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Three common components tips for new homeowners

Three common components tips for new homeowners The convenience of having a low-maintenance lifestyle is a major selling point for a condominium for homeowners. Not to bother about yard work, gardening, or pressure cleaning the driveway. Yet, this does not give you the licence to disregard the shared spaces in your building completely. Discover the common elements Homeowners of a condominium share ownership of the common features, which include the building’s infrastructure, grounds, and amenities. This includes anything outside of your apartment: Laundry rooms Fitness rooms and pools Garages Roofs Gardens Lobbies Utility systems (e.g., heating, cooling, electrical, security) Hallways Walkways and steps to building entrances Elevators There are also “exclusive-use common elements,” which are used in a way that is different from their more common counterparts. Patios, balconies, and parking spots all fall within this category. Since these features are shared amongst multiple units, only the owners of the units directly adjacent to them can use them. Go to your Disclosure Statement or recorded Declaration and Description if you are unsure of the location of your unit’s borders in relation to common areas. Condominium fee information Each unit of homeowners in your building must contribute to the overall expense of upkeep and repair of the building’s common areas. Condominium dues are typically calculated monthly based on the size of your living space. Other monthly housing expenses must be taken into account besides the mortgage and property taxes. Common area upkeep is included in your monthly condo fee and includes things like landscaping, waste collection, recycling, outside window cleaning, snow removal, carpet cleaning, and energy payments. Condominium dues can include funding for the maintenance and upkeep of shared areas. Your condo association dues include money set aside in case of emergency repairs or replacements. In rare instances, however, additional funds from property owners may be required.home Learn your warranty’s terms and conditions Condominiums may qualify for warranty protection under Ontario’s New Home Warranties Plan Act, which might apply to individual units and the building’s shared infrastructure. Tarion will hear warranty claims from both individual unit owners and the condo association itself in regard to the unit’s individual components and the common areas. The period of interim occupancy, which can run anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, begins when you move into your unit and ends when you become the registered owner. When you move in temporarily, the warranty protections for your unit will kick in. It’s possible that the rest of the building won’t be done during your temporary occupation time before registration. During this time, your builder will finish the communal areas and any remaining units. Until the condominium project is registered, the warranty period for the common areas will not begin. Thus, your coverage will be inadequate during this time. Your home is still warranted even though the warranty has expired. Hence, if you see something in the common areas that you think needs fixing, let the property management know so that they can get in touch with the developer. The Common Element Building Performance Standards might help you figure out if the builder’s warranty covers your problem. Suppose your builder isn’t addressing your complaints. In that case, you can create an ad hoc committee of three to five unit owners who will communicate with Tarion’s common components warranty team on your behalf if the builder doesn’t. If you’re new to condo living, the shared areas can be especially challenging to figure out. Related posts 07 March 2023 Is the Buggy Light Justified? 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Despite the slowdown, Canadian mortgage debt continues to rise

Despite the slowdown, Canadian mortgage debt continues to rise Despite the housing market recession, Canadians still have a serious addiction to mortgage debt. According to Stat Can, the sum of outstanding mortgage loans reached a new high in December of 2022. Even while the rate of increase in mortgage credit has fallen to its lowest point in years, it is still significantly higher than it was before 2020. With a GDP as large as Canada’s and expanding at a much quicker rate, it continues to be a cause for concern. Total Canadian mortgage debt exceeds $2 trillion The mortgage debt in Canada continued to grow by billions towards the end of last year. In December, the total amount due reached $2.08 trillion, an increase of 0.1%, or $3.0 billion. Compared to last year, this is a $137.8 billion (7.1%) rise. The fact that one-third of a very small population is responsible for so much debt is cause for alarm in and of itself. But the rate of expansion is slowing down. When interest rates rise, mortgage borrowing in Canada slows dramatically Mortgage credit is being slowed by slowing real estate sales and rising rates. In February of 2022, a month before the initial increase to the overnight rate, annual growth peaked. Every month since then has seen slowing, culminating in December’s reported rate of 7.1%. Since October of 2020, it has been declining at an ever-faster clip. Mortgage Debt Continues to Outpace Productivity Despite Slower Growth Please keep in mind that slowing down is not the same thing as being slow. The amount of mortgage credit that is currently outstanding continues to grow at an abnormally rapid clip. The rate in December was still 1.4 percentage points above the average for the five years preceding to 2020. Even though its size is comparable to GDP, its growth rate is substantially higher. Increase in Mortgage Debt in Canada Slowly but surely, rising interest rates are putting an end to Canada’s mortgage binge. But if mortgage lending expands faster than GDP, consumer spending would inevitably fall. In a nutshell, the unproductive financial economy is stifling the productive economy, which is terrible for long-term expansion Related posts 18 February 2023 Despite the slowdown, Canadian mortgage debt continues to rise. 15 February 2023 StatCan: Nearly Half of Canadians Worry About Shelter Costs StatCan: Nearly Half of Canadians Worry About Shelter Costs Many Canadians worry that they are only a… 30 January 2023 How can homeowners safeguard against title fraud? How can homeowners safeguard against title fraud? There are new reports of title fraud every week, and… 30 January 2023 Bank of Canada will increase rates, and leave room for more: BMO Bank of Canada will increase rates, and leave room for more: BMO One possible reason why we won’t… 28 January 2023 How To File A Warranty Claim And What You Can Anticipate How To File A Warranty Claim And What You Can Anticipate There has been a recent surge in the population… 28 January 2023 Three Improved Ways to Understand Your Warranty Three Improved Ways to Understand Your Warranty Purchasing a home in the pre-construction phase can be… 28 January 2023 Can I Have A New Home Warranty Even If It’s Not New? Can I Have A New Home Warranty Even If It’s Not New? Did you buy a previously owned house recently?…

