Real Estate Trends
Real Estate Trends
Toronto, GTA New Home Sales Crashing in November
Toronto's real estate market is a tale of two extremes: while the resale market surges with activity due to lower interest rates, the new home market remains frozen, particularly in the condo sector. Sales are down dramatically—91% below the 10-year average for condos—and prices are dropping, with single-family homes also seeing a 4.6% year-over-year decline. High construction costs, government fees, and reduced affordability are keeping buyers at bay, while inventory levels climb. Although the short-term outlook is bleak, falling interest rates and policy interventions may reignite buyer interest in the coming months. Learn how this affects buyers, sellers, agents, and developers, and what lies ahead for Toronto’s housing market.
Real Estate Trends
Are Corporations Really Buying Up Homes in Canada?
The idea that corporations are buying up Canadian homes and pricing out regular families has sparked debate, but the data paints a nuanced picture. While corporate ownership is a major issue in the U.S., with institutional investors accounting for 25% of home purchases, it’s still a relatively small phenomenon in Canada. The federal government is taking proactive steps, such as consultations to restrict corporate purchases of single-family homes, but a lack of transparency and reliable data clouds the full picture. Experts suggest that high taxes, regulatory red tape, and individual investors owning multiple properties are more significant contributors to Canada’s housing affordability crisis.
Real Estate Trends
Government Actions to Lower the Cost of Housing: True or False from Freeland?
Canada is facing a housing affordability crisis, and while the federal government has announced bold initiatives, challenges persist. Key actions include cracking down on corporate investors in single-family homes, removing GST on student residences, and unlocking underused federal lands for housing development. However, issues like high construction costs, red tape, and a looming labor shortage threaten progress. Experts call for a focused, collaborative approach to reduce barriers, boost housing starts, and address long-term workforce needs. The time for action is now to ensure housing remains accessible for all Canadians.
Real Estate Trends
Canada's October Inflation Report: Impact on Future Rate Cuts
Canada’s inflation rate surged to 2% in October 2024, surpassing economists' expectations of 1.9% and raising questions about the Bank of Canada’s anticipated rate cuts in December. The increase was driven by slower gas price declines and rising grocery costs. Core inflation measures, such as CPI-median and CPI-trim, also ticked up, signaling persistent price pressures. With mortgage interest rates up 14.7%, affordability challenges remain for buyers, while sellers might face cooling demand. As inflation stabilizes within the BoC’s target range, experts speculate whether a significant rate cut is still on the table.
Real Estate Trends
Canada's Rental Market Declines: Impact on Real Estate & Mortgage Trends (2024)
Discover the latest trends in Canada's rental market, including the first rent decline since COVID. Learn how recent mortgage rule changes are making homeownership more accessible and what this means for real estate agents and mortgage brokers.
Real Estate Trends
U.S Election Impact on Canadian Real Estate
Here's' how the upcoming United States presidential election presents significant implications for Canadian real estate markets.
Real Estate Trends
Pollievre's Plan to Slash Federal Sales Tax on New Homes: A Comprehensive Analysis
Poilievre has introduced a sweeping plan to eliminate the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) on new homes priced under $1 million. Find out the implications to agents, brokers, buyers and sellers.
Real Estate Trends
Rate Cuts + New Rules: Is This the Perfect Storm for Canada’s Real Estate Market?
The Canadian real estate market is entering a transformative phase with a blend of favourable policy changes and economic shifts that could ignite a "perfect storm" for the industry.
Real Estate Trends
Making the Right Choice: Individual vs. Corporate Property Purchases in Ontario
Should I buy property in Ontario under as an individual or under a corporation? As a real estate agent, one of the most valuable services you can provide your clients is helping them understand whether to purchase property as an individual or through a corporation.
Real Estate Trends
Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Condo?
The Canadian condo market stands at a crossroads, shaped by diverse forces including investor activity, changing demographics, economic pressures, and evolving urban landscapes.
Real Estate Trends
How Canada's New Unused & Vacant Property Changes Open Doors for Real Estate and Mortgage Professionals
How homeowners can leverage their properties, potentially easing the housing crunch and creating new opportunities for real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and property owners alike.
Real Estate Trends
Open Bidding for Ontario Real Estate. Is it gaining traction?
