Author Archive
Canada home prices may rise 10 per cent in 2010: report
Posted by: editors note in First time home buyers, New Homes and Condos, Real estate industry news, Real estate market updates on December 2nd, 2009
Canadian home-resale prices are likely rise in 2010 at an even faster pace than this year but a dangerous bubble probably won’t develop, TD Economics said in study published on Tuesday.
Genworth launches new video series designed to help educate homebuyers
Posted by: editors note in First time home buyers, Genworth Financial advice on November 19th, 2009
Genworth Mortgage Insurance Company Canada (”Genworth Financial Canada”) introduces a new video series designed to educate homebuyers about the buying process and how to achieve homeownership sooner.
Homebuilders lining up to become licensed for energy efficiency
Posted by: editors note in First time home buyers, New Homes and Condos, Tips for Green Living on November 4th, 2009
(NC)—It’s easy being green, at least for builders of new homes in Canada. The trend towards building energy-efficient homes has never been hotter as more and more builders across Canada are calling Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to become licensed builders under their energy-efficient new homes initiatives.
New home sales up 113 per cent in September
Posted by: editors note in First time home buyers, Real estate industry news, Real estate market updates on October 23rd, 2009
New home sales surged 113 per cent in the Greater Toronto Area in September, with the high-rise condo market finally coming to life to join the rally in low-rise new home sales that began earlier this year, the Building Industry & Land Development Association announced today.
There were 3,883 new homes and condos sold in the GTA in September, according to RealNet Canada Inc., BILD’s official, independent source of new home market intelligence.
Canadians remain passionate about homeownership, Genworth
Posted by: editors note in First time home buyers, Genworth Financial advice, Real estate industry news on October 22nd, 2009
The desire for homeownership is alive and well in Canada, with many Canadians willing to go to great lengths for it. According to the Genworth Mortgage Insurance Company Canada (”Genworth Financial Canada”) First-Time Homebuyer’s Monitor released today, 68 per cent of renters said they would be willing to delay major purchases and more than half would give up vacations in order to own their own home.
Renovation tax credit boosts home improvement projects in Canada: RBC survey
Posted by: editors note in Home decor, Home improvement tips, Real estate industry news, Real estate market updates on October 22nd, 2009
A majority (63 per cent) of Canadian renovators plan to take advantage of the federal government’s home renovation tax credit this year and close to half (47 per cent) have done more renovations because of the tax break, according to a new RBC study.
Get $10,000 cash back at Village Creek by Cherrywood Homes
Posted by: editors note in Cherrywood Homes on October 21st, 2009
Buy now at Village Creek and receive $10,000 cash back at Cherrywood Homes’ spectacular new Pickering Village community. Don’t wait to explore the unique collection of luxury freehold townhomes, each featuring a beautiful view of the ravine.
MLS home sales grow stronger in the third quarter
Posted by: editors note in New Homes and Condos, Real estate industry news, Real estate market updates, Resale homes on October 16th, 2009
CNW Telbec/ – National resale housing activity climbed to the highest level of any third quarter on record this year.
Actual (not seasonally adjusted) home sales via the Multiple Listing Service Systems of Canadian real estate boards totalled 135,182 units in the third quarter of 2009, according to statistics released by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). This is the highest level of activity on record for the period from July to September. The number of transactions was up 18 per cent from the third quarter of last year, representing the biggest year-over-year increase since early 2002.
TD Canada Trust changes residential mortgage rates
Posted by: editors note in Mortgage questions, Real estate industry news, Real estate market updates on October 12th, 2009
TD Canada Trust has changed its mortgage rates, effective October 14, 2009.
The changes are as follows:
Fixed Rates To: Change:
———–
6-month convertible 4.60% N/C
1-year open 6.55% N/C
1-year closed 3.75% N/C
2-year closed 4.20% +0.30%
3-year closed 4.75% +0.30%
4-year closed 5.29% +0.35%
5-year closed 5.84% +0.29%
6-year closed 6.10% N/C
7-year closed 6.60% N/C
10-year closed 6.70% N/C
The best of Brampton awaits you at Rosedale Village
Posted by: editors note in Pemberton Group on October 9th, 2009
Located in Brampton, Rosedale Village Golf & Country Club is a private, secure, gated community that caters to adult households of all ages. Just a short drive to shopping malls, hospital, biking trails, parks, conservation areas, GO and public transit, and major Highways 410, 407, and 401, this well-established community has everything you need close at hand.
AFFORDABILITY AND JOB SECURITY MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS
Posted by: editors note in First time home buyers, Real estate industry news, Real estate market updates, Resale homes on October 5th, 2009
Canadians who are considering purchasing their first home are primarily motivated by lower home prices and very low interest rates, but some require confidence in the economy and their employment prospects before they will enter the market, according to a report released by Royal LePage Real Estate Services.
Eighty-six per cent of potential first-time buyers say low interest rates make them more likely to purchase a home; 81 per cent cite lower housing prices as a motivating factor; while 76 per cent cite job security and 64 per cent say a stable economy is an important factor in their decision to buy.