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Bank of Canada will increase rates, and leave room for more: BMO

Bank of Canada will increase rates, and leave room for more: BMO One possible reason why we won’t see a rate cut this year is that Canadian markets have already started talking about them. Over the weekend, BMO Capital Markets sent a letter to investors stating their anticipation of a rate increase this week. Currently, they predict a pause in rate hikes by the Bank of Canada (BoC) following the upcoming one, but they caution that this may not be the BoC’s limit. Hikes in the future could be fueled by bullish fundamentals, inflationary concerns, and market anticipation. The Bank of Canada Is Likely To Raise Interest Rates Next Week It is widely anticipated that the Bank of Canada will increase its overnight rate this week, marking its entry into the supposedly restrictive terrain it has previously addressed. According to BMO, the overnight rate will increase by 25 basis points (bps), making it equal to its 20-year high. There is anticipation that this will be the highest point for the year, but they caution that further increases cannot be ruled out. The BMO rate and macro strategist Benjamin Reitzes argues that with inflation still far above target, we predict that Governor Macklem and the Governing Council will keep the door open to further increases just in case the data forces their hand. He said the BoC may surprise the market by cutting rates before the fall, when cuts are widely expected. There’s reason to think there might be even more hikes down the road Canada’s Base Is Solid, and It May Not Need To Ease There is much speculation of a recession, yet there are few indicators of a downturn in Canada’s fundamentals. The preferred gauge of inflation used by the BoC, core CPI, is still above 5% and much above the 2% target rate. December’s employment report showed another near record growth, indicating that the economy is still humming along strongly. The Bank of Canada’s Business Outlook Survey from last week was a major shortcoming. Its data demonstrated a decline in morale, although companies maintained an optimistic outlook. Despite the slowdown, Reitzes argues that it is intentional on the part of the BoC. They’re attempting to reduce inflation by cooling the economy. More dangerous than credit shortages is the possibility of an inflationary spiral. Moreover, BMO suggests the BoC may raise rates for risk management reasons. They would rather keep inflation under control than have it spin out of control if they are overly permissive. The latter is a more serious issue that requires a more dramatic cooling event to mitigate. In this situation, it’s preferable to err on the side of caution than carelessness. While there has been some good inflation news as of late, that doesn’t mean the trend will continue. Upside inflation risks still exist, but they have diminished since he made those comments a few months ago. Due to market anticipation of a reduction, the BoC may be compelled to raise rates Since the market is already factoring in planned layoffs by this fall, it’s time to start a fresh funding round, right? For precisely this reason, the BoC may be unable to decrease interest rates. A resurgence in economic activity may be possible before it completely dies down if expectations shift in a lenient direction. According to Reitzes, this could lead to even higher inflation before the desired effect is seen. “While the BoC isn’t excessively busy with the market, improved financial conditions go counter to the purpose of lowering inflation pressure, and cannot be a positive development,” he argues. BMO believes that a 25 bps raise is warranted on the basis of fundamentals, risk management, and market conditions. Although, as Reitzes points out, the BoC often attempts to surprise. This keeps a central bank relevant by discouraging individuals from taking actions that run counter to its current objective. That’s why, he advises, we shouldn’t rule out pausing the meeting this week. They still want to go on future excursions, despite this setback. In particular if core inflation proves to be more persistent than expected. Related posts 30 January 2023 Bank of Canada will increase rates, and leave room for more: BMO Bank of Canada will increase rates, and leave room for more: BMO One possible reason why we won’t… 28 January 2023 How To File A Warranty Claim And What You Can Anticipate How To File A Warranty Claim And What You Can Anticipate There has been a recent surge in the population… 28 January 2023 Three Improved Ways to Understand Your Warranty Three Improved Ways to Understand Your Warranty Purchasing a home in the pre-construction phase can be… 28 January 2023 Can I Have A New Home Warranty Even If It’s Not New? 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Quick tips for first-time homebuyers

