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  <channel>
    <title>Nichols Real Estate Group : News : Latest Blog Posts</title>
    <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html</link>
    <description>Nichols Real Estate Group : News : Latest Blog Posts</description>
    <copyright>Copyright (C): Nichols Real Estate Group, https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca</copyright>
    <pubDate>Thu, 14 Dec 2023 20:46:44 GMT</pubDate>
    <dc:creator>Nichols Real Estate Group</dc:creator>
    <dc:date>2023-12-14T20:46:44Z</dc:date>
    <dc:rights>Copyright (C): Nichols Real Estate Group, https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca</dc:rights>
    <item>
      <title>Agri-Trade Equipment Expo</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/agri-trade-equipment-expo-8014298</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;November 8 - 10 at the Westerner Park&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;The Partnership of Agri-Trade began in 1984 and has continued to this day, and is a joint venture of the Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce and Westerner Park. &amp;nbsp;Agri-Trade is considered to be one of the best Farm Equipment Shows to do business in North America. &amp;nbsp;It is one of the shows in Canada that is supported by the major equipment retailers as a “National Stand”.&lt;br&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;Agri-Trade Equipment Expo attracts annually over 30,000 qualified Agriculture Buyers and over 475 equipment manufacturers and &amp;nbsp;Agricultural Services&amp;nbsp;to Red Deer. Agri-Trade is&amp;nbsp;considered one of the Best Agricultural Equipment &amp;nbsp;shows&amp;nbsp;in Canada generating an estimated $300,000,000.00 annually in equipment sales and tourism spending.&amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;Because of Agri-Trade’s unique timing, we are the first show after harvest as well as the first show that kicks off a new planning season for producers. &amp;nbsp;That is the secret to the success of the Show; farmers know what they have to spend.&lt;br&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;Agri-Trade happens over three days each November and is host to &amp;nbsp;exhibitors representing the very best in agriculture equipment, technology, service and products.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Right Show Right Time Right Location&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2 style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Focus on youth&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Agri-Trade is pleased to be once again providing bursaries to agricultural students from both Red Deer College, Olds College and Lakeland College. The bursary program totals $22,500 for worthy students across Alberta.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FREE ADMISSION&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;In our efforts to support youth in Agriculture we are also offering free admission to any 4-H member, who arrives at the show and presents their valid 4-H membership card. We are also working with Red Deer County to provide students from the county with complimentary admission to the show.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;As with any industry sector the future lies with our youth, and through our investment we hope to encourage their continued involvement in the agricultural sector.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;a target="" rel="" href="https://www.agri-trade.com/about" data-type="link"&gt;https://www.agri-trade.com/about&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Local News</category>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Oct 2023 18:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/agri-trade-equipment-expo-8014298</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-10-18T18:18:00Z</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>Happy Thanksgiving</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/happy-thanksgiving-8014299</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Wishing everyone a blessed Thanksgiving filled with many wonderful memories!&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/happy-thanksgiving-8014299</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-10-02T16:07:00Z</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>Red Deer FALL RENOVATION AND DESIGN</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/red-deer-fall-renovation-and-design-8014300</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Oct 13 - 15, 2023 @ the Westerner&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;Meet local professionals and talk to the experts you need for your home&amp;nbsp;improvement projects. They are here to talk to you about the projects on your list, and want to help you get them done! The show offers something for everyone, from home decor, to large-scale renovations and real estate professionals.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 29 Sep 2023 16:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/red-deer-fall-renovation-and-design-8014300</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-09-29T16:08:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Happy First Day of Fall</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/happy-first-day-of-fall-8014301</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Wishing all a wonderful Fall Season!&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 23 Sep 2023 16:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/happy-first-day-of-fall-8014301</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-09-23T16:09:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Blue Grass Sod Farm</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/blue-grass-sod-farm-8014302</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;To all those Blue Grass Garden Club Members, they have an exclusive deal for you!&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.facebook.com/bluegrassrd/posts/pfbid0bbqpVrmFDSAzZXeXsXTLQ7jB8cBuGLPEAWypETsdhKPY9rjNcz4YFoZBTEYBd5Mal" data-type="link"&gt;Click Here to find out more about this dea!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Local News</category>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Sep 2023 16:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/blue-grass-sod-farm-8014302</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-09-07T16:19:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Dutchess Flower Company celebrating their 5th year anniversary</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/dutchess-flower-company-celebrating-their-5th-year-anniversary-8014303</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Congratulations to Dutchess Flower Company in Lacombe for&amp;nbsp;celebrating their 5th anniversary today~ Check out their FB page for amazing sales in celebration and giving thanks to community support!&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;a target="" rel="" href="https://www.facebook.com/dutchessflowercompany" data-type="link"&gt;https://www.facebook.com/dutchessflowercompany&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Local News</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:21:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/dutchess-flower-company-celebrating-their-5th-year-anniversary-8014303</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-08-22T16:21:00Z</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>Lacombe Farmers Market</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/lacombe-farmers-market-8014304</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Reminder to check out the Lacombe Farmers market and at the same time supporting local.&amp;nbsp; Any Yes your 4 legged family members are allowed. Just make sure your pets are on a lease/collar or harness and well mannered due to meeting up with other pets and the other people that are there enjoy their shopping experience. Enjoy!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Check out more information here:&amp;nbsp;&lt;a target="" rel="" href="https://www.facebook.com/lacombefarmersmarket" data-type="link"&gt;https://www.facebook.com/lacombefarmersmarket&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Local News</category>
