There are many things to consider when looking for the right home; one of those considerations should be sustainability. A sustainable home is not only better for the environment, but it can also save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

The RE/MAX Influencers—a panel consisting of RE/MAX Sales Associates throughout Canada—answered what sustainable features are the most important to look for when buying a sustainable home. They responded with features that will help you conserve resources and save costs on heat, water, and electricity.

“Buyers need to determine what space heating system is in place, this is the highest monthly cost and best ROI for a homeowner. Depending on the climate, heat pumps are the best but high efficiency gas furnaces are likely the best choice,” says Rob Grey, RE/MAX of Nanaimo (founder of Real Estate Energy Efficiency Program (REEP).

“They also need to see what level of insulation is installed as this compliments space heating and is one of the least expensive improvements in single family energy efficiency.”

Grey adds it’s very important to check if the home has had an energy assessment (EnerGuide rating), which is an extensive examination by a certified energy advisor who calculates the energy performance of a home, and is LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building was built using strategies aimed at achieving high performance in key areas, such as: water savings, energy efficiency, material selection, and indoor environmental quality.

Windows

More than half of our Influencers mentioned the importance of windows when it comes to energy efficiency. The quality of windows installed in a house greatly impact heat conservation. New double or triple pane, argon-filled windows provide extra insulation and better noise reduction for your home.

Properly insulated windows are a must for keeping heat from escaping during the cold winter months. However, the orientation of the windows to the sun should also be considered, as south-facing windows allow radiant heat from sunlight to enter the home each day.

Heating

Tied for second place along with water-saving features, a home’s heat source and heat conservation are also very important. A high-efficiency furnace, automated climate control, high value insulation, and heat recovery ventilation are must-haves among others.

South-facing windows, geothermal systems, and active solar energy systems are great sustainable features for heating a home. A geothermal system utilizes the stable ground temperature to regulate a home’s temperature, whereas an active solar energy system gathers heat from the sun.

Water

It is very important to conserve our freshwater supply. Sustainable homes utilize features that minimize water usage. Features like low-flow toilets, sinks, and showerheads, automated sprinklers, rain collectors, and xeriscaping go a long way in water conservation.

Solar

One-third of our Influencers spoke about the importance of utilizing the sun’s rays when considering sustainability. Solar panels, solar water heating, and orientation to the sun for natural heating are all ways we can effectively utilize solar energy.

Electricity

It can be difficult at times to keep up with advancements in technology. Our Influencers suggest looking for LED lighting and programmable energy-efficient appliances in a sustainable home. If the home is equipped with a solar panel array, ask for a comparison of the home’s electric generation and consumption. Is there a charging outlet in the garage for a potential future electric car?

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Are you searching for the home that is in a great location and is the perfect style for you? Find the right agent to help you with your search

Source: https://blog.remax.ca/5-sustainability-home-features/

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions ever, and preparation is everything. The earlier you start, the more confident and stress-free the process will be. If you want to buy in 2026, here are 10 smart steps you can take today. These simple tips will help streamline the process, make the experience less daunting, and provide confidence that you’re making the right moves towards your big move.    

 1. Contact a REMAX Agent   

Buying a home isn’t a decision you take lightly, and trying to cut costs by going the DIY route can sometimes backfire. Working with an experienced real estate agent who understands your needs and can guide you through offers, contracts and key decisions will set you up for success. Having a professional agent by your side means having a trusted partner to bounce ideas off, an advocate representing your best interests, and an expert who knows the ins and outs of the local market.   

2. Stay Informed on Market Trends   

Local market conditions matter a great deal when you’re buying a home. One market may be a buyer’s market with plenty of inventory, while another could be a seller’s market with tense competition. It’s essential to understand the market conditions in your specific area. A real estate agent can review comparables in the neighbourhood you’re eyeing to determine the selling price for similar properties. That knowledge can help the buyer make a realistic offer and provide a sense of their negotiating power, based on real market conditions.  

3. Get your Down payment Ready  

Saving for a home can be one of the most challenging aspects of the buying process. Now might be a good time to start your search if you’ve set aside your down payment. Average home prices in Canada are expected to decline by about 6.5% this fall, creating opportunities for buyers priced out of the market earlier.    

