8 Strategies to Secure a Lower Mortgage Rate

By: Mark Douglas

8 Strategies to Secure a Lower Mortgage Rate

Tags: Credit Score, Mortgages, Best Interest Rate, Banking

Interest rates have risen rapidly this year, triggered by the Bank of Canada’s efforts to curb inflation. And the July MNP Consumer Debt Index found that 59% of Canadians “are already feeling the effects of interest rate increases.”1    Why has the impact been so widespread? In part, due to the rising popularity of variable rate mortgages. According to the Canada Mortga...Read More

10 Pro Tips for a Smooth Home Move

By: Mark Douglas

10 Pro Tips for a Smooth Home Move

Tags: housing, home selling, home selling tips, first time home seller

The process of buying a new home can be both exhilarating and exhausting. But the journey doesn’t stop when you close on your property. On the contrary, you still have quite a bit to do before you can begin the process of settling into your new place.   Fortunately, you don’t have to do everything in a day. You don’t have to do it all alone, either. When you work with us to ...Read More

7 Costly Mistakes Home Sellers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

By: Mark Douglas

7 Costly Mistakes Home Sellers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Tags: housing, home selling, home selling tips, first time home seller, seller mistakes

No matter what’s going on in the housing market, the process of selling a home can be challenging. Some sellers have a hard time saying goodbye to a treasured family residence. Others want to skip ahead to the fun of decorating and settling in a new place. Almost all sellers want to make the most money possible.   Whatever your circumstances, the road to the closing table can be riddled...Read More

Higher Rates and Short Supply: The State of Real Estate in 2022

By: Mark Douglas

Higher Rates and Short Supply: The State of Real Estate in 2022

Tags: housing, home buying, first time home buyer, home buying tips, mortgage rates, mortgages, mortgage rate increase, bank of canada

Canada's housing market hit a boiling point last year as homebuyers clambered for real estate in regions with significantly more demand than supply. But now that homeowners and buyers alike are feeling the pinch of rising interest rates and record inflation, the market appears to finally be simmering down.   That, in turn, could create a welcome opening for shoppers to be more selective w...Read More

5 Ways to Write a Winning Offer in Today’s Real Estate Market

By: Mark Douglas

5 Ways to Write a Winning Offer in Today’s Real Estate Market

Tags: housing, home buying, first time home buyer, home buying tips

  Our nation is in the midst of a shifting real estate market. But even as the buying frenzy begins to slow, many properties are still receiving multiple offers.   So what’s the best way to compete as a buyer–especially if you’re wary about overpaying?   While a high offer price gets attention, most sellers consider a variety of factors when evaluating an offer. W...Read More

Seller’s Checklist: A Timeline to Prep Your Home for Sale

By: Mark Douglas

Seller’s Checklist: A Timeline to Prep Your Home for Sale

Tags: housing, home selling, home selling tips, first time home seller

     We’re still in a seller’s market, but that doesn’t mean your home is guaranteed to easily sell. If you want to maximize your sale price, it’s still important to prepare your home before putting it on the market.   Start by connecting with your real estate agent (Me :)  ) as soon as possible. Having the eyes and ears of an insightful...Read More

Hedge Against Inflation With These 3 Real Estate Investment Types

By: Mark Douglas

Hedge Against Inflation With These 3 Real Estate Investment Types

Tags: Real Estate, Real Estate Investing, Housing

  The annual inflation rate in Canada is currently around 5.1%—the highest it’s been in 30 years.1 It doesn’t matter if you’re a cashier, lawyer, plumber, or retiree; if you spend Canadian dollars, inflation impacts you.   Economists expect the effects of inflation, like a higher cost of goods, to continue.2 Luckily, an investment in real estate can ease some of ...Read More

8 Popular Home Design Features for 2022

By: Mark Douglas

8 Popular Home Design Features for 2022

Tags: home design, accent walls, kitchen retouches

There’s a lot to consider when selling your home, from market conditions and appraisals to where you’ll go next. Don’t forget, however, the importance of design. It’s often one of the first things buyers notice when they walk into a home, and it’s also a detail that you, as a seller, can easily control.   According to Realtor.ca’s 2022 housing market forec...Read More

20 Unique Home Gifts for Every Person on Your List

By: Mark Douglas

20 Unique Home Gifts for Every Person on Your List

Tags: christmas, holiday, gift giving

Every year, it seems the holidays sneak up on us—and every year, that brings with it the dreaded last-minute gift panic. Finding a present that hits all the right notes can be surprisingly stressful, even when it comes to people you’ve known for years.   But have no fear! We’ve lined up a list of gifts for every “type” on your list. And since we work in real esta...Read More

Planning a move with kids (getting them on board)

By: Mark Douglas

Planning a move with kids (getting them on board)

Tags: moving with children, moving, home selling, home buying

    Moving into your first home is an exciting time for grown-ups, but it may be less so for your kids. While some kids embrace change readily, others may need extra time and convincing to get on board. Here are some tips that can ease the transition and get your whole household excited about their new home.   FACILITATE FRIENDSHIP No one wants to leave their friends behind; this c...Read More