Agent Blogs

Canada's economy is expected to surge in 2010, according to a new report from RBC Economics, which predicts gross domestic product growth of 3.6 per cent as a result of strong demand and increased job creation.     RBC says Canada's real GDP grew at 6.1 per cent in the first... [ more ]

Calculate GST/HST payable on commissions using information based in OREA release   It’s been difficult to confirm how the HST should apply to real estate commissions for transactions that straddle the July 1st 2010, transition date.   OREA Government Relations recently sent... [ more ]

The right Price for your home is what a reasonable buyer will pay in the current market in relation to same or similar properies.  Your price as an owner, whether too high or too low, is often a reflection of your emotional value of your home.  The objectivity of a realtor is essential.... [ more ]

Canada’s real estate market both competitive and secure, national survey of REALTORS® finds Real estate professionals believe severe deregulation in the residential brokerage system would have a negative impact on home buyers and sellers TORONTO, May 11, 2010 – REALTORS®... [ more ]

Cottage values in much of Canada have surged in recent years. That's good news for owners. But it can create headaches and financial liabilities when the family retreat is sold or left to children as part of an estate. Selling a cottage or transferring ownership can generate a substantial income... [ more ]

Markets in some cities are overheated while others show modest growth TORONTO, April 8, 2010 – After a buoyant, if geographically uneven start to the year, Canada’s housing market is poised to moderate as 2010 unfolds, according to the Royal LePage House Price Survey. The... [ more ]

"Motorcycle Ride for Dad" Ottawa event will take place June 5, 2010 - an army of chrome and leather parading through downtown Ottawa and onwards to the Ottawa Valley.   This charity event raises funds in support of the fight against prostate cancer through research and education.... [ more ]

Vancouver Sun  April 1, 2010   Realtors compete with each other for your business, but at the same time cooperate to help you buy or sell property. That unique concept of cooperating while competing lead to creation of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in 1950 by the Real Estate... [ more ]

TD: The Loonie Spreads its wingsThe loonie has spread its wings, rising from 95 U.S. cents at the end of last month, to currently hovering near parity. The Canadian dollar has received support from a string of stronger-than-expected economic indicators increasing the odds that the Bank of Canada... [ more ]

The implementation of the Harmonized Sales Tax is looming and how it will affect homebuyers depends on specific dates.After July 1, 2010, consumers begin paying the HST, a 13% blended tax comprising 5% GST and 8% PST on the majority of goods and services throughout Ontario.Here is a brief summary... [ more ]

Loonie chases parity By STEFANIA MORETTI, QMI AGENCY March 18, 2010 The loonie continued its flight toward parity Wednesday hitting 99 cents US at one point pushed forward by solid commodity prices, a renewed low rate pledge south of the border and better-than-expected Canadian wholesale... [ more ]

Buying a Home Still a Good Investment Despite a tricky economy and concern about climbing household debt, a survey says the portion of Canadians who are “very likely” to purchase a home in the next two years has increased from 7 to 10 percent since the same question was posed two... [ more ]

Value Elements in an Offer The Purchase Price represents a significant contributor to value, but there are other important factors which can reduce the amount that the seller receives or which can compromise the transaction. It is not the purchase price, but the net proceeds of the sale that... [ more ]

Best of both worlds in Ottawa- Real estate in the capital remains in fine form   By Robert Bostelaar, The Ottawa Citizen; with files from Financial Post March 16, 2010   For real estate shoppers and sellers, Ottawa could be the city of two tales -- both of them good. Continued... [ more ]

Cost of owning a home up slightly in late 2009: RBC By THE CANADIAN PRESS March 15, 2010 A new report says the cost of owning a home in Canada increased slightly across all housing segments in the closing months of 2009. RBC Economics says rising prices made it more expensive to own a... [ more ]