While a 20% down payment is still standard, several financing options are available to help support homebuyers. For example, the Canadian government offers incentives to ease first-time homebuyers’ financial burden, like borrowing money from the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to purchase a home. Additionally, some life insurance policies can help cover costs if you have the correct type of coverage. And if you’re still in the saving stage, REMAX offers a variety of resources to help you build a budget, pay down debt and make steady progress toward your home ownership goals.   

4. Research Mortgage Options Early 

Securing mortgage pre-approval is a game-changer. It shows the sellers that you are serious about buying and financially prepared to complete the purchase. A mortgage pre-approval is initial evaluation lenders use to estimate how much you may be qualified to borrow for a home. To increase your chances of receiving a higher pre-approval loan amount, consider having a larger down payment, improving your credit score, increasing your income, reducing debt, or adding a co-borrower to your application. A mortgage pre-approval is a crucial step in securing your dream home, so it’s worth planning and preparing for it.    

5.Improve your credit score  

Your credit score significantly affects how much you can borrow and the interest you’ll receive on your mortgage. A higher score shows lenders that you’re financially reliable, which can help you qualify for better terms and lower rates. Use tools like Equifax or TransUnion to monitor your credit report and track your progress.    

The key to maintaining or improving your credit score is to make bill payments on time and try to keep your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) low. Ideally, you want your credit utilization below 30%. Even minor improvements to your credit score can make a big difference when it comes time to apply for a mortgage, so begin building healthy credit habits early.  

6. Hold Off on Big Financial Moves  

Borrowing more money or taking on new debt can work against you when preparing to buy a home. Hold off on significant financial changes like financing a new car or opening a new credit account, as this can affect your debt-to-income ratio and potentially lower your credit score. Economic stability is an essential factor that lenders look at, so you should keep your spending consistent and avoid unnecessary debt until after your mortgage is finalized. Staying steady with your finances can help ensure your pre-approval remains valid and that nothing jeopardizes your ability to secure a loan.   

7. Prioritize Needs Over Wants  

Buying a home is exciting, and it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and want a house that has it all. But that excitement can quickly turn into stress if you don’t have clear priorities. Instead, take the time to define what you need versus what you want. A pro tip would be to create a checklist and focus on your non-negotiables, including location, number of bedrooms and overall affordability. This will help you narrow your search and avoid overspending. And remember that you can make additional updates and personal touches once you’ve secured the home.   

8.Choose a Location   

Choosing where to live is one of the most significant decisions in the home-buying process, and it’s worth taking the time to research your options carefully. Consider distance to work, schools, public transit, and local amenities. Look into crime rates, property values, and development plans to ensure your area aligns with your lifestyle and long-term goals. It’s also worth exploring emerging neighbourhoods that may not be in busy city centers. They often offer better price points while still providing the same quality of life as more established areas.  

9.Browse Listings   

Once you’ve determined your priorities and preferred neighbourhood, the fun part begins —  browsing for your future home. Start by browsing for listings on remax.ca  to get a sense of what’s available in your price range. Checking listings regularly helps you understand local market trends and spot good opportunities when they arise. A REMAX agent can help you find listings that match your checklist and keep you informed about new properties as soon as they hit the market. Additionally, an agent can schedule open houses and guide you through the home viewing process.   

10. Factor in Closing and Moving Costs   

You’ve signed the offer, so what’s next? Closing costs should always be factored into your budget from the very beginning. Some key fees to account for include home inspection, land transfer tax, and legal fees. Once you’ve secured your home, it’s time to plan. Moving is one of the first expenses you’ll encounter after closing, so it’s a good idea to save and budget for related costs, even if you’re planning to handle the move yourself. This is also the perfect time to start setting aside funds for upgrades and personal touches to make your new home truly a space that feels like yours.    

The Best Time to Be Prepared is Now   

Congratulations on your decision to buy a home! It’s an exciting milestone; preparation is the key to a smooth, confident experience. Every small step counts, whether you’re organizing your finances, improving your credit score, or narrowing down your dream neighbourhood. The earlier you start planning, the more ready you’ll be for the right opportunity. Connect with a REMAX agent today to get expert guidance and confidently start your home-buying journey.  

