Author: homegoal.ca

Pets are often linked to increased joy for their owners, but the rising cost of living, including the expenses of pet ownership, means a new puppy might not bring the same happiness to your wallet. According to MarketWatch, the average first-year cost for a new dog is $4,023.  Before embarking on the journey to become a pet parent, it’s important to check if your budget can balance rising rent with dog ownership costs. The initial upfront cost of a new puppy alone can be over $2,000, which includes several vaccinations and vet visits, microchipping, food and water bowls, and the…

An assignment sale allows the original buyer of a pre-construction property to transfer their purchase rights to another buyer before the unit is completed and ownership is transferred. While this can be a strategic move, it’s a complex process with unique legal and financial considerations. Here’s how to approach it with confidence: Understand the assignment agreement The assignment agreement details the terms under which the original buyer (assignor) can transfer their purchase rights to a new buyer (assignee). Familiarize yourself with the contract’s specifics, including the assignment fee, conditions, and any restrictions set by the developer. Review it carefully with…

QUICK HITS   54 per cent of Canadians believe this fall is a good time to strike a deal on a home. Atlantic Canada and the Prairies experienced year-over-year price gains between January 1-July 31 across all markets analyzed, while Ontario and B.C. saw declines in two-thirds of markets. 64.8 per cent of housing markets experienced a year-over-year decline in sales, with Re/Max Canada brokers and agents noting a rise in price reductions and conditional sales throughout 2025. Average homes prices are expected to decrease by 6.5 per cent this fall, while sales are expected to decrease by five per…

Dunpar Homes believes that building communities goes beyond the construction of houses. It’s about investing in young people, supporting families, and fostering opportunities for the next generation to succeed. That commitment took on a unique form—through the challenge and excitement of climbing. This summer, Dunpar President John Zanini brought his love of rock climbing to local youth. Sponsored by the John Zanini Foundation, children aged 8 to 11 from single-parent households at LAMP Community Health Centre had the opportunity to learn climbing at Boulderz Climbing Centre in Etobicoke. The program ran every Monday afternoon throughout July and August, welcoming over…

One of a series of Greater Toronto Area addresses that were placed under receivership in late-2023 and early-2024 has cropped up on the City of Toronto’s development application portal, with Osmington Gerofsky Development Corp filing plans in mid-August for the site at 39 Newcastle Street. The site, which neighbours the Mimico GO station, at the southeast corner of Newcastle Street and Windsor Street, was set to be developed by the Vandyk Properties before the company fell into severe financial distress. According to a planning report that went to the City in mid-August, Osmington’s application is on behalf of 2495065 Ontario…

The Canadian economy was cruising smoothly until this year, but its landing is now looking choppy. National Bank of Canada (NBF) economists are warning investors that the economy slipped into excess supply in Q2. The Big Six bank sees this problem continuing into Q3 with job creation drying up, GDP contracting, and investment fleeing into other opportunities.  Canadian Job Losses Broad Across The Private Sector  Canadian payroll data reveals that job losses are broad, concentrated in the private sector, and alarming. The  Survey of Employment, Payrolls, and Hours (SEPH) shows 32.9k jobs were lost in June, falling to just 0.2%…

Preparing for a college move doesn’t have to be stressful — whether you’re moving into your college dorm room for your freshman year or moving out of your off-campus apartment after your final semester as a senior. As a parent or college student, discover how the Moving Help® Marketplace can make the process simple, affordable, and stress-free. What Year Is the College Student in? A freshman will have different needs compared to a senior when it comes to moving. Discover how each year will have different needs. Freshman College Move: Dorm Room Needs Most freshmen heading off to college will…

Choosing a rug is one of the most foundational design decisions you’ll make when decorating your home. A rug does much more than create softness underfoot – it defines the space, anchors your furniture, and brings your entire aesthetic together.  With so many sizes, patterns, and materials available, the options can feel overwhelming. This room-by-room guide to help you choose a rug that works for both your layout and lifestyle. Table of contents Rug selection tips When bigger is better How to map it out Choosing the right rug material Best rugs by room Living room Dining room Bedroom Entryways,…

Toronto and Vancouver will host the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 2026, a huge event that could place strain on the cities’ short-term rentals, industry experts say. Toronto will host six matches at its BMO Field with an estimated 300,000 fans in attendance, while Vancouver will host seven matches at BC Place, with expected crowds totalling about 350,000. The group stage matches in the first phase of the tournament will occur in June 2026.   Vancouver faces hotel and rental pressure   Unlike the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, which saw the Olympic Village built near False Creek…

For many Canadian homeowners, the house they live in holds more potential than just a place to live. As property values rise, a growing number of homeowners now hold substantial equity, even if they may not realize it. That built-up equity is a financial resource that can be strategically deployed to accelerate wealth-building, reduce debt, or expand into real estate investing. If you are looking to renovate a basement suite, fund the down payment on a second property, or otherwise need capital, tapping into home equity could be a cost-effective option to move forward without having to sell your home…