Canada's housing market continues to rise, and that's producing some high quality blogging. There are many fine personal and corporate blogs that cover pretty much every aspect of the market a person could think of. Market analysis, home decor tips, financial tips, news and advice are all offered up among these sites. Many of these sites are updated frequently enough to keep readers satiated with designs that are easy on the eyes and strong social media presences to back them up. We've poured through the Canadian real estate blogosphere to find the best sites and based on these criteria we've selected the top 50. There really is something for everyone here, so please take a look and feel free to comment below!
Make sure to check out our 2013 rankings!
#01 Don R. Campbell
Don R. Campbell is the cofounder of REIN (Real Estate Investment Network) and Cutting Edge Research, as well as author, investor, researcher and educator. In his personal blog, Don looks at everything from the economic realities of the housing market to mortgages, strategies, personal finance and trends. Readers can find information on workshops and his best selling books (from which Don donates 100% of his author royalties to Habitat for Humanity). The site, while at times somewhat cluttered, offers some fantastic insight into the real estate market and Don is well connected on social media, so follow him on Twitter and Facebook to keep abreast of the latest research and news.
Don R. Campbell
#02 Torontoism
With more than 33 years of experience, as well as a long-term member and former president of the Toronto Real Estate Board, Richard Silver is well known among GTA realtors. Richard is within the top 1% of the Toronto Real Estate Board's 36,000 members, and this website reflects his expertise and experience. This fluid and easily readable website offers everything from neighbourhood profiles to where to find the best pie in Toronto! Torontoism's Featured Properties section offers a glimpse of some of the region's most beautiful properties, while Richard's YouTube channel highlights some of the most popular neighbourhoods in Toronto, narrated by the man himself.
Torontoism
#03 The Greater Fool
The Greater Fool offers a comparable experience to anyone familiar with the average blog or WordPress layout. But the streamlined appearance helps to highlight Garth Turner's writing. Garth is the best-selling author of 14 books on economic trends, real estate, the financial crisis, personal finance strategies, taxation and politics, and you can see why when you read his blog posts. Garth's impressive resume is reflected in his writing, while his personal flair, sense of humour and casual tone make it easy for anyone to understand the complex issues he tackles in his articles.
Greater Fool
#04 The Julie Kinnear Team
Julie Kinnear and her team hope to "guide you home," using the symbol of the Inukshuk--the stone men made by Inuit to serve as guideposts in Canada's barren North--to guide their business. Their website offers everything from the usual real estate services to movie reviews, so there's something for everyone from real estate investors to casual visitors. Julie's active presence on social media, including Facebook, Google+ and Twitter allow readers to stay connected and updated on the latest news and research.
The Jullie Kinnear Team
#05 The Red Pin
The modern design and interactivity make this one of the more unique websites on this page. Most of the blogs content comes in the form of profiles on specific developments but visitors can also find in-depth analysis of economic news and trends that affect the market. A handy interactive map also helps potential buyers narrow down the search for a new home to something within their price range and in the neighbourhood they're looking to buy. The Red Pin's presence on social media enhances the interactivity, and they can be followed on Twitter, Youtube, Facebook and Google+.
The Red Pin
#06 Buzz Buzz Home
Buzz Buzz Home has moved up a few spots from last year, and with cool features like then-and-now photographic comparisons of a neighbourhood landmarks, along with the usual real estate news it's easy to see why. Their focus is on cataloguing new residential developments both North and South of the border while the "Water Cooler" section offers decorating tips and financial advice. And f the site sometimes feels a little cluttered, that's because of the plethora of information available.
Buzz Buzz Home
#07 Jay Banks
Jay brings plenty of experience to the table with his blog, so all of your basic real estate needs are well met and expanded upon. But his blog allows for a personal touch that demonstrates his intimate knowledge of the neighbourhoods he works with. A golf course report, live music listings and scene reports, and a list of the city's best bakeries show that Jay is a man with his pulse on the finger of Vancouver. The easily readable site is well-connected to the big social media platforms.
Jay Banks
#08 First Foundation
This blog offers everything from slice-of-life articles to personal finance advice. They offer the services of an independent mortgage broker; home, car and business insurance; life insurance; and can serve as a financial advisor. They also of plenty of real estate advice, and the layout allows for easy readability and connectivity to social media. They say their main goal is to be "big enough to save you money, but small enough to know your name," and they seem to offer the resources to back up that claim.
First Foundation
#09 I Love Toronto
Laid out in the familiar Sotheby's blue and white, I Love Toronto offers in-depth analysis of Toronto's many diverse neighbourhoods. From Parkdale to Lawrence Park, it's all covered here with regular infographics, reports, articles on Toronto's history, and shopping recommendations adding to the will-informed real estate knowledge that ensures this blog's spot in the top ten. It's online presence is strong, with active Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google+ accounts.
I Love Toronto
#10 Josie Stern Team
The blue-on-white layout may not be the most exciting to look at, but when you dig a little deeper you'll find the quality articles that make this blog worth checking out. Josie Stern's articles bring her years of experience to forefront, while offering a personal touch. She's unafraid to take a hard look at the realty profession and provide the insight anyone looking to buy or sell a home might need. The team is active on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
Josie Stern Team
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