      <category>Mortgage</category>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 Aug 2023 16:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/lacombe-farmers-market-8014304</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-08-16T16:22:00Z</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>No further rate hikes expected in 2023, Bank of Canada survey suggests</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/no-further-rate-hikes-expected-in-2023-bank-of-canada-survey-suggests-8014305</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;a target="" rel="" href="http://globalnews.ca/tag/bank-of-canada" data-type="link"&gt;The Bank of Canada&amp;nbsp;&lt;/a&gt;will not raise rates again and will start cutting a little later than previously anticipated, according to a survey of market participants released by the central bank on Monday.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;The BoC’s second-quarter survey, conducted from June 8 to 19, showed a median of the participants, which include senior economists or strategists involved in Canadian financial markets, expect the bank to hold&amp;nbsp;&lt;a target="" rel="" href="https://globalnews.ca/tag/interest-rates" data-type="link"&gt;interest rates&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;at a 22-year high of 5.00 per cent until the end of 2023, before starting to cut rates in March.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;In the previous survey released in April, when the BoC’s key policy rate was at 4.50 per cent, median expectation was for a rate cut in January. Money markets still see a chance for another rate hike this year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;A median of 25 participants now also predict a 0.7 per cent gross domestic product growth at the end of 2023, instead of a 0.1 per cent contraction forecast in the last survey.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://globalnews.ca/news/9852533/bank-of-canada-market-participants-survey-interest-rates/#:~:text=Financial%20analyst%20Michael%20Campbell%20talks,Canada's%20inflation%20rate%20goes%20down." data-type="link"&gt;Click here to read on!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Mortgage</category>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Jul 2023 16:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/no-further-rate-hikes-expected-in-2023-bank-of-canada-survey-suggests-8014305</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-07-30T16:22:00Z</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>Maximizing Your Outdoor Space</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/maximizing-youroutdoor-space-8014306</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Whether you have a small patio or large&amp;nbsp;yard, maximizing your outdoor space&amp;nbsp;can create a welcoming and enjoyable&amp;nbsp;environment, while also extending your&amp;nbsp;living space. Here are some tips to help&amp;nbsp;make the most of your outdoor space:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Incorporate plants, flowers, and&amp;nbsp;greenery to add natural beauty to&lt;br&gt;your outdoor space. Choose low maintenance&amp;nbsp;plants suitable for&lt;br&gt;your climate and consider container&amp;nbsp;gardening if you have limited space.&amp;nbsp;Create visual interest with different&amp;nbsp;heights, textures, and colors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Invest in comfortable outdoor seating&amp;nbsp;options such as lounge chairs,&amp;nbsp;sofas, hammocks, or dining sets.&amp;nbsp;Choose durable, weather-resistant&amp;nbsp;materials and add cushions or&amp;nbsp;pillows for added comfort. Ensure&amp;nbsp;there’s enough seating for your&amp;nbsp;family and guests!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Enhance your outdoor space&amp;nbsp;with proper lighting to extend its&lt;br&gt;usability into the evening. Use a&amp;nbsp;combination of ambient lighting,&lt;br&gt;such as string lights or lanterns, and&amp;nbsp;task lighting, such as spotlights or&amp;nbsp;pathway lights. Consider solar-powered&amp;nbsp;or energy-efficient options to&amp;nbsp;minimize electricity usage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Provide shade options to protect&amp;nbsp;yourself from the sun. Use umbrellas,&amp;nbsp;awnings, pergolas, or shade&amp;nbsp;sails to create shaded areas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Consider natural shade from trees&amp;nbsp;or install retractable canopies for&amp;nbsp;versatility. Sun protection allows&amp;nbsp;you to enjoy your outdoor space&amp;nbsp;even during hot summer days.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Tips &amp; Resources</category>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Jul 2023 16:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/maximizing-youroutdoor-space-8014306</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-07-21T16:24:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Adding a Secondary Suite</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/adding-a-secondary-suite-8014307</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Adding a secondary suite at any point in your&amp;nbsp;homeownership journey can be a great way to&amp;nbsp;diversify your revenue stream, support your&amp;nbsp; mortgage payments, and make use of any&amp;nbsp;potentially unused space you may have in your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Here are a few things to consider:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Does your secondary suite meet all the legal&amp;nbsp;and regulatory requirements? It is important&amp;nbsp;to familiarize yourself with the local laws&amp;nbsp;including zoning bylaws, and regulations&amp;nbsp;regarding secondary suites.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Does your secondary suite meet all safety&amp;nbsp;and building code requirements? Consider fire&amp;nbsp;safety, electrical, plumbing, and ventilation&amp;nbsp;requirements.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Does your secondary suite impact your utilities&amp;nbsp;and services? Assess if any modifications or&amp;nbsp;upgrades are required to accommodate the&amp;nbsp;increased demand on your water, electricity,&amp;nbsp;heating, and waste management.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Keep in mind that it is crucial to consult with&amp;nbsp;professionals such as architects, contractors,&amp;nbsp;and local authorities to ensure compliance with&amp;nbsp;regulations and to get expert advice throughout the&amp;nbsp;process of adding a secondary suite to your property.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Mortgage</category>
