Real eState

Montreal real estate: The appeal of a tiny home – Clinton News Record

Published

5 years ago

January 29, 2020

There is no room for nostalgic clutter, impulse purchases or unitasking kitchen tools.

Kenton Zerbin made the switch to tiny home living four years ago when he moved into an off-grid home in Edmonton that he designed and built himself.

Early Rain Studio / Postmedia

With prices rising quickly in Montreal, those in search of affordable homes are increasingly shopping for condos or fleeing for cheaper outlying suburbs. But there’s another way to shrink your housing costs: buy or build a tiny home.

By “tiny” I don’t just mean small. Many tiny homes are 500 square feet or less — sometimes a lot less. Aficionados of small-space living can find examples on websites like tinyhouselistings.com that are just 200 square feet. The small-footprint homes typically cost much less than a conventional property and are less expensive to heat and maintain.

It may seem like a stretch if a 700-square-foot apartment seems cramped to you. Then again, even a 4,000-square-foot cottage in the ‘burbs can feel small if you cram it full of stuff.

For tiny home evangelist Kenton Zerbin, one of the big benefits of choosing to live in a tiny home is that it forces you to zero in on the things in your life that matter most to you. There is no room for nostalgic clutter, impulse purchases or unitasking kitchen tools.

“A tiny house is a means to an end,” Zerbin said. “It’s a way for your house to enable your life, instead of living for your house.”

Zerbin made the big switch to tiny home living four years ago when he moved into an off-grid home in Edmonton that he designed and built himself. Now the former high school teacher is touring Canada to promote a lifestyle he characterizes as more sustainable, including building smaller, more energy-efficient homes, incorporating edible landscaping and living in balance with nature.

Kenton Zerbin offers workshops on the ins and outs of tiny home construction.

Early Rain Studio /

Postmedia

Zerbin’s road show came to Montreal in November, but it was popular enough to organize a return engagement just a few months later. He’ll be explaining the ins and outs of tiny home construction in a $399 workshop on Feb. 7-9 at Bâtiment 7, 1900 Le Ber (Suite 201). (Full details about the workshop are on Zerbin’s website at kentonzerbin.com.)

The workshop focuses on the ins and outs of tiny home design and construction, but Zerbin said the information is practical for all homeowners to know, whether or not they really intend to build or buy a tiny home.

“A lot of people don’t understand the guts of a house, what actually makes it tick, how to reduce their heating bill, how insulation really works, and where your money is best spent on this stuff,” Zerbin said.

While it is possible for some skilled and resourceful DIYers to build a tiny home on wheels for as little as $30,000, Zerbin said it’s more realistic to expect a budget of $80,000 or more, depending on the type of home you choose.

Although tiny homes are growing in popularity, municipal regulations often limit where people can build, Zerbin said. Rules vary from province to province and city to city. Some places like Vancouver are embracing the potential to provide more affordable housing options as well as infill housing to increase density in single-family neighbourhoods. In some municipalities, however, minimum size requirements limit how tiny a home can be.

Many tiny home enthusiasts have responded by building souped-up RVs on trailer chassis even if they don’t expect they’ll ever roll away on those wheels. Others have found — or founded — purpose-built tiny home enclaves where municipalities have been willing to amend bylaws to expressly permit these homes.

According to Josée Bilodeau, owner of the Napier-based “minimaison” specialty building company Ilo (ilotinyhouse.com), while tiny homes are less common in Montreal, there are several tiny home projects underway on the outskirts of the city in places like the South Shore.

In other Canadian cities, there’s a trend to building tiny homes on the same lot as a pre-existing single-family home, either for family members to live in or to act as a mortgage helper. While it’s still uncommon in Montreal, Bilodeau said it’s starting to happen here, too.

“There are people who have succeeded to do it in Montreal, but you have to be very persistent, very tenacious,” she said.

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Real eState

Two Quebec real estate brokers suspended for using fake bids to drive up prices

Published

3 days ago

September 11, 2024

Anne Joseph

MONTREAL – Two Quebec real estate brokers are facing fines and years-long suspensions for submitting bogus offers on homes to drive up prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Christine Girouard has been suspended for 14 years and her business partner, Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin, has been suspended for nine years after Quebec’s authority of real estate brokerage found they used fake bids to get buyers to raise their offers.

Girouard is a well-known broker who previously starred on a Quebec reality show that follows top real estate agents in the province.

She is facing a fine of $50,000, while Dauphinais-Fortin has been fined $10,000.

The two brokers were suspended in May 2023 after La Presse published an article about their practices.

One buyer ended up paying $40,000 more than his initial offer in 2022 after Girouard and Dauphinais-Fortin concocted a second bid on the house he wanted to buy.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 11, 2024.

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Real eState

Montreal home sales, prices rise in August: real estate board

Published

1 week ago

September 6, 2024

Anne Joseph

MONTREAL – The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers says Montreal-area home sales rose 9.3 per cent in August compared with the same month last year, with levels slightly higher than the historical average for this time of year.

The association says home sales in the region totalled 2,991 for the month, up from 2,737 in August 2023.

The median price for all housing types was up year-over-year, led by a six per cent increase for the price of a plex at $763,000 last month.

The median price for a single-family home rose 5.2 per cent to $590,000 and the median price for a condominium rose 4.4 per cent to $407,100.

QPAREB market analysis director Charles Brant says the strength of the Montreal resale market contrasts with declines in many other Canadian cities struggling with higher levels of household debt, lower savings and diminishing purchasing power.

Active listings for August jumped 18 per cent compared with a year earlier to 17,200, while new listings rose 1.7 per cent to 4,840.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2024.

