The best places to retire in Canada, by province:OntarioBritish ColumbiaAtlantic CanadaThe PrairiesAs the tail-end of the Baby Boomer generation approaches its retirement years, the question of the best places to retire in Canada is an inevitable dinner-table topic of conversation. On the one hand, the appeal of “aging in place” is clear, allowing retirees to stay in the home and neighbourhood they know and love, close to family, friends and frequented places. However, the reality is that a large home is no longer needed or even wanted, and an urban address isn’t as crucial as it is in one’s working years. Financially speaking, urban property owners find themselves sitting on a goldmine of equity with which to fund those retirement years.Historically, Baby Boomers have made up a large portion of real estate market activity. Although the younger generations are beginning to make their mark on the scene, Boomers continue to lead the way. Some choose to stay close to home but downsize into a smaller house, while others prefer to spend their retirement years in warm picturesque parts of Canada. These locations can be found across the country – if you know where to look.Atlantic Canada has seen the largest influx of retirees from across the country, selling their high-value urban residence in favour of the slower (and cheaper) pace afforded by East Coast recreational markets. But for dwellers of metropolitan centres like the GTA and Vancouver who don’t want to make a cross-country move, recreational areas within their province are a hot spot. Here are some of the most in-demand cities and regions popular among those in search of the best places to retire in.Best Places to Retire in OntarioWasaga Beach & Rideau Lakes Ontario is seeing an increasing trend of retirees fleeing urban centres across the Greater Toronto Area, where prices continue to rise. However, cottage country isn’t just a more cost-effective approach. The waterfront lifestyle has its perks, ideal for retirees seeking an active lifestyle.The town of Wasaga Beach is situated along the second-longest freshwater beach in the world. Offering a variety of relaxing activities, it boasts country clubs, golf courses, trails, yoga, and great access to activities on the water. With Blue Mountain in close proximity, the area offers an array of social activities and cultural experiences. Rideau Lakes is also a popular retirement destination, offering the best of nature with a number of historic trails, farms, and access to the Rideau Canal. The township also hosts adult social clubs for seniors that provide the opportunity to connect with the community over games, entertainment, and a meal.Best Place to Retire in British ColumbiaSouth Okanagan  Similar to Ontario, retirees continue to drive the recreational market in British Columbia as they seek a more affordable lifestyle outside of particularly expensive metropolitan areas like Vancouver. The Okanagan region is a scenic valley with a retirement-based economy. The region offers sunny climate, and Okanagan Lake, in particular, offers a number of outdoor activities to cater to retirees looking for an active lifestyle.Best Places to Retire in Atlantic CanadaMiramichi & Miramichi Rural, New BrunswickIn spite of the skyrocketing home prices across Canada, Miramichi has remained relatively unaffected and continues to attract retirees from more expensive parts of the country, like British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta. The beautiful riverside city is situated along the Miramichi River and boasts several marinas and access to waterfront activities. As an affordable social and cultural hub, Miramichi offers a well-balanced lifestyle for retirees.Annapolis Valley and YarmouthAnnapolis Valley and Yarmouth are attractive locations for out-of-province retirees looking to sell their properties at high prices and move to Atlantic Canada to settle down. Annapolis Valley offers several relaxing attractions with its beaches and vineyards, while Yarmouth is bustling with waterfront activities, parks, trails, heritage sites and festivals. This incredibly diverse and beautiful region offers something for everyone – especially a scenic view for retirement.Kings County, Nova ScotiaSunny skies in Kings County have contributed to solid home-buying activity in recent months, particularly attracting retirees from Ontario and Western Canada who are selling their homes and moving to Nova Scotia. From farmlands and orchards to wineries and vineyards, the region offers a relaxing atmosphere to complement the hidden shore communities and Lake Lands. The natural beauty of the valley is unparalleled, as it is enclosed by mountains and located on the southwest shore of the Bay of Fundy and much of the Shoreline of the Minas Basin – home of the world’s highest tides. Kings County doesn’t just offer a picturesque setting – its economy is thriving and continues to grow thanks to the abundance of wineries and microbreweries.Many retirees are choosing to lead lifestyles that involve farming, hiking and maintaining vineyards, so it’s no surprise that they make up one in five residents of this county.Summerside, PEIThe city of Summerside is experiencing a seller’s market as it is highly sought after because of its picturesque landscape, quality of life and affordability, especially by retirees from Ontario and British Columbia. They are selling their properties to move to the area. With the influx of residents, the city continues to experience significant economic diversification, advancement, and growth. As PEI’s second-largest city, it boasts a lively downtown core, with a number of social and cultural events throughout the year. One of the most well-connected places to retire in Canada, Summerside offers both a serene environment and an active social scene.Best Places to Retire in the PrairiesSylvan Lake & Lake WinnipegDue to the strong US dollar, retirees in the Sylvan Lake and Lake Winnipeg regions are selling their snowbird properties south of the border and purchasing recreational homes for use as retirement properties as well. The town of Sylvan Lake attracts 1.5 million visitors every year due to its various parks, campgrounds, and of course, the lake itself. Bustling with life, Sylvan Lake is perfect for retirees looking for an active and engaged lifestyle. Lake Winnipeg, the largest lake within the borders of Southern Canada, attracts Canadians from across the country with its white sandy beaches. There are up to 30 diverse communities along the thousands of miles of shoreline that offer unique cultural experiences. With the city of Winnipeg only an hour away from certain regions of the lake, it makes for a convenient and ideal location for those looking to settle down and escape city life.The retirement years offer a unique opportunity for Baby Boomers to downsize and choose a beautiful location where they can pursue the hobbies that are important to them. Luckily, this does not necessarily mean moving far south to Florida since some locations across Canada have the same appeal. Choosing one of the natural landscapes our country has to offer means that you can be surrounded by beauty while you spend your time outdoors and focus on the things that matter. A RE/MAX agent can help you determine the best places to retire and find you the best home..fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-1{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}The post Best Places to Retire in Canada appeared first on RE/MAX Canada.

