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...

  When families shop for  homes for sale in Cornwall, Ontario , one of their biggest questions is the education system. Whether you have children just starting out in school or want to make sure you have educational opportunities for higher studies, Cornwall is committed to high-quality education. It’s a great place for  families of all types to find their dream home .   ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN CORNWALL, ONTARIO    The school system in Cornwall starts with 25 neighbourhood elementary schools. Instruction is available in both French and English, as Cornwall is a bilingual community. The high schools feature many extracurricular opportunities, in sports, civics, and culture. The local public library supports the educational landscape in Cornwall. The teachers extend their influence beyond the classroom because they live in the same communities as the students.   LEARNING NEVER STOPS IN CORNWALL    The St. Lawrence ...

  Cornwall is divided into 10 separate neighbourhoods that each have their own personality. Work with a Cornwall real estate agent to find the community that is right for your family. Here are some highlights about some of the most popular neighbourhoods.   Riverdale – many single-family homes, kid-friendly parks, waterfront activities, access to shopping and schools.   Sunrise Acres – close to schools, subdivision is designed for walking, a large park where kids can play, mature trees, and bilingual speakers.   Centretown – historic district, close to downtown, many older homes that have been well-maintained. The largest neighbourhood in Cornwall.   Glen Walter – premiere housing, very large and luxurious homes that don’t come on the market often. Waterfront community with hiking and walking trails.  Downtown – a hot spot for urban life, close to the St. Lawrence River as well as fe...

  As a town on the Canadian-United States border, Cornwall is often overlooked as a place to build a home with a family. We think it’s a great place to set down roots. Cornwall has all the great amenities of a larger city, but it has retained its small-town vibe amidst a changing economy. Homes for sale in Cornwall, Ontario are more affordable than other places closer to large urban centers. With accessibility and green initiatives being a focus of the city, Cornwall has plenty to offer its residents. The community is an inviting place to live, and many home buyers are now starting to recognize this fact.   WHAT MAKES CORNWALL SO GREAT FOR FAMILIES?    Cornwall has countless opportunities for children in sports, arts, education, and culture. The area has excellent schools that focus on academics, community, and sports, to give your children a well-rounded start in life. The Benson Centre is a $32-million sports facility that has world-class athletic events...

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...