Rent-to-own doesn’t come without its potential risks. If you enter into a lease-to-own agreement and choose not to purchase the home, you will likely lose all the money accrued toward a down payment.  While rent-to-own agreements in Canada are possible, they’re rare. If you’re worried that home prices will continue to go up in the future, one advantage of entering a rent-to-own situation is you get to pre-determine the purchase price of a home a few years before you... [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]

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]

When it comes to the winter season, it can be easy to go overboard when it comes to heating, but there is a better way! With a little awareness - and the right preparation - heating your home this winter won’t have to cost you a fortune. To help you save, we have put together a few helpful tips to reduce heating costs: 1. Inspect Your Heat Sources Regardless of whether you rely on a fireplace, gas or baseboard heating, it is always a good idea to have all heat sources inspected... [read more]

Are you considering listing your house or condo for sale? Obviously, the seasons tend to play a crucial role in the business of the real estate market. When the weather is nice, the real estate market usually booms, as buyers spend a lot of time touring open houses and finalizing shortlists. A lot of markets become slow in the winter. However, buyers do not disappear completely.     This article discusses why selling your home in the winter is better than waiting for the... [read more]