying under the radar: an unprecedented contraction in total mortgage volumes at banks. A shrinking credit base implies tightening liquidity—amplifying risk if investors realize the exit is closing faster than expected.  Canadian Mortgage Arrears Rate Highest Since 2020 Canadian mortgage arrears rate at CBA member banks.  Source: CBA; Better Dwelling. Mortgage arrears at Canada’s largest banks climbed to a…

The holidays are the most wonderful (and wallet-draining) time of the year. Between gifts, travel, festive dinners, and parties, Canadians are preparing to spend big once again. According to PwC Canada’s 2025 Canadian Holiday Outlook, the average Canadian plans to spend $1,675 this season on gifts, travel, and entertainment. In some regions, that number climbs even higher, $1,821 in British Columbia and $1,788 in Ontario, while Albertans and Quebecers are a touch thriftier at $1,532. But what if, instead of splurging on matching pajamas, Secret Santa exchanges, and plane tickets to see family, you decided to stash that holiday cash…

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow! What a ride!’” – Hunter S. Thompson If anyone embodied that sentiment, it was my friend, Bruce Johnson. Bruce passed away this weekend after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Usually, when someone passes, many people reflexively speak kindly of them in ways that can sometimes ring hollow or seem too good to be true, except with Bruce, it’s very…

Time for your cheat sheet on this week’s top stories. Canadian Real Estate Canadian Real Estate Prices Fall To 4-Year Low As Inventory Sets Record Canadian real estate prices continue to cool after the pandemic-era boom. A typical home fell to $679,900 in October, a 20.2% (-$171,700) drop from the March 2022 peak. The drop came amid falling sales and the highest October inventory on record. Despite easing borrowing costs, the weakening demand balance continues to apply downward pressure on prices. Continue Reading… Canadians Tap HELOC Debt At The Fastest Rate Since 2012 Canadian HELOC debt is rising at an…

If your furniture feels outdated or no longer matches your style, a simple makeover can bring it back to life. Oftentimes, a fresh coat of paint is all you need to completely transform its look, saving you the expense of purchasing new furniture. With a little time and effort, you can turn it into a piece you love again, and it doesn’t have to be difficult.  Not sure how to paint furniture? We’ve got you covered! Here are five simple steps for painting furniture to achieve a long-lasting makeover. Materials Soft Cloth Oil Soap Medium-Grit Sandpaper Fine-Grit Sandpaper Tack Cloth…

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, and the holiday season makes it even more special. Thoughtful housewarming gifts can help turn a new house into a cozy, inviting home while spreading the holiday happiness. To help make gift-giving easier, we’ve curated a list of the six perfect housewarming gifts that anyone would love to receive this holiday season.  Ceramic Pot Set A sleek ceramic pot set makes a perfect housewarming gift as it’s both functional and stylish. Most ceramic pots are non-stick and versatile, ideal for cooking a wide range of recipes. A complete set gives the…

Canadian retail sales are weaker but not as weak as anticipated. Statistics Canada (StatCan) retail sales fell in September, with the drop attributed to a single (but large) category. While retail sales are holding up stronger than the headline data suggests, the longer-term issue of stagnation remains.  Canadian Retail Sales Flat Excluding Gas and Vehicles Canadian retail sales fell 0.7% to $69.8 billion in September, a minor setback in current dollars. The blow was softened by otherwise stable activity in Q3, which contracted 0.3% in volume. This certainly indicates a slowdown, but not the market-crumbling expectations shared by some policymakers. …

Canada’s national mortgage delinquency rate fell for the first time in three years in the second quarter of 2025, but Ontario and B.C. continued to see rising missed payments, pointing to “financial stress” in the country’s most expensive markets.  The national mortgage delinquency rate fell slightly to .22 per cent in Q2, according to the latest Residential Mortgage Industry Report from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Ontario’s delinquency rate (0.23 per cent) was above the national average for the first time since at least 2012, as delinquencies grew 44 per cent year-over-year. Toronto delinquencies surged 60 per cent to 0.24…

Buttonwood Property Management And Rental Services Is Pleased To Offer A One Bedroom Plus Den One Bathroom Condo For Rent Located At 210 Simcoe Street, Toronto Ontario M5T 0A9   Spacious 1 Br Plus Den 1 Ba Condo For Rent In Prime Location Of Downtown Toronto. Nine Foot Smooth Ceiling And Open Concept Layout. Generously Sized Living Area With A Walkout To Balcony.   Building Amenities Include But Not Limited To: Concierge Beautiful Rooftop Terrace With Patio & Lawn State-Of-The-Art Gym Party Room And More.   Great Location In The Heart Of Downtown: Walking Distance To Two Subways Stations (Osgoode &…