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Will Upcoming Mortgage Renewals Hurt Canada’s Housing Market and Economy? — March Toronto Area Real Estate Market Live Update & Q/A

Each month in this live session, I discuss the latest stats, on the ground realities and answer consumer questions about the Toronto area real estate market right now.

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First We Tried Tiny Condos, Now Are Tiny House Rentals Going to Help Our Housing Crisis?

While Canada may have a massive housing shortage, it suddenly does not have a shortage of ideas to solve our housing crisis. 

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The Longer the First Rate Cut Takes, the Lower Our Variable Mortgage Rates Will Go

Last week the Bank of Canada held its policy rate steady at 5%.

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Are Rates Really Coming Down? + Construction Slump-Led Recession? — Toronto & Vancouver Real Estate

It’s time for our March Toronto-Vancouver real estate roundtable with Urmi, Steve and John!

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New Listings On The Rise in Toronto Area Housing Market

Latest data shows Toronto’s housing market remained competitive in February, but a significant increase in new listings is taking some heat out of the market.

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How Can Toronto Home Prices Stay So High? + Neighbour As Agent? — ‘The Situation’ Consumer Q&A

In our latest monthly consumer Q&A, I respond to the detailed questions that real estate consumers across the GTA are asking now.

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The Bank of Canada’s First Rate Cut Should Not Be Far Off

It will be a shock if the Bank of Canada moves its policy rate when it meets this week.

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Is Toronto in a Housing Bubble That's About to Burst?

Is Toronto in a Housing Bubble That's About to Burst?

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Why Canadian Fixed and Variable Mortgage Rates May Be Heading in Different Directions

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The Impact of Canada’s Changing Immigration Policy: An Interview with Mikal Skuterud

This week, John and I engage in a lively discussion with economist Mikal Skuterud about Canada's changing migration landscape, challenging some common myths, assessing impacts on...

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Condo Rents Are Down - For How Long?

I look into the data to understand why Toronto area condo rents have been falling over the last 5 months.

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Buying or Selling a Tenanted Property - What You Need to Know

There are many things home buyers and sellers need to know if they are considering buying or selling a tenanted property in Ontario. 

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Is Canadian Employment Really as Strong as It Looked Last Month?

A closer look at the data suggests a soft landing may still be elusive. 

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Market Heats Up As Confidence Rises For Now - Feb 2024 Roundtable

The market is heating up as we’re back with our Feb Toronto-Vancouver real estate roundtable with Urmi, Steve and John!

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Toronto Area Housing Market off to a Hot Start in 2024

The housing market in the Toronto area became far more competitive in January thanks to a rapid increase in the number of sales and moderate to no growth in the number of new...

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Why A Recession Is Still the Most Likely Outcome

Last week continued a run of surprisingly strong economic data on both sides of the 49th parallel.

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Are Bidding Wars Back? + When Should I Sell? - 'The Situation' Q/A - Feb 2024

In our latest monthly consumer Q&A, I respond to the detailed questions that real estate consumers across the GTA are asking now.

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Will Canada’s International Student Cap Impact the Housing Market?

The federal government is now scrambling to reign in Canada's spiking foreign student numbers - how will this impact the housing market?

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Five Key Takeaways from the Bank of Canada’s Latest Update

The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 5% last week, as expected.

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Why Demand is More Important Than Supply in Canada’s Housing Affordability Crisis

We return to our semi-regular feature, Move Smartly ideas, where Urmi and John unpack and discuss some of the bigger issues impacting the housing market in Toronto and Canada.

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When Will the Bank of Canada Start to Cut?

The Bank of Canada (BoC) isn’t expected to cut its policy rate when it meets this Wednesday, so the focus this time will be for hints on the timing of when the first one will...

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Pent Up Buyer Demand? + Inflation to Delay Interest Rate Decline? — January Toronto Area Real Estate Market Live Update & Q/A

Each month in this live session, I discuss the latest stats, on the ground realities and answer consumer questions about the Toronto area real estate market right now.

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The Federal Government Knew High Immigration Could Impact Housing Costs

Why did our federal government ignore the warnings if the impact of Canada’s high population growth on housing was so obvious?

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Toronto’s Roller Coaster 2023 Housing Market Ended With 20 Year Low in Sales

The GTA’s housing market ended the year with the lowest number of home sales in over 20 years. 

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The Bank of Canada’s Inflation Pickle

Shelter costs are the biggest component of inflation - so will the Bank of Canada start to measure inflation without it, knowing its own rate moves have an impact?

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Looking Back at 2023 and What’s Next? + Canada’s Debt Crisis?

It’s a New Year — and we’re back with our first roundtable for 2024 on Toronto-Vancouver real estate roundtable with Urmi, Steve and John!

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Canadian Mortgage and Real-Estate Predictions for 2024

This week's Canadian mortgage news and tips from expert David Larock.

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Canadian Mortgage Rates Are Set to Drop Again (Thanks to the US Fed)

The year ends with a likely change to the higher-for-longer interest-rate view.

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Is Toronto's Market Turning a Corner? - December 2023 Market Update

Is Toronto’s housing market turning another corner after being sluggish over the past few months?

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Should I Airbnb, Rent Out Longer or Sell? + Can I Get a Family Home for 500K?

In our monthly consumer Q&A, ‘‘The Situation’, Urmi asks and John responds to the detailed questions that real estate consumers across the GTA have sent in. 

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Five Key Take-Aways from the Bank of Canada’s Latest Policy-Rate Decision

This week's Canadian mortgage news and tips from expert David Larock.

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Do You Own Your Backyard? Are You Sure?

Pawel Kosicki and Megan Munro found they didn’t, and a judge ruled an individual can’t acquire ownership by encroaching on public land, says Bob Aaron.

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The Canadian Economy Is Topping Out. Mortgage Rates Are Too.

This week's Canadian mortgage news and tips from expert David Larock.

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How Should We Really Track Our Housing Needs & Results?

This week on the Move Smartly show - why aren't the 'big' numbers in housing as well known as other economic figures we follow religiously like GDP and inflation targets?

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Ontario’s Broken Housing Plan

When a government fails to do the hard work of planning and investing the necessary capital required for such a big undertaking, it should be no surprise that the political...

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Cooling Inflation Data Are Good News for Canadian Mortgage Rates

This week's Canadian mortgage news and tips from expert David Larock.

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Was it Worth it? Neighbours Spend Big Bucks in Dispute Over Tiny Piece of Land

Does it make sense for neighbours to spend tens of thousands of dollars on legal fees over what a judge described as an insignificant piece of disputed land along the shared...

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GTA Areas With The Biggest Drop in Home Sales

A closer look at the data reveals that the market for low-rise houses and condos is performing unevenly across the Greater Toronto Area’s (GTA) five regions. 

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Olivia Wants Ottawa and Queen's Park to Pay for Toronto Housing - Here's Why I'm Here for It.

Toronto, the biggest city in one of the fastest growing countries in the world, is facing an unprecedented housing availability and affordability crisis. Will the federal and...

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More Good News for Canadian Fixed Mortgage Rates

This week's Canadian mortgage news and tips from expert David Larock.

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High Interest Rates Weigh Down Home Sales - November 2023 Market Update

The current high interest rate cycle, which started in 2022, has continued to push home sales in the Greater Toronto Area to historic low levels. 

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Things Are Going to Be Tough for Canada’s Economy: An Interview with Robert Kavcic

An expert look at Canada’s economy to get some insight into how the broader macroeconomic trends might impact Canada’s housing market in the months ahead.

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Canadian Fixed Mortgage Rates Fell (But by Less Than Expected)

This week's Canadian mortgage news and tips from expert David Larock.

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Pre-Con Fires + Agent Commissions Under Fire — Toronto & Vancouver Real Estate Roundtable - Nov 2023

It’s darker out there in more ways than one — we try to weather it together with our monthly Toronto-Vancouver real estate roundtable for November with Urmi, Steve and John.

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Is Joint Ownership Good or Bad for Estate Planning?

Case shows using joint ownership as an estate planning tool to avoid the payment of probate when one owner dies is risky, writes Bob Aaron.

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Should I Lower the Price on My Condo? + The Family Home Stretch — ‘The Situation’ Consumer Q&A - Oct 2023

In our monthly consumer Q&A, ‘‘The Situation’, Urmi asks and John responds to the detailed questions that real estate consumers across the GTA have sent in. 

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Canadian Fixed Mortgage Rates Are (Finally) Falling

This week's Canadian mortgage news and tips.

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Are Cities Responsible for Canada's Housing Crisis?

For many at the federal level, it's convenient to blame cities for "gate-keeping" and "NIMBY" policies that prevent more housing from being built - is this fair?

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Would You Live in a House Where There’s Been a Murder?

When the value of a house is affected by a history of murder, suicide, ghosts, or hauntings, it is generally referred to as stigmatized, explains Bob Aaron.

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Mortgage Rate Update: What to Make of the Bank of Canada’s Hawkish Hold

This week's Canadian mortgage news and tips.

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Are Toronto Real Estate Investors Rushing to Sell?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that investors are starting to look to deleverage properties in the Toronto are - does the data suggest this is part of a larger trend?

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Why Fixed vs. Variable is Getting More Interesting + Five Key Mortgage Updates

This week in Canadian mortgage news and tips.

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High Interest Rate Blues + Supply Side Grift + More — Toronto & Vancouver Roundtable Oct 2023

We’re back with our October monthly Toronto-Vancouver real estate roundtable with Urmi, Steve and John! 

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As Toronto Housing Market Cools, Inventory Builds - October 2023 Market Update

We are finally starting to see some inventory build up as listings start to increase while sales slow heading into the fall market.

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Why Higher Fixed Mortgage Rates Make Additional Policy-Rate Hikes Less Likely

Weekly update on the latest in Canadian mortgage news and numbers.

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Are Cities Responsible for Canada’s Housing Crisis?

A detailed look at the political, policy and academic arguments that blame cities for our housing affordability crisis to assess how valid they are.
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Thoughts on Diverging US/CDN Economic Momentum, the Mortgage Stress Test, and an Unfair Policy Trapping Many Mortgage Borrowers

We received the latest GDP data for both Canada and the US last week, and today’s post will start with my take on how it will likely impact our mortgage rates over the near term.

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Why Isn’t My Home Selling? + Should I Invest Now? + More — ‘The Situation’ Consumer Q&A - Sept 2023

In our September episode of the consumer Q&A, ‘‘The Situation’, Urmi asks John to respond to the detailed questions that real estate consumers across the GTA are asking right now.

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Thoughts on Inflation, Bond Yields, Rate-Hike Prospects, and Where Canadian Mortgage Rates Are Headed

There was a lot of mortgage-related news last week.

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US Inflation Rises Ahead of the Federal Reserve’s Meeting This Week

What this week's news means for Canadian mortgage borrowers.

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$3 Million Won’t Get You a Mansion in Toronto (and Not Even a Nice Home in West Vancouver ) — Toronto & Vancouver Real Estate Roundtable September 2023

School’s back and it’s time for our monthly Toronto-Vancouver real estate roundtable for September with Urmi, Steve and John!

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Toronto Area Listings Increasing + A Precarious Fall Market - September 2023 Market Update

Toronto’s housing market continued to cool as we moved towards the end of the summer season. 

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Has the Bank of Canada’s Policy Rate Peaked?

The Bank of Canada (BoC) held its policy rate steady last week. That means our variable mortgage and home-equity line-of-credit rates will remain at their current levels, at least...

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Toronto Rents Have Risen 5x Faster Than Historical Trends

It's always felt hard to be a renter in Toronto - but a dig into the numbers shows the problem has gotten much worse.

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What is a Home Buyer Rebate?

It's something that many agents don't like to discuss - here's why.

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Why Another Bank of Canada Rate Hike Is Still Possible

Last week we learned that our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracted by 0.2% in the second quarter on an annualized basis, well below both the consensus forecast of +1.2% and the...

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Canadian Inflation Rises - Will Mortgage Rates Follow?

Last week Statistics Canada confirmed that our headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased from 2.8% to 3.3% in July (annualized).

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The Biggest Risks You Should be Aware of When Working with a Buyer's Agent

With over 60,000 real estate agents working in Toronto, how can you ensure your agent is working properly to best represent your interests?

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An Emoji Can’t Serve As A Signature On A Home Sale Surely, Can It?

Anyone these days can generate an emoji, but without ample evidence to confirm the source, its use is neither efficient, nor reliable, says Bob Aaron.

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US Inflation Rises, and Canadian Inflation Is About to Follow

Your Weekly Canadian Mortgage Update

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The Bull vs Bear Debate for Canadian Real Estate + Trudeau Says Housing Not a Primary Responsibility – Toronto & Vancouver Real Estate Roundtable - August 2023

It's time for our August monthly roundtable — once again, Urmi talks to Steve in Vancouver and John in Toronto about the latest in real estate news and trends.

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Average Home Prices Trending Down in Toronto Area - Toronto Area Real Estate Market Update - August 2023

A closer look at weekly, rather than monthly numbers, reflects the same market slowdown being seen on-the-ground in the Toronto area real estate market.

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Why Today’s Job Losses Won’t Change the Bank of Canada’s Mind

Last week Statistics Canada confirmed that our economy shed approximately 6,000 jobs in July, a far cry from the 20,000 increase that the consensus was anticipating.

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Why a Decent Income is No Longer Enough to Buy a Home in Canada

Just when and why a decent income stopped being enough to buy a home in the Toronto area - and just what is our ever expensive market running on instead?

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Canada’s Population is Booming While Housing ‘Starts’ Tumble

Canada’s population grew by just over 1.2 million people during the second quarter of 2023. 

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How Renters Are Paying the Highest Price for Canada’s Housing Crisis

In our new feature, "Move Smartly Ideas", I talk to Urmi about what I'm reading, writing and talking about right now. 

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Why Canadian Inflation Is About to Move Higher

Weekly Interest Rate Update

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The Bank of Canada Tightens Again

The Bank of Canada (BoC) hiked its policy rate by another 0.25% last Wednesday, as widely expected. That means our variable mortgage rates will increase by the same amount in...

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Sellers See Fewer Bidding Wars as Market Cools - Toronto Area Real Estate Market Update - July 2023

A closer look at weekly, rather than monthly numbers, reflects the same market slowdown being seen on-the-ground in the Toronto area real estate market.

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Start of a Listing Surge? + Canada’s New Population High Inflames Housing Crisis — Toronto & Vancouver Real Estate Roundtable July 2023

It's time for our July monthly roundtable — once again, Urmi talks to Steve in Vancouver and John in Toronto!

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Mortgage Advice: The Best of Today’s (Lousy) Mortgage-Rate Options?

Fixed mortgage rates rose again last week, and the Bank of Canada (BoC) is expected to hike its policy rate by another 0.25% when it meets this Wednesday.

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Canadian Mortgage Rate Update: A Busy Week for New Economic Data

Last week included several data releases that were noteworthy for anyone keeping an eye on Canadian mortgage rates.

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Update: Should You Choose a Fixed- or Variable-Rate Mortgage?

If you’re in the market for a mortgage today, you may be experiencing some sticker shock now that mortgage rates have risen to their highest levels in about twenty years.

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Five Key Mortgage-Rate Related Thoughts

All Canadian mortgage rates moved higher last week.

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How Will an Unexpected Interest Rate Hike Impact Toronto & Vancouver Real Estate? + Who is Investing in Canadian Real Estate?  — June Roundtable

It’s that time again - our June roundtable with Steve in Vancouver and John in Toronto is live!

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The Housing Market Is Still Hot But Likely to Cool - Toronto Area Real Estate Market Update - June 2023

This was the first month since last June that saw house prices increase year-over-year.

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Should Condo Renters Facing Ever Higher Costs Just Do What it Takes to Buy? + Is it the Right Time to Downsize? — ‘The Situation’ Consumer Q&A

In our regular Move Smartly feature, "The Situation," lead contributor John Pasalis responds to the questions that real estate consumers are asking right now.

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The Reinvigorated Real-Estate Sector Compelled the Bank of Canada to Hike

Last week the Bank of Canada (BoC) surprised financial markets by raising its policy rate by another 0.25%. 

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Will the Bank of Canada Hike This Week?

Will the Bank of Canada hike its policy rate when it meets this Wednesday?

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What You Need to Know About Building a Fourplex in Toronto: An Interview with Sean Galbraith

Toronto City Council has just voted turn over the ban on fourplexes in the city's so called "yellow zone" of single family homes - so what does it all mean?

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The Start of (Yet Another) Bull Run in Toronto & Vancouver Real Estate? + Your Audience Questions — May Roundtable

It’s May roundtable time with Steve in Vancouver and John in Toronto!

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Noise About Pickleball Rises in Communities Across the Country

Justice of the peace found noise caused by pickleball was unreasonable and disturbed inhabitants and that this breached town bylaws.

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Canadian Inflation Re-accelerates and Mortgage Rates Rise

The Canadian Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 4.4% on a year-over-year basis in April, up from 4.3% in March.

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In Ontario, It Should Be Illegal to Insist House-Buyers Be of a Particular Nationality

This example shows Ontario’s laws must ensure an end to discrimination in housing throughout the province.

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Why I’m Still Not Buying the Bond Market’s Rate Cut Bets

The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 4.9% on a year-over-year (YoY) basis in April, and by 0.4% on a month-over-month (MoM) basis.

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Zoning Battles in Toronto and Ontario — Why We Need to Build Up Not Out: An Interview with Phil Pothen

Right now, Toronto is seeing a massive shift in housing zoning policies both at the municipal and provincial level.

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Condo Board Penalized For Not Acting Reasonably on Owner’s Reno Request

It failed to consider these fairly, take his concerns seriously, and provide timely responses and decisions during the process.

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Limited Listing Supply Pushes House Prices Up - Toronto Area Real Estate Market Update - May 2023

A 20-year low in the number of homes being listed for sale is causing Toronto area house prices to rise again, despite today's high interest rates.

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What the US Fed’s Pause Will Mean for Canadian Mortgage Rates

Last week the US Federal Reserve joined the Bank of Canada (BoC) when it shifted to the talk-tough-and-do-nothing phase of its monetary-policy cycle.

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Should Canadians Reconsider a Variable-Rate Mortgage?

Last week Statistics Canada confirmed that our GDP increased by 0.1% in February on a month-over-month basis (MoM).

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Recent Buyers Face Problems Due to Rapid Price Drops — ‘The Situation’ Consumer Q&A

In our regular Move Smartly feature, "The Situation," lead contributor John Pasalis responds to the questions that real estate consumers are asking right now.

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Beware of Buying Homes from Builders Who Don’t Own the Land

It’s time to change law to protect consumers who buy pre-construction homes from builders who do not own the land they are built on.

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Is the Bank of Canada Painting Itself into a Corner?

Last week, Statistics Canada confirmed that our Consumer Price Index (CPI) dropped to 4.3% in March on a year-over-year basis, down from 5.2% in February and well below the peak...

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When Did Toronto’s Housing Unaffordability Crisis Start?

Politicians and many media outlets appear to be confused about when home prices began spiralling out of control.

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The Bank of Canada Pushes Back on Bond-Market Expectations

The Bank of Canada (BoC) held its policy rate steady last week, and that was welcome news for variable-rate borrowers who have watched their rates increase by 4.25% over the past...

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Small But Busy Spring Market + Interest Rate Rollercoaster + Supply Hope? — April 2023 Roundtable

It’s finally April, and once again, time for our Toronto and Vancouver real estate roundtable!

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Toronto House Prices Are Trending Up Again - Toronto Area Real Estate Market Update - April 2023

Amidst continuing historically low levels of home sales, the competition for houses is surprisingly intense in Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as demand outpaces listings.

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Three Recent Posts to Get You Ready for the next Bank of Canada Meeting

All eyes will be on the Bank of Canada (BoC) when it meets this Wednesday.

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How Banks Are Making This Housing Market Downturn Different: An Interview with Robert Kavcic

Why Canadian banks are working with buyers to lower payments by extending amortization periods and more.

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Will Strong GDP Growth Bring Higher Mortgage Rates?

In today’s upside-down world, good news for our economy is bad news for our mortgage rates because it increases the likelihood that the Bank of Canada (BoC) will either hike its...

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Why Are Some Mortgage Rates Going Down - An Interview with Rob McLister

A mortgage specialist helps us better understand the headlines that tell us where rates are now - and where rates might be going next.

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More Near-Term Rate Hikes Are off the Table (But So Are Rate Cuts)

When central bankers cranked up their policy rates to combat runaway inflation, they knew that it would create economic pain.

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How Much is a Driveway Dispute Worth, Really? Think Twice Before You Sue!

“Why would anyone pursue seemingly hopeless litigation over the right of way to a mutual driveway?”

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Where’s My Rate Drop?

The inflation debate has suddenly taken a backseat to concerns about systemic financial risk in both the US and Europe.