What are condo fees, how are they calculated, and what do they cover? Condos have become the home of choice for many Canadian homebuyers, particularly first-timers, but increasingly move-up buyers as well. But many don’t understand this lifestyle option before deciding that it’s right for them.Homeowners are drawn to condo living for a variety of reasons. It is a good option as residents age and can no longer care for a house or want to downsize. There is less maintenance and repair responsibility and more security features. But the big draw is often on-site amenities such as a swimming pool that you would not otherwise be able to afford.Affordability is a big factor behind the relatively recent shift to condo living, but it’s certainly not the only appeal. Other benefits include a sense of community (yes, vertical communities are a thing!), easy access to urban conveniences, public transit, employment and entertainment, as well as a lock-and-leave lifestyle for when life takes you further abroad.Condo fees are the way that all the amenities are paid for, and the cost is a separate payment from your mortgage. Luckily, they tend to be fairly predictable. Let’s take a closer look at condo fees.What are condo fees, how are they calculated, and what do they cover?What are condo fees?Every condo owner pays a regular, non-negotiable condo fee. This fee is calculated based on your share of the condo building – the larger your unit, the greater your fee. This fee is adjusted annually based on the condo’s operating budget.Condo fees are mandatory for divided co-ownership but not for undivided co-ownership. Divided co-ownership means that you paid a minimum five-per-cent down payment, and there is a group of co-owners managed by a board of directors that regularly holds meetings. Undivided co-ownership means you paid a minimum 20-per-cent down payment and have a more flexible administration. Undivided co-ownership properties may still require a monthly or annual fee to build a reserve fund and pay for building maintenance.Each condo owner is responsible for paying their condo fee in addition to other payments like mortgage, property taxes, and homeowner’s insurance. Fees can range anywhere from $50 to $1000 per month and will depend on a variety of factors, including:The size and age of the propertyWhether the building is a high-riseHow many buildings are in a particular complexThe amenities coveredDo be wary of condo fees that are too low since this can be a sign of underestimated maintenance costs, unfinished maintenance, or an underfunded reserve fund.What do condo fees cover?Your condo fees are divided into three main categories: utilities, common areas and the reserve fund. Let’s take a closer look.A chunk of your condo fee goes to utilities such as water, hydro and sometimes heat – but this isn’t always the case. Most brand-new condominiums are now being built with individual heat pumps that are controlled by and paid for by their respectful owners.Condo fees also pay for snow and garbage removal, cleaning and minor repairs of common areas, exterior window washing and the like. Make sure you’re clear on your condo fees before you buy.We’ve already mentioned that condo ownership means less maintenance on your to-do list. But somebody’s gotta do it, right? Your condo fees cover that expense as well. This goes not only for the small stuff like lawn care but for major maintenance work like roofing that will come out of the reserve fund.And remember those awesome amenities that your family and friends come over to use? You have to contribute to their upkeep. The more amenities your condo has, the higher your condo fees will be. Think pool, gym, hobby rooms, sports courts, an in-house theatre, and indoor and outdoor areas. Ask yourself if you’re going to actually use all of the amenities offered by your condo, because you’ll be paying for them.Lastly, condo fees cover administration costs for managing the condominium, such as holding meetings. Some buildings are managed by private companies that are paid for their services. Insurance is necessary to cover the building and everything in it, and your condo fees cover this.In short, if there is something that every resident uses as a collective that you are not paying out of your pocket for, it is probably being paid with your condo fees.What is a reserve fund?A portion of your condo fee is set aside in a reserve fund, which every condo board must maintain as a savings account for big-ticket items that inevitably arise. A roof replacement can cost upwards of half a million dollars, so this fund is essential.Then there’s the Special Assessment. In the case that the reserve fund doesn’t quite cover the bill, each condo owner will be required to pitch in their proportionate amount to cover the cost.If you’re considering condo ownership, make sure you incorporate the condo fee into your budget. Make sure to leave a buffer in case your condo fees increase, which tends to happen as condos age. Any increases are at the discretion of the condo board.Before you make an offer, get a copy of the condo’s status certificate, which contains important details about the condo’s financial status. Review it and make sure you understand it. The document will include things like the condo’s budget, any pending legal matters, information about the reserve fund, current maintenance fees, and whether any increases are planned in the near future.The fee for the status certificate? It varies by province, so ask your local RE/MAX agent. In Ontario, you can expect to pay about $100. The information contained in it? Potentially worth a great deal more to your investment..fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-1{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}The post What Are Condo Fees? appeared first on RE/MAX Canada.