Quick tips for first-time homebuyers How will someone know when it’s “the proper moment” to buy a house? maybe a question you have if you’ve been considering it. Is it still ok to think about buying if you don’t have a 20% down payment saved up? Like any major undertaking, the secret to a smooth home purchase is to pay attention to every last detail. You can navigate the procedure, save money, and complete the transaction with the aid of these first-time house purchase recommendations. Determine the cost of your home Before you start looking, determine how much you can afford to spend on a house. The house affordability calculator can assist you in determining a price range based on your income, debt, down payment, credit score, and the location of your intended residence. Examine and improve your credit If you are eligible for a mortgage, your credit score will help lenders decide what interest rate to give you. Generally speaking, a better score will result in a lower interest rate, so follow these recommendations to improve your credit score in order to purchase a home. Get free copies of your credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, the three credit bureaus, and challenge any errors that could lower your score. Maintain the lowest possible credit card balances while paying all of your bills on time. Keep your active credit cards active. Closing a card will increase the amount of credit you are already using, which could harm your credit score. Monitor your credit rating. Research for first-time home buyers programmes First-time home buyer programmes are available in many states, some cities, and counties, and frequently include low-interest mortgages, down payment help, and closing cost aid. Additionally, tax benefits are offered by several first-time home buyer programmes. Costs and rates of mortgages To compare costs, including interest rates and potential origination fees, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau advises receiving loan estimates for the same type of mortgage from many lenders. Discount points, which the borrower pays up in advance to reduce the interest rate, may be available from lenders. If you have the cash on hand and intend to live in the house for a long time, buying points may make sense. To make your choice, use a discount point calculator. Get a letter of pre-approval An offer from a lender to lend you money up front and on particular terms is known as a mortgage preapproval. A pre-approval letter can provide you with an advantage over other home shoppers who haven’t taken this step yet by demonstrating to home sellers and real estate agents that you’re a serious buyer. When you’re ready to begin looking for a home, submit an application for preapproval. To confirm your income, assets, and debt, a lender will check your credit and look over your paperwork. If you apply for a preapproval from multiple lenders to compare rates, as long as you do it within a set time period, such as 30 days, it shouldn’t adversely affect your credit score.

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After Variable Shock, Canadian Homebuyers Choose Fixed Terms

After Variable Shock, Canadian Homebuyers Choose Fixed Terms Overstimulated Homebuyers in Canada are avoiding adjustable-rate mortgages. Mortgage borrowers in Canada favoured fixed interest rates over variable ones in October, according to data from the Bank of Canada (BoC). At the beginning of the year, a majority of new borrowers selected adjustable-rate mortgages. As rates return to normal and fixed rates become more affordable, this pattern is quickly changing. Mortgage borrowers in Canada are becoming more comfortable with adjustable-rate loans As interest rates climb, fewer Canadian families are selecting variable rate mortgages. Of all the new uninsured mortgage loans extended in October, only 29.7 percent of it came with adjustable rates. That’s a big drop from the 40.1% recorded a month ago, and even bigger drop from the 60.1% recorded in January 2022, when rates peaked. Uninsured debt was more likely to use variable rates, while insured debt also saw growth during this period. Percentage of Canada’s Mortgage Credit Extended at Variable Rates The market share of variable rates for insured mortgage finance had a similar boom and bust. A little over a quarter, or 24.1%, of October’s new insured mortgage debt was for variable expenses. This is down from the previous month’s 34.1% and the all-time high of 39.3% in January 2022. That’s a dramatic change in terms of time spent and money spent. In Canada, interest rates on adjustable-rate mortgages have been creeping higher The rising cost of borrowing has caused a shift in priorities among Canadian mortgage borrowers. In October, the average interest rate for an unsecured loan with variable terms was 5.53%. The interest rate was significantly higher than the national average of 5.18% seen across all loan types. That is to say, fixed-rate mortgages were mostly responsible for the overall decline in the national average. No Longer A Discount For Canadian Mortgages With A Variable Rate When the market share peaked in January, this wasn’t the case. When compared to the overall average of 1.89% in the same month, the average rate for uninsured variable rate mortgages was only 1.45%. If your mortgage’s variable interest rate doesn’t unexpectedly increase, you could save quite a bit of money. Changes were also seen with loans that had to be insured. In October, the average interest rate on all mortgages was 5.18%, while the average interest rate on variable loans was 5.53%. In January, variable-rate loans averaged 1.51 percent, roughly 50 basis points (bps) below the overall average. It would appear that borrowers are just choosing the lowest interest rate loan available. When you consider that a sizable portion of the market consisted of short-term investors, you can see the logic behind this. Traditional repayment plans with set terms are preferred by the majority of Canadian households. They may be more expensive, but they offer security and piece of mind. It’s surprisingly mature, but it hasn’t happened in the past two years. The Bank of Canada’s low rate stimulus resulted in a significant discount for variable rate loans As central banks lagged behind the market, the chasm widened. Inflation, rising bond yields, and low unemployment were all completely disregarded. Too good to pass up, this steep bargain turned out to be a trap. Especially considering the exceptional action taken by the central bank in offering low rates to households till next year.

