January 2023 Newsletter Introduction

Happy New Year!!! 2023 has arrived! I swear, as I get older I feel like time flies by way too quickly. The common phrases of “where has the time went?” “Time flies” “It seems like yesterday that we were just all here” etc. They are all so true. I can’t say the same for others, but I get that sense for myself. Due to weather conditions and being sick my Christmas this year was a little quiet but I don’t mind it one bit!

So what changes have happened that would impact the real estate market? Well, it’s been announced there is a ban for all foreign buyers to purchase real estate for 2 years. Honestly, this implementation doesn’t impact the market much as this seems more like a political move made by our government to show that they’re making changes to curb housing markets as there has been no indication of large amount of homes being bought by foreign buyers since 2017. The second change is a game change for buyers. The three day recession period is now a mandatory rule for all home purchases.

Buyers will have three business days to back out of a residential purchase after signing the contract. This applies to all contracts, regardless of subjects. We’re asking the government for clarity on what constitutes a “rescission” (cancellation). The period is mandatory and can’t be waived. Buyers who back out of a contract within this three-day period will have to pay a rescission fee of 0.25%. For example, if the purchaser exercises the right of rescission on a $1-million home, they’d be required to pay the seller $2,500. The rescission fee is paid to the seller. 

– Sam