Category: Blog

For at least a year, 32% of people in a recent study have put off finishing a big home project. 

There are plenty of things we’ve been meaning to do but haven’t. Many of us have been spending months thinking about repainting the bathroom but haven’t even looked at paint swatches. We also don’t have any clue about home maintenance tips to help us. 

Starting on your home’s improvement journey is overwhelming, but you’ll be glad you quit putting it off. Get to work quickly to make sure your home is ready for the approaching cold months. 

If you aren’t sure where to get started, keep reading below for our home maintenance tips. They’ll come in handy as you work. 

Stop Drafts

Have you ever had that moment sitting in your home while everything looks cozy, but you still feel that chilly breeze making its way inside? You probably have a draft you need to take care of.

You can protect yourself from cold drafts by weather-stripping and caulking your doors and windows. Many people also place insulating film on their windows to keep the cold away. 

Not only will you feel better sitting in your home once you stop the drafts, but you’ll also be saving money. It takes a lot of cash to keep the heat running high. 

Insulate Your Pipes

Water expands once it freezes. This water expansion, if in the pipes of your home, can cause your pipes to burst. 

It doesn’t matter if they’re metal or plastic. Pipe insulation should be at the top of your home maintenance checklist so take action now. 

Purchase some heat tape to wrap them with, or you could even place pipe sleeves over them. Keep an eye out for any pipes that are exposed to the outdoors. You’ll want to cover those. 

Create a Warm Storage Area for Important Outdoor Tools

Many homeowners tend to leave shovels and rakes out in their gardens and backyards. You’ll regret doing that once everything starts to freeze over. 

Invest in a shed for your backyard or designate a section of your garage for tool storage. This is especially important for shovels that you might need to clear some snow out of your yard. 

It’s best to do a yard scan once it starts getting cold outside. Even though picking up tools is important, you’ll also want to go ahead and grab any toys or extra bags of soil you have sitting around. 

Once things start warming back up, you’re ready to start prepping your backyard for spring and summer. 

Replace Your Air Filters

Because you’ll be heating up your home so much during the winter, give your HVAC a bit of a break by changing out the air filters. This will make its job easier. 

It’s also a good idea to get a professional out to your home to inspect your HVAC system. Just like you ask people to run diagnostic tests on your car, you want to check out the inner workings of your home. 

Address problems now before winter hits. 

Peek at Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The fresh air that flows through your home in the warm months helps keep the carbon monoxide levels low. However, in the winter, we do our best to hide from outside drafts. 

Add checking your carbon monoxide detectors to your home maintenance checklist. While you’re at it, guarantee your smoke detectors are also working properly. 

Too much CO can cause headaches, dizziness, and an upset stomach. Keep you and your family safe by checking the detectors. 

Trim Low Limbs

One of the best winter home maintenance tips to keep in mind is remembering to trim low-hanging limbs above your home. Once it becomes cold and the snow starts falling, tree limbs will die and break off. Falling limbs cause roof damage.

If you’re able to safely inspect your roof, take a look to make sure no shingles are missing. It’s also smart to go ahead and clear your gutters and sweep off any debris already on the roof. 

Want to take it an extra step? Check out the insulation in your attic while you have your ladder out. Attic insulation will keep you warm. 

Stock up on Emergency Supplies

No one wants to venture out into the snow to grab emergency supplies. Emergency supplies include nonperishable food items, flashlights, candles, batteries, lighters, and a generator. 

As you continue with your home maintenance, take time one day to install shelving designated for holding your emergency supplies. Keep them in a warm, safe area. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use them, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Quick Home Improvements to Do While Stuck Inside

Once you’ve completed your home maintenance checklist and are stuck inside for the winter, you’ll probably start looking for projects to complete in your home. We’re here to give you a few quick ideas. 

Do you have any scratched old furniture? Grab some paint or wood stain to give it a makeover. 

Is your home seeming a bit dull? Check out new paint ideas for your home, and purchase new home decor. There are plenty of DIY home decor projects you can do to pass the time. 

Pick up a new hobby to freshen up the home. Many people knit their own blankets and rugs for a homemade feel. 

If you’re on a tight budget, doing simple things such as buying fresh flowers or adding succulents to a room can make a world of difference. 

Winter Preparation: Home Maintenance Tips You Need to Know

Above is a quick list of home maintenance tips you need to know to prepare your family and home for winter. Get started now before it’s too late. 

