Too often, buyers forgo a home inspection in an effort to save time and money. This is not the place to skimp. A home inspection is a crucial step in the home-buying process. Keep in mind the option to perform a home inspection is included in all standard real estate contracts. This should be a clue to buyers that it’s important. A home inspection reveals any issues that are a safety concern or affect the value of the property. It allows the buyer to discover what items... [read more]

  Congratulations! Your house hunting efforts have paid off, and you’ve found the right home for you: it satisfies your wants/needs, it’s in your price range, and it feels right. The offer process is both exciting and nerve-wracking. We begin by drafting the Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS). The APS is a legally binding document which contains everything from the price you are prepared to pay, to the inclusions you want (washer/dryer, big screen TV), to your... [read more]

  Now that you’ve pre-qualified for a mortgage, narrowed down your search and picked a great Toronto Realtor to work with, it’s time to start looking at listings and houses. While realtor.ca is a good place to start, your real estate agent will send you custom listings that match your criteria. House hunting will involve screening listings electronically, previewing properties online, and then finally going out to look at homes. This is your opportunity to get a... [read more]

Buying a house or condo will likely be the biggest purchase you’ll ever make – but don’t worry, you don’t need to do it alone. You’ll want to start by choosing a great agent to guide you through the process. You’ll also need a lender to take you through your financing options, and a  lawyer to help with the legal aspects of the purchase. There are thousands of professionals out there of varying quality, so ensure you look for someone who... [read more]

Knowing what you need and want in your home is critical. What are your must-haves, your nice-to-haves, and your no-way-absolutely-nots? How many bedrooms do you need? What kind of outdoor space do you want? What about counter-tops, appliances, and floors? You can’t get what you want if you don’t know what you want. Of course, the location will be a big decision – what Toronto neighbourhood makes you feel at home?  [read more]

The first step to buying a house or condo in Toronto is finding out how much your bank is willing to lend you. When you pre-qualify for a mortgage, your lender will look at your income, your debts, your downpayment and your credit history. The pre-approval should be in writing and will include a guaranteed interest rate (usually valid for 90 days). Pre-qualifying will ensure that you know how much mortgage you can get, which in turn will help you know what price range of homes you should... [read more]

  Purchasing a property for sale by owner (FSBO) may make sense to many; because the seller doesn’t pay real estate agent commissions, the price should be lower. However, buyer beware. There are downsides to purchasing an FSBO. According to research conducted by the National Association of Realtors®, fewer than 10 percent of FSBOs are actually sold. Why? There are any number of reasons, ranging from sellers not knowing how to price the property to potential problems with... [read more]

The small house movement may be coming to a neighbourhood near you, proving that “bigger is better” is not necessarily true. Having a bigger space to fill, a bigger mortgage to pay, and a smaller disposable income make having a large home unrealistic for many young professionals and families.  In an article in homify.ca, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association suggests that Canadian homes have long been among the world’s largest, at 2,300 sq. feet (213.68 sq.... [read more]

Before you start looking for your home there are a few things to line up in advance. Do you need  mortgage? It is possible to secure a mortgage for your purchase of a home in Canada prior to your arrival. I can refer you to my most trusted and eperienced financial experts. These speciaists can let you know based on your individual criteria  how much mortgage you will be eligeable prior to making an offer on a property. You will also be advised of the documention you need to... [read more]

Location, location, location — goes the saying about what’s important in real estate. Most home buyers start by looking for a suitable area. The following tips will help you find a neighbourhood that feels like home. Priorities Set priorities about things that matter most to you and your family: Is safety a prime concern? Are you looking for vibrant nightlife? Do you need to live close to work? The best purchase is usually a trade-off among several... [read more]

I offer personal one-on-one services providing a trusted solution for investors from overseas when searching for properties for living, family or investment in Ontario, Canada. I assist purchasers looking for property ranging from the luxury sector to market-entry properties. I have developed a niche market working in international relocation and investment, and have a global perspective and network.  As an antidote to big corporations and agencies,... [read more]