REAL ESTATE BLOG

              Shorter days and cooler temperatures can only mean one thing: fall is on its way and winter won’t be far behind. So today, we’re dishing up some seasonal interior design tips to help you give your home a cozy, warm vibe just in time for fall (without having to spend big).     SAM SHALOM       The following is a guest post by Alex Jones...

    Gord Brown     Hardwood and laminate floors have taken a prime position in our homes over the last decade, but nothing compares to the soft, plush feeling of walking across luscious carpet. If you’re considering updating your flooring, it might be time to give carpet a second chance, because it could be the missing piece that ties your room together. Let’s dig deeper into the pile—pun intended!—to learn...

    Gord Brown     Rental properties have been on the rise in recent years, with many homeowners turning to owning and managing rentals as a form of investment for their future. Some opt to buy a separate rental property to manage, while others look at partitioning their residences to accommodate a secondary unit, or basement apartment. If you’ve been thinking about converting your basement into an apartment,...

    Rita     Dear Rita, We want to get out of Toronto and plan to move to Gatineau, Quebec. We are working with an agent. The biggest challenge we face is that houses sell in less than two weeks, limiting our ability to view and make offers. Any suggestions on how to resolve this? -On the Move Hi On the Move,  Moving to a new province can be overwhelming! Thankfully, there are a number of digital tools a...

    REALTOR.ca Team View All Contributors With sales declines getting smaller and smaller each month, it appears transactions are stabilizing. While they’re at a more normal level compared to earlier this year, it’s worth noting they’re still quite active compared to any other point in history. Download our August 2021 market snapshot. Housing markets appear to be cruising somewhere in between pre-pandemic and peak-pandemic...

              Choose one or a combination of a few exciting trends to easily elevate and spice up your kitchen’s décor and appeal to potential buyers’ current tastes.     TRACY ELLISON       The kitchen is the indisputable heart of the home. It has evolved over time from simply a room for cooking meals into a multi-functional space where we...

    Ainsley Smith     Header image via Stacie on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0 Trends can be cyclical. Fads you never imagined you’d see again often resurface decades later. The same can be said for  home décor trends, with vintage-inspired, shabby-chic accessories having a major moment right now. But what about those crafts and hobbies you used to do while sitting at home as a kid? The ones that spark...

    Nicole Wray     There’s no shortage of design shows packed with before and after shots to keep us coming back for more. But reality TV aside, there are plenty of popular TV series that have impacted the way we design and decorate our homes. From the resurgence of mid-century modern thanks to Mad Men or the iconic ‘90s Friends set, the on-screen spaces we see on television offer...

    Michelle McNally     Whether you reside on a tightly packed city street, or a sprawling suburb with neighbours all around, living in close quarters with other people often means dealing with each other’s day-to-day sights and sounds. Managing situations that arise between closely confined neighbours can be a delicate undertaking. There are many stories about neighbours who couldn’t get along because of disputes over...

    Michelle McNally     Earlier this summer, new changes were announced for the federal mortgage stress test, shifting the ground again in terms of how much house new and seasoned home buyers are qualified to purchase.  In April, Canada’s financial regulator, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), proposed an increase for the stress test’s minimum qualifying rate on...

              Prospective home buyers are turning to builders and building a new home.  But they are leaving their real estate agents.  This is not a good idea, and here’s why.     CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS  Many prospective home buyers are turning to builders for a new home. Unfortunately, many are leaving their real estate agent out of the transaction thinking that doing so is in...

    Meagan Kelly     Dealing with stains is a pain most people don’t want to deal with. Maybe you decided to eat in the family room one evening and spilled spaghetti on the carpet, or perhaps you turned your eyes for two seconds and your child has drawn a lovely work of art on your wall. Or maybe after an extremely long day you plopped down on the couch with a glass of red wine and sploshed some onto your cushions. No matter how...

    Michelle McNally     From record-breaking sales numbers to rising home prices, the Canadian housing market has been on a rollercoaster ride for the past 18 months. While single-family homes have drawn much attention, the condominium segment has also staged an impressive comeback. Major Canadian condo markets, like those in Vancouver and Toronto, have experienced their fair share of...

    Ainsley Smith     Regardless of where you live, chances are you’ve seen a few lawns that look like they’ve taken a beating this summer, while other neighbour’s yards look as lush and green as can be. While maintaining a healthy lawn might seem incredibly challenging, especially during the summer, it’s actually surprisingly easy! It just takes a bit of work–but it’s totally worth it. Not only...

    Jules Torti     If you start in Calgary, the scenic drive to Lethbridge, Alberta is two hours due south, which provides just enough time to listen to all of your favourite Jann Arden hits. Dubbed the gateway city to both the Badlands and Rocky Mountains, Lethbridge is one of the sunniest places in Canada (320 days a year!) so grab your sunscreen and get ready to explore the unexpected surprises...

    Alex Derry     As Canadians make the most of the dog days of summer, university students—many of whom have spent the last year learning from home—are already preparing for a back-to-school housing hunt. Following an unprecedented period of online learning and no international student travel, a wave of students returning to in-person learning on campuses following the COVID-19 pandemic means people are once...

