THE Blog VAULT
My philosophy is that information is power. I want you to be equipped with all the details you need to make informed and strategic decisions. Take a dive into The Vault below!
Be Prepared for Closing Costs: Buyer Edition
Be Prepared for Closing Costs: Buyer Edition Don’t get caught beyond your budget Whether selling your home, buying your first property, or both, closing costs will be a factor. But how much are these costs? What do they involve? How can I avoid financial surprises? In this blog, we’ll break down costs for the Buyer so you won’t be shocked when you put the finishing touches on buying a home. What are Closing Costs? Closing Costs for Buyers Home Inspection Land Transfer Tax Legal Fees Title Insurance Mortgage Default Insurance Property Appraisal Property Tax Adjustments Moving Costs What Are [...]
Is House Flipping as Easy as it is on TV?
Is House Flipping as Easy as it is on TV? How House Flipping Actually Works Everyone seems to love home improvement reality TV shows where an adorable young couple buys a derelict home, makes a few renovations and aesthetic changes, and then sells it for big bucks. Usually, the couple makes a pretty penny and looks utterly relaxed throughout the process. Oh, the magic of television! In reality, flipping a home is infinitely more complicated than on cable. Here are some tips for flips to increase your chances of raking it in without losing sleep. Make it Comparable [...]
August 2024 Market Report – Summer Trends Remain True
August 2024 Market Report – Summer Trends Remain True For the second month in a row, the Average Sales price of GTA homes fell, and Total Sales also dropped. Is this normal? Yes. The standard for the GTA market in the summer is a slowdown that encompasses June, July, and August. Once the summer clears and the kids return to school, expect the market to pick back up. So, if there’s a modest decline in both statistics in the summer, it’s expected. But let’s get into what happened in detail during July. GTA After a 0.3% decline in the [...]
Real Estate Letters: Are They a Scam?
Real Estate Letters: Are They a Scam? How do you know? You’ve probably picked up your mail, sifted through it, and come across a letter. You figure it’s too good to be true, so you put the letter into your recycling box, thinking it’s a scam. You may have even seen some lawn signs advertising the same offer. Still, the whole thing gives you an unsettled feeling. While often there’s a catch to this type of solicitation, there is always a chance that these letters represent a genuine party interested in purchasing your home. Who would drop off a [...]
Explaining Toronto’s Noise Bylaw
Explaining Toronto’s Noise Bylaw What has changed and how to lodge a complaint With any large and densely populated city, especially one as lively as Toronto, noise is expected. But how much noise is too much? We investigated Toronto’s Updated Noise Bylaw (2023) to help you understand how much noise is permitted and when to complain. Updated Rules Before filing a Complaint The Process Exemptions Updated Rules The following updates were made to the City of Toronto Noise Bylaw, effective June 1st. Nighttime indoor limits were lowered by three decibels, from 45 dB(A) to 42 dB(A) or 60dB(C) to [...]
Explaining Capital Gains Changes
Explaining Capital Gains Changes Will I Have to Pay? It’s become a hot topic of conversation. Once changes to capital gains legislation were recently made in the federal budget, there was much confusion over who was affected, how much one would pay, and whether the legislation targeted the right people. Let’s get into sorting this out: Profits Before the Legislation – Individuals and Corporations Profits After the Legislation - Individuals Exemptions Summary Profits Before the Legislation – Individuals and Corporations Prior to the passing of the new legislation, individuals and corporations reported 50% of the profits from the selling [...]