Understand Your Needs and Wants   When looking for a home, it is not a surprise the list of wants can surpass the needs. Depending on your budget and timelines, you may need to set priorities and be flexible with some of the features you require. Think about what really matters to you, that way you have a clearer path moving forward.   Some things to consider: Detached, Semi-detached, To...Read More

Do you remember the last time you viewed a home for sale? What do you recall about that property? You likely remember the features and characteristics that stood out, such as the gorgeous hardwood floors, the spacious kitchen with the long island, or… the faucet that was dripping in the main floor washroom! Obviously, you want potential buyers to notice the great features of your home rat...Read More

You may have purchased a pre-construction condo and are excited about closing so that you can finally get your keys. Before that happens, you will need to settle all of your closing costs and some of these may come as a surprise to you. These are the main items you should expect to see a bill for: Land Transfer Tax The City of Toronto has both a municipal and provincial taxes, while Mississaug...Read More

When a hotel wants to make a room look inviting, they start with the bathroom. They clean it until it sparkles. They place fresh towels everywhere. They make sure the soap bars and shampoos are new. Some hotels even fold the end of the toilet paper into a nice neat triangle! Why all the fuss? Hoteliers know that if a customer is impressed with the bathroom, they will likely feel the same way ab...Read More

When you purchased your current home, chances are it was a good match for your lifestyle. It had the space you needed, the features you wanted, and a location that worked for you. But for most people, lifestyle and needs evolve through the years. Kids get older. Jobs or careers change. People take on new hobbies and other interests. As a result, the home that was ideal a few years ago may not f...Read More

  You visit a garage sale on a sunny Saturday morning and find a bicycle that you think would be perfect for your child. You look at the price tag and it’s about twice as much as you would expect to pay. When you question the owner, he says, “That bike has a lot of sentimental value for me. I couldn’t let it go for less.” Chances are, you’ll pass on the bike. ...Read More

If you’re thinking of buying a particular home, you’re probably aware that you should get a qualified home inspector to examine it. In fact, most offers will include a condition that the property be inspected before the sale becomes final. A good home inspector will go over the property from top to bottom, inside and out. He or she will look for things like cracks in the foundation, ...Read More

When preparing a home for sale, most people focus on making the inside look as appealing as possible. But the outside of your property deserves your attention too. After all, it’s the first thing a potential buyer sees. You can dramatically improve the appearance of your property by giving it a “wash and haircut”! Clean the driveway, walkways and deck or patio. A pressure wash...Read More

You’re probably aware that there’s more to the cost of a new home than its purchase price. So, to help you make an informed decision, ask yourself the following questions: How much do you expect to pay for moving expenses? Don’t forget to include packing materials in your calculations. “Closing costs” are the extra charges you will have to pay at closing. How muc...Read More

When it comes to home security, most homeowners think about door locks and alarms. These are, of course, very important. However, there is also a lot you can do around your property to prevent the possibility of a break-in. One important part of home security is outdoor lighting. Your home doesn’t need to be lit up like a baseball diamond at night, but your exterior lighting should illumin...Read More