A housewarming gift is a great tradition to show your new neighbours or your old friends that you care. Particularly for new homeowners, gifts that help decrease the challenges associated with moving into a new neighbourhood. This article outlines seven fun and easy housewarming-gift ideas to help your new and old friends enjoy their move into their home.   A Door Wreath  This is a great gift idea that allows you to get creative as you can opt for one based on the season or... [read more]

Are you looking to purchase a new house or apartment? Although this is an exciting idea, packing everything up and moving can be a daunting task. This article will provide three trips to eliminate old and unnecessary items, which will make the process of moving into a new home simpler.   Sort Everything That You Don't Need   Firstly, sort every item you own. Usually, families tend to sort out the essential items in each room and separate them from everything else.... [read more]

The Ontario government launched the Housing Affordability Task Force, which has been tasked with finding solutions on how to increase the supply of both market-rate rental and ownership housing.   The task force comprises nine members who will provide the government with recommendations on additional measures to address market housing supply and affordability. They explore measures to address housing affordability by: Increasing the supply... [read more]

Canada has seen a surge in international migration over the last few years. With all these new faces in town wanting to plant roots in this great country, it’s a good time to review some of the details surrounding mortgages and how individuals new to Canada can qualify to be homeowners.   If you are already a Permanent Resident or have received confirmation of Permanent Resident Status, you are eligible for a typical mortgage with a 5% down payment - assuming you have... [read more]

In Canada, various programs are available for first-time homebuyers, with the aim to help make buying your first home easier.  RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan If you haven’t purchased a home within the last four years (or lived in a spouse’s home in the same timeframe), you may qualify for the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan. With this plan, you may borrow up to $35,000 tax-free from your RRSP to fund your down payment. Just keep in mind that the money must be in your RRSP... [read more]