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Back to the basics
November 3, 2024
Reducing the size of houses, simplifying construction, will go a long way to reducing energy dependency
Predictions about rising energy costs send shivers up the spines of motorists and homeowners.
And while Canadians are still enjoying some of the lowest heating and cooling rates in the world, it seems that situation won't last for long. ...
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Real estate: Dealing in a buyers' market
November 1, 2024
The single biggest investment for most Canadians is the purchase of a home. So, home owners were understandably worried when the Canadian Real Estate Association recently reported that average Canadian resale house prices fell by 10 per cent year-over-year in October.
On the other hand, the end of the boom would appear to be good news for ...
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13 Extra Costs to be Aware of Before Buying a Home
October 31, 2024
Whether you're looking to buy your first home, or trading up to a larger one, there are many costs - on top of the purchase price - that you must figure into your calculation of affordability. These extra fees, such as taxes and other additional costs, could surprise you with an unwanted financial nightmare on closing day if you're not informed ...
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Automatic and Programmable Thermostats
October 27, 2024
In our modern, high tech society, we don't think much about some of the electronic gadgets in our homes. Take, for example, the ever present thermostat--a staple of North American households for decades. It usually takes the shape of an unassuming box on the wall, but that modest device controls the comfort of your family on the coldest day in ...
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Tips On Energy Efficient Windows
October 26, 2024
Windows bring light, warmth, and beauty into buildings and give a feeling of openness and space to living areas. They can also be major sources of heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. However, when properly selected and installed, windows can help minimize a home's heating, cooling, and lighting costs. This information describes ...
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How to negotiate your first mortgage
October 17, 2024
Other than getting the best rate possible, what do you need to know about negotiating a mortgage? Are you aware of break fees? Pre-payment priviledges? Do you know what penalties, if any, the bank will charge you? Have you come up with a budget, independent of the bank's?
Doug Melville, Canada’s banking ombudsman, joined us on Wednesday to ...
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Hot remodeling trends for the budget-conscious
September 25, 2024
With more Americans nesting - the Census Bureau, no surprise, reports that far fewer people moved to a new home in 2008 than 2007 - and money tight, budget remodeling is in. Homeowners want to be comfy in their nests.
So what home improvements are hot, and which can you do on the cheap that will add value to your home? There are, in fact, ...
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Five tips to know before buying
August 17, 2024
Every year thousands of condo buyers call our advisors looking for help out of a sticky situation resulting from a uninformed condo purchase. As the buying season fires up, buyers need to take a few simple steps to avoid disappointment and unanticipated costs. Here are five specific situations buyers have encountered in the past month alone.
1. ...
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Becoming a Homeowner is a Great Move!
July 28, 2024
Are you currently renting and thinking about joining the ranks of homeowners? You should know that in addition to providing numerous financial benefits, buying a home will help improve your quality of life. Not only do homeowners enjoy more freedom, they also have a strong feeling of pride, as well as peace of mind. It’s definitely a worthwhile ...
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THE IMPACT OF MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE ON MATTERS RELATING TO REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE
July 27, 2024
Certain every-day situations in the lives of married couples may have an impact on real estate brokerage.
It is important to note that the situations described in this article do not apply to common-law partners. For common-law relationships, you must refer to the rules of civil law, particularly those relating to undivided ...
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