Explore articles on attractive staging, effective pricing strategy, added-value home improvement, and more. FairSquare Group Realty makes home selling simple.
Selling
How Far Has the Market Fallen, Really? A Pre-Pandemic Price Comparison
It may sometimes feel like the sky is falling along with housing prices, and you worry that you are losing money by the minute, but if we eliminate the pandemic hump in the price curve, how far have prices really fallen? Let’s find out.
-
Selling5 Reasons to Sell Your Home Over the Holidays
Why not take advantage of your holiday cleaning, holiday décor, and holiday vibes to list your home before the holidays instead of after? Here are some good reasons not to wait. -
SellingSelling Your Cottage this Fall? What to Consider
Selling a cottage in the fall has many benefits to both the seller and the buyer. Here’s what to consider this fall as you prepare to sell. -
Selling5 Tips Every First-Time Home Seller Needs
Putting your first home on the market is an exciting time, but it can also feel overwhelming – you’ll likely wonder what you need to do first and how you’re going to get the ball rolling. Luckily, we have five tips to set you up for success when selling your first home. -
Selling5 Tips to Keep Your Home “Show Ready” Without Breaking a Sweat
Whether you are selling your home, or you have in-laws who like to show up at your door because they were “in the neighbourhood”, having your home in “show ready” condition doesn’t have to be a cumbersome task. Follow these 5 tips for success! -
SellingState of the Real Estate Market: October 2022
Real estate sales across Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta declined in October. York Region again had the highest average selling price ($1,258,610) while Winnipeg had the most affordable average price for a detached home ($377,165) and condo ($260,898). -
SellingSelling Your Home This Halloween? Here’s How to be Festive Without Scaring Buyers Away
Autumn is a beautiful time to sell a home, however, if you’re selling your home over Halloween, it’s important to keep decor tasteful, both indoors and out – you’re not selling to ghosts and ghouls, after all. -
SellingWhat Does Selling in the Next Year Look Like for Canadians?
Wondering if it’s the right time to sell? Real estate markets across the country appear to be cooling off, but what if you’re heading into your golden years and looking to downsize, or growing your family and looking to trade up? Here are some things to consider. -
Selling4 Tips for Selling an Empty House
As a homeowner, you might find yourself in the less-common situation of having an empty house to sell, which can present its own set of challenges. Here are 4 effective tips for getting your empty house ready for sale. -
SellingThe Dangers of Overpricing Your Home
The number one reason houses don't sell is because they're priced too high. Regardless of whether you feel your home is a diamond in the rough, if the price exceeds demand, your cherished home will only serve to make the competition look better. -
SellingWhich Regions in Ontario Have Increased the Most in Price?
For many real estate investors and homeowners, the decision to purchase a property comes down to cost. So, you may be wondering: which cities within Ontario have experienced the largest increases to average sale price? -
SellingCan Blockchain Technology Aid Real Estate Transactions in Canada?
In an industry that continues to deal with fraud, blockchain technology can help through the implementation of smart contracts, creating a more comprehensive system for real estate data storage, and creating more opportunities for fractional housing investment in Canada. -
SellingWhat's the Scoop With Interest Rates? A Mortgage Breakdown
It’s no secret that Canadian interest rates are low. The prime rate for Canadian mortgages, which is influenced heavily by the policy interest rate (target overnight rate) set by the Bank of Canada (BoC), currently sits at 2.45%. What does 2022 have in store when it comes to interest rates? -
SellingShould You Wait Until Spring to Sell Your Home This Year?
There are several reasons why a winter sale can work in your favour. This winter, with strong selling conditions in many of the country’s major markets, the question isn’t should you wait until spring to sell your home, but rather, why wait? -
Selling2022 Canadian Real Estate Market Outlook
History is usually a trustworthy barometer. However, past years have included many unprecedented events which make predictions even tricker. The main question is: will the wave of Canadian real estate continue or crash in 2022? -
Selling5 Tips to Set Yourself Up for Winter Selling Success
Winter can be one of the trickier seasons to sell a home – the market is typically a little slower, curb appeal isn’t at its best, and you don’t get to flaunt your stellar backyard as a selling feature. But there are also some perks – fewer houses for sale can mean less competition. Read on for more -
SellingThe Legal Dos and Don’ts of Selling Your Home During a Divorce
If you and your soon-to-be ex own a home, selling could be the ticket to the next chapter in your story. We’ve prepared a quick guide on the legal dos and don’ts of selling your home during a divorce to help you know your rights, stay on course, and keep a cool head throughout the process. -
SellingWhat are Buyer’s, Seller’s, and Balanced Markets?
