18 Sep

More Good News on the Canadian Inflation Front

General

Posted by: Michele Quinn

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.0% year over year in August, the slowest pace since February 2021, and down from a 2.5% gain in July 2024. Core inflation measures averaged 2.35% y/y and excluding mortgage interest, headline inflation was a mere 1.2%–well below the Bank’s target inflation level of 2.0%. This opens the door for a possible acceleration […]

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18 Sep

Canadian Housing Market Stuck in a holding Pattern

General

Posted by: Michele Quinn

National home sales increased in June following the Bank of Canada’s first interest rate cut since 2020, and activity posted another slight gain in August on the heels of the second rate cut in late July. Still, the bigger picture appears to be a market mostly stuck in a holding pattern. Home sales recorded over […]

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3 Sep

2024 Fall Market Outlook

General

Posted by: Michele Quinn

The initial Bank of Canada rate cuts this past summer did not spur housing activity as anticipated, but potentially more on the way will continue to affect the housing market outlook. New listing levels are expected to rise as sellers who may have held back enter the market with the hope that lower mortgage rates […]

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3 Sep

The Benefit of Rate Holds.

General

Posted by: Michele Quinn

Being on the path to purchasing your first home is one of the most exciting and most rewarding moments in life! To help make the mortgage process smoother, one of the things you can do is to get pre-approved for your mortgage. Getting pre-approved doesn’t commit you to a single lender, but it does guarantee […]

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21 Aug

Converting Your Basement to an Income Suite.

General

Posted by: Michele Quinn

With the current interest rates and economic scenarios, many Canadians may be looking for ways to bring in some extra cash. One option for this is to put your home equity to work and consider renovating your basement into a legal income suite! You can do this by using a secured credit line (home equity […]

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21 Aug

So, you need a tenant.

General

Posted by: Michele Quinn

If you have a basement suite or rental property and you are currently looking for a tenant, there are some things to know! Whether this is your first tenant or you have other rental properties, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the specifics to ensure a harmonious tenancy. As always, your responsibility […]

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21 Aug

It’s Time to Crush Your Credit Card Blues

General

Posted by: Michele Quinn

Although credit cards interest rates have not been affected by the recent surge in the prime lending rate, the fact remains that credit card debt is usually the most expensive debt you can have. The average is around 20% and even the so-called ‘low interest’ cards carry a rate in excess of 10%. Expediting the […]

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6 Aug

Small Home Improvements That Make a BIG impact

General

Posted by: Michele Quinn

Whether you’re looking to sell your home this year, or just want to make some updates, I have put together six small home improvements that can make a BIG impact on your space! From improving saleability to refreshing your home, here are some simple and affordable ideas to help get you started: Painting: One of […]

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1 Aug

Living Comfortably and Securely at Home with the CHIP Reverse Mortgage.

General

Posted by: Michele Quinn

What is Aging in Place? Aging in place refers to living safely, comfortably, and independently in your home for as long as possible. It involves having access to necessary services, healthcare, and support to ensure security and comfort at home. The Benefits of Aging in Place More than 90% of Canadians dream of aging in place. Staying […]

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1 Aug

Closing Costs – The Real Numbers You Need to Budget For.

General

Posted by: Michele Quinn

Buying a home is one of the most exciting ventures in life! To ensure it goes smoothly, you need to have a proper budget in place to protect your financial security and help you make the best decision for your future location. However, the cost of the home is not the only cost that you […]

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