True Crime Story of Toronto home buyers who were considering buying a run down rooming house where a murder occurred. When buying a house in Toronto does it matter if someone died in the home? How could a stigma affect the home value? Should you buy a...
There are many strategies used in the Toronto real estate market. Typically there is a set offer date, but sometimes a bully shows up with an offer before that date. A bully might prey on the seller's fear that they won't get multiple offers and try to...
The Toronto real estate market is highly competitive! A common strategy is to list a home below market value to attract multiple buyers which then results in a bidding war for the home. Be prepared to win your next bidding war for your dream home by applying...
A cautionary tale. When you're buying a home in Toronto, can you back out of a firm offer? The Toronto real estate market can be a roller coaster ride of emotions, stress and sometimes difficult decisions. What happens when you sign a firm and unconditional offer and then...
The Canada Revenue Agency is getting tough with people who fail to comply with new rules requiring the routine sale of a home to be reported, even when there’s zero tax owing. If you don’t report the sale of a principal residence on your income tax...
There are new rules coming out in January that require those taking out a mortgage to qualify at a rate two percentage points higher than the contractual mortgage rate. Whether you're buying a home or refinancing speak to a mortgage advisor who can help guide you...
Who do you call to complain about the administration of the City of Toronto? Did you know that the City has an Ombudsman? The office opened in April 2009 and processed 1057 complaints in the first year. The office is only to be used as a...
We were doing a home inspection in the Victoria Park & Danforth area, known termite territory. Usually if a home has been treated for termites, the owner acknowledges this, the listing agent discloses the information in the listing details and it's no big deal. But...
Go high and go firm! That's the strategy. What it means is to pay more than list price, which almost goes without saying when there are multiple offers, but you are also expected to have a firm offer, which means no conditions. No condition on financing,...
Everyone has read about the settlement between the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and the Commissioner of Competition. It basically allows a seller to "merely" post a listing on the MLS for a flat fee. The broker or salesperson who takes this listing has chosen or...