Canadian real estate has been a staple in headlines and above-the-fold features for years, but 2024 has been an especially turbulent year, the product of a perfect storm of factors including affordability, inventory, immigration, economy, interest rates, government policy, sidelined homebuyers clamouring to get back into play, and home sellers waiting for just the right time to list. Here’s how it all played out in the last year, at ground level. 10 Notable Real Estate Trends of... [read more]

Understanding the 2025 Ontario Rent Increase Guideline: What It Means for Tenants and Landlords The Ontario government has capped the rent increase for 2025 at 2.5%, the same rate as the previous two years. For landlords and tenants alike, this sets clear expectations on rent adjustments for the year ahead. Let’s dive into what this means and our thoughts on navigating this process. What is the Rent Increase Guideline? The 2.5% guideline is the maximum percentage... [read more]

A home is the biggest purchase most of us will ever make, so it’s only natural to feel a little intimidated by the negotiation process. This is particularly the case for first-time buyers. Here are some tips to help you approach the negotiation process that will help you minimize stress, stay within your budget and get the best price for your new home. Negotiation Process 101 Get to know your market Becoming familiar with the types of properties available in your price range is... [read more]

Canada’s mortgage market is in the spotlight with rising delinquencies and major policy changes aiming to tackle housing affordability and stabilize the market. Delinquencies, especially among alternative lenders, are increasing, with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reporting that mortgages over 90 days delinquent now account for 0.19% of the total market—a small but growing number as more borrowers face financial strain in a high-interest environment​ Canadian... [read more]

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’re likely wondering how you’ll pay for it. So, what is a mortgage, anyway? A mortgage is a loan given by a bank of a lender for the purchase of a home. The loan agreement will outline things such as the interest rate to be paid to the lender, the amortization period for the mortgage, the repayment terms, and the length of the term at which point a renewal will be required, either with the same or a different lender. For the... [read more]