8-deck-trends-that-will-transform-your-backyard-in-2025
| | | |

Deck Trends That Will Transform Your Backyard

ByKristine Gill

With summer approaching, it’s time to consider your outdoor spaces, including your deck. You could go the traditional route of staining and sealing it for a fresh look, or take advice from the experts on the top 2025 trends for decks.  “Needing to maximize their outdoor retreat, homeowners are sketching out new deck designs that combine multi-purpose spaces, environmentally friendly materials, integrated outdoor kitchens and fire features, smart technology, and biophilic design features that bring nature closer into the living area,” says Mark Lumpkin of short-term rental renovation company STR Cribs. Discover the best deck trends for 2025 that will help you host summer gatherings in your own backyard.  1. Wider Boards If you’re looking to build a new deck or replace your home’s decking, opt for a wider board for a more updated and modern look.  “Standard 5.5-inch boards are stepping aside as homeowners increasingly choose wide-width boards for their decks in 2025,” says Amanda Cimaglia, VP of TimberTech. “These wider 7.25-inch boards not only offer a sleek, contemporary aesthetic but also create seamless, uncluttered surfaces that mimic high-end indoor flooring trends, resulting in a design-forward, polished appearance that feels expansive and upscale.”  While you’re at it, consider laying your boards in a pattern for a cool effect. “Design-savvy homeowners are borrowing from indoor flooring innovations, bringing rich bespoke layouts like chevron, herringbone, and pinstripes to their outdoor spaces,” Cimaglia adds. “These artistic patterns elevate a simple deck into a statement piece that blends functionality with personality.” 2. Multi-Level Decks Have an existing deck, but want to level up? Consider building a second story.   “Multi-level deck designs will continue gaining momentum as homeowners seek to create zones tailored to specific activities,” Cimaglia says. “For example, an upper dining area might transition to a mid-level lounging deck before stepping down into a firepit space or garden. These layers provide a sense of flow and dimension, giving outdoor spaces a dynamic, purpose-driven layout.” As you design your deck, designate a function for each level. Cimaglia suggests making the upper area a dining space and the lower level a cozy lounge, for example. “Additions like connecting staircases with integrated lighting or plant borders can enhance flow and unify the space. Using consistent materials and complementary finishes across levels can help maintain visual harmony,” Cimaglia adds.  You can also opt for different materials to establish different zones.  “Multi-level decks are in, as they help homeowners define areas for separate activities, like dining, lounging, and socializing,” Lumpkin says. “A common way to do this is to use different flooring materials or introduce slight elevation changes to define each zone without breaking the overall flow.” These new multi-level and tiered decks aren’t just functional, they’re beautiful too. “They can also provide better views of the property and surrounding landscape,” says Sue Kim, director of color marketing for Cabot.  3. Sustainable Features In 2025, deck designs are increasingly incorporating sustainable features. “Eco-conscious homeowners are gravitating toward decking options that include high percentages of recycled materials,” Cimaglia says.  TimberTech offers boards made with up to 85% recycled content, including reclaimed wood fibers and recycled plastic. “These materials deliver long-lasting performance while minimizing environmental impact,” she adds.  Cimaglia says that composite and PVC decking remain frontrunners even in 2025 because they’re long-lasting and low-maintenance options that look like real wood.  4. Comfortable Outdoor Furniture “Stiff, uncomfortable outdoor chairs are a thing of the past,” says Sergey Mashkov, designer and sales manager at Sheds Unlimited. “This year, plush sectionals, weather-resistant lounge chairs, and modular furniture sets are on the rise. Homeowners seek spaces that feel just as cozy as their indoor living rooms, complete with outdoor rugs, throw pillows, and built-in firepits.” As you shop, look for sectionals and chairs that are easy to move and rearrange.  “The outdoor furniture trends lean toward modular, reconfigurable furniture that provides comfort as well as flexibility, and the decor trends include sustainable materials, bright textiles, and ambient lighting all working together to create an inviting, cohesive space,” Lumpkin says. “In one example, a client interspersed weatherproof cushions accented with reclaimed wood and set LED fixtures to create a cohesive theme that elevated the personality of the deck—an unconventional approach that dramatically upgraded the total vibe.” Another trend for deck furniture this year is built-in seating. “Homeowners are choosing decks with integrated benches for additional seating, planters for natural touches, and even discreet storage compartments to keep spaces tidy,” Cimaglia says. “Features like these add structure and organization while giving back valuable square footage, perfect for entertaining or everyday relaxation.”  5. Smart Technology Smart tech makes outdoor entertaining easy. “Smart technology has made its way to decks, too, in the form of discreet, energy-efficient options,” Lumpkin says. “Think app-controlled LED lighting, wireless outdoor sound systems, and integrated heating elements all working to ensure your comfort without sabotaging the aesthetics.” You can kill two birds with one stone by choosing moody lighting options that enhance safety around your deck and sync easily with your home’s smart systems.  “Homeowners can install smart LED fixtures that can be controlled via smartphone apps or voice assistants. This allows for customizable brightness, color, and scheduling,” says Kevin Lenhart, design director at Yardzen.   Lenhart also suggests smart heating features that allow homeowners to use their outdoor spaces even in the chillier months. Whatever you choose, smart home technology makes it easy.  “If you’re going to dabble in smart tech features, I advise going all the

