Is your den a disaster? Is your closet so crammed that you can’t find pants and shoes that match? If you’re like many people, you have so much stuff that you can’t control it. So you just throw up your hands and let it accumulate. Well, it might be time to call in a professional organizer. These specialists can help clear out and clean up junky garages, stuffed closets, dirty dens and even your computer’s hard drive.

A lot of people ask me if it’s really worth hiring a professional organizer or if you’re better off doing it yourself.

Both are valuable options, but either way you should understand the specific steps and strategies to having a more organized home, making little changes gradually to simplify life at home.

Well at first glance having someone do things for you can certainly seem better than doing it yourself. And most people are confident that they can tackle their organization projects on their own.  But when those projects get overwhelming and you stall out, it’s time to consider hiring a professional.

Professional organizers can work with you to decide what you want to keep, and to identify where unwanted items will go. They will, in many cases, facilitate the disposal, donation or sale of belongings a client wants to part with. They also work with clients to determine what the functions of their spaces should be, and to set up those spaces in ways that can be easily maintained.

But there are things to consider before you hire someone.

How do you know, once the service is complete, you are going to be satisfied or if you are even going to be able to maintain organization beyond a week, a month or a year from now?

Now here’s the thing.

If you really, really want to make changes to the way you live in your home, you need to start living your life a little differently.

You should be able to manage your “stuff” and understand what it really takes to start enjoying the benefits of home organization.

Learn what it takes to get organized from the inside-out and discover the basic and simple rules of home organization so you can enjoy more time, more space and a better, happier life at home.

Then, even if later down the road you decide to hire someone to help you, you will be more knowledgeable, you will understand the process more and — combined with a few changes — you will be living in an organized home before you know it.

You can enhance your home’s existing concrete surfaces using acid stains, water based stains, epoxy paints, and scoring techniques.  If you’re tired of looking at dull grey concrete, there are some fairly easy projects for the serious do-it-yourselfer to give your concrete a refreshing new look.  Or perhaps you plan to have some new concrete installed but you don’t want plain grey concrete.  Decorative concrete work costs double to triple that of regular concrete and many people simply can’t afford it.  There are inexpensive ways to decorate concrete after it has cured without having to pay skilled tradesmen.

Acid based concrete stains are becoming more and more popular for colouring concrete surfaces.  They chemically react with the cementitious material to produce permanent colour with variegated or mottled appearance like that of marble.  This results in a natural, elegant looking surface.  Acid stains are available in 8-10 different colours, mainly brown, green, and reddish earth tones.  A coat of clear concrete sealer when you’re finished really brings out the colours and beauty of acid stains.

Water based concrete stains are an alternative to acid stains and are much more user friendly because they’re much less toxic. These stains don’t chemically react with the concrete; they are absorbed into the surface pores and act like a dye. The big advantage of water based stains is the wide array of colours available. You can find just about any colour in the spectrum and create a more vibrant and consistent appearance.

If you want to venture beyond the basic staining of concrete, consider using some scoring techniques to create patterns on the surface. You can make your concrete look like a tile floor for example. It’s up to your imagination. An angle grinder with a 4 inch grinding or cutting wheel is the ideal tool for this. The important thing to remember when scoring is to draw the pattern on the concrete first and make sure you’re satisfied with the way it looks because scoring is irreversible.  Most people don’t own an angle grinder but you can rent one at almost any tool rental shop.

Epoxy paints make an excellent coating for garage floors and basement floors.  Many commercial floors have epoxy coatings because of their durability and resistance to chemical spills as well as their appearance. In recent years, however, it has become very popular for residential use with an increasing availability of different colours.  This is not a difficult project, but the key to successful application is surface preparation.  Epoxy paints have also become available in a water based form making it safe for the do-it-yourselfer and ideal for indoor applications.

MOVING! The very thought of it can send chills down our spine and can cause us to break out into a cold sweat. Experts say that any kind of “change” creates “stress”. Moving, (and especially if we are relocating to a new city or state), represents a huge change and naturally brings a great amount of stress along with it. This can be a double whammy, because stress can lead to a lack of energy and motivation. Many of us tend to procrastinate during stressful periods of our lives. This is one time, though, when we must rise above that.

When preparing for a move we need to put the pedal to the metal and get a lot of things done.

