Blog
The Perks of a Condo Townhouse
In hot markets, setting your sights on purchasing a home isn’t always realistic. In a market such as Toronto or Vancouver, most first-time homebuyers instead opt for the more affordable option of purchasing a condo. While there’s no denying that a traditional condo...
What is a Condo Status Certificate?
If you’ve been condo shopping, you know firsthand what a status certificate is. After all, this is a term that is thrown around by real estate agents and lawyers alike on a daily basis. But, if you’re new to the world of condos and getting ready to begin your search,...
The Art of the Toronto Laneway House
As we celebrate the new year, it’s only natural to look back at the past year in real estate. Here in Toronto, one of the most exciting takeaways from the year is the development of the Toronto laneway house. If you’re not exactly sure what a laneway house is, you’re...
How to Transition From a Condo to a House
So, you’ve finally made the switch from condo life to that of a home? Although there’s no denying what an exciting transition this is, there are certain things you’ll want to be prepared for when moving into a home. These are things that simply aren’t present when...
Can I Get Out of my Lease Early?
One of the most common questions that real estate agents face is whether a tenant can vacate their rental property early. In short, the answer is relatively black and white. Once you sign a lease, you’re legally tied to that lease until the end of the term. After...
What Does Your Real Estate Lawyer Do?
For any friends and family members that have purchased property, you’ve probably heard them refer to their real estate lawyer. If you’ve never purchased property, you’re probably wondering what role their real estate lawyer played in their transaction. From here,...
The Perks of House Shopping in February
Let’s be honest, February is sort of a nothing month. The hustle and bustle of the holidays are officially over and you’re still a few months out from spring. In most cases, you’re hibernating inside your bedroom and binge-watching Grace and Frankie on Netflix. ...
Mortgage Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to mortgage qualification, it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed in the process. After all, you’re going to be faced with a number of terms, options and major decisions when it comes to choosing your mortgage. It’s safe to say that the whole process can...
How to Winter-Proof Your First Home
Are you feeling the cold bite of winter around the corner? If so, it’s time to get out your checklist and begin your winter chores. As it turns out, owning a home means winter-proofing your home in addition to yourself. While this isn’t the most exciting process,...
What to Know About Removing Your Financing Condition
Let’s set the stage: You’re in a multiple offer scenario. There are five additional bidders that have their sights set on your home. To make your offer more competitive, your real estate agent asked if you’re comfortable removing your financing condition. They...
What to Know About Buying a Pre-Construction Condo: Part 2
Welcome back! Before reading this series, be sure to tune into part 1 where we uncover what to know before buying a pre-construction condo. Here in part 2, we’re discussing what happens once you’ve signed the initial paperwork to purchase your new pre-construction...
What to Know About Buying a Pre-Construction Condo: Part 1
Are you thinking of purchasing a pre-construction condo? Purchasing pre-construction can be an incredible investment for buyers. In hot markets, many buyers flock to the pre-construction market to avoid the competition of bidding wars. With pre-construction, the...
How to Know When You Are Ready to Purchase a Home
Let’s face it, it’s easy to dream about owning your own home. After all, investing in real estate is said to be one of the best investments to make in your lifetime. As compared to the stock market, there’s typically less risk associated in investing your money into...
Qualifying For a Mortgage When You’re Self-Employed
Getting a mortgage when you’re self-employed isn’t always straightforward. In fact, it often requires a lot more effort and preparation than those who are salaried or employed by a traditional company. That being said, it’s entirely possible! So, if you’re...
Agent Woes? 5 Signs You’re Working With The Wrong Real Estate Agent
Has it ever occurred to you that choosing a real estate agent is a lot like dating? You might start by interviewing a number of different agents. In doing so, you ask them a number of questions, study their tendencies and decide which agent is the best fit for the...
How to Purchase a House for the Future
When it comes to purchasing a house, it’s always tempting to purchase the house that’s perfect for the time being. You know, that quaint, two-bedroom house just down the road from your office and your favourite late-night snackbar. It might not have any green space or...
The Forgotten Costs of Home Ownership
When it comes to purchasing a home, most prospective buyers focus on two main costs: the monthly mortgage and the cost of the down payment. While there’s no denying that these are the two most significant payments, it’s also imperative to account for what else is to...
Understanding Municipal Land Transfer Tax – Toronto Edition
Here in Toronto, we’re #blessed when it comes to paying land transfer tax. If you’re detecting a slight hint of sarcasm, it’s time to reward yourself a round of applause! Here in Toronto, we’re certainly very unlucky when it comes to paying land transfer tax. Not only...
