Month: April 2020

As technology evolves and improves over time, online home listings get more sophisticated. With features such as 3D home tours now available, it is now possible to view a home and go through the entire home purchase online. This is especially pertinent now, given the current situation surrounding COVID-19 and the stress on social distancing. While many online listings are packed full of great photos and lots of information, going through the home buying process virtually and being unable to view a property in person may leave some things overlooked, as they are not as obvious through a screen.

Here are four things to take into consideration when viewing a house virtually.

3D & Virtual Tours

If doing a physical walk-through of a property isn’t an option, 3D and 360 tours can be a great alternative to give you a feeling of what it would be like to walk through a home. Many realtors now offer 3D tours or virtual walk-throughs for their listings, so now is a great time to take advantage of those! 3D tours are great for allowing you to view a property from the comfort of your own home, while also giving you the freedom to virtually navigate your way through the property. This will give you a chance to get a feel for the floorplan and layout of a home without having to actually set foot on the property.

With the current situation, many realtors are also offering virtual video walk-throughs of their properties that are currently on the market. Many realtors have asked the seller to film a walk-through of their home that they are then able to share with prospective buyers. Utilizing these virtual tours are a great way to get a feel for the property you are looking at and can be useful for helping potential buyers narrow down the different properties they may be interested in.

Analyze the Photos

Many realtors work with professional real estate photographers to take photos of their listings. This is a great asset to potential buyers as the photographers know the best ways to show off the different rooms in a home. Make sure you take a look at all of the photos and spend some time noting where windows are and what rooms look like they will get the best natural light. Another good thing to consider when looking through the photos is how your own furniture will look in the space. If the photos of the home are furniture free, allow yourself to mentally place furniture where you think it may look best. If the property is staged, take into consideration where different furniture pieces are placed and how you could change the furniture layout to work for you and your style.

Take Note of Potential Fixes/Renos

While buying a new construction or newly renovated home is great, some people look for fixer upper’s that they can make their own. If you’re looking at a property online that may not be quite your style or that needs some upgrades, take note of those. See what elements of the home work for you and which areas you would consider renovating or giving some TLC in the future.

Remember that your realtor is going to be the expert, so don’t be afraid to give your realtor a call to chat about a listing you are interested in and get their thoughts. And remember, paint colour is an easy, relatively inexpensive change that make a huge different in a home!

Consider the Outdoor Space

One thing that many people forget to take into consideration when viewing a home online is the outdoor space. Whether this be a small balcony or a large backyard, outdoor space is definitely something to try to get a feel for when viewing a home virtually. Take account of what furniture you may need to fit into the space or invest in, what sort of maintenance will be involved in the upkeep of the outdoor space. Many realtors ask their sellers to try to have two photos of the exterior of the home, one from the summer and one from the winter. This allows potential buyers to get a feel for what the exterior of the home will look like in every season.

When it comes to house hunting online, there are lots of things a potential buyer can do to get a feel for a property by simply utilizing the tools that are available online. Realtors are also a great resource to lean on, as they often have lots of information on the property that may not be included in the MLS. 

If you are looking for a new place to call home or an investment property, contact us to further discuss.

As the coronavirus pandemic unfolds, it continues to change the way people work and live. The outcomes of the situation have affected Toronto real estate and surrounding areas. Due to the market lag effect we likely won’t know how much the market will be affected until further down the line.

The real estate industry is considered an essential service by the Canadian government. Therefore, agents continue to guide buyers and sellers through their real estate journey, limiting and even eliminating in-person meetings. Here’s what we know is happening in the Toronto real estate market currently:

Market activity during coronavirus pandemic

February and early March showed signs that the Toronto housing market would continue to see growth and typical spring home-buying activity.

Population growth and low unemployment rates at the time were contributing to an active market. It seemed buyers were still drawn to single-family homes in the GTA, with year-over-year sales growth and listings on the incline.

However, unprecedented circumstances mid-way through March due to coronavirus are expected to cause a shift in trajectory.

According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) sales reached 8,012 home sales through March 2020 which is up 12.3 per cent compared to 7,132 sales in March 2019.

