A home equity line of credit can improve your monthly cash flow by consolidating higher-interest debt or it can help increase your home's value by financing renovations. But this line of credit requires discipline to avoid overborrowing against your home equity. Consider these strategies to protect your long-term financial security. 1. Establish a repayment plan. One option is to set aside a portion of your home equity line of credit in a sub-account with a fixed-term repayment... [read more]

  Canada's residential real estate market posted strong home price appreciation in the second quarter of 2017, with most regions displaying healthy housing trends.  According to Royal LePage's House Price Survey and Market Survey Forecast, the price of a home in Canada rose 13.7 per cent year-over-year to $609,104 in the second quarter. Over the same period, the price of a two-storey home and bungalow climbed 14.6 and 13.4 per cent, respectively to $725,336 and... [read more]

While customizing a home is a great way to make it your own, certain renovation projects may actually work against you, decreasing your home's resale value when it comes time to put it on the market. “Though personal touches and an attention to detail may at times make all the difference in the world, certain home improvement projects should be avoided in order to maximize your home's resale potential,” explains Norm Jensen from Royal LePage Network Realty Corp.... [read more]

I've sold and rented more than my fair share of real estate over my career. To get the most from my investments, I've come to know what works and what doesn't. While a lot of variables can influence a property's potential, one of the biggest is wow factor. How your home or rental suite shows to perspective buyers or renters is hugely important, because you really want them to make an emotional connection with your property.  Here's a few surefire ways to make sure... [read more]