      <category>Tips &amp; Resources</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Jul 2023 16:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/adding-a-secondary-suite-8014307</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-07-18T16:24:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Happy Canada Day</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/happy-canada-day-8014308</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Happy Canada Day&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 01 Jul 2023 16:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/happy-canada-day-8014308</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-07-01T16:25:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New accessible fishing dock now open in Lacombe</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/new-accessible-fishing-dock-now-open-in-lacombe-8014309</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;A new fully accessible fishing dock is now open at a Lacombe pond.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;There was a grand opening for the dock at the Len Thompson Trout Pond on Saturday ahead of the Lacombe Fish and Game Association’s annual Kids Can Catch event.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;“Kids Can Catch day is exciting every year, but it was extra special this year because of this incredible new infrastructure we have at this already awesome pond,” said Brad Pallister, Lacombe Fish and Game Association vice-president.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;“It’s certainly one of the most significant fully accessible docks that we know of in Alberta. We’re pretty excited. It’s going to be great for the community and those who use it.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.reddeeradvocate.com/news/new-accessible-fishing-dock-now-open-in-lacombe/?fbclid=IwAR0tk1WDps8Wtdgle8WWWSqcko87lA2sE4XXfxb0je__FlmreCMfS3yx6d8" data-type="link"&gt;Click HERE to read more!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Local News</category>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jun 2023 16:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/new-accessible-fishing-dock-now-open-in-lacombe-8014309</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-06-05T16:26:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Why is there a lack of new home listings in Canada?</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/why-is-there-a-lack-of-new-home-listings-in-canada-8014310</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Something unusual is happening across most Canadian housing markets this year. In the past, as the springtime was approaching, new home listings were usually rising more strongly than home sales.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;This year, the opposite is the case.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Why is there a shortage of new home listings in Canada? What makes homeowners reluctant to bring their homes to the market? How is this trend affecting home prices? And most importantly, what can we expect for the remainder of this year?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;A look at the latest data for the main markets in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver suggests possible answers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Among the best indicators of the state of a housing market are comparative trends in home sales and new home listings. The sales-to-new-listings (S/NL) ratio of, say, 0.5 simply means that in a given month there are 50 sales for every 100 new listings. Traditionally, a ratio in the 0.4 to 0.6 range is considered a sign of a “balanced” market, while ratios above or below that range indicate “sellers’” and “buyers’” markets, respectively.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;The S/NL ratio in Canada’s housing market rose in all four months of 2023, from 0.53 in January to 0.72 in April. At this S/NL level, the country’s home market is clearly in “sellers’” territory where sellers have an advantage over buyers in a negotiating process. A look at the main regional markets confirms the trend.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.canadianmortgagetrends.com/2023/05/why-is-there-a-lack-of-new-home-listings-in-canada/" data-type="link"&gt;Click HERE to read on!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Mortgage</category>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 May 2023 16:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/why-is-there-a-lack-of-new-home-listings-in-canada-8014310</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-05-24T16:26:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Air Quality in Red Deer</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/air-quality-in-red-deer-8014311</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;During these difficult times with the wildfires smoke you will find below information on air quality and other tips to help with the smoke. Click&amp;nbsp;&lt;a target="" rel="" href="http://https//tinyurl.com/ed2x9fxz" data-type="link"&gt;HERE&lt;/a&gt; for more info on how to keep your house air clean as well as other tips.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 May 2023 16:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/air-quality-in-red-deer-8014311</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-05-17T16:27:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Kick It To The Curb</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/kick-it-to-the-curb-8014312</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Get started on spring cleaning by kicking gently used items to the curb for others to find!Make sure free items are clearly marked and removed after the weekend is over.Kick It this weekend on May 20, 21 &amp;amp; 22. Post your items to social using &lt;a target="" rel="" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/rdkickit2023?__eep__=6&amp;amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWT3Vm1keMXwQ_X3HB1DNfpoeL89NCyUtpcyg16hJnGqNKnZGi5iCpsq_PThi1z62POEBp6eqL8t0E6zj8fVhjBg8o0dbvn-vrkxsGEME9mk_xW7x8M3hPqo4vhI7af4q6re8U9BFPAAWOsQbnRiGSnpkkQKYh9gcfPGiHqf9gN7TopPC6e-Ftpy7XcgMz0MEM&amp;amp;__tn__=*NK-R" data-type="link"&gt;#RDKickIt2023&lt;/a&gt;. For more details visit &lt;a target="" rel="" href="http://www.reddeer.ca/kickit" data-type="link"&gt;www.reddeer.ca/kickit&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Local News</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 May 2023 16:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/kick-it-to-the-curb-8014312</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-05-16T16:28:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Blackfalds Property Tax Reminder</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/blackfalds-property-tax-reminder-8014313</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;With homeowner property taxes due on June 30, we want to remind you about our TIPP program!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;TIPP allows for annual taxes to be divided by the remaining months of the year and the monthly payment will be deducted from your account on the last business day of each month.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Sign up for TIPP by May 20, 2023! More information is available at &lt;a target="" rel="" href="http://www.blackfalds.ca/taxes" data-type="link"&gt;www.blackfalds.ca/taxes&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Local News</category>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 May 2023 16:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/blackfalds-property-tax-reminder-8014313</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-05-05T16:28:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Don’t overlook these 3 creative home design ideas</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/dont-overlook-these-3-creative-home-design-ideas-8014314</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;(NC) Interior design is a world of creativity. Your home has endless opportunities for expression and personalization. Here, Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert, shares some commonly overlooked design opportunities to expand your design canvas in creative and bold ways.