This checklist contains many suggestions that may seem like “no-brainers”. However, the very act of printing out these simple suggestions and reminders can become a significant security blanket as the dreaded time approaches. Moving and relocating calls for being proactive, grabbing the bull by the horns and actually completing certain chores well in advance of their deadlines.

Hopefully this little article will help you to accomplish that.

1. Get rid of what you don’t need.

Many of us are “pack rats”. One thing that we can accomplish immediately is going through all of our “stuff” and getting rid of what we don’t need anymore. Moving unwanted clothing and bric-a-bracs from one place of residence to another is a great waste of time and effort. It is surprising how much more in control we feel once we start narrowing down our “inventory” to what we actually need to keep. Getting rid of the unwanted items can be done by having a garage sale long before moving time and then donating the leftovers to the Salvation Army or other charitable groups.

2. Get all important papers and documents together and secure them.

Since moving is hectic, to say the least, we need to be aware of the exact location of all of our important items. Things that we absolutely must not lose or misplace should certainly be hand carried, not put in a box for the movers:

Address Books, Birth Certificates, Bank Statements, Checks, Credit Cards and Statements, Home Movies, Irreplaceable Memorabilia, Insurance Policies, Marriage Records, Medical and Dental Records, Military Records, Passports, Photos and Photo Albums, Resumes, School Records, Stock Certificates, Tax Returns, Telephone Numbers, Valuables, Vehicle Documents, Wills.

3. Prepare well in advance for living at your new location.

There are many things that we can do at our new location well in advance of our move that will help smooth out the bumps and grinds of our relocation process when the actual event occurs: Open up new bank accounts. Open up a new Safe Deposit Box. Contact the new area utility companies and arrange for your new services. These can include Cable TV, gas, electric, oil, telephone, water and Internet access. Arrange for new medical providers. If you are moving to a new state, contact the DMV and get forms necessary to re-register your vehicles. Contact your insurance companies and find out if your car insurance, homeowner’s insurance, etc. can be transferred. If not, find an Insurance Broker in your new area and discuss your needs and requirements for new policies. Go to the post office and get a moving kit. Prepare change of address forms for all of your correspondents; credit card companies, other credit accounts, banks, insurance companies, current utility companies for final statements, magazines and other subscriptions, family, friends, and any other persons or businesses that you correspond with on a regular basis.

4. As the time approaches, have the important numbers handy.

As moving day approaches and when the moving process actually begins, you don’t want to be hunting for phone numbers in wallets, purses, or address books. Have a nice new notebook or electronic notebook ready with all important phone numbers written clearly and legibly for both your old and new contacts: Banks, Doctors, Emergency contacts, Family members, Friends, Landlords or Real Estate Brokers, Movers, Pharmacies Schools, Storage Facilities, Utilities.

With proper planning and preparation the moving process, though never fun, can at least be sane.

At this time of the year when the days are short and the skies are grey, focus tends to shift towards the glorious summer months when we can escape the daily commuter grind and the realities of the 9 to 5 and take a couple of weeks out to lie on a sun drenched beach somewhere. But why take just two weeks away when you could own a holiday home in the sun, vacation in it whenever you wanted to and even let it out for an earnings supplementing rental income? If you’re one of the increasing numbers of people considering buying real estate for investment purposes, why not combine your investment with pleasure and buy a holiday home abroad? Buying real estate overseas needn’t be a complicated or stressful experience; with this ten step guide to buying property abroad you’ll find the whole process a breeze – and you’ll be lying next to your very own swimming pool soaking up the summer sunshine before you know it.

1. Country

   You may already have had your perfect holiday and know exactly where you’d ideally like to own a holiday home in the sun, if on the other hand you’re still undecided about which country to buy a second home in you should factor at least the following considerations into your country based research to determine which nation ideally suites your requirements: – weather, property prices, accessibility, stability and things to do.

2. Location

   Having decided on a country the next challenge is to find the most suitable area of the country to target for your holiday home search. Think about whether you want to be close to the coast, inland, in a city, away from the crowds, in the thick of it or on a desert island.

3. Property Type

   Apartment, detached villa, bungalow or rural retreat – which property type suits you and also, if you’re thinking about renting out your holiday home in the sun, which type of property will be easiest to rent?

4. Budget

   How much money have you got available to you, how much money will be required in fees and taxes when buying overseas? Think carefully about how much of your budget you can allocate to buying a property and then stick to that figure, do not be tempted to over extend yourself as this could get you into difficulties and even prevent you from having the funds available to travel and holiday in your brand new property.