    Alex Derry     Buying a flipped home—a property that’s been purchased, renovated, and re-sold by an investor—is all the rage these days, and for good reason! It’s an enticing idea, especially since you get to move into an already-updated home without having to handle the renovations yourself. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bank of Canada saw evidence of “a lot more...

    Nicole Wray     The only thing kids love more than being outside is being outside and getting messy! With school over and the kids at home, beat mid-week boredom with these messy, must-do outside activities perfect for keeping kids busy on summer days. Doing these activities outside makes cleanup easy and lets your kids release their creative energy. Plus you probably already have most of the things you’ll need in your...

    REALTOR.ca Team View All Contributors The Canadian housing market is slowly getting back to normal, as national home sales and new listings fell again this month following historic volumes earlier this year. While home sales were down 8.4% in June 2021 on a month-over-month basis, home sales were up 13.6% on a year-over-year basis. Demand continues to exceed supply, which is keeping prices up—25.9% from this time last year. Still a...

    Brittany Stager     Do home renovation shows have you drooling over exposed brick walls, cement tile backsplashes, and marble countertops, but you find yourself without the budget to make it happen? Don’t fret, these costly design and décor projects are easy to hack, allowing you to replicate expensive-looking designs with a few “fake it till you make it” ideas! Whether...

    Rita     Hey Rita, Is it better to sell your house before putting in an offer for another home? – Ready to sell Hi Ready, This isn’t an easy choice to make and it can cause a lot of stress.  While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, there are a number of reasons why it might be a better idea to sell your old house before buying a new one.  You don’t want to risk carrying...

    Jules Torti     As the mercury climbs, taking advantage of sunny days becomes paramount. Patios, backyards, and balconies become natural extensions of our living rooms in the summer months. It’s a far cry from the 1970s and 1980s when a couple of foldable lawn chairs were more or less the extent of your patio furniture (and hopefully guests brought their own). If the space permitted, maybe there was a...

    Jules Torti     Located at the west end of Upper Rideau Lake, Westport is known as “The Heart of Rideau Lakes.” The pulse is found in independent shops, sandy beaches, sunsets, boating, and free outdoor MUSICwestport festival (held annually in August). Oh, and it’s only 40 minutes north of Kingston, 20 minutes south of Perth, and 100 km from Ottawa (the closest international...

    Marcus Kaulback     For many Canadians sheds are often seen as dingy storage spaces for seasonal equipment and oversized junk. Conversely, in Australia and New Zealand, sheds are passionately celebrated in documentaries, books, and magazines as places of invention, retreat, and productivity. However, it looks like some Canadians are coming around, and realizing their sheds’ potential as stunning and functional...

                  SAM SHALOM       The following guest post was co-written by Lynn Kaiser Conrad, Brand Ambassador, and Kaitlin McMurdo, International Affiliate Service Director, for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC If you’re looking for a place… a special place… Imagine an oasis in the desert. Imagine looking from your feet to the sky, gazing...

    Alex Derry     From the classic Brooklyn brownstone to the exposed brick wall in what seems like every start-up’s office space, bricks offer both a classic and enduring design feature. While traditional brick laying is a time-consuming and expensive procedure for the average homeowner, installing interlocking bricks is a popular way to improve the appeal of any paved surface, be it a driveway, walkway, pool surround, or...

    REALTOR.ca Team   Housing markets across Canada continue to moderate, as national home sales and new listings fell between April and May 2021. While home sales were down 7.4% in May 2021 on a month-over-month basis, actual (not seasonally adjusted) activity was up 103.6% compared to May 2020. This means, it was still a record setting month for sales (and the third highest monthly sales figures ever) but the market appears to be less...

    Gord Brown     If you’re on the hunt for a first home, or even settling in, you’re likely bracing for the inevitability of paying property taxes. You probably saw the annual property taxes displayed on REALTOR.ca property listings, and might be wondering who sets these rates, what purpose property taxes serve, and how tax rates are determined. Fortunately, you’re in the right place! Let’s...

    Michelle McNally     Normally, Canada’s real estate market revolves through annual periods of high and low activity, from the lively spring and fall seasons to the quieter winter and summer months. Like so many things, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the housing market to veer away from its seasonal patterns, with record-breaking sales volume recorded...

    Rita     Dear Rita, Do I need a REALTOR®? Why can’t I buy a house by myself? Home prices are so high right now, couldn’t I save money this way? – Independent buyer Hello Independent, Would you represent yourself during a criminal trial? Would you try to repair a broken bone?  OK, that might be hyperbole, but the importance of working with a REALTOR® can’t be overstated. They’re...

    Brittany Stager     There are few things more rewarding than growing a garden. Whether it’s food to feed your family or beautiful flowers and foliage to adorn your backyard, the act of gardening can be very enjoyable and even therapeutic. But what happens when destructive, intrusive, and uninvited guests show up? In an instant, pests and weeds can destroy all your hard work. Let’s explore the...