Whether it’s when spring temperatures start to climb and snowy yards give way to green growth, or summer is over and everyone is back to a regular routine, buyers and sellers start pushing the real estate market into high gear. -
SellingHow Baby Boomers Could Change the Real Estate Market in Winnipeg
Baby boomers in Winnipeg represent about a quarter of the population, and 90% of them are home owners. But as they advance into their retirement years, what changes can we expect to see in the real estate market? It all depends on whether they choose to age in place or sell. -
SellingFeatures of Edmonton Condos That Lead to Faster Sales
If you’re an Edmonton condo owner thinking of selling, you might be wondering what will help you land a quick, successful sale. While most of us naturally start thinking about the price tag, findings from a recent study suggest that the features of your condo can have a big impact, as well. -
SellingThe Ultimate Guide for the First-Time Home Seller
As a first-time seller you might be feeling caught between not knowing all the answers and wanting to do everything you can to set one of your largest investments up for a successful sale. Begin your journey right here with our Ultimate Guide for First-Time Home Seller! -
SellingOntario State of the Market Update: September 2021
Despite dropping 21% from the same time last year, September home sales in Ontario reached the third best month in the province’s history. The seller’s market continues across the province, as new residential listings in September were at the lowest, we have seen in the last decade. -
SellingDid the new Canadian Mortgage Stress Test Cool the Market? Early Indications
When you hear the words new Canadian mortgage stress test, what first comes to your mind? For many Canadians, the words ‘stress test’ evoke feelings synonymous with its name. But it doesn't have to be that way. Relax, check our our early indications on the effects of the new stress tests. -
SellingOntario Real Estate Market Update: August 2021
Despite the fall from last year’s record levels, August home sales in Ontario totaled the third-best month in history resulting in the average price of all homes increasing into the double-digits year over year. New and active listings are still at record lows, driving competitive conditions. -
SellingAlberta Real Estate Market Update: August 2021
Alberta is on pace to reach record sales levels this year as its real estate market continued to favour the seller in August. Average price, the number of homes sold, and new listings all went up year-over-year. However, the same categories went down by 10% or less compared to last month. -
SellingState of the Real Estate Market: August 2021
Sales activity understandably fell considerably from the wave of activity last August, but month-over-month sales numbers stayed relatively consistent. We are still seeing a shortage in supply, making seller’s markets still prevalent in Ontario and Alberta. -
SellingOntario Real Estate Market Update: July 2021
July marked a time to breathe for the entire Ontario real estate market. New listings haven’t been this low in the month of July for over a decade. Even with low levels of supply and reduced sale activity, this was still the fourth best July Ontario has ever experienced on record. -
SellingState of the Real Estate Market: July 2021
After an unsustainable level of market activity in March, a slowdown in the number of sales continued into July. While sales activity was expected to drop, it’s the extreme shortage on supply that is contributing to unbalanced conditions in Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba. -
SellingState of the Real Estate Market: June 2021
A more typical summer market occurred in June with numbers decreasing steadily month over month since the March and April highs. Nevertheless, market conditions remained tight, with limited supply continuing to put upward pressure on prices relative to one year ago. -
SellingWhy Summer is a Great Time to Sell
As we approach the height of summer, homeowners who haven’t quite got around to selling often begin wondering whether they’ve missed the boat on the real estate market. But it's not too late! -
SellingState of the Real Estate Market: May 2021
Soaring sales in March and April may have marked the crescendo of buyer demand in many local markets around the country as May saw numbers trend gently down. Nevertheless, market conditions remained tight, with limited supply continuing to put upward pressure on prices relative to one year ago. -
Selling
5 Tips Every First-Time Home Seller Needs
Putting your first home on the market is an exciting time, but it can also feel overwhelming – you’ll likely wonder what you need to do first and how you’re going to get the ball rolling. Luckily, we have five tips to set you up for success when selling your first home. -
