Home sales recorded over Canadian MLS®️ Systems edged up a further 0.9% between August and September, raising them to yet another new all-time monthly record.
The small change from August to September had under its surface a mixed bag of results with about 60% of local markets seeing gains. Increases in Ottawa, Greater Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Calgary and Hamilton-Burlington sales were mostly offset by declines in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Montreal; although, activity in the two largest Canadian markets is still historically very strong.
Actual (not seasonally adjusted) sales activity posted a 45.6% y-o-y gain in September. It was a new record for the month of September by a margin of some 20,000 transactions, the equivalent of a normal month of September with an entire month of December tacked on. Sales activity was up in almost all Canadian housing markets compared to September 2019.
How to ready yourself for a snowier-than-usual winter
(NC) According to the Farmer’s Almanac, this year’s winter will be colder and snowier across Canada than usual. So, whether you love the picturesque landscapes or dread the oncoming days, preparing now is the best way to ensure you make the most out of winter.
Heat up your home
We can all appreciate the importance of staying warm, and winterproofing your home early is the easiest way to keep cozy this season. Start by adding or replacing weather-stripping on windows and doors where you feel drafts coming through. Have a professional clean and inspect your fireplace, chimney and heating systems, and don’t forget to change your furnace filter. Have an older thermostat? Swapping it with a programmable one is a great way to save money on heating costs as it allows you to pre-set your temperature preference and even adjust it remotely.
Prepare for snow removal
Do an audit of your snow removal supplies from the previous winter and see if anything needs to be replaced. If you have a snowblower, make sure it’s working properly and that you have plenty of salt or sand on hand for the first big snow. Don’t forget to keep a shovel in your vehicle in case you get snowed in while away from home, and always remember to clear snow away from your tailpipe first to prevent toxic exhaust fumes from reaching the cabin.
Choose the right tires
When the temperature drops to 7°C consistently overnight, it’s time to change your vehicle’s tires and brace for the snow, slush and ice to ensure you stay safe on the road.
“Due to the consistently cold temperatures and heavy snowfall, winter tires are the best option for driving in Canada,” says Shayne Casey, OK Tire automotive expert. “Modified rubber compounds and additional siping allow the winter tires’ treads to remain flexible in colder temperatures, ensuring maximum traction in the most severe winter conditions.”
Consider studded tires if you live in a part of the country where the roads are often covered in snow and ice. Be sure to check provincial laws or ask your local tire expert before installing, as there are restrictions on where and when these tires can be used.
However, if you live in an area with a milder climate and depending on your driving habits, all-weather tires might be a strong contender as they can be used year-round with no changeover, offering the added benefit of not having to store an extra set.
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