Closing costs are the various payments that you need to make when you complete the purchase of your home. These can range from legal fees to taxes to insurance payments and are important to take into consideration when completing a purchase because they can add up to a significant amount. Industry experts recommend setting aside […]
A Guide to Bidding Wars and Bully Offers
With the high demand for real estate in the Greater Ontario Area, it has become very common for there to be multiple offers and bidding wars on properties. In turn, this has given rise to many pre-emptive or “bully” offers, with buyers looking to get in ahead of the bidding war. This situation may be […]
Renting vs Buying a Home: Which is the best move?
One of the most common questions asked about real estate is whether it is better to buy or rent a home. Unfortunately, there isn’t a fixed answer when it comes to renting vs buying. However, there are some general rules that can help you find the right answer for you… Rent or Buy: The Financial […]
Buying a home: a guide for first time buyers
Buying a home can be one of the biggest moments in your life and that is especially true for first time buyers. But how does the process work and what do you need to know? Here’s are some useful tips for anyone buying a home for the first time: Clean up your finances Let’s get […]
Ten Tips for Finding a Real Estate Agent
Whether you’re buying or selling a house, it’s going to be one of the biggest events in your life and your choice of REATLOR® is one of the most important decisions in the whole process. Your real estate agent can be the difference between a happy experience and a frustrating one, a quick sale and […]
Useful Tips When Buying a Condo
Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking to get into the Ontario real estate market, someone looking to downsize, looking to buy as an investment or someone who likes high-rise living, a condo is often the perfect choice for a home. The average price is lower than a townhouse, semi-detached or detached house; you can find […]
Your First Home Purchase: A Guide to Federal Tools and Credits
GREATER TORONTO – If you are considering buying your first home in 2017, you are not alone. Far from it, in fact – an October 2016 poll commissioned by the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB)* revealed that first-time buyers will likely account for more than half of 2017’s home sales across the GTA. While the […]
Micro Condos a “Smart” Investment in Toronto Market
TORONTO – Just about any GTA real estate agent will tell you that, when it comes to the downtown core, condominium suites seem to be getting smaller and smaller with each new high- or mid-rise development. The movement towards embracing “micro condos” – compact suites each totaling 500 square feet or less – is nothing […]
Real Estate Terms Explained: “Exclusive Listings”
What’s the difference between an “Exclusive Listing” and one that’s searchable on MLS®? GTA REAL ESTATE – In Ontario, the majority of residential or commercial properties that go up for sale are added, by the selling agent, to the Multiple Listings Service® (MLS). This online real estate database allows any other member of the same […]
CMHC Eliminates Two Mortgage Insurance Programs
OTTAWA – Some Canadians may have a harder time insuring their mortgages from June forward, as the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is moving to discontinue two of its longstanding mortgage insurance access programs. Effective May 30th, the Second Home and Self-Employed Without 3rd Party Income Validation mortgage insurance programs will no longer be […]