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Don’t forget about your fifth wall&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;Found in any room is a fifth and forgotten wall with infinite design possibilities – the ceiling. “Use a shade lighter than your surrounding walls to brighten a room and create the illusion of a larger space,” suggests Grech. For a space with lighter, neutral-toned walls, expand your creativity up high and opt for a bold and rich hue that will draw your guests’ gaze upwards.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Embrace your mouldings&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;Whether they are plain or feature an intricate Victorian-inspired design, mouldings contribute to a home’s charm and personality. Often made with wood and painted, updating the mouldings appears to be an under-used interior design hack. “If your walls feature a neutral or light colour, paint the mouldings a deep hue to add dimension and bring appealing framing to a room” shares Grech. “They are also a great way to play with perceived room size. Extend your wall colour onto mouldings to bring an elongated, uniform feel and a sense of expansion to the space.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Add character to your home’s exterior&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;The change in season brings better weather and reveals new chances to play with exterior design. “Pay attention to an exterior’s potential-rich accents such as front doors, window frames and shutters, garage doors, pillars and sheds,” suggests Grech. “Giving these a fresh coat of colour with an outdoor-friendly paint such as Element Guard can be a time-efficient way to change the look of your home and add curb appeal.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;a target="" rel="" href="http://www.newscanada.com" data-type="link"&gt;www.newscanada.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Tips &amp; Resources</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 May 2023 16:29:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/dont-overlook-these-3-creative-home-design-ideas-8014314</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-05-02T16:29:00Z</dc:date>
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      <title>​Get Motivated! Spring Cleaning</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/get-motivated-spring-cleaning-8014315</link>
      <description>&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Set Specific Goals:&lt;/strong&gt; Identify what&amp;nbsp;you want to accomplish with your&amp;nbsp;spring cleaning. Whether it’s deep cleaning your kitchen, decluttering&amp;nbsp;your closet, or organizing&amp;nbsp;your garage, setting specific goals can help you stay focused and&amp;nbsp;motivated.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Break It Down:&lt;/strong&gt; Rather than&amp;nbsp;tackling everything at once, break&amp;nbsp;down your spring cleaning into&amp;nbsp;smaller, manageable tasks. This&amp;nbsp;will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed&amp;nbsp;and make it easier to get started.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Create A Plan:&lt;/strong&gt; Make a list of all&amp;nbsp;the tasks you want to complete&amp;nbsp;and create a plan for how you will tackle them. Having a plan in&amp;nbsp;place can help you stay on track&amp;nbsp;and avoid procrastination.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Get Inspired:&lt;/strong&gt; Look for inspiration&amp;nbsp;online to get ideas for how you&amp;nbsp;want your space to look and&amp;nbsp;feel after your spring cleaning&amp;nbsp;is complete. Visualizing the end&amp;nbsp;result can help motivate you to get&amp;nbsp;started.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Make It Fun:&lt;/strong&gt; Put on some music,&amp;nbsp;invite a friend over to help, or&amp;nbsp;reward yourself with something&amp;nbsp;you enjoy after each task is&amp;nbsp;completed. Adding some fun and&amp;nbsp;enjoyment to the process can help&amp;nbsp;you stay motivated and make the&amp;nbsp;experience more enjoyable overall.&amp;nbsp;and to your satisfaction.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Tips &amp; Resources</category>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Apr 2023 16:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/get-motivated-spring-cleaning-8014315</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-04-22T16:30:00Z</dc:date>
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      <title>When To Sell</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/when-to-sell-8014316</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;4 factors to consider when&amp;nbsp;thinking about whether or not&amp;nbsp;you should sell your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Market Conditions:&lt;/strong&gt; If the market is hot,&amp;nbsp;with high demand and low inventory, it may be a good time to sell and potentially&amp;nbsp;get a higher price for your home. Conversely, if the market is slow, with&amp;nbsp;more homes for sale than buyers, it may be more challenging to sell your home and&amp;nbsp;you may need to lower your asking price.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Personal Circumstances: &lt;/strong&gt;Your personal&amp;nbsp;situation should also be taken into account&amp;nbsp;when deciding when to sell your home. For&amp;nbsp;example, if you are upgrading, downsizing, relocating, etc.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Home Maintenance:&lt;/strong&gt; If your home requires significant repairs or maintenance, rather than investing money into repairs, selling the home as-is may be the best option.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Equity:&lt;/strong&gt; If you have built up a significant&amp;nbsp;amount of equity in your home, you may want to sell to take advantage of the profits. This equity can be used to purchase a new home, invest in other assets, or simply saved.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Tips &amp; Resources</category>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Apr 2023 16:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/when-to-sell-8014316</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-04-19T16:30:00Z</dc:date>
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      <title>Bank of Canada isn’t expecting interest rate cuts this year as it maintains hold</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/bank-of-canada-isnt-expecting-interest-rate-cuts-this-year-as-it-maint-8014317</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;The head of the&amp;nbsp;&lt;a target="" rel="" href="https://globalnews.ca/tag/bank-of-canada" data-type="link"&gt;Bank of Canada&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;poured water on market expectations for&amp;nbsp;&lt;a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://globalnews.ca/tag/interest-rate" data-type="link"&gt;interest rate&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;cuts in 2023 as the central bank maintained its key policy rate on Wednesday.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;The Bank of Canada held its benchmark interest rate at 4.5 per cent in a second consecutive decision, a move largely in line with economists’ expectations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Though the Canadian economy has been off to a hot start, the central bank’s policymakers signalled that stronger than expected GDP growth and a tight labour market haven’t disrupted the Bank’s forecasts for inflation to cool to around three per cent by the middle this year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://globalnews.ca/news/9617547/bank-of-canada-interest-rate-apr-2023/" data-type="link"&gt;Click HERE to read on.