Selling7 Easy DIY Home Improvements to Tackle This Long Weekend
Looking for some economical, easy DIY home improvement projects to tackle during the long weekend? Whether you want to add value to your home or make it a personal paradise, here are seven of our favourite ideas you can plan in a flash and finish before you’re back to work! -
SellingState of the Real Estate Market: April 2021
Though March holds the record for all-time sales in many parts of the country, it was a stunning April for Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba as strong buyer demand kept supply levels low and prices high relative to just one year ago. New trends may be emerging, but the market is still favouring sellers! -
SellingReasons to Sell Your Home With a REALTOR® in Today’s Hot Market
Wondering if you need a REALTOR® to sell in today’s hot market? We get it – buyer demand is through the roof and homes are selling fast! But before you post photos of your home on social media and order a “For Sale” sign online, read these four important benefits of selling with a professional. -
SellingShould You Move After Retirement? 5 Questions to Help You Decide
If you're retired or are about to retire, you might be thinking about moving. With no more commute and so much flexibility at your fingertips, the world is your oyster! But selling your home is a big decision, so we've put together 5 questions to help you decide if it's the right move for you. -
SellingState of the Real Estate Market: March 2021
Many Canadians wondered if we’d see a spring-market rush this year, and March did not disappoint! Strong buyer demand and seller’s market conditions in much of the country continued to propel sales and prices upward, while increased numbers of new listings suggest homeowners are ready to cash in. -
SellingHow the Third Wave Could Affect Canada’s Real Estate Markets
Not so long ago, vaccine rollouts in Canada had us hoping we’d get COVID under wraps by the end of 2021 – then came the third wave. What could this mean for the spring and summer real estate markets? Given what we’ve seen happen, we’re exploring two possible scenarios. -
Selling5 Upgrades to Make Your Home Stand Out During COVID-19
If you’re planning to sell your home, you might be wondering how you can give your home the edge over the competition without investing time and money in your kitchen or bathroom. Here are five of our favourite upgrades that’ll make your home seem like a domestic oasis to buyers during the pandemic. -
SellingShould You Wait Until Spring to Sell Your Home? How the Pandemic is Affecting the Winter Markets
Many Canadian homeowners wonder if they should wait until spring to list their homes, but this winter has been a season like no other. With strong selling conditions in many of the country’s major markets, the question isn’t should you wait until spring to sell, it’s why wait? -
SellingSelling after the Holidays? 5 Tips for Storing Kids’ Toys
If you’re selling your home this holiday season and you’re a parent, the influx of new toys just delivered from the North Pole can cramp your selling style. To get your home ready for buyer showings in the twinkle of Kris Kringle’s eye, here are some of our favourite toy storage tips. -
Selling5 Exterior Home Improvements for Your Winter Sale
If you’re preparing to sell your home this winter, the cold and snow might drive the majority of your efforts inside. However, your home’s curb appeal is equally as important in the winter as it is during the warmer months. Here are five home improvements you can make outside to draw buyers in. -
Selling5 Tips for Keeping Home Showings Clean During Messy Weather
When you’re selling your home, showings for buyers can be scheduled without much notice, which is why it makes sense to keep your house in show-ready condition. But how do you keep things spick and span when you’re battling winter weather? It’s all about minimizing the mess before it starts. -
SellingCOVID-19 Safety Tips for Before and After Home Showings
With COVID-19 infection rates on the rise in Canada and open houses banned in some regions, is it wise to list your property and allow buyers and their agents to come inside for showings? With the proper attention to government regulations and smart safety measures, it can be. -
Selling5 Tips to Set Yourself Up for Winter Selling Success
Wondering if you should sell this winter? Though spring is typically the busiest time of year for real estate, many homes are successfully sold in the colder weather! Here are our top five tips for selling your home in the Canadian winter. -
SellingShould You Sell Your Home During the Pandemic?