When it comes to selling a home or preparing to move up to a larger space, your small house has the potential to make a big impression. The exterior and interior aesthetics of your house can play a significant role in capturing the interest of potential buyers. By creating an illusion of greater space, you can make your small house stand out, making it feel larger and more inviting.

There are numerous simple and effective ways to make a small house appear more spacious and open. By implementing a few straightforward strategies, you can transform your home into a more appealing and marketable property, ensuring that it catches the eye of every potential buyer who walks through the door. Let’s learn how to make your house look bigger, outside and inside.

Tips for How to Make a Small House Look Bigger

The Power of Paint

Paint is a powerful tool for making a small house appear larger. Strategically using paint colours, both inside and outside, can completely change the perception of space, making rooms feel open and airy and the exterior more inviting and expansive.

Opt for lighter shades such as beige, soft gray, and white for the bulk of the exterior. These colours reflect more light and can make the house look larger and more welcoming. Employ darker shades for trims, windows, and doors to add depth and dimension without overwhelming the overall appearance. Darker accents can highlight architectural features, making them stand out and add visual interest.

For the interior, light shades such as pastels, light greys, and beige can create an illusion of larger spaces. These colours reflect more natural and artificial light, making rooms feel airy and expansive. Ensure a cohesive colour palette throughout the interior to create a seamless flow from room to room. This continuity prevents visual interruption and makes the entire space feel more unified and spacious.

Strategically placing darker colours in a room can paradoxically create an impression of greater space by adding depth and dimension to the environment. For instance, painting one wall in a darker shade while keeping the other walls light can draw the eye outward, elongating the perceived dimensions of the room. By carefully selecting where to place these darker colours, homeowners can transform a small, constrained room into a visually dynamic and seemingly larger space.

Utilize Architectural Details

Several elements can work together to maximize natural light, create a sense of depth, and enhance the visual flow between indoor and outdoor spaces:

Horizontal Siding – Incorporating horizontal siding can elongate the visual width of the house, making it appear broader and more spacious.

Large Windows – Installing larger windows is key to bringing in ample natural light, making any room feel larger and more inviting. Large panes minimize obstructions and offer unobstructed views, helping blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Sliding Glass Doors – Sliding glass doors, especially those that open onto a patio or garden, can significantly enhance the sense of space. These doors serve as functional barriers that can be easily moved to merge indoor and outdoor living areas. The transparent barriers ensure that they don’t disrupt the visual continuity even when closed.

French Doors – French doors offer the additional benefits of elegance and aesthetic appeal. Opening both doors can provide a wide entryway that facilitates easy movement between spaces, enhancing the overall flow and feel of a larger area.

Free Up Floor Space

Improving the flow and usability of each room can contribute to a cleaner, more organized appearance, which naturally enhances the sense of space. Choose pieces that serve more than one purpose, such as ottomans with storage compartments, sofas that convert into beds, or dining tables with built-in shelves. Multi-functional furniture saves space by reducing the number of items needed, making the room less cluttered. However, make sure it fits the scale of the room. Overly large furniture can overwhelm a small space, while appropriately sized pieces can make the room seem more spacious.

To maximize space, utilize built-in storage options like recessed shelves, under-bed drawers, and wall-mounted cabinets. These solutions help keep belongings organized and out of sight, keeping the living areas free from clutter. Use vertical space by installing tall shelves, hanging storage units, and stacking storage boxes. Vertical storage draws the eye upward, emphasizing the height of the room and making it feel larger.

Arrange furniture to create clear, unobstructed pathways through rooms. Avoid placing large pieces in high-traffic areas to ensure easy movement. This layout not only improves the functionality of the space but also prevents it from feeling cramped.

Whether you’re wondering how to make a small house look bigger before you list it for sale, or you’re ready to make your move into new home, partnering with a real estate expert can make all the difference. Contact your local REMAX agent to start your journey toward a successful home sale and your dream upgrade.

Source: https://blog.remax.ca/how-to-make-a-small-house-look-bigger/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOVYUdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBenhlOEZ6VG84ajVCZGc1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqgbe6YLWAoqIm92W8IABh-ti7lUrfgk49hS8fVF3sOv_dRU66Uz-pOspPr8_aem_kSDQU7DMfuQ8UEve7slSfA