5. Assistance

   Because you’re potentially buying in a foreign country you may encounter language barriers, different legal systems and a whole new buying process therefore it is wise to employ the services of a real estate agent and essential to secure the services of a lawyer who can guide and protect you throughout the purchase process.

6. Management

   Whether you intend to let out your holiday home or not you will probably require the services of a good management company to make sure your pool is clean, your roof never leaks and no one tries to break into your home. Take recommendations locally from other people who have their second homes looked after by a third party and don’t be afraid to ask a property management company for references.

7. Income

   If you’ll be letting out your home in the sun for an income find out about any taxation you will be liable for on that income and also about any deductions you can take from your liability to reduce your overall taxation burden.

8. Investment

   If you’re interested in holding property overseas for investment purposes look into the buoyancy of a market and ensure that the real estate market is capable of sustaining an investment property. Some overseas real estate markets are stagnant and difficult to realize a capital gain from.

9. Insurance

   Because your property will either be vacant for long periods of time or occupied by people unknown to you it will be important to have insurances in place for the building and the contents.

10. Enjoyment

    And last but not least, once you’ve secured your holiday home in the sun save as much money as possible so that you can enjoy your home as often as possible and for as long as possible! After all, you deserve the time away from work.

When it comes to adding value to your property, focusing in on the bathroom and kitchen almost certainly guarantees profitable returns.

If you’re considering making your home appealing to potential buyers, then one of the first places to start is in the bathroom.

When it comes to bathroom design, what is it that most people really want? Would choosing a spacious jetted tub above a soaker tub be financially beneficial in the long haul?

Wouldn’t designing your bathroom be a much easier task if you were armed with a guideline of what tickled the fancy of potential homebuyers? If you’re going to design your bathroom get it right the first time round to avoid flushing away hard-earned money.

Hello simplicity

From as far back as the 1960s much focus was placed on bold colour in the bathroom. Patterned wall tiles of nautical creatures and over-the-top colours were the trend, along with plastic. Plastic bathroom decor was the craze, from bold orange, olive green, mustard yellow and chocolate brown coloured toothbrush, soap and towel holders, to thick patterned plastic shower curtains that screamed colours of the boldest nature.

As the times moved on, the 1970s and early 1980s became a period when gold bathroom fixings and furnishing, such as taps, towel rails and toilet roll holders, were considered very stylish. These ostentatious gold trimmed features were all the rage, and bathroom decor was ‘loud’.  Added to this were those once delightful bathroom suites in colours avocado, coral pink, and chocolate brown. Bathroom colour has changed dramatically over the past few decades, and shades have become more neutral, sometimes with a hint of colour that adds a complementary vigour to the overall scheme. 

So, when designing and decorating your bathroom, consider white decor, and opt for chrome fixtures and furnishings. Not only do the lend to a much more of a neutral palette, they will appeal to the majority of potential homebuyers, therefore adding to the overall value of your home.

Shower power

When designing a bathroom at home, we face the dilemma of opting for the installation of either a shower or a bathtub. In both cases, design plays an important role, but this role is even bigger as far as functionality, space availability, and the necessary requirements are concerned. Fitting out a large bathroom is not the same as doing a small one, and furthermore, the fact that the bathroom is used for just a person is far different from a whole family’s way of using it.

Consider installing a shower over the bath if space is limited.

A shower takes up much less space than a bathtub, and it also offers a high adaptability to any space. There are shower models of all kinds of sizes, colours, designs and shapes, and its access becomes much easier and faster.

Saving water is, moreover, a plus for the shower installation. According to many studies, showering instead of taking a bath is a great water saver, providing that is used responsibly.

Choosing your bath tub

The bathtub becomes the centre of attention in the bathroom, by bringing together almost the whole decorative style and at the same time, it becomes the focus of attention. Furthermore, nowadays we can find highly contemporary minimalist bathtub designs which are able to delight interior design and turn it into something very exclusive and unique.

Bathroom flooring

Bathroom flooring needs to withstand water and high humidity while keeping slip resistance. Most homeowners prefer floors that are also easy to clean and maintain. The best flooring types for the bathroom are more than just functional.  They are also attractive and improve home decor. Consider features such as shape, colour, texture, and material when choosing flooring for bathrooms.

Ceramic and porcelain floor tiles are a popular choice for flooring in the bathroom. Consider choosing a textured tile to help keep bathroom floors from getting slippery when wet.

