Home ownership is a goal for most of us, and millennials appear to be the most optimistic group. According to an RBC poll, two in five millennials said they intend to buy a home in the next two years. But the cost of home ownership and things like regulatory changes can make saving for a downpayment more difficult and, for many, put the dream of home ownership out of reach. Sometimes, however, first-time buyers may not be looking at all their options. A little flexibility and compromise can... [read more]

First-time homebuyers know it is important to weigh their options before embarking on the Canadian dream of owning a home but many do not know where to start. Here are the milestones potential homebuyers pass to make sure they are making the right purchase.   Determine your net worth. Take your assets (cash, investments, savings, vehicles and other items you own) and subtract your liabilities (car loans, lines of credit, overdrafts and credit cards). A positive number is a good sign... [read more]

(NC) As the seasons change and the leaves begin to change colour, it means one thing for real estate — the next wave of home buying is on its way. According to a recent Ryerson University report, this year alone, potentially 50,000 new millennials in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area will be entering the market. To help you prepare, here are three tips to consider before buying a home: Make a list of your wants and needs. It’s easy to confuse your wants with... [read more]

(NC) For thousands of Ontario’s aspiring home buyers, the dream of home ownership is getting harder to achieve. The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) partnered with Nanos Research to learn more about the challenges facing young Ontarians and future homeowners trying to get into the market. Here’s what they found: 1. Close to 50 per cent of buyers can’t save enough for a down payment. Housing prices are increasing, but household income is not growing at the same... [read more]

Whether you’re moving into your first home or your fifth, it can be daunting trying to find the best place to live. But you can make the experience smoother and less stressful by doing your research and knowing which questions to ask. Here are some key questions renters and buyers alike can benefit from asking: How long will I live here? Maybe you’re moving because you got a promotion, or are planning on starting or growing your family in the near future. Make a list... [read more]