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Renting is increasing among all ages. There is a need for better legal protection—and respect

Renting is increasing among all ages. There is a need for better legal protection—and respect After decades of reliability, the Canadian dream of homeownership is beginning to look more like a pipe dream. Rising interest rates and stagnant property markets have put a strain on potential purchasers’ budgets, forcing them to look for alternative housing options, such as renting. Despite being a numerical underdog, renters are outpacing homeowners at a rate three times as fast. The tenants may not be who you expect them to be. One thing to keep in mind is that the emergence of the rental country is not limited to urban areas. According to census data highlighted in a report from Royal Bank this month, the growth of renters in smaller cities surpassed that of major urban centres during the past decade. And the rental population is ageing; baby boomers are the fastest-growing segment of renters. The analysis predicts that “demand for rental housing will continue to be driven by these demographic and behavioural trends” in the years to come. An increasing number of people are opting to rent rather than buy, highlighting the need to revamp inadequate financial and legal safeguards and our perception of tenants for the long haul. Owning a property in Canada has traditionally been seen as a symbol of social and economic achievement. Therefore, people who rented were assumed to be low-income or at least just starting out in life. We now know that account was never entirely accurate. And it’s drifted further and further away from the truth. Because of the high cost of living in major cities, a sizable annual income is required to qualify for a lease. Zumper, an apartment search website, reports that the median cost of a two-bedroom in Vancouver is $3,500 per month, meaning that landlords in the city are looking for tenants who can afford to spend no more than 35% of their income on rent. The median rent in Toronto is only $2,950 per month, making it only slightly more affordable. The cost is roughly $2,000 even in Montreal, which has traditionally had a more renter culture. The rental market is already saturated in both Vancouver and Montreal. The majority of Torontonians (around 50%) are renters. Now that there are five million renting households in the United States (up from 4.1 million a decade ago), the issue of rent control is more contentious than ever. Even though there are twice as many home-owning households, renters currently have the upper hand. These people should be treated with the same respect and consideration as everyone else. While this change will not happen overnight, there are steps that may be taken in the correct direction. Ten years after Canadians were allowed to use their mortgage payments to bolster their credit score, many renters still don’t have access to this option. Equifax began partnering with the Landlord Credit Bureau in 2020, allowing for rent payments to be factored into credit scores. However, renters in Quebec are out of luck and those who use Equifax’s main competitor, TransUnion, are out of luck as well. If you make your largest monthly payment on time, month after month, it’s possible that a credit reporting agency will ignore your payment history. This makes no sense. Even if you pay your rent on time every month, you can still lose your home. Landlords in some places can evict renters to move in with their own families. A landlord who wants to increase the rent and find a new tenant could take advantage of this condition. Furthermore, owner-use evictions are on the rise. The Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre in British Columbia reports that 36.3% of eviction-related calls this year are linked to owner use, up from 31.62% in 2020/2021. Tenants should be protected against unlawful eviction by stricter laws. The province of British Columbia is attempting to put a stop to this practise by enacting a provision last year that allows for a fine equal to one year’s rent, payable to the renter, though enforcing this law has proven difficult. Ottawa has increased its annual immigration quota to roughly 500,000. The majority will settle in the country’s urban areas, which will be unable to expand outward to accommodate them. Toronto Mayor John Tory is trying to do this with a housing plan that permits for tiny multi-unit structures everywhere to increase density. It’s also important to put more effort into the rental housing market. Protecting renters will require action from provincial and local authorities. And the rest of us will have to reevaluate how we view renters.

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Positive Aspects of Making a Pre-Construction Purchase

