Simply put, investing in real estate is smart and there are many advantages and benefits, depending on the location, how long you keep your properties and the value at which you buy in. It can be one of the most lucrative and safest investments you make. Here in Canada, and more specifically, in the Greater Toronto Area, the real estate market is robust and there are ample opportunities to invest in a primary residence, a vacation property, or to generate rental income.

Here are five key advantages of investing in real estate:

Real estate values increase over time.

You’ve heard the old adage: location, location, location. As the most important consideration when investing in real estate, it is certainly one of the top reasons real estate values increase and one of the most important points to research if you are looking for swift appreciation in value.

The GTA is one of Canada’s most active housing markets and year-over-year, the average selling price of real estate increases. In November 2021, the Toronto Real Estate Board reported that the average selling price for all home types combined was $1.1 million – up by 21.7% compared to November 2020. The condominium and townhome segments had a lower average price point, but still experienced acceleration in price growth, according to the report. https://trreb.ca/index.php/market-news/market-watch ]

Real estate offers a lucrative, predictable and safe place to invest your money.

In Canada, investing in real estate is one of the safest options for those looking to increase their net worth. Investments can range from land to residential to commercial properties and there are plenty of options that result in lucrative, predictable and safe outcomes. The real estate market is robust across Canada and in places like the GTA, homes are seeing appreciation in value on a month-to-month basis.

According to an article in Canadian Real Estate Wealth magazine, even if you plan on living in your investment and making it your principal residence, your property will increase in value over time and you’ll get a decent return on your investment – especially if you undertake projects that help increase value like finishing a basement or renovating and updating your kitchen. These updates can be helpful if you’re looking for an investment that will expand your portfolio and net worth, while also helping others by providing options in Canada’s competitive rental market. With a selection of real estate options here, these opportunities present a safe, predictable and lucrative places to invest.

You can take control of your investment.

There are many ways you can control a real estate investment. Finding the right location, where property is undervalued and has potential to appreciate is one lever you can pull. Another one is finding a property with low taxes and you can also engage financial experts to help you access a lower interest rate to keep your costs low and your return-on-investment high.

With real estate, you can sell and realize your returns. The best way to gauge what your property could be worth is to watch what else sells in the neighbourhood. Keeping track of comparable real estate will help you keep control of your investment and help you make an informed decision about buying and selling.

It thrives with a booming economy.

Real estate in a booming economy like Canada’s is a sure bet. A smart investment begins with research and when deciding to buy a residential property, it’s important to decide what type of home you are looking for and where you want to invest. Some questions to consider are: who will be living here; what do you want in a community; will someone else live here and what would attract them to the area.

Across the GTA, there are many choices. From condominium suites to townhomes to semis, to single family homes and luxury estates, you can find it all. If you are interested in new construction homes, your investment will begin to appreciate right away. In most communities, the lowest price you will find for real estate is in the pre-construction segment.

Your investment supports the community.

Canada is growing and the major metropolitan areas, like Toronto, are challenged to keep up with the demand. While the market is thriving and abundant with options, you can purchase property at a good price. Consider buying a property in areas that are undervalued as their prices will be lower and the rate of growth will be higher.

Investing in areas where there may be fewer amenities is an investment in the community. As more people come to the area, more amenities like shops, restaurants, recreation centres and parks will follow. Buying in these areas also boost the economy and help smaller neighbourhoods grow into vibrant centres.

In the case of new construction and investing in a new community, your investment supports the growth goals set out by local government. They plan for people and homes. Investing in a new construction home will get that community built faster, along with a variety of planned amenities nearby. This also helps the surrounding communities and brings more businesses, services and amenities to serve the larger population.

Investing in the Future

Investing in the real estate market can be an exciting decision and it’s one to do with a team of experts who can advise you and provide the most up-to-date information to help you make the best decision for your situation.

Seeking help from a professional in the real estate market and a financial expert can set you up for success. Doing your research on the type of property that would make for a smart investment and the right location for your goals is also important.

There are many advantages and benefits to investing in real estate in Canada, and in the GTA, there is an abundance of choice. Understanding the market and investing in your future supports the community’s growth while generating returns for years to come.