Triumph North’s astonishing deal: live mortage-free for a year
Posted by: editors note in New home opening, SigNature Developments on September 29th, 2009
SigNature Developments has just made the dream of a new condo reality for home buyers on tight budgets. Buyers can slash tens of thousands off first year carrying costs.
Between now and October 15 anyone buying any suite at its Triumph North project on the banks of the Schomberg River can live mortgage free for the first year after they move in. SigNature will pay both interest and principal up to a limit of $20,000.
Canadian housing markets buck recession and trend upwards, says RE/MAX
Posted by: editors note in New Homes and Condos on September 24th, 2009
With the worst of the recession over, residential real estate markets in major Canadian centres are poised for growth in the final quarter of 2009, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.
The RE/MAX Bricks and Mortar Report found the bounce back that began in early Spring has made this recession one of the shortest on record for real estate. Low interest rates, pent-up demand, and improved affordability levels have all played a role in the recovery now well-underway. Percentage increases in sales from January to August 2009 were led by Vancouver, (up a substantial 14 per cent to 23,158), Victoria (up 7.4 per cent to 5,266), Edmonton (up 6.2 per cent to 13,691), Regina (up five per cent to 2,597), Ottawa (up 2.4 per cent to 10,830) and Toronto (up 1.8 per cent to 58,421). Housing values are already ahead of record-breaking 2008 levels in seven of the 11 markets surveyed, including Newfoundland-Labrador (18.1 per cent year to $203,584), Regina (6.4 per cent to $244,088), Halifax-Dartmouth (3.5 per cent to $239,633), Winnipeg (3.5 per cent to $207,006), Ottawa (3.3 per cent to $301,684), and Toronto (up 0.3 per cent to $385,978). Nationally, average price hovers at $312,585, up 0.5 per cent over one year ago.
Top five ways to winterize your home and save energy
Posted by: editors note in Home improvement tips, Tips for Green Living on September 23rd, 2009
Canadian winters can be cold and unpredictable so there’s every reason to winterize your home before the cold season starts. With the long periods of time that you and your family will be spending indoors, it’s important that your home is both warm and comfortable throughout the season.
August new home sales up 62 per cent
Posted by: editors note in First time home buyers, Real estate industry news, Real estate market updates on September 22nd, 2009
CNW-Sales of new high-rise condominium suites stabilized in August while sales of new low-rise (single-detached, semi-detached and town-homes) homes spiked by a dramatic 163 per cent, resulting in a 62 per cent increase in total new home sales, August over August, the Building Industry & Land Development Association (BILD) revealed today.
According to RealNet Canada Inc., there were 3,074 new homes and condos sold in the Greater Toronto Area in August, 2009. Monthly high-rise sales were up for the first time this year, albeit very modestly, while low-rise unit sales continued on the exceedingly hot pace of the last several months.
Is it real or is it laminate? Only you know for sure
Posted by: editors note in Home decor, Home improvement tips, New Homes and Condos on September 17th, 2009
When internationally famed Scottish design gurus Colin Ryan and Justin McAllister of the TV show Home Heist accept laminate flooring, you know it has come a long way, baby. But that’s precisely what they did in a recent column in the Toronto Star, wherein they noted that Buckingham Palace boasts laminate flooring. And if it’s good enough for the Queen, they admitted, it’s good enough for the discerning duo’s global projects.
Number One Bloor, Canada’s most prestigious real estate development is now in trusted hands
Posted by: editors note in Real estate industry news on September 17th, 2009
The acquisition of Number One Bloor by Tuscany Ridge Developments Inc. – an affiliate of Toronto-based Great Gulf Group of Companies – becomes official today, paving the way for Toronto’s most prestigious address to soon boast a new landmark building.
Avoid home upgrading mistakes
Posted by: editors note in Home improvement tips, New Homes and Condos, Selling your home on September 15th, 2009
More and more homeowners are upgrading their properties with an eye to sell quickly and for top dollar. “Today’s buyers are attracted to move-in ready homes – especially those who lead hectic lives and are accustomed to upgrades. The days of buying a home to fix up have faded,” explains Greater Toronto Area realtor, Jackie Peifer.
Staging helps sell your home
Posted by: editors note in Home improvement tips, Resale homes, Selling your home on September 15th, 2009
Before listing, consider staging your home to give it a competitive advantage.
“Homes that present as move-in ready have strong buyer appeal in today’s market,” explains Jackie Peifer, a realtor with 20 years experience. “These properties sell more quickly which helps protect them from price reductions.”
Kitchen Couture
Posted by: editors note in Home decor, Kitchen decor on September 15th, 2009
Stylish extras give your guests the impression they have stepped into a gourmet kitchen, even if you’re not a gourmet chef. Create a culinary masterpiece with the latest upscale kitchen products that not only cater to your sense of style, but to your sense of taste as well.