As aging baby boomers enter retirement, many are opting for the hassle-free lifestyle that condominium living offers. The condo owner no longer has to worry about mowing the lawn, shoveling the driveway or the maintenance issues that come with owning a home. Indeed, based on the new construction starts for condominiums in the GTA, it appears builders have the same bullish mindset. However, owning a condominium also has its own set of problems that differ from home... [read more]

  If you're working with a landscaping contractor, you want to develop a good working relationship with that professional, so you can avoid delays, stress and other issues. After all, the last thing you want is a tree planted in the wrong spot because of a misunderstanding! The same holds true when working with a real estate agent. Whether you're buying, selling, or both, you want the process to go smoothly and successfully. Creating an ideal working relationship with your... [read more]

Many sellers who I encounter want to know which improvements would be worthy of undertaking prior to putting their home on the market. I will share with you studies that reveal the approximate percentage of investment you can expect to get back when you sell your home. The highest return on your investment is remodeling your kitchen. The seller typically will see a 95% return. Although a renovated kitchen can yield a good return, it also can require a significant... [read more]

If you are thinking to add more value to your home, but you are not sure how, here is a short-list of some of the best ways to do so. 1. Kitchen Yes, the kitchen is still No. 1 when it comes to the value of your home. If your kitchen is woefully outdated, a complete renovation could be a good investment. Chances are you can get away with some cheaper alternatives. Today’s top kitchen trends include stainless steel appliances, stone countertops and an open layout. Fewer upper... [read more]

The bedroom should be among the coziest spaces in your home, not to mention the best room for your perfect reading nook. And while it may not be top priority when it comes to renovations, it’s important to get things right when the time to remodel it does come around. Whether you’ve bought a fixer-upper or simply want to enlarge or improve your current space, remodeling your bedroom can be an exciting project to undertake.  However, as with any renovation there are pitfalls... [read more]

Whenever you are in the market for a new home, there are a few things to keep in mind in regards to the home’s inspection. Knowing what to look for with an inspection before you purchase is essential to avoid potentially costly repairs and necessary upgrades. Foundation Always conduct a thorough walk through of both the interior and exterior of any homes you are interested in purchasing yourself. Check the base of the walls along with the ceilings in each of the room. Check the... [read more]

Location & Lifestyle When choosing between old and new homes, location can be the biggest factor that drives your decision. Resales are typically found in built up, established neighborhoods that enjoy a full infrastructure. Local amenities such as shops, schools and access to urban transit are likely to be close by, as well as green spaces. If you’re looking to live in the hustle and bustle of a city center or an established neighborhood, a resale is your best bet. New builds... [read more]

What is a Home Appraisal? A real estate appraisal is a detailed report into the monetary value of a home. An appraiser will indeed carry out a home inspection, though it’s far less thorough than that carried out by a home inspector. This is because they’re essentially looking for different things. Typically, an appraiser will visit the home for 30 minutes or so, checking numerous elements around the place, including the plumbing system, potential structural... [read more]

If you’re looking for a home and you already narrowed down your search to a few properties, it’s time to start digging a little deeper. Researching the neighborhood, the history of the property and going to see the house in person are all necessary steps if you want to make the best decision.  This process should make it easier to spot all the red flags. While some issues are minor and should not stand between you and your dream home, the following problems are very... [read more]

If you’re an Ontario homeowner, you’ll want to do all you can to prepare your home properly for the coming weather. It’s important to examine all areas of the home and think about what you should do before the first frost. Properly preparing your home for winter has many advantages. It will help you spot potential areas of weakness before further, more serious problems develop. This sort of preparation can also help you reduce your overall heating bills. Few things are more... [read more]

Homeowners want to protect their family, and mould, which may be hard to detect and even more difficult to eliminate, can exacerbate existing health issues. It is important to address the issue early on to avoid the possibility of worsening heath issues in occupants. An Overview About Mould in Homes There are many types of mould that may grow in a home. Some may be visible and easy to find but even with those that are not, it is possible to detect the presence of one or more types of... [read more]

Paperwork & Services Let’s get the boring stuff out of the way first. Many first-time home buyers don’t realize how much paperwork is involved with the purchase of a home, and it doesn’t end with home inspections and appraisals. Before you move, it’s well worth arranging a home insurance policy for your new home. Arrange the policy to start the day before you move in, so that you and your possessions are covered on moving day. If... [read more]

Buying a home can be exciting, but moving to a new house isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. Indeed, most first-time home buyers find it downright frustrating. This typically stressful time may involve frantically phoning around to ensure that all legal matters are taken care of, while simultaneously packing your life away into boxes.  However, by keeping an eye on the following 5 common mistakes, moving to a new neighbourhood or to a new country can be a relatively smooth... [read more]

We live in a world with instant gratification: if you want to listen to a song; you can look it up on Spotify; feel like eating Indian food tonight; you can order it online and it will be at your door within the hour. Instant gratification isn’t on the table in terms of buying real estate in Toronto’s market. There isn’t a lot of inventory, which means a higher demand for great homes when they hit the market. Sometimes a buyer needs to offer on several homes before they are... [read more]

For some reason we all want to be experts and we’re afraid to ask for help. For first-time buyers making the right connections early can help them focus their search within their budget, and help them avoid disappointment. Knowing where you stand financially, emotionally, and beyond in terms of your home search can help you make the next steps more easily and with considerably less stress. Speak to good Realtors. Speak to Mortgage Advisors. Sit down with professionals to learn what... [read more]

