The market report is going to be a little thin this month I’m afraid. Especially when it comes to specific data. The Niagara Association of Realtors (NAR) which we look to for our raw sales data is in the process of changing MLS data systems and the numbers for November are not currently available.

This holiday season brings a joyful exchange of gifts, but did you know there are legal principles behind gifting in Ontario? Whether you're giving a small token of appreciation, or something more significant, here’s what you need to know to ensure that your intentions are legally documented. This article is essential for parents who are considering gifting any down-payment to their children for a home purchase.

When it comes to homeownership, many of us dream of the day we will be mortgage-free. While most mortgages operate on a 25-year amortization schedule, there are some ways you can pay off your mortgage quicker! Did you know? There are a few ways you can help pay off your mortgage faster.

When it comes to selling your property, be it your home, a ‘fix and flip’ or an investment property, there are a number of different strategies you can use. You can start high. After all, studies have shown that for most people the largest chunk of their net worth is in their real property. And so, you want to realize as much equity as possible from the sale. And of course, the mind set often is ‘I can always come down’. And who knows, even if you are overpriced, there is always the possibility that someone will come along who absolutely falls in love with your property and is willing to pay what you are asking or beyond. You might get lucky.

Closing costs are a one-time fee associated with the sale of a home and are separate from the mortgage insurance and down payment. Typically, these costs range from 1.5-4% of the purchase price, depending on your location. Factoring these costs into your maximum budget can help you narrow down an entirely affordable home and ensure future financial stability and security.

There is a housing crisis in Canada and it is impacting both prospective home buyers and prospective tenants. Simply put, there are more aspiring occupants than there are dwellings to put them in. Of course, the problem isn’t consistent in all locations across the country. Remote areas and areas with limited growth and slim employment opportunities aren’t impacted. But high-density urban areas, areas where population is consistently growing and areas within reasonable community distance of large centres are definitely feeling the pinch. And that pretty much encompasses all of Southern Ontario.