Real Estate News

This might seem like a simple question, but there is a lot to unpack here.  Living (inter vivos) trusts A living trust, or inter vivos trust, that you set up during your life is most commonly used for tax reasons. People might use a trust for income splitting with lower-income family members using a prescribed rate loan or to multiply the lifetime capital gains exemption (LCGE) when planning the future sale of a business. Neither applies in your case.  If you are 65 or older, there is the option of an alter ego trust, which is most commonly used to avoid probate for large estates in high-probate provinces like British Columbia, Ontario, or Nova Scotia.  Testamentary trusts on death A testamentary trust comes into effect upon your death. You can create a trust or trusts for different beneficiaries, and you can leave a percentage of your estate or a specific asset in trust. To accomplish your goal, you could leave your house to your kids in trust, along with a certain dollar amount or…

As fall fades and the cold winter sets in, many Canadian homeowners begin the annual ritual of preparing their homes for Mr. Jack Frost’s arrival. While sealing windows and having your furnace inspected are standard practices for homeowners, one often overlooked aspect is the strategic use of a home humidifier. This guide will help you understand why a humidifier is essential and how to choose the best one for your specific needs, transforming your living space into feeling cozy and balanced all winter long. In this article, we’ll go over: What problems does dry winter air create for Canadian homeowners? What barriers do homeowners face when considering humidifiers, and how are they addressed? Why should you use a humidifier this winter? What should you consider before buying a humidifier? Any special considerations for humidifier use in Canada? Humidifier comparison table for Canadian homes Embrace a humidified winter What problems does dry winter air create for Canadian homeowners?…

View email in browser Welcome to our Monthly Newsletter! Stay Informed: Get Exclusive Real Estate News, Tips and Advice with Our Monthly Newsletter! As the fall season settles in, so does a noticeable shift in Ontario’s housing market. October is bringing cooler temperatures — and cooler market conditions — with prices softening across many regions, listings on the rise, and buyers gaining more negotiating power. In this month’s update, we break down the latest trends shaping the Ontario market: ? Where prices are headed ? How inventory levels are affecting buyer and seller strategies ? What to expect as we head into the final quarter of 2025 Whether you're planning to buy, sell, invest, or simply stay informed — this update gives you the clarity you need in a changing market.   Market Insights What interest rate cuts mean for your wallet The Bank of Canada cut its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 2.5% on Wednesday, marking its first reduction since March. Policymakers…

New homes generally have sales tax payable. What if you build or substantially renovate your home? When you buy new residential real estate, like a condo or house, you pay sales tax. Depending on your province or territory of residence, this includes goods and services tax (GST), harmonized sales tax (HST), or provincial sales tax (PST). In contrast, resale homes are generally exempt from sales tax. There may be exceptions, like when you buy a property that was used for commercial purposes, including short-term rentals.  There are some unique considerations when you build or substantially renovate a home that are important for anyone considering it. And there may even be rebates available that can put money back into your pocket. Is it a substantial renovation? The concept of a so-called substantial renovation is important for residential real estate and sales tax implications. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) considers a home to be substantially renovated if 90% or more of the building…

As highlighted on a recent episode of the REAL TIME podcast, Canada has a housing supply gap. A new federal initiative offers a glimmer of hope for aspiring homeowners.  In response to industry advocacy and public demand, the Government of Canada has introduced legislation proposing a new GST/HST rebate for first-time home buyers (FTHB)—a move aimed at stimulating new construction and easing the path to ownership. This rebate complements the existing GST/HST New Housing Rebate, offering additional financial relief to qualified buyers.  For Janice Myers, CREA’s CEO, this is a meaningful step toward addressing affordability and unlocking supply. “This is a win for first-time home buyers,” she said. “But the real victory will come when supply meets demand.”  Why it matters According to a recent Abacus Data report, 88% of Canadians are worried about housing affordability, with 89% believing homeownership is becoming increasingly out of reach. More importantly, 74%…