(NC)—Whether you’re planning to put your house on the market – or you’re looking for a little exterior facelift– slight repairs affect your property well beyond its first impression. With a few simple, weekend projects, you can increase the value of your home and add some extra style to the street. Making a Good First Impression [...]

(ARA) – Generations of Americans have considered owning their own home a key aspect of achieving the American Dream. But the lingering aftermath of the Great Recession has caused many people to rethink that belief. Rental occupancies are rising as more Americans opt to lease their homes, rather than buy. Long gone are the days [...]

(ARA) – For many younger Americans, the dream of owning their first home is alive and well. But for others, it’s still an elusive dream. Only five years ago, it was relatively easy to finance a home, but the Great Recession and the mortgage market’s meltdown have made it difficult for many people to qualify [...]

(ARA) – The wedding’s over, the thank yous are sent and the top cake tier is in the freezer, waiting for your first anniversary celebration. Now you and your new spouse are starting to act on the plans you’ve made for your life together, and are ready to take that big step in moving into [...]

(NC)—With Victoria Day behind us, cottage season has officially begun. Cottaging is arguably the favourite summer pastime of many Canadians, so it’s no surprise that at some point many Canadians consider purchasing a cottage of their own. And while many think of their cottage as a solid real estate investment, purchasing a cottage without doing [...]

(NC)—Becoming a homeowner can be very exciting but at the same time can also feel a little intimidating. Some of the most common questions asked by newcomers are: Do I qualify for a mortgage? What’s a pre-approval? And how does buying a home in Canada differ from my home country? “A home can be one [...]

(NC) What do you do if your income property is up to code but prospective tenants just aren’t knocking at your door? Whether you’re renting out a room, a lower level apartment, or a house, these tips will improve your return on investment by adding value to a living space. • Make an instant impression. [...]

(NC)—Richard and June Jacobs have been enjoying a comfortable, relaxing retirement since moving to Vancouver Island nearly 10 years ago. The highlight of their retirement so far was when their grandson, John, was accepted to law school at McGill. After making it through school with flying colours, John was set to graduate in May. Although [...]

(NC)—Many Canadians dream of a comfortable retirement but money matters and household debt may be putting a damper on this dream for many seniors. According to The 2011 Canadian Retirement Snapshot by Ipsos Reid and HomEquity Bank, 55% of retirees hold some kind of outstanding debt. This isn’t simply because of a mortgage. The survey [...]

(NC)—Hold off on inspecting retirement homes, or clearing out a bedroom for your parents. A recent national survey of Canadians aged 73 or older who live alone, or with a partner, reveals an overwhelming number of respondents want to remain living independently in their own homes. According to the survey of 1,004 Canadians in their [...]