The outbreak of COVID-19 early this spring dealt some staggering blows to Canadian real estate; with declarations of states of emergency and the implementations of lockdown procedures, the industry all but stopped in its tracks. In view of ongoing waves, what should home sellers expect? -
SellingDulux's 2021 Colour of the Year: How to Make it Work for Your Home Sale
Dulux’s Colour of the Year for 2021 is “Brave Ground,” a versatile, earthy neutral that’s “enabling and stabilizing” in a time when the world has felt anything but. If you’re planning to sell, here are three tips on how to make your home hit all the right notes with Brave Ground! -
SellingDivision of the Matrimonial Home: What Divorce Means for Homeowners in Ontario
The family home is one of the biggest areas for concern during a separation – who’s allowed to stay in it, who gets it after the divorce, and how it will be divided. Because this can be a huge point of contention, we’re outlining some of the basics on dividing the family home during a divorce. -
SellingSelling Your Home This Halloween? Here’s How to be Festive Without Scaring Buyers Away
Autumn is a beautiful time to sell a home. However, if you’re selling your home over Halloween, it's important to keep all décor tasteful. If you can’t resist some spook-tacular décor, keep things tasteful, both indoors and out. Choose these festive options over their kitschy counterparts. -
SellingDealing with Neighbourhood Competition? Here’s How to Stand Out When Selling Your Home
In most markets, you can expect there to be some competition for buyers within your city. However, when the competition is with homes in your own neighbourhood, you must be a little more strategic to stand out in the crowd.\ -
SellingSelling Your Income Property during COVID-19: What You Need to Know
COVID-19 has shaken up a lot of areas of the real estate industry. As a landlord of a tenanted income property, you may be wondering if you can still sell your home during the pandemic. The answer is yes, you can. Here's what you need to know. -
SellingStage 3 of Reopening: What to Expect When Selling or Buying a Home
As many provinces start Stage 3 of reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic, you might be wondering how this phase will affect selling or buying a home. We outline what you can expect the process to look like. -
SellingFast Sales: Homes Recently Sold in Less than 48 Hours
Homes are selling quickly and for above asking in many markets, especially in regions that continue to experience seller’s markets during the pandemic. Here's a look at homes recently sold in less than 48 hours—and the sellers saved thousands in commission with our low, fixed-fee service. -
SellingWill Sellers Get Less for Their Home during COVID-19 in Ontario?
Can a seller in Ontario expect to receive less for their home during COVID-19? We take a look at the numbers around two common misconceptions: home prices and average days on market. -
SellingGet the Most for Your Home during COVID-19: Fix These 5 Home Problems Before You Sell
If you need to sell your home during COVID-19, get ahead of the home inspector or potential buyer qualms by having any home problems fixed in advance of listing your home for sale. Taking care of these common issues ahead of listing will help minimize delays. -
Selling3 Practical Tips for Staging Your Home
In the era of HGTV and Pinterest, home staging has become a widely accepted part of the home-selling process. Check out our three favourite tips on how to stage your home for selling success. -
SellingWhat Selling Your Home Will Look Like Post COVID-19 – Predictions from Our Broker of Record
While no one can know what selling your home will look like post pandemic, our Broker of Record, Randall Weese, makes some educated predictions based on what we’re already seeing happen. -
SellingState of the Real Estate Market: May 2020
We were happy to see month-over-month improvements in many markets, despite year-over-year figures still well below average. -
SellingAre we Headed Towards a Mini Real Estate Boom? Possibly.
Many Canadians who were hoping to capitalize on the spring market are holding their breath waiting to see how the real estate market reacts in the coming weeks and months amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. It is a bit of a guessing game at this point, but we can make some educated predictions. -
SellingSelling your home during COVID-19: How to Let Go of Emotional Attachment
When the time comes to put our houses on the market, we tend to spend a lot of time preparing for the practical aspects of the sale. However, a less-obvious part of selling is how emotionally difficult it can be to leave a house behind, especially during a pandemic. -
SellingCOVID-19: Necessary steps you need to take if dealing with mortgage payment difficulties
The impact of COVID-19 has been difficult for all Canadians. Job loss or reduced hours can create serious difficulties for homeowners. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has resources and information available for homeowners and renters affected by the pandemic. -
SellingState of the Real Estate Market: March 2020
All markets saw a stark difference between the first two weeks of March and the last two weeks. In the past few weeks, new listings and sales have decreased but prices have not seen the same decline at this point. -
SellingHow to Manage Virtual Home Showings During COVID-19
With so much technology at our fingertips, buyers have the opportunity to tour homes virtually. Sellers can have Purplebricks upload a video tour of their home to YouTube so buyers can get a feel for the home, or sellers can have a live video chat with potential buyers. -
SellingIt Will Be OK… in Real Estate, too!