Keep it clean

If you are planning to put your home on the market, inspect your bathroom for those small generally unnoticed flaws, like mould on the silicone sealant around the bath, and even on your shower curtain if you have one. Potential homebuyers may notice these small faults, which could send then running!

It’s up to each homeowner to decide if a bathroom renovation is worth the expense. Overall though, you can expect to get a good return on the money that you spend, plus a high joy score out of the project. If having a bathroom that you enjoy being in matters to you, then go for it. It’s just icing on the cake that you’ll get to recoup a lot of the associated costs as well.

Classic business philosophy teaches that a great part of survival and subsequent success lies in an operation’s ability to reduce mistakes. The cost or repairing the mistakes is inversely proportional to the amount of profit potential of the operation. In other words…”Mistakes Kill the Profit Margin!”

As landlord’s, we don’t want to do damage to the precious profit margin we fought so hard to nurture. A landlord’s profit margin struggles every day to survive, grow and flourish in a sea of predators, competitors and government regulators. Below are the top 10 threats to your thriving profit margin.

1. Poor Screening

The costliest mistake is accepting a new tenant without properly screening. An undesirable tenant will often have a poor rental and financial histories. Landlords should review previous landlord relations, credit reports, courthouse records and income. It is probable that if they have not met their obligations with previous landlords, then chances are that they will repeat their behaviour with new landlords. Many landlords have faced horrific situations where tenants have stopped paying rent while employing legal maneuvering to avoid eviction. Others have faced tenants who moved in and initiated criminal activity, which adversely affected other tenants and neighbours. Either of these scenarios translates into expensive ordeals where the measures of rectifying the situation can threaten the financial stability of the landlord.

A thorough screening also involves verifying that the person who is applying is the same person that submits credit/criminal info for screening. A picture I.D. should be cross-referenced with the application at minimum. Landlords must make sure that there are no omissions, inaccuracies or inconsistency in the actual application. Due diligence will certainly save landlords much money and stress.

2. Lease Preparation

Having a poorly prepared lease is very costly because it is the document that legally binds the landlord to the tenant. It is the rules of the relationship that dictate conflict resolution, financial responsibility and terms of execution. With out a professionally prepared lease the landlord stands to forfeit many of the rights afforded to the owners of the property.  Landlords need to employ leases that are designed to protect them and their property and not the other way around. Many generic leases do not take into account the values of the landlord. Therefore, a custom lease would assure the landlord that their interests are protected.

Many times landlords receive requests for agreements after the lease has been signed. Landlords will use their best judgment when deciding to agree to a proposal but must never neglect to put the agreement on paper. A verbal agreement is always vulnerable to a false interpretation by the tenant.

3. Rent Collections

Landlords must always enforce the terms of rent payment as it is written in the lease including late payments and fees. If not enforced, the landlord runs the risk of creating a dangerous precedent that will certainly cost the landlord dearly. If a tenant fails to pay rent for two weeks, then legal notices and actions must be initiated as soon as the law allows. Landlords should not accept partial payments. The courts interpret receiving partial payments from tenants as an acceptance of terms by the landlord. The eviction process is subsequently terminated for that rental period while landlord’s costs increase.

If a tenant has had a poor history of paying rent on time, a landlord should consider not renewing the lease. Being late consistently is a sign of financial trouble and future uncertainty for the landlord. Poor payment habits can be a precursor to bankruptcy or evictions.

4. Law and Regulation Ignorance

Many landlords get into rental business with out learning the rules of the game. To get a perspective of the folly of not knowing the rule, Imagine trying to play basketball with out knowledge of the rules. You would become paralyzed from the constant rule infractions. It would be impossible to win. Translated to the rental business: Knowledge of the Laws and regulations can make the difference between a profitable venture and a loser.

Landlords must familiarize themselves with the Landlord/Tenant Act. Every State or Province has different laws, therefore due diligence must be taken by landlords to educate themselves. Landlords must also take the initiative to draw upon with the experiences of other landlords. Many landlord advocacy groups exist in most communities and the Internet.

Finally, it encouraged for landlords to develop a relationship with a real estate attorney that specializes in the rental industry. Having a knowledgeable supporter on your side can relieve a lot of uncertainty.  A landlord must never wait to the last minute to develop a relationship with an attorney because the requirement of immediate response will prove to be costly.

