Inder Chawla's blog

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER(ABR, SRS)

More seniors are trying to age in place than ever before. This is partially due to the rising costs of long-term care and the decreasing availability of retirement homes. Plus, many simply want to remain in the homes where they have raised their families and have memories. Technology and a wider availability of services have made it easier for seniors to remain in their homes independently. But what about in the home itself? Here are some renovation tips to help seniors stay in their homes longer.

Create a Plan

The very first step you can take to...

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER(ABR, SRS)

The Canadian real estate market has seen significant price increases in recent years, particularly in major cities like Vancouver and Toronto. This growth has boosted home equity for many homeowners. With rising home values comes a noticeable uptick in home equity loans. Many homeowners are tapping into their home equity to finance everything from renovations to consolidating high-interest debts.

Home equity is essentially the financial stake you have in your house. It’s the monetary difference between your home’s current market value and the...

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER (ABR, SRS)

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) resale housing market tightened in May 2026 compared to last year. Sales increased year-over-year, whereas new listings declined over the same period. As standing inventory has been absorbed, competition between buyers has likely increased in some neighbourhoods. This should see the price trend flatten and ultimately trend upwards in the months ahead. 

“Spring sales have been stronger than last year, reflecting improved affordability stemming from lower selling prices and borrowing costs. Sales are forecast to...

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER (ABR, SRS)

For years, downsizing has been common throughout the Canadian housing landscape. When homeowners see their children all grown up and leave the nest, they have little need to own a larger residential property. In addition, the amount of work and cost to maintain a single-family home can be quite challenging for older households. Of course, inflation and cost-of-living factors are also considered for those struggling to pay their bills or approaching retirement, as they can use the accrued equity to help cover all or some of their living expenses...

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER(ABR, SRS)

As rents decrease and vacancy increases in Canada with population declines and more rental supply coming to market, move-in incentives have become a key factor for renters searching for a new home and property owners looking to attract tenants.

Rental incentives cover a wide range of promotional offers, including one or more free months of rent, reduced or waived fees for parking, internet, and utilities, gift cards, and even cash bonuses. Approximately one in five listings is offering some sort of incentive to prospective renters.

New Builds in...

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER(ABS, SRS)

After several years of price growth and tight housing supply in many markets, now may feel like a good time to sell before conditions shift again. For some, that means downsizing, simplifying, or cashing in on built-up equity; for others, it means moving on from a home that no longer fits their needs or budget. REMAX continues to see this in many local markets, particularly among homeowners weighing timing, equity, and lifestyle needs. Before you move ahead, know how taxes, reporting rules, and closing costs can affect how much you walk away...

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER (ABS, SRS)

Think twice before extending your amortization to lower your payments. The interest costs that you’ll need to pay will be higher. This may add up to thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.

Contact your financial institution to discuss your options.

Expectations for financial institutions

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) has expectations for banks. FCAC expects banks to help individuals who may be struggling to pay their mortgages due to exceptional circumstances. These expectations also apply to other federally regulated...

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER

Want to know whether you’re prepared for retirement? According to Frederick Vettese, the now-retired former chief actuary of Morneau Shepell (now Telus Health), it’s the first five years that establish the outcome.

In a recent column for the Globe and Mail (1), Vettese — a well-respected thought leader on retirement issues — highlights how the first five years of retirement can set the course for comfortable and fulfilling sunset years — or lock you into a financial position that has you feeling trapped.

As Vettese explains, the average length of...

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER

Why break your mortgage contract

The current conditions of your mortgage contract may no longer meet your needs. If you want to make changes before the end of your term, you can renegotiate your mortgage contract. This is also known as breaking your mortgage contract.

You may want to break your mortgage contract if:

• interest rates have gone down
• your financial situation has changed
• you want to buy a new home and are planning on moving
• your family situation has changed
• your home no longer meets your needs

Read your mortgage contract or ask your lender if...

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER

The Ontario cottage market correction is well underway, marking a clear shift away from the pandemic‑era surge toward more balanced and sustainable conditions. Ontario’s recreational real estate market is now in a rebalancing phase, with buyer‑friendly and balanced conditions dominating most regions—and only isolated pockets of seller strength where inventory remains limited, such as Greater Sudbury.

For buyers, this shift is creating renewed opportunities. For sellers, it signals the importance of pricing and positioning strategically in a more...