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Bull Trap Risk + Where Are The Listings + Do We Blame Canada Housing Policy Too Much? — March 2023 Roundtable

It’s March Madness time and also time for another Toronto-Van City Real Estate Roundtable with Urmi, John and Steve!

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What Do Bank Crashes Mean for Canadian Mortgages & More - Live Toronto Market Update - March 2023

Watch my recent live market update chat where I share my report highlights and answer your questions on our Move Smartly YouTube channel.

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Low Supply Heats Up Activity, Bidding Wars Across GTA - Toronto Area Real Estate Market Update - March 2023

In spite of historically low sales levels and high interest rates, the demand bottleneck typical of the first quarter is making its annual appearance.

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Are Some Big Risks to Toronto Home Prices Being Overlooked? — ‘The Situation’ Consumer Q&A

This month, I respond to some of the bigger questions consumers and viewers are asking right now.

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Five Key Updates for Canadian Mortgage Rates

Last week was a busy one for anyone keeping an eye on Canadian mortgage rates.

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Are Local Investors the Cause of High Home Prices?

New statistics show high levels of local investor investment in Ontario's housing market.

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Legal Risks Many Home Buyers and Sellers Aren't Aware Of: An Interview with Sam and Evan Presvelos

Real-life tips from a Toronto legal firm that represents many parties in home buying and selling transactions that run into issues.

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Finally Some Good News for Canadian Variable-Rate Mortgage Borrowers

Let’s start with this week’s most welcome news.

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Inflation Falls, But Bond Yields Rise Anyway

Last week Statistics Canada confirmed that our Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell from 6.3% in December to 5.9% in January on a year-over-year (YoY) basis.

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The End of the ‘Forever’ Family Home?, More Pre-Con Buyer Worries, Zoning Problems and More — ‘The Situation’ Consumer Q&A

I respond to another round of consumers experiencing challenging real estate situations and decisions across the Toronto area right now.

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Tight Inventory Levels Up Only Slightly - Toronto Real Estate Market Update - Feb 2023

Toronto area sales levels continue to hit historical lows, but low listing levels keep prices flat.

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Canadian Hiring Surge Undermines Rate-Cut Bets

Last week we learned the Canadian economy added an estimated 150,000 new jobs in January, ten times higher than the consensus estimate of 15,000.

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What the Data Says About Canada’s Housing Market Now & Next: An Interview with Ben Rabidoux

A data specialist helps us better understand the many factors that tell us where the market is now - and might be going next.

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Was the US Federal Reserve’s Most Recent Hike Really That Dovish?

The US Federal Reserve raised its policy rate by another 0.25% up to a target range of 4.50% to 4.75%.

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How Canada’s Immigration Policies are Driving Up Housing Prices

It's time to assess Canada's immigration policies honestly, for the benefit of all Canadians, new and existing.
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Why We Shouldn’t Over-React to the Bank of Canada’s Rate-Hike Pause

The Bank of Canada (BoC) hiked by another 0.25% last Wednesday. 

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Best and Worst Appreciating Neighbourhoods in the Toronto Area in 2022

During a turbulent year, these GTA neighbourhoods stood out for how well - or badly - their home prices held up. 
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Trends to Look for in Toronto’s Housing Market in 2023

While it's impossible to predict where exactly home prices will go, tracking these key factors can show us which direction is most likely.
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A Look Back at Toronto’s Housing Market in 2022

As the Bank of Canada makes a crucial rate announcement, let's review just how we got to this point.
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Will the Bank of Canada Raise Again This Week?

Most forecasters expect the Bank of Canada (BoC) to hike its policy rate by another 0.25% when it meets this Wednesday.

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Why Softer US Inflation Doesn’t Change My View on Canadian Mortgage Rates

Last week we received the latest US inflation data, for December, and the results came in at or a little below consensus forecasts.

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After a Wild Drop, GTA Home Prices Remain in Uneasy Hold - January 2023 Market Update

2022 home prices are up year-over-year, but this obscures a tumultuous year in which prices hit new highs at the start, fell sharply in the middle, and have stayed flat since.

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The Great Reset, Condo Vultures, Cold Feet and More — January 2023 Roundtable

 New Year, New Roundtable! Urmi talks to John and Steve about what we can expect to see as Canada faces an uncertain housing market in 2023.

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Mortgage-Rate Forecast and Predictions for 2023

Expect more volatility over the next 12 months, where good news equals bad news, and both pivots - and crashes - aren't likely. 

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What is Toronto’s Vacant Home Tax and What Does it Mean for Owners, Buyers & Sellers?

All owners of residential property in the City of Toronto must file an online declaration of the occupancy status of their property before February 2, 2023.

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A Closer Look at Toronto’s Rental Market - Data Dive

Aside from a small dip during Covid, Toronto rents are ever higher for both condos and houses - as buying becomes more out of reach for many.

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Mortgage Woes, Pre-Con Bets and More - 'The Situation' GTA Real Estate Consumer Q&A

In our monthly feature, home owners and would be buyers and sellers ask questions about the complex real estate situations they are facing across the GTA.

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Financial Stress is Building for Canadians

Why this holiday season is unprecedented for reasons beyond this Christmas weekend's 'weather bomb.'

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Canada Bans Foreign Buyers - Will It Matter Now?

After long denying the role that foreign buyers play in Canada's housing market, the federal government and authorities are not targeting the real problem.

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2022: The End of the Free Money Era

What a long, strange trip 2022 has been.

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Canada Faces Real Estate ‘Grind’ + A Bank Governor Apologies — December Roundtable

As we head to the end of 2022, Urmi talks to John and Steve about top real estate stories in Canada & world right now - Canadians facing financial stress as interest rates rise...

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Prices Have Stabilized - for Now - Amidst 20-Year Sales Lows - December Market 2022 Report

Most recent market numbers from November show that prices in the Toronto area market are plateauing - for now.

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Has the Bank of Canada’s Policy Rate Finally Peaked?

The current policy rate is now 4.25% - what's next in the new year?

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The Case for Another 0.50% Bank of Canada Rate Hike

This week, the Bank will be meeting to decide where our interest rates will go next.

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What's Your Situation? Toronto Area Home Owners Share Stress & Questions

In our new series, home owners and would be buyers and sellers share the questions - and tricky situations - they are facing across the GTA.

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Canadian Mortgage Primer: All About Trigger Rates

What you need to know - and why these rates are different from what we saw in 2008 south of the border.

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Canadian Inflation Stopped Cooling Last Month

But it make take some time before inflation starts dropping.

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November 2022 Market Update: 20 Year Lows in Sales - and Listings - Are Keeping Prices Flat

Latest numbers continue to show a stalemate - for now. 

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Champagne Corks Pop in Response to Latest US Inflation Data

Why the celebration is likely premature - and what Canadian mortgage borrowers should do now.

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Canada Tops The Scary Housing List - November Roundtable

In our monthly discussion, Urmi talks to John and Steve about top real estate stories in Canada & world right now - a global housing slump, Canada specific risks and where will...

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The Fed Hiked and Financial Markets Shuddered

Last week was an eventful one for anyone keeping an eye on Canadian mortgage rates.

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The Bank of Canada Hikes by Less Than Expected

Why this isn't the pivot that some have been anticipating.

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Why the Bank of Canada is About to Hike by Another 0.75%

Short-term options for mortgage borrowers do not look enticing - when might things begin to change?

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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly for Toronto Real Estate

The path forward is far from certain - I take a close look at the data to see what might happen next.

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What the US Inflation Surprise Means for Canadian Mortgage Rates

US and Canadian bond yields continued their seemingly inexorable rise last week.

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October 2022 Market Update: New Listings Hit a 20-Year Low in Toronto

September market numbers are out - and I review how they stack up against on the ground realities now.

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Five Mortgage-Rate Thoughts from Last Week

I hope that you all enjoyed a happy Thanksgiving weekend.

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High Interest Rates Alone Are Not Why Toronto Home Prices Are Down

What economic research says about how real estate prices tend to move when the market changes suddenly.

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Why Central Bankers Must Now Let the Fires Burn

And what it means for Canadian mortgage holders.

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When Pre-Construction Home Buyers Face Builder Demands for More Money

Construction problems such as foreseen costs, and shortages of labour and materials, are issues for builders — not purchasers — to resolve.

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The US Fed Raises and Warns It Isn’t Done Yet

And why Canada's rate hiking cycle may not last as long.

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Why Toronto Real Estate Investors Aren’t Rushing to Sell Yet

Rising rents are keeping investors optimistic - for now.

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Why Are So Few Homes Available For Sale in Toronto?

With demand for real estate falling off dramatically, why aren't we seeing the build-up of homes on the market we'd expect?

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Expect Some Tough Love from the US Federal Reserve This Week

Why I believe the US Federal Reserve will surprise markets with more-hawkish-than-expected policy-rate language this week.

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September 2022 Market Update: Toronto Home Prices Level Off Due to Low Inventory

August market numbers are out - and I review how they stack up against on the ground realities now.

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Five Mortgage-Related Thoughts on the Bank of Canada’s Latest Rate Hike

What's happening now and what is likely to happen next.

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More Options for First-Time Buyers Looking for a Family Home

The number of homes listed under the critical $1 million mark increases as the Toronto area real estate market continues to slow down.

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Sept Real Estate Round Table: Toronto & Vancouver Markets Now

This month, Urmi, Steve and John discuss the ongoing market slowdown, next Bank of Canada rate hike and look back to the last high-rate markets of 1981 and 1990 in Canada.

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The Bank of Canada’s Rate-Hike Impacts Are Intensifying

All eyes will be on the Bank of Canada (BoC) when it meets this week.

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These GTA Cities Are Seeing the Biggest Drop in House Prices

Areas that rose the highest during the Covid-boom are falling the most.

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It Can Cost More to Go After Your Buyer Deposit in Court When Deal Fails

Home buyers and sellers can avoid expensive legal judgments with more straightforward options to resolve a contract dispute.

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City of Toronto House Prices Fall to Pre-Covid Levels

Toronto is the first municipality in the GTA to return to pre-pandemic prices.

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Why the Bank of Canada and the Bond Market Are Both Half Right (and Half Wrong)

And why I have decided to alter my near-term rate forecast.

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New Provincial Rules Can’t Stop Pricey Surprise Fees for New Homebuyers

Additional and high closing fees should not be billed to buyers of new builds in the final hours before their deals close.

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August 2022 Market Update: Toronto Area House Prices Down YOY for First Time Since Peak

Average house price down to $1,285,222 in July, down 1% over last year, while average condo prices slid to $738,930, still 7% up over last year.

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How to Adjust Your Home Selling Strategy When Prices Are Falling

In this latest video in a special series, lead contributor, John Pasalis of Realosophy Realty, explains what you need to do to secure a better outcome in an uncertain time.

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Aug 2022 Real Estate Round Table: Toronto & Vancouver Markets Now

Each month, Move Smartly editor, Urmi Desai, sits down with housing analysts & realtors Steve Saretsky in Vancouver and lead contributor John Pasalis in Toronto.

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How to Adjust Your Home Buying Strategy When Prices Are Falling

In the fourth of a special series, lead contributor, John Pasalis of Realosophy Realty, explains how buyers need to be thinking when making offers in a falling Toronto area market.

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How the Latest Employment Data Will Impact Our Mortgage Rates

Here is my take on how US and Canadian employment momentum (or the lack thereof) will impact Canadian mortgage rates.

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Should I Buy While Toronto Homes Prices Are Falling?

It's a question a lot of people are asking me - here's what buyers are really asking and how I respond.

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Inflation, a Labour Bubble, and Another Fed Rate Hike

In today’s post I focus on three economic signposts and explain how they inform my outlook for Canadian fixed and variable mortgage rates.

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Toronto Real Estate Market Faces Economic Conditions Not Seen Since 90s

Why things are different from the last time we saw a market downturn in 2017.

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Five Thoughts on the Bank of Canada’s Jumbo Rate Hike

Here are five key observations relating to last week’s jumbo-sized Bank of Canada rate hike.

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July 2022 Market Update: Toronto Area House & Condo Prices Fall Again

Latest market numbers show that Toronto's house and condo prices falling up to 20% from peaks earlier this year though staying slightly up year-over-year.

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The Bank of Canada Is About to Hike Again

Why a 0.50% increase by the Bank of Canada is a better option than the 0.75% hike the consensus expects this Wednesday.

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New Mortgage-Rule Changes: HELOCs & Reverse Mortgages

Authorities try to reduce the risk of mortgage borrower distress given potential home price drops - but fail to address one rising risk.

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Toronto's Suburban Condo Market Also Slows Down (Faster Than The City)

Since February 2022, condo sales and prices are declining far more rapidly in the suburbs than in the City of Toronto. 

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Gas Prices Are Going Nuts (In Case You Hadn’t Noticed)

A detailed look at last month's inflation data and the implications for Canadian mortgage rates.

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Toronto Real Estate Sales Hit 20-Year Low (Almost)

We haven't seen numbers like this since the height of the onset of Covid-19 pandemic.

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Straight Talk From Our Central Bankers

Let’s try something different this week.

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June 2022 Market Update: Toronto Real Estate Sales Hit Historic Low

Early signs of a slowdown on-the-ground now strongly showing in the latest market numbers.

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Inflation, Jobs, and Mortgage Rates

A contrarian case for inflation and interest rates falling back more quickly than most forecasts predict.

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How to Sell Your Home in a Slowing Market

How you need to adjust your strategy in a suddenly changing market.

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What is Happening with Inflation and Mortgage Rates?

Here's a quick recap to ensure you are on top of the latest news you need to know.

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Toronto Suburban Houses Lose Relative Value

Some areas that saw the fastest price gains during the pandemic are now coming down.

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Good and Bad News About Taxes on the Resale of Pre-Con Properties

A clarification on the amount of HST to be applied to assignment sales after a confusing budget announcement.

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Why Are Some Toronto Area Home Prices Dropping So Quickly?

How consumer - and agent - anxiety is playing a role.

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Inflation on the Brain

The Bank of Canada (BoC) has faced plenty of criticism of late. What does this mean for fixed and variable mortgage rates going forward?

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It's Spring Market Time in Toronto - Why Are Sales Falling?

Over the last decade in the Toronto area, this increase has averaged 8% per year - but not this year. 

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US Inflation Falls in April (Sort of)

Surging prices continue to dominate the headlines, but last week’s US inflation data offered the first glimmer of hope that inflation may finally have peaked.

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May 2022 Market Update: Significant Data Changes as Market Cools

The slowdown we were first seeing on the ground over the past two months is now showing in the numbers.

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Five Thoughts on Last Week’s Mortgage-Related News

And what it means for Canadian mortgages.

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How Higher Interest Rates Will Impact Toronto Home Prices

The big news in the housing market has been surging interest rates.  

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Federal Budget May Rattle the Resale of Pre-Con Condos

How a new measure to target property speculation might disrupt the market.

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The US Fed’s Imminent Rate Hike May Cause a Surprising Market Reaction

Canadian mortgage rates have been on a tear lately.

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Fixed vs Variable: Which One Is Now the Better Bet?

Mortgage rates have surged higher of late.

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Toronto Market Update: Average Home Prices Fall Slightly From Last Month

While March 2022 housing market numbers were well above those of 2021 and 2020, there are some signs of cooling as average prices fall slightly from February.

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Five Thoughts on the Bank of Canada’s 0.50% Rate Hike

Today's post offers five key points from the Bank of Canada's latest communications surrounding its 0.50% policy-rate hike.

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How the 2022 Federal Budget Will Impact Our Real-Estate Markets

In today’s post I outline the new housing-related measures that were announced in the 2022 federal budget and offer my take on their likely impact.

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This Risky Trend in Pre-Construction Purchases is Raising Red Flags

Some buyers are hoping to 'flip' pre-con units before they have to close on - and actually pay for - them.

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How Do Canadian Home Prices Compare Globally?

The numbers show that Canada's home prices standout amongst comparable countries.

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Are Higher Fixed Mortgage Rates Here to Stay?

Today's post compares the risk of borrowing at five-year fixed rates after their recent dramatic rise to the risk that five-year variable rates will surge even higher.

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Toronto’s Suburban Housing Bubble — 1 Year Later

Observers have been worried - but have policy makers done anything to cool  prices in the past year? 

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Why Mortgage-Rate Rises Are About to Pack More Punch

Today’s post explains why the most recent round of fixed-rate mortgage hikes will impact the market in new and significant ways.

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A Property Survey Could Have Prevented These Homeowners From Ending Up In Court

What happens when a neighbour builds a garage that's partly on another neighbour’s property?

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Is Toronto's Real Estate Market Slowing Down?

What I'm seeing in early on-the-ground signs that won't show up in the data until later.

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Toronto Market Update: House Prices Up 31%, Condos 26% Over Last Year

The numbers for February continued to show a hot market.

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The War in Ukraine is a Potent Wildcard for Mortgage Rates

Russia's war on Ukraine has the potential to significantly impact the global economy, and relatedly, our mortgage rates.

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Five Thoughts on the Bank of Canada’s Rate Hike

The Bank of Canada hiked last week and the key questions now are: How fast will its policy-rate rise and how high will it ultimately go?

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Judge Finds Unwise Use of Smart Doorbell in Condominium

An Alberta court decision calls the condo neighbours’ dispute “petty and pointless,” but acknowledges it’s a point of principle.

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How the Supply Side Argument for Housing Affordability Falls Short

Why I believe a more immediate demand-side lever is being overlooked.

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The Bank of Canada Is About to Start Hiking. Now What?

I expect the BoC to hike its policy rate this Wednesday, and in today's post I offer my take on whether variable-rate borrowers should respond by locking in.

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What's Really Pushing Up Toronto's 'Irrational' Home Prices?

What is behind buyer willingness to pay 40 to 50% more per year for homes?

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Top Five Recent Posts About Mortgage Rates and Inflation

Your recent mortgage must-knows all in one place!

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Could Home Prices Fall 20% This Year?

Once again, a leading Canadian authority is sounding the alarm - are they right?

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A New Home Speculation Tax Would Harm, Not Help the Real Estate Market

Bob Aaron: "Home prices would plummet, as they did with the new levy in ’74. I vividly recall that the housing market crashed overnight."

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Why You Need to Take a Course to Buy a Home in Toronto

High prices, intense buyer competition and worries about potential market crashes makes buying a house or condo today a far more complex prospect.

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When Will US Inflation Peak?

US inflation surged higher last week and took our fixed mortgage rates along for the ride. In today's post, I explain why US inflation fear may soon peak out.

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Toronto Market Update: January House Prices Up 25% in 6 Months

Cold weather and snow storms in January did nothing to cool down Toronto’s red hot housing market. 

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Why CDN Bond Yields Surged Despite Big Job Losses

Our economy shed 200,000 jobs in January. Strangely, GoC bond yields surged higher on the same day that news was released, and today’s post explains why.

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Canada's G7-Leading Pop Growth and Housing Impact

How Canada's immigration rate affects home prices

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Could Toronto Home Prices Actually Fall Anytime Soon?

As rising interest rates and other market cooling factors arise, will home prices necessarily fall?

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What's Most Likely to Cool Toronto's Market Right Now?

A closer look at the more likely - though yet to be seen - factors.

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The Bank of Canada Will Be Live at Its Next Meeting

The BoC just confirmed that it will soon begin to raise its policy rate. The key questions for variable-rate mortgage borrowers are: How fast and by how much?

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Why This Man is Selling Off His Toronto Homes to Build in the Metaverse

New listings in a high potential area of east-end Toronto fuel an even bigger vision.

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Social Housing was Jon Harstone’s Passion

He was a successful advocate of affordable homes in Toronto. And he was part of my family.

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Best Performing Neighbourhoods in Toronto Area in 2021 for Condos

Condo buyers were pulled eastward in the search for affordability.

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Best Performing Neighbourhoods in Toronto Area in 2021 for Houses

Suburban area homes are hot in the search for affordability.

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The Latest Inflation Data Are Not as Bad as You Might Think

The bond market is now assigning about 80% odds of a BoC rate hike this Wednesday. I continue to take the other side of that bet, and the latest inflation data helps support my...

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Toronto Market Update: Looking Back at the Year That Was 2021

Record year of 119,532 home sales, surpassing the previous record of 112,288 in 2016.

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Is the Bank of Canada About to Start Raising?

There is widespread speculation that the Bank of Canada (BoC) will start to raise its policy rate at its upcoming meeting on January 26.

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Canadian Mortgage Rate Forecast for 2022

Why five-year variable rates will likely save money versus their fixed-rate equivalents in 2022 (and beyond).

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Ontario Court Supports Pre-Con Home Buyers After Deals Cancelled

A Superior Court justice blocks the resale of pre-construction homes and orders the case to arbitration.

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Can Co-Buying a Condo with This Canadian Start-Up Really Pay Off?

A deeper dig into a new pitch from 'Key'.