Ontario's new open bidding law represents a significant shift in how real estate transactions can be conducted in the province.
Real Estate Trends
Stress Test Removed: It will soon be easier to switch mortgage lenders at renewal
OSFI eliminates the stress test for uninsured mortgage switches starting Nov 21, 2024.
Real Estate Trends
The 30-Day Social Media Challenge for Mortgage Brokers
Now is the time to stay top of mind and we’ve got a simple challenge for you that takes no more than 10 minutes a day, but can result in a tremendous amount of opportunities. Here’s a simple yet powerful strategy: the 5 Daily DMs Challenge.
Real Estate Trends
It's a different mindset for sellers
Canadian real estate market shifts challenge long-held beliefs, as some sellers face unexpected shortfalls at closing
Real Estate Trends
The Condo Conundrum: How Canada's Condo Market Crisis Just Deepened
Canada is short 3.5 million homes, yet there is a Canadian condo market crisis that is in the early stages of brewing that impacts investors, speculators, renters, and every day Canadians who are starving for housing affordability.
Real Estate Trends
Rentvesting: The Smart Way to Navigate Canada's Real Estate Market
Rentvesting is a growing trend in Canada's real estate market, allowing people to rent out their primary residence while renting in more expensive cities. This strategy helps build equity and potentially generate income, despite living in pricier areas. While offering flexibility and wealth-building opportunities, rentvesting requires careful planning and suits those comfortable with property management.
Real Estate Trends
The Home Equity Tax: Is it coming and what’s the potential impact for Canadian Real Estate.
There are rumblings of a home equity tax being imposed on Canadian home owners
Real Estate Trends
The Canadian Mortgage Renewal Crisis: Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
Canada faces a massive wave of mortgage renewals, with over 568,000 mortgages from major lenders set to renew in the next two years. Homeowners may face significantly higher payments, while mortgage brokers and realtors have a unique opportunity to guide clients through this challenging financial transition.
Real Estate Trends
Leveraging AI as a mortgage broker: A practical guide
Mortgage brokers are constantly seeking ways to stay competitive, improve efficiency, and provide better service to their clients. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool that can revolutionize the mortgage industry
Real Estate Trends
Notice of Security Interest are now banned in Ontario
Notice of security interest (NOSI) will now be banned in Ontario in a move to protect homeowners
Real Estate Trends
Canadian Home Insurance Costs Are Surging. Here's Why
Home insurance premiums are surging at an alarming rate across Canada, impacting homeowners who are already strapped for cash
Real Estate Trends
Ways to protect yourself from title fraud
Title fraud, a form of real estate fraud, is perhaps one of the most distressing challenges a homeowner can face.
Real Estate Trends
What is a NOSI and how do I know if there was one was placed on my home?
Traditionally, NOSIs (Notice of Security Interest) were utilized by legitimate businesses as a means to secure payment for home appliances, such as furnaces, air conditioning units, or water heaters, but lately scammers are leveraging NOSIs to extort unsuspecting homeowners.
Real Estate Trends
Facing a mortgage renewal in 2024? Here's how to prepare
Many Canadians homeowners are worried about their upcoming mortgage renewals. By being proactive and with the right planning, the stress and risk of mortgage renewals can be reduced
Real Estate Trends
Unlocking Transparency: Ontario's Real Estate Revolution with Open Offers
In Ontario, a new Real Estate act brings open and transparent offers to home buyers and sellers. Will it end blind bidding and how does it benefit buyers?
Real Estate Trends
Understanding the mechanics of switching mortgage lenders
With millions of mortgages coming up for renewal over the next few years, is it worthwhile to switch lenders to get better rates and products at renewal time?
Real Estate Trends
Is it a good idea to just walk away from your deposit?
Many Canadians are facing a dilemma on whether they should walk away from a deposit on pre construction properties they purchased recently.
Real Estate Trends
The Canadian Mortgage Charter: What you need to know
Learn about the new Canadian Mortgage Charter and how it intends to help Canadian homeowners manage and maintain their mortgage payments through proactive lender outreach, stress test exemptions for insured borrowers, and more.
