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This Weekend's GTHA Storms Are a Preview of Your Next Insurance Bill

  Monday August 3, 2026 A tornado warning near Niagara, up to 50 mm of rain across the GTHA, and flood watches from Peel to Durham. It's a rough long weekend — and a live example of why your home insurance renewal keeps climbing. What Happened This Weekend Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for most of the GTHA on Sunday, warning of localized rainfall exceeding 50 mm. A tornado warning was briefly issued for the St. Catharines–Niagara Falls area before being lifted. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Credit Valley Conservation both issued flood outlook statements, warning that rivers and creeks could rise well above normal levels with a "higher potential for flooding." If this feels familiar, it's because it is. Canada's 2026 severe weather season started earlier and harder than usual — and insurers have already been telling shareholders about it for months. The storm soaking your basement window well this weekend is the same category...

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New home buyers in trouble as mortgage rates soar

Some buyers who purchased preconstruction homes are finding themselves unable to close on their properties due to rising mortgage rates and stricter lending rules. As a result, they are resorting to selling their contracts to other buyers at a discount, or even giving up their deposits and facing legal risks.

According to Robert McLister, an interest rate analyst and mortgage strategist, this trend is creating opportunities for bargain hunters who are looking for assignment deals. These are transactions where the original buyer transfers their rights and obligations to a new buyer before the home is completed.

However, assignment deals are not without challenges and costs. Both assignors and assignees need to get approval from the builder, pay fees and taxes, and secure financing. Moreover, they need to be aware of the market conditions and the potential risks of flipping or renting out the property.

McLister advises buyers to start evaluating their options early and seek professional help from a tax-savvy accountant, a mortgage broker, and a real estate lawyer. He also suggests that buyers should monitor the bond yields and the Bank of Canada’s rate decisions, as they may affect the future demand and prices of new homes.

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