Most people have watched the movie Home Alone or have at least know the storyline. To summarize, a family goes away for Christmas vacation, and two robbers scope out the house and decide to break in and steal everything. However, the family forgets their youngest son, who spends his days pranking the robbers and keeping them at bay. While this makes for an amusing movie plot, being in this situation in reality is not what anyone wants – especially when they are out of the country. Now, in you’re wondering how to prepare your house before you go on vacation this winter, read on!While the likelihood of you forgetting one of your children at home when you leave for winter vacation in next to none, the chances of someone breaking into your home while you’re away is not out of the realm of possibility. We’ve compiled a list of ways to keep your house safe while you travel to warmer temperatures during the winter months.How to Prepare Your House Before You Go on VacationSnowbirds will be quick to tell you that going away for a weekend or even a week is nothing compared to leaving for months at a time. Preparing your home for an extended absence is vital to ensure that everything remains status quo while you are gone. We will detail some key things below, including turning off water valves, adjusting your thermostat, and having someone check on your home regularly.Turning off the WaterTurning off water valves while you leave for the winter is one of the most important things and should be kept at the top of your list of things to do before you go. Water is one of the biggest threats to your home, and even just a tiny leak can cause thousands of dollars in damage. In the winter months, the risk of your pipes freezing is real, and when pipes freeze, they eventually burst, and this isn’t something you’ll want to come back to after your vacation. Before leaving, we suggest turning off any water valves you can, including outdoor taps and laundry. Some people even turn off the entire water supply to the house before slipping away for the winter. Others prefer to keep some water flowing and have the person checking in on their home flush the toilets and drains occasionally to prevent odours from coming up the drain.Turn Down the HeatThere’s no point in keeping an empty home warm and toasty, but you still need to keep the heat on while you’re away. This will prevent your indoor pipes from freezing and condensation from building up inside your electronics. Turn the heat down, but not off.Pause Unnecessary UtilitiesSome of your utilities like cable and internet can be paused while you’re away for a small, one-time fee. If you’re planning to go away for just a couple of weeks, this may not make sense, but pausing these utilities can save you hundreds of dollars if you’ll be away for a few months. That saved money is sure to come in handy while on vacation!Find a Trustworthy Neighbour to Keep WatchHaving eyes and ears on your home while you’re away can make you feel much more comfortable leaving your home empty for weeks or months. This is where having great neighbours pays off. Ask or hire someone to bring in the mail, turn on lights occasionally and shovel the snow to make your home look lived-in and less inviting to thieves. Have them look around for anything out of the ordinary and immediately bring it to your attention.You should also be aware that your home insurance terms may require you to have someone check on your home regularly if you are away for more than a few days. For example, some insurance companies will not cover pipes that burst during your absence, unless a competent person checks on the interior of your home every few days.Leverage Technology While You’re AwayThankfully we have the technology to give you some peace of mind while away. Installing security lights and cameras outside the entrances to your home is a great way to ensure that your house is kept safe. Most security cameras can be viewed using a smartphone, and these apps can also control lights giving you the ability to turn lights on and off while you’re away, further giving off the illusion that someone is home. An alarm system is also a great idea to keep your home safe from intruders.Many Canadians head south for the winter months. Now that working remotely is so popular, it is expected that the number of “snowbirds” may increase, and the term will no longer be reserved for those who have retired. If you’re planning to escape the harsh Canadian winters in favour of a warmer climate, follow these tips on how to prepare your house before you go on vacation, so you can relax and enjoy yourself worry-free..fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-1{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}The post How to Prepare Your House Before You Go on Vacation appeared first on RE/MAX Canada.