Many of us have been working from home for a while now and there’s never been a better time to turn that office space into a cozy winter escape. As the weather turns colder and the snow falls outside, you might be staying inside more. With just a few small changes, you can make a big difference. Here are some helpful tips that will help you brighten up your space while enhancing the warmth and comfort of your home office:

Layer Some Cozy Textures

The quickest and easiest way to refresh your workspace for the chilly season is to bring in some soft, fluffy textiles to warm up the room. Layer a faux-fur fabric over your desk chair, add a shag rug under your desk to warm up those toes or lean a rustic ladder against the wall and place a few throw blankets over the rungs – decorative and practical!

Change Up Your Zoom Background

We know you can digitally switch up your background, but what if you didn’t need to? What about changing something on the wall behind you? Find a big, bright piece of art – maybe you have one somewhere else in your home – and hang it behind your seat. Consider floating shelves, where you can lean framed photos and place small plants to add depth and interest. An ornate feature wall will put a smile on your face when you walk into your home office and delight your meeting mates too!

Room with a View

Whether you’re just moving into a new home or you’ve been in your house for a while, the space you choose for a home office should be one with a lot of natural light. If you’re thinking about where to place your desk, directly under a window is always a good choice. What’s stopping you from moving the furniture around if you’ve been in your home office for a few months already? Switch it up so that you make the most of the view from your desk.

Good Lighting is Key

You don’t need an expensive ring light, you just need some natural light and a few different types of lighting in your office. Consider a stylish desk lamp, a soft light or two in the corners and a beautiful light fixture above. Maximizing light from multiple sources will brighten up your space and your day!

Get a Little Greener

Bring some green into the room with some potted or hanging plants and fresh cut flowers. With some nature around you, your office space will be more colourful, fresh-smelling and inspirational. If you’re not a green thumb – just grab a few artificial plants for the added dash of vibrancy to your space, we won’t tell!

Try a New Window Treatment

The way you treat the window in your home office can go a long way in keeping you warm and cozy in the winter. Window treatments can help the room retain heat, especially if you close the curtains when the sun goes down and we recommend a neutral or sheer window treatment that lets in natural light during the day.

Design an Art Gallery Wall

A gallery wall can really brighten up your office. By displaying your own or your kids’ artwork, you can add a splash of colour and you don’t even have to spend a lot. Grab 4-10 picture frames, depending on your wall space. For a more refined look, find a few sizes of frames in the same finish. For a more eclectic look, use different shapes and colours of frames.

Accessorise with an Electric Fireplace

Adding an electric fireplace to your space has become easier as the size and style of this accessory now varies widely. From small free-standing ones, to one encased in a sideboard with shelving on either side, to corner units, you can find the perfect one to warm up your home office.

Cozy Socks or an Area Rug

Bring comfort and warmth underfoot on chilly days with an area rug that is just a little larger than the size of your desk. For a modern and trendy look, try a bright colour or print. For a classic and elegant look, go with a solid neutral shade. If you prefer a woven rug over a shag, you can always wear a pair of cozy socks to keep your toes toasty.

Fresh Coat of Paint

There’s nothing like freshening up a room with a fresh coat of paint. Who says you have to do it in the spring? Paint colour can make a small space appear even smaller, so for a cozy home office that you want to feel spacious, select a soft colour palette with subtle shades to keep it feeling open and light with a touch of warmth.

Colourful Sofa or Armchair

If you have the space, why not add a comfortable sofa or armchair to your office space? Choose a bold colour, if you dare. It will be the perfect spot to step away from your desk, take a call or catch up on your reading.

Bring Your Own Sunshine

The perfect gift to yourself and your home office is a sun lamp. They don’t take up a lot of room and can help on those dark, dreary winter days when the sun just won’t shine, a sun lamp can help your body make vitamin D and improve your mood.

Fill a Bookshelf

From a small shelf to built-ins along the wall, filling a bookshelf in your home office can make it instantly cozier. By adding some personal touches to the shelves, such as a small plant or a framed inspirational quote, you can create a beautiful library display.

Making Small or Large Design Decisions

With just a few changes, you can make your home office a cozy winter escape. Whether you make small or large design decisions, the impact will be significant in the way your home office can really work for you during the winter – and by making your space warmer and cozier, it will feel like you have your own personal winter escape right in your own home.