By Alex Ocsai, Broker Owner of RLP Meadowtowne Realty Is this the right time to upsize and upgrade my current home? The answer to this question has many facets depending on your view of what owning real estate means to you. Do you view owning your home as an investment or do you see it as a home? As a pure investment what you're going to decide on is the current price and what you believe about the potential future value of the real... [read more]

The answer is YES, according to the TD bank (1).  Rishi Sondhi, a TD economist believes that there will be another hike in interest rates in January and then a pause which will coincide with home prices and sales hitting the floor. Prices could fall as much as 20% from their highs of 2022.  As of December, the Canadian Real Estate Association has reported that the average price of a home in Canada has declined by 12%. Although prices are... [read more]

Rapidly rising interest rates are putting a damper on real estate market activity. In December, the Town of Halton Hills home resales continued to decline. But what does this really mean for those who are looking to sell?   Many of us are embracing the New Year with renewed optimism for the future. Although no one has a crystal ball, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the housing market which greatly improves my chances of formulating a... [read more]

If the title seems confusing – good!  Because that is the situation in the real estate marketplace today.  Things are changing almost daily making it impossible to provide an evaluation of a home that is accurate.  Yet, sellers and buyers are expecting real estate agents to do this. It might seem easy to those outside the industry – isn’t it simply looking at comparable properties and what people paid for them?  This... [read more]

Custom construction homes provide options typically not found in the resale or purpose built housing market. A construction mortgage may be an alternative answer allowing one to build a home to better suit your family’s needs and budget. Many Canadians, especially millennials are finding themselves priced out of the real estate market and a construction mortgage may provide better opportunities in smaller markets outside... [read more]

  Agricultural Zoned raw land in most Municipal by-laws will permit a single-family residence.  Really the only restrictions are on the distance between the dwelling and the “barn” and livestock.  MDF Manure Density Factor mostly protects wells and natural waterways. Remember Wairton? Conservation Authorities typically have the most impact n building. Without a designated building envelope, a landowner on of Agricultural land would have to... [read more]

What asset has had fewer down periods than any stocks or bonds?    Give up? Farmland is the answer and “its future is very... [read more]

Want a little more space between you and your neighbours? Looking to raise your children with more quality of life? Knowing where you want to spread your roots is a process loaded with decision-making. Sometimes, moves can be fairly streamlined – but usually, the “where to live question” is more complex. How to begin? You can start by determining if your lifestyle can adapt to rural life. Once you’ve decided you want to live amongst the trees and trade-in concrete for... [read more]

After a turbulent time in both real estate and the world at large, it seems we are now entering yet another new phase of the market. Though the world is slowly returning to a new normal, those active in real estate are wondering – what exactly does the “new normal” look like after experiencing the volatile market conditions of the last two years? In the Town of Erin, realtors are trying to anticipate what the future will hold while others wonder if now is the time to buy or... [read more]

Purchasing property can be an intimidating and stressful experience for many people. There is so much to consider when you are making what is most likely the biggest investment of your life; including the location, the amenities you will need to have nearby, and the purchase price. If you are planning to make a move to a rural location, there are many things that may be surprising and challenging for someone who isn’t familiar with the nuances of country living. An experienced realtor... [read more]

As a Real Estate Professional, my clients include those who want to up-size and down-size for a variety of reasons. Anyone going through the process of preparing a home for sale knows there usually is one universal task they must contend with: the need to de-clutter. In some cases that task can be relatively simple, while in others it can seem monumental – or even insurmountable. Any Real Estate Professional  will advise you that prospective buyers are distracted by... [read more]

Almost every real estate professional will tell you that bathroom upgrades generally provide a good return on investment. In fact, a recent Royal LePage House Staging Report found that 73 percent of potential buyers would be willing to pay more for a renovated bathroom. So, if you are considering a renovation for both personal reasons and with an eye for your home’s resale potential, the bathroom may be your choice for change. Design magazines are loaded with pictures of luxurious and... [read more]

Whether you are searching for the perfect country home or wanting to move from your rural property do your homework to make the best deal and protect your investment. In the spring and fall, for sale signs pop up on the green lawns of the countryside. Growing demand for rural properties means there is lots of buying and selling going on, says Town of Halton Hills and Town of Erin based Denise Dilbey, Broker with Royal LePage Meadowtowne Realty, Brokerage. So why are “City... [read more]

Creating a positive first impression is key to selling your home  Image is everything  The  old saying that you only get one chance to make a first impression rings true for sellers showing their homes in today’s competitive market. With the spring market upon us, many homeowners are wondering what they can do to help get their homes ready to sell. The 2015Royal LePage House Staging Report found that sellers ought to do more than... [read more]

RECREATIONAL PROPERTY IN CANADA OR ABOARD  Looking for your own slice of paradise?  How to start your search for the recreational property of your dreams  Do you have a dream of owning a cottage, chalet or recreational condominium in Canada or aboard? A place where you can escape from the city and enjoy the wonders of nature and spend quality time with family and friends?  Now that spring is here and you may be pondering your options for ownership more... [read more]

There are many different reasons why you may want to renovate. It might due to a lifestyle change, like a new baby on the way – or it may be out of necessity, like a leaky basement. Or maybe you’re looking to sell. Whatever the reason, any renovation project is going to cost you money. The fundamental question facing anyone who has ever embarked on a home renovation is: Will I get the money back when I sell my house? What a buyer may be willing to pay depends on many factors,... [read more]

Undoubtedly there are many reasons why homeowners over the age of 50 will decide to move from their homes. Many find that they’re unable to continue the task of maintaining the existing family home or want to be closer to their grandchildren – or perhaps they want the freedom to fulfill their retirement dreams without the worry or expense of the current family home.  Then, there are mature homeowners who find themselves forced into the position of having to make a move for... [read more]

After reading about what’s been happening in the US mortgage markets, you are likely concerned about how Canada is faring. Are we following our neighbours south of-the-border – or are we weathering the recent housing and mortgage storm relatively well?  It can be difficult to make sense of the information we are receiving about the economy. On one hand, we read that we're only in the early stages of a severe recession, while on the other hand we hear that the worst... [read more]

Know-how for choosing your new neighbourhood  Are you moving? Knowing where you want to end up is a process loaded with decision making. Sometimes, moves can be fairly streamlined – a single person making a temporary move may have a short list of requirements, such as to stay within a budget, live near public transit routes and close to work and amenities. But usually, the “where to live question” is complex. How should you begin? The smart answer is to start with... [read more]

If you're thinking of selling your home, you need a marketing plan. Just like any other product people buy or sell, a home's value must be communicated to the proper audience to ensure the seller gets the best possible price.  Marketing your home means more than putting up a lawn sign and sticking an ad in your local newspaper. You need to have a complete marketing plan that takes into account your property features and benefits, your objectives and details the specific... [read more]

Some homeowners tempt to try selling their property without the help of a real estate agent (this is called FSBO: For Sale By Owner). The reality is that selling real estate is a complex and highly specialized field. If you are like most, your home is your biggest asset. An agent will help steer you clear of the many pitfalls, and most importantly, will save you time and money. Yes, there are just a few of the advantages of working with an agent, your local Real Estate Professional can... [read more]