Average home prices are high in this city, sitting at $987,787 for Toronto property in March. Yet, average selling price in March remains above last year’s average, which indicates demand for homeownership is persistent.

This data suggests that there is market activity, but it is also evident that the number of sales in the second half of March was impacted by coronavirus.

With measures such as social distancing and non-essential business closures, home searching may slow down to a degree as more people take precautions and follow social distancing bylaws.

This does not mean that the market will come to a complete halt. Despite these challenges, there will always be a need to purchase or sell a home, such as those experiencing divorce, are in the middle of an estate sale, and other circumstances. There are important reasons why the real estate industry will continue to operate and support the Toronto market.

The Canadian government is taking steps to help businesses reduce layoffs and keep employees on the payroll. For those with job security and a down payment ready, the effects of the virus won’t be an obstacle to entering the market.

A potential slowdown of bidding wars

New immigrants and family formations have contributed to rising housing demand in Toronto. Supply and demand play an important role in the state of real estate markets. Low inventories and a shortage of listings in the city often spur bidding wars between homebuyers. This can make it more difficult for buyers to enter the market, as competing offers are a common occurrence due to tight market conditions.

Yet, recent shifts could discourage people from listing their homes in the short-term, with fear of not getting the best price under current conditions. While homebuyers may take a wait-and-see approach for when the market recovers. If sellers hang in there, less competition could make this a prime time to purchase a home.

However, buyers and sellers may be surprised at how easily consumers are embracing technology to continue activity in this market. Having open houses may not be necessary, since agents can leverage online 360-degree virtual listings, panoramic images and floor plans to give the buyer the experience of an open house without being there in person.

To stay connected to your real estate agent, apps and video calling services help maintain open lines of communication.

Leverage low interest rates

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the Bank of Canada has reduced its benchmark interest rate to 0.25 per cent from 1.25 per cent. This is the lowest the rate has ever been.

A recent announcement to ease the mortgage stress test to give buyers more purchasing power was put on hold due to the pandemic. However, assuming the change eventually comes into play, the new stress test would factor in actual mortgage rates rather than the current posted rate system.

The good news is that this could be the perfect time to enter the market and purchase a home. Now that mortgage rates are lower, buyers can borrow more money at a decreased interest rate making their mortgage payments more affordable.

Another benefit is that homebuyers will have more housing options to choose from. Since they can qualify for more financing, it can be used to purchase a home with more of the features they desire.

First-time buyers also have the advantage of not having to sell a property in order to access the equity required to purchase a new home.

With interest rates at an all-time low, this can be considered a good time to purchase a home. Yet, the challenge will be for real estate agents to facilitate home-buying activity during this time. Here are some strategic ways the Canadian real estate market can continue during coronavirus.

Toronto real estate continues to experience housing market activity. While the coronavirus pandemic may affect the market in the short-term, we expect it to rebound when social distancing measures loosen, and we return to some normalcy. For now, it is important to take necessary precautions while participating in the market during your home-buying or selling journey to maintain health and safety.

With social distancing advisories and non-essential business closures in place, many people – some realtors included – are scrutinizing whether real estate is an essential service as it has been classified in many regions across Canada and the US. Those who argue against the essential classification are coming from a good place, with hopes that more-stringent lockdowns will stop the spread of COVID-19. On the surface, shutting down such real estate services as those provided by agents, lenders, lawyers and land registry offices may seem like the sensible thing to do given the current climate. However, the unintended consequences would be detrimental to many people and for many reasons.

Real Estate as an Essential Service

The fact is, real estate is an essential service. This is something that RE/MAX leadership has lobbied hard for, for the right reasons. Alongside food, water and clothing, shelter is one of life’s basic necessities. While agents are advising their clients to “hold off” on selling their homes right now if they can avoid it, it’s important to recognize that under certain circumstances, waiting is not an option.

When Moving is a Must

Someone has already sold their home, and must now find a new place to live. Many of Canada’s housing markets were in seller’s territory in early 2020, prompted by low housing supply and growing demand. This motivated many homeowners to list.

A homeowner has to sell their existing home to finance the new home they’ve already agreed to purchase. Precluding homeowners from selling would have a detrimental domino effect.