5-popular-home-projects-you-should-skip-this-summer-and-save-for-winter
| | | | | |

5 Popular Home Projects You Should Skip This Summer and Save for Winter

ByPatricia Shannon

Summertime is an excellent opportunity to get a head start on a few home improvement projects, but not every job benefits from the heat and humidity of the season. Bubbling paint, unsafe temperatures in the attic, and waiting for more comfortable working conditions are all reasons you should consider putting off certain jobs this summer. And before you think you’re off the hook from any DIY renovations this season, we rounded up a few that are worth focusing on now, while the weather is warm and favorable for outdoor work. Ron Shimek is the president of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company, a leading provider of property maintenance, repair, and improvement services. 5 Projects to Skip This Summer and Save for Winter Ron Shimek of Mr. Handyman shares his top picks for home improvement to-dos that are better left for winter. 1. Fixture and Hardware Upgrades While you’re spending time indoors during the winter, you might notice more things about your house that you want to change or upgrade, or you might be looking for quick and easy ways to add more interest, personality, and style to your home. Swapping out your fixtures and hardware can give your home a fresh look in a matter of minutes, and you can stay warm indoors while you work. “Upgrading light fixtures, cabinet pulls, door handles, or even installing smart home devices can significantly enhance your home’s aesthetic and functionality without being weather-dependent,” explains Shimek. 2. Insulation and Weather Stripping Spending time in your attic messing with insulation in the summer is probably the last thing you want to do, but there are other reasons to put off this project until cooler weather arrives. In the winter, you’ll be better able to identify cold spots leaking in from damaged weather stripping and other flaws in your home’s insulation. Additionally, there will be no delay in feeling the effects of a job well done. “You’ll immediately feel the impact of improved insulation and sealed drafts as your home becomes warmer and your heating bills potentially decrease,” says Shimek. 3. Interior Painting Painting the interior of your home during the summertime can come with a few obstacles, one of which is humidity. Moisture is a major culprit in sabotaging paint drying time. When paint doesn’t dry properly, it can lead to bubbles, cracking, and mildew issues if you’re not careful. Although Shimek says some ventilation is needed to help the paint dry during the winter, the lower humidity levels go a long way in getting walls and ceilings dry in a reasonable amount of time. Plus, the home project pro says it’s a great way to give your living spaces a fresh look during a season when you’ll be spending a lot of time inside. 4. Minor Remodels The key here is minor, as you’ll likely spend a lot of time indoors during the winter, so whatever construction you do will likely happen while the whole family is underfoot. It is best to schedule these projects during the winter when the weather can be unstable. “These indoor projects don’t rely on good weather and can significantly improve the comfort and functionality of your home during the months you use them most,” says Shimek. Low-key bath and kitchen remodels are both projects you can move from your summertime to-do list to your wintertime schedule. 5. Dryer Vent and Chimney Cleaning “These are crucial safety projects, especially as you begin to use your dryer more frequently and your fireplace for warmth,” says Shimek. Hiring professionals to clean your dryer vent can reduce your fire risk, while a professional chimney cleaning can prevent creosote buildup. Creosote is a tar-like byproduct of smoke from wood-burning fires that forms on the interior of the chimney. It can be a fire hazard and a health risk. Get these projects squared away early in the season to ensure your home is safe and prepared for the cold weather ahead. Related 5 Projects to Do Instead This Summer When the weather is nice and you are eager for a home improvement project, get a jump on these projects that are ideal for summertime. 1. Exterior Painting Hold off on exterior painting until days when the temperature is warm and the humidity is low. In some areas, particularly in the South, this might mean starting or completing the project early or late in the season, when the weather is moderate. These conditions are ideal for allowing paint to dry properly without cracking, bubbling, or mildew issues, says Shimek. 2. Deck and Patio Refinishing One bonus of the summer heat is how quickly it dries surfaces, like when a sudden summer rainstorm hits and the puddles vanish before our eyes after the sun comes out. It turns out that this phenomenon is also beneficial when it comes to pressure washing, staining, sealing, and sanding patios and decks. Shimek says the warm, dry conditions help the materials dry properly, which means they should last longer. 3. Window and Door Work Consider any window-related projects for another early- or late-season job. “Replacing windows and exterior doors is less disruptive when the weather is mild, as it exposes the interior of your home to the elements for a period,” says Shimek. He also advises replacing or repairing window screens during this time. 4. Gutter Repair and Installation Summer is a great time to repair, install, and clean out your gutters. “With less rain and

