Matt Honsberger speaks to the Royal LePage Canada House Price Forecast and the impacts on Atlantic Canada Royal LePage Canada reports that we are at a critical tipping point in the market this year, with interest rates projected to decrease in the ladder end of 2024 and pressures on inventory in every region across Canada, we are poised to see another booming real estate market in Atlantic Canada for the remainder of the year. Matt Honsberger spoke with Todd Battis at CTV News Atlantic to give his insight into how these numbers reflect on the markets here in Atlantic Canada. https://royallepag ..read more

With all of the news about our Housing Crisis here in Canada (and specifically in Atlantic Canada) a lot of attention has been paid to the role that builders and developers play in the solution. But recently, a number of municipalities have relaxed or changed their regulations around adding apartment suites to single family homes in efforts to encourage homeowners to create new rental units on their properties. This not only will help with adding housing, but it creates a tremendous opportunity for homeowners to generate passive income, and even reducing mortgage costs.   What’s the Diffe ..read more

One of the decisions that many homeowners don’t take into consideration that they will have to make is what they want to do to renew their mortgage when their term is up.  One of the key differences between the Canadian Mortgage system and that in the United States is the length of the mortgage term.    What is a Mortgage Term vs. Amortization?   The Amortization period of your mortgage refers to the total amount of time you will take to pay off your entire mortgage.  Most commonly, this length of time will be 25 years for Canadians.  However, your Amortization pe ..read more

Downsizing your home can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be manageable and even liberating. Here are some steps to help you downsize your home: Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to go through your belongings and make decisions about what to keep and what to let go. Start small: Begin with a small area or category of items, such as a closet or a collection of books, to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Eliminate rooms you won’t have in your new home: If you’re moving to a smaller home, you may not have as many rooms as you do now. Focus on getting rid of items from roo ..read more

The last two years in Atlantic Canada have seen lots of changes come to the Housing market – not the least of which was the introduction of a number of new rules that the various levels of government have introduced.  It can be hard to keep track of all these changes – so here is a summary of the ones that are the most impactful.   Foreign Buyers Ban – At the start of 2023, the Federal Government introduced a ban on non-Canadians buying property in Canada.  This affects anyone who is a non-resident or not a citizen do Canada.  There are a number of exceptions to this ban ..read more

Open Houses, a time-honored tradition in the real estate market, have made a remarkable comeback in Atlantic Canada so far this year. Nova Scotia witnessed a 79% surge in Open Houses between June and July, with a staggering 170% increase this month compared to last year. New Brunswick followed suit, experiencing a 250% rise in June and a 195% increase in July from the previous year. Our predictions are that these numbers will stay strong for the summer months ahead, as Open Houses continue to offer exciting opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. Several factors have contributed to the res ..read more

As winter blankets our surroundings with a crisp layer of snow, you might be tempted to put your real estate dreams on hold until spring. But, what if we told you that the winter season holds a secret key to unlocking incredible advantages in the world of buying or selling a home? Winter Wonderland Savings: It’s Snowing Deals! Cost Savings Galore: Picture this – a winter wonderland filled with cost-saving opportunities. During the colder months, home prices often experience a dip, presenting savvy buyers with the chance to snag a fantastic deal. Sellers, on the other hand, can benefit from r ..read more

As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, it’s time to ensure that your home is ready to withstand the winter’s icy grip. Protect your investment and keep your loved ones cozy by following this comprehensive winter home maintenance checklist. Insulate for Warmth and Savings Start by checking your home’s insulation. Proper insulation not only keeps you warm but can also significantly reduce energy costs. Check for any drafts around doors and windows and use weatherstripping to seal them. Inspect your attic for sufficient insulation and add more if necessary. Additionally, consider ins ..read more

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Are you thinking about selling your home? There are many reasons why people decide to sell their homes, and it can be a big decision. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 4 reasons why people sell their homes. Number 3 may surprise you!   Home is too small: One of the most common reasons for selling a home is that it has become too small. This often happens to first-time home buyers who have outgrown their “starter” home. As families grow, they need more space, and a larger home can provide the room they need. Upgrade: Another reason for selling a home is to upgrade to a bigger, more ..read more