sophiegoudreau

In recent years, there have been some huge changes to the mortgage rules that directly affect Canadian homebuyers. One notable change is the introduction of mortgage stress testing. This measure requires borrowers to qualify for a mortgage at a higher interest rate than the one they will actually be paying. The purpose is to ensure that buyers can handle future interest rate increases and have the financial capacity to make their mortgage payments. While this promotes financial prudence, it means there are new – and larger – obstacles to overcome to qualify for a mortgage. This is especially difficult for first-time buyers with limited down payment savings.  Sophie Goudreau is an award-winning  REALTOR in Cornwall  and Eastern Ontario who has helped many first-time homebuyers to navigate the process of finding their dream home. She is answering your questions about what the changes in the mortgage rules mean for you as you look to  buy a home .  How do these cha...

  Cornwall can be an excellent location for first-time homebuyers who work in Ottawa. One of the biggest advantages you’ll find is significantly lower prices for  homes in Cornwall , which means that you can get more for your money compared to looking in Ottawa. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) in February 2021, the average price of a house in Ottawa was $599,005 while home prices in Cornwall were approx $400,000 on average.   WHAT IS THE REAL ESTATE MARKET LIKE IN CORNWALL?  The real estate market in Cornwall is a bit more relaxed compared to Ottawa, with fewer bidding wars in the past year or so. This can be an advantage for first-time homebuyers who may find themselves going up against more eager buyers in a more competitive market. However, it can also mean that there are fewer options available, so it’s essential to work with a  real estate agent who knows the Cornwall area  well.  WHAT ARE SOME POTENTIAL CHALLENGES OF...

  Cornwall, Ontario, located on the St. Lawrence River, has a wealth of outdoor and indoor activities for families of all ages. If you love sports, there are plenty of places to play, no matter what the weather. With arts & cultural activities, your family can experience diverse entertainment right in your own hometown. Your  Cornwall real estate agent  can help you find the home of your dreams and you can start making memories.     LOCAL CORNWALL FACILITIES WITH PLENTY OF FUN   Here are a few venues among our local favourites for families.   Benson Centre : hosts three NHL-sized rinks, indoor courts for tennis, pickleball, and badminton.   Archie’s Family Golf : offers mini-putt, footgolf, and a driving range. There’s also a food truck on site for refreshments.   The Cornwall Aquatic Center : enjoy a 6-lane indoor swimming pool, waterslide, toddler leisure pool, and more....

  As one of the oldest settlements in Canada, Cornwall Ontario was once a manufacturing centre due to its unique location on the St. Lawrence River. The community has since diversified to adapt to modern times. According to the city’s website , Cornwall businesses have helped change the world over the past 150 years and they continue to do so today. With a large selection of homes for sale in Cornwall Ontario combined with a thriving economy, it’s a great place for families to call home.      Industries in Cornwall, Ontario   Manufacturing isn’t gone from the Cornwall economy, but more retail and office businesses are now established here. Customer service call centres and logistics facilities have created thousands of new jobs in the city. The town is incentivizing businesses through low-cost land, affordable electrical rates, and financial assistance programs to invest in Cornwall. The town also supports remote workers with its updated fibre o...

Located on the border of Canada and the United States, and near the border of the culturally-rich province of Quebec, Cornwall is getting noticed as a great city for families. In 2021, Maclean’s ranked Cornwall #8 on its   “Best Communities in Canada ” list*. According to the Mayor at the time, Bernadette Clement, “Maclean’s has recognized something that people here have known for a long time – Cornwall is a great place to live!” With a large selection of   homes for sale in Cornwall, Ontario , you are sure to find your dream home in a small-town community with big-city amenities.   IS CORNWALL, ONTARIO A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE?   Cornwall has a lot to offer its residents. If you’re looking for a place to set down roots, Cornwall gives you the opportunity to be part of a growing community. Over the past years, there’s been a shift from manufacturing and textile employment to warehousing and transportation with more and more professionals moving here to work remotely...