A family is living in a precarious place, with no choice but to move. Factors such as neighbourhood crime or unsafe conditions inside the home itself may have forced a decision to move.

A homeowner has to liquidate their home equity in order to finance their business or their life. Social distancing measures mean many businesses are suffering huge losses. Furthermore, Canada’s unemployment rate in March 2020 rose to 7.8 per cent, up from 5.6 per cent in February 2020. Incomes are down. Meanwhile, the monthly bills continue to roll in.

READ: COVID-19 Relief Measures To Help Canadians

Those who were already in the thick of the re-homing process as the pandemic set in are now finding themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place – and homelessness is not an option. With that said, this spring real estate market is anything but “business as usual.” RE/MAX, along with other real estate brands and association, has strongly advised against open houses and in-person showings. The real estate industry has responded in an incredibly responsible way, limiting face-to-face contact and facilitating real estate transactions virtually.

Agents Are Doing Business Differently

Recognizing the need to proceed with real estate transactions, agents have adapted their business practices to meet social distancing measures. This include digital listing presentations, virtual open houses and showings, video conferences, e-signatures and e-transfers, among other things. RE/MAX agents are increasingly completing 100-per-cent digital transactions, and their clients are open to this new approach.

READ: Ontario Real Estate Pushes Forward with Virtual Deals

It’s understandable that people are on edge, as they come to terms with the shaky ground beneath us and the uncertain road ahead. Together, we will get through this and as always, RE/MAX professionals are here to provide guidance to homebuyers and sellers, to help them meet this most basic of human needs.

As Covid-19 sweeps its way through our cities and neighbourhoods, we’ve also seen acts of kindness emerge in its wake. From cities and countries pulling together to weather the economic storms ahead, to online communities offering support for individuals, families, students, homeowners, renters, business owners, employees, those looking for work, and those trying to manage their day to day in this new environment. Staying connected to your community while respecting the rules of social distancing is totally possible. Here are some ideas for being a good neighbour while social distancing.

Check in. This could be especially impactful for your elderly or otherwise vulnerable neighbours. They may not be able to run important errands such as getting groceries and medications, or they may be emotionally fragile and might benefit from a friendly check-in from time to time. Reach out to your soon-to-be “next-ies” by leaving a note that includes your phone number, email address and an offer to drop some groceries off on their porch steps.

Join an online group. Apps like Facebook, Slack, WhatsApp and Zoom are simple to use and can help fill the void left by social distancing. Join an online community of neighbours, a local parents’ group, or like-minded hobbyists. Meet at regularly scheduled days/times, much like you might in person, to connect and “chat” with folks who are facing similar worries and wins.

Don’t hoard. Social distancing dictates that people should only leave home for essential errands. While out on your limited outings, stock up on enough groceries that you won’t have to go shopping again in a couple of days, but be mindful of other people’s needs. Canada is not currently experiencing a shortage of toilet paper, canned good or anti-bacterial hand soap – aside from the scarcities caused by hoarders.

Shop online, shop local. Many small businesses are struggling to stay afloat. When ordering your groceries, food delivery or other items online, consider buying from a local business.

Give what you can. Many local homeless shelters, food banks, animal shelters and other non-profits are still operating, so consider donating extra supplies or money if you can spare it. If you’ve already paid in advance for piano lessons, dance classes or a child’s school excursion, rather than requesting a refund, consider leaving that money with the organization/service provider as a donation instead.

Stay informed. Don’t get swallowed up by all the doom and gloom, and ensure you’re getting your news from credible sources.

Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer. Cough and sneeze into your sleeve. Tissues are a single-use item. And for the love of Pete, don’t touch your face! This is all fairly basic stuff that we’ve all heard from Mom every time cold and flu season rolls around. Furthermore, clean frequently touches surfaces and of course, maintain a safe distance if you must be in contact with anyone.

And last but certainly not least…

Stay home! In order to flatten the curve, government and public health agencies are strongly urging the public to stay home. Have a hankering to go shoot some hoops at the park? Stay home. Feel like stopping by a friend’s place, just to say “hi”? Stay home. Need to quickly drop off a gift for Grandma’s birthday? Stay home. Not feeling well or have you recently travelled? Stay home. Have you been in close contact with someone who has recently travelled or isn’t feeling well? Stay home. The longer we ignore the rules of social distancing, the longer we’ll have to do it.

