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Canadian Snowbirds Reassess U.S. Properties Amid Political Tensions
Over the past decade and a half, many Canadian snowbirds, including Alberta grain farmer Dale McMullen, have sought refuge from the harsh winters of Canada in sunny locales like Arizona. However, shifting political landscapes in the U.S. have led McMullen to rethink his seasonal migration. Following his return to Canada this past Sunday, he expressed no intention of returning to Arizona.
“The papers are signed,” McMullen stated regarding the sale of his winter home in Phoenix, which finalized recently. “I don’t want to spend another one of my dollars down there,” he added, reflecting a growing sentiment among Canadians uneasy about the current political climate.
After spending this winter in Canada, McMullen noted, “It was just almost like a relief to be home.” He will miss the pleasant weather and friendships he built in the U.S., but he feels increasingly frustrated with the political atmosphere.
“We had many people stop and apologize for what’s happening. And they feel terrible,” he said about Americans reacting to the current political tensions. “But I mean, it is what it is. They elected the man.”
This feeling of dismay is not unique to McMullen. He is among a notable wave of Canadians divesting from U.S. real estate amidst a backdrop of escalating trade tensions, President Trump’s controversial remarks, and a falling Canadian dollar. Realtors are witnessing a marked increase in the number of snowbirds selling their U.S. properties.
“My phone’s been ringing off the hook,” said Laurie Lavine, a real estate agent with Arizona Premier Realty. While he typically has only a few listings at this time of year, Lavine reported managing 16 listings currently. He attributes this surge to the heightened anxiety surrounding U.S.-Canada relations.
The dual citizen and former Calgary resident noted a distinct shift in sentiment following Trump’s inauguration and his contentious rhetoric directed at Canada. “The last straw that broke the camel’s back was when the current administration started talking about Canada becoming the 51st state,” Lavine recounted. “It’s just one thing after the other that’s building up. It’s feeling bullied and worried.”
The exodus from U.S. properties spans both western and eastern regions. In South Florida, real estate agent Catherine Spino also noticed an uptick in Canadians selling their homes due to the rising costs and uncertainties tied to the political climate. “It’s a lot of unknowns,” she remarked, pointing to the broader unease felt by clients.
Canadians account for a significant portion of foreign homebuyers in the U.S., making up 13 percent of purchases last year, primarily in states like Florida and Arizona, as reported by the National Association of Realtors. However, Canadian retirees, like Bob Gass from Manitoba, have begun questioning their investment in snowbird lifestyles. Gass described several neighbors also deciding to sell, underscoring the collective anxiety among Canadians.
“If you’re Canadian, you’re either putting your house up for sale and leaving or you’re talking about it,” Gass noted, reflecting on conversations with fellow homeowners. Though he expressed a desire to continue enjoying winters in Florida, the increasing financial burdens, changes in U.S. tariffs, and concerns about border regulations cast doubt on those plans.
New regulations implemented recently require visitors staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days to register with the government, adding to the hurdles faced by snowbirds. Gass remarked, “We’d like to comply, but if that becomes a problem, then we’ve got to sell our house and get out.”
McMullen’s resolve was further solidified by Trump’s remarks threatening Canadian sovereignty and denigrating former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “Enough is enough. We don’t want to support that anymore. We came home and we’ll join in and get our elbows up,” he concluded, joining many Canadians reflecting on their future in the U.S.
Source
globalnews.ca