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Mortgage</category>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Apr 2023 16:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/bank-of-canada-isnt-expecting-interest-rate-cuts-this-year-as-it-maint-8014317</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-04-12T16:31:00Z</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>Happy Easter</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/happy-easter-8014318</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Wishing everyone a blessed Easter Sunday with your family and friends!&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Apr 2023 16:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/happy-easter-8014318</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-04-09T16:31:00Z</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>April Showings Bring May Closings</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/april-showings-bring-may-closings-8014319</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Let's start house hunting today! Who's ready to buy a new home and close next month? It is doable - contact us today!&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 05 Apr 2023 16:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/april-showings-bring-may-closings-8014319</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-04-05T16:32:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Spring Cleaning</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/spring-cleaning-8014320</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;This is one way to try and make spring cleaning a bit more fun lol! What's the best item you have found during your "treasure hunt"?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Tips &amp; Resources</category>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Apr 2023 16:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/spring-cleaning-8014320</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-04-03T16:33:00Z</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>Mortgage providers slash rates in wake of bond yield drop</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/mortgage-providers-slash-rates-in-wake-of-bond-yield-drop-8014321</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;It took some time, but mortgage rates are now responding to last week’s plunge in bond yields stemming from fears about systemic financial risk in the U.S. and Europe.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;As of Monday, numerous mortgage lenders and brokerages had started cutting fixed mortgage rates, some by as much as 60 basis points, or 0.60%. That follows a roughly 70-bps plummet in 2- and 5-year Government of Canada bond yields (which typically lead fixed mortgage rates) in just a two-week period.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.canadianmortgagetrends.com/2023/03/mortgage-providers-slash-rates-in-wake-of-bond-yield-drop/?fbclid=IwAR2P4EOKkGUhqdAd2zvgb_NdsZA1lSGzWTqsWY6UO1Kcrysb3SD1esea5lo" data-type="link"&gt;Click HERE to read more.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Mortgage</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Mar 2023 16:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/mortgage-providers-slash-rates-in-wake-of-bond-yield-drop-8014321</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-03-21T16:33:00Z</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>International Women's Day</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/international-womens-day-8014323</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Today we celebrate International Women's Day!&amp;nbsp; Here’s to celebrating the achievements of all the amazing women around the world. Wishing you a very Happy Women’s Day!&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Mar 2023 17:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/international-womens-day-8014323</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-03-08T17:35:00Z</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>Bank of Canada holds key rate for first time in a year</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/bank-of-canada-holds-key-rate-for-first-time-in-a-year-8014322</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;OTTAWA - The Bank of Canada is holding its key interest rate steady for the first time in a year while reiterating it is taking a wait-and-see approach with monetary policy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;The central bank says it has decided to hold its key rate at 4.5 per cent based on its assessment of recent economic data.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;However, it is keeping the door open to further rate hikes if the economy or inflation run hotter than expected.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;In January, the Bank of Canada announced it expected to maintain its key interest rate if economic developments stay broadly in line with its forecasts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Recent data showed inflation slowed to 5.9 per cent in January while the economy posted no growth in the fourth quarter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;The Bank of Canada says it still expects the annual inflation rate to fall to around three per cent by mid-year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 8, 2023.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.cp24.com/news/bank-of-canada-holds-key-rate-for-first-time-in-a-year-1.6303771" data-type="link"&gt;Click here to learn more about this decision.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Mortgage</category>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Mar 2023 17:34:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/bank-of-canada-holds-key-rate-for-first-time-in-a-year-8014322</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-03-08T17:34:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How Long You Should Keep Your Tax Records and Why?</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/how-long-you-should-keep-your-tax-records-and-why-8014324</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Taxes… not the most exciting topic – we know!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;However, if you live and work in Canada, you have to pay them!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;You should know that if you pay tax in Canada, you must keep your Canadian tax records for some time after the end of the tax year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;This even applies if you are on a working holiday in Canada and move home when your visa expires&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;In this guide, we will explain why you need to keep your tax records in Canada and help you to ensure you keep your tax records for the right period of time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;So…let’s get started!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2 style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How long do you have to keep tax records in Canada?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;You must&amp;nbsp;&lt;strong&gt;keep your Canadian tax records for six years&lt;/strong&gt;. You must keep your records from the end of the last tax year that you filed a Canadian tax return for.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;For example, if you file a tax return for the 2021 tax year, your tax records must be kept until the end of the&amp;nbsp;&lt;strong&gt;2027&lt;/strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;tax year.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Tips &amp; Resources</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Mar 2023 17:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/how-long-you-should-keep-your-tax-records-and-why-8014324</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-03-07T17:35:00Z</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>Bank of Canada preview: Possible first rate pause in 12 months expected this week</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/bank-of-canada-preview-possible-first-rate-pause-in-12-months-expected-8014325</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;After delivering eight consecutive rate hikes over the past year, the Bank of Canada is finally expected to leave rates unchanged when it meets this week.