It’s possible to be a good neighbour while social distancing. In fact, staying away from your neighbours is the best thing you can do right now. Technology has come a long way, allowing us to stay connected with those near and far without ever leaving the safety of home.

The mortgage deferral is among a number of recently announced relief measures geared to assist Canadians who are feeling the financial impact of COVID-19. With many industries and businesses suffering a serious slow-down, if not a complete dead stop, Canada’s big banks released an announcement two weeks ago offering mortgage payment deferrals of up to six months, to help carry homeowners through this difficult time. The program has certainly appealed to many Canadians.

What are the banks saying?

“Bank of Montreal, CIBC, National Bank of Canada, RBC Royal Bank, Scotiabank and TD Bank have made a commitment to work with personal and small business banking customers on a case‑by‑case basis to provide flexible solutions to help them manage through challenges such as pay disruption due to COVID‑19; childcare disruption due to school closures; or those facing illness from COVID‑19,” the Canadian Bankers’ Association said in a release two weeks ago. Since that time, the CBA has reported almost 500,000 mortgage payment deferrals or “skip-a-payment” passes have already been approved or are in the process of approval. Furthermore, the six big banks have seen deferrals on more than 10 per cent of the mortgages in their portfolio.

Despite the popularity of the program, there are still many questions swirling around about what it is, if there are any loop holes, and how it may affect your credit rating. RE/MAX Canada has connected with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. to share some insight on.

What is a mortgage deferral?

A mortgage deferral is intended to help people experiencing financial hardship, such as unemployment or the current COVID-19 crisis. Since the mortgage agreement is between you and your lender, so too are the terms of the mortgage deferral. CMHC says that typically, the agreement states that you and your mortgage lender have agreed to pause your payments for a specified amount of time. Once the mortgage deferral period ends, your payments return to normal and the missed payments — including principal and accumulated interest – repaid.

What happens to your missed mortgage payments?

CMHC says points out that a mortgage deferral does not “erase” or reduce your mortgage amount. At the end of the mortgage deferral period, you will have to resume payment according to your regular payment schedule. “The interest that hasn’t been paid during the deferral period continues to be added to the outstanding principal of your mortgage. This can affect the total amount you owe in accordance with the original payment schedule,” CMHC says.

Am I eligible?

Connect with your bank or mortgage professional to discuss the options available to you. CMHC says the COVID-19 Mortgage Payment Deferral program will be ongoing, and homeowners can apply at any time during the crisis.

How are the deferred funds repaid?

The details of your repayment depend on the lender and your specific situation. CMHC says the interest on your mortgage that hasn’t been paid during the deferral period will continue to accrue. When your payments resume, the amount could be based on the total amount owing at that time, in accordance with the original payment schedule.

If you think you won’t be able to make your regular mortgage payment, contact your lender immediately before you miss a payment.

Source: CMHC, COVID-19: Understanding Mortgage Payment Deferral

Buying or selling a house is a big undertaking under normal circumstances, let alone in the midst of a pandemic. With economic impacts and the uncertainty that accompanies day-to-day life, Canada’s federal, provincial and municipal governments and companies have implemented a number of COVID-19 relief measures to help soften the financial blow.

We’ve compiled a list of some pre-existing and newly announced programs and incentives intended to assist current homeowners, buyers and sellers, along with some links to further inform anyone seeking some COVID-19 relief.

The situation is changing hourly, so we will continue to update this list as things develop.

COVID-19 Relief Measures

Federal Government Pledges Up To $52 Billion in Direct Support to Canadian Workers and Businesses

On March 18, 2020, the Prime Minister announced $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses during this challenging time. On March 25, an emergency federal bill received royal assent to increase that amount to $52 billion, including support for workers unable to do their job due to Coronavirus. For more information, click here.

Mortgage Payment Deferral Programs

Many homeowners who’s employment and income have been interrupted due to COVID-19 are struggling to make their mortgage payments. In response to this, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and other mortgage insurers offer tools that can assist homeowners experiencing financial hardship at this time.

