Established in 1987, Caesarstone pioneered the original quartz surface and continues to be a leading developer and manufacturer of premium surfaces. Highly functional and design forward, Caesarstone surfaces have endless application possibilities including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, wall paneling, furniture and more.

At Riobel we design, create and assemble faucets, shower systems and accessories in our Canadian facility located in St-Jérôme, a suburb of Montréal. Our modern and fashionable products are designed to fit all kitchens or bathrooms. They are easy to install, while mechanical parts are accessible from above the counter to facilitate cleaning and maintenance. Riobel: a benchmark of excellence since 1995!

Since 1873, Kohler Co. has been improving the level of gracious living by providing exceptional products and services for our customers’ homes and their lifestyles.

At JELD-WEN, we craft custom windows and doors from the highest quality materials, designed to inspire homeowners and add beauty to the world.

At the beginning of June, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) announced its decision to tighten the guidelines for insured mortgages as of this month. This applies to mortgages with down payments of less than 20 per cent that require CMHC default insurance. Given the recent COVID-19 pandemic, there have been varying outlooks of how the Canadian housing market will be impacted. Evan Siddall, CEO of CMHC – who is also scheduled to depart from the organization later this year – strongly believes that Canadian housing prices will be lowering despite upward trends seen across the country. As a result, he implemented these new policies to stop borrowing from who he deems to be riskier buyers. When he made this decision, there was a lot of disappointment among first-time homebuyers, as they believed this directly targeted them and negatively affected their ability to buy a home. Now that the dust has settled around this and these changes are in full effect, we're gaining more insight into who may be affected, and how – some good news for those worried first-time buyers.

So, what exactly are the new CMHC guidelines?

As of July 1, the following rules came into effect for insured mortgages:

• The minimum credit score increased to 680 from 600, for at least one borrower
• Buyers can no longer borrow money for a down payment (does not include family gifts)
• Gross Debt-Service ratio decreased to 35 from 39 per cent (lowers affordability)
• Total Debt-Service ratio decreased to 42 from 44 per cent (lowers affordability)
• Multi-unit mortgage insurance refinancing is suspended (unless funds are used for repairs or reinvestment in the property)

Who could be affected?

These new rules have the potential to cut the purchasing power of many Canadian homebuyers as it decreases their overall housing affordability. At face value, we can expect this to impact first-time buyers the most, as they're more likely to make down payments of less than 20 per cent, as well as buy a home close to their maximum affordability.

Some may not be affected at all

The mortgage rules technically only apply to lenders who use CMHC as their only insurer. In other words, not every lender (if any) will be following through with these new rules. Genworth MI Canada and Canada Guaranty are two CMHC competitors that have chosen not to adopt these stricter guidelines. So, depending on the lender you're working with, Canadian buyers may not be impacted at all. In this climate, especially, shopping lenders and finding an unbiased mortgage advisor has never been more important and encouraged. Changes like this are the exact reason we work with more than 30 banks and lenders at Homewise. Policies and lending guidelines are constantly changing, so having access to multiple lender options ensures that buyers can find the best mortgage for their unique needs. Recently, we've received a lot of questions about how to navigate this situation. Given the many options we have available, we are able to guide our clients to the right lenders so they don't have to worry about these new CMHC policy changes. Best of all, many top lenders with great features and rates don't have to abide by this new criteria. Given that these rules are new, we're still learning how they can impact Canadian buyers. For the time being, it's evident there are other avenues for many purchasers to get a great mortgage without being impacted by these new guidelines. Jesse Abrams is Co-Founder at Homewise, a mortgage advisory and brokerage firm based in Toronto. thinkhomewise.com

For over 50 years, Faema Canada has introduced the art of traditional Italian Espresso and Cappuccino to Canadians. We carry a variety of premium brands that can be tested at any one of our retail stores. Our selection of machines is only complemented by our assortment of fine espresso blends imported from Italy. Our wide selection of beans can also be brewed and sampled at all of our locations.

As a cooperative with 1,000 stores worldwide, we not only have enormous buying power, but we have partners in all of the major brands, mills and manufacturers.

Canadian Appliance Source has become the fastest growing provider of Major Home Appliances in Canada for over 10 years, we have grown to include over 13 locations across Ontario & Quebec.