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;In a&amp;nbsp;&lt;a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.canadianmortgagetrends.com/2023/01/bank-of-canadas-first-rate-hike-of-2023-could-also-be-its-last/" data-type="link"&gt;statement&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;from its January meeting, the BoC said, “…if economic developments evolve broadly in line with the [Bank’s] outlook, Governing Council expects to hold the policy rate at its current level while it assesses the impact of the cumulative interest rate increases.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;That guidance came into question soon after, however, when labour growth surprised to the upside with the creation of 150,000 new jobs in January.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;“That wasn’t part of the central bank’s plan,” noted Royce Mendes, Managing Director and Head of Macro Strategy at Desjardins. Not only that, but U.S. inflation numbers suggested a re-acceleration in consumer price growth south of the border.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;“Then the data began to cooperate,” Mendes wrote in a research note, pointing to Canadian inflation coming in below expectations for the second straight month and fourth-quarter GDP coming in flat, well below BoC forecasts of 1.3% growth.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;As a result, “there’s little doubt the Bank of Canada will hold rates steady” at its upcoming meeting on Wednesday, Mendes suggested.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;“The statement accompanying the decision will again leave the door open to further rate hikes if the economy or inflation veer off this path,” he added. “But central bankers will be able to credibly argue that both inflation and the economy have made as much progress as predicted back in January, if not more.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;In a survey of 22 banks conducted by&amp;nbsp;&lt;em&gt;Bloomberg&lt;/em&gt;, all expect the Bank of Canada to leave rates unchanged this week.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.canadianmortgagetrends.com/2023/03/bank-of-canada-preview-possible-first-rate-pause-in-12-months-expected-this-week/" data-type="link"&gt;Click Here To Read More - and stay tuned in for Wednesday.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Tips &amp; Resources</category>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Mar 2023 17:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/bank-of-canada-preview-possible-first-rate-pause-in-12-months-expected-8014325</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-03-06T17:36:00Z</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>Tips When Shopping For a Mortgage</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/tips-when-shopping-for-a-mortgage-8014326</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;If you are shopping for a mortgage, it is essential to know what you need to be able to qualify, but it is also important to understand what could be holding you back from qualifying for a mortgage. Below are 5 points that could be impacting your chances of being approved for a mortgage:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;1. Carrying too much debt&lt;br&gt;2. Poor credit history or not enough credit history&lt;br&gt;3. Not enough income or assets&lt;br&gt;4. Not enough of a down payment&lt;br&gt;5. Unstable employment history&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;If you feel any of the above points could be holding you back from getting approved for a mortgage, reach out to your Mortgage Alliance Professional. They are armed with solutions for every situation. (Source Mortgage Alliance)&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Mortgage</category>
      <category>Tips &amp; Resources</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2023 17:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/tips-when-shopping-for-a-mortgage-8014326</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-02-28T17:37:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Random Acts of Kindness</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/random-acts-of-kindness-8014328</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;It's random acts of kindness day! Random Acts of Kindness Day is a day to celebrate and encourage random acts of kindness. It's a day to celebrate kindness and the whole pay-it-forward mentality. This should be applied every day!&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Tips &amp; Resources</category>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2023 17:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/random-acts-of-kindness-8014328</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-02-17T17:38:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Happy Family Day Weekend</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/happy-family-day-weekend-8014327</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Wishing everyone a fantastic Long weekend!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Looking at something to do? &lt;a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.todocanada.ca/2023-family-day-weekend-alberta-weekend-festivals-free-activities/" data-type="link"&gt;Click here are some options across Alberta!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Tips &amp; Resources</category>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2023 17:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/happy-family-day-weekend-8014327</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-02-17T17:37:00Z</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>Up to 80% of variable-rate borrowers have hit their trigger rate: National Bank</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/up-to-80-of-variable-rate-borrowers-have-hit-their-trigger-rate-nation-8014329</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Nearly 8 in 10 fixed-payment variable-rate borrowers have hit their trigger rate, according to data from National Bank of Canada.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;The finding was released in a report last week written by National Bank Financial economists Stefane Marion and Daren King. They estimated that between 73% and 80% of variable-rate mortgage holders with fixed payments have hit their trigger rate, depending on when the mortgage was originated between 2020 and 2022.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;The trigger rate is the point where the borrower’s monthly payment is no longer covering rising interest costs, and generally results in the borrower needing to increase their payment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.canadianmortgagetrends.com/2023/02/up-to-80-of-variable-rate-borrowers-have-hit-their-trigger-rate-national-bank/" data-type="link"&gt;Click HERE to on. . .&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Mortgage</category>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2023 17:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/up-to-80-of-variable-rate-borrowers-have-hit-their-trigger-rate-nation-8014329</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-02-08T17:38:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fixed mortgage rates are falling</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/fixed-mortgage-rates-are-falling-8014330</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;While rates have been steadily climbing for variable mortgages, fixed mortgage rates have been moving in the opposite direction.