October 15, 2021
In order to get a somewhat clear understanding of the real estate market today, where it’s at and where it’s going, there are three measuring sticks I’d like to use. The number of units sold over the past month. The average sale price of homes across the region. And the total number of new listings registered in September. By assessing each of those numbers and then comparing them to past months and even past years, we should be in a position to spot trends and perhaps from that extrapolate where things are headed.
October 15, 2021
Throughout human history, society has developed various institutions to make determinations of fact and falsehood, right and wrong, guilty, not guilty and innocent. While it is trite to observe that the contemporary exercise of justice has at its centre the process of a trial, it may seem disparaging to remark that justice does not depend upon the discovery of truth for its operation. Consider that the standard for determining fact in civil trial is on a balance of probabilities, while the threshold for the purpose of criminal findings is beyond a reasonable doubt. It is worth reviewing the historical genesis of trials to map out the delivery of justice in the future, one that is appropriate for the information age we inhab
September 15, 2021
I love Montreal. How can you not? There’s so much to see and do. Wander the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal. Frequent the unique shops or enjoy dining at the wonderful patio of The Old Port Steak House or Nelson’s Jardin. Head up to the mountain to Beaver Lake. Just a great spot to wander and enjoy. And eateries, Schwartz’s on St Laurent Blvd., famous for its smoked meat. Dunn’s in downtown. Or if you enjoy the fabulous French Canadians tradition of a sugar bush adventure, you can find it 12 months of the year at the Sucrerie De La Montagne.
September 15, 2021
Over the past 5 years, property values have gone up. A lot! In fact, here in Niagara, we’re told prices are up a whopping 135%. And along with that upward movement on prices rental rates have skyrocketed as well. But that’s market rent.
September 15, 2021
There is a lot going on right now. The COVID-19 Pandemic, which has been front and centre in the news and in all our lives for over a year and a half now, just won’t go away. New infection numbers are on the rise, alarmingly so when you consider the number of people who have been vaccinated. And this spike in infections holds true across the country and around the globe, giving rise to talk about a fourth wave and a possible renewed lockdown.
September 15, 2021
Neighbourly disputes concerning boundaries are regrettable, and, in most instances, avoidable. This article will consider fence disputes, easements, and down-spout drainage with the hope that providing some basic information on these issues can help you avoid conflict of your own.
September 15, 2021
As you may have heard, the Bank of Canada recently changed the stress test rules as of June 1, 2021. With these changes, now both insured and uninsured mortgage borrowers will be subject to a stricter stress test when qualifying for their mortgage.
When you purchase a new home, there are several factors to consider. This article will discuss three important features found in every new home contract. It will first consider the deposit structure and the warranty related to your deposits. It will then discuss the nature of the statement of critical dates and how this can impact your home closing. Last, it will consider your pre-delivery inspection and how issues discovered before you move in may be addressed after closing.
August 16, 2021
We’ve been tracking the market pretty closely month by month, especially since the brisk run we saw in 2017, the impact of the Government imposed foreign buyers spec. tax and mortgage stress test in the Spring of 2017, then the unprecedented world-wide pandemic commencing in the Spring of 2020. All these have had an impact to be sure. What we want to do, if we can, is try to examine market fluctuations in the light of these events, factoring in normal seasonal changes and see if we can see patterns and trends. The idea is to get an overview as to how the market has responded to date and see if we can get a handle perhaps on where it is going in the future.