8-patio-furniture-trends-designers-swear-by-for-an-outdoor-escape
| | | | | | | |

8 Patio Furniture Trends Designers Swear by for an Outdoor Escape

ByKendall Bettle

Your outdoor space is a part of your home—and it deserves just as much thought and personality as your interiors. “Since the days of COVID, we’ve leaned heavily into outdoor living, and it’s changed the way we decorate our exteriors,” says home style expert Ursula Carmona. To help you bring the same level of intention and style to your backyard, patio, balcony, or porch, we tapped interior designers and experts at leading patio furniture brands. Read on for the patio furniture trends they’re seeing in 2025—and how to bring them to life in your space. Ursula Carmona is a content creator and home style expert. Sandra Smith-Fitzgerald is the senior vice president of merchandising at Frontgate, a home and garden retailer. Lindsay Schleis is a design expert and vice president of business development at POLYWOOD, an outdoor furniture brand. 1. Room Vignettes Think of your outdoor area as a true extension of your home—one with defined zones for how you actually live. “Start by considering the ‘rooms’ you wish to define and how you envision living within these spaces,” says Sandra Smith-Fitzgerald, senior vice president of merchandising at Frontgate. “Will it be a retreat? A place to host gatherings? Or an intimate spot for friends? Integral to outdoor living is the creation of distinct areas—like an outdoor living room, dining zone, relaxing retreat by the pool, or an outdoor kitchen for a complete alfresco dining experience.” Once the layout is in place, add layers of decor. “Don’t be afraid to bring the indoors out—cozy seating, layered textiles, styled vignettes,” says Carmona. 2. Elevate Small Spaces A sprawling patio isn’t a prerequisite for great outdoor design. A small balcony or backyard can shine with the right pieces. “We’re seeing a heightened demand for furniture solutions tailored to small or uniquely shaped living spaces,” says Lindsay Schleis, design expert and vice president of business development at POLYWOOD. “Limited square footage doesn’t have to equate to limited style. Consumers are getting creative to transform a tucked-away corner into a cozy nook with a deep-seated chair or find the perfect dining set to fit their balcony.” Finish the look with layered lighting, potted plants, and textured cushions to maximize comfort and visual interest. Related Credit: Rett Peek  3. Blend Modern with Traditional Modern design isn’t going anywhere—but now, it’s being softened with timeless touches. “New traditional style is about crafting a space that seamlessly bridges classic and modern aesthetics,” says Smith-Fitzgerald. “This results in an environment that is both comfortable and sophisticated, inviting yet cohesive, and—at its core—truly timeless.” Classics like Adirondack and rocking chairs remain evergreen staples, but when paired with streamlined forms and modern materials, they feel fresh and updated. “Blend classic silhouettes and colors with modern ones in furniture or accent pieces,” says Smith-Fitzgerald. “Then add layers of textiles, such as patterns and solids in rugs and pillows to infuse texture, comfort, and a dash of personality.” 4. Extend Patio Season with All-Weather Furniture Summer may be the official patio season for those who live in colder climates, but thanks to all-season furniture, patios and porches are becoming year-round destinations. “Our patios and porches are getting just as much love as our living rooms, which means durability and performance materials are a must,” Carmona says. Schleis is seeing the same: “Homeowners are extending their living spaces outside, where they can host friends and entertain at any time of year,” she says. “For that reason, all-weather dining, lounge, and fire pit table sets continue to grow in popularity.” 5. Design a Kid-Friendly Outdoor Space Outdoor design isn’t just for adults anymore. As more families invest in their exterior spaces, we’re seeing a rise in furniture collections made just for kids. “We launched our kids collection last year and it’s been met with enthusiasm,” Schleis says. “Parents are clearly eager to create comfortable and stylish outdoor areas specifically for their children, mirroring the adult spaces they’ve created.” Credit: Victoria Pearson 6. Infuse Nature into the Aesthetic Designers are embracing earthy tones and organic textures to help outdoor spaces feel grounded and serene. “Nature-inspired palettes and textures bring a sense of calm and relaxation to our busy lives,” says Schleis. “All shades of browns and natural, warm tones allow your furniture to both blend in with the environment while making a statement.” Look for woven accents, wood finishes, and stone-inspired materials that enhance the natural vibe. 7. Go Bold With Art Deco Decor The bold glamour of Art Deco is making a comeback—yes, even outside. Characterized by clean symmetry, curved forms, and metal materials, this iconic design style brings sophistication to patios and porches. “To incorporate Art Deco outdoors, opt for designs that provide a sleek foundation with refined details,” says Smith-Fitzgerald. “Introduce geometric patterns and colors through pillows and rugs and accentuate the area with brass items like lanterns and statuary for understated elegance.” Carmona has seen jewel tones trending both indoors and outdoors. To amp up the color when you’re entertaining, try emerald green cushions, sapphire blue rugs, or ruby red tableware. Credit: David Tsay 8. Play with Patterns Patterns are having a moment outdoors—from florals and stripes to geometric and global-inspired prints. “Seasonal motifs can complement any patio style, infusing fun and personality into your design,” says Smith-Fitzgerald, who says the key to adding pattern without overwhelming your space is balance. “Let these elements shine as focal points, ensuring they don’t

the-best-thermostat-setting-for-a-heat-waveplus-how-to-stay-cool-without-overworking-your-ac
| | | |

The Best Thermostat Setting for a Heat Wave. How to Stay Cool Without Overworking Your AC