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Will Canadian Real Estate Finally Slow Down in 2022?

Experts discuss what's ahead and whether 2022 could bring a more balanced market. 

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Ontario Courts Say Home Buyers Must Confirm Home Size

Prospective purchasers cannot rely on a published listing when it comes to the interior size of a home.

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Is Canada in a Housing Bubble This Time?

Why a change who's behind the demand for homes makes all the difference.

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A Busy Year-End Wrap Up

Normally the news quiets down as we head into the holidays, but last week was packed with important updates for anyone keeping an eye on mortgage rates.

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Toronto Market Update: Demand Surge Outpaces New Listings in November

Colder weather has had no effect on Toronto’s red hot housing market which continued to show signs of heating up last month.

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Five BoC Rate Hikes Next Year? Don’t Think So.

The Bank of Canada held rates steady last week and also pushed back against the bond market’s bet on a more rapid rate-hike timetable.

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How to Avoid Risks When a Buyer Can't Close on a Home Purchase

When a new tax caused a sudden market downturn in the GTA in 2017, fallen through deals proven costly to home buyers and sellers.
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Why Are Young People Giving Up on Toronto?

Over 50% of Generation "Z" have given up on ever being able to afford a home in Toronto.

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Five Key Updates for Mortgage Rates Last Week

Last week had five important updates that have implications for our mortgage rates, spanning from Omicron to the latest employment and GDP data

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Are 'Regular Home Buyers' A Thing Of The Past in Toronto and Vancouver?

Why are we are seeing such a huge increase in those wanting to invest instead of live in our homes?

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Toronto’s Irrationally Exuberant Real Estate Investors

Real buyer demand has explained home prices rises recently, but is a familiar old factor now the story?

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Bond Yields Plunge in Response to New Outbreak Threat

Bond yields plunged on Friday after news of the Omicron coronavirus variant broke. 
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How Home Equipment Rentals Can Lead To Unexpected Property Liens

Always read the fine print when you rent home equipment like furnaces, A/C, HVACs and water softeners. 

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What Will Higher Interest Rates Do to Home Prices?

The Bank of Canada indicates that rate hikes are likely to come soon. What does that mean for the market?

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Inflation Rises Again, But Not the Component That Matters Most

Our Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to its highest level in 19 years last month, but the CPI component that matters most of all still lags.

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Bats in the Bedroom Are Not the Home Seller’s Fault, Says a B.C. Court

A fair ruling or is it just downright batty? 

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Is It Time for Variable-Rate Borrowers to Lock In?

The steady drumbeat of inflation warnings have variable-rate borrowers wondering whether they should lock into a fixed rate.

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Toronto Market Update: Median Now $1.3M for Houses, $660K for Condos

The Toronto Area real estate market once again posted strong numbers in October.

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What Could Rising Interest Rates Mean For House Prices?

With interest rates rising, could Canadian housing prices finally start to cool?

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Thoughts On Fed Tapering, Job Reports and Rate-Hike Hype

Today’s post highlights what the US Fed said last week, offers my take on the latest US and CDN employment data, and explains why I think the rate-hike hype is getting to be a bit...

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Can Zoning Bring Home Prices Down?

Ontario realtors are now joining experts and activists in calling for zoning rule changes to address Toronto's housing supply problem.

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A Closer Look At Toronto’s Housing Supply Problem

A deep data dive takes us past some familiar complaints to find the real reasons our supply of homes can't meet demand.  

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Will the Bank of Canada’s Hawkish Turn Quell Inflation Fears?

A self-reinforcing cycle of higher expected inflation leading to higher actual inflation is the primary risk that central bankers now face.

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‘The Exorcist’ History of Their House Surprised, Entertained, New Owners

One spooky surprise taught these homeowners an important lesson about disclosure.

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Is Canadian Real Estate High Risk Right Now?

How seriously should we take the latest alarm from Canada's top housing authority?

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Are Variable-Rate Mortgages Too Risky?

Variable mortgage rates can seem like a scary option in these uncertain times, but are they really that risky? My answer might surprise you.

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Vacant Home Tax Survey + Multi-Property Owners The New Norm

In Toronto: Multiple-property owners are now the largest slice of homebuyers as Toronto real estate is 'insanely competitive" right now.

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Toronto & Vancouver Real Estate is 'Insanely Competitive' Right Now

Here is what these experts think you can expect for the fall market in Canada.

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The Real Issues With For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Properties

Why a recent CBC investigation into unethical behaviour by some buyer agents fails to tell the full story.

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Why Tapering Will Delay Rate-Hike Timetables

While bonds and the fixed-mortgage rates they are based on may rise, policy rate hikes - and variable rate rises - are less likely.

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Ontario Needs A Lot More Homes + Swiss Bank Sounds Canada Alarm

In Toronto: Unrealistic seller expectations cause home price jumps and Ontario needs to add more homes than it ever has before just to keep up with population growth.

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Help With Bad Tenants Is On The Way For Condo Owners

Starting in January, changes to the Condominium Act may provide owners with more help dealing with a difficult or disruptive tenant.
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Canadian Employment Surges and Bond Yields Spike Again

Here's what this may mean for our mortgage rates.

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A 'Critical Juncture' For Toronto + A Red Hot September

In Toronto: As September sees another jump in Toronto house prices, the industry calls on government to do something about supply.

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Toronto Market Update: House Prices Jump Up in Sept After Holding Steady

Average house prices jump up after months of holding steady as new listings remain historically low and average condo prices rise slightly.

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Do You Have A Licence For Your Home’s Front Yard Parking?

Buying a house with a "private drive" may not be as straightforward as you'd think in Toronto.

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What Does the Liberal's Win Really Mean for Canadian Real Estate?

The Liberals have proposed many changes to Canadian housing policy - which of these are likely to happen and what will their impacts be?

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Why Managing Inflation Today Is Such a Sticky Wicket

Will continuing inflation worries in the wake of Covid-19 lead to tightening monetary policy - and the resulting impacts on mortgage rates?

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The Fight Against Zoning Laws + CMHC Says Vulnerability Risk Is 'High'

In Toronto: The fight against NIMBYism in the city zeroes in on restrictive zoning laws and a city council decision on rooming houses. 

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Will Re-Elected Liberals Help Canada's Housing Crisis?

Our recent federal elections revealed how much Canadians are worried about housing unaffordability - but post-election, will anything change?
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The US Fed Talks Taper and Bond Yields Soar

What America's top financial body's next move may mean for Canadian mortgage rates.

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Toronto Needs More Houses + How The Liberal Minority Will Impact Housing

In Toronto: Houses are being built in Canada, just not here. Find out why, along with how September distractions - read: federal election - have distracted the market. 

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What Happens When a Home Is Damaged Before New Buyers Move In?

A Superior Court decision in August provides valuable guidance on how buyers and sellers should act when a property suffers substantial damage before closing.

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Thoughts on Inflation (and Its Impact on Mortgage Rates)

Inflation will likely be a longer-term issue for Canada - but it may not affect our interest rates immediately.

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Federal Leaders Make Final Housing Push + What It Means For Toronto

In Toronto:  What happened to house prices in this city under the leadership of Justin Trudeau and how the federal parties aim to remedy the GTA's housing problems. 

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Federal Elections 2021: Assessing the Housing Policy-Palooza

We are finally outraged about high home and rent prices enough to have Canadian politicians pledging to do something about it - will any of the proposals actually work?

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How Toronto Home Affordability Ran Away Under Justin Trudeau

A look back on how housing affordability became one of the hottest issues in today's Canada.

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Toronto Market Update: Only 4,001 Houses for Sale in Aug As Listings Drop

A 56% decline from inventory levels year-over-year as the fall market is expected to remain as competitive as it has been this summer.

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Federal Election Primer: Mortgage-Specific Proposals

Of the many measures being put forward, which proposals will actually help Canadians with housing affordability?

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'Housing Now' Stuck + Solving Climate Crisis While Building Homes

In Toronto: Where does Housing Now stand some three years later and what one central Toronto riding thinks when it comes to the election and housing. 

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The Bank of Canada’s Tough Spot

It's hard for the Bank not to acknowledge that our economy is stalling and that rates will likely need to stay put.
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Supply Hits Decade Low In GTA + Federal Housing Policies 'Not Enough'

In Toronto: The housing supply in the GTA hits its lowest level in a decade as measures in federal party platforms leave much to be desired. 

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How Gambler’s Hope Perpetuates Toronto Bidding Wars

Home buyers routinely go for stressful and inefficient plays in the strange game that is Toronto real estate - here's what to do instead.

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A Homebuyer Should Know If They — Or Their Lawyer — Will Get The Title Insurance Referral Fee

When a title insurer pays a referral fee to a lawyer for arranging a policy on a client’s property purchase, who should get the benefit of the fee — the lawyer or the client?

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The US Fed Maintains Its Slow-and-Steady Approach

 Why US authorities are going slow on winding up Covid economic responses - and how our mortgage rates will be affected.
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Condo Frenzy Rages On + T.O Housing At 'Crisis Point'

In Toronto: Don't call it a comeback, but the Condo market is on fire. We explained how it happened and why in our Move Smartly feature. 

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Will Campaign Promises to Curb Foreign Buyers Actually Bring Down Canadian Home Prices?

Ahead of our fall election, all of Canada's political parties are full of ambitious housing policy pitches.

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The Big Toronto Condo Rental Comeback

Following the pandemic-induced slowdown, the number of leased condo units has returned to a historically high level.

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The Current Case for Variable-Rate Mortgages

There is much to suggest that rates will remain low - provided borrowers can tolerate the risk.
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A Centuries-Old Law Requiring Ontario Landowners to Work on Local Roads is Coming Off the Books

Until now, Ontarians who own land could have legally been made to maintain public roads - not a job most are equipped for. 

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Housing Big On GTA Voters' Minds + Where The Federal Parties Stand

In Toronto: GTA voters have their eyes on the federal parties and their housing platforms as downtown rents rise again. 

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What Our Leaders Won't Say About Housing

As Canada heads into an election this fall, here's a closer look at two policy areas that need to be better linked to tackle housing affordability.

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US Inflation Still Hot, But Leveling Off

While North American inflationary pressures in the wake of Covid-19 are a risk - there are signs that such pressures - and the impact they may have on our mortgage rates - may be...

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Toronto Market Cooling, Competition Still High + Is WFH Ending?

In Toronto: Cooling market still remains competitive as new house listings plummet and downtown rental demand rebounds.

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Toronto Market Update: Cooling But Still Competitive As New House Listings Down 37%

July's market numbers show that new listing supply for houses is falling faster than for condos.

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Employment Growth Surges, But So Do US Infection Rates

Why Canada and US vaccination rates may impact our economic recoveries - and our mortgage rates - more than job reports normally do.
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Condo Comeback Here To Stay + Priced Out Millennials Leave Cities

In Toronto: While home sales might have dropped, prices roses again in July and the condo market regains its footing.

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Are Investors to Blame for High House Prices?

How differing beliefs about the housing market between buyers and investors leads to very different market outcomes.

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New September Holiday Will Affect Purchase and Sale Closing Dates

If you are buying a selling a home, avoid scheduling your closing date on September 30.

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Thoughts on Last Week’s US Federal Reserve Meeting

Why it is unlikely that the the Bank of Canada will raise the rates that affect our mortgages ahead of its US counterpart.

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Ontario Place Plans Feature Uncertain Timeline + Toronto Gets $132M For Housing

In Toronto: New plans for Ontario place, some homeowners under 35 are property rich, and the city gets $132M from the feds for housing. 

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A Closer Look at the GTA's Cooling Market

Signs that the market is still moving quickly, but not as out-of-control as it was months ago.

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Mortgage-Rate Primer: Five Key Recent Posts

Here's the latest on news and developments  that may impact Canadian mortgage rates. 

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What Expensive Housing Really Costs Toronto + Why Are US 'Blue' Cities So Unaffordable?

In Toronto: As real estate market slows, sellers are readjusting expectations and a new study shows how much expensive GTA housing costs our overall economy.

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My Take on the Bank of Canada’s Latest Forecasts

How the Bank's thinking may impact our mortgage rates. 
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Toronto Market Report: Average GTA House Price Stays At $1.3M Since Feb

The Toronto area market is still competitive and favouring sellers - but things are cooling down.

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Toronto Slowdown Hits 3rd Month + Why is Chicago Housing Cheaper?

In Toronto: A summer sales slowdown continues into its third month, why is TO so expensive relative to Chicago and Toronto punts rooming house decision. 

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Does Toronto Have a Supply or Demand Problem?

There are always some that will perennially argue that a lack of supply is the only problem behind high home prices in Toronto - but it's not that simple.

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What Trigger Could Make Toronto Area Home Prices Fall?

When thinking about what might trigger a decline in home prices, there are generally two broad categories — a fundamental trigger and a behavioural trigger.

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What it will take for Toronto and Vancouver prices to fall?

Realosophy Realty's John Pasalis and Oakwyn Realty's Steve Saretsky join Jessy Bains from Yahoo Finance to discuss what is preventing home prices from decreasing in Toronto...
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Should You Buy a Home in Toronto's Overheated Market Today?

Is it financially safe and worth making so many other sacrifices - like a long commute or living on a busy street - to get into the Toronto area housing market right now?

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Canadian Employment Surges, But Bond Yields Don’t

The numbers suggest an economic recovery is underway, will higher mortgage rates follow?

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Where Can You Buy a House in the Toronto Area for 700K?

In the GTA's overheated market, even first-time buyers with good incomes are finding it nearly impossible to afford a home without long commutes to the city.

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Why the US Employment Data Are Key for Canadian Mortgage Rates

A key factor to watch will be the cost of worker wages which have risen as the economy re-opens.

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Five-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Are Back at a Crossroads

Bond yields are moving up, but trends, from US in particular, will also impact where Canadian fixed mortgage rates go.
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Toronto Area Market Cools & Confuses + Hamilton Joins 'Unaffordable' List

In Toronto: A confusing time for buyers as the market suddenly cools...for most homes.

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How Will Canadian Mortgage Rates Be Impacted by New US Rate Timetable?

The US Federal Reserve has moved up its projected increases up from 2023 to 2024 as debate over inflationary pressures continues.

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The 'Financialization’ of Housing Hits Canada + Demand Lessens In T.O

In Toronto: The big Realosophy monthly report is out, which indicates a downward trend in sales from last March's peak. 

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Toronto Market Report: May Sales Up YOY But Down from March Peak

House sales of 7,825 in May are up 157% over last year - but this is due to the anomalies of the COVID-19 lockdown last year - and sales volumes have been trending down since...

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Is it Possible That Canadian Real Estate Prices Have Hit Their Peak?

Realosophy Realty's John Pasalis and Oakwyn Realty's Steve Saretsky join Jessy Bains from Yahoo Finance to discuss at whether the real estate market can get any hotter or if...
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Five Observations About the Bank of Canada’s Latest Policy Statement

The Bank of Canada (BoC) held a steady course at its meeting last week, but where will mortgage rates go from here?

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No Housing Pullback In Sight + Home Ownership 'Distant Dream' For Many

In Toronto: Don't expect a pullback in the housing market anytime soon as sellers are poised for a post-COVID-19 blitz.

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Another year without a pullback in the housing market - What does it mean?

Will a pullback in the market lead to lower average home prices in the coming months or will prices stay high throughout 2021? What would it take to bring down the average cost of...

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Why Would a Real Estate Brokerage Warn About a Housing Bubble?

Why only reporting upbeat and positive information is the domain of old school real estate brokerages.

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The US and Canadian Employment Data Disappoint (Again)

Latest economic data suggests Canadian mortgage rates will hold steady.

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Toronto Home Sales Slow in Lockdown, But Prices Ever Higher + Condo FOMO

In Toronto: Prices ever higher, sales slow down during lockdown, and confessions from those couldn't  - and wouldn't - buy in a home Toronto now.

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Fixed or Variable Mortgage? Let the Current Inflation Debate Be Your Guide

With even experts mixed on where inflation will go, mortgage holders should dig into the debate to decide for themselves.

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$1 Dollar Listings Hit Toronto + Higher Property Taxes to Cool Home Prices?

In Toronto: Clever billboard spotlights Toronto's out-of-reach home prices and a dubious new listing tactic.

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Is Investor Demand for Condos Already Up Again?

As agents suggest that demand from investors for Toronto condos has likely exceeded pre-pandemic levels, we dig into the numbers to see.

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The Mortgage Stress-Test Rate Increases to 5.25% On June 1st

Out catching rays? Here's a quick catch-up on key news that relates to your mortgage.

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Toronto Tops Unaffordable Rankings + BoC Warns Price Spike 'Not Normal'

In Toronto: The city once again ranks as one of the least affordable cities in North America + How can we tackle unaffordability? 

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US Inflation Spikes to Its Highest Level in More Than a Decade

The inflation bogeyman has arrived - but does that mean higher mortgage rates?

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Buyers Exiting Toronto's House Market + Canada's Cost Of Living Crisis

In Toronto: Some buyers exit the market after an exhausting winter as the market for houses shows signs of cooling. 

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Toronto Market Report: 73% of Homes Sell Over Asking - But Signs of Cooling in April

The most important trend of note now is the start of a gradual cooling down in the market for houses across the Greater Toronto Area.

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Disappointing Canada Employment Data Portends Less Inflation (and Lower Mortgage Rates)

Lower Canada jobs numbers could be attributed to our continued lockdowns - but why is the US jobs recovery also lagging amidst high vaccination rates?

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Detatched Home Market Cools + CMHC forsees 14% price increase

In Toronto: The detached home market is cooling but the condo sales slump appears to be over with sales reaching pre-pandemic levels. 

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Court Lets Home Sellers Keep $20K Buyer Deposit After Size Dispute

Can a buyer terminate a transaction and get their deposit back if the published listing significantly overstates the size of a house?

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Why the Bank of Canada Won’t Hike Before the US Fed

In spite of the BoC's most recent statement signalling earlier rate hikes, variable rate mortgage borrowers may not want to lock in just yet.

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What $716K Gets You Across Canada + Home Buyer Complaints on Rise

In Toronto: In Toronto and Vancouver many own more than one home + homebuyer complaints on the rise.

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Interest Rate Update: The Bank of Canada Blinks

Is the Bank of Canada shifting away from rates staying ultra low - and should mortgage borrowers lock in now?

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Condo Market Springs Back + Federal Government Banks On Supply

In Toronto: The condo market sales spring back to life while vacancies remain high and is the exodus from the core over?

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When Quick Home Flipping Gets the CRA's Attention

Canadians who buy, renovate and sell homes quickly use the principal residence gain tax exemption to enhance their profits - but there may be limits.

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How Does the Canada Federal Budget Impact Home Buyers & Sellers?

While the federal budget won't make homes more affordable in Canada, average buyers and sellers won't be impacted by policy-induced market shocks either.

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An Important Week Ahead for Canadian Mortgage Rates (and Real Estate)

These are tumultuous times for both Canadian mortgage rates and real estate.

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What Should the Government Do About Canada's Overheating Real Estate Market?

Ahead of this Monday's Federal Budget, John Pasalis shares his views on what our politicians should do to make Canadian homes more affordable.

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All Eyes On Federal Liberal Budget + Toronto Family Home Dream Dead?

In Toronto: All eyes are on potential housing market measures in Canadian federal government's budget on Monday, in a year in which the Toronto family home dream appears to have...

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Toronto Market Report: Highest Number of Sales Pushes Average Home Price to $1.1M in March

With 79% of houses and 63% of condos selling over the asking price in a pandemic no less, average home buyers are stressed - and confused.

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The Stress-Test Rate Used for Uninsured Mortgages Is About to Rise

Canada banking regulator tries to cool rising house prices as of June 1st - but are they taking the right approach? 

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Federal Liberal Government Admits Our Real Estate Market Works For Foreigners Not Canadians

A frank admission acknowledges what many have been saying - but does the government really care?

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Toronto Average Home Price Rockets to $1.1M + Officials Try to Cool Market

In Toronto: Amidst a pandemic, Toronto home sales and prices continue to rocket - and this time, suburbs and outburbs are part of the ride.

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What Can Be Done About Rising House Prices?

It's easy to blame interest rates for Canada's current housing unaffordability, but housing policy makers could do more amidst a pandemic-economic crisis.

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Toronto Condo Market Hot Again + Housing Debt Alarms Bank of Canada

In Toronto: Condo market competitive again and home sellers thinking about cashing in on a hot market wonder where they could afford to buy.

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Does Toronto Have a Home Supply Problem?

This month we explore low inventory levels and demand shock in Toronto's housing market. 

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Mortgage Recap: What You Need to Know Now

In a rare week of no new Canada mortgage news, it's a good opportunity to make sure your mortgage planning is in tune with current realities.

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Housing Regulator: T.O. 'High Risk' + 'Flipping' Draws BOC Attention

In Toronto: Regulators finally sound the housing alarm, but is it too late as bidding wars continue to heat up? 

