Welcome back, Real Estate Insiders! This month we’re covering the condo reserve fund crisis, the future of Canada’s currency, how homeowners and investors can get every HST rebate available, how to reduce capital gains on your cottage, and so much more! If you haven’t signed up to our newsletters SUBSCRIBE NOW to receive insider updates, tips and advice, the hottest YQG listings, and so much more to keep you informed throughout the month. Let’s dive in!

Buying A Lake House: The Best Investment You’ll Ever Make?

According to this blogger it was—mostly due to his luck in timing and rapid appreciation during COVID. Despite the cons, he lists many other pros that make it sound like a vacation home is worth the risk. Read here if a vacation home is on your radar!

Read: The Best Investment I Ever Made (The Pros & Cons Of Owning A Vacation Home)

Bit Coinada: Is A Digital Loonie On The Horizon?

According to this report by the BOC, a Canadian digital currency may be necessary in the near future to maintain monetary sovereignty and financial stability. Would you invest in it? Read more here!

Read: Digital Loonie ‘Likely’ Necessary To Maintain Monetary Sovereignty As Cash Declines, Bank Of Canada Report Argues

Using A HELOC For Investments: Taboo Or Tab-do? 

People claim that pulling equity to invest is too risky, however they don’t blink an eye when it’s used for depreciating assets or lifestyle improvements. Here’s why it may be a smarter risk than you think!

Read: Using A Heloc As An Investment Strategy: Not As Taboo As You Might Think

Skilled Trades: From Severe Shortage To Surplus In The Blink Of An Eye

Now, I do believe this is temporary with the large amount of workers set to retire. But new skilled trades workers may be in for some bumpy roads ahead as interest rates and a slowing economy are screeching the construction industry to a halt. Find out more here!

Read: Canada Has A Record Number Of Skilled Tradespeople But Not Enough Construction Activity

Here’s The Canadian Equivalent Of “Jingle Mail”

That term was coined during the 2008 financial crisis where people were literally mailing their house keys to the bank. This works slightly different in Canada, but if you were curious how Canadians who are underwater on their mortgage—with no other options—walk away, this article is for you!

Read: Here’s How Canadians Could Walk Away From Their Homes If House Prices Fall

Should The Feds Change The Way Inflation Is Tracked?

Simply put, housing is one of the largest current contributors to the inflation readings. Ignoring that could allow the Feds to see that other sectors have met the inflation targets and rate cuts are appropriate. This in turn would help builders and developers with their new construction financing—which has been hindered due to the high interest rates, further hurting supply.  Read this article and let us know if you think the current method is as misleading as we do!

Read: Optimal Inflation Policy Should “Largely Ignore” Housing, Says Minneapolis Fed

Rental Income > Stock Dividends: Here’s Why

Let’s be real: rental income blows stock dividends out of the water when it comes to passive income, especially when you’re younger and hustling to build wealth. Sure, dividends are “easy,” but rental properties offer way better yields and actually help cover life’s expenses. Yes, you’ve got to put in some work to manage them, but the tax perks, inflation-proof rent hikes, and long-term gains make it all worth it. Read more here!

Read: Why Rental Property Income Is Superior To Stock Dividends

HST Rebates For ADUs: Don’t Leave Money On The Table

This vlogger speaks from both professional and personal experience to help investors and homeowners who are adding additional supply to the market get all the HST rebates possible. Grab your popcorn and settle in!

The Family Cottage: How To Spend More Time And Less Money

Here are some quality tips on paying fewer taxes on the family cottage. From claiming personal residence, tracking all expenses and capital improvements, ownership structures, and more!

Read: Reducing Capital Gains On A Cottage

Carry Trades 101

Do you know what a Carry Trade is? This articles explains the highly leveraged investing method and why it caused a market sell-off earlier this year.

Read: What Is A Carry Trade?

Love And Real Estate

Why do couples have the edge over singles in real estate transactions?

Read: Love And Marriage (And Mortgages)

Do You Know How Your Condo’s Reserve Fund Is Doing?

This condo owner just got slapped with a $40,000 “special assessment” that she can’t pay. With many aging condos in Ontario, current and future owners should stay on top of their reserve fund to avoid surprise special assessments when repairs are needed. Read more about her situation and how it can be avoided.

Read: ‘I Have Until Next Week’: Toronto Condo Owner Facing $40,000 Bill For New Windows

Variable Rate Mortgages – Is It Time To Make An Educated Bet?

Canadians are—understandably so—scared of the viable rate mortgage. Find out why it may be time to take another look as rate cuts have begun with no sign of slowing down.

Read: Who’s Afraid Of The Big Bad Variable Rate Mortgage?