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Canada’s Best Cities for Renters in 2024: A Comprehensive Analysis

Published

2 months ago

July 24, 2024

Harry Miller

In the quest to find cities where renters can enjoy the best of all worlds, a recent study analyzed 24 metrics across three key categories—Housing & Economy, Quality of Life, and Community. The study ranked the 100 largest cities in Canada to determine which ones offer the most to their renters.

Here are the top 10 cities that emerged as the best for renters in 2024:

St. John’s, NL

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, stand out as the top city for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming community, St. John’s offers an exceptional quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing, a robust economy, and low unemployment rates, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching living experience. Its rich history, picturesque harbour, and dynamic arts scene further enhance its appeal, ensuring that renters can enjoy both comfort and excitement in this charming coastal city.

Sherbrooke, QC

Sherbrooke, Quebec, emerges as a leading city for renters in Canada for 2024, offering a blend of affordability and quality of life. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Townships, Sherbrooke is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and strong community spirit. The city provides affordable rental options, low living costs, and a thriving local economy, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both comfort and economic stability. With its rich history, numerous parks, and dynamic arts and education sectors, Sherbrooke presents an inviting environment for renters looking for a well-rounded lifestyle.

Québec City, QC

Québec City, the capital of Quebec, stands out as a premier destination for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage, this city offers an exceptional quality of life. Renters benefit from affordable housing, excellent public services, and a robust economy. The city’s charming streets, historic sites, and diverse culinary scene provide a unique living experience. With top-notch education institutions, numerous parks, and a strong sense of community, Québec City is an ideal choice for those seeking a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle.

Trois-Rivières, QC

Trois-Rivières, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, emerges as a top choice for renters in Canada. This historic city, known for its picturesque riverside views and rich cultural scene, offers an appealing blend of affordability and quality of life. Renters in Trois-Rivières enjoy reasonable housing costs, a low unemployment rate, and a vibrant community atmosphere. The city’s well-preserved historic sites, bustling arts community, and excellent educational institutions make it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.

Saguenay, QC

Saguenay, located in the stunning Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, is a prime destination for renters seeking affordable living amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its picturesque fjords and vibrant cultural scene, Saguenay offers residents a high quality of life with lower housing costs compared to major urban centers. The city boasts a strong sense of community, excellent recreational opportunities, and a growing economy. For those looking to combine affordability with a rich cultural and natural environment, Saguenay stands out as an ideal choice.

Granby, QC

Granby, nestled in the heart of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, offers renters a delightful blend of small-town charm and ample opportunities. Known for its beautiful parks, vibrant cultural scene, and family-friendly environment, Granby provides an exceptional quality of life. The city’s affordable housing market and strong sense of community make it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful yet dynamic place to live. With its renowned zoo, bustling downtown, and numerous outdoor activities, Granby is a hidden gem that caters to a diverse range of lifestyles.

Fredericton, NB

Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, offers renters a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful riverfront, and welcoming community, Fredericton provides an excellent quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing options, scenic parks, and a strong educational presence with institutions like the University of New Brunswick. Its rich cultural heritage, coupled with a thriving local economy, makes Fredericton an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Saint John, NB

Saint John, New Brunswick’s largest city, is a coastal gem known for its stunning waterfront and rich heritage. Nestled on the Bay of Fundy, it offers renters an affordable cost of living with a unique blend of historic architecture and modern conveniences. The city’s vibrant uptown area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, while its scenic parks and outdoor spaces provide ample opportunities for recreation. Saint John’s strong sense of community and economic growth make it an inviting place for those looking to enjoy both urban and natural beauty.

Saint-Hyacinthe, QC

Saint-Hyacinthe, located in the Montérégie region of Quebec, is a vibrant city known for its strong agricultural roots and innovative spirit. Often referred to as the “Agricultural Technopolis,” it is home to numerous research centers and educational institutions. Renters in Saint-Hyacinthe benefit from a high quality of life with access to excellent local amenities, including parks, cultural events, and a thriving local food scene. The city’s affordable housing and close-knit community atmosphere make it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.

Lévis, QC

Lévis, located on the southern shore of the St. Lawrence River across from Quebec City, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. Known for its picturesque views and well-preserved heritage sites, Lévis is a city where history meets contemporary living. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with excellent public services, green spaces, and cultural activities. The city’s affordable housing options and strong sense of community make it a desirable place for renters looking for both tranquility and easy access to urban amenities.

This category looked at factors such as average rent, housing costs, rental availability, and unemployment rates. Québec stood out with 10 cities ranking at the top, demonstrating strong economic stability and affordable housing options, which are critical for renters looking for cost-effective living conditions.

Québec again led the pack in this category, with five cities in the top 10. Ontario followed closely with three cities. British Columbia excelled in walkability, with four cities achieving the highest walk scores, while Caledon topped the list for its extensive green spaces. These factors contribute significantly to the overall quality of life, making these cities attractive for renters.

Victoria, BC, emerged as the leader in this category due to its rich array of restaurants, museums, and educational institutions, offering a vibrant community life. St. John’s, NL, and Vancouver, BC, also ranked highly. Québec City, QC, and Lévis, QC, scored the highest in life satisfaction, reflecting a strong sense of community and well-being. Additionally, Saskatoon, SK, and Oshawa, ON, were noted for having residents with lower stress levels.

For a comprehensive view of the rankings and detailed interactive visuals, you can visit the full study by Point2Homes.

While no city can provide a perfect living experience for every renter, the cities highlighted in this study come remarkably close by excelling in key areas such as housing affordability, quality of life, and community engagement. These findings offer valuable insights for renters seeking the best places to live in Canada in 2024.