the impact of technology on The real estate industry In the dynamic landscape of real estate, technological advancements are reshaping the way properties are bought, sold, and experienced. From immersive virtual reality tours to secure blockchain transactions, the integration of cutting-edge technologies is revolutionizing the industry. Let's delve into remarkable innovations that are transforming the real estate landscape, offering unique benefits and opportunities for both Realtors and clients. Immersive Virtual Experiences Imagine stepping inside your dream home from the comfort of your ..read more

Navigating Tax Complexities: Insider Strategies for Real Estate Investors Tax season can be a labyrinth for real estate investors, with complexities ranging from rental income reporting to property sales implications. We'll delve into five valuable tips for property tax compliance and optimization to ensure this financial journey goes smoothly: 1. Accurate Income and Expense Reporting Precise reporting of rental income and expenses is pivotal. Deductible expenses span mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, repairs, and more. However, remember that some costs, like legal fees, can't b ..read more

In the dynamic realm of social media, adaptation is key for businesses to thrive. As a REALTOR®, keeping up with the evolving trends is essential to crafting an effective marketing strategy tailored to your audience. Here’s a glimpse into the social media landscape for 2024, curated by CREA. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Takes Center Stage: The influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on social media continues to grow exponentially. Generative AI, in particular, is revolutionizing online interactions, shaping hyper-personalized feeds and optimizing user experiences. According to Semrush’s S ..read more

My high school days are almost 35 years behind me, so my recollection of the curriculum may be less perfect. I recall loving geography, struggling with French, and everything else falling somewhere in between. Curiously, two subjects I do not recall being addressed are the two I would argue to have the largest impact on a majority of students’ futures – personal finance and sales. The former is obvious. If we are not taught the value of money, the difference between good and bad debt, and both the magic and terror of compounding interest, in a controlled environment, we are left to inherit t ..read more

Both of these sayings, amongst others, are common in the real estate world. We believe that the best time to buy or sell is simply determined by what works best for you. Your goals, your family, your work, your financial standing, and any other unique circumstances must be considered at the forefront of your decision making process. However, cyclical patterns are also common in real estate, and certain times of the year are accompanied by different factors that must be considered if you’re looking to make your move. Particularly, the Fall market is a time where numerous homeowners contemplat ..read more

In her graphic design program, my youngest daughter was taught early and reminded often not to work for free. What may at first blush seem like an opportunity to impress a potential employer, is more often a dead end after the free sample has been provided. It is a train of thought common in many professions, mine included, and is often accompanied by catch phrases such as: “ If you don’t value your work, why should someone else?” True enough. But just like all good rules, they are on occasion best broken. A friend of mine who operates a large company with hundreds of employees recounted hi ..read more

Success is a nebulous term. By societal measure success is often equated with financial achievement. If making money is your primary objective, setting out to achieve that result can be an exercise in futility. Conversely, examples abound of passionate people, even in the most obscure arenas, reaching the pinnacle of both their profession and their bank account. Passion and process it would seem, is the egg that comes before the chicken. This is not to suggest financial achievement ought to be a goal at all, for as we are often reminded, money cannot buy happiness. (I’m unconvinced poverty ca ..read more

This is a subtitle for your new post Six years ago, my wife and I traveled with our kids to Italy, and as part of a broader vacation, spent a week in an apartment in Positano. By North American comfort standards, the home was austere. What it lacked creature comforts – tiny shower, lumpy beds, basic kitchen, it made up for with intangibles – fresh figs in the backyard, and a view of the Mediterranean in the front. It was, and remains, our favourite destination of all time, though we have yet to return. Giovanni the landlord was a gem. The apartment we rented, served as his family home in the ..read more

Home renovations are going to cost money—there’s really no way around it. Whether you’re changing out the kitchen backsplash or completely gutting your bathroom, things can add up when it comes to materials, time, and services. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend to the max and get yourself into financial trouble.  We spoke with Laurie Cole, owner, builder, and principal at  New View Designs By Laurie Cole Inc.  in Fredericton, New Brunswick; and Erin Rochon, owner of  Erin Rochon Designs  in Ottawa, Ontario, to get their expert tips on how you can save money whe ..read more

If you’re anything like me, you have a plan to live on campus for one year, and then transition to off campus housing. It’s important to know that the process of looking for housing is different for each student.  There are some students who are lucky enough to be invited to live with someone who’s done all the heavy lifting in finding the perfect student home. Or you might be the student doing the heavy lifting – searching for, finding, and sealing the deal on the perfect student home.  When I first moved off campus, I was so ignorant about what factors I should be mindful of whe ..read more