5. Poor Response to Service Requests

The number one reason that tenants do not renew their leases is poor response and execution for service requests from the landlord.   Tenants expect a constant inspection, repair, and preservation of the general conditions of their rental home. This also includes a timely repair or replacement of parts for appliances. Everything has to be in working order and problems must be addressed quickly and courteously. Everything has to be in working order and problems must be addressed quickly and courteously. To facilitate an efficient delivery of maintenance requests, the property manager’s best method of receiving these requests is actually answering the telephone. When the manager is too busy to actually answer the phone or the request comes at an odd hour, many properties utilize apartment call centers. This resource allows properties to always have a human responding to the needs of their tenants. The apartment call centers are industry specific and have a direct, open communication with the maintenance and property management. Maintenance requests should be supported by a shared calendar that documents the request cycle: creation, delivery, execution, completion and follow-up. Maintenance requests, if implemented properly, should be a team effort that will lessen and distribute workload through the property staff.

6. Not Employing Good Customer Service

Running a rental business is just like any other business in the sense with respect to employing good customer service. Many landlords forget that they would not be in business if it weren’t for the customer. Practicing good customer service not only reduces tenant turnover, it also is one of the primary forms of marketing. Word of mouth advertising is the time tested, most effective way to promote any business. In the long run, a positive approach to communicating with your tenants will reflect in the profitability and value of a property. On the other hand, poor customer service will take a toll on the general conditions of the property. Tenants will not respect the property by not cleaning up after themselves or not following the property’s rules and regulations. Therefore, poor customer service may result in high turnover, high vacancies, higher operational costs and lower profits.

7. Not paying taxes

Many landlords do not have their rental income as their primary source of income and neglect to report their income to the government. Others fail to pay property taxes because they don’t reside in the property. Failing to declare income and ignoring property taxes can cause very expensive recovery efforts. The government will assess taxes, add fees, add penalties and assign interest. Other costs will come from attorney fees, added accountant charges and personal time. In extreme cases, landlords may get their property confiscated.

8. Not waiting for the funds to clear

In a rush to fill the occupancy, many landlords make the mistake of allowing the tenants to move in before the funds are cleared. The scenario of tenants moving into a property too soon has caused numerous headaches for landlords having to initiate eviction procedures without ever collecting any rent or deposit. Always ask for money orders and certified checks or simply wait for the funds to clear the bank.

9. Not conducting a detailed pre move-in inspection

Neglecting to have the tenants complete a pre move-in inspection can result in damages to a property that cannot be documented by the landlord. Payment for rent must not be accepted until this inspection is completed.

10. Not keeping a professional landlord/tenant relationship

Landlords must always uphold a professional relationship with tenants to avoid the pitfalls of not employing the codes of conduct that are based on the stipulations outlined in the lease. The professional relationship is based on the landlord realizing profits from the rental business. Changing the nature of the business relationship threatens the ability for the landlord to collect rent.

Everyone has fantasized at some point about his or her dream house. You may want closets big enough to live in; a bathroom that doubles as a spa; a kitchen in which you could produce programs for the Food Network but, as in most fantasies, there is usually some epic journey required to achieve the goal. And building your dream house follows that plot line all too closely.

But isn’t it the dream that makes the quest worthwhile? Yes, if you can weather the storms and battles along the way. And the determination to keep moving forward is usually a function of a strong will and a big heart.

It is likely that you have options when you begin the process of buying a home. There may be existing homes in the area that are affordable and that meet your needs. But there are always things about any property or house that don’t exactly meet with your approval. The basement may not be finished or the yard may be too small or the interior decor may have to be entirely redone. It is virtually impossible to buy an existing home without making compromises.

Building new allows you to imagine, design and build the home that accommodates needs and amenities that are important to you within a budget of course. And that is one thing that must be considered. A new home will be more expensive, on a cost per foot basis, than an existing one. That is due to the cost of land, the price of building materials and labor expense. You might also find that taxes are high as a new area is developed and the municipal authorities factor in the required infrastructure for a growing population and the need for services like education, law enforcement and recreation. You may find yourself subsidizing some of these costs as an area develops.

The ongoing costs associated with an existing house are more predictable. However, there will likely be more maintenance expense than for a new house and energy costs tend to be higher with older properties because newer homes are more energy efficient.

Commuting costs may be an issue. Developers must go further and further out to find enough land to accommodate a new subdivision. That may mean higher costs for commuting to work and to access other businesses and venues that may be closer to the nearest major population centre. You should consider this from both a monetary perspective and to determine if you are comfortable with an additional investment of time.

