Author: homegoal.ca

With a provincial election looming and a federal one on the horizon, we are heading into interesting times. But this period could also be one of opportunity. I’m hopeful the elections will be a catalyst for candidates of all political stripes to put forward solutions to tackle our dire housing supply crisis. While there are a mix of factors impacting construction of housing, the exorbitant tax burden on new housing, including hefty development charges, as well as excessive red tape and bureaucracy and the unreasonably slow approvals process need to be front and centre with representatives of all parties. People…

As the Bank of Canada continued to cut its policy interest rate in the final months of 2024, market sentiment was improving and activity was accordingly building momentum. That carried over into January, according to statistics published by Greater Vancouver Realtors (GVR) on Tuesday.In January, a total of 1,552 sales were recorded, which represents an 8.8% increase from the 1,427 sales recorded in January 2024, although last month’s total remains 11.3% below the 10-year January average of 1,749.On the other side of the equation, 5,566 new listings came online, which represents a staggering 46.9% increase from the 3,788 added in…

Canadians are packing up for greener pastures, and that doesn’t mean Toronto to Calgary. Statistics Canada (Stat Can) data for Q3 2024 shows a sharp uptick for emigration, the process of residents leaving to settle permanently in another country. The third quarter is typically big, but this one was one of the largest in years. In fact, the quarterly outflow is the 5th largest since Canada formalized its immigration system back in 1967. What Is Emigration?  Today we’re looking at Canada’s emigration outflows. Emigrants are the reverse of immigrants—Canadians that are leaving to settle somewhere else permanently. Policymakers typically ignore…

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a cottage, you’ve probably thought about the ideal time to make the purchase. The idea of sipping hot cocoa in front of a fireplace, watching snowflakes fall on a frozen lake in winter, or basking in the warmth of the sun while lounging on a dock in the summer can spark anyone’s interest. But did you know that the season you choose to buy a cottage in can significantly impact your experience and decision-making process? Let’s take a look at what it’s like buying a cottage during the winter months versus the summer. Winter…

Desmond Brown can see both sides of a story. The sales representative at Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd. in Toronto has worked as both a journalist and a Realtor, so he knows how to ask and answer real estate questions. The handy combination of careers has allowed him to set himself up as an expert that reporters call for quotes about anything real estate. The most important thing is to say “yes” when journalists call, he says. “When I was a reporter, I couldn’t believe it when I’d call up an agent and they would say they didn’t want to be…

— We take our content seriously. This article was written by a real person at BREL. While staging isn’t always necessary, when done right, it consistently helps homes sell faster and for more money. But – you may be surprised to hear this from a team of REALTORS who have an in-house staging company – there are situations where staging isn’t always the best solution. Today, we’re breaking down exactly when you should (and shouldn’t) stage your Toronto home. The Cold, Hard Truth About Staging Here’s what we’ve learned from selling thousands of Toronto homes: professionally staged homes sell faster…

Canada’s economic outlook presents mixed signals, with strong headline job growth and rising hours worked contrasted by slowing wage gains, significant job growth among older workers, and persistent credit stress among households. December’s stronger-than-expected employment gains have prompted some to reassess the trajectory of the Bank of Canada’s rate policy; however, concerns about inflation and elevated debt levels persist. Employment Numbers December saw a significant 91,000 jobs added—the strongest monthly increase in two years and far exceeding expectations of 25,000. Gains were evident across key rate-sensitive sectors, including construction, manufacturing, and finance, insurance, and real estate (FIRE). Additionally, hours worked…

On Monday, real estate brokerage RE/MAX Canada announced that Christopher Alexander has made the decision to end his tenure as President of RE/MAX Canada. Alexander, who was appointed President in November 2021, will continue in his role until March 3, 2025, according to the press release, after which he will serve in a consultant role until June 30, 2025. Beyond that, he will serve as a consultant for RE/MAX Europe, while remaining a RE/MAX brokerage owner in Ontario.In the interim period after Alexander steps down in March, CEO of parent company RE/MAX Holdings Erik Carlson will oversee operations in Canada…

Canada’s facing a trade war with its largest partner, and it may send interest rates plunging. BMO Capital Markets wrote to investors after the first round of tariffs were announced this weekend. The bank now expects rates to be slashed much more aggressively, trimming another point off the bottom for overnight rates. The plunge would test the historic extremes for rapid easing set nearly 30 years ago.  The Canada-US Trade War Is Set To Begin Next Week Canada and the US kicked off its trade war this weekend. The US administration unveiled a 25% broad tariff on all goods from…

Millennials have become the most influential group of homebuyers in Canada. They account for the largest share of buyers, with 56% of homebuyers aged 25 to 34 and 30% of those aged 35 to 44 actively purchasing homes, as the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation reported. By 2025, millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) will be between 29 and 44 years old. These ages are typically when individuals find partners, start families, and raise school-aged children. Consequently, many seek more space, privacy, a stable place to settle down, and long-term investment opportunities. Recent federal policy changes have made higher-value homes…