Last week the provincial government announced a full HST “holiday” on new homes, effective for agreements signed between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027.
For homes priced up to $1,000,000, the HST is fully rebated.
For homes between $1,000,000 and $1,500,000, a rebate of up to $130,000 is available.
Between $1,500,000 and $1,800,000, the rebate is gradually reduced, and it is fully phased out at $1,800,000 to the previous rebate of $24,000.
This program is no longer limited to first-time buyers. It applies to any purchaser who intends to use the property as their primary residence or rent it out on a long-term basis. Short-term rentals (such as Airbnb-style usage) does not qualify.

This is major news for the market, but it’s important to understand that it’s not as simple as just removing 13% from a home’s price.
In most cases, builders have already built the existing $24,000 HST rebate into their pricing. That means a home listed at $1,000,000 typically reflects a true price of about $1,024,000, with the builder assigning the rebate back to themselves on closing and adjusting the advertised price accordingly.
Because of this, the new HST holiday doesn’t automatically translate into a full 13% savings on top of current list prices. Instead, the actual benefit will depend on how each builder chooses to adjust their pricing, whether they pass the savings on to buyers, hold pricing steady, or reposition based on demand.
With that said a home that was previously listed at $1,000,000 (remember it really is $1,024,000) could now be sold by the builder for $894,000 without the builder taking a hit,  assuming the builder passes on the entire savings to the consumer. 

To make things even more interesting for the new construction market, the federal and provincial governments have also announced plans to reduce development charges across Ontario for a three-year period.
In some areas, like Toronto, early indications suggest reductions could be as high as 50%.
That said, this is still evolving. Municipalities across the province will ultimately determine how these reductions are applied, including the timing and the actual amounts. Until those details are finalized, it’s not entirely clear how much of this savings will be passed on to buyers.

What does this all mean for the market? 
For starters, those who entered into new build agreements but haven’t closed, seem to be SOL. I think this will change, and there is a lot of noise about it already. If you are one of those buyers who is in a contract or who recently closed you may want to reach out to your MP/MPP. I know of a few different petitions already being circulated to get changes made to this asap. 

From what I’m hearing within the industry, the early expectation is that builders will pass along the available credits to buyers. The goal being to improve affordability and, just as importantly, help move existing new build inventory.
That said, this will ultimately come down to individual builders and how they choose to position their pricing. Some may pass on the full benefit, while others may adjust more strategically depending on demand and supply. Buyer beware, know your contracts and have these reviewed by your lawyer to ensure you fully understand. I suspect most builders will advertise a lower price which includes all of the credits available, but in the event you as a purchaser do not qualify, you will be the one on the hook for the additional funds. 

I also suspect this will put additional downward pressure on the re-sale market. New homes have always sold at a premium compared to re-sale and with this rebate that gap could close notably. It’s fairly easy as a seller to compete with a builder when their closings are a year or two out, if someone needs a home now, they need it now… but for those builders with ready to go inventory they are going to look very attractive to buyers. For those who have purchased new in the last few years and have struggled to sell your property, this will not be welcome news. 

As someone who represents several builders, I can tell you the past few days have been hectic as everyone works through the details. The government has a “fun” way of making fairly broad announcements without all the specifics, so there’s been a lot happening behind the scenes. We’re actively working through everything alongside our legal teams to ensure the properties we represent are positioned correctly, and ultimately sold at the best possible value for buyers. If you are actively watching any of the developments we have at the River Realty Team, stay tuned as there is more to come! 

New build pricing is shifting quickly, and not every incentive will be as straightforward as it appears.
If you want clarity on how these changes impact specific projects — or want early access to builder inventory and incentives — reach out directly or send us a message. We’re actively working with multiple builders and can give you real-time insight you won’t find online.

In 2025, we took things up a notch by ramping up online engagement for our clients’ benefit. This led to 1,343,800 impressions on the RRT Facebook and Instagram alone. Our website improvements brought in 62,293 unique visitors, averaging 170 people a day.

Why does this matter? The more people see your property—or your buying potential—the higher the chance of getting the best price, the fastest sale, or finding the perfect home. These aren’t just numbers—they directly translate into real results for you. We are truly humbled by these numbers. As a team, we penned 69 firm transactions in 2025—considering the average agent sells fewer than 3 homes a year, that says a lot about our approach. 

When we started the River Realty Team, we wanted to do things differently. Our pink and blue logo reflects that: stand out, get noticed, deliver results. That’s exactly what we show up to do for our clients every single day. If you think 2026 is the year you want to make a move, we’d love to sit down and discuss your options. As a team, we’re constantly refining our systems and strategies to make sure our clients get the very best representation and advice.

