Buying a home—whether it’s a condo or a house—is never just about square footage or how many bedrooms you think you need. It’s a lifestyle decision, a maintenance decision, and, for many people, a long-term wealth-building decision.Over the years, working with clients across Toronto and the GTA, I’ve learned that people don’t actually struggle with “condo vs. house.” They struggle with...

Have you ever thought about paying a friend for sending a home buyer your way? Or maybe someone offered you a "cut" for referring a family member to a specific agent?This payment is often casually called a "finder's fee." While it might seem harmless, it's one of the most misunderstood and legally risky areas in Canadian real estate.This guide will walk you through what a finder's fee really is, why it's a...

Why walkability should be on your “must-have” listWhen buyers talk about “a good neighbourhood,” they’re usually talking about walkability without using the word: Being able to grab a coffee, groceries or transit without a carSafe, well-lit streets for an evening walkParks, trees, and places to sitA bit of buzz: dogs, kids, patios, small shops Download...

Toronto’s most memorable houses aren’t only unusual, they’re beautifully resolved: tight sites made serene, tricky lots turned graceful, façades that perform as well as they photograph. This guide decodes the structural moves behind these one-offs, then anchors each idea with real addresses. (If you're looking for a primer on common home styles first, see our guide to the types of houses in...

This practical guide demystifies the process. We’ll explain the legal and financial steps, clarify who does what, and provide clear checklists so you can navigate your closing with confidence. While the article is detailed, it's organized with quick-jump links to the sections that matter most to you. /* widget: Gradient Underline Text Effect */ #uc_gradient_underline_text_effect_elementor_ddecfdf3 {...

Buying a home in Canada involves more than viewing listings and making an offer. It is a regulated financial transaction with legal, contractual, and fiduciary elements. One of the first decisions most buyers face is whether to work with a licensed real estate professional, commonly referred to as a REALTOR® or to navigate the process independently. While there is no legal obligation to hire one,...

Why Choosing the Right REALTOR® Is a Financial Decision — Not Just a Personal OneSelecting a REALTOR® is not a casual preference; it’s a fiduciary partnership that can shift your net worth by tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Every clause negotiated, every condition waived, every pricing strategy chosen influences your financial outcome. Yet, many Canadians still rely on gut feeling or a...

Quick takeMere Posting, also known as flat-fee MLS® (see an example from PropertyMesh) or limited-service listing, is a key option for Canadian home sellers looking to cut commission costs. Enabled nationally by a consent agreement between the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and the Competition Bureau, a mere posting allows a seller to appear on a board’s MLS® System (and therefore on...

What is FSBO? “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) means selling your property without hiring a licensed real estate agent to represent you. The owner takes responsibility for pricing, marketing, showings, negotiations, paperwork, and coordinating the closing. A major motivator is avoiding the listing agent’s portion of the commission, which is typically around 2.5% of the selling price. The total...

This guide explains what a deposit is, why it matters, how much you can expect to pay, and the rules that govern it across Canada.Defining a Real Estate DepositA real estate deposit is a good-faith payment made by the buyer to show they are serious about purchasing the property. It is not an extra fee because it becomes part of the buyer’s down payment and is credited toward the total purchase price on...