Make sure there are no low-hanging limbs above your roof. Check out your HVAC system, and replace the air filters. You’ll also want to put away your garden tools and stock up on emergency supplies. 

For more home tips, check out the rest of our site. You can also contact us for a free home market evaluation. 

Are you looking for an exciting change? Are you thinking about moving to a city brimming with culture, colour, and excitement? Are you wondering what you need to know before you move to Toronto?

Before you start looking for a Toronto real estate agent, you’ll need to know why moving to Toronto is a good idea, and how you can prepare yourself for all the city has to offer.

Here are some of our favourite reasons to move to the Canadian metropolis.

1. Career Opportunities

You’ll need a job before you can settle in any city and the growing metropolis of Toronto may be just the place to find one.

Toronto is a major hub for several industries. These include film-making, tech, education, and finance. In fact, the top five banks in Canada all have their headquarters there.

If you work in an up-and-coming field and want to advance in your career, you’ll find no shortage of job opportunities in a city like Toronto.

2. Hip Housing

Toronto real estate agents may tell you to rent a home before buying in Toronto. You’ll want to get a feel for its many flavourful neighbourhoods before choosing the one for you.

Many favourite sections such as the Harborfront and Liberty Village boast easy walking distance to cafes, concerts, and even the waterfront. Yet each retains its unique aesthetic, from modern and hip to parklike and breezy.

Whether you’re looking for nearby inexpensive food options in neighbourhoods like the Annex or coffee and yoga in places like Cabbagetown, you’ll find your ideal living situation in one of Canada’s chic districts.

Living situations from bachelor-style rooms to townhomes to bungalows abound, but you’ll need to move quickly on a good deal.

3. Outstanding Entertainment

You may be the type of person who enjoys artsy coffee shops, quaint boutiques, and dog parks. If that’s you, there’s no shortage of laid-back activities to entertain you in Toronto.

If, however, you like an interesting weekend out, Toronto has no shortage of places to go for spectacular entertainment. Whether you like hockey, museums, or the theater, Toronto has excellent options that will enrich your lifestyle.

4. Multicultural

There is no shortage of cultural diversity in Toronto. In fact, over 180 dialects are spoken, and almost eighty multi-lingual periodicals are printed there. Over 45% of Toronto residents also speak a language other than French or English.

If you’re looking for a community that blends people from many different faiths, ethnicities, and cultures, Toronto could be the peaceful melting pot you’re looking for.

5. Fitness Opportunities

Many folks looking for an urban lifestyle are also concerned with staying fit and looking their best. Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve your mood, and prevent any number of health problems.

Toronto offers a wide variety of fitness clubs and studios. On top of that, you’ll also find a lot of outdoor exercise opportunities available. This has the added benefit of boosting your levels of Vitamin D and making exercise fun.

Toronto has a number of cycling tracks and bike-sharing options. These are also popular ways to get around the city.

In addition, beautiful parks and green spaces offer numerous opportunities for walking, hiking, and outdoor sports. Nearby beaches offer the serenity of beach towns close to the convenience of urban settings.

6. Delicious Cuisine

One of the best parts of living in a multicultural city is the ability to try different types of cuisine. Toronto is no exception, with delicious French bakeries, scrumptious Asian noodle options, and native bacon sandwiches.

Toronto also offers a serious coffee culture and lots of breweries. If your favourite activities involve eating and drinking, the city of the Maple Leafs won’t disappoint you.

7. Experience Four Seasons

If you can’t live without a traditional winter, spring, summer, and fall, you’ll have no shortage of seasons changing in Toronto. Winters are cold and snowy, and summers are warm and sunny. Those who love the flip of the weather when the calendar changes will find themselves right at home in Toronto.

What to Know Before Your Move to Toronto

Moving to a new city can be an exciting time. The promise of starting over, the opportunity to meet new people, and the thrill of making new locales your home can really be invigorating.

Before moving to Toronto, it’s important to research different neighbourhoods and discover which ones work best for you. Are you okay living a bit further from the center of the city to find more affordable housing? Would you rather sacrifice your apartment size to be in the center of it all?

You’ll want to consider your place of work and how you’ll find transportation there. If you’re going to be working remotely, consider how you’ll socialize. Will you be joining fitness clubs, participating in book store events, or looking for people with the same faith?

Make sure you pack warmly for your move to Toronto. You’ll need a good parka, mittens, and hats. Long johns and boots are also popular.