    Cory Davis     Considered the ‘Chicago of the North’, Winnipeg’s Exchange District is one of the most dynamic neighbourhoods in the city. The community is full of entrepreneurial energy, creativity, and historic architecture. It’s a place that inspires innovation and encourages diversity by bringing together a number of leaders and dreamers from various backgrounds.   Everyday in the...

    REALTOR.ca Team View All Contributors Home sales across Canada skyrocketed a whopping 256% in April 2021 compared to the same time last year. This number may seem shocking, but it’s important to keep in mind how unusual this past year has been. When comparing on a year-over-year basis, April 2020 was one of the lowest points for home sales ever published. Meanwhile, the month-over-month relationship is to the strongest number ever...

    Cory Davis     Welcome to Banff, Alberta—an award-winning, world-renowned resort town in the middle of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.  Arguably one of Canada’s most popular travel destinations, Banff is home to approximately 7851 citizens with nearly four million tourists arriving each year to visit Banff National Park. The town offers breathtaking scenery, including sights of towering...

            This month, Coldwell Banker Around the World is venturing to one of our newest regions, where the antiquity and the modern world collides in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia. The first Coldwell Banker office in Cambodia is managed by Crispian Knowles, who is thrilled to share the magic and charm of this Kingdom with surprising sophistication.           The following guest...

    Annisha Lashand     It’s always fun to look back at design trends and see how much things have changed. It’s nostalgic and interesting to see how certain trends recycle over time with a modern twist added. So join us as we take a look at bathrooms throughout the decades, going over the best and worst trends they had to offer.   Image via Instagram – RocknRealty 1950s: Monochrome...

    Rita     Hi Rita, Why do people sign purchase agreements without financing conditions? It’s risky. What happens if financing falls through or it doesn’t come in time? -Curious buyer You’re right. This can be risky. Without financing conditions you could face financial or legal implications. You could lose your deposit or potentially be sued by the sellers, for example. Getting...

    Michelle McNally     Now that we’ve made it through the first couple months of 2021, we can already see how the new year’s housing market is shaping up compared to 2020.  Despite plunging sales in the spring of 2020 and unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s housing market showed remarkable strength in 2020, making it the best-performing year on...

    Michelle McNally     For more than a year, the Bank of Canada has kept its target for the overnight lending rate at its effective lower bound of 0.25% to provide support for the country’s economic recovery during  the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, while the country heads into its second year of the pandemic, it doesn’t look like the Bank will be changing its tune any time soon.  On March 10, during...

    Gord Brown   We’ve enjoyed some unexpected benefits from spending so much more time at home. You may have discovered—or at least considered—your thumb is far greener than you ever thought.  You’re not alone as nearly half of Canadians turned soil to grow their own food in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that it’s time to start planning for the next growing season, let’s...

    Nicole Wray     There’s one kind of home with a view that already comes mortgage-free: a bird house! With spring in full bloom, we’re sharing some tips about backyard birds, what you need to know about birdseed, and how to make a bird feeder or birdhouse. Create a safe and happy haven for birds this spring and summer, and enjoy all your new feathered friends! A feast for a finch Feeding wildlife is usually...

    Wendy Helfenbaum     Andrew Szeto is always seeking life’s next adventure, and sometimes, it finds him. With degrees in chemical and environmental engineering, Szeto was working as a technical officer for the Canadian Coast Guard in Ottawa. That is, until one of his supervisors discovered his side hustle—skateboard and motorcycle photography and videography—on YouTube. Now, he’s in charge of their branding...

    Marcus Kaulback     There’s always been a romance about the water. From classic tales of the high seas to memories of quiet early mornings spent fishing with your parents, the water holds a special place in our collective experience. In fact, it’s so special for some people they’ve taken the plunge and decided to live on the water full time. Floating homes offer an alternative way of life. Today, we’ll explore...

Ellen Paris Coldwell Banker looks at the Spring selling season  GETTY Coldwell Banker looks at the Spring selling season recently releasing its “Home Seller Survey Key Findings.” Coldwell Banker commissioned The Harris Poll to survey homeowners about upcoming plans to list their homes. From Massachusetts to California, it continues to be a seller’s market. According to realtor.com’s Weekly...

    Wendy Helfenbaum     We’re pretty attached to our stuff, aren’t we? Family photos, knick-knacks, and artwork—they reflect our personalities and styles. However, those might be a problem if you’re showing your home to potential buyers. They want to imagine themselves living in a beautiful, clean space, and that means properly staging a house for sale. So if you’re planning on selling soon, here...

    Nicole Wray     While you might not love building IKEA furniture, the Swedish retailer’s smart designs and affordable finds make the effort (and the tears) worth it. But if you think your basic IKEA pieces are in need of a style upgrade, you’re not alone. There’s a community of thousands of IKEA hackers dreaming up creative ways to transform their pieces on a budget. Whether you’re a first-time or...

    Michelle McNally     Having spent more than a year indoors as a result of lockdowns, the desire among Canadians to make changes to their living spaces has never been more palpable. Homeowners have been reworking their properties to accommodate more of their needs, creating home offices out of guest bedrooms, and finishing basements to make room for spin studios.  In its 2020 Special Edition COVID-19...

