The New Tax-Free First Home Savings Account

General Trish Pigott 29 Mar

The Government has confirmed that as of April 1, 2023, financial institutions will have the ability to start offering the new Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA). This program allows prospective first-time home buyers the ability to save $40,000 on a tax-free basis and, like a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), contributions will be tax […]

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4 Key Things to Know about a Second Mortgage

General Trish Pigott 22 Mar

A second mortgage is a mortgage that is taken out against a property that already has a home loan (mortgage) on it. Generally people take out second mortgages to satisfy short-term cash or liquidity requirements, have an investment opportunity or to pay off higher-interest debts (such as credit cards and student loans) that a second […]

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Do you need title insurance for a new-build home?

General Trish Pigott 15 Mar

The housing supply shortage is one of the top issues in Canada’s real estate market. But, cities are seeing a massive boom in new-build housing. New construction offers many advantages, like more energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Their titles can also feel less risky to transfer. After all, if the land was previously vacant, there’s […]

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Bank of Canada Announcement and What This Means For You.

Latest News Trish Pigott 8 Mar

Earlier this year we expected a .25% increase at the January announcement and saw exactly that. This next rate announcement is expected to not increase or decrease. After 8 consecutive rate hikes over the past year, the Bank of Canada is expected to leave rates unchanged. The Governing Council expects to hold the policy rate […]

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What to Know Before You Sell Your Home

General Trish Pigott 1 Mar

So, you are thinking about selling your home? Whether you are down-sizing or upgrading, selling your home can feel like a big project – that’s where we come in. To help make this process as smooth as possible, we have put together a list of a few things to consider before you sell: Improve Your […]

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Change of Address Checklist.

Home Tips Trish Pigott 22 Feb

So, you’re moving! Before you hunker down in your new home, there are a few things you will want to take care of regarding your new address. Personal Contacts First and foremost, if you haven’t yet, make sure to tell all your personal contacts about your address change, including: Relatives Friends Employer Schools, colleges, universities, […]

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What to Know About Title Insurance.

General Trish Pigott 15 Feb

There are many insurance products when it comes to your home, but not all are created equal. One such insurance policy that potential homeowners may encounter is known as “title insurance”. This particular insurance is designed to protect residential or commercial property owners and their lenders against losses relating to the property’s title or ownership. […]

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Understanding your Credit Score.

General Trish Pigott 8 Feb

One of the important factors in home ownership is understanding things like your credit score.  Some people don’t pay much attention to this metric until they begin the mortgage discussion! However, you will find that your credit score is one of the most important factors when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage at the […]

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5 House Hunting Mistakes to Avoid.

General Trish Pigott 1 Feb

Buying a home is one of the largest investments you will ever make! In order to make your home hunting experience the best it can be, there are a few common mistakes to avoid and be aware of before you start your journey: Not Getting Pre-Approved: One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to […]

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The Bank of Canada Announcement & What This Means for You.

General Trish Pigott 25 Jan

The Bank of Canada was expected to raise rates another .25% higher, and that is exactly what was announced this morning. The policy rate is now 4.50%, the highest rate since 2007. Which is the bank’s 8th consecutive rate hike in the past year, but the smallest one yet. Some have predicted that for the […]

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