Author: homegoal.ca
In your home, maximizing space and functionality is paramount. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer in a condo, a growing family in a townhouse, or simply looking to optimize your living area, multi-purpose furniture is a game-changer. One piece that stands out for its versatility is the multi-purpose couch. These ingenious designs can transform from a comfortable seating area to a guest bed, a storage solution, or even a workspace, making them ideal for smaller homes or those seeking flexible living arrangements. This article explores the benefits of multi-purpose couches, highlights some top picks available online in Canada, and offers tips…
Canada’s newfound reputation as a money laundering hub hasn’t motivated much action. FINTRAC, Canada’s anti-money laundering watchdog, announced only administrative monetary penalties for real estate firms in 2024. All of the firms were located in Toronto and Vancouver, and appear to be entirely over minor compliance issues. Considering the agency took up to 3 years to fine real estate firms over minor filing infractions, the agency doesn’t seem to be motivated to actually crack down. Administrative Monetary Penalties FINTRAC is Canada’s anti-money laundering intelligence agency. Its primary duty is overseeing compliance with the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist…
Your home is more than just a place to sleep–it’s a canvas, a personal sanctuary, and often a direct reflection of who you are. From the colors on the walls to the objects you surround yourself with, your living space can offer a glimpse into your personality, preferences, and even your emotional state. Whether you’re consciously aware of it or not, the choices you make when designing and decorating your home can reveal deeper aspects of your identity. Here’s how your home speaks volumes about you. The Colors You Choose Colors play a crucial role in setting the tone of…
Helping a senior loved one sell their home isn’t just about real estate – it’s about managing a significant life transition with care and understanding. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or trusted advisor, our comprehensive guide will help you navigate the complexities of selling a senior’s home in Toronto. In this guide, we’ll explore: Starting the Conversation Timing Considerations Options for Selling Preparing the Home for Sale Working with a REALTOR Understanding the Costs Working with BREL Starting the Conversation Before diving into the logistics of selling, it’s crucial to approach the topic thoughtfully. Many seniors have lived in…
In real estate disputes, where the property often represents a person’s most significant financial investment, the stakes are undeniably high. When transactions fall through or contracts are breached, the financial and emotional toll can be significant. To make matters worse, court backlogs means waiting years for a trial is often unavoidable. Fortunately, summary judgment provides a faster, more efficient path to resolving these disputes. Summary judgment allows courts to resolve disputes without the need for a full trial, making it a powerful tool in the hands of parties seeking a swift and fair resolution. This streamlined approach is particularly well-suited…
Vacation properties offer a unique blend of leisure and investment opportunities, making them attractive to individuals seeking both personal enjoyment and financial returns. Commonly referred to as “lifestyle investments,” these properties can provide an idyllic retreat while generating passive income when rented out. The key is finding the right balance between personal use and profitability while considering factors like location, market trends, and property management. Benefits of Lifestyle Investments The appeal of vacation properties lies in their dual functionality. These assets can serve as a getaway destination for you and your family while offsetting costs through rental income. Beyond financial…
No BS. No Fridge Magnets. No Such Thing as a Bad Question. A Weekly Real Estate Advice Column from the BREL team. Dear HOMEROOM, My husband and I are starting to look for a house. One thing I’m unsure about is how to approach choosing a realtor. Beyond discussing the basics, how do we figure out if someone is truly great at what they do? I want to avoid wasting people’s time hopping from realtor to realtor, but I also don’t want to rush into anything without feeling confident about the decision. The answer to this week’s HOMEROOM is thanks…
British Columbia has a long history of financial crime, with much of it tied to real estate. After the problem became too big to ignore, the Province convened an expert panel to examine the prevalence of money laundering in our real estate market, who returned with their findings in May 2019. That same month, following one of the panel’s recommendations, the Province introduced and passed the Land Owner Transparency Act, which established the Land Owner Transparency Registry (LOTR), a publicly-accessible and searchable registry of land owners that was the first of its kind in Canada.The Land Owner Transparency Registry, maintained…
Canada’s central bank slashed its key interest rate, as widely expected—but went even further. Earlier today, the Bank of Canada (BoC) announced it would slash the overnight rate by 25 basis points (bps), as well as end its quantitative tightening (QT) program pre-maturely. The central bank has been amongst the fastest easing in the world, and the stimulus is sending a clear warning sign—Canada won’t be able to keep up with global growth. That’s before the added risks of tariffs enter the picture. Canadian Economy To Significantly Fall Behind Global Growth Canada’s weak economy is among the biggest issues contributing…
The 2025 housing market is starting the year with optimism as the Bank of Canada announced today that it is lowering the overnight lending rate by 25 basis points from 3.25% to 3%. This follows two consecutive half-point rate cuts in October and December and will bring further relief to current variable rate mortgage holders. In its December announcement, the Bank noted that it will be “evaluating the need for further reductions in the policy rate one decision at a time,” indicating an easing in the Bank’s monetary policy. Going forward, future rate cuts will likely depend on a wait-and-see…