ByElizabeth Fogarty

When extreme heat hits, it’s tempting to crank the air conditioning as low as it will go. But while that might offer short-term relief, it can lead to sky-high energy bills and put unnecessary strain on your cooling system. So, what temperature should you set your thermostat to during a heat wave? We spoke with industry experts and rounded up smart strategies to help you stay safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient when temperatures soar. What to Set Your Thermostat to During a Heat Wave According to energy experts and the U.S. Department of Energy, the sweet spot is 78°F (26°C) when you’re home and need cooling. If you can, bump it up to 82°F when you’re sleeping and 85°F when you’re away. These settings help reduce the load on your AC, which can prevent breakdowns during critical times, and keep energy bills from skyrocketing. When to Adjust Your Thermostat Lower “Seventy-eight degrees creates the optimal balance between comfort and efficiency. Seventy-eight degrees may be warm for many people, but it is the standard recommendation to stay comfortable and be efficient during the summer months,” says Lane Dixon, Vice President of Operations at Aire Serv. If you have vulnerable household members, like infants, older adults, or pets, you may need to keep the thermostat slightly cooler. In these cases, 76°F may offer a more comfortable balance between safety and savings. It’s also helpful to use smart thermostats that learn your preferences and adjust automatically, especially during peak demand times. Related What to Do if Your AC Can’t Keep Up Keeping your air conditioner running smoothly during extreme heat isn’t just about comfort—it can help you avoid breakdowns and surprise repair bills. John McGaughey, vice president of sales at AUX AIR USA, shares several practical ways homeowners can help their cooling systems perform at their best this summer. Replace Your Air Filter Regularly “A dirty filter is one of the most common reasons systems underperform,” McGaughey explains. He advises checking the filter every month during heavy use and replacing it as needed (usually every one to three months.) Keep the Sunlight Out Direct sun exposure, especially on south- and west-facing windows, can dramatically increase indoor temperatures. To prevent excess sun from streaming through windows, consider adding blackout or dark-colored curtains and blinds. Time Your Appliance Use Wisely Large household appliances, like ovens, stovetops, and dryers, can heat up your living space fast. Use these in the early mornings or evenings when outdoor temperatures are lower. Use Fans to Improve Comfort Ceiling or box fans don’t cool the air, but they can help you feel cooler by circulating air across your skin and aiding in evaporation. Check Your Outdoor AC Unit The outdoor unit expels the heat your AC system pulls from inside. Keeping the area clear and occasionally rinsing the unit with a hose (while it’s off) can go a long way in improving efficiency. If none of these steps help, it may be time to call in an HVAC technician, especially if you hear unusual noises, smell musty odors, or see ice buildup on your system. DIY AC Fixes Before you call in the pros, try these expert-backed maintenance tips that can improve your air conditioner’s performance—and might even help you avoid a costly repair visit, according to JustAnswer HVAC Expert Randy Huckstadt. Rinse your condenser coil. The HVAC expert first addresses rinsing your condenser coil with fresh water. “Dirty condensers do not allow you to reject the heat from inside the house that the refrigerant absorbed in the evaporator,” he explains. Rinse your evaporator coil. If you can safely access it, he recommends rinsing the evaporator coil as well. He says that you cannot absorb the heat in the house if your coil is dirty. Replace your air filter. Plugged air filters prevent quality airflow, which reduces the capacity of the AC system. Swapping in a clean filter is one of the easiest ways to keep your system working properly. And if your condenser fan suddenly stops working, don’t panic—Huckstadt offers a clever temporary fix. He says you can use a small shower sprinkler to spray the condenser until a repair tech arrives. Water will take the place of a failed condenser fan.

