• 7 Home Features to Look for During the Retirement Years

    7 Home Features to Look for During the Retirement Years,Mike McCarthy Realty

    As individuals move toward retirement, they may start thinking about what kind of space would be most suitable to meet the needs of growing older. Some may choose to relocate, while others might opt for doing senior-friendly renovations. Following are some things you might want to ponder as you prepare for your Golden Years. Less […]

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  • 4 Things Homebuyers Always Notice in an Open House

    4 Things Homebuyers Always Notice in an Open House,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Homebuyers are pretty observant folks. In fact, it takes only seconds for a prospective buyer to gain a first impression upon entering a home. And while striking staging or expensive features might catch the eye, you would be surprised at what really contributes to a buyer’s first impression. Here’s what they’re most likely to notice […]

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  • 4 Tips to Keep in Mind When Downsizing

    4 Tips to Keep in Mind When Downsizing,Mike McCarthy Realty

    While downsizing is a wise move as you get older and need less space, it can also create a lot of additional stress. Suddenly you have to fit a lifetime’s worth of things into a much smaller space. Picking and choosing what to keep and what to get rid of is a challenge, but it […]

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  • Finding the Perfect Real Estate Agent for You

    Finding the Perfect Real Estate Agent for You,Mike McCarthy Realty

    There are a lot of tasks to juggle when it comes to purchasing or selling a property, no doubt about it. From securing financing to finding the perfect neighbourhood for your new investment, buying a home takes resources and some diligent work. One thing that some buyers neglect, however? Shopping around for the perfect luxury […]

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  • Why 'Wellness' Homes May Help You Live Longer

    Why 'Wellness' Homes May Help You Live Longer,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Everyone today is much more cognizant of their health than they were decades ago. We’re mindful of what we eat and how much exercise we get, and we consider our mental health as important as our physical health. The wellness market internationally is worth more than $4 trillion, and the real estate industry is one […]

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  • What Pet Owners Need to Consider When Buying a Home

    What Pet Owners Need to Consider When Buying a Home,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Buying a home comes with a lot of factors to consider, and it’s easy to get caught up in things like fixtures and amenities and forget about what the furry member of your family might need. If you have a pet, or plan on owning one at some point while living in your new home, […]

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  • Behind the Scenes of a Real Estate Transaction

    Behind the Scenes of a Real Estate Transaction,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Buying a home is likely the largest financial transaction you’ll make in your entire life. It seems like it should be a personal decision for that reason. However, a decision this big requires many people to make it happen; probably more than you realize if you’re a first-time buyer. Here’s who you’ll want on your […]

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  • Should You Buy a Home Near a School?

    Should You Buy a Home Near a School?,Mike McCarthy Realty

    When it comes to buying a home in Canada, the decision to move near a school might not be as black and white as you’d think. Here are a few factors you’ll have to consider before taking the plunge. Do you have or plan on having kids? It’s the obvious question, but one you should always […]

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  • Condos or Single-Family Homes? Canadians Prefer This

    Condos or Single-Family Homes? Canadians Prefer This,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Recent numbers from the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) are showing certain trends in Canadian homes sales. According to BILD CEO, David Wilkes, these trends show a major shift in what Canadians want and find feasible when it comes to purchasing a home. Here’s what the numbers show: Condo demand is still high. Condos […]

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  • 3 Tips for Moving in the Winter

    3 Tips for Moving in the Winter,Mike McCarthy Realty

    We all know that the first dusting of snow can come as early as October and the last of it might not leave until March. That means if you’re a homebuyer in Canada, there’s a good chance you might end up undertaking a move during weather that’s less than ideal. Use the tips to tackle […]

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  • 3 Signs You're Ready to Buy

    3 Signs You're Ready to Buy,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Studies show that buying a home still ranks high on the priority list for Canadians. For many renters, the question eventually becomes not just “should we?” but “when will we?” In the great rent or buy debate, it’s true that there’s a lot to consider. Before talking to a real estate agent about taking the […]

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  • What to Know Before Buying a Pre-Construction Condo

    What to Know Before Buying a Pre-Construction Condo,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Thanks to Canada’s condo building boom and a competitive market, many luxury buyers are making the choice to buy a condo from floorplans; that is, a condominium unit that hasn’t been built yet. Buyers put a deposit down after reviewing the building plans in a sales centre, and continue paying instalments until the building is […]

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  • 4 Financial Mistakes You Should Avoid

    4 Financial Mistakes You Should Avoid,Mike McCarthy Realty

    As Global News reported, more than half of Canadians are just $200 away from not being able to pay their bills. That’s not a comforting position to be in. While financial security should always be the goal, here are a few mistakes you should stop making now to help your financial future. Paying pointless fees. Far too often […]

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  • How Millennial Homebuyers Differ From Their Parents' Generation

    How Millennial Homebuyers Differ From Their Parents' Generation,Mike McCarthy Realty

    As the millennial generation in Canada grows into their 30’s, it should come as no surprise that they’re making up more of the first-time homebuyer demographic than they ever have before. However, this group of buyers has some distinctly different habits when it comes to homeownership than their Boomer parents do. Here’s how millennials differ: […]

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  • 10 Real Estate Terms Every First-Time Buyer Should Know

    10 Real Estate Terms Every First-Time Buyer Should Know,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Are you one of those people who feels embarrassed when you don’t know what a word means? In the world of real estate, you’re not alone. There are so many niche terms being thrown around that it can be hard to keep up, particularly if you’re a first-time buyer. A good real estate professional will […]

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  • 3 Things You Shouldn't Sacrifice During the Home Search

    3 Things You Shouldn't Sacrifice During the Home Search,Mike McCarthy Realty

    In Canada, buying a home can seem expensive, especially if you’re a first-time purchaser. It’s common to think about what elements are crucial and where you might be able to cut corners (do you really need that main floor powder room or those high-end condo amenities?). There are some things, however, that just aren’t worth […]

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  • How to Go From Renter to Homeowner

    How to Go From Renter to Homeowner,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Deciding to purchase a home is an exciting step for many individuals. Whether setting down roots for a new family, investing in an up-and-coming urban center or anything in between, there are plenty of reasons why taking the plunge as a buyer can have great payoffs. Making the move from a renter to a first-time […]

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  • Thinking of Downsizing? How to Choose the Right Time

    Thinking of Downsizing? How to Choose the Right Time,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Canadians love familiarity. They love spending quality time with family and friends, and many find it difficult to let go of the places such as the family home where those cherished memories were made. If you’re at a time in your life when the starlings have fled the nest and you’re finding that your voice […]

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  • What First-Time Buyers Should Never Compromise On

    What First-Time Buyers Should Never Compromise On,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Particularly for millennials, many of whom are renting or living with their parents far longer into adulthood than past generations, homeownership is a dream come true. For many young adults, it seems like an impossible goal—but more and more millennials are successfully securing mortgages. However, making the transition from renting to owning is not a […]

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  • Mortgages 101: What to Expect

    Mortgages 101: What to Expect,Mike McCarthy Realty

    One of the biggest hurdles first-time buyers face is the dreaded mortgage application. Between worrying about being able to qualify, and wondering which rate is best for you, it can become a nightmare in an already lengthy process. It’s important to do some research on what to expect before dipping your toe into the often […]

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