            This month we are debuting not only a new office in our global network, but an entirely new region for the Coldwell Banker brand! Our first office in Luxembourg has opened this year, nestled between France, Germany and Belgium. We are thrilled to introduce you to the picturesque region and to the Brokers at Coldwell Banker Hestia, Caroline Gachet and Charlie Luthar.     SAM...

    Jules Torti After a year of being stuck at home, lots of us turned to home renovations as a way to keep busy. For some it turned out to be a success, for others they’re looking for ways to turn back the clock and undo some of their mistakes. The kitchen-turned-office As nine-to-fivers swapped suits for sweats, home office spaces adopted a new look too. Most people opted to work from their kitchen or dining room...

    Jules Torti Wood paneling has been synonymous with ‘70s rec rooms, dart boards, and generational lakeside cottages for decades. It was forgiving, versatile, and a budget-friendly option to quickly elevate a basement or living room decades ago. Classic wood paneling still has its place, but its integration in modern design is gaining traction. Image via Flickr If your current living room reminds you of a sauna (and not...

    Michelle McNally From staggeringly low sales numbers in the spring, to a breakneck summer recovery, Canada’s real estate market has felt like a roller coaster ride these last few months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to broader economic turmoil and uncertainty in the early days of the pandemic, Canada’s central bank cut its mortgage-market influencing key interest rate to the lowest level it says is...

    Wendy Helfenbaum     Since the pandemic hit, more homeowners have been staying put. Many continue to invest money into their properties, especially their outdoor space, so they can entertain friends and families safely. That means deck-building companies have been very busy. “The industry has absolutely exploded, with so many customers wanting to build decks,” says Justin Szekely, owner and co-founder...

       There are several key pieces of information that you should consider gathering that today’s savvy buyers are going to want to know.     DAVID MARINE       Guest post by Cara Ameer So you’ve prepped your home cosmetically for sale in every imaginable way – fresh paint, a deep cleaning, new landscaping, decluttered closets and even organized the garage!  Your house...

          Gentlemen, the hour is coming nigh. It will be a crisp, sunny Saturday morning and your wife will turn to you and say, “I think we need to do some spring cleaning today.” Fear will strike your heart. An entire Saturday has just vanished before your eyes and you will soon be scouring every dark corner of your home for dust, dirt and particles unknown.     DAVID...

          As the days get longer and the temperatures start to warm up, it’s time to welcome spring into your home. Give the last remains of winter a proper send-off by giving your home a good spring cleaning.     AMY FREEMAN  Now that spring is finally on its way, it’s time to say goodbye to all the bad memories of winter and hello to a fresh start. One way to banish winter is to start spring...

            Imagine living on an island where the balmy Tradewinds and the rolling tides let you know if today is a good day to play a round of 18 holes on one of the world-renowned golf courses, or if it would be better to take a charter boat to a secret cove to scuba, snorkel, or fish.     SAM SHALOM       The following guest post was co-written by Lynn Kaiser Conrad,...

                  LOUISE GAILLARD       When most people think of the city — they think of bright lights, busy streets and modern condos. But there are also has a number of outlying areas that have a more rural countryside atmosphere. If you live in one of these areas, you’ll probably want to add a touch of country style to your home while...

            When it comes to decorating our homes, it’s tempting to jump in and buy the first thing we love. A little planning will yield better results. Learn how to decorate like an interior designer with our easy tips!     GINNIE LEEMING         Create a Budget Setting a budget is the most important part of your project. Before buying anything, sit...

          A house may look one way when it is decorated and furnished, but once vacated, bumps and bruises may show that could cause a wrench in the closing. Here are five common issues that arise during a walk-through and how to handle them.     VICTORIA KEICHINGER       The following is a guest post from Cara Ameer, an agent with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty in Ponte...

            Should you buy your new home before selling your home? Discover the pros and cons of both situations to determine what is best for you and your family.     VICTORIA KEICHINGER       If you’re a homeowner looking to move, you’re facing a common and vexing dilemma: should you buy another home before you sell your current one? Or should you sell your...

        Transform your basement into a living area, laundry, bathroom or workspace you can use now — without a full renovation.     VICTORIA KEICHINGER       Houzz Contributor, Nicole Jacobs We’re always looking for more space in our homes, it seems, whether for extra storage, an additional living zone or a new spot to decorate. Often, valuable space can be found...

Today's real estate consumer has far more complex real estate needs than the homebuyers and sellers of past generations. Gone are the days when Mom and Pop would buy a modest home, raise their family there and frequently live in the same place for many years. Today's very mobile society is also an affluent one – many in the ‘baby boomer' generation have already inherited their parents' assets and their real estate needs have changed to reflect this. Homebuyers...

  You may have heard that it's the little things that mean a lot, but did you know that it's especially true for selling houses? When you've listed your home for sale and are showing it off to potential buyers, little things can sometimes make a big difference in creating a good impression. Sometimes a ‘quick fix' of some very minor repairs, cleanup or maintenance can make the difference between receiving an offer or sending your prospective buyer on their...