5-mistakes-homeowners-make-that-could-cost-thousands,-according-to-zillow
| | | | |

5 Mistakes Homeowners Make That Could Cost Thousands.

ByElizabeth Fogarty

Selling your home is one of the biggest financial moves you’ll ever make, and many homeowners are unknowingly leaving money on the table. A new survey from Zillow, conducted by The Harris Poll, revealed five major misconceptions that can cost sellers thousands of dollars. From over-investing in renovations to skipping key agent interviews, these are mistakes even experienced homeowners make. Here’s what to avoid and how to maximize your home’s value and get ahead in today’s competitive market. 1. Spending Too Much on the Wrong Renovations While it’s tempting to think a pricey kitchen remodel or a full addition will boost your home’s value, that’s not always the case. According to the survey, nearly one-quarter of homeowners (23%) believe building an addition offers the best return on investment. In reality, lower-cost upgrades, like a fresh coat of paint or improved landscaping, have a bigger impact on your bottom line. Focus on strategic updates that improve first impressions, both online and in person. Think fresh paint, staging, and curb appeal. 2. Underestimating the Power of “Screen Appeal” It’s not just about curb appeal anymore. Buyers often make their decision based on online photos and virtual tours before they ever step inside. Still, 40% of sellers think curb appeal matters most. But Zillow found that listings with features like 3D Home tours and high-resolution images sell for 2% more than similar listings without them. 3. Skipping Key Steps When Hiring an Agent Many homeowners believe they can skip the legwork when choosing a real estate agent, but Zillow experts warn against it. One in four homeowners don’t read online reviews, research sales history, or interview more than one agent. Treat hiring a real estate agent like a job interview. Ask about their local experience, listing strategy, and marketing tools, and check their track record. Related 4. Highlighting Wrong Features in Listings 45% of sellers think open floor plans boost value, but according to Zillow data, open layouts sell for 0.2% less than expected. On the flip side, listings that mention natural materials, like soapstone countertops or white oak flooring, can sell for up to 3.5% more. Work with your agent to highlight what today’s buyers are looking for. 5. Misunderstanding Seller Disclosure Rules Here’s a costly one: More than half of sellers think it’s okay to hide serious issues like water damage, pests, or asbestos to get a quicker sale. But failing to disclose known problems can lead to legal trouble and lost trust. Always disclose issues honestly and lean on your agent to help navigate what’s required in your state. What Sellers Get Right While some misconceptions remain, homeowners are making smart moves in key areas. 70% understand the value of listing across all major real estate platforms, including Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com. Only 8% believe in private, limited listings, correctly recognizing that casting a wider net brings better offers. Sellers who don’t list on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) make thousands less on average.

