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 […]

Building equity is important to every Canadian homeowner. Besides having the pride of owning your own home, owning real estate means you can begin to build some wealth and security for the future. Following are some things every homeowner needs to know about equity and building it. What equity is. Equity is what your home is […]

We’ve all seen an opulent home on television, staged perfectly to appeal to buyers. When you’re dealing with a small condo like many Canadians, however, you might not have the luxury of unlimited square footage to impress. The good news? You can still make the most of your space with these tricks: Maximize natural light. Though […]

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 […]

Most real estate agents will tell you that curb appeal is a big part of selling a home. This includes your lawn too, whether it’s in the front or the back of your home. Keep it looking good all year-round with these tips: Rake leaves and cut the grass. If you’re selling your home in the […]

When you’re ready to sell, many factors come into play. Here’s what to consider… Neighbourhood StatsYour home might not be worth what you think. The more desirable your neighborhood, the more it will sell for. Compare with homes in similar sizes and locations. Proximity to AmenitiesBeing in the middle of nowhere won’t get you much. […]

While luxurious textiles and well-placed greenery can grab a buyer’s attention for a moment or two, most people searching for a home will tell you that the kitchen is one of the biggest make-or-break factors influencing whether or not they make an offer. It makes sense, of course. Kitchens usually end up being the heart […]

Mike McCarthy earns internationally recognized achievement for performance in luxury real estate Hamilton, ON — Mike McCarthy with Mike McCarthy Realty of RE/MAX Escarpment Realty, Inc. in Hamilton, ON earned The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing’s Million Dollar GUILD™ recognition for experience, knowledge, and expertise in million-dollar and above residential properties. McCarthy is a Certified […]

Selling a home can be a long, complex and draining process, even under the best of circumstances. It can be even more difficult if you’re having trouble emotionally letting go of your house.  Why Selling a House Can Be So HardYou have a lot of fond memories associated with your house – family gatherings, watching […]

Selling a luxury home is a bit of a unique experience. If your luxury property is ready to market, here are a few high-end property selling secrets. Partner With a Broker Who Specializes in Luxury Real Estate If you’re selling a high-end home, it’s imperative that you work with a broker who understands the market […]

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 […]

Thanks to Canada’s real estate boom, finding a real estate agent seems pretty easy. Almost everywhere you go in a major city there’s an ad for an agent or a team who’s willing to take your business. But if you’re buying or selling a property, you don’t want just any real estate agent, You want someone you […]

For the discerning buyer, details are everything, including the colour of bathroom walls. Luxury bathrooms should be restful and stylish with features that turn a utilitarian space into something distinctly spa-like.

Bathrooms in Hamilton get a lot of attention from prospective buyers, especially in a luxury home. Here’s how to stage yours to make it feel as close to a five-star hotel as possible.