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Shared Spaces: What Can You Do to Common Condo Elements?

Privacy screens and video cameras out while religious decorations allowed in recent Ontario legal rulings on shared condo building/townhouse spaces.

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Government Cool Down Likely to Target Investors vs First Time Buyers

What action should policy makers take to mitigate Canada's runaway home prices - and what are they most likely to do?

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Are the Bank of Canada and CMHC Fuelling a Housing Bubble?

This month we explore the booming housing market in Toronto and across Canada and how new macro-prudential policies can be introduced to help cool the market. 

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Central Bank vs. the Bond Market: Round Two

Where will things go in the ongoing fight between the central banks and the bond market - and what should mortgage borrowers do?

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A Wild Year for Toronto Condos + The Unrelenting 'Canadian Housing Boom'

In Toronto: A wild year for the condo market and Toronto's housing bubble gets international attention.

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How FOMO is Sending Canada's Home Prices Soaring

Why mortgage rate increases are unlikely to dampen buyer enthusiasm, how the Bank of Canada is contributing to it and more.

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Prince Edward County Real Estate: Disconnected From Reality

Over the last several months, prices for PEC homes have become disconnected from reality. 

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The Incredible Turnaround of Toronto's Condo Market

This month we do a data dive on the City of Toronto’s volatile condo market over the past year. 

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The Fight Between the Bond Market and the Bank of Canada

Where will things go for variable and fixed rate mortgage borrowers?

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Toronto's Affordability Crisis + Experts Sound Canada Bubble Alarm

In Toronto: The affordability crisis in the city cannot be ignored, as demand continues to flourish with little supply.

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Toronto Market Report: 79% of Houses Sell Over Asking in February

'Excessive exuberance' on display in the Toronto area real estate market right now.

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Fixed or Variable Mortgage Rate - Which One Should You Choose?

With fixed rates rising, should you be changing your game plan?

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CMHC Acknowledges Its Bad Market Forecast

A closer look at some surprising real estate stories this week.

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Toronto Area RE Bubble Concerns + Average Home Price Surpasses $1M

In Toronto: It's bubbling, that much is clear. What's next for Toronto's red-hot housing market? Very expensive dilapidated garages.  

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Look Out for Work Orders and Permits Before You Buy

Who is responsible when a home is so defective that it is deemed unsafe to occupy?

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Fixed Mortgage Rates Rise on Inflation Fears

Sometimes inflation fears cause more inflation, but there are signs this spike in Canada is temporary. 

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Authorities Acknowledge Housing 'Overheating' + Return Of The Flippers

In Toronto: Bubble signs abound in the city as the CMHC acknowledges a soaring housing market and the return of flippers.

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How Do You (Finally) Win a Bid for a Home in a Crazy Market?

With some homes getting up to 30 offers in the Toronto area right now, how can you get ahead as a buyer? 

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Canadian Fixed Mortgage Rates Are About to Rise

Five-year fixed mortgage rates are on the way up in response to the growing consensus belief that US inflationary pressures will rise quickly. 

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Toronto Real Estate Back To Madness + Examining The Suburban Bubble

In Toronto: An in-depth look at the Toronto suburban housing bubble and where we go from here.  

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Prince Edward County: What Will Happen When The Bubble Ends?

With shortage of listings and continued demand from Toronto migrants, the real estate market was firmly in bubble territory with a price increase of 41%.

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How is Real Estate on Fire While Jobs Are on Ice?

Debt Free in 30's Doug Hoyes talks to John Pasalis about the pandemic lockdown, government policy, buyer fatigue and more

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Key Mortgage Tips to Know Now

Happy Family Day to Move Smartly Readers! Here's a review of top mortgage tips for 2021. 

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Stats Behind Toronto Suburbs Bubble +  Home Prices To Surge 10%

In Toronto: The suburban house market is bubbling and what it means, plus where are condo prices rising the fastest? 

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Toronto’s Suburban Housing Bubble

This month we look at Toronto's emerging housing bubble in the suburbs, how it's different from 2017 and how it will end this time around. 

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Home Inspections - Who is Liable?

Can a home inspector avoid legal responsibility if there is an exclusion of liability clause in the inspection contract?

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Lockdowns Trigger a Job Loss Spike and Bond Yields Rise Anyway

While lockdowns have lowered infection rates and saved lives, it has negatively impacted our economic momentum and will ultimately add to the time needed for our society to...

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Fewer Houses for Sale Fuelling Toronto Price Increases

Realosophy's John Pasalis talks to Yahoo Finance on the record highs in real estate and why work from home, low inventory, bidding wars, and the Bank of Canada raises housing...

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The Data On Toronto Urban Exodus + Can, Auz Real Estate Pandemic-Proof

In Toronto:  The numbers behind the urban exodus and the search for condo affordability, fierce bidding for Toronto homes and a condo bounce back.

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Best Performing Neighbourhoods in Toronto and the GTA - Condos

In this post we look at the condominium neighbourhoods within the Toronto and GTA area that have performed well in terms of home price appreciation during 2020. 

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Best Performing Neighbourhoods in Toronto and the GTA - Houses

Given the year we’ve had and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s interesting to note which neighbourhoods within the Toronto and GTA area have performed well in terms of...

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Mortgage Rates Depend on Who Wins Between the Virus and the Vaccine

We are in the middle of a race between the virus and the cure, and both the timing and the outcome are still very much in question. The direction of mortgage rates depend on who...

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Toronto Bully Bidders Back + Rental-Condo Listings Jump 132%

In Toronto: Even the bullies are locking heads in a red-hot housing market, while rental-condo listings jump an exorbitant amount. 

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The Expensive Rules of Property Easements

Homeowners are allowed use the surface of a property easement, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the utilities underneath. If it does, costs add up. 

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2021: The Year Ahead — What's Next for Toronto Real Estate?

In this month's Move Smartly report, we look at key trends to keep an eye on in the Toronto real estate market during 2021.

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The Bank of Canada Finds Vaccine Fueled Hope

Five insights into the Bank of Canada's optimistic forecast due to falling infection rates and large-scale vaccinations, and what that means for your mortgage. 

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Seller Fatigue Hits TO Condos + Rental Vacancy Rate Hits 50-year High

In Toronto: Suburbs becoming unaffordable; seller fatigue in condo market as rental vacancy rate hits a 50-year high in the city. 

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2020: Year in Review — COVID-19 Impacts on Toronto Real Estate

In this month's Move Smartly report, we look back at 2020 and how COVID-19 impacted the Toronto real estate market. 

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A Worst Case Scenario for Your Mortgage

We're in for a tough winter but there's hope. Forecasters expect our economy to rebound robustly and inflation to surge, as consumers spend the cash they saved during the...

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Trolling For Condo Deals + A Home Sales Record For 2020

In Toronto: Life returns to the condo market, led by investors looking for value,  plus pandemic vaccine creates 'safe' feeling lifting real estate markets to new highs. 

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Why are Home Prices Expected to Keep on Rising?

Realosophy's John Pasalis talks to Yahoo Finance about why Toronto's real estate market broke records during what's usually a quiet holiday season.

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Prince Edward County: Seller’s Market Continues But Will It Last?

The strong seller’s market in Prince Edward County continued in December - for how long depends on second wave Covid-19 lockdowns impact on incomes.

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Readers Views: Who Keeps the Cash Left Behind in a Home?

What happens when home sellers leave behind possessions, or even cash? Should buyers keep their findings or return it to the sellers? 

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Investors Return to Downtown Toronto Condos As All Sales Surge in Dec

Realosophy's John Pasalis talks to BNN's Greg Bonnell about record month in which sales surged 64.5 per cent year-over-year amidst double-digit gains in all property types. 

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Will Job Losses Hasten the Bank of Canada’s Next Rate Cut?

How COVID's second wave will impact unemployment and overall business, increasing the likelihood for another Bank of Canada rate cut.  

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Toronto Condo Investors Set Floor + New Zealand's Housing Wealth Gap

In Toronto: Home prices broke records in 2020, condo prices appear to stop declining, and the challenges of making housing affordable in this city. 

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When Will Toronto’s Downtown Condo Market Return to Normal?

This month's Move Smartly report discusses when Toronto's downtown condo market will return to normal and the many vulnerabilities it faces. 

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2021 Interest Rate Update

Happy New Year to Move Smartly Readers! Here's a look at the current consensus forecast and the fixed and variable mortgage rates for the year ahead. 

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Toronto's Busy Holiday Market + Remote Work's Seismic Impact

In Toronto: Virtual light show instead of fireworks, soaring prices should worry policy makers heading into the new year and a condo recovery could be coming.

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Are Home Buyers the Keepers of $500K Discovered During Renovations?

A couple in Edmonton find $500,000 while renovating their new home. Finders, in Canada though, are not necessarily keepers.

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Top Mortgage Tips Now: Holiday Edition

A very Happy Holidays to Move Smartly Readers! Here's a review of top mortgage tips to take you into 2021 given the crazy year that was. 

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Bubble Like Appreciation in Toronto's Suburbs

This month's Move Smartly report investigates the rapid acceleration in demand and house prices in Toronto's suburban markets. 

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Durham Region Home Prices Spike + Small Condo Investors Struggle

In Toronto: Durham region home prices spike due to Toronto exodus + Mom and Pop condo investors struggle.

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Why Another Bank of Canada Rate Cut May Be on Its Way

How concerns about the Canadian dollar rising against its U.S. counterpart may affect our mortgage rates going forward.

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Top Five Things to Know About Your Mortgage Right Now

These are the key factors that will impact Canadian mortgages and rates going forward.

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Toronto Eyes Vacant Home Tax + Liberals Circle Back On Foreign Buyers

In Toronto: A vacant home tax could be coming, but is it too late? Plus, why the downtown core is key to the condo recovery. 

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What Will Happen to Canadian Mortgage Rates When the Pandemic Ends?

Why predictions of a quick resolution to the pandemic - and rising mortgage rates - may be premature.

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Will Condo Slowdown Impact Detached Market + Developers Target Suburbs

In Toronto: What the condo slowdown could mean for the rest of the market and buyers grow shy in heated environment. 

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The Best and Worst Performing Condos Today

With the Toronto condo market cooling, this month's Move Smartly report investigates which condos are to watch - and which to avoid.

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Why Spiking Inflation Won’t Impact Canadian Mortgage Rates

Inflation spiked last month.

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TO Condo Prices Continue Drop + Covid's Digital Nomads

In Toronto: Condo prices are down 9% from peak and a new study uncovers stark inequality in renting conditions. 

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Have Canadian Mortgage Rates Bottomed?

Bond yields, which fixed mortgage rates are based on, have recently surged, but is this just a blip?

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Toronto Condo Prices Down 9% from Peak

Our lead story in this month's Move Smartly Report unpacks conflicting reports about the condo market.

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Young Tenants Ditch Tiny Condos + Investors Watch And Wait

In Toronto: Young tenants are leaving tiny condos in the city's core, but for investors, it's time to watch and wait. 

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Will October Mark the End of Canada’s Employment Recovery?

With a slowing job recovery and Covid resurgent, mortgage rates are likely to fall further - here's how to take advantage.

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Condo Panic In GTA + Detached Homes Average $1.2M

In Toronto: Housing prices hit new record, but downtown condo sales continue to fall and alarm investors. 

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Fixed- or Variable-Rate Mortgage? Right Now It’s No Contest

With the Bank of Canada keeping its policy low last week and until 2023, the fixed vs. variable debate is an unusually one-sided one right now.

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House Sales Still Up, Condo Rents Plunge + Big Banks Not Worried

In Toronto: Single-family homes sales continue unabated while condo rents have plunged and Canada big banks not worried about real estate market.

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Price Edward County Real Estate Unsustainable Due to Covid Demand

Extraordinary demand coupled with low listings are making County real estate unsustainable.

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Buying and Selling During a Pandemic – What to Do First?

As the gap widens between Toronto's hot market for houses and a cooling market for condos, it's more important than ever to put your moves in the right order.

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Canadian Inflation Ticks Higher But Impact Remains Subdued

Why inflationary pressures will do little to impact our declining mortgage rates.

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Exodus To Ontario's Small Markets + Canada's Money Laundering Problem

In Toronto: Smaller markets in Ontario gain as exodus out of Toronto continues and safety concerns in the city's 'ghost hotels.' 

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Why the Bank of Canada Ending Mortgage Bond Buying May Matter

Will financial markets remain confident in Canadian real estate as the BoC winds up and keep our mortgage rates at their present lows?

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Home Prices Up, Tiny Condos Down + Poloz Not Really Worried

In Toronto: Home prices soar on pent-up demand due to the pandemic, while tiny condos and condo rents are down.

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Why Are Condo Units for Rent Surging in Toronto?

This month, The Move Smartly Report digs into where Toronto's surge in condo rental supply is coming from.

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Canadian Employment Surges - But For How Long?

Why we are not out of the Sugar Maples by a long shot.

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Toronto Condos For Sale Surge 215% + Cities Most at Risk of Bubbles

In Toronto: Real estate prices and sales were at a high in September, but Condo-geddon looms as listings surge 215%. 

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Will July’s Surge in Canadian Economic Momentum Continue?

While initial numbers have been encouraging, the recovery is now proving to as sluggish as predicted.

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Five Must-Read Posts about Canadian Mortgages and Rates

Essential fall reading to ensure your mortgage is on the right track.

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City Rental Shortage To Skyrocket + Toronto's Slow Approval Times

In Toronto: The rental shortage  in the coming years and slow housing development approval times.

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Why Are Toronto Homes So Unaffordable?

Once again, is the real problem supply or demand?

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So When Will Canadian Mortgage Rates Rise Again?

Given current central bank policy in Canada and the U.S., will variable rate mortgages stay lower than fixed rates over the next five years?

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Rents Fall As Condo Inventory Rises + More Canadians Want To Buy Home

In Toronto: How will the housing market shake out for the rest of this year and what falling rents in the condo market mean.

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Bubble Market in Prince Edward County Real Estate

Record sales, stressed buyers and deals falling apart - contributor Treat Hull urges caution from "The County" in the frenzy to get out of Toronto amidst Covid.

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Will Toronto Area Home Prices Fall in 2020?

Our Monthly Market Report looks at how well major forecasts for Toronto area home prices are holding up six months after the start of the Covid-19 crisis.

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Bank of Canada Confirms Ultra-Low Mortgage Rates Are Here to Stay

Last Wednesday the Bank of Canada (BoC) announced that it would hold its policy rate steady, as was universally expected.

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Numbers Behind City Exodus + Rental Demand Takes Hit

In Toronto: Why people are leaving the big smoke for suburbia and what work from home could mean for the downtown core. 

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Employment Data Confirm Our Recovery Is Still in the Early Innings

While good job numbers normally mean rising mortgage rates, our economy is still far from normal.

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20% Price Surge Smashes Record + Rents Are Lower, But Not For Everyone

In Toronto: Another all-time record is hit as prices surge by 20% and rents are down, but not for everyone. 

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Are We Headed for Too Much Inflation or Not Enough?

If you want to know where mortgage rates are headed, inflation holds the key.

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Single-Family Homes Lead Recovery + Renters Gain Power in Soft Market

In Toronto: Single-family homes lead the way in the construction recovery and renters have more power in softening rental market.

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1 In 3 Say COVID-19 Altered Housing Preferences + A Record-Breaking July

In Toronto: COVID-19 have altered preferences in the housing market and one couple decides to stick with their 'tower' Toronto home. 

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A Theory on Why CMHC President Evan Siddall Went Rogue Last Week

Why is the head of the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) going his own way amidst an economic crisis?

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Hottest TO Markets In Outer Suburbs + Rents Rising But Not Downtown

In Toronto: The hottest housing regions are not in the city as both buyers and renters continue to flock outside the GTA.

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Fixed or Variable? Mortgage Rate Forecast: COVID-19 Edition

Canadian mortgage rates have been on a wild ride of late.

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A Record Breaking July In Toronto + Cottage Dream Reality Check

In Toronto: A record breaking July for the real estate market comes as realtors continue to see exodus from the city. 

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Seven Things You Need to Know About Toronto Real Estate Right Now

Our interviews with top experts on the market amidst Covid-19 identified these key factors making an impact now - and what to watch for next.

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Surprising Toronto Home Price Rise + Condo Sales in Big Drop

In Toronto: Condo sales fall to their lowest rates since the Great Recession but house price activity is returning to pre-pandemic highs. 

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Vertical Life: What Happens When a Condo Neighbour is Smoker?

A new legal judgement suggests that Ontario condo boards must act reasonably towards owners deemed to be non-compliant.

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Prices On The Upswing + Former Airbnb Units Flood Market

In Toronto: Upward pressure on pricing continues as 65 neighbourhoods see a home price increase. 

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The Bank of Canada’s Surprising Admission That Ultra-Low Mortgage Rates Are Here to Stay

COVID-19 is redefining the world as we know it.

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Furnished Condo Listings Spike + Housing Market Belies Downturn

In Toronto: Airbnb conversions into long-term furnished condos spike and potential trouble looms in the housing market. 

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Toronto Real Estate Summit

Join us for the Toronto Real Estate Summit being hosted right here on Move Smartly this July 20 to 23. Watch on demand starting July 20. Free to register.

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Why Our Record Employment Gains Aren’t Impacting Mortgage Rates

Strong jobs numbers in May and June mean little against the backdrop of unprecedented job and income loss due to COVID-19.

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Home Prices Soar + Tory Pressured To Action On Eviction Laws

In Toronto: Home prices soar despite the coronavirus pandemic as John Tory is pressured to action on Ontario's eviction rules. 

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Must-Have Mortgage Tools for Every Home Buyer

Calculators, links and info you need to make the best decisions for you.

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Toronto Buyers Flock to Cottages + Guelph Best Place To Buy In Canada?

In Toronto: CMHC issues a new real estate warning, Toronto buyers flood cottage markets and city grapples with overcrowded housing amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

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How Will Choppy Waters Ahead Impact Canadian Mortgage Rates?

The Bank of Canada joins those forecasting a prolonged and difficult economic road ahead.

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Now Cheaper to Rent vs. Buy Condo in Toronto + Lack of Foreign Student Impact Canada Real Estate?

In Toronto:  It's now cheaper to rent than own a condo in Toronto and new build home sales hit 20-year low last month.

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Why Record-Low Mortgage Rates Now Seem Inevitable

If you need a mortgage soon, your goal should be to maintain flexibility in case rates continue to fall.

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Toronto Area Housing Market Robust Amidst Pandemic, Rent Drops

In Toronto:  Downtown rents drop for the third consecutive month and while property market remains competitive in GTA even during a pandemic.  

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How is Toronto Real Estate Hot With Unemployment at 14%?

In spite of three months of economic free fall due to COVID-19, the Toronto real estate market seems to be returning to its pre-pandemic vigour.

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Beware the Siren Call of HSBC’s 1.99% Five-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage

The spring real estate market is showing signs of life - and the usual big bank low rate teaser.

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GTA Tops NA Growth + Virtual Showings Become The Norm

In Toronto:  GTA pop growth highest in North America, buyers flock to cottage country as virtual showings increase in popularity.  

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How CMHC’s Surprise Rule Tightening May Help Mortgage Borrowers

Not all mortgage lenders will implement CMHC's tighter rules, opening the door to more competition.

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Toronto Home Sales Trend Upward + Mortgage Rules Tightened Up

In Toronto:  Housing sales are up but risk re-opening setbacks and mortgages controversially tightened.  

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Tenants, Home Sellers Clash in COVID + Canada Home Prices to Drop?

In Toronto:  Buyers starting to get back into the market and would be home sellers and tenants clash.

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Are Home Prices Going to Fall 18% As CMHC Predicts?

Canada's top mortgage body just shared some pretty bleak expectations - should we take heed?

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Why New COVID-19 Legal Clauses in Real Estate Deals Are a Problem

A respected real estate lawyer warns against using untested COVID-19 clauses in property transactions.

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Why Mortgage Minimum Down Payment Shouldn't Be Raised to 10%

Last week, the CMHC's CEO had a surprising suggestion.

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Corona Crisis Week 10: Are Toronto Condo Prices Really Down 10%?

Why the widely reported drop in condo prices in last week's news was misleading.

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TO Home Sales Down 69% + Reimagining Spaces After COVID-19

In the City:  Does 69% drop in sales give new buyers a chance and inside the new real estate mindset.

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Corona Crisis: Mortgage Advice Recap

It's Week 10 - here's a recap of tips to manage your mortgage.

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Corona Crisis Week 9: Toronto Area Real Estate Market Heating Up

The market is now more competitive than it was four weeks ago.

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The COVID-19, Housing Connection + Bank Of Canada Debt Warning

In the City: Home buyers begin to venture out and poor housing connected to higher number of COVID-19 cases.

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Will Record Job Losses Lead to Negative Bond Yields?