vancouvers-installing-a-car-tower-near-granville-bridge-and-people-are-pissed
| |

Vancouvers installing a car tower near Granville Bridge and people are pissed

ByBhagyashree Chatterjee

A 33-foot-tall car sculpture is rising in one of Vancouver’s busiest neighbourhoods, and residents are not too thrilled. The Trans Am Rapture sculpture is being permanently installed in a green space near the southwest loop of the Granville Bridge, and people living nearby say they weren’t warned or asked. The City of Vancouver has confirmed that the sculpture, formerly known as Trans Am Totem, will remain in its new location for at least 10 years. Construction is already underway, with a massive concrete foundation poured in mid-June. Construction progress on the foundation for Trans Am Rapture at Granville Street Bridge’s southwest loop, as seen on June 19, 2025. (Kenneth Chan) But Fairview residents say the city never asked them. An online petition on change.org opposing the car sculpture has already drawn over 100 signatures. “We found out through online stories that this installation has already started. There was no notification in the neighbourhood at all by the City. There was no consultation,” Darlene Forst, a Fairview resident, artist, and television producer, told Daily Hive Urbanized. “The fact that there was no thought or consideration given to the residents of the neighbourhood… is unacceptable.” Another petition signer online commented, “As a concerned resident of the area, I am deeply disappointed that this decision appears to have been made without meaningful public consultation. It’s troubling that the City is proceeding… without transparent engagement, public access to site plans, maintenance schedules, or the budget.” The petition has received 127 signatures as of July 9. “This is not a suitable place for this installation,” added another petition signer. “It belongs in an industrial zone, not Fairview.” Originally installed in 2015 at Quebec Street and Pacific Boulevard, the car sculpture was removed in August 2021 due to excessive bird droppings and structural damage. “It became a lovely home for a lot of birds, which then pooped all over the place,” Forst recalled. “The entire location needed to be cleaned up and decontaminated, and the piece itself needed to be decontaminated.” Despite being decontaminated, repainted, and refitted with a new internal support system, residents say the risks haven’t been addressed. “There’s nothing in place… to guarantee that the site will be cleaned regularly and will not become as contaminated,” she said. “This very large sculpture… is going to remove a large portion of our green space. People walk through it to get their groceries. You used to see the sky and the mountains. Now you’ll be walking under cars, which feels uncomfortable.” “It’s going to profoundly change the feel of the neighbourhood.” It was decontaminated, repainted, and fitted with a new internal support system. Despite this, many in Fairview say it shouldn’t be returning at all, especially not outside their homes. “This belongs in an industrial area, not the south Granville Fairview area,” commented another petition signer. The new site is technically not a designated park, but serves as an open public green space used by pedestrians and cyclists on the Granville Connector and Arbutus Greenway. New permanent location of Trans Am Rapture at the southwest loop of the Granville Street Bridge. (Google Maps) The City sees the installation as a “gateway feature” aligned with its public art goals under the Broadway Plan. Residents, however, see it differently. Forst, who launched both the online and paper petitions against the sculpture, says opposition has grown rapidly. “The number of signatures has tripled over the last three days,” she said. “We’re trying to, first and foremost, let people know that this installation is happening, because there’s been so very little notification about it.” They’re urging others to sign the petition and write to Mayor Ken Sim and Vancouver City Council to stop the installation before it’s completed later this summer. What do you think of the sculpture? Comment below. Daily Hive has contacted the City for comment and will update this story if a response is received. With files from Kenneth Chan Want to stay on top of all things Vancouver? Follow us on X

snowbirds-leave-the-us.:-where-will-they-fly-to-now?
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

Snowbirds Leave the U.S.: Where Will They Fly to Now?