Positive Aspects of Making a Pre-Construction Purchase In addition to saving yourself four years or more of waiting for new pre-construction, negotiating the purchase price, and securing a brand-new, never-lived-in home with full Tarion guarantee, there are a number of other advantages to purchasing a pre-construction assignment unit shortly before closing. Laura wants to buy her first home. After landing a job in Toronto this fall, she plans to relocate there. Due to the high demand in the city’s real estate market, most resales result in bidding wars and sell for significantly more than the asking price, and a pre-construction condo is unlikely to be ready for occupation when she needs it to be. Laura’s real estate agent has suggested that she consider purchasing a new home that is listed as a pre-construction assignment. Laura may want to look into purchasing a pre-construction unit if the listing date is several months before the unit is actually ready for occupation. Her real estate agent explains all the advantages of owning an assignment that she can take advantage of. Laura is able to take advantage of the price-negotiating feature. If Laura purchases a condo during the pre-construction assignment period, she will be able to save a lot of money. The current status of the real estate market leaves little room for haggling over the purchase price, whether it be a pre-construction purchase or a resale. Laura can save a lot of money by negotiating a favourable assignment sale directly with the contract’s seller. Laura can save even more money by making an offer below market value, as the initial buyer may be in a hurry to close the deal and be more receptive to counteroffers. Many people in the market for a new or replacement residence know very little about assignment sales. Developer limits on advertising and marketing of the contract make it more difficult to find these transactions. Since fewer people are aware of these listings, Laura’s agent thinks she has a better chance of securing the apartment she wants without having to engage in a competitive bidding war. Without making a purchase during the exclusive “VIP sales” time of a new development project, Laura is treated as if she were a celebrity. When Laura buys the assignment, she will be entitled to all of the perks that were promised to the original buyer, such as free parking, a free locker, appealing dollars, closing credits, and so on. Laura also receives the enormous perk of relocating to a brand-new, never-before-occupied house. Laura is completely at ease with the purchase because no one else has used the bathroom or the appliances and because they normally come with a full Tarion guarantee. And depending on where things stand with the building of her actual unit, she may still be able to go to the design centre and select her own designs, amenities, and finishes, making her new home truly her own. Another perk for Laura is that she can move into her new place earlier if she buys rather than leases, as assignment sales are typically advertised for purchasing closer to interim possession. It typically takes about four to five years from the start of pre-construction until a high-rise building is ready for occupancy. By opting to buy an assignment, Laura’s new house will be ready for her to move into in months rather than years. Get in touch with a Certified Expert immediately if you’re thinking of buying a pre-construction home through an assignment listing, or if you’re just curious about how they work and how they can benefit you in your home search.

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New data reveals Canadian rentals exceed $2K for the first time

New data reveals Canadian rentals exceed $2K for the first time In November, the average rental price in Canada topped $2,000 per month, according to a survey issued on Wednesday. Based on the numbers provided, it appears that renters in Canada are forking over an average of $2,024 monthly to cover their housing costs. This number includes anything from studio units to mansions. That’s a 12.4% increase from the same month a year ago, which is far higher than Canada’s inflation average of 6.9%. Vancouver has the most expensive one and two-bedroom rents in the country, at $2,633 and $3,598 per month. It was the second most expensive to rent in Toronto. The median monthly rent for a one-bedroom in the city is now $2,532, up 23% from the same period last year. According to the data, the median monthly rent for a two-bedroom unit is $3,347. Rental costs rose dramatically in other GTA municipalities as well. The cost of living increased by 28% in Brampton and by 19.2% in Mississauga compared to the previous year. Monthly rents in smaller areas west of the GTA also rose, by as much as 27.9% in London and 24.1% in Kitchener. Only one Canadian city, Halifax, had a higher median rent than the cities of British Columbia and Ontario combined. In Burnaby, British Columbia, tenants paid a whopping 32% more for a one-bedroom flat in October 2018 than they did in October 2021. The survey found that rising rental prices have shown no signs of slowing down. Since May, year-over-year increases have been in the double digits, with November’s increase being the largest yet. In a press statement, Urbanation president Shaun Hildebrand said, “Rents in Canada are rising at an extraordinarily fast speed, which is having a dramatic effect on housing affordability as interest rates continue to rise.” “Demand is shifting to more inexpensive locales in regions with rapid population growth,” the article states, because “the most costly cities are experiencing very low supply and the quickest rates of rent increase.” Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island had the fastest annual rate of increase in rental prices, at a combined 31.8%, out of all of Canada’s provinces and territories. There was an average monthly cost of $1,716 for a one-bedroom apartment in Atlantic Canada in the month of November, while $2,032 was the average for a two-bedroom. The survey found that rent rises were slowest in Montreal, despite the fact that it is Canada’s largest rental market. Builders are cancelling ventures, and investors are afraid to put money into future real estate projects because of the high costs of borrowing. “Investment in real estate, especially in the condo area, loses some of its appeal as interest rates rise,” Tal added. So, “if you don’t have those units, that’s another factor pushing up the cost of renting what’s left.” The rising cost of rent is “becoming unaffordable” “We’re getting near to the point when rents are just becoming prohibitive for tenants,” said, Hildebrand. “It appears that a downturn in economic activity may begin sometime in the coming year. It follows that rentals may see a temporary lull in 2023 “the head of Urbania remarked. However, it is very evident that rents will continue to grow higher in the medium to long term due to strong immigration targets and rental building that has been halting recently due to high costs. When the weather turns cold, Hildebrand says renters should start looking elsewhere. There are fewer potential tenants, therefore landlords are often willing to negotiate a lower monthly payment in exchange for your business. Hildebrand argues that governments might introduce incentives to develop purpose-built apartments and make new rental projects more economically feasible, although this won’t help in the immediate term. Rentals.ca’s head of content, Paul Danison, has said that governments need to be more innovative with their zoning policies. One possible use for these buildings is as lofts with amenities like cafes, shops, and galleries. Alternatives he suggests are inclusionary zoning, laneway suites, and infill construction. There are responses to this problem, but governments are moving too slowly.