Try to make some connections before you move so you’ll have a way to introduce yourself into the city when you get there. Most of all, get ready for a cultural adventure that you’ll never forget!

O Canada

A move to Toronto is a move into a land of excellent culture, delicious cuisine, and spectacular entertainment you’ll never forget. For some, it’s the perfect blend of urban excitement and the laid-back comfort of nature. With a little research, you could find your perfect Toronto neighbourhood in no time.

Don’t stop getting excited about your Toronto move now. For professional assistance with finding a Toronto home, contact us today!

Are you considering selling your real estate?

In Canada, there’s been a steady increase in the new housing price indexes from June to December 2020. With it being a seller’s market, there’s never been a better time to work with Toronto Realtors.

For sellers considering a relocation, check out this comprehensive guide for five tips when selling real estate.

1. Give Your Home a Competitive Price

If you’re considering selling real estate, remember to give your home a competitive price on the market. Be sure to consider the prices of the other residences around you.

Do online research and gather a basic understanding of home sales in your area from the last three to six months.

Consider square footage, renovations, and location in your pricing. Think about your location regarding community assets, such as:

• Schools
• Places of worship
• Restaurants
• Commercial areas
• Parks
• Recreation

Contact a local Realtor to discuss your property and the services that they provide!

Be sure to have a contingency plan before putting your residence on the market. It’s important to always have a plan in place. Pricing is not stationary; it’s an ongoing discussion and should adapt to the always-changing market conditions.

Don’t forget to prepare for additional closing costs! There may be a repair or addition you didn’t anticipate. Consider moving costs, staging fees, cleaning fees, realtor costs, and mortgage prepayment penalties.

Consider getting a home inspection prior to listing your home as an information guide to prevent any unwanted surprises.

2. Choose the Right Time of Year

Choosing the right time of year to put your home on the market can have a significant impact on the sale.

Historically, the spring market is the busiest for real estate and an ideal time for sellers to list their properties.

During this time, the holidays are over, which means people are less busy, and the weather encourages buyers to get out more. Remember to revamp the interior and exterior of your home, including:

• Landscaping
• Touching up paint
• Decluttering
• Deep cleaning

Consider consulting a professional real estate team in the Toronto area to help you find areas of your home that may need extra attention before it hits the market.

3. Don’t Forget Basic Home Repairs

When buyers look for properties they want it to be a stress- and anxiety-free process. To create this environment, it’s important that you, as the seller, focus on basic home repairs.

Before the home inspector comes through your house, do your own thorough check. Consider basic repairs, like:

• Kitchen appliances
• Cabinets
• Sinks and faucets
• Showers
• Walls and ceilings
• Flooring
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC)
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Circuit breakers
• Roofing
• Foundation

Remember to address any leaks. Make sure all doors and cabinets open seamlessly. Focus on loose hinges, cracked surfaces, or broken handles.

A fresh coat of paint does wonders to increase the price of your home. Don’t neglect the floors. Replace chipped tiles and refinish damaged hardwood. If the carpet is worn, consider a deep-clean or even replacing it.

4. Stage Your Home to Sell

After making any necessary repairs and upgrades, it’s time to stage your home to sell. On the exterior of your home, power-wash your siding, driveway, and walkways to give it a brand new appearance.

Plant fresh flowers and greenery. Make sure your address numbers are legible and easy to find. Remember to wash the outside windows as well as the garage windows.

Choose a doormat that welcomes prospective buyers into your home. Inside, make sure your home is as clean as possible. Before a prospective homebuyer looks at your house, you should:

• Vacuum
• Scrub the floors
• Wash the windows
• Wipe down counters and appliances

Expect the buyer to open doors and cabinets. Organize your clothes and pantry to give it a finished, organized look. Avoid clutter at all costs. Consider renting an offsite storage space while you’re staging your home.

Think about rearranging your furniture to give your home the appearance of being open concept. Also, consider adding artwork that may be a conversation piece.

5. Hire a Realtor and List Your Home

Finally, list your home with a Realtor that you feel confident will bring in the best return on your investment. Choose a Realtor that you feel comfortable with and that provides the right services for you and your property.

Be communicative and have an open dialogue with your Realtor. If you like more than one, consider interviewing each candidate.

At the end of the day, it’s your decision, and you want to be comfortable with your choice.

Selling Real Estate

What are you waiting for? Your real estate awaits!

