So you want to buy a home in Canada, eh?
Welcome to Canada! I think it’s the best country in the world. Here are some things you’ll need to know if you are thinking about buying a home. First, find a great real estate agent. I happen to know one! 😉 Second, find a great mortgage broker. I also know one of them too! You […]
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Closing Costs
Buying a home is exciting but there are hidden costs that can get expensive. Know in advance how much you’ll need for closing costs. Home inspection (around $500) Property appraisal (around $500, could be covered by your bank) Legal fees (varies depending on price of home) Title insurance (sometimes included in legal fees) Mortgage broker […]
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Single Woman’s Guide to Buying a Home
Buying a home in Toronto can be one of the best long term investments you can make. Like the saying goes, you can pay your mortgage or you can pay someone else’s. It can also be nerve wracking to do it on your own though. Here are some tips on how to minimize stress and […]
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Best Return on Investment for Renovations
It’s almost back-to-school time (Woo hoo! Oh, did I say that out loud?). For those who are thinking of selling this fall, it’s also time to think about what renovations to do to get ready to sell. Remodelling’s Cost vs. Value Report in the States comes out every year. For 2015, steel entry door replacement […]
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Condos: the New Starter Home for Toronto Families
Raising children in Toronto is a choice that more and more parents are making. For families, a commute time of minutes means more time spent together. The right neighbourhoods can provide good schools, parks, entertainment and shopping all within walking distance. More and more families are choosing affordable condos over long drives home. A huge […]
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Fixer Uppers
I admit it, I’m a fixer-upper. I just love finding bargains that get overlooked. Old kitchens and baths can be renovated, patios can be landscaped. You’d be amazed what a great architect can do to a facade. New windows, floors, tearing out pokey cupboards, you name it, I’ve done it. The only thing I would […]
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Selling a Parent’s Home
I’ve been spending all my non-working time the last few weeks getting my Dad’s home ready to sell and I know first hand what a stressful time it is. I’ve waded through decades of saved letters, papers and photos, I’ve scrubbed and cleaned, I’ve painted and drywalled, I’ve finished laying unfinished hardwood and hung new […]
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Surviving a bidding war
This month my life is all about bidding wars. Housing sales have soared 11.3% in February from a year ago. In some prime Toronto areas there are few homes even coming to market. Keep Calm and Carry On Don’t let yourself fall in love. Yet. There is only one winner in a bidding war. Remember […]
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How will I EVER afford a house in Toronto?
I just read an article from the Globe and Mail about how Toronto home prices are expected to continue to rise thanks to the falling gas prices. Having saved and rented for years to get into a home of our own I understand how frustrating and ominous that sounds to buyers looking to get out […]
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5 Quick Tips to Get Your Place Ready to Sell
The new year is when people start thinking of selling or buying a new home. If you are considering moving, here is a quick checklist on getting your place picture-perfect and ready to do well in the market. First impressions: The front of your house is key. You can smarten it up if necessary, by […]
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