            Women have been outpacing men in single homeownership since 1980, according to annual buyer profiles compiled by the National Association of REALTORS®. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that in a dominantly female profession, many Coldwell Banker-affiliated agents are also investors of real estate and have shared their experiences with buyers.     SAM...

            For our inaugural Coldwell Banker Around the World blog post, we are heading to the sunny climate of Cascais, Portugal. In addition to becoming a popular international travel destination for leisure over the years, Pedro Abecassis, the broker-owner of the office who we spoke with, notes the area is ripe for quality investments too.     SAM...

        Real Estate with a Real Impact     ATHENA SNOWTODAY       Coldwell Banker affiliated agents know the value of home, as they have been guiding people home since 1906. Home is the place we long for at the end of the day, the place that holds all we love and everything we cherish. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®️ treats more than 8,500 kids a year from...

            A picture is worth a thousand words. Professional photography can make all the difference when it comes to selling your home more quickly!     GUSTAVO GONZALEZ       A picture is worth a thousand words. We’ve all heard the saying before, and it’s definitely true when it comes to real estate. It would be almost impossible to fully describe a house...

    In today’s changing market, many Canadians are wondering whether it’s still a good time to buy or sell a home.  The truth of the matter is, there’s no one right answer to that question.  The real question to ask is whether it’s the right time for you.     Don’t make the mistake of trying to time the market.  If you’re buying a home, you need to determine the costs vs. the expected return, and then decide if...

First time buyers want ‘turnkey’ ready homes, not ‘fixer uppers’   As a home seller, you may be thinking that a ‘fixer-upper’ property would appeal to most first time buyers trying to put their first step on the property ladder.However, according to the results of a recent ® survey on the preferences of first-time buyers, you’d better think again!   Coldwell Banker recently conducted a survey of real estate brokers and sales...

Pantone Color(s) Of The Year 2021: Ultimate Gray And Illuminating           After a most unique year, it only makes sense that we would launch into 2021 with an unexpected color of the year choice. In fact, Pantone has gone with not one, but two, hues in its annual proclamation. In a news release, Pantone called them “two independent colors that come together to create an aspirational color pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of...

            GUSTAVO GONZALE Since most of us will be spending more time at home this holiday, take the opportunity to create a wonderful and whimsical atmosphere in your home this season. Present everyone in the family with great gift ideas both new – and old – that bring an element of surprise, give a nod to high tech and fill your home with pure joy. Nostalgia Is the Name of the Game. The holidays are a great time to get back...

            Time to add sparkle and shine without waking up the neighborhood     GUSTAVO GONZALEZ       ‘Tis the season to deck your halls and ring in the holidays with festive sophistication – and not necessarily with all the bells and whistles that come with it. There are subtle ways to sing the praises of the season and embrace its beauty while still...

  When the time comes to put your home on the market, you may be one of those home sellers who asks themselves, ‘So, who needs a ‘For Sale’ sign anyway?’ Well, the short answer to that question is – you do! In these days of web surfers and online listing data bases, some vendors assume that their buyers are going to come from either professional realtors or out of cyberspace – or both. They make the mistake of thinking that a ‘For Sale’...

    If you’re thinking of selling your home in the near future, investing in a few well-conceived improvements could pay you big dividends in terms of improving your resale value The big question is: where to spend your money?  Whether you’re selling in the near future or at some later date, your first consideration should be the value you place on the improvements while you’re continuing to live in the home. After taking that into consideration, there are...

    In today’s highly competitive real estate market, the key to selling your home is being able to attract buyers to your listing.  When you’re selling your home, it’s important to remember that you’re in competition with every other similarly priced listing in your area.  To win buyers, you need your home to stand out from all the rest.  Here’s a Top Ten list of things a seller can do to win buyer interest:   Create...

Real Estate Matters     Many financial planners will tell you that one of the best investment strategies you can adopt is to pay off your mortgage in the shortest time frame possible.  Here are a few tips to put your mortgage repayment schedule on the fast track, and with a minimum of hassle and stress.   Select the most frequent payment option available.  By choosing to make your mortgage payment on a bi-weekly, or better still, a weekly basis versus...

  Selling a home can be a stressful experience, full of emotional highs and lows. Private showings and Open Houses both require a lot of upfront effort getting your home ready to show to prospective buyers. Hopefully, the end result for all your hard work is at least some positive comments from the viewers and at best your showing may even lead to an offer. However, there will also be times when negative comments are received and your showing may even reveal one or more points of...

            Selling your home in 2021? The spring home selling season is right around the corner and there is so much to do to prepare. Here are some things you can do now to make sure your home is ready to list when buyers are ready to buy.     ANNE WEST       If you plan on selling your home next year and want to get the highest price possible, you should put it on the...

  Few experiences can equal the sense of satisfaction that comes from buying that one special home that’s just right for you and your family.  However, it can sometimes be a long journey before you get to that happy ending.  And with today’s gas prices, it can also be an expensive proposition if you don’t do some of the groundwork upfront.  Why not save yourself the cost of driving around and use online resources first? It’s an easy way to save...

