John Gaio's blog

December sales dip, while year-end figures show resilience

December after an active fall, according to the latest market report from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).

While sales activity dipped slightly, the market showed significant strength in the final quarter of the year.

December sales cool but stay above mid-year levels

Home sales activity in December 2024 fell by 5.8% compared to November. Despite this dip, sales were still 13% higher than in May, before the Bank of Canada’s first interest rate cut in June. The fourth quarter overall was strong, with sales up 10% from...

The 2024 Greater Toronto Area housing market was marked by shifting dynamics that gave buyers more negotiating power, according to the latest market report from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB).

Annual sales saw a modest increase compared to 2023, while new listings surged significantly year over year. This influx of listings provided buyers with considerable leverage in price negotiations, particularly in the condominium apartment market. As a result, average selling prices in 2024 experienced a slight decline compared to the previous year.

“Borrowing costs were top of mind...

As the snow falls and the nights grow longer, many of us find ourselves spending more time indoors. To beat the boredom of winter, take the extra time you may have on your hands as an invitation to refresh and improve your space in ways that make your home feel cozier, more functional, and uniquely yours.

Here are five simple home improvement ideas you can tackle this winter on a budget.

1. Add warmth with a fresh coat of paint

Nothing transforms a room faster than a new coat of paint. Opt for soothing, warm tones like creamy beiges, sage greens, or soft terracottas to create a cozy...

Wallpaper has made a serious comeback in recent years. From bold murals to delicate prints, the options are endless and the results can be breathtaking. But before you start envisioning a papered powder room, it’s important to be prepared. 

Here’s everything you need to know as a beginner, so your wallpapering project is as seamless as it is stylish.

It’s not like the ‘old days’

If you’ve ever heard your parents (or grandparents) tell stories about their struggles with stubborn wallpaper paste, you’ll be relieved to know that things have changed for the better! Modern wallpapers often come...

Canada’s housing market continued its upward trend in November 2024, as it recorded gains in both sales activity and prices, according to the latest report from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). This marks the sixth consecutive month of sales growth, further solidifying the market’s recovery since mid-year when the first cut to the overnight lending rate was made.

Key urban centers such as the Greater Toronto Area, Greater Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal all saw increased activity, with notable gains also recorded in several smaller cities across Alberta and Ontario.

Sales...

For the last few years, the Canadian housing market has experienced trends far outside the norm. A global pandemic, rapidly rising interest rates and economic disruptions threw the real estate market off course for a time, but 2025 is expected to bring conditions back in line with long-term historical averages.

According to the Royal LePage Market Survey Forecast, the aggregate¹ price of a home in Canada is set to increase 6.0% year over year to $856,692 in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the median price of a single-family detached property and condominium projected to increase 7.0% and...

The crisp fall air signals to us that winter is on its way, and with that, the familiar cozy nights, twinkling lights, and joy of decorating for the holiday season.

For many, this time of year is a cherished opportunity to transform their homes into a winter wonderland. Whether you love the nostalgia of decking the halls with traditional red-and-green ornaments and tinsel, or prefer a more modern take on festive décor, it seems all options are on the table this holiday season.

Here are the top four 2024 holiday décor trends to spark inspiration for your celebrations:

1. Muted luxe

This...

Nationally, median price of a recreational single-family detached home is forecast to rise 7.5% over the next 12 months, as lower interest rates boost confidence.

Since the Bank of Canada started dropping interest rates earlier this year, some real estate buyers have been taking advantage of lower mortgage borrowing costs. While this has yet to spark a big jump in activity in the winter recreational market, a few more rate drops could be all it takes to get things moving as consumer confidence picks up.

According to the Royal LePage 2024 Winter Recreational Property Report published today,...

October 2024 was a standout month for the Canadian housing market, with home sales reaching their highest levels since April 2022. The surge in activity was widespread, reflecting strong buyer interest in major urban centers and beyond.

According to the latest market report from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), home sales recorded a 7.7% increase compared to September, marking the biggest monthly spike in activity in more than two years. The momentum was led by key markets like the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, both of which posted...

The growing popularity of more compact living quarters, due in part to both rising housing costs and densification, has many people searching for interior design hacks for small living spaces.

When designing a small space, it’s important to include details that align with your habits and routines. Other designs might look great in magazines or on Pinterest, but this is your home. It’s crucial to harness your creativity when designing a cozy space that is functional, comfortable and reflects both your lifestyle and personality.

Below, we have outlined five tips and tricks to help you...