There’s just something about a newly-renovated property, whether it’s gleaming marble countertops afresh, a glass-walled extension or a sparkling new pool. Before you go ahead and put in a rush offer on a home just because it’s been newly renovated, however, it pays to ask a few questions. After all, beauty, as the saying goes, […]

As housing shortages become more and more common in big cities across Canada, turning your basement into a rental suite not only helps pay your mortgage, but gives those with lower incomes a place to live. While there are big financial benefits to renting out a part of your home, it’s also a big commitment […]

With Canada’s ongoing development boom, many purchasers consider buying a home or condo pre-construction, or one that’s just about to be finished. And while there are some amazing benefits to buying a home from plans or just as it’s being completed, there are a few things to take into consideration: You’re under warranty…for a while. If […]

House hunting is known to be a process that’s uniquely exciting and panic-inducing. For Canadian luxury buyers, the stakes are high! In this overwhelming situation, it can be easy to neglect details, jump the gun or listen to the wrong advice. Here are some of the most common mistakes we see luxury buyers making during […]

If you’re retiring and downsizing soon, consider these factors. The neighborhood. You want to be close to things like grocery stores and banks. As a senior, it may be easier to get around if you’re not 30 minutes from a downtown area. Modifications. Can the home easily be updated to fit your needs? Mobility is something you […]

While more and more Canadians are turning to self-employment in an ever-changing economy, it can be intimidating to consider homeownership when you’re self-employed. The regulations are tighter for freelancers because income is less consistent and reliable than typical full-time employment, but that shouldn’t discourage you from pursuing homeownership. Save for a larger than usual down […]

While you might have heard the term in other contexts and could come across it for a variety of reasons, in real estate, understanding escrow is an important part of the buying process. What is it? There are two kinds of escrow when it comes to real estate. The first is when a neutral third […]

There is definitely money to be made in real estate. Even when you buy your own home, chances are you will be able to put some money in the bank when you sell it. If you’re investing in real estate, you should have clearly defined goals of the numbers you’d like to attain. With these […]

Interest rates in Canada are on the rise, but there are some ways you can keep more money in your pocket when it comes to your mortgage. These four tips may be helpful when you’re on the hunt for the best mortgage terms possible: Shop AroundThis is probably the best piece of advice possible when […]

Canadians who are ready to begin house hunting and who have found a REALTOR® with whom they click may have been given the sage advice to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Some purchasers, however, might confuse pre-approval with actually being approved. Pre-approval usually entails receiving some acknowledgement from a lending institution regarding what a buyer […]

Ugh. Moving, right? Packing, coordinating, updating contacts and everything that goes along with it is time consuming in itself. Managing to squeeze it all in when you have a full-time job or kids to take care of? Sometimes it seems impossible! The trick is to plan ahead and reframe your thinking. Here are some of […]

A pristine and elegant aesthetic and professional MLS photos—it might look like you’ve found your dream luxury property. But it takes more than pretty photos to know it’s the right fit for you. While high-end properties can be anything from an urban condo to a private forested mansion, they all have similar characteristics that help […]

The Land Transfer Tax is a required fee when buying in Canada. Here’s what you need to know: What is it?The tax is paid by buyers to the province upon the sale of the property. It must be paid upfront in cash. It can’t be rolled into regular mortgage payments. This tax varies from province […]

When it comes to buying your first home, making an offer that meets all your criteria is a big deal. You are committing to a huge financial investment, and it needs to be taken seriously. While some things may differ from province to province or from city to suburbs, there are some factors that are […]

A home purchase is one of the largest investments that you will likely make in your lifetime. For this reason, homeowners are encouraged to protect their investment by tending to regular maintenance. Home Maintenance can not only ensure that your home’s interior and exterior are looking their best, but can be essential to ensuring the […]

After making a major purchase, it’s natural to second-guess your choice. Buyer’s remorse is particularly common after purchasing a house. Here are some strategies to help you cope. Reasons for Buyer’s RemorseIf you see other houses that cost less than yours, you may think you overpaid. You may believe that the price of the house […]

Here are six little-known secrets of the luxury home-buying process. Work With a Luxury Broker A luxury broker will be familiar with the area, up to speed on the latest trends, able to identify potential issues in properties and will know if a property is worth its listing price. Have a Knowledgeable Team in Place […]

Having an agent by your side can save you money and time. Here are some red flags they’ll look for. PlumbingLeaky pipes could spell trouble. An agent will point out water stains or hidden signs of mold. HVAC SystemDon’t sacrifice heating and cooling. Is there an issue? A real estate agent can recommend a service […]

There’s money in real estate. But you have to look for the right opportunities. Here’s how… Set specific goals. What do you want your monthly cash flow to look like? Have a number in mind. Know your criteria. What’s most important to your investment? Specific neighborhoods, a certain number of properties, etc.? Stay in the green. Buy low […]

Most Canadians dream of being able to afford the home of their dreams one day. With a bit of forethought and planning, you may be able to make that dream come true sooner than you think. Have a look at these wise money decisions that you can implement now so that you can get your […]