Gerry’s Blog
In Canada, everyone has an opinion about property taxes. Whether city dwellers or rural folk, each side will argue that the other is not paying enough in property taxes, making for a heated and spirited discussion about levies on the residence you worked hard to purchase. That said, aside from discussions over what the property…
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…
Canadian real estate pioneer, esteemed business leader and philanthropist Walter Schneider has been appointed to the Order of Canada alongside 87 other outstanding Canadians, in what is considered to be one of Canada’s highest honours recognizing those who have made notable and sustained contributions to the country. Schneider redefined Canadian real estate when he co-founded…
Neighbourhoods evolve. They are a living, breathing thing, growing and changing as people come and go. So, what attracts people to a neighbourhood in the first place? This question was a prevailing theme of RE/MAX’s 2024 Liveability Report, which evaluated Canadians’ most-valued liveability criteria, and based on that, the neighbourhoods that suited them best. From…
Benchmark Rate Now Sits at 3.25% In a widely expected move, the Bank of Canada has continued the downward trajectory with a second consecutive half-point cut to its benchmark interest rate, which now sits at 3.25%. This marks the fifth interest rate cut in a row, despite s slight uptick in inflation, which rose to…
Nova Scotia’s southern coast is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. From the iconic lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove to the historic Bluenose II and pristine oceanfront beaches, the area offers breathtaking landscapes that are perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. Imagine waking up to the sound of the ocean and spending your days exploring picturesque…
Getting approved for a mortgage can be tough. Lenders dig into every aspect of your financial life, from your credit history to your job and debt levels. With rising real estate prices in cities like Toronto and Vancouver and higher interest rates, securing a traditional mortgage has become even more challenging. If you’ve recently been…
How much does it cost to live in Toronto? If you wish to live in the heart of North America’s fourth-largest city, you should be aware that the average price for a home in the Toronto real estate market was $1,114,267 (January 1-October 31, 2024). Put simply, it takes plenty of capital to live in…
Over the last year, many cases of condominium special assessments have occurred. From Calgary to Toronto, real estate markets across the country are seeing a rise in tenants facing a special assessment on a condo suite. This is forcing many owners to endure thousands of dollars in extra costs or sell their suites for below-market…
If you’ve wondered how much it costs to build a house in Canada, you’re not alone. While housing supply has improved across many Canadian real estate markets, inventory is still far below the historical averages in major urban centres, suburbs, and rural communities. Is purchasing a resale residential property or buying bare land and building…
Owning a home is a keystone of wealth… both financial affluence and emotional security.