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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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

In January 2018, the OFSI mortgage stress test (B-20) was introduced to test a homebuyer's ability to afford their property in the event of an interest rate increase. Before then, the stress test existed only for highratio mortgages – anyone borrowing more than 80 per cent. However, the new B-20 rules made the stress test applicable to all mortgages in Canada. Under this stress test, Canadians are no longer qualifying for the value of the home they are purchasing, but instead, the greater of the Bank of Canada's (BoC) five-year rate or the rate offered by their mortgage lender, plus two per cent. Consequently, this made the new process of qualifying for a mortgage a lot tougher, especially for first-time buyers. Back in June 2018, the benchmark qualifying rate for the stress test was 5.34 per cent. After three rate drops from the BoC this year, it now sits at 4.79 per cent. This significant drop from 2018 has increased the overall home affordability of Canadian borrowers and thus made the stress test a little easier.

Why does the rate drop help with affordability?

A major pain point with the previous stress test was that its strict guidelines made affordability more difficult for borrowers. With the qualifying rate lowered to 4.79 per cent, this increases the amount of money homeowners and buyers can borrow and also expand their horizons in terms of what they can purchase. For example, let's say a young couple is looking to buy their first home. Their household income is $124,000 and they're willing to make a down payment of five per cent on a $523,000 home. Under the previous stress test, this couple could get approved for a mortgage of $516,724. However, today they could get approved for a mortgage of $543,400 on a $550,000 home. From June 2018 to now, their home affordability increased by $27,000.

How will this help Canadian buyers and homeowners?

When the stress test was first put in place, many first-time buyers were impacted, as it reduced their home affordability. With the qualifying rate lowered to 4.79 per cent, the marketplace is much more inviting for those who have been anticipating the opportunity to purchase their first home. For those who want to renew or switch their mortgage, the new stress test gives them more opportunity to explore better options outside of their current lender. Under the previous test, many homeowners looking to renew their mortgage could do so only with their existing lender as they wouldn't be subject to the stress test. Today, this process is a lot more flexible and lenient to homeowners interested in shopping different lenders for a better mortgage. For individuals looking to refinance, the new stress test rate is positive, as it increases their overall affordability and the total amount they can borrow on top of their current mortgage. The consistent rate drops over the last six months are a direct response to the recent pandemic and the federal government's efforts to stimulate the Canadian marketplace. With the stress test rate lowered, there's been a clear spike in buying activity across Canada. At Homewise, we've seen this first-hand with a strong influx of clients looking to refinance or switch their mortgage, or purchase their first home. Working with more than 30 banks and lenders, we make it possible for clients to shop around and find the best product for their unique circumstances. With all that said, the current marketplace is buzzing and presents more opportunities for both existing homeowners and prospective buyers. Jesse Abrams is Co-Founder at Homewise, a mortgage advisory and brokerage firm based in Toronto. thinkhomewise.com

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

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.

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”.

Leak, Clogged Drain, Complex Plumbing Repair? We offer 24 Hour 7 Day Emergency Plumbing Service.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 20 years of experience in the flooring industry, we at BMG offer complete full service and installation on a wide range of products and materials including natural stone, hardwood, laminate, cork, porcelain, travertine, granite countertops, kitchen & bath faucets & sinks. Our Design Consultants are committed to finding the ideal kitchen or bath design that suits your budget and lifestyle.

When Chuck McOuat founded the company in the mid ‘70’s, his experience working on brands like CIBC, Bramalea, Loblaws and McDonalds gave him the insight to invent new ways of approaching real estate marketing that have now become standards in the industry.

For four decades, we’ve built a reputation as a leader in premium and luxury space-management, delivering truly custom products and unparalleled service.

Making a grand entrance, is what Unitech Exterior Doors is all about. From the initial drawing to final installation, Unitech Exterior Doors sets the standard in Fiberglass Front Door Entry Systems. Here you will find elegance, durability, style, technology and good old fashioned value.

At Eglinton Carpets, our goal is to offer professional advice about flooring solutions for any type of space, be it interior or exterior, commercial or residential.

We offer personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets, through our global team of approximately 90,000 Scotiabankers.