The pandemic-induced economic slowdown will lower mortgage rates - but how low will they go?

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Home Sales Hit Record Low + Sidewalk Labs Abandons Toronto Project

In in the City: Home sales hit a record low in April and Google's smart-city project cancelled.

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Should You Break Your Fixed-Rate Mortgage for a Lower Rate?

These five factors will help you figure out whether you'd come out ahead.

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Toronto Area Home Sales Hit a Record Low in April

The Greater Toronto Area saw a record low 2,942 home sales in April 2020.

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Toronto Condos Earning Less Rent + Home Sellers Tested in Pandemic

In Toronto: Average rents for Toronto Area condos have dropped, with downtown falling fastest.

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Average Condo Rents Fall in Toronto

 The average rent for a condo across the Toronto area is down, while units for rent climb.

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Corona Crisis Week 7: Signs of Stability in Toronto’s Real Estate Market

An increase in months of inventory suggests buyers as slowly re-entering the market - but not all regions across the Toronto area are picking up at the same speed.

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Canadian Mortgage Rates Are Finally Starting to Fall

In spite of rate cuts and more aggressive measures, mortgage rates haven't lowered - until now. 

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Toronto Condo Sales Plummet + Home Prices Stable - For Now

In Toronto: Condo sales plummet 69%, but one measure shows better news for larger market.

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Corona Crisis Week 6: Is Toronto’s Real Estate Market Stabilizing?

Home sales numbers continue to be down across Toronto and the GTA, but an equal drop in new homes for sale appears to be keeping prices stable.

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Is the Bank of Canada’s Firehose Working?

The Bank has acted aggressively to counter the economic shocks induced by the Coronavirus and the decline of oil - and their efforts to lower mortgage rates may finally be working.

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No Going Back For Home Buyers + Market Braces For Reckoning

Toronto: GTA home sales are down sharply and home buyers are warned that they cannot back out of their deals as the real estate market stalls in the Coronavirus crisis. 

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Corona Crisis Week 5: Toronto Area Home Sales Down Sharply

The Greater Toronto Area saw a sharp decline in both sales and new listings as home buyers and sellers adjust to the reality of the Coronavirus crisis.

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Our New Canadian Mortgage Landscape?

The economic fallout of the coronavirus crisis is making mortgage lenders seize up - and two main factors will determine how cautious they'll be: house prices and job losses.

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Coronavirus Impacts GTA Housing + Steps After The Lockdown

Toronto: What areas are performing the best and worst in the GTA as realtors forge ahead in an uncertain landscape. 

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Corona Crisis Week 4: Best and Worst Performing Real Estate Markets in the GTA

Some markets in the Greater Toronto Area are showing signs of the type of slowdown that requires buyers and sellers to act carefully.

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The Slam Dunk Mortgage Option Right Now (and a Warning about HELOCs)

Why a variable rate mortgage is the clear winner for borrowers right now - while those holding HELOCs should beware. 

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Toronto Home Sales Quickly Decline + Airbnb Seeks Government Help

Toronto: The real estate market comes to a stop as the city takes new measures to halt the coronavirus spread. 

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Corona Crisis Week 3: Toronto's Real Estate Market Hits the Brakes

Toronto real estate market sales have dropped sharply in the third week of Ontario's state of emergency due to Coronavirus pandemic.

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The Bank of Canada Cuts Again and Policy Makers Get Creative

After nearly five years with no decreases, the bank's policy rate has dropped all the way from 1.75% to 0.25% in March alone - but not all mortgage borrowers will benefit.

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Latest Info You Should Know on Real Estate & Coronavirus

Toronto: Latest on house prices, mortgage payment defferal, rental eviction freeze and more.

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Toronto Home Prices in 2008 Financial Crisis vs. Corona Crisis (So Far)

While the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis is unprecedented, its impact on the real estate market can be seen in terms of demand and supply effects which tend to be more familiar. 

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Mortgage Strategies for the Coronavirus Crisis

Lenders have raised both their fixed and variable mortgage rates to the surprise of many borrowers - here's how to manage your mortgage during this stressful time.

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What You Need to Know About Coronavirus Deferred Mortgage Payment Programs

While authorities have announced that Canadians will be able to defer their mortgage payments due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, some key limits apply.

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Pandemic Uncertainty Casts Pall + Ontario Halts Evictions

In Toronto: Ontario stops evictions amid COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic as uncertainty casts a pall on the market. 

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Fixed or Variable? To Be Determined…

As the world goes into lock-down to stem the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), what should we be doing with our mortgages?

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COVID-19's Impact on Toronto Real Estate? Here's a Look Back at SARS

While our present situation is very different, we can take some lessons from the past.
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Home Sales Soar + Coronavirus Hammers Markets

In Toronto: Coronavirus hammers the markets as home sales soar and short-term rentals get pinched. 

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In-Depth Profiles for All Toronto and GTA Neighbourhoods

Research over 500+ Toronto Area neighbourhoods to see which fit your lifestyle needs - and offer the best return on your financial investment.

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The Bank of Canada Finally Cuts and Mortgage Rates Plummet

Global economic shocks have led to unforeseen drops in mortgage interest rates - so what should borrowers do going forward?

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Virus Fears May Up TO Home Prices + Bully Bidders Run Rampant

In Toronto: Coronavirus fears could push home prices even higher, bully buyers run rampant as prices escalate and do millennials really want condos?

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Map of Toronto and GTA by Neighbourhood with Real-Time Real Estate Trends

Find out how local real markets are doing in over 500 Toronto area neighbourhoods - based on real time house price data.

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How Much Longer Will the Bank of Canada Stand Pat?

Why it's unlikely that the Bank of Canada will lower its policy rate - and our mortgage rates - this Wednesday.

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Scorching Competition In Toronto  + Berlin Rent Freeze For 1.5M Apartments

In Toronto: A heated market ripples outward as competition continues to thrive with foreign buyers returning to the scene. 

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How Last Week’s Mortgage Stress-Test Change Will Impact Borrowers

The necessary change would increase buyer budgets today, but likely decrease affordability in hot markets and introduce more volatility for buyers going forward.

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Why Investing in Pre-Construction Condos Could Cost You Money

This week, I talked to BNN Bloomberg about the questions you should be asking yourself before investing in a pre-construction condo.

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FOMO Hits The Toronto Housing Market + Airbnb's Effect On Housing

In Toronto: A supply shortfall pushes house prices north as the fear of missing out returns to the market. 

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Why Relaxing the Mortgage Stress Test Won't Impact Toronto (Too) Much

John Pasalis, President of Realosophy Realty, joins BNN Bloomberg to discuss needed changes to Canada's mortgage stress tests - and why it is unlikely to make a big impact on the...

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Signs Of 2016 Cause Gloom + 'How High Is It Going To Go?'

In Toronto: Flashbacks to 2016 have key players in the housing market concerned as advocates call for more 'aggressive' affordability.

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Is the Mortgage Stress-Test Rate About to Drop?

A drop in the stress-test rate would be good news for borrowers  needing to expand affordability, but should our big banks be calling these shots?

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Number of Toronto Condos for Sale Hits a 25-Year Low

Condos in the Greater Toronto Area are fetching prices 15% higher than last year - but this time, it's not because of higher demand.

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TO Home Prices Expected To Rise 10% + City Puts Vacant Home Tax On Hold

In Toronto: Home prices expected to rise by nearly 10 per cent as supply sinks as city puts plans to tax vacant homes on hold. 

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Why We Should Be Worried About Toronto Condo Prices Rising

Realosophy's John Pasalis talks to BNN's Greg Bonnell about why sharply rising prices - particularly in Toronto's condo sector - might be a cause for concern.

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Canadian Mortgage Rates Move Lower After Coronavirus Fears

An global health crisis is pushing investors towards safe havens, leading to a (lamentably costly) drop in fixed mortgage interest rates.

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New Single Family Home Sales Up + Is Workforce Housing The Answer?

In Toronto: Single-family home sales recover as prices fall and how the province's new transit line could delay a major affordable housing project. 

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Bank of Canada’s Comments Push Fixed Mortgage Rates Lower

No change to policy rate keeps variable mortgage rates steady, but a less optimistic economic outlook pushes down fixed rates. 

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Toronto Homes Less Affordable Than San Fran + Rents Could Rise By 7%

In Toronto: One study says it's less affordable to live in here than San Francisco or London while another indicates rent could increase seven per cent in 2020. 

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Shock for Toronto Condo Investors? + High-End Home Tax to Drain Talent?

In Toronto: Why condo investors may be shocked by falling rents and will a high-end home tax force out Toronto talent?

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What to Expect for Toronto's Real Estate Market in 2020

Realosophy's John Pasalis chats with the team at BNN Bloomberg to review Toronto real estate in 2019 - and discuss what's ahead for 2020.

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Forecast for Canadian Fixed and Variable Mortgage Rates in 2020

In today’s post I offer my predictions of where our fixed and variable mortgage rates are headed in 2020.

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Toronto Market Back To Old Tricks + Newcomers Struggle To Find Housing

In Toronto: The market is back to its old tricks as prices soar, making it harder for newcomers to find affordable housing in the city. 

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Tory Vows To Keep Going on Housing In 2020 + 11 Apartments In 7 Years

In Toronto: John Tory vows to redouble efforts on transit and affordable housing in 2020. 

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How To Fit a (Snow &) Mudroom Into a Smaller Home

Drowning in the parkas, snow pants and boots of winter and cramped for space? Consider a less traditional approach to creating a mudroom.

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Home Buyer Advice For A Falling Market + Help For Toronto's Low-Income Renters

In Toronto: What home buyers should do in a falling real estate market, the province and federal governments team up to help low-income renters, and the city declares housing 'a...

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Why Home Buyers Should be Worried About Falling Prices (And What To Do About It)

While many buyers simply hope for the best, others focus on finding a bargain - but all should instead focus on steering clear of the problem areas that bring an overall market...

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Are Changes to the Mortgage Stress Test Coming?

While the mortgage stress test has helped ease overheating housing markets, will the Trudeau government finally address its flaws?

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Ford Gov Pushes Home 'Co-Ownership + City Restricts Density On Queen St.

In Toronto: The provincial government recommends home co-ownership to solve housing crisis. 

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Backing Out of a Home Purchase Can Cost You

This past year’s GTA real estate market may become known as the year of aborted transactions.

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Why You Can’t Afford a Condo in Toronto

One data trend emerges starkly amongst a litany of theories.

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Should I Still Worry About (And How Can I Avoid) Buying a Former Grow Op?

Pot's legal in Canada, but there are still good reasons to stay clear of a home that has been used a marijuana grow operation - here's how to do it. 

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Five Takeaways from the Bank of Canada’s Latest Policy Statement

Our current economic conditions suggest that lower interest rates may be coming soon, but the Bank of Canada does not share that assessment - yet.

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Changes I Noticed After I Started Making My Bed Every Morning

Because sometimes better real estate starts with making the best of what you already have.

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Tory Reverses Course On TO Tax Hike + Invest Now in Canada Real Estate?

In Toronto: John Tory reverses course, vowing to increase and extend levy on property tax. 

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Why Our Latest GDP Data Isn’t Likely to Result in Interest Cut Rates - For Now

Sluggish 3rd quarter data means the Bank of Canada is unlikely to cut its policy rate - though it risks the need for more aggressive cuts in the future.

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Toronto Area Home Prices Climb as New Listings Plummet

The Toronto Area real estate market is heating up and getting competitive this winter as sales and prices rise and the number of new listings falls. 

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Price To Surge 2020 + Smaller Cities Take Bite Out Of Toronto Tech

In Toronto: A forecast predicts 6 per cent growth for home prices in 2020 and ending the 'vicious cycle' in social housing. 

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The Latest Inflation Data Bolsters the Bank of Canada’s Patience - Should It?

Fixed and variable mortgage rates are staying put for now - but there's a case for a rate cut in the future.

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Landmark Ruling In Toronto Airbnb Case + Rental Costs Rise In Canada

In Toronto: A provincial tribunal sides with the city in a landmark case against Airbnb landlords.

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The Bank of Canada Can’t Ignore the Lofty Loonie for Much Longer

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2019 is the Year of the Pig, but history may better remember it as the Year of the Falling Interest Rate.

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3 Small Appliances Worth Having (Even If You Have A Tiny Kitchen)

When you have a small kitchen, you can't afford to have appliance regrets - here are a few with lasting power.

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Calls For A Vacancy Tax In Toronto + The Rebound Continues

In Toronto: A photographic study leads to calls for a vacancy tax on empty properties and how many months' rent does it take to buy a condo? 

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How to Check if a Toronto Home is Heritage Property - And Why It Matters

Why it's important to know whether a home has heritage designation before you buy - and how to check.

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What’s Driving Toronto & Area Housing Market Surge (This Time)

Why momentum is swinging back to the regions - and types of homes - that were hit hardest in last few years.

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Should Canadian Variable-Rate Borrowers Lock in Now?

Variable-rate mortgage borrowers are understandably wondering whether to convert to today’s lower five-year fixed rates. But should they?

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Top 5 Playroom Must-Haves

One of the trickiest rooms to get right in smaller homes is the kid's playroom - here's how to do it.

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Home Prices Rise In October + Pharrell Joins The Toronto Condo Scene

In Toronto: Home prices rise October on the back of a growing population and strong economy, plus Pharrell brings some star power to the Toronto condo scene. 

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Are Condo Units Really Sitting Empty in Toronto?

An investigation into the claim that thousands of Toronto investor-owned condos are sitting empty.

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The Bank of Canada Didn’t Cut Its Rate Last Week, But It Likely Will Soon

Why the variable interest rate may soon join the fixed interest rate - and start falling.

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Top 4 Benefits of Kids Sharing A Bedroom

Worried about making your children share a bedroom? Why creating a successful shared environment may actually benefit them more.

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Tarion Puts Builders Ahead of Homebuyers + Secrets Of The World's Most Liveable City

In Toronto: The province's auditor general lays into Tarion for putting builders ahead of homebuyers and a seven step plan to create affordable housing. 

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Why Electronic Voting is Clicking with Condo Owners

Given how pervasive condos are to city living, why are so many unit owners out of touch with how condos are managed?

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Condo Sales Up 16% in Toronto Area at Start of Fall Market

All Toronto area regions saw sales grow by double digits - except for Halton.

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How Savvy Canadians Are Saving Thousands on Their Mortgages

Why you may want to prioritize flexibility when it comes to your fixed-rate mortgage right now.

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Living with Kids in a Condo

Why you don't need to live in a bigger space just to keep up with the Joneses - or to thrive as a family.

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What A Liberal Minority Will Mean For Housing + A Fickle Toronto Market

In Toronto: The city backs the Liberals, but what will Toronto get back and a fickle housing market leads to lowball offers. 

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What Does the Federal Election Result Mean for Canadian Real Estate?

Why the returning Liberal Government's first-time buyer incentives are unlikely to make much of a difference - and what policy changes would.

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City Sending Mixed Signals on Tackling Housing Shortage

If the city of Toronto was serious about tackling the housing shortage, why would it charge Toronto homeowners $300,000 to legalize three bachelor apartments in their house?

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How to Avoid Buying a Home With Illegal Parking

In the City of Toronto, homes are currently being advertised for sale with front pad parking spots that need to be registered to be considered legal.

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Why Are Canadian Fixed Mortgage Rates Rising Again?

Canadian fixed mortgage rates continued to rise last week.

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The Scramble To Downsize + Where Federal Parties Stand On Housing

In Toronto: Baby boomers scramble for properties as they seek to downsize and a decision on Airbnb looms. 

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If the Bank of Canada Delays Interest-Rate Cuts, It Won’t Be for This Reason

Stuck between a slowing U.S. economy and the risk of fuelling Canadian consumer indebtedness, officials have another reason to delay a rate cut.

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Tough Times For Toronto's Young + Another Real Estate IPO

In Toronto: Home prices and rents expected to rise in a red-hot market as Under-35s are being left behind. 

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Toronto Area Detached Home Sales Were Up 29% in September

Toronto's fall real estate market opened with continued demand for detached homes throughout the Toronto area, with York Region leading the way.

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Falling U.S. Bond Yields Likely to Push Canadian Mortgage Rates Lower

As the U.S. economy starts to stall, will Canadian variable-rate borrowers see their first drop in four years?

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House Price Rise + Toronto Is World's Second Most Overvalued Market

In Toronto: Housing market posts biggest price gain in nearly two years as the city is now the world's second most overvalued property market according to UBS. 

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How to Avoid Buying a Badly Flipped Home

Toronto's booming real estate market and our love of tv reno shows has made the "flip" - a quickly renovated home - part of our everyday vocabulary, but it poses unique risks for...

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Five Changes to Help Canada’s Housing Affordability Crisis

As Canadians head to the polls for the federal election, here are the policies they should be looking for.

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Cautious Fall for Toronto Buyers + Federal Housing Plans Miss Mark

In Toronto: Home buyers flood the fall market but they remain cautious and a new report indicates a crisis in the rental housing supply. 

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Why the Bank of Canada Will Likely Match the U. S. Fed’s Next Rate Cut

Converging U.S. and Canadian economies makes a variable-rate cut more likely this December. 

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The Housing 'Birth Year Lottery' + Toronto Home Prices Push Up National Forecast

In Toronto: Real estate 'birth year' lottery separates haves from have-nots, Toronto home prices push up the national forecast and a risky condo project in Yorkville.

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Shared Maple Tree Pits Neighbour Against Neighbour in Court Battle

More Canadian than Toronto neighbours arguing about building an addition on a house? Arguing about a shared maple tree.

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How Building Permit Data Can Help You Avoid Buying a Problem Home

What are building permits - and how can they help  you avoid buying homes with major problems?

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Will the Recent Bond Yield Run-up Push Canadian Mortgage Rates Higher?

While fixed rates seem likely to go up in the short-term, home buyers locking in rates now should ask lenders what will happen if rates fall before they move in.

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Mistrust in Toronto Rental Market + The Young and Property-Less Vote

In Toronto: As condos sales continue to boom, landlord and renter antagonism is on the rise.

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Does First Canadian Title Live Up to its Marketing Promises?

Owner stuck with $25,000 in court costs over cottage’s pre-existing issues - in spite of paying for title insurance.

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How to Avoid Hidden House Problems

Use the latest in data technology to avoid being surprised by these common but ‘invisible’ house problems.

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The Bank of Canada’s Surprising Announcement

While the Bank of Canada sees a rocky economic outlook ahead, it didn't cut rates - yet.

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Supply Shrinks + One-Bedroom Rentals Soar Rise To New Heights

In Toronto: Sales in the suburbs are up and the average cost of a one-bedroom rental reaches new and disturbing heights. 

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Toronto Condo Listed 70 Times on the Market Over Six Years - Without Selling

I've seen many interesting things in Toronto's real estate market over the past twenty years, but recently came across one of the oddest things I've ever seen.

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Toronto Suburbs Drive Home Sales up 13% in August

August home sales in the Greater Toronto (GTA) area were up 13% over the same month last year based on Realosophy Realty's analysis of sales through the Toronto Real Estate...

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Why Inflation Worries Shouldn’t Delay the Bank of Canada’s Rate Cut

Will rising inflation prevent the Bank from cutting its policy rate at its next meeting on September 4?

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Signs Of Life In The 905 + Inside Canada's Rental Crisis

In Toronto: Signs of life in the 905 housing market after a soggy spring and startling price jump in neighbourhoods over five years. 

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Denmark Introduces the First Mortgage with a Negative Interest Rate

While Canadian interest rates are likely to go lower, we'd be wrong to envy Danish-style negative interest rates.

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Why the Bank of Canada Should Cut its Policy Rate at its Next Meeting

The Bank of Canada likely overtightened during its last cycle - will it have to cut rates now that the world economy is slowing?

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Seniors Stay Put, Limiting Supply + House-Building Jobs Fall In Ontario

In Toronto: Sales are up so why are detached house prices falling, seniors staying put and construction workers feel the start of home building slowdown.

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Why Are Detached House Prices Falling When Sales Are Up 29%?

Toronto area detached home sales in continued to surge in last month - so why are prices falling?

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Why Did Markets React as if the U.S. Fed Raised Rates Last Week?

Though the U.S. rate cut last week didn't spur the expected market reaction, it means that Canada mortgage rates will likely stay steady - or lower.

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Chasing Summer Deals in Toronto + Are Low Interest Rates New Global Norm?

In Toronto: Is the summer a good time to look for real estate deals in Toronto, Toronto insists Ottawa include affordable housing when selling off land and a Toronto renter fights...

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A Jolt for Joint Property Owners in Ontario

Joint ownership of a home in Ontario has meant that a surviving owner becomes the sole owner - but now?

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The County Report: Existing Home Sales Down, Prices Up in Q2

With key housing metrics giving a mixed message on demand in Prince Edward County in the second quarter of the year, new home sales continue to climb.