            With many gyms closed or operating at minimum capacity, a home gym has never sounded more appealing. Three out of five Americans are actually turning to home gyms for good, and over half of the population is looking for the best home-fitness options. You can even find affordable home gym equipment that gets the job done just as efficiently as a commercial gym can.     SAM...

  One of the most common mistakes that Canadian homebuyers – particularly first time buyers -- make is starting out at the wrong price level.  Prospective buyers have a tendency to get ‘hung up’ on the sale price, but the monthly carrying cost is what really counts. These buyers arbitrarily pick a figure – giving their salesperson instructions like, “I don’t want to go above $300,000” – without even knowing what that figure carries...

Buyer Beware – of the low down payment!  If you're looking to get into the housing market, a listing that's advertised as requiring little or no money down can sound like a great deal. But is it really?  Before you decide, you should consider who this type of advertising appeals to and why this pricing tactic is being used. You may just find that what sounded like a great deal can actually end up costing you a lot more money than you needed to spend.  Low or...

    Here are a few ways to think creatively about indoor lighting to liven up your home during the long winter ahead.     GUSTAVO GONZALEZ   With shorter days and more hours of darkness in autumn and winter, turn to the power of indoor lighting as a solution – never underestimate its brilliance. Clever lighting can transform the look and feel of your home with the flip of a switch. While natural sunlight streaming inside is ideal, sometimes...

  A key reason many people choose to rent instead of buying their own home is their reluctance to sign their name to a long-term mortgage agreement. But when you come right down to it, very few of us can expect to go through life without paying the cost of a place of residence in one form or another. As a renter, you’ve probably already made a commitment to a fixed schedule of payments for housing – but instead of a mortgage, it’s a lease or rental agreement. In...

Looking back on historical patterns, the majority of Canadian home sellers have a tendency to list their homes during the very active Spring or Fall markets. Due to this trend, listings in past years have generally tended to taper off as the busy year-end and holiday season approaches. But is waiting really the best selling strategy for your home? If you're considering selling, you may find that it's really in your best interest to list your home now, rather than waiting until...

    Whether you're a home buyer or seller, one of the most exciting, yet stressful parts of the entire real estate process is negotiating an offer. Many of us have spent a fretful few hours, or even a sleepless night, while an endless series of questions filled our minds: Will the price be appealing? Will the offer be accepted? Can we come to terms about conditions? Will the deal go through?  While price is most certainly a major – if not the major –...

    In. Out. Repeat. Sound familiar? Stop playing doorman and install a pet door in your home with this guide.     SHARON LEE   The first and most important step in determining whether a pet door is right for your home is to consider what issues might come from your pet’s new-found freedom. For instance, does your dog or cat have a tendency to run away? Or, do you live on a busy street? Will your neighbors mind if your pet is outside...

Getting Ready For Winter   Winter is a time of year when many of us resolve to get ourselves in trim, whether it’s joining the gym or a dance class, or perhaps buying some exercise machinery for our home.  We devote a lot of attention to our cars too, putting on the snow tires, changing to winter anti-freeze, loading a bag of salt in the trunk.  But what about a ‘tune-up” to get your home operating at top efficiency?  While we’re snuggled in at...

    Winter’s chill is in the air but there’s plenty to do in your hometown during the colder months including checking out a winter farmer’s market.     KATE SPEARS   Winter’s chill is in the air but there’s plenty to do in your hometown during the colder months including checking out a winter farmer’s market. Traditional farmer’s markets usually run from early spring to late fall, but...

    A Manitoba winter can be harsh, and the ice and snow can lead to big homeowner headaches if the proper precautions aren’t taken. Here are a few things that you should do to prepare your home for winter.     TAMARA OAKLEY   A Manitoba winter can be harsh, and the ice and snow can lead to big homeowner headaches if the proper precautions aren’t taken during the milder months of the year. Here are a few things that you should do...

    Home Design pros share their staging secrets for wowing potential home buyers. Suggestions include maximizing light, highlighting architectural features, minimizing visual distractions, and making selective low-cost updates.     ANNE WEST   If you are selling your home, these home staging secrets could help you get top dollar. 1. Know Your Buyer While you want to appeal to the broadest group of potential buyers, you also need to...

    Whether you are going across the country or across the street, moving can be stressful. Here are some helpful moving hacks that can save you time and money, and just maybe make your life a little easier!     STEPHEN MEADOWS   I’m just going to say it, “I hate moving!” My friends might not believe me since I have done it three times in two years. The only good part is that I’m getting pretty good at finding moving hacks...

      Virtual tours and virtual open houses on social media are quickly becoming a popular option for buyers in place of the traditional open house – and offer an incredible opportunity that benefits the consumer.     MATTHEW LIPANI   The real estate industry is always transforming with the development of new technology, and real estate agents have adopted an array of tools that help them provide increasingly sophisticated services to...