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Certain lenders and national brokerages have been gradually dropping rates for select terms since the start of the month. Average nationally-available deep-discount 5-year fixed mortgage rates are now about 20 basis points lower compared to earlier in the month, according to data from &lt;a target="" rel="" href="http://MortgageLogic.news" data-type="link"&gt;MortgageLogic.news&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;The move follows the recent decline in the 5-year Government of Canada bond yield, which typically leads fixed mortgage rates.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;The 5-year bond yield closed at 3.05% on Monday, bouncing back slightly from a 5-month low of 2.80% reached last week. Still, yields are down from about 3.40% four weeks ago and the 14-year high of 3.89% reached in October.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.canadianmortgagetrends.com/2023/01/fixed-mortgage-rates-are-falling/?fbclid=IwAR3pNb64JnRTszJp3dDq4oESfI2KMvgLmIN3CXPDiKtZIq2eswPP1xrmEds" data-type="link"&gt;Click HERE to read on!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Mortgage</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2023 17:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/fixed-mortgage-rates-are-falling-8014330</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-01-31T17:39:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Reasons you should use a mortgage broker vs going to your bank for a mortgage</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/reasons-you-should-use-a-mortgage-broker-vs-going-to-your-bank-for-a-m-8014331</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;3 Reasons you should use a mortgage broker vs going to your bank for a mortgage:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Better Rates – Because lenders compete for our business, we get access to discounted rates based on volume and we pass these savings directly on to you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Access to more lenders - When you apply for a mortgage at a bank or credit union, you only have access to the products they offer in-house. With a mortgage broker, you get access to dozens of lenders.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Our services are free – we are compensated by the lender.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;If you have questions about your mortgage or home financing options, reach out to your Mortgage Alliance Professional. &lt;a target="" rel="" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mortgages?__eep__=6&amp;amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZW7t6Sj_cJ-ftDVcb2vzGyF3yMoR4ca3C2K72VQ1CODS67woeyfkSovf3TnZ-XvuBLxkGgpCx6cKkwJKJ8iw6BB9yGQTXiP0WmUT-TCn_botVwaQBvME2Rvd_VIwhltyma2RFWL7IcAxKveaS4WUqCwLKKvLDgUpi6dgf1TB7Imlka4eBLgNxfhupURGgdn_ff4LiMxotyczT_jxl9r2BWC&amp;amp;__tn__=*NK-y-R" data-type="link"&gt;#Mortgages&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a target="" rel="" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mortgagealliance?__eep__=6&amp;amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZW7t6Sj_cJ-ftDVcb2vzGyF3yMoR4ca3C2K72VQ1CODS67woeyfkSovf3TnZ-XvuBLxkGgpCx6cKkwJKJ8iw6BB9yGQTXiP0WmUT-TCn_botVwaQBvME2Rvd_VIwhltyma2RFWL7IcAxKveaS4WUqCwLKKvLDgUpi6dgf1TB7Imlka4eBLgNxfhupURGgdn_ff4LiMxotyczT_jxl9r2BWC&amp;amp;__tn__=*NK-y-R" data-type="link"&gt;#MortgageAlliance&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Mortgage</category>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2023 17:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/reasons-you-should-use-a-mortgage-broker-vs-going-to-your-bank-for-a-m-8014331</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-01-27T17:40:00Z</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>Bank of Canada raises interest rate again — but hints that hikes may be done for now</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/bank-of-canada-raises-interest-rate-again-but-hints-that-hikes-may-be-8014332</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Central bank has been trying to wrestle sky-high inflation into submission.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;The Bank of Canada has raised its benchmark interest rate again, to 4.5 per cent.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;The move was widely expected by economists as the bank tries&amp;nbsp;to wrestle record-high inflation into submission.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;It's the eighth time in less than a year that the bank has hiked its trend-setting rate, a move that will make borrowing money more expensive.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;But at one quarter of a percentage point, it's also the smallest hike since March, and thus a sign that the bank may be done with hiking rates for the next little while.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/bank-of-canada-january-rate-decision-1.6725283" data-type="link"&gt;Click HERE to read more.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Mortgage</category>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2023 17:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/bank-of-canada-raises-interest-rate-again-but-hints-that-hikes-may-be-8014332</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-01-25T17:40:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Lacombe city council approves public consultation to improve downtown parking</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/lacombe-city-council-approves-public-consultation-to-improve-downtown-8014333</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;After receiving input from downtown business owners, Lacombe city council approved a public consultation process targeting parking improvements in the downtown core.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;The City says they often receive requests for more parking in the area. While they admit some requests cannot be accommodated due to space limitations, site lines and other considerations, the City says they do look to advance adequate access and to work with businesses whenever possible.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Administration evaluated improvements to two areas which will add an estimated 25 new parking stalls downtown:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;The public parking lot at 5026 49 St (+8 parking stalls)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;On-street parking along 49B Ave (+17 parking stalls)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://rdnewsnow.com/2023/01/24/lacombe-city-council-approves-public-consultation-to-improve-downtown-parking/?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;amp;utm_medium=facebook" data-type="link"&gt;Click HERE to read more.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Local News</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2023 17:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/lacombe-city-council-approves-public-consultation-to-improve-downtown-8014333</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-01-24T17:41:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Tomorrow the BOC will make an interest rate announcement.</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/tomorrow-the-boc-will-make-an-interest-rate-announcement-8014334</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Tomorrow the Bank of Canada will make an interest rate announcement. If you have a fixed-rate mortgage that is renewing soon, the new interest rates could be an increase in your monthly payments, especially if your amortization period is short with a large balance remaining on your mortgage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;If you have a variable-rate mortgage and the prime rate goes up, you will likely see an increase in your payments to that they align with the new prime rates.