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Mortgage rates to rise with latest interest rate hike, but the end of raising cycle near

Mortgage rates to rise with latest interest rate hike, but the end of raising cycle near The increase in interest rates by a half per cent that was implemented by the Bank of Canada on Wednesday signals greater hardship for indebted homeowners and those who are trying to enter the property market because they will now have to fight with even higher mortgage rates and borrowing costs. After the Fed increased interest rates, the Royal Bank of Canada was the first of the Big Six banks to hike their prime rate, taking it from 5.95 per cent to 6.45 per cent. On Wednesday afternoon, the lending rates of the Toronto-Dominion Bank, the Bank of Montreal, Scotiabank, National Bank of Canada, CIBC, Equitable Bank, and Laurentian Bank were all raised to 6.45 per cent, with the increase taking effect on December 8. Economists, on the other hand, have pointed out a potential silver lining in the fact that the most recent massive rate increase — which raised the central bank’s trend-setting policy rate up to 4.25 per cent — could indicate the end of the cycle of rate hikes. While the majority of real estate markets are beginning to feel the consequences of rising interest rates, which have now increased by 400 basis points this year, the real estate markets in Toronto and Vancouver have been affected the worst. The number of properties that changed hands in Toronto dropped by 49 per cent year over year in November, which contributed to the price of a home falling by almost seven per cent to approximately one million dollars. The housing market in Vancouver did not fare any better, with sales decreasing by more than 50 per cent in November and the benchmark price of a home falling from October. Even while home sales and prices are falling, homes are not becoming more affordable for people who are considering purchasing one. According to Victor Tran, an expert on mortgages and real estate at Ratesdotca, the most recent action taken by the central bank will most likely result in the prime lending rate being given by the major banks increasing to 6.45%. Tran also stated that a homeowner with a variable-rate mortgage can anticipate an increase in monthly payments of around $28 per $100,000 of mortgage balance for every increase of 50 basis points in the interest rate. “Previous rate hikes significantly cooled the housing market while rising rates pushed many homebuyers, including first-time homebuyers and investors, to the sidelines to wait out the instability in the market,” Tran said, adding that Wednesday’s hike will have the same effect. “Rising rates pushed many homebuyers, including first-time homebuyers and investors, to the sidelines to wait out the instability in the market,” Tran said. Before purchasers start returning to the market in the spring of 2023, we may be witnessing the bottom of the trough that the housing market has been in. Mortgage holders are already feeling the effects of higher interest rates, which the Bank of Canada is beginning to notice. According to the most recent data provided by the central bank, approximately half of all variable-rate mortgages with fixed payments and nearly one-fifth of the entire Canadian mortgage pool have already hit their “trigger rates.” This refers to the point at which monthly mortgage payments are only covering the interest and are not making any progress on the principal. Those looking for a new place to call home will be pleased to hear this. Clay Jarvis, an expert on mortgages and real estate who works for the personal finance website NerdWallet Canada, stated that despite the fact that the path to homeownership may have become a little more difficult as a result of this announcement, this fact should not be a deal-breaker for prospective buyers. According to Jarvis, prospective purchasers of homes should be encouraged by the possibility that the Bank of Canada is getting close to the conclusion of its cycle of interest rate hikes. If the central bank truly believes that inflation will be back down to around three percent by the end of 2023, then they must also believe that the rate hikes they’ve been making will start having a noticeable effect in the early to middle stages of next year. “The overnight rate could rise further in January and March, but if the bank truly believes that inflation will be back down around three percent by the end of 2023, then they must also believe that the rate hikes they’ve been making will start having a If inflation begins to fall, there should be a halt to interest rate increases. The economics team at the Royal Bank of Canada made the observation that the policy statement issued by the Bank of Canada in conjunction with the interest rate increase was not as hawkish as the increase itself. In today’s guidelines, rather than stating that “the policy interest rate will need to rise further,” RBC Economics senior economist Josh Nye noted that “Governing Council will be examining whether the policy interest rate needs to rise further.” That unquestionably leaves the door open for a pause as soon as the next meeting in January, and from our point of view, that decision can be framed somewhere between 0 and 25 (basis points).

