When buying or selling a home, negotiating the purchase price is just one part of the ultimate cost for a home. In addition to the purchase price, there are several other costs—known as transaction costs —that need to be factored into any purchase or sale. Transactional costs are those costs that are incurred in connection with the purchase of the home which are not directly ...Read More

In my practice, I am frequently asked by investor clients whether a property is still a sound investment even if the rent does not cover the mortgage payments and other carrying costs. Generally speaking, the more expensive real estate becomes, the more money is required to cover carrying costs including mortgage payments, insurance, or property taxes. In major cities like Toronto, New York, or S...Read More

In my practice, I am frequently asked by investor clients whether a property is still a sound investment even if the rent does not cover the mortgage payments and other carrying costs. Generally speaking, the more expensive real estate becomes, the more money is required to cover carrying costs including mortgage payments, insurance, or property taxes. In major cities like Toronto, New York, or S...Read More

  The location of a property is one of the most important considerations when purchasing a home. Buyers are interested in areas that will increase the value of their investment. An investment area is influenced by price appreciation, rental income potential, demand, and location quality. Although there are many areas considered premium in any city, the preferred area to buy and invest in de...Read More

  To find reliable information regarding property listings, MLS is a wonderful source to explore. Regarding property taxes, there can be some discrepancies. Sometimes, the amount of taxes paid by the previous owners can differ from the amount the new owner would have to pay. It is very important that buyers understand that the property taxes shown on an MLS listing, will not necessarily rem...Read More

Purchasing a home involves plenty of financial planning. Typically, buyers save as much as possible for a down payment and take out the smallest loan possible. Although this approach seems rational and less risky, buyers might be missing out on income potential. Leverage is defined as “using what you have to get something better or achieve something new.” In financial terms, leverage ...Read More

On a Saturday morning, I received a telephone call from some clients who were eager to sell the condo they had owned for several years and move into a larger home where they could raise their family. They had two caveats about the whole process: they wanted to avoid bidding wars; the idea of getting into a fierce competition to purchase a property discouraged them, and they wanted to purchase a ho...Read More

Toronto is bursting with investment opportunities. Will you take advantage of them? Or will you let the chance to grow your wealth pass you by? But with so many places available, what areas offer the best investment potential when it comes to buying a condo? Leaving you with more bang for your buck.   It is time for you to have the condo of your dreams to live in, rent out, or own as an ...Read More

When you purchase any non-fixed price product or service, negotiation skills are essential. When you purchase a home, there is no difference. As sellers typically accept the highest-priced offer in a hot market, negotiation skills may seem pointless in a competitive market where properties are sold in bidding wars and with multiple offers. However, negotiating skills and experience are necessary t...Read More

There are various types of home improvements to consider, so it’s essential to understand the differences and the ways that a renovation can add value to your home, which will enable you to allocate your budgets to the projects that will bring about the greatest return on investment.   A finished basement is one of those projects that has homeowners and buyers asking, “Is it worth...Read More