Tips on Living With a Roommate
You’ve moved cities only to discover that rent on your own is incredibly expensive. Sure, you can splurge and spend the majority of your earnings on a swanky one-bedroom apartment. But, it’s safe to say that your bank account just might shed a few tears in shelling...
Holiday House Shopping: Reasons to Buy Before the Holidays
As the holidays approach, it’s not uncommon to put your home buying plans on hold. After all, inclement weather, holiday parties and gift shopping tend to overtake your schedule at this time. So, you make a decision to break for the time being and make a pact to pick...
What to Expect From Your Agent When Buying Property
When it comes time to purchase a property, the first step is typically to contact a real estate agent. In finding a suitable agent to represent your search, there are certain things that you should expect from this agent throughout your search. After all, your agent...
How to Decide on Your Next Neighbourhood
Location, location, location. Or, at least that’s what everyone says when it comes to real estate. So, does the location of your home truly mean as much as they say it does? As it turns out, it certainly does. The location of your home is more than just where it lies...
Introducing Gerrard East – Toronto’s New Coolest Neighbourhood
In today’s day and age, Toronto is often referred to as the city of neighbourhoods. With a hop, skip and a jump, you can transition from a neighbourhood comprised of million dollar estates to one that feels like you’ve been transported back in time to the sixties. For...
How to Make Your Offer Stand Out in a Bidding War
So, you’ve found yourself in the midst of a bidding war? In today’s day and age, bidding wars are just another reality of purchasing property in a seller’s market. When a seller feels confident that their property will generate a lot of interest, they tend to...
Your Go-To Condo Buying Checklist
When it comes to purchasing your first condo, it’s easy to get emotionally attached to units that look good. While a unit may appear flawless, it’s crucial to take a long, hard look at the other details of the unit and the condo building itself. In knowing these...
Moving With Pets
Few events in life can be as stressful as moving. Add pets into the mix, and everyone’s blood pressure, including your dog’s or cat’s, will most likely rise. Pets can easily get stressed out when there's unexpected activity in their home or when they're introduced to...
5 Not so Obvious Factors to Consider in Your Condo Purchase
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to determine that buying a condo isn’t necessarily as easy as it appears on House Hunters. While the interior of your condo is arguably the most important, it’s also important to focus on the aspects of your condo that are slightly...
How to Master Small Space Living
In urban cities such as Toronto and Vancouver, small space living has become a reality. As prices continue to skyrocket, people are finding creative ways to live happily in smaller spaces. Let’s call it the art of living minimally. This is exemplified perfectly by a...
Five Tips on Furnishing Your First Home
You’ve officially entered the world of homeownership and it’s finally time to furnish your first home. Ah, yes, the moment your Pinterest account has been waiting for! As exciting as the prospect of furnishing your home might be, it’s also safe to say that it can be a...
The 3 Best Neighborhoods to Purchase a Home in Toronto
First-Time Home Buyer Edition For first-time homebuyers in Toronto, finding an inexpensive yet oh-so-hip neighborhood is no easy feat. Let’s be honest, the hottest neighborhoods in Toronto such as Trinity Bellwoods and Leslieville have already witnessed their boom. As...
What to Expect on Offer Night
So, you’ve found the house that you have your heart set on and... it has an offer date. Now what?! The good news is that it means you have time to prepare yourself. In most cases, an offer night is scheduled for about a week after the property first hits the market....
How to Save for a Downpayment
Ah, yes, down payments. That oh-so-essential yet oh-so-daunting aspect of home ownership. In a way, the notion of a down payment can feel downright impossible. After all, how are we expected to save such a large degree of money whilst also tending to rent payments,...
A Guide for Buyers: Offers Whenever or Offer Night?
A Guide for Buyers: Offers Whenever or Offer Night? Are you getting ready to submit your first offer on a property? If so, it’s time to acquaint yourself with the offer process. In this day and age, there’s no longer just one way for sellers to accept offers....
What Exactly Happens on Closing Day?
What Exactly Happens on Closing Day? So, you’ve found “the one” and your offer has been accepted. Now it’s time to pop the champagne and celebrate! When you tell family and friends of your exciting news, the first question they’re going to ask is when the closing date...
Costs to Consider with Condo Ownership
Costs to Consider with Condo Ownership So, you’re thinking of buying your first condo? It’s safe to say that this is reason enough to celebrate! Condo ownership provides buyers with the opportunity to purchase property when freehold home ownership is not yet possible....