At Purplebricks, we truly believe that it will be OK, particularly in the real estate sector. Many homeowners are wondering if now is a good time to put their property up for sale. Here are a few things to consider to make an informed decision. -
SellingHow COVID-19 is Impacting Canadian Real Estate
Things have changed quickly nationwide due to the coronavirus outbreak, but there are still some good news pieces about the Canadian real estate market we should feel confident in. -
SellingState of the Real Estate Market: February 2020
As we post this February Market Data, it is hard to imagine that one month later we would be amidst the current COVID-19 situation. While the outbreak will certainly have an impact on the real estate market in the coming months, people are still listing their homes. -
SellingSelling Your Home? Forget the Open House
The fact is open houses do not make or break a sale of the home, and are not as advantageous to the seller as one may think. -
Selling7 Easy Tips to Prepare for Your Spring Home Sale
Spring is just around the corner and although listing now is a great idea, if you prefer to wait for the flowers to bloom to sell your home, here are some tips to prepare for your spring home sale. -
SellingState of the Real Estate Market: January 2020
Our monthly update will help you better understand the current state of the market in Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta so you can make informed decisions with your real estate purchases. -
SellingDon’t Wait Until Spring! Now is the Right Time to Sell in Ontario
The weather may be cold but the real estate market in Ontario is hot, hot, hot for sellers. There is a shortage of supply in all major markets, which means now is the ideal time to list your home if you’re hoping to get top dollar and possibly multiple offers. -
SellingState of the Real Estate Market: December 2019
Curious to know how the real estate market is doing in Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta? We thought so. Our monthly update will help you better understand the current state of the market so you can make informed decisions with your real estate purchases. -
SellingState of the Real Estate Market: November 2019
Curious to know how the real estate market is doing in Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta? We thought so. Our monthly update will help you better understand the current state of the market so you can make informed decisions with your real estate purchases. -
SellingBroker’s Corner: The Right Questions to Ask When Selecting a REALTOR®
Selecting a REALTOR® to sell your home should not be a decision taken lightly. Many people are tempted to use a friend or friend-of-a-friend for selling their home, when really the decision should be based on three main criteria: experience, track record and cost. Purplebricks’ Broker of Record Rand -
SellingState of the Real Estate Market: October 2019
Curious to know how the real estate market is doing in Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta? We thought so. Our monthly update will help you better understand the current state of the market so you can make informed decisions with your real estate purchases. -
SellingState of the Real Estate Market: September 2019
Curious to know how the real estate market is doing in Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta? We thought so. Our monthly update will help you better understand the current state of the market so you can make informed decisions with your real estate purchases. -
SellingIs Dulux’s 2020 Paint Colour of the Year a Good Choice for Home Sellers? We weigh in.
Dulux’s 2020 Paint Colour of the Year is Chinese Porcelain, which is a rich, beautiful shade of blue that evokes images of serene coastal living. However, is Chinese Porcelain the right colour choice for sellers updating their home before putting it on the market? Probably not. Here’s why. -
SellingCreate a Showstopping Home Listing: 6 Tips for Success
Listing your home for sale is an exciting time, but there are some unknown factors that can make some home sellers a little anxious. People often wonder how many days their home will be on the market, and if they’ll get the amount they are asking. -
SellingAre 6-Year-Olds the Next Real Estate Gurus? Here’s What These Youngsters Had to Say About Selling Homes.
Leave it to young children to tell you like it is, even when it comes to selling the biggest investment of most people’s lives: your home! A group of vibrant 6-year-olds were able to serve us with some sound advice when it comes to home selling. -
Selling3 Renos Worth Your While When Selling Your Home
If you’re planning on selling your home and deliberating whether it’s worth your time and money to fix things up at this stage, we’re here with a few tips that will help settle the debate with these small renovations to add easy value to your home. -
SellingTips for Quick Home Staging This Fall (and any season!)
Fall is around the corner and you might be wondering what’s the best way to showcase your home for selling with a new season on the horizon—we’re here with a few tips for staging this fall, that can be applied all year long! Staging is one of the most practical selling strategies at your disposal. -
SellingFour Exterior Repairs to Prepare for a Spring Sale
As the hot days of summer give way to the cooler days of fall, it is the perfect time to start planning your spring home sale. The reason is simple — any exterior repairs or renovations that can boost your home’s value are a breeze to complete while the milder weather lasts. -
Selling10 Easy Solutions to Declutter Your Home
Organizing your home helps keep down stress levels and makes your space more livable and pleasant. And, decluttering your home is absolutely essential when preparing to sell your home. Whether you’re planning to sell or not, these 10 very doable projects will help declutter your home. -
SellingPreparing to Sell Your Home? Get Ready in 3 Simple Steps
Now is the perfect time to ensure that you’re ready to hit the market! Follow these simple steps to prepare your home for your late summer sale. -
SellingLetting go of Emotional Attachments When it’s Time to Sell Your Home
Because ‘home’ is such an emotional concept, sellers sometimes struggle to let go. Make selling your house easier - here are three strategies for severing emotional ties when it comes time to sell.
On December 1, 2021, Purplebricks rebranded to FairSquare Group Realty. Blog articles published before this date were created under the Purplebricks brand but remain the property of FairSquare Group Realty.
In January 2019, ComFree Commonsense Network Brokerage rebranded to Purplebricks.