In addition to this, a number of Canadian’s large banks will be allowing mortgage payment deferrals for up to six months as part of their measures to help customers who may be struggling with the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a Tweet from the president of the Canadian Bankers Association, RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC and National Bank are the banks that are offering these deferrals. We encourage you to talk to your bank if you are under any sort of financial strain.

Bank of Canada Lowering Rates

The Bank of Canada’s benchmark interest rate has been on a downward trend recently. In its latest scheduled interest rate announcement on March 4, the Bank cut its rate from 1.75 to 1.25 per cent. The Bank followed up with an unscheduled announcement on March 16, announcing a further reduction in its key interest rate by a further 50 basis points to 0.75 per cent. On March 27, the Bank again cut its rate by another 50 basis points, to 0.25 per cent, with a goal of bolstering economic activity and keeping inflation low and stable. For more information on what the Bank of Canada is doing, click here.

First Time Home Buyer Incentives

The First Time Home Buyer Incentive was implemented in September 2019 to help qualified first-time homebuyers reduce their monthly mortgage payments without adding to their financial burdens. The incentive is a shared-equity mortgage with the Government of Canada and offers a number of different options for first-time homebuyers. You can read more about the First Time Home Buyer Incentive here.

Insured Mortgage Purchase Program (IMPP)

The Government of Canada implemented measures intended to bolster the financial system through the launch of its Insured Mortgage Purchase Program (IMPP). The government is prepared to purchase up to $150 billion of insured mortgage pools through CMHC, increased from the original $50 billion announced on March 16 as part of the Emergency Response Act. This will allow stable funding to banks and mortgage lenders that will help ensure lending to continue to Canadian consumers and businesses. For more information on the Insured Mortgage Purchase Program, click here.

Property Tax Deferrals

Some Canadian cities are allowing property tax deferrals, such as Toronto, Ottawa, Grand Prairie and more, while other cities are considering similar action. These decisions are being made at the municipal level and things are changing daily. We recommend visiting your municipality online to determine if your upcoming payment can be put on hold without repercussion.

Hydro Pricing Reductions

Ontario is eliminating mid-peak and on-peak electricity rates giving residents who have been forced to stay home due to COVID-19 the lowest rate available (off-peak) all day for 45 days. The lowest electricity rate is also being extended to small businesses and farms. For more information on the Ontario hydro rates, click here.

Internet Usage Rules Relaxed by Major Telecommunication Companies

Some major telecommunication companies, such as Telus and Shaw, are changing their phone and internet plans and adapting amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The Shaw website notes that they do not have data caps on their internet plans, allowing you to keep kids entertained and work from home without having to worry about data caps on your internet.

CRA Sets New Deadline to File your 2019 Income Taxes

The CRA has announced that there are new tax filing and payment due dates. The new due date for filing individual tax returns has been extended to June 1^st, 2020. Taxpayers will have until September 1^st, 2020 to pay any 2019 income tax amounts owed. 

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), many of us are spending a lot more time at home. We’re all being called upon to avoid public spaces and practice social distancing to help slow the spread of this infectious disease. While it can be understandably challenging, there are ways you can modify your home and your lifestyle to make the best of this difficult situation.

Here are a few tips for creating comfortable and functional spaces within your home for work, school, and fitness. We also share some of our favorite ways to stay connected as a community, because we’re all in this together … and no one should face these trying times alone.

Begin with the Basics

A basic home emergency preparedness kit is a great addition to any home, even under normal circumstances. It should include items like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, first aid kit, and other essentials you would need should you temporarily lose access to food, water, or electricity.

Fortunately, authorities don’t anticipate any serious interruptions to utilities or the food supply during this outbreak. However, it may be a good time to start gathering your emergency basics in a designated location, so you’ll be prepared now-—and in the future—should your family ever need them. 

Ready to start building an emergency kit for your home? Contact us for a free copy of our Home Emergency Preparation Checklist!