All-electric fireplace showroom and design centre with the largest selection in Toronto and York Region. Combining specialized expertise with over 20 years' interior design experience. On-wall, in-wall, fireboxes, retrofit inserts, mantels, custom cabinetry, stone and brick veneers. Residential and commercial. Trade and volume inquiries always welcome.

By becoming the standard bearer in the basement renovation industry, we can promote quality materials, professional trades, honest pricing, and better communication standards to create customer advocates and inspire our competitors.

Shelter Furniture recognizes your individual style and are sensitive to your space and your vision for your home. With our in store design services, we help you create unique space that helps bring your home to life.

Fusion Stone is an easy and budget-friendly way to beautifully upgrade your home, inside and out. A patented Shouldice innovation, Fusion Stone is a thin stone veneer that is easily installed with the included stainless steel clips & screws. You just screw it to the wall and it’s “Hooked for Life”.

IKO has grown from humble beginnings to a global leader in the roofing products industry, with more than 3,000 employees worldwide, and state-of-the-art manufacturing plants.

Euro-Line Appliances has brought elite European engineered appliances to Canadian homes for over 25 years. Our brands exceed expectations and have earned awards in design, engineering, performance, and energy efficiency. All of our cooking, refrigeration, dishwashers, and laundry appliances are created to conserve our non-renewable resources.

From a modest machine shop in Baltimore to the surface of the moon, we’ve proudly provided innovative solutions for over a century. Discover the pioneering history of BLACK+DECKER.

Since 1989 Selba Kitchens and Baths has become a leader in the production of fine quality cabinetry in Toronto and surrounding areas.

SFA SANIFLO INC. (“SANIFLO”) is the only manufacturer of its kind in North America offering a complete line of macerating toilet systems for residential and light-commercial applications where installation of plumbing fixtures with below-floor drainage is impossible or cost-prohibitive.

Cosentino is a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for the world of architecture and design, leaders in their respective segments such as Silestone® Quartz surfaces and Dekton® Ultracompact surfaces. Technologically advanced surfaces that create unique designs for the home and public spaces.

FLEURCO specializes in holistic designs and finishes that easily adapt to both traditional and contemporary bathroom décors.

IMPROVE is totally unique to Canada. Based on the international success of similar concepts throughout the world, IMPROVE understands how to make home improvement much easier and more pleasurable for consumers and trades to shop all under one roof.

As the world’s leader in skylights, Sun Tunnels and roof windows, VELUX is one of the strongest international brands in the building materials sector.

Custom fabrication, marble granite quartz and a boutique showroom that caters to designers, architects, contractors and more! Everyone is welcome!

Sharp Electronics of Canada Ltd. is dedicated to improving the lives of consumers through the use of advanced technology. With a commitment to innovation, quality, value and design, Sharp consumer electronics and appliances enhance enjoyment, while adding to comfort.

With over 90 years of experience, BLANCO is the leading kitchen sinks and faucets manufacturer. From handcrafted in Germany Steelart® sinks and the beauty of Silgranit®, to the European design faucets, BLANCO products are celebrated worldwide for their unmatched quality and design. Blanco Silgranit® sinks are proudly manufactured in Canada TRADE ONLY.

Merit Travel delivers authentic travel experiences to the world’s top destinations, with a team of passionate and dedicated Travel Consultants at our locations across Canada. We know that not all vacations can be created with a few clicks, and that’s what we’re here for—to put the pieces together, do the research, negotiate the deals, customize itineraries and create the perfect getaway for you.

The Scenic City offers many opportunities for relaxing and rejuvinating -- winter, spring, summer and fall! Whether you are staying a few days or a lifetime, you'll find many sources of inspiration.

A retailer of quality flooring products such as hardwood, engineered, and laminate flooring and carpeting. We specialize in quality materials and service. We provide professional installation services for all of our products as well as providing refinishing services. We also specialize in Solid Hardwood stairs.

At Delta Faucet, our kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets and shower systems pair inspirational design with innovations that anticipate people's needs, like Touch20® Technology faucets that turn on with just a touch and In2ition® Showers with integrated shower heads and hand showers.

Supply and install architectural plaster mouldings. Large selection of decorative items, columns and fireplace mantels. Custom design and restoration.

iFinance Canada has been offering an array of finance programs to Canadians since 1996. The demand for financing and information is a niche that iFinance Canada has determined and subsequently benchmarked through the Company's recognition by over 8000 service providers across Canada. iFinance Home Improvement - Canada's Home Improvement Financing Company.