If your new house is built in a subdivision there may be ongoing fees required. In addition, there may be covenants that are designed to protect property values that may apply serious restrictions on your ability to enhance your home and/or your property down the road.

A new home needs new landscaping. This may be included in the price of the home but there will likely be a limit to what is covered under the agreement. To landscape the property in a way that is truly satisfying may require an additional outlay.

Beware of construction delays! Building contractors are notorious for setting deadlines they miss and making promises they can’t keep. Make sure you do some thorough research about the builder and his track record before you commit. Weather is always unpredictable and may have an effect but that should be factored in from the start.

A new subdivision can be a hornet’s nest of building activity.  If you move into your home early in the process be prepared for hammering, sawing, trucks, mud and general chaos for quite a while as the subdivision progresses. This is a lifestyle issue and is a temporary inconvenience. But some have found this level of activity disconcerting and disruptive especially when they are settling into their dream home and trying to savour the experience.

If you build new be prepared to stay for a while. With new construction all around you it would be difficult to compete with the rest of the properties available for others who want to build a house from the ground up. You would have to make it worth their while and that usually means a compromise in price.

All this being said (and trust me there is more that could be said) there is nothing quite as satisfying as showcasing the house to family and friends that you designed and built and that reflects your unique vision and personality. If you survive the journey, you will likely have turned your fantasy into reality.

The housing market in the Greater Toronto Area witnessed a notable resurgence in February 2024, as buyers re-entered the fray despite prevailing challenges. With the release of statistics by the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), it becomes evident that the market dynamics are shifting, offering renewed opportunities for both buyers and sellers alike.

In February, home sales and new listings in the GTA experienced a significant increase compared to the previous year. TRREB reported a 17.9% rise in home sales, amounting to 5,607 transactions. This surge, occurring on both an annual and monthly basis, underscores the growing confidence among buyers in the region’s real estate market.

One of the key factors driving this resurgence is the evolving perception of interest rates among consumers. Despite higher borrowing costs, the market remains resilient, buoyed by factors such as population growth and a robust regional economy. The surge in new listings has provided buyers with increased choice and flexibility, further stimulating market activity.

What does this mean for you?

For home buyers, this resurgence presents a window of opportunity to enter the market with adjusted strategies. With interest rates potentially stabilizing and increased inventory to choose from, buyers can explore their options more confidently. Additionally, the relatively stable pricing indicates a balanced market, offering buyers the chance to make informed decisions without the pressure of rapidly escalating prices.

As a homeseller, the uptick in market activity signals a favourable environment to list your property. With increased demand from motivated buyers and stable pricing, sellers can attract more attention to their listings and potentially secure favourable deals. However, it’s essential to remain competitive by pricing your property appropriately and leveraging the expertise of real estate professionals to maximize your selling potential.

For first-time homebuyers, the current market conditions offer a promising opportunity to leap into homeownership. With expectations of lower interest rates shortly and a surge in demand for more affordable housing options, first-time buyers can capitalize on favourable conditions to fulfill their homeownership dreams. Additionally, the availability of various government programs and incentives aimed at supporting first-time buyers further enhances the affordability and accessibility of homeownership.

Even with the current strong market, it’s best to have a reliable home expert who can guide you through all the steps and strategies to ensure you get the best deal possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards homeownership or a successful property transaction.

Ready to make your move to the GTA?

Whether you are aspiring to buy, sell, or explore your options, contact us today for expert guidance and personalized assistance tailored to your unique needs and goals. 

Send us a message or give us a call to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward realizing your real estate aspirations.

Toronto Regional Real Estate Board reported that there were almost 11,000 Greater Toronto Area (GTA) home sales reported in March 2022, capping off the third-best March and second-best first quarter on record. Tight market conditions continued to support a double-digit annual pace of price growth, with an average selling price of $1.3 million. The average selling price dipped slightly month-over-month, bucking the regular seasonal trend.

“Now is the time for governments to govern and focus on measures that are proven to increase housing supply. The GTA population will experience rapid growth in the coming years as our region’s economic strength and diversity continues to attract people from around the world. In order to sustain this growth, we need adequate housing supply and choice. This needs to be the focus of policymakers rather than short-term and ineffective measures to artificially suppress demand. Evidence-based decision-making should inform government policies, and we encourage representatives at all levels of government to think big and act decisively to improve needed housing supply in a significant way,” said TRREB’s President Kevin Crigger.