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Will Lenders Someday Be Paying Us to Take Out A Mortgage? (Don’t Wish For It)

Why we might be excited by the prospect of negative yield bonds - and interest-free or lower mortgages - they would be bad news.

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Why Torontonians Are Moving Less + Hong Kong Eyes Canadian Property

In Toronto: Torontonians moving less due to fewer options, bidding wars return, and the condo poo-poo problem.

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The Mortgage Qualifying Rate Finally Drops, But Without Rhyme or Reason

A key 'stress test' faced by Canadian mortgage borrowers has been slackened - but more changes are required to increase affordability beyond a few thousand dollars.

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Housing Development Dips In Toronto + Mortgage Stress Test Gets Easier

In Toronto: New housing development applications dip under Ford government and how to maintain neighbourhood populations as families grow smaller?

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Analyzing Canada's Housing Market: East Strengthens, West Weakens

Why are house prices sliding in the West of Canada, while the East returns to growth, with the Toronto Area's York Region leading the way?

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The Bank of Canada (Surprisingly) Opts for Caution

The Bank of Canada left its policy rate unchanged at 1.75% last week as expected - and finally opts for caution over optimism.

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Toronto Home Sales Up, Condos Down + What's Driving Up Canada Home Prices?

In Toronto: Home sales up by 19%, condo sales dip 3% and are luxury home sellers opting out of MLS. 

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Toronto Area Condo Sales Dip 3% in June

Toronto area condo prices are now out of reach for many buyers, pushing sales down - so what's keeping prices up?

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Toronto Area Detached Home Sales Up 19% in June

Strong demand continues with sales up 19% over the same month last year, but why aren't we seeing the bidding wars of previous years?

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The Loonie’s Power (and Its Constraining Impact)

Why export-oriented Canada balances its fight against inflation against the need for a competitive dollar.

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Investors Own 33% Of Toronto Condos + Home Sales Surge

In Toronto: Home sales and condo prices increase, one in three condos are investor owned, and why first-time buyers should think twice about buying cottages to get on the housing...

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Toronto Debates Sidewalk Lab's Plans + Moving Day In Montreal

In Toronto: Amidst Pride celebrations, debates about Google-affiliated Sidewalk Labs waterfront plans dominate the real estate conversation.

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Will the Bank of Canada Lag the U.S. Federal Reserve on Rate Cuts?

The Canadian economy's most recent inflation numbers mean a rate cut is less likely - unless the U.S. Fed forces the Bank of Canada's hand.

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Why Listing Your Place On Airbnb Could Be Trouble + Berlin Fights Gentrification

In Toronto: The feds say GTA first-time homebuyers can still benefit from mortgage program despite $560,000 cap

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A Good Co-Housing Agreement is Key for Co-Buyers

High real estate prices are inspiring more creative buying arrangements between even casual acquaintances - but it's important to proceed carefully.

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Why are Detached Home Sales Booming in York Region?

York Region detached homes were the hardest hit by a bubble in 2017 - so why are sales booming again?

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When You’ve Got the Keys to Your New Home But the Sellers Haven’t Left

What happens when sellers are late moving out? 

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The Test Stressing Toronto + Canada's Dirty Money Problem

In Toronto: Are mortgage stress tests making the housing crisis worse in a market with price-sensitive buyers?

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A Turning Point for Toronto’s Condo Real Estate Market?

Condos have helped to prop up a drooping real estate market in the Toronto area - but has demand for them started to cool?

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What Our Inverted Yield Curve Means for Canadian Mortgage Rates

If you are keeping an eye on mortgage rates, then you have probably been reading a lot about inverted yield curves lately.

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Why the Bank of Canada and the Bond Market Still Don’t See Eye To Eye

The Bank of Canada is signalling an interest rate hike...so why is the bond market betting on a cut?

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Support for Canada Mortgage Tests + Battle Over Ontario Place Development

In Toronto: Battle over Ontario Place, renters condemn 'renoviction' and shipping containers become a community hub. (Oh, and in case you missed it, the Raptors are in the NBA...

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What Happens When You Unknowingly Buy a Home Where There Was a Murder?

Is a homeowner obliged to disclose to a potential purchaser that the house was the site of a gang murder?

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Why Buying a Home Could Be the First Step Towards a Divorce

Research shows that financial stress is among the top reasons couples get divorced. So why do we keep overspending on our homes?

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Toronto Condo Projects in Danger + Revisiting the Mortgage Stress Test

In the City: Condo projects sold since 2016 in danger and Toronto battles the province over inclusionary zoning plans. 

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Proposed System for Licensing Airbnbs in Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County announced its proposed system for licensing Airbnb’s at a packed public meeting on April 16th.

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Five Inflation Highlights with Implications for Canadian Mortgage Rates

With inflation under control, will weaker economic data mean the Bank of Canada may soon look to cut interest rates?

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Foreign Buyers Tax Impacts Greater Toronto + Spring Market Thaws

In the City: The Foreign Buyers tax is doing its job in the Greater Toronto Area while the housing market begins to thaw in May.

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New Construction Impacting Prince Edward County Real Estate

How will new home construction in Prince Edward County affect housing prices in the years to come?

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Homeowners Should Seek Legal Advice When Estate Planning

Why there is no such thing as a simple will.

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How Bank of Canada Governor Poloz Can Help Increase the Appeal of Longer-Term Mortgages

If it's healthier for the economy when more of us choose longer-term mortgages, Ottawa can do something to make this happen.

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Toronto Sales and Prices Climb + Basement Rentals Get Condo Prices

In the City: Toronto sales and prices climb but not all is not well in the 905 and some basement rentals are fetching condo-range rents.Elsewhere: Bank of Canada urges lenders to...

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Why Our Latest GDP Data Make the Bank of Canada’s Latest Forecast Seem Bullish

Last week we learned that Canadian GDP contracted by 0.14% in February on a month-over-month basis.

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Jaw-Dropping 'Over Asking' Price in Toronto + Is Housing a Human Right?

In the City: Jaw-dropping 'over asking' price in Toronto, Airbnb has impact on city housing and is housing a human right?

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Bank of Canada Update: Rates to Stay Low for Longer

Have the Bank of Canada's overly optimistic forecasts actually hurt our overall economic momentum?

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Toronto's 'Ghost Hotels' + 50% of Canadians Close to Insolvency

In the City: Now even condos only in reach of Toronto's top earners and ghost hotels cast a pall over the city. Elsewhere: Half of Canadians are $200 away from insolvency, U.S...

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How Will Reduced Business Confidence Impact the Bank of Canada’s Outlook?

Will the Bank of Canada continue to shift to a more dovish outlook given latest economic developments?

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Home Sales Up In April + Toronto Is 12th Most Expensive Housing Market In World

In the City: Home sales perk up after dismal March and Toronto is named the world's 12th most expensive housing market. Elsewhere: How private lending is distorting the Vancouver...

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Your Home Isn't Selling - Now What?

What I advise home sellers to do when their home is not selling - and why it differs from the approach often taken by agents.

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Are Canadian Bond Yields About to Push Our Fixed Mortgage Rates Higher?

The five-year Government of Canada (GoC) bond yield, which our five-year fixed mortgage rates are priced on, has been on a wild ride of late.

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40% Of Canadians Live House Poor + Activists Fight Against Rising Rent

In the City: Community housing needs urgent investment from Ottawa and realtors feel the pinch in slowing market. Elsewhere: 40% of Canadians live house poor, an architectural...

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Bank of Canada Governor Poloz Dampens Rate-Cut Speculation

The Bank of Canada is downplaying expectations that its next rate move will be a cut - but it may not have as much choice as it wants.

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I Made My First Real Estate Decision When I Was 23 - And It Wasn’t a Great One

Launched this past fall, TheMindfulBroker.com aims to address a critical gap in our adult education - how to meet our basic need for housing successfully.

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Join Us at The Doll Party Fundraiser & Auction

We're inviting Move Smartly readers to be our guests at The Doll Party  exhibition & fundraising auction event at the Textile Museum of Canada on Thurs April 11th. 

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Why Toronto Is Outpacing Vancouver + Sellers Bide Their Time

In the City: Why Toronto is outpacing Vancouver and new data tweaks will paint a more accurate picture of the housing market. Elsewhere: Canadian home prices to stay flat through...

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Why is Toronto's Real Estate Market Doing Better Than Vancouver's?

Toronto is doing better at the things that matter most and was less affected by negative factors.

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Canadian Mortgage Rates Are Being Pushed Lower by Slowing U.S. Momentum

Canadian fixed mortgage rates have been on a steady downward march of late.

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Toronto and Vancouver Housing Affordability Still in Crisis + 30-Somethings Flee Toronto

In the City: Housing affordability remains in crisis and explaining the exodus out of Toronto. Elsewhere: What Trudeau's home-buying incentive really means for Canadians, why...

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The New Bank of Justin and Bill

The Liberal Government of Canada has released a budget that seeks to help beleaguered first-time buyers - but will it help?

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Trudeau Targets Millennials With Housing Plan + Dirty Money Drives Up Real Estate In TO

In the City: Dirty money is driving up real estate prices according to one report and developers cancel another sold-out project. Elsewhere: Trudeau targets millennials with home...

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Fixed- Versus Variable-Rate Mortgages: Is the Reward Worth the Risk?

A variable-rate mortgage sounds like a slam dunk in the current environment, but it may not be.

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Housing Still Unaffordable As Prices Drop + Canadians Doubt Gov Can Help

In the City: Toronto Community Housing dispute continues while middle-class homebuyers embrace modernist architecture. Elsewhere: Canadians don't think policy alone will solve...

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Be Careful When You Review Property Purchase Agreements

What happens when there is a significant discrepancy between the way a home is described on an MLS listing vs. the Agreement of Purchase and Sale?

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The Case for Lower Canadian Mortgage Rates

Given conflicting economic data, will the Bank of Canada raise or lower rates?

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Sidewalk Labs Threatens To Walk + Home Prices Inch up

In the City: Sidewalk labs threatens to walk and Toronto home prices inch upwards. Elsewhere: Are current Canadian mortgage rules too strict, a Californian town takes on...

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A Shared Driveway Leads to a Costly Court Case

Special issues can arise from shared driveways and other shared property points. 

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Will the Bank of Canada End Rate-Hike Speculation?

Will the Bank of Canada put an end to rate hike speculation when it meets this week?

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Canada House Price Growth Slows + Builder is New Toronto Housing Czar

In the City: Majority of Torontonians want city to have more say in housing issues and new czar tackles affordable housing. Elsewhere: Canada deals with a sluggish GDP, Oregon...

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What the Bank of Canada Governor Wants - and What He Needs

Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz way want higher rates, but he needs stable inflation.  

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Outside-The-Box Ideas For Toronto Housing + Money Laundering Hurts Affordability

In the City: Outside-the-box ideas for Toronto housing and Community housing CEO gets the boot amid controversy.Elsewhere: Banks set to reveal earnings in Canada, money laundering...

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Toronto Housing Innovation Needed + UK Experts Call for Empty Home Tax

In the City:  Does Toronto need more housing innovation and Mayor John Tory's plan for affordable housing. Elsewhere: Disruptive U.S. online brokerage launches in Canada and...

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Why the Bond Market Yawned at Canada’s Jobs Boom

The Canadian economy added 66,800 new jobs in January vs. 8,000 expected - so why aren't our mortgage rates impacted?

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Alarm Over Toronto's Housing Crunch + Overvaluation Warning Backtrack

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What the U.S. Fed’s Dovish Shift Means for Canadian Mortgage Rates

A key policy statement from south of the border suggests that our mortgage rates are unlikely to rise in Canada.

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Province Tells City To Allow More Home Building + Affordability Plan Approved

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‘Idiotic’ Toronto Policy Stymies Mayor’s Affordable Housing Plan

Toronto’s own zoning regulations are standing in the way of its goal to create 40,000 affordable housing units.

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Update on the Bank of Canada’s Worry List

Will the latest in the trouble spots of Canadian oil prices, house prices and global trade policy change the Bank of Canada's intention to hike rates?

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Toronto Makes Affordable Housing Progress + Greenbelt Development Reversal

In the City: Has Toronto found a better way to build affordable housing and Ontario reverses Greenbelt development plan. 

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Toronto Real Estate in 2019:  The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The good, the bad and the ugly details that might impact Toronto’s housing market in the year ahead.

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Toronto Condo Market to Worry Investors, Ease for Renters?

In the City: What's in store for the Toronto condo market and politicians tackle the problem of (their own) high rents.

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Should You Rent to Save More to Buy a Home?

Is renting until you can save more money the sure-fire solution for an expensive housing market that it seems?

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The Glaring Omission in the Bank of Canada’s Latest Forecast

Has the Bank of Canada rushed too far in front of an uncertain economy?

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TO Home Sales Fall To 10-Year Low + Airbnb Drains Housing Market

In the City: Home sales fall to 10-year low, the luxury market is expected to weather the storm and Airbnb is accused of draining housing stock. 

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Did Toronto’s Housing Market Have a Soft Landing?

A soft landing in the housing market is a moderate and relatively balanced decline in house prices rather than a big 40-50% crash that some housing markets experience when bubbles...

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2019 Canadian Mortgage Rate Forecast: Look Out Below

 Frothy economic hopes are dissipating, making future mortgage rate increases unlikely.

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Toronto New Build Home Prices Drop + Condo Party To Sober Up

In the City: Toronto new build home prices post biggest 12-month drop since '96 and is the Condo part going to sober up? 

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Will the U.S. Fed Sooth Nerves or Stay the Course?

The U.S. Federal Reserve is widely expected to hike its policy rate by another 0.25% when it meets this Wednesday. The question that is being actively debated is whether it will...

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Canadian Mortgage Rates Aren’t Headed Higher After All

Just like that, all of the dire warnings about rapidly rising Canadian mortgage rates disappeared faster than cookies and carrots on Christmas Eve. 

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Toronto Home Prices Rise + Hyper-Concentration Of Jobs Downtown

In the City: Toronto home prices continue to rise and what the hyper-concentration of jobs downtown means for housing. 

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Will the Bank of Canada Pivot This Week? (Hint: It Should)

The Bank of Canada, in a softening of its stance, is not expected to raise its policy rate this week so variable mortgage rates should hold steady - and perhaps start falling in...

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T.O. Real Estate Vulnerable To Money Laundering + Dark Side Of Housing Boom

In the City: Toronto real estate is vulnerable to money laundering and the dark side of the housing boom. 

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Will Last Month’s Inflation Rise Lead to Higher Canadian Mortgage Rates?

The Bank of Canada (BoC) is caught between a rock (rising inflationary pressures) and a hard place (waning economic momentum).

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Rent Control Removal + Secrets Of The Four Seasons

In the City: The province introduces a rent control exemption that could hurt Toronto tenants and the secret of the Four Seasons. 

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Don't Buy a Home Without Knowing This

After studying housing markets for two decades, I have learned that making better real estate decisions is not about luck, or timing, or wealth. 

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Fixed versus Variable: Is the Five-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate Now a No Brainer?

Today’s post returns to the question that every borrower I work with loves to ask: “Should I choose a five-year fixed- or variable-rate mortgage today?"

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Commuting Costs Add Up For GTA + Toronto Suburbs See Price Decline

In the City: Commuting costs eat up house savings for many in the GTA and Toronto suburbs see major price declines. 

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Condo Owner on the Hook for Inaccurate ‘Clean’ Status Certificate

What happens when an owner receives an incorrect status certificate issued by a condominium corporation?

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Is the Bank of Canada Bullish on Pot?

The Bank of Canada continues to signal policy-rate hikes soon, but does the current economic data support additional near-term increases?

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No Break for TO Home Buyers + The Case for 30 Year Mortgages

In the City: Little relief in sight for Toronto home buyers as prices climb in October and the case for 30-year mortgages.

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Canadian Wage Growth Decelerates Again

The Bank of Canada remains on course to raise interest rates - pushing up mortgage rates - but will lagging wage growth give it pause?

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Ford's Call to Derail Energy Audits Will Benefit the Home Sale Process

The Ontario government’s decision to repeal the Green Energy Act has also changed the rules for homeowners looking to sell their properties.

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TO Home Owners Turn To Private Debt + Priced Out of East York

In the City: Home owners turn to high interest private debt, millennials are out of luck in East York and Toronto's affordable housing lottery. 

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Is It The Right Time to Downsize?

Is the market too unsettled to be considering a move?

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Toronto Home Owners Are Turning to High Interest Private Debt

Special Report: Toronto’s twenty-year housing boom has resulted in a negative side effect that homeowners are starting to feel – very high debt levels.

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How Much Higher Will Canadian Mortgage Rates Go?

The Bank of Canada has signalled that rates will continue to rise - but for how long given larger economic data trends?

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Luxury Home Sales Drop + High-End Condo Sales Are Up

In the City: Toronto luxury home sales drop, but high-end condo sales are up and condo boards grapple with cannabis rules. 

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The One Word That Determines Where Canadian Mortgage Rates Will Go

Will current optimism about Canada's economy push our mortgage rates up?

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Are Declines in House Prices Predictable?

Housing markets are notoriously difficult to predict - but data can help home buyers and sellers answer some critical questions.

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U.S. Inflation Slows - But for How Long?

If you’re keeping an eye on Canadian mortgage rates, keep your other eye focused on what is happening south of the border.

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Average Rent Hits New High + How Debt Is Cooling The Market

In the City: How debt may be the newest roadblock in the real estate market, average rent for a one-bedroom condo surpasses $2,000 and mayoral candidates continue to disagree on...

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How Debt is Cooling Toronto’s Housing Market

Will the Toronto real estate market return to previously seen highs - or has a major new road block appeared?

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Prince Edward County Will Regulate Short Term Rentals

Existing rentals exempted but a freeze on new rentals to come to most popular areas.

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How Will Our New Trade Agreement Impact Canadian Mortgage Rates?

How will the new United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA) impact the Canadian economy - and our mortgage rates?

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TO Home Prices Tick Upward + TREB Takes Legal Aim

In the City: Home prices tick upward as market tightens and TREB takes legal aim at a brokerage. 

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Clearing the Smoke on Condo No-Smoking Rules Before Cannabis Legalization

What happens when the rights of smoking and non-smoking tenants and landlords conflict?

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The Unusual Listing Strategy That Can Maximize Your Home Selling Price

When listing your home for sale, it’s important to choose a selling strategy that is going to help you achieve your goals.

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How Will the Latest U.S. Rate Hike Impact Canadian Mortgage Rates?

Now that U.S. rates have increased - will Canadians rates mortgage rates follow?

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GTA Home Sales Shake Off Dark Period + TREB Voices Privacy Concerns

In the City: GTA home sales rebound after a dark period and TREB CEO voices privacy concerns. 

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Should Canadian Variable-Rate Borrowers Lock in Now?

After years without rate increases, variable rate borrowers may soon see an increase for the fifth time in a row - is it time to lock into a fixed rate?

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Realtors Lack Access To TREB Data + Toronto Candidates Pressed On Housing

In the City: Realtors still lack access to TREB sales data and city council candidates are asked to sign affordable housing pledge.  

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Make an Offer, but Beware — In an Uncertain market, Property Law Can Hurt You

Home buyers need to come up with the money for a winning bid - even in a declining market.

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A Look Back at The U.S. Housing Crisis Ten Years Later

An insider looks back on the impact of the 2008 U.S. subprime mortgage crisis from a Canadian perspective.

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Toronto Real Estate Board Warns Agents + Housing Price Crash Unlikely

In the City:  TREB warns real estate agents and those waiting for a Toronto house price crash likely to be disappointed. 

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Cottage Purchasers Need to Know Land Boundaries of Lakefront Property

Buyers of lakefront cottages should be aware of whether their land touches the water not only in fact but according to the registered title.

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Proposed Airbnb Regulations Coming for Prince Edward County

Buyers considering using a property  as an airbnb rental should have a viable “Plan B” based on long-term rental.

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The Bank of Canada Holds Rates Steady, But for How Long?

If the Bank of Canada has moved to responding to fast-moving incoming data, will rates really rise in late October as currently expected?

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The Movement Towards Buying Cottages Instead of Homes

Can buying in outlying areas normally thought of as 'cottage country' be a viable way to get onto the housing ladder?

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The Fight For Sold Data + Housing Market Stabilizes

In the City: Home prices rise as the housing market stabilizes following a turbulent year. 

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Why I Fought for Sold Data - and Why The Fight is Not Over

When will innovative Toronto-area brokerages like Realosophy finally be able to share home sold prices with consumers online? 

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How Your Real Estate Agent Can Lose You a Deal

We offered less money and there was another offer on the table for more which the seller turned down - why?

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How NAFTA Uncertainty is Impacting Canadian Mortgage Rates

Many expect the Bank of Canada to raise rates in late October - but does NAFTA uncertainty make that less likely?

