Found 12 blog entries tagged as Homes.

Dear Reader,

 We live in an increasingly fast-paced world, time flies by so quickly, and here we are, it’s almost the end of another year. Sometimes significant chunks of time can pass without us even giving thought to how we live or where. But it’s important to hit the pause button every so often and ask yourself if you are content in your life.

 When it comes to your home, ask yourself if it is still meeting your needs. Is there anything that bothers you daily that you could do something about? Maybe that means updating your dated kitchen or replacing worn-out carpet. November is a great time to explore and review contractors when they are typically less busy, and you have a better chance of securing a reputable contractor and scheduling your…

125 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Dear Reader,

When we walk outside our doors this time of year, it’s not uncommon to be spooked by the haunted sights and sounds around our neighbourhood. While that’s all in good fun, other spooky sights and sounds around your home might not be. For example, maybe you are spooked by a toilet that has suddenly started making strange noises, or you hear a dripping sound from a faucet in the middle of the night that sends shivers up your spine. You may need a plumber if any of those spooky sounds haunt you. If that’s the case, I want you to know you don’t have to be in the dark looking for a plumber or any other contractor you may need. I have a full list of reputable contractors I can recommend for whatever spooky sounds or sights you may discover around…

125 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Welcome To The Orchard in Invermere, BC

The Orchard is a 15 home development with luxury adaptable, sustainable living at its core. By design, The Orchard seeks to provide solutions in living that can accommodate a diversity of ability.


Location, Location, Location

Invermere, BC

The Orchard is a beautiful 1.5 acres on 13th Avenue (aka Westside Road) Invermere! A short walk to all schools, close to playing fields, tennis courts, and to the Skate Park. Hiking and biking
trails are nearby and the downtown core with shops and restaurants, is a pleasant 15 minute walk away.

Energy Efficiency

The Orchard Homes are designed to meet the anticipated changing building codes for energy efficiency and accessibility. Many units are…

204 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Interest Rates: Boosting Buyer Power In 2024. Talks circulate about a drop in interest rates starting in spring. Good news for savvy buyers! Lower rates mean more purchasing power, letting you stretch your budget. From entry-level homes to mid-size luxury, the possibilities expand. If you hesitated in 2023 due to high rates, it's time to feel confident – more qualified buyers are entering the scene.

Inter-Provincial Migration: A Shift to Alberta. The migration story continues, especially from BC and Ontario to Alberta in 2024. With interest rates dropping across Canada, Alberta, particularly Edmonton, is becoming a hotspot for those seeking affordable housing. Calgary's growth is notable, but attention is turning to Edmonton's top-tier market.

For…

329 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Buying a home as-is can be enticing. The price point can be more affordable for those who’ve been struggling to get into the market. For others looking to buy when the housing supply is low, it can present a viable avenue to explore. However, it’s important to bear in mind the decision to buy a home as-is works for some but not for all.

Buying a home as-is means “the homeowner is selling the home in its current condition, and will make no repairs or improvements, before or after closing,” says Nick Kyte, a REALTOR® and salesperson in Ottawa, Ontario. “Essentially, what you see is what you get, but what you don’t see is also what you get.” 

When the correct steps are taken, buying a home this way could be a calculated and worthwhile risk that pays…

211 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

It is important for a buyer to understand that a real estate agent works for them, while a sales representative at a home builder works for the builder. This is because the agent's primary goal is to represent the interests of the buyer and help them find the best possible home for their needs and budget. On the other hand, the sales representative's primary goal is to sell homes for the builder and to maximize the builder's profits. While they may be helpful in answering questions and providing information, they ultimately work for the builder, not the buyer. This means that the real estate agent is more likely to be objective and unbiased in their recommendations, while the sales representative may be more focused on selling a particular home or…

84 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Oftentimes, the only thing that an outdated living space needs is a sprinkle of pick me up to create a fresh new look. If your home needs a little TLC or is starting to look outdated, but you’re not interested in breaking the bank or going the extra mile with renovations, then the following pointers will give your space the updated new look it deserves!

Paint: Painting can add a whole new life to a tired space. The possibilities are endless when it comes to painting as there are so many different colours and styles to choose from. Whether it’s on the inside or the outside, a coat of paint will dramatically improve the look and feel of your home. Painting a house is the best bang for your buck when looking to increase home value.

De-clutter: The…

849 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

 

Ottawa, ON, February 18, 2020 – Earlier today, Minister of Finance Bill Morneau announced changes to the mortgage stress test.

The new benchmark rate used to determine the minimum qualifying rate for insured mortgages, coming into effect on April 6, 2020, will be the weekly median 5-year fixed insured mortgage rate from mortgage insurance applications, plus 2 per cent.

Recently, the gap between the Bank of Canada’s five-year benchmark rate and borrowers’ actual contract rates has been widening, suggesting the benchmark rate has become less responsive to changes in the market.

In October 2016, Finance Canada introduced a stress test for insured mortgages. In 2017, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) issued…

2871 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post