Blogs

If you’re young and looking to settle down but think you’re not ready, this is the time for you to do some research into acquiring a new home not to necessarily live in, but for investment purposes. Turning your first home into an investment property will put you ahead of the game for these reasons.   Time is on your side. The sooner you begin, the more time you have to earn additional income and take more risk. Traditionally people buy their first home and live in it then consider buying a second property. You don’t have to do things ...

When it comes to dining in Toronto and the GTA, there is a bevy of food talent in some of the finest and most noteworthy restaurants. Here’s a selection of some of the top-quality restaurants in the area that are tried and true among locals, foodies and food experts. Whether you enjoy an evening out in the big city of TO, or prefer to stay close to home, there is no shortage of fine restos, trattorias, bistros, and kitchens right in your own backyard. Bring out your inner foodie and satisfy your cravings at one or all of these fabulous ...

The Canadian global commercial real estate market is thriving. Yes, it’s true, Canada is now a leader in global commercial real estate making us the Switzerland of North America. According to CBRE Group Inc., a juggernaut in commercial realty, Canada’s stability is what made it all happen. Commercial real estate up 15% since 2016 Commercial real estate transactions in the country topped around $40 billion in 2017. That’s a 15% jump from 2016’s record year of $34.7 billion. Moreover, CBRE claims that investments from January to September 2017 alone totalled $33.1 billion, pretty much matching the entire amount of ...

Southern Ontario is a huge, sprawling geographical area which offers many communities with various characteristics and different lifestyles. Since the GTA boundaries have expanded over the years as far east as Oshawa, as far north as Keswick/Georgina, as far west as Burlington/Hamilton, and Caledon to the northwest, living options have increased over the last 10 years opening up opportunities that didn’t exist before. Whether you’re looking for your first new home, downsizing or leaving the big city for a more relaxed lifestyle up north - the choices are endless. How do you choose? Often this is homework that is ...

The hottest tech gadgets are everywhere. From our phones and watches to our cars, we’re constantly playing with some type of screen or remote. Now that we’re well into the new year, isn’t it time you embraced some useful tech toys? Turn your home in 2018, into a smart home with these five trending enhancements: Advanced security that doesn’t mess around: Any new home 2018 should be protected. With the advanced security system from Hive, you don’t have to worry about what’s inside your home. You’ll be prepared for a break-in because this futuristic security system is designed by ...

Do Toronto’s real estate prices make sense?  Furthermore, are they on par with other international urban cities? Turns out - they do make sense and they are on par with the rest of of the world! It may seem as though Torontonians pay more for their property than the rest of Canada, but Toronto pricing is actually in line with other comparable locations. Foreign capital doesn’t drive Toronto’s market, Canadians do According to Mark Renzoni, the president of global commercial real estate powerhouse CBRE, Toronto real estate prices are as fair and balanced as other top world cities like London, ...

Canada’s Real Estate Market in 2018: What’s going on? How is the market? Where should I buy? These are questions most Canadians are asking themselves this year. To help you get a sense of how the market is doing, here’s what you need to know about Canadian real estate in 2018. Interest rates are going to take a hike The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is expecting mortgage interest rates to rise from now until some point in 2019. They claim the posted five-year rate is probably going to be anywhere between 4.9-5.7% this year and jump to ...

For many people, buying a property is one of the biggest investments anyone could make. In today’s competitive market place, you need to know what makes your home stand out amongst the crowd. When selling your home, it is best to enlist a professional to stage your home. Why? Although you might think decorating can replace staging, the two couldn’t be more different. Often people think tidying up, adding new pillows or having your home cleaned should be good enough. In today’s real estate market, that is not enough, once your home is priced well, it should also look amazing ...

Now that you've kissed another holiday season goodbye, it's time to turn your attention to your home and make it a priority. After all, you spend a lot of time here. It is never easy to put things back in order, so we're here to help! Here are 5 tips that are sure to add order and organization and simplify your life! Streamline & Remove Clutter - We all tend to accumulate more stuff especially after a gift giving season. Drawers seem fuller, closets, shelves and cabinets seem to overflow making your home look untidy, and in some cases ...

Act now! If you’ve been planning to buy a home, do it before January 1, 2018. A recent article in McLean’s Magazine by Jonathan Hayward sheds some light on what it means should you wait to buy that home in the new year. If you’re not already aware of the latest announcement made by The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), here’s what you need to know about obtaining a mortgage in 2018: Regardless of the interest rate you qualify for at the time of signing for your mortgage, you will have to pass a “stress-test” no matter ...