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Smaller houses lead to bigger problems

Smaller houses lead to bigger problems For instance: you’ve saved up enough money to buy a plot of land in the country where you can construct the modest dwelling of your dreams. A contractor you hire will finish the framing, rough plumbing, and installation of most windows and doors. Your dream of a bucolic country retreat is coming true. A month after you pay the builder, you realise he isn’t following your designs or staying inside the budget you agreed upon. Even worse, there are flaws in the building’s framework and assembly. You report your worries to the city government, which then mandates that you have a structural engineer examine the structure. The structural engineer has confirmed there are major violations of building codes and construction flaws. Your contractor has quit the job without completing any necessary repairs. Your quaint country cottage is rapidly becoming a living hell. A couple was affected by this chain of bad circumstances. Their engineer determined that fixing the problems would cost more than demolishing the house. The filing of a Financial Loss claim is the initial step toward restoring their dream home. The builder engaged his own engineer after receiving a copy of the claim and the latter concluded that there were problems with the house but that they could be remedied for an affordable price. Tarion commissioned an expert to perform a third review for the benefit of the homeowners. The home was inspected from the basement to the attic, and the results indicated that the structure was not up to par. After subtracting the cost of repairs from the worth of the builder’s labour and supplies, the couple discovered they had overpaid the contractor by $40,000. Since this is the maximum amount of Financial Loss compensation, they were entitled to collect it. What would you do if anything like this happened to you? Put an end to all house improvements. Don’t look for a replacement to finish the job or rectify any mistakes the builder made. Your claim will be evaluated based on the condition of your home when construction was suspended. Send in a claim for monetary damages. Factors including the duration of the construction process, the amount of money already given to the contractor, and the reason for the contract’s termination are all taken into account. Keep copies of all payments made to the builder in case you need to show that the builder did not fulfil his obligations under the contract. You can claim up to $40,000 in damages if you can establish your builder did not pay fair market value for the services rendered and materials supplied. Then you may get back to work on your ideal house.

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Canadian Real Estate Prices Fall 30%, Recession Starts: Ox Econ

Canadian Real Estate Prices Fall 30%, Recession Starts: Ox Econ Neither the real estate market nor the economy in Canada looks particularly promising at the moment. This week, Oxford Economics issued a warning to its clients saying that a recession was starting to take shape. Higher interest rates meant to curb inflation are instead significantly lowering property prices and extending the recession. In addition, high inflation makes it unlikely that we would see a stimulus windfall, as it would work against efforts to reduce the economy’s temperature. EXPECTED 30% DROP IN CANADIAN REAL ESTATE PRICES WILL ERASE RECENT GAINS There will likely be more drops in Canadian real estate prices, but the gains made before the pandemic should survive. The business forecasts prices plummeting 30% from peak-to-trough, after surging more than 54% since March 2020. Those who bought in March would have seen their investment rise at a compound annual rate of about 2.3%, for those who don’t have a calculator handy (CAGR). Not quite the windfall some had hoped for, especially when rising prices are factored in. The percentage of GDP accounted for by new real estate is also predicted to decline, namely residential investment. In this year, the market declined by 10% from Q1 to Q3 because of rising interest rates. The firm predicts a further 8% fall in the coming year, which isn’t too hard to see with declining new construction sales. CANADIANS MIGHT EXPECT A DEEPER AND LONGER RECESSION THAN USUAL Early indicators of a recession have already developed, and this next recession is projected to be lengthier than typical. During this recession, homebuyers have cut back and businesses have become more cautious about spending money. The business is projecting a 2% fall in real GDP from Q4 2022 to Q3 2023. You can probably predict that the effect won’t be the same. Tony Stillo, the company’s director of economics, said, “This recession is slightly longer but milder than the average recession since 1970.” Canadians with large amounts of debt and overpriced homes will feel the effects the most. IMPORTANT BOOST NOT LIKELY AND COUNTERPRODUCTIVE Looking at the current economic downturn as a stimulus bonanza? Stillo advises against putting any stock in that possibility. The slump won’t be too terrible, and the completion of long-awaited infrastructure projects will ease its effects. However, excessive inflation has become a constraining factor. “To avoid undermining the Bank of Canada’s attempts to contain inflation, any fresh fiscal stimulus is unlikely unless the recession is severe,” said Stillo. Related posts. How does a home warranty differ from an insurance policy? Read More Deposit Protection Eases Homebuying Stress Read More Importance of the performance audit Read More How can Home Warranty Guard You Against Unexpected Expenses Read More Canada hopes to welcome half a million immigrants by 2025, but can the country keep up? Read More Canadian Real Estate Prices Fall 30%, Recession Starts: Ox Econ Read More

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Most Canadian peak purchasers with a low downpayment are underwater