GTA REALTORS® reported 10,955 sales through TRREB’s MLS® System in March 2022, representing a 30 per cent decline compared to the record result of 15,628 in March 2021. While sales were down year-over-year for all major market segments, condominium apartment transactions dipped by a much lesser annual rate.

New listings were also down on a year-over-year basis, but by a much lesser annual rate than sales. This suggests that while market conditions remained very tight, home buyers did not experience the same level of competition from other buyers compared to a year earlier.

The MLS® Home Price Index Composite benchmark was up by 34.8 per cent year-over-year in March 2022. This annual rate of increase was down slightly from February. The average selling price was up by 18.5 per cent year-over-year. The annual growth rates for the MLS HPI® and average selling price differed, in part, because the mix of homes sold in March 2022 shifted in favour of condominium apartments which generally sell for a lower average price compared to other home types.

Multi-generational homes are residences that house multiple generations of a family, including grandparents, parents, and children, under one roof. These homes provide a practical solution to the changing demographics of Canadian society, economic pressures, and social and cultural factors.

Multi-generational homes are becoming more popular in Canada as families seek to live together to save on expenses, provide care for aging parents, and strengthen family bonds. With rising housing costs and changing demographics, multi-generational living is a viable option for families in Canada.

What’s Behind the Popularity of Multi-Generational Homes

There are several reasons for the growing popularity of multi-generational homes in Canada:

Economic Benefits

By living together, family members can share expenses such as mortgage payments, utilities, and groceries, which can help to reduce the financial burden on each individual. With rising housing costs in many Canadian cities, multi-generational living can also make home ownership more affordable for families.

Changing Demographics

Canada’s population is aging, and seniors are living longer. Many seniors prefer to age in place, and multi-generational homes provide a practical solution for families to care for their aging parents. At the same time, young adults are facing challenges entering the housing market, and multi-generational homes offer a viable option for them to live independently while staying close to their families.

Social and Cultural Factors

Living together with extended family members is a norm in many cultures, and multi-generational homes allow families to maintain their cultural traditions while living in Canada.

Advantages of Multi-Generational Homes

Multi-generational homes provide opportunities for support and care for all family members. Here are some of the advantages of multi-generational homes:

Family Support

By living together, family members can provide emotional and practical support to each other, which is essential for maintaining strong family relationships. Children can develop closer relationships with their grandparents, and seniors can benefit from the companionship of their grandchildren. Additionally, living together can help to strengthen cultural traditions and family values.

Sharing of Expenses and Responsibilities

By living together, family members can share the cost of mortgage payments, utilities, and groceries, which can help to reduce the financial burden on each individual. Additionally, sharing responsibilities such as household chores and childcare can help to reduce stress and workload for each family member.

Enhanced Care for Children, Seniors, and Disabled Individuals

By living together, family members can provide care and support to each other. For example, grandparents can help to care for young children, while adult children can care for aging parents. This can help to reduce the need for external caregivers and provide better quality care for family members.

Design Considerations for Multi-Generational Homes

A multi-generational home can be comfortable for all family members with the right home and layout. A few design considerations can help ensure each family member has a cozy yet functional living space.

The layout and space allocation of multi-generational homes should be designed to accommodate the unique needs of each family member. For example, separate living spaces should be provided for each family member to ensure everyone has personal space and privacy. Additionally, common areas should be designed to encourage social interaction and bonding between family members. The layout should also include easy accessibility to all parts of the home to accommodate the needs of elderly family members.

Accessibility and safety features should be significant considerations in designing multi-generational homes, especially when seniors or disabled individuals live there. Homes should be designed to accommodate the needs of family members with disabilities or mobility issues. This may include installing ramps, wider doorways, and bathroom grab bars. Safety features such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and adequate lighting should be installed throughout the home to ensure the safety of all family members.

Privacy and personal space considerations are crucial in designing multi-generational homes. Family members should have separate living spaces, including bedrooms and bathrooms. Additionally, common areas should be designed to ensure family members can socialize without compromising privacy.

As the population ages and housing costs rise in Canada, multi-generational living is becoming an increasingly popular housing option for families. With the right adjustments, a multi-generational home can be a convenient living arrangement for all family members. Contact the real estate agents at RE/MAX to help you find the perfect multi-generational home for your extended family.