New Home Builds Slow Down

The number of newly built homes in Canada slowed by 2.5%, offsetting the 1.9% growth it saw in August.

The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of housing starts dropped to 221,202 units from 226,871 units in August, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

However, the September figure was still higher than the 214,500 units that economists have expected on average, according to financial markets data firm Refinitiv.

The overall decline in the pace of housing starts came as the pace of urban starts dropped by 2.4% to 208,503 units. Urban starts of apartment, condo and other multi-unit housing projects edged down by 0.2% to 159,742, while the starts of single-detached urban homes dipped by 9.2% to…

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The temperatures may be plunging, but autumn is one of the hottest seasons for homes for sale,and for good reason: young buyers are looking to invest in a new home and moving in before the weather gets too cold. However, holidays such as Thanksgiving and Halloween can make staging a home for sale challenging – how much seasonal décor is too much?

Here are a few ways to help make your home most appealing to hopeful buyers during this spooky time of year.

Include Some Halloween and Thanksgiving Decorations

A good way to liven up your home is by including some decorations and accessories from well-known fall holidays. Good examples include having a jack-o’-lantern on the front porch or some scented candles in the living room, which add warmth…

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Posted by Penelope Graham under Canada, Real Estate News

The Canadian housing market continues to strengthen throughout the autumn, as sales and prices experienced solid gains in September, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association.

Housing activity rose for the seventh month in a row, up a robust 15.5% from the same month in 2018, and 0.6% from August. The average sale price increased 5.3% year over year to $515,500 (though removing Greater Vancouver and Toronto real estate from the equation would reduce the national average to $397,000). The MLS Home Price Index, which measures the overall value of homes sold, also edged up 1.3% annually, the largest year-over-year increase recorded since December 2018.

Most Urban Markets Experienced…

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Scott McGillivray is a real estate expert and host of HGTV Canada’s Income Property and Moving the McGillivrays.

Both renters and landlords need to be prepared for the cold winter weather and the myriad of issues that can pop up. For example, according to new data from Enercare, approximately two-thirds of Ontarians do not have annual furnace maintenance checks performed. So don’t wait until it’s too late. Here are 10 things you need to know about your rental before the cold weather hits.

Who Manages Snow Removal?

In the majority of cases the landlord is responsible for dealing with snow removal. Usually it’s required that snow be cleared from walkways within 24 hours of a major snowfall, but I recommend confirming this ahead of time.…

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As Canadians continue to struggle with high housing prices, the federal government has stepped in to help carry the weight of those hefty mortgage payments with the First Time Home Buyer Incentive. Trudeau has earmarked $1.25 billion in funding to the program over the next three years.

The First Time Home Buyer Incentive took effect on Sept. 2, 2019, but confusion continues to swirl. Is this a loan? With no interest or regular payments? And no definitive dollar amount to be repaid?? To further muddy the waters around the First Time Home Buyer Incentive, the looming federal election has already pledged changes to the three-week-young program, as promised by the Liberals if re-elected on October 21. Here’s what we do know, for the time being.

What…

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The 2019 federal election is fast approaching, and the housing debate continues to be a hot topic in the country. A national housing strategy that’s assessed annually and updated based on economic markers and buying trends is crucial to the longevity of Canada’s housing market.

Over the last year and half, real estate has made headlines: interest rates, high home prices, affordable housing strategies, and government intervention with new regulations such as the mortgage stress test.

Many Canadians, especially millennials, new immigrants and those employed in the so-called “gig economy” feel home ownership is becoming less tangible by the day. While politicians of all stripes acknowledge the mounting urgency of affordable housing, few are…

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We reached out to our RE/MAX Influencers – a panel consisting of RE/MAX Sales Associates throughout Canada – to find out some tips and best practices that will help you get your home ready for sale.

Clean & De-clutter

Cleaning and de-cluttering is one of the most important things you can do when preparing to sell your home. Cleaning is fundamental when it comes to selling your home. You want to present your home in a way that is going to give potential buyers the best first impression and dirty house will be the first thing people notice. It doesn’t take much to give your house a good clean and it is an easy way to prep your home for sale. De-cluttering also plays a huge role in the overall impression people get when viewing a home, as a house…

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Open House Saturday Oct 5 1-3 pm 

151 Blackwolf Way N, Lethbridge

3 Beds, 2 Baths $309,900

Located right behind Legacy Park, this 4 Level split home is fully developed with a detached double garage with an oversized garage door. As you enter the front door, the open floor plan provides an airy feeling that will welcome you home! The sunken living room is gleaming with natural light thanks to the large living room window at the front. The U-shaped Kitchen is functional and provides ample counter space for any chef of the family. With two generous sized bedrooms upstairs accompanied with a 4 pc bath, comfort is evident in every space of this home. As you walk downstairs to the tranquil living room, your eyes immediately are drawn to the…

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