      When it’s summertime, homeowners are usually too distracted by the lure of beaches and yardwork to focus on home improvement projects. By the time the fall season arrives, there’s usually a long list of things to do.     LOUISE GAILLARD   When it’s summertime, homeowners are usually too distracted by the lure of beaches and yardwork to focus on home improvement projects. By the time the fall season arrives,...

to How do you store veggies and fruits? What can stay out on the counter and what needs to go in the fridge?     SHARON LEE   Guest post by Jennifer Tuohy To keep your food fresh, it’s important to know how to use the crisper drawers of your refrigerator properly. Follow the tips below for the best way to store fruits and vegetables both inside and outside of your refrigerator. In a Cool, Dark Place Never store these items in the fridge. Your...

    Moving into a new home brings with it the promise of a fresh start and new experiences, but it can also bring some financial challenges. These ideas will help you shift from scrimping to saving in no time at all.     SAM SHALOM   The following is a guest post by Christy Matte Moving into a new home brings with it the promise of a fresh start and new experiences, but it can also bring some financial challenges. Rental or mortgage costs, paying...

    Transforming a tired living space into one that’s timelessly stylish and effortlessly practical comes with a number of cumulative costs, but there are plenty of ways to save money along the way.     SAM SHALOM   The following is a guest post by Alex Jones With many of us confined to staying at home during the current global pandemic, now could be the ideal time to embark on a DIY home design overhaul. Of course, transforming a tired...

          There are some very useful smart technologies for your connected kitchen. Here are a few from CES that should be on your list.     ATHENA SNOW       The following post is a guest contribution from Matthew Rathbun, executive vice president of Coldwell Banker Elite. I am a geek. I admit it. I’m fascinated by the Internet of Things and smart devices. I also love...

          Hot tubs come in a wide variety of options and can be found to fit most budgets. Check out these pros and cons to adding a hot tub.     SHARON LEE       Guest post by Peter Goldberg Purchasing a hot tub for your home is becoming more and more appealing to those looking to spark joy in their outdoor space. Even the top local landscaping designs...

7 Crucial Areas a Home Inspector Checklist Doesn’t Cover SHARE         Did you know these items aren’t on your home inspector’s checklist?     LINDSAY LISTANSKIAUG 28, 2015       Guest Contribution from HomeAdvisor Hiring a home inspector is a crucial part of buying or selling a home. An inspector will assess the home for potential problems and identify any issues...

Real Estate an appealing alternative to volatile stock market   In today’s times of economic uncertainty, roller-coaster TSX performance, and rock-bottom interest rates, many Canadians are turning to real estate as an investment alternative.  Not surprising, when you consider that historically, real estate has proven to be a sound long-term investment.  However, bear in mind that the operative phrase here is long term.  Real estate builds value over time. ...

Buying a cottage in the off season The demand for cottages has increased over the years, and what was once a relatively low cost alternative for a family getaway has now become a significant financial investment.  One way to get good value for your money is to consider buying a cottage in the off season. All things being equal in terms of lot size and square footage, its features and general state of repair, there are three important factors that will tend to determine a...

Get your property ready for Fall While some people equate Fall with a time of ending and relative quiet, for many savvy homeowners, it’s anything but! Whether landscaping or exterior tasks, Fall is the ideal time to invest some effort to pay you big dividends next year. Fall is the best time to take stock of how your lawn and garden fared over the summer and determine what needs adjustment. Don’t wait until spring to try to remember what didn’t do well in its current...

Do You Need a Property Survey?   As a prospective home buyer, you’ve probably got a lot of questions about the buying process, and you may be wondering whether you need an up-to-date property survey.  For buyers, the answer is generally, yes.  However, rather than simply relying on the short answer, you need a clear understanding of when and why you should have one done.   Property surveys are usually done for the benefit of the buyer. A property survey...

Be prepared for any emergency There's hardly any area in Canada that hasn't been hit by a disaster of some sort in recent years – from flooding or wildfires in BC, power outages and damaging winds in Ontario and record snowfalls in the Maritimes. The federal government recommends that every Canadian household prepare an emergency kit that will help your family be self-sufficient without power or tap water for 72 hours. Make sure your kit is easy to carry. Keep it in a...

What’s worth renovating?   One of the questions most frequently asked by homeowners considering a renovation is  “What’s worth doing?”  Well, the answer isn’t a simple one, because it all depends on what you want to get out of it.  Is your purpose primarily to improve your property value, or increase your enjoyment of your home, or a combination of the two?   If you’re thinking primarily of increasing your home’s...

The rising importance of specialized Home Inspectors For most Canadians, buying a home is the single largest investment they'll ever make and it's become increasingly true in recent years of record home prices. As a homebuyer, you'll want to ensure you get good value for your investment, and that's why professional home inspections are becoming an integral part of the buying process. In fact, the field is now becoming more specialized and some buyers are even using the...

These days, we're starting to see some changes on the Canadian real estate scene. The number of listings being offered for sale -- otherwise known as ‘inventory' -- is growing, so it's starting to take more time now for homes to sell. However, while your home may be on the market a little longer because there are more properties for buyers to consider, prices are still staying strong. But what if you're getting lots of showings, but never any offers? If that's the...

