Guides

The real estate market can be confusing, whether you’re a first time homebuyer or a seasoned pro. Unsure when to list your home? How about questions you should ask before renovating your condo? Here, find everything you need as a homebuyer and homeowner to guide you through the purchase process and help you make the most out of your new home.

A first-time homebuyer’s guide to a drama-free client and real estate agent relationship

Livabl April 3, 2019

In order for things to run as smoothly as possible, the client-agent relationship needs to be fully understood.
A first-time buyer’s guide to purchasing a home as a new immigrant to Canada

Livabl March 29, 2019

Establishing roots in a new community and a finding place to call home is important for new immigrants.
7 tips on how to plan a realistic budget for your home renovation

James Bombales March 27, 2019

When it comes to home renovations, ‘as seen on TV’ isn’t always reality.
How long should you live in your house before selling it? Experts weigh in

Jenny Morris March 26, 2019

Smart real estate purchases are like fine wine: time makes them better.
A first-time homebuyer’s guide to working with a mortgage broker

Livabl March 25, 2019

A broker assists a client during the mortgage application process to determine the best payment schedules, terms and other mortgage components for their needs, including the most competitive interest rate.
How to win a bidding war (without buying a house you can’t afford)

Jenny Morris March 21, 2019

Livabl spoke to realtor and mortgage advisor for their advice on surviving a bidding war — and knowing when to walk away.
A first-time homebuyer’s guide to managing emotions when making life’s most stressful purchase

Jenny Morris March 19, 2019

Livabl spoke to a real estate agent and a psychologist to help you navigate all of the homebuyer feels.
A first-time homebuyer’s guide to becoming a landlord

Livabl March 15, 2019

Becoming a small-scale landlord can look easy, but there’s more to it than collecting the rental cheques every month.
A first-time homebuyer’s guide to avoiding the house poor trap

Livabl March 11, 2019

House poorness falls on a spectrum of intensity. For some, not having much financial wiggle room means no vacations or new cars. For others, it’s the difference between paying the mortgage and saving for retirement.
5 ways to tell if your home suffers from poor insulation

James Bombales February 20, 2019

Without proper insulation, the air from inside your home can escape, making your HVAC system work harder, resulting in both increased energy usage and costs.
How couples can save for a downpayment and stop arguing about money

Jenny Morris February 13, 2019

Here’s how saving for a downpayment can actually strengthen your relationship with tips from a couples psychologist and financial coach.
First-time buyer FOMO: 3 tips to keep you going when home-buying stress hits hard

Livabl February 11, 2019

One American study conducted in 2018 found that one-in-three homebuyers cried from stress at some point in the home-buying process.
Reno Regrets: Red flags you should look for to avoid home contractor scams

Jenny Morris February 5, 2019

This young couple got scammed by their contractor for a year. These are the red flags they learned to look out for.
These Millennial couples found a way into the housing market by renting in the city and buying in the country

Jenny Morris January 25, 2019

Priced out of the city, Millennials are keeping their urban rentals and buying recreational properties in the country. Rachel and Sarah tell Livabl how they made it happen.
Reno regrets: First-time cottage owner shares 4 tips for working with contractors

Jenny Morris January 22, 2019

Every renovation comes with a steep learning curve. First-time cottage owner Rachel Yeager shares 4 valuable tips she learned working with contractors.
6 need-to-know pointers to prepare your kitchen for an open house

James Bombales January 11, 2019

It’s an important room that can make potential buyers decide whether or not to make an offer (and for how much) on your property.