Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and nothing says “holiday season” like a slice of homemade pie!

Whether you’re hosting family, bringing dessert to a friend, or just treating yourself, Burlington and Oakville are full of bakeries serving up delicious seasonal pies and treats.

We’ve put together a curated list of our favorite local spots where you can grab the perfect pie this Thanksgiving:

CLICK HERE 

Out in the country, life feels simple, until it’s time to sell. Many rural homeowners are surprised to learn that selling a farm or country property can come with unexpected tax consequences. Between HST and capital gains, things can get messy fast if you don’t know what applies to you.

In this quick video, Justin breaks down the two biggest tax traps country sellers face, and how to avoid getting caught off guard.

When selling a home, one key detail that can cause confusion is vacant possession.

Simply put, vacant possession means that the seller must have the home completely empty and ready for the buyer to move in at the time the deal closes.

It doesn’t matter if the transaction closes at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., or 4:30 p.m., the property must be vacant by that exact time.

A common misunderstanding involves the 6:00 p.m. clause in agreements. Some sellers assume it gives them extra time to stay in the home. In reality, this clause is only the latest possible deadline to complete the transaction, not permission to linger in the house.

In short: buyers expect the home to be empty and ready for them the moment the sale is finalized.

Planning ahead and ensuring the property is vacant avoids delays, frustration, and potential legal issues.

If you’re preparing to sell, keeping this in mind ensures a smooth, stress-free closing for everyone involved.

Fall is off to a strong start, and today’s rate cut might just push things into overdrive.

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, August marked the best month for sales since 2021, with a 12.5% gain since March. Buyer interest is growing, listings are picking up, and benchmark prices are stabilizing.

Now, add in a welcome prime rate cut from the Bank of Canada, down to 4.7%, and we may see even more movement heading into the fall market.

Why the Rate Cut Happened

Several factors contributed to today’s decision:

• GDP fell in Q2, as trade uncertainty and tariffs weighed on exports.
• Employment slowed, especially in trade-exposed sectors.
• Core inflation indicators are losing steam, with short-term averages pointing closer to 2.5%.

While year-over-year inflation measures remain sticky near 3%, the trend is softening, giving the Bank room to cut without derailing its inflation mandate.

What It Means for You

This is a pivotal moment for borrowers.

If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage, variable-rate mortgage,  a HELOC, or are looking to renew or refinance, this rate cut may create tangible monthly savings or a chance to optimize your long-term strategy. For every $100,000 borrowed, the average monthly payment reduction could be around $14.

But more than that, it signals a shift in tone. The Bank is open to easing, and buyers who’ve been sitting on the sidelines may soon re-enter the market.

Planning Ahead

Of course, this doesn’t mean every rate decision moving forward is a guaranteed cut. The Bank made it clear: they’ll continue to monitor the impact of global trade disruptions, labour market weakness, and inflation trends before committing to further moves.

Still, for many Canadians, this may be the nudge needed to revisit their financial goals.

As we step into the fall market, there’s a refreshing shift happening in real estate: we’re returning to what seasoned professionals call a “normal market.”

For years, buyers and sellers have been navigating extremes, rapid price jumps, bidding wars, and ultra-low inventory on one side, or hesitation and wait-and-see attitudes on the other. Now, we’re seeing balance. This is the type of market many of us knew years ago, where homes are thoughtfully prepared, priced with strategy, and marketed with purpose.

It is a time for those HARD conversations very early in the process. Our job is to get the MOST out of what the market will bear. The Sellers and Buyers we are working with now have a real need to move!

What Does a Normal Market Mean for You?

For Sellers

Your home will shine when it’s showcased properly, and buyers now have time to truly appreciate what makes it unique. Pricing smartly and presenting beautifully are more important than ever  and that’s where experience matters.

For Buyers

Gone are the days of frantic bidding wars. You can view homes carefully, consider your options, and negotiate terms that work for you and your family. Opportunity is everywhere for buyers who are ready to act.

The Art of Negotiation: Back in Play

In this balanced market, negotiation isn’t just part of the process , it’s the heart of the process. Whether it’s securing the best price, favorable conditions, or the right closing timeline, skilled negotiation makes all the difference. This is where expertise, market knowledge, and creativity come together to achieve the best outcome.

Why This Market is Exciting

• It’s not “cooling down,” it’s normalizing.
• Sellers who market properly stand out.
• Buyers can engage with confidence.
• Deals are made through dialogue, not desperation.

This fall, think of the market as a return to real estate’s fundamentals where preparation, presentation, and negotiation open the door to successful moves.

 Bottom line

The fall market is not one to fear it’s one to embrace. With balance comes opportunity, and with the right strategy, this season could be the perfect time to make your next move.