Carol SL Mark’s Blog

Toronto's immigrant population reaches 46.6%, thanks to its thriving economy and multicultural society. Toronto's multicultural lifestyle offers diverse amenities, but challenging climate extremes. Toronto's diverse neighborhoods, like Bedford and Annex, offer varying housing options, but avg rent is $2,898.

Toronto is considering converting office buildings into affordable housing units to address the city's housing crisis and provide more stability for residents. Continue to full article

In November 2023, Toronto's real estate board reported that home sales in October were down 5.8% compared to the same time last year, yet prices still ticked upwards by 3.5%. New listings were up, but remain subdued compared to the 10-year average. TRREB President Paul Baron is optimistic about the future of the market, citing…

Canada's main stock index, the S&P/TSX composite index, fell to a 1-yr low in early October. This decline was influenced by rising long-term borrowing costs, including higher bond yields and US dollar strength. The Canadian 10-yr yield reached a 16-yr high at 4.275%, mirroring moves in US Treasuries.

Renting in Toronto as a new immigrant requires careful planning, including setting a budget for rent, utilities, and upfront payment.Explore diverse Toronto neighborhoods Budget wisely by considering rent, insurance, transportation, groceries, etc. Expect to pay the first and last month's rent upfront Beware of rental scams Use trusted websites and social media for apartment hunting…

Toronto's housing crisis has no easy solution, but experts agree that multiple solutions from all levels of government could help fight the crisis. This could include freezing rent, capping rent increases at inflation for new tenants, and designing more targeted rent controls that keep up with inflation but do not exceed wages. These solutions could…

The Toronto condo market, which was once a boon for first-time homeowners and investors, is in a massive downturn due to high interest rates and a shaky economy. Urbanation's report shows that many projects have been put on hold due to the drastic slowdown in sales, with a total of 13,721 units being shelved this…

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board's October report shows that the Toronto housing market is still struggling due to high interest rates and expensive cost of living. Despite record immigration numbers and a "relatively resilient" economy, the number of home sales across the GTA was down 5 per cent compared to the month prior and…

Toronto City Council has voted to increase the vacant home tax from one to three per cent of the assessed value of a property in order to help combat the city's housing crisis and budget deficit. The revenue from the tax will be directed to a city housing program to provide grants to non-profit housing…

The “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918 that signaled the end of World War I. On this day we honour those who have sacrificed so much to keep our flag flying high. Remembrance Day Salute to all heroes, and thank you for your service.