Maximize your Home Search with Online Buyer Resources At Coldwell Banker®, we recognize that the vast majority of today’s homebuyers use the Internet as part of their home search.  However, the effectiveness of your home search depends largely on what site you use.  Remember, when it comes to quality information, all websites are not the same. To help you in the process, we’ve assembled a comprehensive array of helpful buyer resources and online tools that you can...

Buying tips for a strong housing market Canada 's housing market has been on a record-breaking pace and that's good news for home sellers. Buyers on the other hand, can find that their choices are limited in a market that has been so strong for such an extended period. In fact, when demand is so high for attractive, well-priced homes coming on the market, the result can even be “bidding wars” where more than one prospective buyer places competing offers for the same...

Avoid these pitfalls when buying home   Buying a home can be a very complex, and sometimes emotional experience.  Some buyers find themselves getting caught up in the emotional side, and let their heart take over their head.  Here are a few tips from Coldwell Banker on how would-be buyers can stay grounded and avoid some common pitfalls during the home buying process:   DON’T fall in love with the first house or neighbourhood you see.  That...

Real Estate Matters     Tips for Visiting an Open House   There’s a lot of information out there for sellers staging an Open House, but surprisingly few guidelines for the people who come to view them.  For some, an Open House viewing may simply be an impulse activity to satisfy their curiosity about a neighbor’s home.  However, for serious buyers, especially First Time Buyers who have limited experience in seeing different home styles and...

‘Curb appeal' starts at the lawn Selling your home is all about creating a good impression, and believe it or not, that first impression starts right from the curb – literally. A beautiful and well-maintained lawn tells the buyer a lot about your property from the very first glance. While you may be tempted to put off the mowing and watering while you concentrate on getting ready to move, you'll be missing a great opportunity to show that you care about every aspect of...

Beat the heat and your energy bill During the hot days of summer, many Canadians open their energy bill with a sense of dread. While it may be tempting to run your air conditioning at full capacity for weeks on end, you can't do it without paying a price – in more ways than one. High energy consumption is not only a costly proposition for individual homeowners, it also carries a high cost in terms of pollution that's created as we generate power to meet today's high...

When the price is right...act quickly!   Should you always negotiate the price of a home you’re interested in?  That’s a question more and more Canadian homebuyers are asking these days.  While every transaction is different, some buyers may be surprised to learn that there will be times when it is appropriate -- and even desirable -- to go in at the asking price.  This is where the expertise of your real estate professional really proves its worth. ...

Investing in a cottage property These days the cottage market is booming, and for good reason. It’s easy to understand why so many people want to own a cottage. A peaceful hideaway in a natural setting where we can enjoy time with our family has universal appeal. Yet, in these times of rapidly increasing prices, buying a cottage means a lot more than just financing a weekend getaway. Today, a cottage is a very significant investment, so you need to know your facts before you buy....

A Seller’s biggest mistake If you’re thinking of selling your home, you'll probably be interested in knowing about one of the most common mistakes homeowners make when they decide to sell their property. When the time comes to sell, everyone wants to get the best possible price for their home, but you need to carefully consider what sale price will ultimately net you the best result. Getting it wrong could result in a loss of what could amount to several thousand dollars in...

WHAT IS BUYER AGENCY? WHY YOU SHOULD USE A REALTOR®TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR HOME When helping you buy your home, I have 3 simple goals. I’m sure these goals of mine are also goals of yours: 1 . To help you determine what type of home is most suitable to your needs. 2.  To help you find that home, at the best price and under the most favorable terms possible. 3.  To help you become a more educated Real Estate purchaser (and seller) for your future...

To plan an effective Open House tour, you should start with a map. Plot out the addresses of where the Open Houses are located, and the times of showings to ensure that you make the most productive use of your time. Better still, plan your Open House tour with your Coldwell Banker Realtor®, who will make up the list of all Open Houses in your target area, including times and do the mapping for you! If you don’t already know the neighbourhood, then that’s the first place to...

Recapping The Real Estate Of The Union SHARE         Check out the advice that Coldwell Banker’s® CEO shared for home buyers + sellers to help navigate the real estate market during the Covid-19 pandemic.     Gustavo Gonzalez Apr 16, 2020   SHARE   Ryan Gorman, President and CEO of Coldwell Banker hosted a “Real Estate of the Union” live event via Microsoft...

Transform Your Home For Stay-At-Home SHARE         Tips to Create a Functional Space for Your Stay-At-Home Needs     Gustavo Gonzalez Yesterday   SHARE   Guest post written by Laura McHolm, Co-Founder NorthStar Moving Company   What day is it? Where is my laptop? Where can I find a quiet place?  Should we have dinner on the couch…again? Didn’t we have...

How to Keep Your Kids’ Minds Moving           Tips on how to keep your kids motivated, learning and entertained during this strange time.     GUSTAVO GONZALEZAPR 30, 2020         Guest post written by Co-Founder NorthStar Moving Company Laura McHolm These are certainly challenging times, especially if you have children who are home because their schools and...