BySharon Jung

Canadians account for the largest group of international tourists in the United States, and 40% of all foreign visitors to Florida alone. In 2024, they spent an estimated $20.5 billion USD stateside, which is why, according to the U.S. Travel Association, even a 10% drop in Canadian visitors could result in a loss of $2.1 billion in spending and 14,000 jobs. But the annual spending and visitation are rapidly changing, and it’s no longer just about boycotting American products or avoiding U.S. politics. The deepening rift between Canada and the United States—driven by policy shifts, travel restrictions, and economic uncertainty—has many snowbirds rethinking their winter plans. Increasingly, they’re packing up, selling off their U.S. real estate, and looking to invest further south for their seasonal migrations. What Is a Snowbird? Commonly associated with Canadians, “snowbirds” are retirees over the age of 65 who spend many months (approximately up to 6 months) out of the year in warmer climates, typically during the harsh winter months. They may rent or, more often, own a property, such as a vacation home, to stay in. Why Are Snowbirds Leaving the U.S.? For decades, Canadian snowbirds have flocked to the United States to escape the winter months and have become the largest group of foreign investors in U.S. real estate. Approximately 1 million Canadians are reported to own vacation properties in the country, with the most in Florida (27%), California (11%), and Arizona (11%). Other popular states include Texas, Hawaii, Louisiana, South Carolina, and New Mexico, reflecting the widespread appeal of warm-weather destinations. The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act was initially proposed in June 2019, allowing snowbirds over the age of 50 to extend their visitation from 182 days (nearly 6 months) to 240 days (8 months) per year. However, this bipartisan bill has yet to be passed by the American Congress. Meanwhile, Canadians and foreign visitors to the United States had to wait for the proposed Trump administration’s travel policy, which was officially enacted on April 11, 2025. While Canadian nonimmigrants may be exempted from registering their fingerprints at the border, they must still report to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if their intended visit is over 30 days, under this new policy. The antagonism around the visa policy, combined with increasing scrutiny and bureaucratic hurdles, has made long-term planning uncertain for many retirees. Beyond visa hurdles, the Canada-U.S. tax treaty that helped avoid double taxation for many snowbirds may not be enough incentive for them to invest, as the ongoing tariff war raises questions about the long-term viability of U.S. real estate. The political climate has even worsened with controversial rhetoric, including suggestions of America annexing Canada, which has offended many Canadians and further chilled cross-border sentiment. Unsurprisingly, more and more snowbirds are opting to sell their American properties to fly back home or invest elsewhere. This trend is now visibly disrupting real estate markets in snowbird-heavy regions like Florida and Arizona, which are experiencing a sharp increase in home listings from Canadian owners. Where Will Snowbirds Venture Next?

the-truth-about-real-estate-in-the-news
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