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TO Real Estate Board Aims To 'Protect Data' + Younger Renters to Leave?

In the City: The Toronto Real Estate Board tries to 'protect data' after losing anti-competition case and younger residents think about leaving Toronto due to high housing costs. 

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Five Canadian Mortgage Rate Questions for the Rest of 2018

While the consensus expects another BoC rate rise in October, economic data between now and then may suggest otherwise. 

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Toronto Area Sold Prices Coming Online + Brexit Hits UK Housing

In the City: End of a long legal fight means Toronto area realtors can now publish home sales data online. 

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Do the Homeowners or Photographers Own the Rights to Property Photos?

When the sellers of a home hire a stager to help market and sell it, who owns the rights to the before and after photographs? 

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Home Search Moves To Smaller Cities + A Push For Speculation Tax

In the City: The Toronto home search moves to smaller Ontario cities and the GTA leads Canadian home sales.

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The County Report: Bright Future for Picton Harbour

Currently a "jewel in the rough," new plans for the picturesque harbour promise real change.

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Banning Incentives for Real Estate Lawyers Doesn’t Serve Public

If a lawyer receives an incentive from a title insurance company for arranging a client's policy, who should get the benefit: the lawyer or the client?

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Over One in Four Toronto Area Homes for Sale are Empty

Why are so many homes sitting empty and why has the number increased over last year?

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Why the Latest Canadian Employment Headline Is All Hat and No Cattle

Why did Canadian bond yields, which our five-year fixed mortgage rates are priced on, finish lower in spite of a jump in new jobs?

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Cottage Country Faces Toronto Influx + The World's Most Valuable Real Estate

In the City: Cottage country denizens face off with Toronto buyers and condo buyers get more space in Waterloo and Hamilton.

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Five Mortgage-Rate Related News Highlights from Last Week

Here are five news items from last week that should be of interest to anyone keeping an eye on Canadian mortgage rates.

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The County Report: Best Selection Ever for Homes Over $300,000

Buyers of homes over $300,000 in Prince Edward County saw the best selection ever as listings increased to an all-time high this past quarter.

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Toronto Sales Rise + Buyers Return To Market

Toronto: Home sales and prices rise in Toronto region for second straight month as buyers return to the market. 

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Buy a Home in August, Thank Me Later

By July and August, many homes that would have attracted multiple offers weeks prior are sitting on the market for two to three times as long. Why?

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Will Today’s U.S. Growth Surge Spur Canada Rate Cut Down the Road?

The key question for anyone keeping an eye on Canadian mortgage rates. 

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Toronto Leads in Tech Jobs + Will New Waterfront Housing Be Affordable?

Toronto: Will a $10-million housing solution be affordable and Toronto beats the Bay Area in tech jobs. 

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Canadian Inflation Hits a Six-Year High

Last Friday we learned that overall Canadian inflation, as measured by our Consumer Price Index (CPI), came in at 2.5% in June, and that result was higher than the consensus...

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The County Report: Limited Choice Under $300,000

Our new series keeps an analytical eye on the real estate market in Prince Edward County, one of Toronto's most coveted escapes.

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Insurance Must Cover Badly Built Property

Building deficiencies resulting from poorly regulated construction and that affect the sale of a property are now covered under title insurance in the wake of a recent Superior...

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The Bank of Canada Hikes Rates Despite Uncertainty

The Bank of Canada (BoC) raised its overnight rate by 0.25% last Wednesday and it now stands at 1.5%. The move was widely expected, and Canadian lenders quickly increased their...

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Experts Predict Home Prices Return To Normal + Toronto Undersupplied in New Homes

Toronto: Experts predict a return to normal GTA housing prices and Toronto facing undersupply of new homes. 

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Why are Fewer Toronto Area Houses for Sale Than Five Years Ago?

When we look at the number of properties that have been listed for sale in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) (including Toronto) since 2012, we see a very interesting trend.  

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How to Protect Yourself When Making Unconditional Offers

Even with the general slowdown of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market from our peak last year many neighbourhoods are still experiencing high levels of demand.

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Thoughts on the Bank of Canada’s Meeting This Week

It is widely expected that the Bank of Canada (BoC) will raise its overnight rate by another 0.25% when it meets this week, and if it does, lenders will pass that increase on to...

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Home Prices Hit 13-Month High + Buyers Return To Market

Toronto: Home prices at 13-month high amid influx of buyers and Mayor's affordable housing plan misses the mark. 

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Bank of Canada Plans to Offer Less Guidance Going Forward

In its most recent policy statement released on May 30, the Bank of Canada (BoC) gave every indication that it would raise its overnight rate, which our variable mortgage rates...

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Condo Market Turbulence + Bank of Canada Weighs Mortgage Rules Impact

Toronto: Condo market may hit turbulence and can the city afford mid-rise housing? 

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How a Fight between Condo and Owner Over a Flower Box Cost $109,000

This is the sad story of a $109,000 flower box. It all began in a large project of 213 condominium garden homes known as Bethamy Woods, in Ottawa.

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The Bank of Canada Gets Reacquainted with Murphy’s Law

The Bank of Canada just got another reminder about the perils of offering forward guidance.

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A Directionless Summer + The Young Buyers Club

This Week in Real Estate in Toronto: A directionless summer draws lowball offers and how people under 30 managed to buy in the city. 

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Why Your Home Isn't Selling On Your Offer Night

How your selling strategy may be confusing buyers - enough to keep them away.

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A Trade War Would Push Down Our Mortgage Rates, But Don’t Wish for It

A trade war with the U.S. would likely impact mortgage borrowers in Canada - in more ways than you might think.

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Buyer Held to Contract After Property Found to be Former Marijuana Grow-Op

The Ontario Court of Appeal has confirmed that a home buyer did not have the right to walk away from the purchase of a property which was found to be a former marijuana...

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How Canada's Mortgage Stress Tests Have Spiked Toronto Condo Prices

The Canadian federal government introduced new mortgage rules in the fall of 2016 to combat rapidly increasing home prices - but have they driven up condo prices instead?

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Will More Job Losses Delay the Bank of Canada’s Next Interest Rate-Hike?

Last Friday Statistics Canada confirmed that our economy lost an estimated 7,500 jobs in May, which was a much worse result than the 23,500 job gain the consensus had been...

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Poll Companion: What Ontario Parties Are Saying On Housing This Election

With an incumbent already conceding defeat and two starkly opposed front-runners, an uncertain Ontario heads to provincial polls this Thurs June 7. Here's a summary of the main...

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Variable Mortgage Rates Are Likely to Rise Soon … Are They Still the Better Bet?

The Bank of Canada (BoC) held its policy rate steady last week but warned in its accompanying statement that our next rate hike is not far off.

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High House Prices Widens Inequality + Real Estate Reliance Risks Recession

Toronto: High house prices widen the inequality gap and how various Ontarians are fairing in the housing. market. 

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Homeowners Should Always Get Neighbours’ Permission Before Taking Down Boundary Trees

Can a person be convicted of illegally removing a property-line tree when the City has issued a permit authorizing it?

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Not All Variable-Rate Mortgage Contracts Are Created Equal

As the variable-rate mortgage wars rage on, savvy borrowers are advised to look carefully at the terms and conditions in their mortgage contract.

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New Home Sales Hit Low + Millennials Want Their Own Backyards

Toronto: New home sales in GTA hit worst April in decades and the city puts focus on two and three bedroom units.

Elsewhere: Mortgage stress tests aren't killing the Canadian...

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Why are Detached House Prices Stable When Sales are Falling?

One of the questions I get often from buyers is how house prices can remain stable while sales are declining and inventory is increasing? 

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Fixed versus Variable? Three Variable-Rate Mortgage Simulations to Help You Decide

In last week’s post I made the case for five-year variable rates over their fixed-rate equivalents, based on my current view of where our economy is headed. 

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$100K Dispute Over Lot Proves Importance of Land Surveys

A recent court case emphasizes the importance of using a survey and getting accurate property measurements before signing an agreement in a home purchase.

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Toronto Home Sellers Aren't Panicking + Buyers Pushed to Hamilton

Toronto: Toronto buyers pushed to Hamilton, Toronto sellers aren't panicking and the mistake that cost sellers millions in last year's bubble. 

Elsewhere: The American housing...

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My House...Digital Drawings of Kids' Dream Homes

We're excited to hear artist and architect Em Cheng talk about her exhibit of digital drawings at the Bloor/Gladstone Library tonight Thurs May 17 at 6:30pm. 1101 Bloor Street...

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The Mistake That Cost Sellers Millions When Toronto's Housing Bubble Burst

This time last year, nearly 1,000 Toronto home buyers and sellers suffered major financial losses - could they have done something differently or was it just bad timing?

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Why Variable-Rate Mortgages Are Becoming More Attractive to Canadians

It’s time for a fresh look at the question every borrower loves to ask: Is now a good time to choose a fixed or variable rate?

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Fewer Listings Fuel Condo Market + Luxury Home Sales Down

Toronto: Why the GTA condo market is still hot and high-end home sales hit by new rules. 

Elsewhere: Canada takes drastic steps to make housing more affordable, high prices in...

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Drop in Toronto Condo Listings Keeps Prices Up

With Toronto Areacondo sales down 26% in April 2018, many buyers are wondering why the condo market is still incredibly competitive and prices are still up.

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Home Prices Steady + Weakest Sales Start Since 2009

Toronto: Home prices are steadying but sales are off to weakest start since 2009 recession. 

Elsewhere: BC considers more changes to real estate regulations, examining why New...

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How 22 Toronto Condo Buyers Ended Up Owning the Wrong Units

How is it that 22 condominium owners in a north Toronto development do not own the units they are living in?

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The Unfairness of Last Week’s Posted-Rate Hikes

Last week TD Canada Trust raised its five-year posted rate from 5.14% to 5.59%, and shortly thereafter, Royal Bank and National Bank increased their five-year posted rates from...

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Taxes Toppling Toronto Condos + Death of the Single Family Home

Toronto: Proposed hikes in development charges shock condo industry.

Elsewhere: Did Ontario's real estate tax close the deal, Canada's housing market is still vulnerable to market...

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Bank of Canada Offers Hope (For Later), Caution (For Now)

The Bank of Canada (BoC) left its overnight rate unchanged last week, as most market watchers expected. The Bank also released its latest quarterly Monetary Policy Report (MPR),...

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Homeowner, Court Tears Strip (Of Land) Off Neighbour

Gillean Gibb and Liliana Maria Pereira are next-door neighbours on Grosvenor St., in London, Ont.

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Five Key Questions For The Bank of Canada This Week

The Bank of Canada (BoC) meets this Wednesday, and while most market watchers aren’t expecting the Bank to raise its overnight rate at this meeting there is still the possibility...

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Homeowners Spend $50,000 Fighting Over Small Strip of Land Between Houses

It’s hard to imagine why two neighbours would together spend as much as $50,000 on legal fees in a court fight over a strip of land between their houses that measures only 0.14...

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Costing Toronto's Bubble + Slower March Home Starts

Toronto's 2017 housing bubble hurt consumers and worsened affordability, with some areas affected far more significantly than others. 

Elsewhere: Canadian housing starts slowed in...

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What You Can Learn From Toronto's 2017 Real Estate Bubble

Today we're releasing a new report featuring my analysis of last year's real estate bubble - why it happened and how it affected home buyers and sellers in Toronto and the Greater...

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What Surprising Market Reaction to Employment Data Means for Our Mortgage Rates

Last Friday Statistics Canada released our latest employment report, for March.

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GTA House Prices Falling Furthest Where Investors Once Dominated

This time last year we published a report Freeholds on Fire: How Investor Demand for Houses is Driving Up Prices in the Greater Toronto Area which looked at how investors in the...

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Sellers Should Never Sign a Seller Property Information Statement

Is a purchaser entitled to back out of a real estate purchase deal if she finds out before closing that the home was the site of a murder?

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T.O. Rebounds + Affordability Rises

Toronto's housing market shows signs of a rebound as affordability rises across Canada.

Elsewhere: Millennials behind surge in home buying intentions in Canada, Manhattan home...

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Why Toronto’s Real Estate Market Isn’t Crashing (Anymore)

The headlines and the recent numbers about the Greater Toronto Area’s real estate market have not been great this spring. Average home prices are down 14% in March and sales are...

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As Canadian GDP Growth Slows, Will U.S. Economic Momentum Save the Day?

Last week, Statistics Canada confirmed that our economic momentum slowed sharply in January as our GDP fell by 0.1% over the month. The drop was primarily attributed to sharp...

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Toronto's Tale Of Two Markets   

A tale of  two markets in Toronto and top economists weigh in on GTA housing situation.

Elsewhere: BMO says Canadian housing market facing decade of stagnation, HUD scales back...

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Court Rejects Elderly Father’s Bid to Remove Son From Property Title

When a parent registers title to a home in joint names with a child, and the family relationship later breaks down, the results can be unhappy — and expensive — for all concerned.

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Why I Don’t Think The Bank of Canada Will Over-React to the Latest Inflation Data (As the Bond Market Did)

Last week Statistics Canada confirmed that year-over-year overall inflation growth spiked from 1.7% in January to 2.2% in February. At the same time, two of the three gauges that...

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More Crash Fears + GTA Growth Spurs Highrises

Toronto crash fears, Milton grows up and A-Rod boosts GTA real estate dreams.

Elsewhere: Scotiabank not worried about Canada debt, California housing problems spillover and UK's...

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What Do You Do When Your Condo Development Has Been Destroyed by Fire?

Dozens of purchasers in a Mississauga condominium project are awaiting news of further developments after the project was destroyed by fire earlier this month.

But the decision...

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City Relies On 'Volatile' Property Market + Ford Prepares Housing Plans

Is the city's budget too reliant on a 'volatile' property market, Doug Ford readies plans for housing and luxury properties are swept up in Toronto's housing slump. 

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What the Bank of Canada’s Caution Means for Canadian Mortgage Rates

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

When the Bank of Canada (BoC) met last week, it left its overnight rate unchanged, as expected.

The only real question...

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Sales Plunge In February + Is A Crash Coming?

 Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Blog TO

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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How Trump’s Tariffs Are Likely to Affect Canadian Mortgage Rates

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Last Thursday, seemingly out of the blue, President Trump announced that the U.S. would impose a 25% tariff on...

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Slow Sales Could Signal Return To Normal Market + The Supply And Growth Plan Paradox

 Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Daily Hive

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Our Latest Inflation Data Give the Bank of Canada More Time to Wait

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Our January inflation data have provided the latest fuel for the ongoing debate about when the Bank of Canada (BoC)...

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Home Prices Rise + Buyers Have The Upper Hand

 Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: CBC

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Why the Bank of Canada Will Be Cautious in 2018 (And It Isn’t Just Because of the January Employment Data)

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

After thirteen straight months of impressive gains, Canada’s labour market hit the brakes hard last month.

Our economy...

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Jan Home Prices Down + TREB Takes Data Fight To Supreme Court

 Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Blog TO

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Who Pays When You Slip and Fall on Someone Else’s Property?

Bob Aaron in Legal 

Winter in Toronto can bring the early morning sounds of neighbours’ shovels on driveways and sidewalks, and snowplows on roads.

Failure to clear snow and ice...

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Will the Latest U.S. Employment Data Push Canadian Fixed Mortgage Rates Higher?

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Last Friday U.S. bond yields surged higher as investors reacted to the release of a stronger-than-expected U.S....

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Market Hits A Deep Freeze + Home Sales Poised To Fall In 2018

 Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Daily Hive

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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The Least Discussed Risk to Canadian Mortgage Rates in 2018

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

The consensus continues to believe that the Bank of Canada (BoC) will raise its policy rate by another 0.50% to 0.75%...

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Toronto Moves Up On Least Affordable Cities List + Multiple Offers For Condo Rentals

 Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Metro

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Property Buyers Should be Aware of Real Estate Lawyers' Legal Standards

Bob Aaron in Legal, Home Buying, Condo Buying

A fact sheet published last month by LawPRO — the Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company — provides an interesting insight into...

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Canadian Variable Mortgage Rates Rise Again. Are More Hikes Coming?

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

The Bank of Canada (BoC) raised its policy rate by 0.25% last week, and it now stands at 1.25%.

Lender prime rates...

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Rising Mortgage Rates Unlikely To Slow Down Market + Toronto Has Highest Rental Rates In Canada

 Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Daily Hive

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Canadian Mortgage Rate Forecast for 2018 – Part 2 (Five-Year Variable Rates)

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

In today’s post I offer my forecast for five-year variable rates in 2018. (FYI - You can read my forecast for...

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What Data Doesn't Tell Us + Toronto Has More Room For Density

 Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Toronto Star

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week...

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Canadian Mortgage Rate Forecast for 2018 – Part 1 (Five-Year Fixed Rates)

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Welcome back!

First off, I’d like to wish a very happy new year to my readers.

In today’s post I offer my forecast for...

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Week In Review: Home Sales Down in 2017 + TREB Blames the Government

 Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: The Globe and Mail

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This...

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How the Coming Mortgage Rule Changes Are Likely to Impact Canadians in 2018

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

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The Bank of Canada Remains Cautious … For at Least as Long As Rising Wage Pressures Will Allow

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

The Bank of Canada (BoC) left its policy rate unchanged last week, as expected.

In its accompanying statement the Bank...

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You Could Be Liable for Home Tank’s Oil Spill

Bob Aaron in Legal

A recent decision of the Ontario Superior Court warns homeowners that a distributor’s delivery of fuel oil does not mean that their tanks are safe. It also...

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The Inconvenient Truth About the Latest Employment Report

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Last Friday Statistics Canada confirmed that our economy added a whopping 79,500 new jobs in November, and that result...

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Week In Review: Hot Housing Market Balances City Budget + Rental Housing Falls To 16-Year Low

 Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: CP 24

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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The Mortgage Rule Changes That Need to Be Changed

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

On January 1, 2018, our regulators will implement a sixth round of mortgage rule changes as part of their ongoing...

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Week In Review: Developers Can't Afford Land In Toronto + What New Federal Housing Plan Means

 Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Toronto Star 

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This...

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How Canadian Mortgage Rates Are Benefiting from Our Current Inflationary “Sweet Spot”

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Anyone keeping an eye on Canadian mortgage rates should pay close attention to our inflation data, which contain...

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Week In Review: Is It Cheaper To Buy A House Than A Condo + A Transit Miracle On King St.

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Macleans

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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A Detailed Look At Canada’s Mortgage Stress-Test Rate

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

As of January 1, 2018, everyone who borrows from a federally regulated mortgage lender must qualify using the Mortgage...

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Week In Review: GTA Condo Prices Top Houses + The Need For Denser Housing

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: CBC

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Why condos are more expensive than houses in the Greater Toronto Area

John Pasalis in Toronto Real Estate News, Condo Buying

Ryerson’s City Building Institute published an interesting paper this week that concluded that builders are not building...

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Why Strong Employment Growth Shouldn’t Translate into Higher Canadian Mortgage Rates (For Now)

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Last week we received the Canadian employment data for October, which was better than expected.

Our economy added...

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Government Has No Excuse for Delaying Consumer Protection Sections of New Condominium Act

Bob Aaron in Condo Buying, Legal

With parts of the new Condominium Act coming into force next week, there is concern about important consumer protection sections in the act that...

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The Bank of Canada Holds Rates Steady and Dampens Rate-Hike Expectations

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

The Bank of Canada (BoC) left its policy rate unchanged last week, as expected. The Bank also sounded more cautious...

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Delayed Action on Consumer Protection for Homeowners a Sad Reflection on Provincial Government

Bob Aaron in Legal

The Ontario government acted with speed in imposing a new non-resident tax on real estate purchases.

But when it comes to protecting consumer deposits on...

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New Mortgage Rules Announced: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: Is Toronto The Ideal Place To Build A Neighbourhood Of The Future + New Mortgage Stress Test

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Urban Toronto

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week...

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Why Slowing Consumer Spending Will Put a Lid on Canadian Mortgage Rates

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: House Price Correction Eases + Market Puzzles The Experts

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: See Toronto Now 

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This...

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What Will September’s Accelerating Wage Growth Mean for Canadian Mortgage Rates?

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Wynne Liberals prioritize Realtor commissions over consumer protection

John Pasalis in Toronto Real Estate News

photo credit Globe and Mail

Yesterday the Ontario provincial government announced plans to add more regulation to the practice of double...

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Is Toronto’s real estate market still crashing?

John Pasalis in Toronto Real Estate News

If you’re considering buying a home in the Greater Toronto Area, it’s really tough to make sense of what is really happening in the real...

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Condo Corps Need to Deal with Marijuana Use Before it Becomes a Problem

Bob Aaron in Legal, Condo Buying 

When marijuana becomes legal next summer, landlords, tenants and condominium owners can expect an increase in disputes related to both indoor...