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;If you have any questions or need more information, reach out to your Mortgage Alliance Professional.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Source:&amp;nbsp;&lt;a target="" rel="" href="https://www.facebook.com/MortgageAlliance" data-type="link"&gt;https://www.facebook.com/MortgageAlliance&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Mortgage</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2023 17:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/tomorrow-the-boc-will-make-an-interest-rate-announcement-8014334</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-01-24T17:41:00Z</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>Five Ways to Combat Inflation</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/five-ways-to-combat-inflation-8014335</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Rising costs can be discouraging, nerve&amp;nbsp;wracking and are completely out of our&amp;nbsp;control! So, by trying to manage what you&amp;nbsp;CAN control, like your day to day finances,&amp;nbsp;it can help mitigate those feelings. Here are five ways to combat inflation;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tracking Your Spending:&lt;/strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;budgeting and&amp;nbsp;understanding where your money is going is the easiest way to identify areas to cut back or find&amp;nbsp;alternatives.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Actively Manage Debt:&lt;/strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;It is important to pay off&amp;nbsp;debt with the highest interest rate first, and then work your way down the list.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Utilize Cash Back Opportunities:&lt;/strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;Engage&amp;nbsp;with your bank about cash back credit cards or bank accounts. That way you are making&amp;nbsp;money while spending it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Coupons, Discounts and Sales Are Your&amp;nbsp;Friends:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;There are apps that you can get and websites that showcase coupons/sales/&amp;nbsp;discounts for stores you frequently shop at.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Avoid Volatile Investments:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;now is not&amp;nbsp;the time to be taking risks on stocks for companies carrying a lot of debt.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Tips &amp; Resources</category>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2023 17:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/five-ways-to-combat-inflation-8014335</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-01-09T17:42:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Lacombe and Area Market Stats</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/lacombe-and-area-market-stats-8014336</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F4RHT8ciOAMXVXV5nj-j8Uyt9LfoTaj5/view?usp=share_link" data-type="link"&gt;Lacombe and Area Market Stats as of Jan 3/2023.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Market Trends</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2023 17:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/lacombe-and-area-market-stats-8014336</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-01-03T17:43:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>“Sticky” core inflation raises the odds of a January rate hike: economists</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/sticky-core-inflation-raises-the-odds-of-a-january-rate-hike-economist-8014337</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Canada’s headline inflation reading continued to fall in November, but core inflation rose, increasing the potential for an additional Bank of Canada rate hike in January.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;The headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) continued to slow to an annual growth rate of 6.8% in November, just a tick down from 6.9% in October, according to&amp;nbsp;&lt;a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/221221/dq221221a-eng.htm" data-type="link"&gt;data&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;from Statistics Canada.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;But the average of the Bank of Canada’s three preferred measures of core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, rose to 5.4% from an upwardly revised reading of 5.3% for October.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;“Inflation is easing, but progress in November was slower than expected,” CIBC economist Andrew Grantham noted.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;While the headline reading eased slightly and was just a tick above the consensus expectation, “of greater concern to policymakers…is that the easing in core measures of inflation (including CPI-trim, median and ex food/energy) appears to have stalled at levels still above those that would be consistent with a 2% inflation target,” he added.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2 style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Rising interest costs helping to drive inflation&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Rising shelter costs contributed to the higher-than-expected inflation reading, with overall shelter costs up 7.2% year-over-year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Within that category, mortgage interest costs were up 14.5%, “amid the higher interest rate environment,” Statistics Canada noted. This was the largest increase for this category since 1983.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Rent, meanwhile, is 5.9% above year-ago levels, with the fastest acceleration regionally in Prince Edward Island (+12.6%), British Columbia (+7.2%), Quebec (+5.3%) and Ontario (+7.1%).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;These increases were balanced by a continued moderation of “homeowners’ replacement cost,” which is related to the cost of new homes. That was up 5.8%, down from a peak growth rate of over 13.6% last December.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;The “other owned accommodation expenses” basket, which includes real estate commissions, was up just 3.7% (vs. 12.2% in June and a peak of 17.2% in April) as home prices continue to decline.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Both of these indexes have been slowing every month since May, reflecting a “general cooling of the housing market,” StatCan added.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.canadianmortgagetrends.com/2022/12/sticky-core-inflation-raises-odds-of-a-rate-hike-in-january-economists/" data-type="link"&gt;Click here for more detail.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Mortgage</category>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jan 2023 17:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/sticky-core-inflation-raises-the-odds-of-a-january-rate-hike-economist-8014337</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-01-02T17:44:00Z</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>Happy New Year To All</title>
      <link>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/happy-new-year-to-all-8014338</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!&amp;nbsp; My this year and beyond be filled with Joy, Peace and Love!&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Jan 2023 17:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://nicholsrealestategroup.ca/news.html/happy-new-year-to-all-8014338</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-01-01T17:44:00Z</dc:date>
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