Legalization of Cannabis and Its Possible Impact on Real Estate
As we approach the legalization of home cannabis cultivation and recreational use, there are many questions around the impact that it may have on the real estate market. Concerns revolve around the influence it could potentially have on property values. Most mortgage companies were unwilling to insure homes that were formerly used as cannabis grow operations. […]
Tax Time Advice
While the sale of your principal residence has not had any tax implications in the past, 2016’s changes to reporting should be taken seriously. If you don’t report the sale on your income tax return, you could be subject to a fine up to $8,000. While the CRA may reassess your tax returns going back […]
Shifting Housing Markets – Buy and Sell in the Same Market
Did you read the Toronto Star article on April 7th about the Oakville real estate market? We certainly made the news. While it’s important to realize that sensational headlines sell papers, the message of shifting markets is accurate and the content is food for thought. They talked about the buyers who purchased new builds from Mattamy […]
Changing Mortgage Rates and the Housing Market According to RLP
Dominion Lending Centre Mortgage Agent Jeff Dickson sends us a weekly rate minder. It’s clear from his more recent mailings that both the posted rates and the preferred rates are on the rise. His recent report attributes some of the upward pressure on an unexpectedly strong US jobs report. With January job creation exceeding estimates, […]
Canadian Home Sales Edge Up
Canadian Home Sales Edge Up Ottawa, ON, November 15, 2017 – According to statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national home sales posted a modest monthly increase in October but remain below levels recorded one year ago. Highlights: National home sales rose 0.9 per cent from September to October. Actual (not seasonally adjusted) activity […]
OSFI Will Be Introducing a New “Stress Test” for Uninsured Mortgages (greater than 20% down payment) Effective January 1, 2018.
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) released new guidelines for the mortgage industry, which include a “stress test” for uninsured mortgages. Home buyers with 20% or greater down payments will need to qualify for their mortgages using the higher of the average 5-year posted rate (currently 4.89%) or 2.00% higher than their actual mortgage […]