Working From Home

Many employees are being asked to work remotely. If you’re transitioning to a home office for the first time, it’s important to create a designated space for work … so it doesn’t creep into your home life, and vice versa. If you live in a small condominium or apartment, this may feel impossible. But try to find a quiet corner where you can set up a desk and comfortable chair. The simple act of separating your home and work spaces can help you focus during work hours and “turn off” at the end of the day. 

Of course, if you have children who are home with you all day (given many schools and daycares are now closed), separating your home and work life will be more difficult. Unless you have a partner who can serve as the primary caregiver, you will need to help manage the needs of your children while juggling work and virtual meetings.

If both parents are working from home, try alternating shifts, so you each have a designated time to work and to parent. If that’s not an option, experts recommend creating a schedule for your children, so they know when you’re available to play, and when you need to work. A red stop sign on the door can help remind them when you shouldn’t be disturbed. And for young children, blocking off a specific time each day for them to nap or have independent screen time can give you a window to schedule conference calls or work uninterrupted.

Homeschooling Your Children

Many parents with school-aged children will be taking on a new challenge: homeschooling. Similar to a home office, designating a space for learning activities can help your child transition between play and school. If you’re working from home, the homeschooling area would ideally be located near your workspace, so you can offer assistance and answer questions, as needed.

If possible, dedicate a desk or table where your child’s work can be spread out—and left out when they break for meals and snacks. Position supplies and materials nearby so they are independently accessible, and place a trash can and recycling bin within reach for easy cleanup. A washable, plastic tablecloth can help transition an academic space into an arts and crafts area.

 If the weather is nice, try studying outside! A porch swing is a perfect spot for reading, and gardening in the backyard is a great addition to any science curriculum. 

In addition to creating an academic learning environment, find age-appropriate opportunities for your children to help with household chores and meal preparation. Homeschooling advocates emphasize the importance of developing life skills alongside academic ones. With more meals and activities taking place at home, there will be ample opportunity for every family member to pitch in and help.

Staying Fit

With gyms closed and team sports cancelled, it can be tempting to sit on the sofa and binge Netflix. However, maintaining the physical health and mental wellness of you and your family is crucial right now. Implementing a regular exercise routine at home can help with both.

If you live in a community where you can safely exercise outdoors while maintaining the recommended distance between you and other residents, try to get out as much as possible. If the weather is nice, go for family walks, jogs, or bike rides. 

Can’t get outside? Fortunately, you don’t need a home gym or fancy exercise equipment to stay fit. Look for a suitable space in your home, garage, or basement where you can comfortably move—you’ll probably need at least a 6’ x 6’ area for each person. Many cardio and strength training exercises require little (or no) equipment, including jumping jacks, lunges, and pushups. 

If you prefer a guided workout, search for free exercise videos on YouTube—there are even options specifically geared towards kids—or try one of the many fitness apps available.

Socializing From a Distance

Even though we’re all being called upon to practice “social distancing” right now, there are still ways to stay safely connected to our communities and our extended families. Picking up the phone is a great place to start. Make an effort to reach out to neighbours and loved ones who live alone and may be feeling particularly isolated right now.

While parties and playdates may be prohibited, modern technology offers countless ways to organize networked gatherings with family and friends. Try using group video conferencing tools like Google Hangouts and Zoom to facilitate a virtual happy hour or book club. Host a Netflix Party to watch (and chat about) movies with friends. Or plan a virtual game night and challenge your pals to a round of Psych or Yahtzee.

There are safe ways to connect offline, too. Rediscover the lost art of letter writing. Drop off groceries on an elderly neighbour’s porch. Or organize a neighbourhood “chalk walk,” where children use sidewalk chalk to decorate their driveways and then head out for a stroll to view their friends’ artwork.

Of course, there’s one group of people who you can still socialize with freely—those who reside in your home. Family dinners are back, siblings are reconnecting, and many of us have been given the gift of time, with commutes, activities, and obligations eliminated. In fact, some families are finding that this crisis has brought them closer than ever. 

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Even with all of the tools and technology available to keep us connected, many of us are still feeling stressed, scared, and isolated. However, you can rest assured that you are not alone. We’re not only here to help you buy and sell real estate. We want to be a resource to our clients and community through good times and bad. If you and your family are in need of assistance, please reach out and let us know how we can help.