Most Canadian peak purchasers with a low downpayment are underwater Peak purchasers in Canada are in for a difficult time as the real estate bubble bursts swiftly due to rising interest rates. According to the latest numbers released by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), the national market peaked that year, in March. We calculated how much equity purchasers from that month would have accrued as of the present. Most people who bought a house at the pinnacle of the market last month are already underwater. NEGATIVE EQUITY MORTGAGES AND LOAN-TO-VALUE RATIOS RATIOS When the mortgage’s LTV is more than the property’s current value, the borrower is said to be “underwater.” In layman’s terms? In the event of default, the home’s worth wouldn’t be enough to pay out the mortgage. The situation is complicated for the lenders because they have no collateral for their loans. Canadian mortgage borrowers typically have large amounts of equity, leading to low loan-to-value (LTV) ratios. A fee must be paid by underwater homeowners in order to sell their property. No matter what the value of the home used as collateral for the loan, they are still responsible for paying down the remaining balance. Lenders must make up the difference by providing additional funds. That doesn’t take into account any ancillary expenses associated with the sale (such as commissions for real estate agents, legal fees, moving charges, etc.). Our focus today is on the markets where first-time peek purchasers would be at a significant disadvantage. In this case, we use the all-time high in the country, which occurred in March of 2022, just before rates of interest began to climb. The majority of our mortgages are high-ratio loans that require little to no down payment. Markets where the median price of a property is over $1 million often require a traditional mortgage down payment of at least 20%. Increased safety net for creditors and debtors during economic downturns. INDICATIVE OF A NORMAL SUMMIT PURCHASER NEARLY 10% UNDERWATER ON CANADIAN PROPERTY Since peaking in March, the price of a composite benchmark home has dropped significantly. In October, the average home’s price dropped to $735,400, a drop of 15.3% (-$132,900) from its peak. If they bought at the peak, a buyer who only put down the minimum would be 9.7 per cent ($71,100) in the red. To get out of the agreement, they would need to pay higher than they first put down. When looking at the key indices, the majority of the Canadian real estate markets (55%) share the same boat. If the same trend seen in October continues into November, investors who bought into 75% of the major indexes would be in the red. Homebuyers in Ontario should anticipate spending up to six figures if they need to cover repairs on a property they’re purchasing. When it comes to real estate, Ontario was once at the forefront, but now it’s at the bottom. The average buyer in Kitchener-Waterloo was $146,500 in the red in October. In second and third place, respectively, were Cambridge (-$140,000) and London-St. Thomas (-$137,000). Making six figures by selling a house in a small city at least an hour from Toronto sounds, to put it mildly, painful. CANADA PROPERTY VALUES A market’s lack of negative equity is no guarantee of success. Vancouver ($138,100), the Lower Mainland ($100,600), and the rest of British Columbia ($99,700) indexes would have the highest remaining equity. Even still, in March of 2022, the average home in those areas cost well over a million dollars. That means the bare minimum required for a down payment was $200,000. However, the amount of equity is less than what is required for a typical mortgage, therefore it is not necessarily a profit. That can create complications if you decide to switch mortgage lenders. SOME CHEAPER MARKETS HAVE CONTINUED TO GROW AS CREDIT HAS BEEN MADE MORE AVAILABLE THERE Despite the general trend downwards in the real estate market since March, not all major areas have experienced declines. Equity contributions increased in Prince Edward Island, Bancroft, and Newfoundland. All of these communities have median home prices that are less than $500,000, making them accessible to a wide range of buyers. It’s debatable whether it’s worth that much. *Markets, where the composite benchmark price was over $1,000,000 in March 2022 just, weren’t eligible for high-proportion mortgages, and consequently required a 20% downpayment, leaving most of Canada’s peak real estate buyers underwater. The only people who should be worried about a company with negative equity are the investors. Large mortgage companies rarely evict customers who are current on their payments. They are only interested in the interest payments, not the actual residence. Default is not a major problem if you want to stay in the house for 10 years or more. The banks are safe too because the loans are typically guaranteed with only a modest down payment. It’s an inconvenience, but the borrower forked over a fat insurance premium to cover the bank. However, the borrower is still responsible for the entire balance. If the investors’ business case shifts, they are in much more of a bind. Many would-be landlords chose negative equity investments with the expectation that future gains would cover initial outlays. Rising rents should assist, but interest rates are rising and equity is being eroded at an alarming rate. As a result, some investors may decide to cash out or double their bets. Since investors accounted for a quarter to a third of the market, substantial losses are possible. Especially considering additional obstacles, such as international mortgage legislation and increasing interest rates. The Bank of Canada issued a warning about the increasing difficulty of navigating the current level of risk just yesterday. It won’t be a massive problem, but it also won’t be simple. Related posts. How does a home warranty differ from an insurance policy? Read More Deposit Protection Eases Homebuying Stress Read More Importance of the performance audit Read More How can Home Warranty Guard You Against Unexpected

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