April has arrived with its usual mix of grey skies and anticipation for brighter days ahead – and while recent headlines have been dominated by economic uncertainty and a looming federal election, we’re starting to see some encouraging signs that Toronto’s spring market is beginning to stir.

Though TRREB’s March numbers showed a dip in sales compared to last year, the data doesn’t quite tell the full story, as can often be the case. From our front-line perspective, momentum is  in fact building: since the end of March Break, for example, open houses have been busier, showings have increased, and – notably – multiple offers are starting to resurface.

This is typical of early spring activity, but what’s unique about this moment is the…

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Big Little Spaces

FOUR INTERIOR DESIGNERS SHARE CREATIVE INSIGHTS FOR MAKING THE MOST OUT OF TIGHT SPOTS.

Every home, regardless of size, has at least one of those spots that seems too small to do anything with. Maybe you’ve considered putting in a table habillée with a vase of flowers and calling it a day. But there are big opportunities in small places — just ask anyone who’s joined the tiny house movement. And while it’s unlikely that downsizing to that point will have broad appeal, there’s a lesson to be learned in looking to those who live in more constrained square footage, which is that small spaces can be the ideal spot for big design ideas. “Small spaces are often underutilized, particularly in Canada and the U.S.,” says Nicci Harrison,…

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From the new smart home to autonomous cars and optimized traffic flow, artificial intelligence promises to transform Canada’s largest city.

Words by Nicolle Weeks

Toronto, the perennial darling of global livability rankings, is attracting international residents from all walks of life. But the city’s rapid growth has taken a toll on infrastructure, leaving us straining to keep up with our global counterparts.

Cue AI. As Canada’s undeniable tech hub, Toronto is ready to harness AI to reinvent itself. From managing traffic to streamlining daily routines, AI can help optimize and transform our bustling metropolis into (dare we say) the world’s most desirable and livable city.

HERE’S HOW AI IS POISED TO TRANSFORM TORONTO INTO A SMARTER, GREENER AND…

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This week’s tariff news brought new meaning to March coming in like a lion. Whether or not there is reprieve thanks to temporary suspensions, the economic impact of recent events is undeniable – higher costs, market uncertainty, and the very real possibility of a recession. The question now is whether this is a short-term storm or a longer-term shift. Recent directives from south of the border have sparked apprehension, speculation, and – of course, from our clients especially – questions about how this will affect the real estate market.

But as challenging as this moment feels, it also calls for resilience. Canada is becoming more self-reliant, more patriotic, and more appreciative of its strengths – including our vast resources and stable…

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February… the shortest month that somehow always feels the longest. Whether you find peace on the slopes or by the surf, we hope there’s something bright on the horizon. Meanwhile, our team is gearing up for what promises to be an active spring market, despite uncertainty in the air.

Since our last newsletter, a lot has changed—politically, on both sides of the border, and economically, as markets react to new policies, speculation, and shifting consumer sentiment.

Toronto’s housing market kicked off 2025 with lower-than-expected inventory given how strongly it was performing at the end of the year. That said, listings that did come to market sold well, with multiple offers across all price points—including the luxury segment up to $10 million.…

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Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, we are entering a landscape shaped by significant political and economic shifts. Just last week, Prime Minister Trudeau announced his resignation, and, as I write this, we are one week away from the U.S. Presidential inauguration. These political changes have already had an impact on the market, with the Canadian dollar strengthening somewhat in response to Monday’s news.

The year ahead is also expected to bring renewed energy to the real estate sector. Increased consumer confidence, driven by greater buying power, will likely spur market activity. While the post-holiday period is traditionally slower, we anticipate an uptick in momentum by late January, and for the market to reach peak activity from…

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In a recent compelling interview on BNN Bloomberg, Cailey Heaps, the President and CEO of Heaps Estrin, shared her expert insights on the current real estate market. Speaking with Amanda Lang, Heaps delved into the intricacies of market trends, strategies for navigating the high-interest rate environment, and her predictions for the future of real estate. This post highlights the key points from this discussion, offering valuable insights for both buyers and sellers in today’s market. [Link to the full interview video]

Anticipating Interest Rate Changes in 2024

Cailey Heaps discussed the widespread anticipation of interest rate decreases in spring 2024. While some are hopeful for this shift to stimulate the market, Heaps advises caution and…

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Cailey Heaps explains how she made her new-old Rosedale house feel just like home.

Words by Doug Wallace

"I had been speaking to a lovely family for years about the sale of their home. It was a few years from our first meeting before they decided they were ready to sell. When I went to list the house, I had this overwhelming feeling that I was meant to live there."

Heaps Estrin president and CEO Cailey Heaps had been in this classic, red-brick Rosedale home dozens of times before without experiencing such a premonition. "That that one day, I thought, 'This is where I'm meant to be.'"

"The renovation was fairly extensive - essentially a rebuild," Cailey says, "because I wanted to change the ceiling heights." Due to the house's heritage…

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Ready to dive deep into a story of resilience and ambition?

Beyond the Blueprints brings you face-to-face with the experiences that shape some of today's most inspiring leaders and innovators. Through candid conversations, Cailey uncovers the pivotal moments, challenges, and triumphs that define the entrepreneurial journey.

In each episode, discover what fuels these individuals as they navigate the highs and lows of building something meaningful-one decision, one obstacle, and one breakthrough at a time. 

Because behind every success story lies the blueprint of the human experience that inspired it.

Episode 5: Art, Ambition, Authenticity, Zoe Pawlak

In this episode, Cailey speaks with Zoe Pawlak, celebrated artist and entrepreneur,…

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Ready to dive deep into a story of resilience and ambition?

Beyond the Blueprints brings you face-to-face with the experiences that shape some of today's most inspiring leaders and innovators. Through candid conversations, Cailey uncovers the pivotal moments, challenges, and triumphs that define the entrepreneurial journey.

In each episode, discover what fuels these individuals as they navigate the highs and lows of building something meaningful-one decision, one obstacle, and one breakthrough at a time. 

Because behind every success story lies the blueprint of the human experience that inspired it.

Episode 6: Visionary Leadership, Mark Cohon

In this episode, Cailey sits down with Mark Cohon, former CFL Commissioner and celebrated…

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