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Good News for Variable-Rate Mortgage Borrowers: Governor Poloz Shifts the Bank of Canada Into Neutral (For Now)

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: TREB Urges Caution Over Vacant-Home Tax + Why The Worst May Be Yet To Come

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Daily Hive

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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How Inflation Is Likely to Impact Canadian Mortgage Rates in the Near Future

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: Condos Buck The Housing Crunch In Toronto + Market Feels Effect Of Foreign-Buyers Tax

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: CBC

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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How the Loonie’s Value Is Likely to Impact Canadian Mortgage Rates In the Near Future

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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The Bank of Canada Raises Rates Again and Speculation Grows That It May Not Be Done Yet

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: Home Prices Sink Further In August + The Buyers Are Back

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: TripSavvy

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Condo Sale Complicated by Fire

Bob Aaron in Legal, Condo Buying, Home Buying, Home Selling

Editor's Note: This article was first published in July 2017.

What happens if a real estate purchase and sale...

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Week In Review: Home Sales Plunge In GTA + The Case For Midrise Housing

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in Toronto: Home sales...

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When a Property Survey is More Important Than the Deed

Bob Aaron in Legal, Home Buying

Is a property survey important? Is it necessary if the buyer gets title insurance?

I’ve often said that a survey is the most important document...

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Does It Still Pay to Shop Around for the Best Mortgage Rate?

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Co-op Board v Owner Dispute Becomes Pricey Court Action

Bob Aaron in Legal

A recent case involving a Toronto co-ownership building illustrates why expensive court proceedings are not always the solution to disputes between owners and...

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Why Aren’t Average Incomes Rising More Rapidly?

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: Buyers and Sellers Try To Stay Afloat + Complications After The Big Chill

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: City News

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Why Some Toronto Neighbourhoods Are Likely to See Prices Fall Even Further

John Pasalis in Toronto Real Estate News, Home Buying

In my last blog post (The GTA Neighbourhoods Home Buyers Should Avoid), I walked through a metric we use at Realosophy to...

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Buyer Paid for Property He Did Not Get

Bob Aaron in Home BuyingLegal

The most important thing a real estate lawyer must do for his purchaser clients is to confirm the exact dimensions, and location, of the property...

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Five Key Questions for Mortgage Borrowers to Focus On

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: Buyers And Sellers Play The Waiting Game + Home Construction Bounces Back

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: CBC

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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The GTA Neighbourhoods Home Buyers Should Avoid

John Pasalis in Toronto Real Estate News, Home Buying

I recently stopped by TVO’s The Agenda to discuss the latest market stats with the Toronto Star’s Tess Kalinowski, and host...

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What Do Strong Job Growth and Weak Wage Growth Mean for Our Mortgage Rates?

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: Buyers Retreat In Toronto + Condos Continue To Dominate

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Macleans 

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Why This is the Best and Worst Time to Buy a Home in Toronto

John Pasalis in Toronto Real Estate News, Home Buying

“Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful”  -  Warren Buffett

Acclaimed investor Warren Buffett...

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Canadian GDP Surges Higher in May. Will Mortgage Rates Follow?

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: Condo Crazy In Toronto + A Return To Sanity

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: CBC

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Three Reasons Why I Think the Market Is Overestimating the Future Path For Canadian Mortgage Rates

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: A Buyer's Market In Toronto + The King and Spadina Boom

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: CTV

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Canadian Variable Mortgage Rates Rise for the First Time in Over Seven Years. What’s Next?

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: Is Toronto Housing Market On Verge Of Severe Correction? + Home Buyers Lose Steam and Cash in Canada

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: CP 24

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Rate Hikes Are Now a Virtual Certainty In Both Canada and the U.S. After the Release of the Latest Employment Data

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

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Ontario court rules Wychwood homeowners are not obligated to pay park maintenance fees

Bob Aaron in Legal

Taddle Creek Pond in Wychwood. Photo Credit: By Wordconcepts - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Collecting homeowner fees to maintain private roads and other shared...

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Week In Review: What Ontario's Foreign Home Buyer Data Means + Housing Anxiety Persists Across Canada

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: City TV

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Three Takeaways from Ontario’s Newly Released Foreign Home Buyer Data

John Pasalis in Toronto Real Estate News

The province of Ontario just announced that 4.7% of the 18,282 homes purchased in the Greater Golden Horseshoe between April 24th and May...

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Canadian Mortgage Rates Are Rising – Should Variable-Rate Borrowers Lock In?

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: Homeowners Caught Between Buying and Selling + Provincial Government Considers a Change in Rules

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Toronto Star

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Home Inspection Act finally passed

Bob Aaron in Legal

Editor's Note: This article was first published last month (May 2017).

The Ontario government last month finally passed legislation to regulate the home...

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The Latest Inflation Data Give Us the Proof in the Bank of Canada’s Rhetorical Pudding

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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‘Escalation’ clause ignites privacy, ethics code concerns

Bob Aaron in Legal, Home Buying, Home Selling

The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA), which represents 70,000 real estate agents and brokers, has become involved in a public...

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The Bank of Canada May Test the Courage of Variable-Rate Borrowers Sooner Than Expected

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Watch: The Cooling of an Overheated Market

Realosophy President and Move Smartly Writer John Pasalis joined Toronto Star’s Tess Kalinowski onTVO’s The Agenda's Nam Kiwanuka to talk about the cooling real estate market -...

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Week In Review: GTA Sales Decline Continues + Millennials Would Vote for Home Affordability

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Daily Hive

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Real estate tax demands lawyers verify the unverifiable

Bob Aaron in Legal

Editor's Note: This article was first published last month (May 2017).

Last month’s introduction of the 15-per-cent Non-Resident Speculation Tax has turned...

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‘Detached’ home for sale is actually linked to property next door

Bob Aaron in Legal, Home Buying

When is a detached house not detached? That was the question facing the “Smiths” late last month.

The couple came to see me after they signed an...

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More Jobs Don’t Mean More Pay … for Now

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Why the Latest U.S. Employment Report Disappointed and Why the Fed Is About To Raise Rates Anyway

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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How to Avoid Buying a Home with Illegal Parking

With the surge in real estate prices over the past few years, it’s not a wonder that the Toronto real estate market has seen an uptick in the number of homes being flipped, i.e.,...

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How Bidding on a Home in Toronto Just Got Worse

John Pasalis in Toronto Real Estate News , Home Buying

If there is one part of the home buying process that all of Toronto hates – it’s when you have to compete for a home...

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Week In Review: Buying at Peak Fears Rise in Toronto + Is Canada a Real Estate Addict?

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Daily Hive

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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The Bank of Canada Warns … and Waits

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: Home Sales Plunge in GTA + Mortgage Worries For Canadians

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Toronto Star

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week...

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GTA Home Sales Plunge 26% Following Ontario Foreign Buyer Tax

John Pasalis in Toronto Real Estate News

On April 20th 2017 the Ontario government introduced their Fair Housing Plan which included a 15% tax on homes purchased by foreign...

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Pick or Pass: How to Use Data to Help You Make a Smarter Condo Investment Decision

Last week we touched on how to assess the impact of investors when evaluating a condo building – this week we’re going to take it one step further by delving into three other...

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Why a Smaller Down Payment Comes with a Lower Mortgage Rate

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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From Bidding Wars to Lowball Offers – Toronto’s roller coaster real estate market

John Pasalis in Toronto Real Estate News

The first half of 2017 has been a roller coaster ride for Toronto’s real estate market.

The first 3 months of the year were the most...

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Should You Choose a Fixed or Variable Mortgage Rate Today?

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: Home Sellers Get A Taste Of Buyers' Anxiety + Affordability Crisis Hits Toronto

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: CBC

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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The Latest Canada and U.S. Employment Data Raise the Same Vexing Question

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Pick or Pass: What Makes a Condo a Good Investment?

The condo market in Toronto seems to be unfazed by the introduction of the Ontario Government’s new Fair Housing Plan. In some instances, the number of units bought by investors...

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Week In Review: Toronto Real Estate Slows + Anxious Home Buyers Hold Back

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: CBC

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Is Your Mortgage Lender About To Go Bust?

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: Investors Cashing Out in Toronto + Politicians Meddling in Real Estate?

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: The Globe and Mail

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This...

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Wychwood Park Homeowners Fight Fee

Bob Aaron in Legal, Home Buying

Taddle Creek Pond in Wychwood. Photo Credit: By Wordconcepts - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

A 2016 decision of the Ontario Divisional Court has...

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Pick or Pass: A House Flip Gone Wrong

This week I wanted to highlight a listing I viewed over the long weekend with clients of mine that were looking for a home in the Bedford Park area. Anyone who knows the area...

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Five Factors That Are Now Pushing Canadian Bond Yields Lower

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: Foreign Buyers Tax Comes To Ontario + Richmond Hill Hottest Market in Canada

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: CBC

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Ontario's New Fair Housing Plan - The Good and the Bad

John Pasalis in Toronto Real Estate News

The Ontario government has responded to the rapid growth in house prices and rents in the Greater Toronto Area by releasing what they...

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Use your weekends to explore a career in real estate

Realosophy Team in Realosophy Team

Have you wondered about becoming a real estate agent, but worried about taking the plunge?

We’ve designed the Realosophy Sales Assistant...

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What the Bank of Canada Thinks of the Recent Surge in Our Economic Momentum

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Missing deed registration cut-off by seconds adds $157,000 to tax bill

Bob Aaron in Legal

When the city of Toronto increased its municipal land transfer tax on March 1, no one could have imagined that the failure to grandfather any transactions...

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Why Haven’t Low Unemployment Rates Led to Rising Inflation?

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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New Listings Surge 62% as Toronto Home Owners Cash in on Hot Real Estate Market

John Pasalis in Toronto Real Estate News

The first week of April saw the number of new listings of freehold houses (detached, semi-detached and townhouses) surge 62% over last...

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Pick or Pass: Is a Special Assessment the Reason Why This Home is Still on the Market?

Recently, there were two homes on the market with the same offer date and my clients were trying to figure out which one they would offer on – one in Port Credit, Mississauga and...

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Week In Review: Ontario Urged To Cool Toronto Real Estate + Is Vancouver Loneliest City?

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: CBC

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Pick or Pass: What You Need to Know About Pre-Construction Condos (That Sales Reps Might Not Tell You)

From a legal perspective, buying a pre-construction condo can be an even more involved process than buying a resale property as there are many additional aspects to consider –...

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House Prices Up over 60% in GTA's Hottest Areas

John Pasalis in Toronto Real Estate News

Toronto's real estate market continued to defy gravity in March when the average price for a home climbed to $922,757 in March 2017, a 33%...

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What Will Better Than Expected GDP Growth Mean for Canadian Mortgage Rates?

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: TO Eyes Vacancy Tax + Bubble Fears

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: BLOG TO

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Legal Fight Over Toronto’s Trump Tower is Far From Over

Bob Aaron in Legal

Photo Credit: By Secondarywaltz (Own work), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Supreme Court of Canada has written the latest chapter in the ongoing...

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A (Rare) Quiet Week for Canadian Mortgage Rates

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: Speculators Super-Heat Toronto Market + What Federal Budget Means For Housing

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: CBC

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Data Shows That Investors Are Now Speculating on Single Family Houses Across GTA

John Pasalis in Toronto Real Estate News

Last year I wrote about a trend I had been noticing in the Toronto area real estate market - whether at our office or at dinner parties,...

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How Will Canadian Mortgage Rates Be Affected by the U.S. Federal Reserve’s Latest Rate Hike?

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Pick or Pass: Are You Throwing Your Money Away on Monthly Condo Fees?

More home buyers are considering condo style living as an alternative to freehold housing due to the widening price gap between the two types. Although a viable housing choice...

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Week In Review: Foreign Buyer Tax Not Enough for TO? + Housing Boom Refills Empty Nests

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: CTV

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in Toronto:...

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Insurance Company Beaten as Exclusions Do Not Apply to Dam Burst

Bob Aaron in Legal

Not all insurance policies exclude coverage for floods entering a house from the outside.

Last month I wrote about a $2-million claim for catastrophic water...

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What Will Happen to Canadian Mortgage Rates When the Fed Raises Its Policy Rate This Wednesday?

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week in Review: Toronto House Hunters Get Desperate + Ontario Rethinks Foreign Buyer Tax

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: NOW Magazine

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week...

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Sellers beware if information is not correct

Bob Aaron in Legal, Home Selling

Patrick Gladu and wife Danielle Boyer-Gladu purchased a property in Sturgeon Falls, Ont., back in 2009.

The house had been advertised on the...

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Why the Spread Between Canadian Five-Year Fixed and Variable Mortgage Rates Is Set to Widen

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: A 'Vancouver Style' Cooling for Toronto + Sticker Shock Sets In

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: CBC

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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$2 million in water damage not covered by insurance

Bob Aaron in Legal

Imagine turning to your insurance company after catastrophic damages to your house and being told, “You’re not covered.”

That’s what happened to Hassan...

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Five U.S. Observations and What They Mean for the Canadian Economy and Our Mortgage Rates

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Pick or Pass: Could you Spot a Blacklisted Condo?

Nicole Harrington in Listings of the Week

Toronto’s housing market is as diverse as its people: ranging in price, size, and location. I pick a Toronto listing or trend to focus on...

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Week In Review: Toronto Housing Market Heading For Paralysis? + A Warning For Realtors

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: CBC

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Devious tenants must be stopped from gaming system

Bob Aaron in Legal

Anyone interested in becoming a landlord in Ontario could learn some lessons from a recent court case which demonstrates how an unscrupulous tenant was able...

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Are Toronto House Prices Booming Because Too Many People Want to Live Here?

John Pasalis in Toronto Real Estate News

In the late 1980's economists Robert Shiller and Karl Case began to challenge the long standing assumption that all home buying decisions...

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Week In Review: The Toronto Bubble Is Real + What Drives Housing Prices?

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Global News

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Will Another Month of Impressive Jobs Gains Fuel a Rise in Canadian Mortgage Rates?

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Caution to those Buying a Home Based on School District

Back in October I wrote a blog post on the correlation between high performing school districts and how they affect home value. The basic premise of the post was to show that...

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Week In Review: Condo Demand Heats Up + A Million Dollars For A Tear-down

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Notable

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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The U.S. Federal Reserve Maintains a Cautious Approach to Future Rate Hikes

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: Toronto Price Surge Expected + Condo Sales Push Records

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

  Photo Credit: Toronto Star

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week...

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GTA Detached Home Prices Up 28% in January

John Pasalis in Toronto Real Estate News

The Greater Toronto Area's real estate market is off to a very hot start in 2017. The table below shows the average price for a detached...

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Will Canadian Mortgage Rates Get Trumped?

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Pick or Pass: How Overpaying for a Home May Hurt You

Nicole Harrington in Listings of the Week

Toronto’s housing market is as diverse as its people: ranging in price, size, and location. I pick a Toronto listing or trend to focus on...

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Week In Review: High Real Estate Prices Spill Over + Cooling Measures for Toronto?

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Photo Credit: Jordan Morrison 

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This...

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Kitec plumbing in condos should be revealed

Bob Aaron in Legal, Condo Buying

Should condominium corporations disclose the existence of Kitec plumbing to potential buyers on their status certificates? That was the question...

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Uncertainty Reigns at The Bank of Canada

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: Downtown Home Skyrockets In Value + Condo Rental Market Shortage

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Source: CP 24

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in Toronto:...

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Ontario court upholds condo rule banning Airbnb and short-term rentals

Bob Aaron in Legal

Condo owners who rented their suite for short-term stays violated the building’s rules, an Ontario court ruled earlier this month.

The Ottawa condo’s...

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All Eyes on the Bank of Canada This Week

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Pick or Pass: The Neighbourhood to Watch for 2017

Nicole Harrington in Listings of the Week 

Toronto’s housing market is as diverse as its people: ranging in price, size, and location. I pick a Toronto listing or trend to focus...

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Week In Review: Luxury Home Sales Boom + A Push For Increased Supply

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Source: CP 24

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in Toronto:...

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A Look Ahead for Canadian Mortgage Rates in 2017

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: Home Prices Will Climb + The Anatomy Of A Real Estate Disaster

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Source: Toronto Life

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Home inspections are your best friend

Bob Aaron in Legal, Home Buying

What happens if you discover water flowing below the floor in a newly-purchased house and you have to completely gut the basement to remove toxic...

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Week In Review: Toronto Least Affordable Market In Canada + Doomsday Scenario For Canadian Housing

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Source: Torontoist

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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Tax burden of housing sector must be shared by all

Bob Aaron in Legal

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Variable Mortgage Rates Grow More Appealing for Canadians

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Pick or Pass: How a "Must Have" List Can Help Your Home Buying

Nicole Harrington in Listings of the Week 

Toronto’s housing market is as diverse as its people: ranging in price, size, and location. I pick a Toronto listing or trend to focus...

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Week In Review: Toronto's Market Heats Up Again + What Will 'Generation Rent' Be Able to Afford?

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Source: CTV

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in Toronto: The...

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The Bank of Canada Bolsters Its Cautious Rate View

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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The New Canadian Mortgage Landscape

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Pick or Pass: Affordable Spots for Buyers - Condo Edition

Nicole Harrington in Listings of the Week 

Toronto’s housing market is as diverse as its people: ranging in price, size, and location. I pick a Toronto listing or trend to focus...

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Week In Review: The Market Takes A Breath + Housing Prices Hurt Canada's Middle Class

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Source: Albinger

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in Toronto:...

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Supreme Court Upholds Title-insurance Victory

Bob Aaron in Legal, Home Buying

The Supreme Court of Canada has written the final chapter in one of the most important title-insurance cases of this generation.

The story began...

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The Coming Test for Canadian Bond Yields

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Week In Review: Condo Builders Can't Keep Up With Demand + A New Way Forward For Housing

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Source: Toronto Star

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in...

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What if my Prospective Condo Corporation is Involved in Litigation?

Bob Aaron in Legal, Home Buying, Condo Buying

What should a buyer do when the status certificate for their condominium purchase shows that the corporation is involved in...

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The Canadian Mortgage Landscape Is About To Change

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Pick or Pass: Building Permits – the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Nicole Harrington in Listings of the Week 

Toronto’s housing market is as diverse as its people: ranging in price, size, and location. I pick a Toronto listing or trend to focus...

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Week In Review: Stressful Housing Economics in Toronto + Money Vanishes in Vancouver's Housing Market

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Source: CBC

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in Toronto:...

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Home Prices Up Over 50% In GTA’s Hottest Neighbourhoods

John Pasalis in Toronto Real Estate News

Earlier this month the Toronto Real Estate Board announced that the average price of a detached home in the 905 region was up 29.4% year...

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Why It’s Too Soon to Know How a Trump Presidency Will Affect Our Mortgage Rates

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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The Real Reason TD Raised Its Mortgage Prime Rate Last Week

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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The Bank of Canada Changes the Way That It Monitors Inflation

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Lawyers Selling Homes Could Upset the Realty Apple Cart

Bob Aaron in Legal, Real Estate Trends

An interesting development in Picton, Ont., provides a glimpse into a possible future business model for real-estate brokerages.

A law...

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Want A Cheaper Loonie? No Need to Cut Rates If Jawboning Does the Trick

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that...

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Pick or Pass: So, Let’s Talk About Malvern

Nicole Harrington in Listings of the Week 

Toronto’s housing market is as diverse as its people, ranging in price, size, and location. I pick a Toronto listing or trend to focus...

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What Canada’s Latest Mortgage Rule Changes Mean for You – Part Four

Dave Larock in Interest Rate Update, Mortgages and Finance

In Part One of my four-part series covering our Department of Finance’s latest round of mortgage-rule changes, we...

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What Canada’s Latest Mortgage Rule Changes Mean for You – Part Three

Dave Larock in Interest Rate Update, Mortgages and Finance

In Part One of this series about the upcoming mortgage-rule changes, we focused on the first change that takes effect...

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Week In Review: 905 Heats Up + Changes for Canada's Housing Market

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Source: CBC

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in Toronto:...

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Make Sure Home Seller’s Promises are Met Before Closing

Bob Aaron in Legal, Home Buying, Home Selling

A small claims court decision released last year underscores the importance of careful wording of seller promises in agreements of...

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What Canada’s Latest Mortgage Rule Changes Mean for You – Part Two

Dave Larock in Interest Rate UpdateMortgages and Finances

In Part One, we focused on the mortgage-rule change that will take effect on October 17, 2016. Today, in Part Two,...

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R Listing: Do School Districts Affect Home Values?

Nicole Harrington in Listings of the Week 

 Here's my closer look at a recent Realosophy listing brought to market by our busy sales team - along with key insights and the bigger...

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Week In Review: Is This A Good Time To Buy In Toronto + How Mortgage Changes Affect You

Realosophy Team in Media RoundupToronto Real Estate News

Source: CP

All you need to know regarding the housing market in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

This week in Toronto: Is...

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