We’re gearing up for our best year yet! Want to take advantage of our combined 42 years of experience (yes it matters) we’d love to chat! 

Selling your home can be stressful—but when you have pets, it can feel even trickier. At River Realty, we totally get it. Every member of our team has pets we adore, and we know how much they’re part of your family 🐶🐱. That’s why we’ve put together our top tips for selling your home in Paris, Ontario while keeping your furry friends happy—and appealing to buyers.

1. Keep Your Home Clean and Smelling Fresh 🧹✨

Pet hair, dander, and odors can be a deal-breaker for buyers. Regularly vacuum, mop, and clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Consider professional carpet cleaning if needed. Natural scents like baking soda or subtle essential oils work best—overpowering air fresheners can turn buyers off.

2. Stage Smart and Minimize Pet Clutter 🛋️🐾

Buyers want to imagine themselves in your home, not focus on your pets’ toys and beds. Remove litter boxes, beds, and pet supplies during showings. If possible, have pets safely in another room or at a friend’s house for the day.

3. Fix Any Pet Damage 🐾🩹

Scratched floors, chewed baseboards, or stained carpets can worry buyers. Touch up paint, fill scratches, and clean or replace damaged flooring. Even small repairs can make your home look well-maintained and move-in ready.

4. Plan Showings Around Your Pets 🐕🚶‍♂️

Some buyers may be hesitant around dogs, cats, or other animals. Schedule showings when your pets can be out for a walk or safely in a separate room. This keeps your home calm and buyer-friendly.

5. Highlight Pet-Friendly Features 🌳🏡

Does your home have a fenced yard? Nearby parks? Built-in pet amenities? Make sure buyers know! Pet-friendly features can actually be a selling point in Paris, Ontario, where many families love having outdoor space for their animals.

6. Be Honest About Pet-Related Wear and Tear 🐾💬

Transparency builds trust. If there’s any pet-related damage, disclose it upfront. Buyers will appreciate your honesty, and it helps avoid surprises during negotiations.

7. Keep Calm and Flexible 😌🐶🐱

Selling with pets requires coordination, but a little planning goes a long way. Keep your home clean, stage thoughtfully, and be mindful of showings. Your home—and your pets—will shine!

At River Realty, we love pets just as much as you do, and we’ve helped countless families in Paris, Ontario sell their homes while keeping their furry friends happy. 🐾❤️Selling your home with pets doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow these tips, and your home will appeal to buyers while your pets stay safe and loved.

Fall in Southern Ontario means changing leaves, cooler evenings, and yes — that one neighbour who goes a little too hard on Halloween decorations (we see you, Steve 🎃).

While it’s one of the most beautiful times of the year, it’s also your reminder to get your home ready before winter hits. Here’s a practical (and totally doable) checklist to help you prep without losing your sanity.

🧹 1. Clean Your Gutters

No one enjoys scooping soggy leaves, but clogged gutters can cause serious water damage once the snow starts to melt. Grab a ladder, clear the debris, and enjoy the free arm workout while you’re at it.

🔥 2. Furnace Tune-Up

A Canadian winter without heat? No thanks. Schedule a furnace inspection now, and have your gas fireplace checked too. You’ll thank yourself when that first cold snap hits.

💨 3. Seal Drafts

Feeling a mysterious chill inside? Not a ghost 👻 — just air leaks around windows and doors. Weather stripping or a bit of caulking now can save big on heating bills later.

🍂 4. Deal with the Leaves (or Don’t)

Rake them, mulch them, or wait for the snow to hide them. Either way, if you do rake, jumping in the pile at least once is mandatory.

🚨 5. Test Smoke & CO Detectors

A quick press of the button could literally save a life. Replace batteries if needed and double-check expiry dates on your CO detectors.

🕯️ 6. Stock Up on Cozy Essentials

Blankets, candles, and soup season are officially back. Add a good book or your favourite series (hello, Gilmore Girls☕) and you’ve got peak fall comfort.

🌳 7. Prep the Yard

Say goodbye to patio furniture before it becomes a permanent ice sculpture. Cover it, stash it, or drag it closer to the house and hope for the best.

⚡ 8. Restock Your Emergency Kit

Snowstorms happen. Power outages happen. Make sure you’ve got batteries, candles, flashlights, and snacks ready to go — bonus points for downloaded shows when the Wi-Fi gives up.

