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Gerry’s Blog

Understanding Condo Rules

Condominiums can often be a more affordable option than single-family homes, especially when housing prices are skyrocketing or you’re looking to settle in an expensive city. However, before buying a condo, you need to consider that condos usually have a written set of rules. They could mean the difference between finding your dream home and…

How Much Per Square Foot to Build a House in Ontario?

The average selling price for homes sold in the Ontario real estate market in July was $837,685. With mortgage rates where they are and the applicable taxes, fees, and regulatory costs, prospective homebuyers will endure a hefty final price tag. But when you break it down, how much are you spending per square foot to…

Building a House vs Buying a House

Picture yourself standing on an empty plot of land, imagining your dream home. You might flip through magazines, browse online galleries, or visit display homes to get a sense of what you want. Now think about walking through an already-built house, feeling the space, and knowing exactly what you’re getting. Each option – pre-built or…

Top Canadian Real Estate Markets for Climate-Conscious Buyers

Does climate change affect your home-buying decisions? If so, you are not alone, according to a recent report. This past spring, BMO released the results of a study that found climate change is impacting how we engage in the Canadian real estate market. The bank’s report discovered that more than one-third (39 per cent) of…

A Case for More 3-Bedroom Condos

Whatever happened to the 3-bedroom condo? This has become a mystery in the Canadian real estate sector and local housing markets across the country. Decades ago, it was more common to come across 3-bedroom units as the post-war construction boom facilitated the growth of new families. Fast-forward to the present. Finding 3-bedroom condos is like…

Canadian Real Estate Hot-Pockets Fuelled by Investors, Seasoned Buyers

Since the Bank of Canada (BoC) started raising interest rates in the spring of 2022 at a time of post-crisis sky-high home prices, first-time homebuyers have sat on the sidelines amid a housing affordability crisis. They have been waiting to dip their toes in the Canadian real estate market in this span. However, two groups…

Toronto Real Estate Prices Fall

Homebuyers in the Toronto real estate market experienced a modest cool-down on the pricing front during the heat of summer, according to recent data from the Toronto Region Real Estate Board (TRREB). In July, the Home Price Index (HPI) composite benchmark, which is considered a more comprehensive measurement, showed that Toronto real estate prices tumbled…

Migration Continues to Boost Demand in Calgary Condo Market

Interprovincial migration may have slowed from year-ago levels, however overall net migration to Alberta continues to climb, sparking demand in the province’s affordable real estate market, according to a new report from RE/MAX. The Calgary condo market saw sales increase modestly by almost three per cent in the first eight months of the year, with…

Sales Spike in Edmonton Condo Market, Affordability Draws Buyers

Buying activity in the Edmonton condo market experienced a significant boost in 2024, with year-to-date sales almost 37 per cent ahead of year-ago levels, according to a new report from RE/MAX. Affordability continues to be the catalyst for activity, with 3,351 units changing hands, up from 2,452 sales one year ago, making 2024 the best…