Shopping for Your FIRST Home? 3 Must-Dos Before You Start Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also be a little nerve-wrecking because it’s something you’ve never done before. And trying to think of everything you need to do can feel like a lot. But here’s the key.   You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. And you don’t have to do it all at once. Just tackle it one thing at a time.   Here’s a simple list of 3 main things you should focus on to help you get started: 1. Assemble Your Team: Don’t Do This Alone Buying a home is…

Renting can feel much less expensive and much simpler than buying a home, especially right now. No repairs, no property taxes, no worrying about mortgage rates – you just pay the bill and move on with your life. But here’s the part people don’t talk about enough: renting doesn’t help you build your financial future. Meanwhile, homeowners grow their net worth just by owning a home. So, if you’ve been wondering whether buying is still worth it, the long-term math is clearer than you might think. Renting vs. Owning: How the Costs Really Compare Let’s break down one of the key differences between renting and buying. When…

This October, buyers in the Niagara Region are experiencing a real advantage thanks to changing market conditions: More homes for sale than in recent years Slower home price growth, making monthly payments more manageable Less competition, so buyers do not have to rush or overbid The market is more balanced compared to 2021, creating new opportunities for today’s buyers Tracy Phelan, of RE/MAX Garden City Realty Inc., has been a trusted name in Niagara real estate for over 30 years. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, Tracy is dedicated to providing expert guidance and personalised service for buyers and sellers across St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Thorold, and…

In May, the Niagara Association of REALTORS® listed 1568 residential properties compared to 1318 in May 2023. The average days it took to sell a home in May 2024 was 37 days, a 23% increase from May 2023. Consumers who have been waiting on the sidelines should be in the market now with the Bank of Canada announcement reducing the interest rate today. This has given both buyers and sellers the confidence in the market they needed. May was already showing signs of that confidence with May Sales identical to April and the Benchmark Price increase along with the days on market…

'When it comes to saving for a home, Canadians have access to a number of investment strategies. ' Click on the link above for key information for first time home buyers.