We’ve all heard about the real estate bubble. The media constantly talks about the bubble bursting, and how home values are inflated. The market will always vary, and it’s not easy to predict the intricacies of the market. This is why we assure our clients that we will decide if this the right time for them to buy together: Our job as Realtors is to consult with our clients to ensure that they are ready to purchase a home, financially and emotionally. Through working... [read more]

Our brains are funny and complicated organs. We may never completely understand how the brain functions, but there are studies that show how the brain reacts to symmetry, and it’s a positive reaction. Our brains love symmetry! We realize that it may seem silly to say that placing matching end tables with matching lamps beside your sofa will make you happier, but there is some psychological proof to achieving balance in your interiors and how it can make you feel... [read more]

Emerging research is showing that your homes lighting, space, and room design can affect how you feel. These studies have lead the creation of a new field of architecture called, Neuro-architecture. This is a very exciting, innovative development whereby neuro- science is combined with architecture in order to create modern designs that are effective, functional and even possibly healing! Here are a few home designs that could be causing your bad mood: If a room is too... [read more]

So maybe you’re a realtor.ca addict. Or maybe you’re just starting to think about buying a home in Toronto. You probably already know that www.realtor.ca can be painful to use. Here’s what you probably don’t know: There are limited search functions on realtor.ca – a real estate agent can send you just the listings you want to see The newest listings are NOT on realtor.ca. There is a delay between when... [read more]

  Everyone appreciates a home that has a well-maintained exterior. Keep it looking great by adding simple flowers like perennials and small shrubs like evergreens. If you really want to keep it well maintained, look into getting a sprinkler system installed so it will automatically become more green and bright. If your lawn looks dull and a little yellowish, try a turf builder that will re-grow those areas to really make it look brand new. [read more]

There are more things to consider than just schools when buying a home in Toronto. Prices are still ebbing upward in the city, and school rankings can have a significant impact on the price of a home and its future value. In fact, many homebuyers now begin the hunt for a new home by looking at the quality of the local educational establishment. Investing in a home within reach of a good school can mean significantly higher resale values, and homes there tend to sell more quickly. In tougher... [read more]

Buying a home is a big decision, no matter what stage of life you're in. But for families with children, there are many more things to consider. Every parent is looking for a safe neighbourhood with easy access to parks and recreational activities, but there may be nothing more important than finding a home in a good school district. Fortunately, there are a number of resources families can use to find the best fit for them and their children. The Province of Ontario's Education... [read more]

If your main washroom has cracked tiles, old sink/toilet this can damage the home buyer's perspective when first walking into it. Replacing those first should be your main priority. Secondly, give the walls a fresh coat of neutral paint to give it a fresh look. Nobody likes those old style washrooms with wallpaper.    [read more]

You have probably heard by now that the kitchen is definitely the best option for increasing the value of your home. It will always give you the most return for your money. The kitchen is considered the heart and soul of every home, and it definitely deserves it. It's where you usually first sit down with guests that walk in and start your conversations. People with older kitchens will usually replace old cabinets with new modern ones. As well as putting in Granite or Quartz instead of the... [read more]

  It’s renovation time, and, as part of your preparations, think about the last time you hired someone to rebuild or remodel your home. There was probably an initial phone conversation, followed by a site visit where you were probably given a quote for the project and a discussion of a timeline. Then, they showed up to start the job. You may have asked them for testimonials or photos of previous work. But did you ask if they had their own insurance? According to experts,... [read more]

When getting a home ready to sell, most homeowners focus on interior upgrades and fixes. But what’s on the outside counts, too. Lawns, walkways, patios, gardens, doors, and windows all play a role in the livability of a home – and its salability as well. Thinking of selling soon? Here are five ways to boost your home’s Outside Quotient (OQ), courtesy of a Williams Ski & Patio infographic: For an investment that could range from $300 to $1,000, you can undo the... [read more]

  Share A home office is on its way to becoming an essential item on a house buyer's wish list. After all, many people work at least part of the time at home — and even if they don't, they still want somewhere to store the computer and their household papers. Here are some tips to help you create an attractive home office that you'll actually want to spend time in. An attractive place to work A home office doesn't have to be just functional —... [read more]

Container plants are an easy way to give immediate visual impact to your home, creating that important curb appeal - the "wow" factor as potential buyers pull up outside. Here are some important tips to make sure you use containers effectively. Use big containers Don't be afraid of using big, bold containers. They will have much more impact and will be easier to care for because they won't dry out so easily. Smaller containers tend to get lost in the landscaping, so... [read more]

  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]

You’re almost a Toronto homeowner! Closing is the point at which the ownership and possession of the property are transferred from the seller to you. It takes place once all the legal and financial obligations have been met. Closing the purchase will be a team effort: in addition to yourself, your lawyer and your lender will all be involved in helping close the deal.  [read more]

Conditions are requirements within the Agreement of Purchase and Sale that must be met for the sale to go through. In your offer, you may have included a financing condition or a condition on a home inspection. And of course, you’ll need to submit a deposit–an amount up to 5% of the purchase price, which is held in trust until close. Once the conditions have been met, the agreement is firm, and now it’s just a matter of waiting for your closing date. And of course,... [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]