The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 1.8% year-over-year in December, a slight decrease from the 1.9% rise in November. The main contributors to this slowdown were food purchased from restaurants and alcoholic beverages bought from stores. Excluding food, the CPI rose by 2.1% in December. On December 14, 2024, a temporary GST/HST exemption on certain goods […]

Today is President Trump’s inauguration day in the US, and contrary to earlier threats, officials have announced that he will not impose new tariffs on his first day in office. Instead, Trump will issue a comprehensive trade memo directing federal agencies to evaluate trade relationships with China, Canada, and Mexico. The president had previously pledged […]

Home sales activity recorded over Canadian MLS® Systems softened in December, falling 5.8% compared to November. However, they were still 13% above their level in May, just before the Bank of Canada began cutting interest rates. The fourth quarter of 2024 saw sales up 10% from the third quarter and stood among the more muscular […]

It’s a new year and as we gear up for the upcoming Spring season, it is a good idea to take a look at the market outlook and what we are expecting to see around housing sales, prices, interest rates, and how these current conditions affect buyers versus sellers!   Let’s dive into the Canadian […]

With the recent inflation and rising prices occurring across the country, it is time to take control of your finances. One of the quickest ways to understand where your money is going and where you can make changes, is to create a monthly budget. This will help you get a snapshot of your income compared […]

Refinancing your mortgage can be a smart financial move for many reasons, and as your trusted mortgage advisor, I’ve seen how much it can benefit homeowners! Ideally, refinancing is done at the end of your mortgage term to avoid penalties, but the timing can vary depending on your goals. For some, it’s about unlocking the […]

As the new year approaches, it’s a natural time to reflect on our personal goals and set resolutions for the months ahead. Your home and finances are key areas where small, intentional changes can lead to big improvements in security, stability, and quality of life. Here are some resolutions to get you started. Create a […]

Are you dreaming of owning your own home but worried about the down payment? We’ve got great news! If you live in the Region of Waterloo, there is an underutilized Down Payment Assistance Program offering funds to help you secure your dream home. Main Highlights: Must buying a home in Waterloo Region for $600,000 or […]

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.0% year-over-year in October, up from a 1.6% increase in September. Gasoline prices fell to a lesser extent in October (-4.0%) compared with September (-10.7%). The all-items CPI, excluding gasoline, rose 2.2% in October, the same growth rate as in August and September. The smaller decline is partly attributed […]

Buying your first home is a significant milestone! While you’re thinking about your affordability and what type of home you want to own, we have some exciting updates around first-time homebuyer benefits: New or Pre-Construction Homes: Did you know? First-time buyers looking to purchase a new build or pre-construction home are eligible for 30-year amortization. This […]