September 2024
The Bank of Canada’s rate cut announced on September 4 will lead to a further improvement in affordability, especially for those using variable-rate mortgages. First-time buyers are especially sensitive to changes in borrowing costs. As mortgage rates continue to trend lower this year and next, we should experience an uptick in first-time buying activity, including in the condo market.
Open houses are the gold standard in real estate. They’ve been around for decades and will be ingrained in the buying and selling of homes for years to come. But as a buyer, are you making the most of your open house visits?
Planting isn't just a spring activity; fall is also a great time for planting. Turfgrass, spring-blooming bulbs, cool-season vegetables, perennials, trees, and shrubs can all be effectively planted in the fall. Autumn's cooler air temperatures are easier on both plants and gardeners. The soil is still warm, allowing roots to grow until the ground freezes.
Many homeowners are realizing that “living large” doesn’t always mean bigger is better. In fact there are many benefits to downsizing to a smaller home. Whether the decision is voluntary or you are forced to move because of a job relocation or other life event, rest assured there are many benefits to decreasing your home size.
Curb appeal is a term used to describe how your home looks from the exterior and how appealing it looks when viewed from the curb. This includes areas such as the lawn, patio, front door, exterior paint, trees, shrubs, and more. In a simpler sense, curb appeal is what the buyers initially see the moment they step out of their car.
