First-time buyers remain confident despite rising prices
The Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) released its resale housing figures for January 2017, announcing that last year’s inventory shortage will probably continue through the year, causing prices to surge. Despite this, first-time buyers remain
The lowdown on purchasing your first home together
Thinking of buying your first home? We had the opportunity to catch up with a couple, Joan (31) and Larry (27) (names changed for privacy), who recently purchased their first home together at Minto Westside at Front and Bathurst in Toronto. Joan and
Perform post-holiday CPR on your savings account
No matter what you celebrated last month, the holidays are notorious for mercilessly squandering savings. After all, it’s hard to stay on budget when you’re faced with parties, potlucks and pricey gift exchanges, all packed into two weeks. Now that the
4 reasons first-time buyers should stay positive
With home prices continuing to rise in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and condo prices in both the resale and new market expected to grow this year, it’s easy for first-time buyers to feel defeated. In addition to rising prices, the new stress-testing
How to convince your parents to downsize
When you’ve left the nest for good and you’re parents are all alone in a big house with too many possessions, it’s time for them to start thinking about downsizing. You’re building a nest of your own, so we realize this is a busy time in your life, but
5 common mistakes that first-time buyers make
Sometimes it seems like buying a house or condo unit is as easy as walking into a store and buying a new shirt. All you have to do is walk into a presentation or sales centre, pick a unit, sign an Agreement of Purchase and Sale, and write your cheques.
5 real estate New Year’s resolutions for those buying a home in 2017
We know New Year’s resolutions have kind of become a joke for some people, but we feel like there’s no harm in deciding to set some long term goals for yourself for 2017, especially if you’re interested in buying a home. Now that it’s January, keep these
What is Kitec plumbing and do I need to be concerned?
If you’ve had issues with your plumbing in the last few years, you’ve probably heard of Kitec plumbing. You may also be aware that a class-action lawsuit was settled in 2012, awarding $125 million to affected homeowners. Even though Kitec was recalled by
First-time buyer land transfer tax rebate increasing to $4,000
The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) just announced that first-time buyers will soon receive a bigger and better land transfer tax rebate!In the 2016 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Ontario announced that the Land Transfer Tax rebate is
Adulting 101: How to prepare for homeownership
By many standards, you haven’t truly attained grown-up status until you have moved out and can fully support yourself without retreating back to your parents’ basement. That said, there are steps you should take as a youngster to prepare for
