The Bank of Canada (BoC) recently increased its benchmark interest rate. The bank raised the rate by 25 basis points to 4.5%, its eighth consecutive increase, it also signalled it would put the hiking cycle on pause — at least for now. This decision was widely expected by economists and analysts, as the BoC has been signaling a gradual tightening of monetary policy in recent months. The central bank has been closely monitoring inflation, which has been running slightly above its... [read more]

Keller Williams is a well-respected real estate company that has a reputation for being a great place for real estate agents to work. Here are a few reasons why Keller Williams is considered to be a top choice for realtors: Training and education: Keller Williams places a strong emphasis on ongoing education and training for its agents. The company offers a variety of programs and resources to help agents stay up-to-date on industry trends and improve their skills. Culture:... [read more]

Government of Canada New Mortgage Rules Buyers with less than a 20% down payment: As of October 17th, all mortgages regardless of the term will need to be qualified at 4.64% Why? The government wants to allow lending up to what a client can afford if rates were at 4.64% – even if they are only paying 2.39% for their mortgage. As an example, a client of mine with 10% down was pre-approved for a  5 year fixed rate at 2.39% for a mortgage amount of $400,000. With... [read more]

You will want to make the process of shopping for a home as productive and enjoyable as possible. After all, you'll be on a quest to find your next dream home. That's why it's important to take the right things with you: • A digital camera, so you can take pictures of the features you like in the properties you see. • A notepad, so you can take notes. • Measurements of your largest pieces of furniture, so you can confirm they'll fit in the rooms of properties... [read more]

There is no doubt about it! Even if the weather is relatively pleasant, your home won’t show as well in the winter as it would in the summer, especially from the outside. Fortunately, there are many ways to make your home look more attractive and appealing to buyers during the winter season. First, before showing your home to a potential buyer, clear your front walkway. Make sure fence doors and gates open freely. Also, clear off the backyard deck or patio area. You want buyers to be... [read more]

Can a draft through a window or door cause damage? It can. Damage to your bank account! A single, seemingly minor, draft through a window can increase your energy bill by as much as 3%. In addition, a damp draft can make a room feel colder than it really is, while a dry draft can cause dry throats and skin. So it pays to pay attention to drafts in your home. Drafts are most commonly found at windows and doors, but they can also occur through walls with poor or old insulation. Ideally, a... [read more]

Moving can be challenging — but it doesn’t have to be a stress fest. Whether you’ve decided to accept a new job offer in another city, found the perfect apartment on Trulia, or finally closed on the home of your dreams, a fresh start is always exciting. Packing all your belongings into boxes and lugging it all to a new home? Not so much. We get it. Moving can be crazy and stressful — but there are ways to survive the process without aging yourself... [read more]

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“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain If you find the right home and don’t go for it, you’ll regret it. It’s scary thinking about a 30-year mortgage (or a 30-year anything!), but sometimes you’ve got to leave your comfort zone behind. [read more]

150 Redpath Condos is a new condo and townhouse development by Freed Developments and Capital Developments currently in preconstruction at 150 Redpath Avenue, Toronto. The development is scheduled for completion in 2018. Sales for available units range in price from $199,900 to over $1,100,000. The development has a total of 543 units. Development Details   Building Type: Condo and Townhouse Ownership: Condominium Ceilings: Up... [read more]

It’s a dream we all have - to own our own home and stop paying rent. But if you’re like most renters, you feel trapped within the walls of a house or apartment that doesn’t feel like yours. How could it when you’re not even permitted to bang in a nail or two without a hassle. You feel like you’re stuck in the renter’s rut with no way of rising up out of it and owning your own home.  Don’t Feel Trapped Anymore   It doesn’t matter... [read more]