Prepping your home for fall doesn’t have to be a chore — think of it as setting the stage for cozy nights, holiday gatherings, and maybe even a snow day or two.

If you’d like trusted local contacts to help with any of these tasks, reach out anytime — our team’s always happy to connect you with the right people.

While spring and fall get all the glory, summer can be a great time to list your home. Here’s why:

1. Less Competition = More Attention. As you know many Sellers aim to list in the Spring or wait until the Fall, which means fewer listings in the summer months. With less inventory on the market, your homes stands out more and can attract serious buyers who don’t have dozens of options to scroll through.

2. Buyers are Motivated. Buyers looking this time of year often have a deadline - whether it’s getting settled before a new school season, relocating for work or taking advantage of a vacation window to make their move. These aren’t just browsers, these are Buyers who are ready to act!

3. Your Home Shows Best in Summer. Longer days means brighter rooms, lush landscaping and outdoor spaces shine! Pools, decks, gardens, and curb appeal all make a strong emotional impression when people are imagining their next summer in a new space. 

4. More Flexibility for Showings. Schools out and people tend to have more flexibility from employers or take a lot of vacation time, making it easier for both Buyers and Sellers to accommodate showings or Open Houses 

5. Summer Moves are Just Easier. Picture yourself carrying boxes through blowing snow or carry that couch in on a nice summer day, which would you prefer? Summer is peak moving season for a reason - it’s just more pleasant - and Buyers know it! 

Thinking of Selling? Let’s chat and make a plan so your home hits the market while the summer momentum is still strong. Fall gets crowded—get ahead of the curve while the sun's still shining.

Many of our clients ask why we choose to be part of REMAX Twin City Realty Inc. instead of operating as our own brokerage. The answer is simple: being part of a large, well-established brokerage allows us to focus on what truly matters—delivering the best possible service to our clients.

By working within REMAX Twin City, we gain access to a powerful network of top-performing agents, increasing exposure for our listings and giving our buyers an edge in competitive markets. The brokerage also provides industry-leading training, cutting-edge technology, and marketing resources that help us stay ahead of trends and serve our clients at the highest level. Plus, having a dedicated administrative and compliance team ensures our transactions run smoothly, allowing us to focus on negotiating, marketing, and making the buying or selling process as stress-free as possible.

At the end of the day, being part of a globally recognized brand with a strong local presence gives our clients more confidence, more connections, and more results—without compromising the personal, hands-on service that makes our small team unique.

In speaking with one of our trusted mortgage brokers, they’ve said one of the biggest worries people have when buying a home is the appraisal coming in low. Thinking about it, we agree - this is a part of the process you as a consumer have no control over. 

One note I want you to remember though... It's rare for an appraisal to come in lower on a purchase! 

As one appraiser once said to me: "The best way to tell what a property is worth is by what it just sold for in the open market". Honestly, I rarely actually see an appraisal these days on a MLS purchase (most just auto-appraise), and when I do they almost always come it at sale price.

Clients with less than 20% down:

• I almost never see an appraisal needed for these clients, unless the property is in poor shape, purchased privately, or under power of sale. 

• The main reason we rarely see appraisals needed is that there are so many comparable sales in this price range, and the mortgage insurers (CMHC, etc...) are responsible for determining the property value. Their automated Valuation model (AVM) algorithm is super generous, so this rarely happens.

• For context, I can't think of a deal I have done in the last year for an insured purchase where the purchase price was not supported... not a single one!

Clients with 20% down:

• If they're looking under a million, again we see very few appraisals needed as long as the property is urban, not a rental, in poor shape, purchases privately, or power of sale. There's usually enough comparables in the market that either the lender's AVM or the appraisal supports the purchase price.

• If they're looking over a million (or more rural) and just have the 20% down, this is where there's a bit more risk at play simply because there are less supporting comparables, and the higher the price point, the more subjective the property evaluation becomes.

• Again... I can't think of my last deal where a purchase price under a million wasn't supported by either an AVM or an appraisal (knock on wood!).

Clients with a massive down payment (think over 35%):

• These are the easy files - almost no risk unless there's something wrong with the property itself.

• If a client is buying a $900k home with $300k down and the appraisal comes in at $880,000, in the lender's eyes it's simply a $880,000 purchase with $280,000 down, and the client is kicking in the $20,000 difference. Easy!

Hopefully this can help relive some stress you have when thinking about mortgages. If you need any additional help we love working with Jim! https://jimstefflermortgages.com/