The Truth About Real Estate in the News

ByRose Ho

Myth #2: Put Less Than 20% Down So Banks Will Give You Better Rates Some mortgage brokers and lenders have perpetrated an enormous lie. They have suggested that if buyers purposefully use a smaller-than-average down payment and pay for CMHC mortgage insurance (which is mandatory for down payments under 20%), banks will perceive these loans as “safer” and offer these buyers a much lower interest rate on larger loan-to-value ratios. This is wrong. Banks are not solely looking at down payment sizes to determine the lending rate they will offer you. They look at your income, credit history, and debt-to-income ratio, getting a comprehensive view of your financial status and ability to repay your loan over time. Any “risk” they face of you being unable to pay your loan is offset by the home value itself, not by CMHC insurance. If you don’t pay your mortgage, they have the right to sell your property under a power of sale and recoup their losses. In this way, the bank is always protected from default risk. If you do not need to pay for CMHC insurance, avoid it because it will add to your monthly costs and provide no additional benefit to you. You can do the math: if you were to put less than 20% down, you would have to pay CMCH insurance, which ranges from 0.60% to 4.5% plus tax, which adds thousands of dollars to your housing costs. The only reason someone would push you to put less than 20% down when you have the funds to put 20% down is that they are getting some sort of benefit from it, not you. Mortgage brokers are paid based on the loan size you sign up for, so if you request a 90% loan instead of an 80% loan on a $500,000 property, they will get paid more. The lender, too, will gain more over time as you pay them more interest on your larger loan. Despite this misinformation controversy, the CMHC does offer a great program to help buyers who have less than a 20% down payment break into the market earlier. However, you should use it with a full understanding of the long-term costs. Ultimately, if you have more money to put down, you should definitely do it instead of paying extra fees like CMHC insurance. However, there is one important exception to note. You can get lower rates for investing in multifamily homes (with 5 units or more) that are insured by the CMHC. Typically, for buildings with more than 5 units, you would need a commercial mortgage and a larger down payment, like 25% down, but the CMHC offers preferred rates for eligible multifamily home projects. One specific program, the CMHC MLI Select Program, allows you to receive a lower interest rate than regular residential and commercial rates with less money down while still giving you the power of leverage. This program is available to help build the type of multifamily housing Canada needs the most: affordable rentals, student housing, and retirement housing. The CMHC MLI Select Program allows you to invest in multifamily buildings with only 5% down and offers extended amortizations for up to 50 years and reduced interest rates.

ndp-on-tmx-pipeline:-we-didn’t-want-it-they-built-it.-so-let’s-use-its-full-potential
| | | | | | |

NDP on TMX pipeline: We didn’t want it. They built it. So let’s use its full potential

ByVaughn Palmer

Article content Eby and Sharma exaggerate the degree to which the TMX is “underused … with capacity to spare” after one year of operation. Article content The Canadian Energy Regulator reports that the line has operated at about 80 per cent of its 890,000 barrel-per-day capacity since coming online in May 2024. Moreover, the performance improved in the first quarter of this year. Article content “The pipeline ran at about 85 per cent capacity during the three-month period ending in March,” Chris Varcoe reported in the Calgary Herald this week. The Globe and Mail’s Emma Garney further reported that the line “hit a high of 90 per cent” in March. Article content The demand is such that Trans Mountain has already begun test work to boost capacity by up to 10 per cent by the end of 2026. A longer-term project would add pumping stations to boost it to 1.14 million barrels a day, later in the decade. Article content So much for the B.C. NDP notion that the $34 billion pipeline is languishing through insufficient use. Article content Article content But rather than consult the country’s energy regulator or the national newspapers, perhaps Eby and Sharma were taking their lead from Steven Guilbeault. Article content Guilbeault served as environment minister in the Justin Trudeau Liberal government, where he flourished as a fan of carbon taxation and an opponent of fossil fuel expansion. Article content Carney reassigned him to the Canadian Heritage Department at about the same time as the PM reduced the carbon tax to zero and began talking up the need to expand resource production. Article content It didn’t stop the new heritage minister from wandering outside his lane last month to announce that Canada has no need of more pipelines because TMX was operating at “40 per cent capacity” and the world was approaching “peak oil production.” Article content In the first instance, Guilbeault clearly didn’t know what he was talking about and in the second, there’s much room to debate about when peak oil will be reached. Article content Article content Still, there is a capacity issue regarding the TMX terminal in Burnaby, though not one that involves the pipeline. Article content The terminal is already busy with tankers, having loaded some 741 in the first quarter of the year at a rate that fell just short of one a day in March. But tankers are unable to load fully because of the risk of grounding in Burrard Inlet. Article content The New Democrats have recognized the limitation and come out in support of a federal proposal to dredge Burrard Inlet to a depth that full tankers can traverse. Article content Leading the call is Energy Minister Adrian Dix. As NDP leader, Dix’s snap decision to oppose TMX in the midst of the 2013 election campaign contributed to his loss to Christy Clark. Article content Now that the line is running, Dix supports maximizing its use. “We built it. We paid for it. We should use it,” he says, taking a realistic view of a project that cost him much. Article content Article content Article content