Real Estate Trends
The final nail in the coffin for short-term rentals
As the Canadian government addresses the complex challenge of housing affordability, the changes to short-term rentals underscore some fundamental changes that may see short-term rentals disappear in the name of increasing the inventory of available properties to Canadian end-users.
Real Estate Trends
Exciting Changes Coming to Ontario Real Estate: What You Need to Know
On December 1, 2023, a new phase of the Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA) is rolling in, waving goodbye to the old Real Estate and Business Brokers Act (REBBA). These changes are all about making things crystal clear and keeping you, the consumer, in the loop.
Real Estate Trends
Will removing the GST from new build rentals increase affordability?
Solving Canada's housing affordability challenges and the government's response through the Enhanced GST Rental Rebate, a tax incentive aimed at fostering long-term rental units. Will the GST Rental rebate, be effective in addressing affordability concerns, amidst strong demand and changing interest rates.
Real Estate Trends
Understanding the Details of an Agreement of Purchase & Sale in Ontario
The blog post explains the importance and key components of an Agreement of Purchase and Sale in Ontario.
Real Estate Trends
Meet Jane: AI for Real Estate Agents
AI empowers real estate agents with enhanced efficiency, targeted marketing, personalized experiences, and smarter analysis.
Real Estate Trends
The Future of Housing in Toronto: Fourplex Dwellings Regulation
Toronto City Council approves multiplex housing to address housing crisis and accommodate growing population.
Real Estate Trends
Does an easement impact property values?
Understanding easements: benefits, challenges, and how to identify them on your property.
Real Estate Trends
Cooling-off period for new home sales? New Ontario government proposal to help home buyers.
Ontario government proposes cooling-off period for new home sales to address housing affordability crisis.
Real Estate Trends
Canadian Real Estate in March: The Recap
Canadian real estate market heats up in March with interest rate hold, inflation improvement, and policy changes.
Real Estate Trends
Canada just added a million newcomers. What does it mean for Real Estate prices?
Canada's population growth due to international migration may increase housing prices and pose challenges.
Real Estate Trends
Why Real Estate investors are flocking to Alberta
Ontario residents are turning to Alberta's real estate market due to affordability and booming economy.
Real Estate Trends
Can your lender cancel your mortgage if your home insurance is cancelled?
The importance of maintaining home insurance to protect against financial risks and mortgage consequences.
Real Estate Trends
Anti-flipping tax, Vacant Home Tax, Foreign Buyer Ban, and More. Here's what's impacting Canadian Real Estate in 2023.
New tax and legislative changes in Canada aim to address housing affordability challenges.
Real Estate Trends
The City of Ottawa is introducing a Vacant Unit Tax. Here's what you need to know
Ottawa introduces vacant unit tax to encourage property occupancy and increase housing supply.
Real Estate Trends
Buying a power of sale property: What you need to know
Buying a power of sale property requires careful consideration, inspection, and legal advice to avoid risks.
Real Estate Trends
Received a construction lien? Here's what you can do
Understanding construction liens and how to resolve them to protect your property and rights.
Real Estate Trends
Selling your pre-construction assignment in the current market
The blog post discusses challenges faced by preconstruction buyers in the shifting real estate market.
Real Estate Trends
The new anti-flipping tax. What you need to know.
New anti-flipping tax in Canada aims to reduce speculative demand and excessive price growth.
Real Estate Trends
The foreign buyer ban is coming. Here's what it means for Real Estate and Mortgage Agents
The Government of Canada is implementing a foreign buyer ban to cool down the real estate market.
Real Estate Trends
Selling your preconstruction on assignment. What you need to know.
The blog post discusses challenges faced by preconstruction buyers in the shifting real estate market.
Real Estate Trends
What are mortgage trigger rates
Bank of Canada's interest rate decision and its implications for mortgage payments and trigger rates.
Real Estate Trends
I missed a mortgage payment. What happens now?
Summary: This blog post discusses the consequences of missing mortgage payments and provides tips to avoid foreclosure.
Real Estate Trends
Investing in Fractional Ownership
Fractional ownership offers new opportunities for real estate investment, but understanding the terms and risks is crucial.
Real Estate Trends
Buying Real Estate With Friends? Use a Co-Living Agreement
Co-living offers an affordable option for home ownership, but requires careful planning and legal agreements.
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