There are quite a few online services that help you locate people in the home maintenance and repair business, including: HomeStars: A database of contractors and tradespeople, with reviews. There were mixed comments about the experience of using this service. One reader said he’s had good success using HomeStars, while a couple of others said […]

Are you in the market for a new home? That’s great – but if you’re not already pre-approved from your mortgage broker, be sure to read on. Pre-approvals are very important for two reasons. They give you confidence in knowing that a specific amount of financing is available for you. A pre-approval can put you […]

New accounting rules adopted by the banks mean they’re paying closer attention than ever before to your financial situation and your home’s value when you renew a mortgage. Mortgage renewals used to be utterly routine – a virtual rubber stamp. Now, if your credit score has taken a hit or your home has fallen in […]

Mortgage rules and the new market If you own a home, or looking to buy one, you probably know about tighter mortgage rules. In case you were unaware, last fall, OSFI, (the Office of Superintendent of Financial Institutions) the agency that regulates the financial industry, announced changes to rules around mortgages. The biggest change, that […]

When it’s cooler outside than inside, open your windows instead of using air conditioning. Use a window fan, blowing toward the outside, to pull cool air in through other windows and to push hot air out. When it’s hotter outside than inside, close your windows and draw window coverings against direct sunlight. On hot days, […]

OTTAWA _ A pair of unexpectedly soft economic reports are creating fresh doubts about the timing of the Bank of Canada’s next interest rate hike. For months, experts have been predicting Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz to raise his benchmark rate at next month’s meeting. But broadening economic unknowns _ mostly linked to trade […]

Did you know you may be eligible for a forgivable down payment loan for your next home purchase! Give us a call 905-357-5366 to see if you qualify The purpose of the Home ownership Program is to: Make home ownership a reality for low to moderate income households in Niagara Ease the demand for rental […]

If you are looking for a new home, be sure you are pre-approved. With a mortgage pre-approval, a licensed mortgage professional can do a more complete verification prior to sending you shopping for a home, and with that done, the dollar figure you are going shopping with is actually what you can spend. The mortgage […]

A report by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. says a recent drop in Ontario home prices isn’t expected to persist.       It says moderate economic growth in the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario generally will provide support for provincial real estate prices in 2018 and 2019. CMHC expects inflation-adjusted home prices in the province […]

Late last week, the Canadian Real Estate Association and real estate information portal Local Logic have announced a new partnership which will see the latter provide property-specific neighborhood data for over 300,000 advertised listings. Local Logic will buttress Canada’s largest real-estate website, REALTOR.ca, with crucial information such as proximity to transportation hubs and vital services, […]