Want to see more posts like this one? Check out the rest of our blog to learn all about our team based in the Toronto community, including events, schools, and housing. We strive to create a stress-free purchase or sale, and our client relations are unmatched!

You never get a second chance to make a good impression, and first impressions are vital when selling a home. One of the best ways to make an excellent first impression when selling your home is by offering a spotless, impeccable house.

To offer a spotless home, you’ll need to deep clean the house before listing it. Cleaning your house from top to bottom provides many outstanding benefits when selling. Are you curious about these? 

If you’re wondering why you should deep clean your house before selling it, keep reading. This article explains why you should do this, its benefits, and how to handle the job. 

A Spotless House Makes for a Perfect First Impression

As mentioned, you get just one chance to make a good first impression. If you don’t deep clean your home, you’ll miss this opportunity. Missing out on making a good first impression can thwart your chances of selling your home quickly. 

When you initially decide to sell your home, you might want to start by finding the best Toronto real estate agent. An excellent agent can provide tips for selling your home quickly. One of the tips the agent will offer is to clean your home. 

When people start shopping for homes for sale or condos for sale Etobicoke, they might come across your listing. If they like what they see, they’ll schedule a viewing to see your house.

As potential home buyers arrive at these viewings, they’ll instantly like what they see or dislike it. The cleanliness of your house plays a significant role in what they think.

When they see a spotless home, it will give them positive feelings about your property. They’ll like it, and they may keep it in mind as they view other houses for sale. 

A Clean House Looks More Appealing and Less Personal

The second thing to understand is that a clean house looks more appealing to anyone that views a house. People tend to feel more comfortable when viewing spotless homes.

They might feel like the homes have fewer germs, and they might picture themselves living there. As you deep clean your house, Toronto realtors will suggest removing personal items from it. 

For example, the agent will tell you to pack up your family photos. The purpose is to depersonalize your home. Making your home look less personal allows people to envision themselves living there. 

Depersonalizing is just one aspect of deep cleaning, though. You’ll also need to work on all the other areas, including cleaning your windows, walls, and trim. The goal is to clean every square inch of your home before listing it. 

It Makes a House Look More Spacious 

Another key benefit of deep cleaning a home before selling it is to make it look more spacious. One primary goal to keep in mind when cleaning is to remove all the clutter you see. 

Removing clutter frees up space and creates more open space. A house with more open space looks more spacious than a home full of things. As you begin cleaning your house, start removing things. 

Try to get rid of things that you don’t need, and remove items that most people wouldn’t like. You should go through your entire home, removing all the clutter you see. 

Additionally, you might also want to spend some time on your closets. People who view your home will look inside every closet. As you deep clean, remove things from your closets, too.

Try to remove enough items that your closets are only half full. Once you take out enough things, arrange the items so that the closets look neat and tidy. This step will give the buyers a positive impression when it comes to the space your home offers.

You’ll Have Less Work to Do for Showings

Working through your home decluttering and cleaning provides a spotless, appealing home to those who view it. You might not realize, though, that going through this work also provides some significant advantages for you. 

The first is that you’ll have less work to do for showings. When your agent lists your home for sale, people will contact him or her to schedule viewings. Your agent must receive your approval before agreeing to them. 

If you deep clean your home before listing it, your home will be super easy to clean when you receive these showing requests. Instead of needing days to clean your home prior to a showing, you could agree to one in just a few hours. 

You’ll have less work to do to prepare for each viewing request if your home is already spotless. You’ll still have to do a few things, but you’ll have much less to do. As a result, you can offer showings with very little notice. 

Deep Cleaning Prepares You for Moving 

The second benefit that you can experience from deep cleaning is that it prepares you for moving. If you deep clean your house and declutter as you go, you can actually pack up a lot of your things before you sell your house.

Imagine if you get rid of everything you don’t want before you sell your house. The result is that you’ll have less to go through when you do sell it. 

Imagine having no clutter remaining in your home when you sell it. This, too, provides a way to have less to do to move out of the house. 

Deep cleaning your home now prepares you for moving. As a result, you’ll have less to do when you need to move, and you’ll probably feel less stress at that time. 

Deep Clean Like Never Before and Sell Faster 

Whether you normally deep clean your house or not, when selling, you’ll need to. In fact, before listing it, you should deep clean like never before. It can help you sell your home faster. 

After you deep clean your house, you’ll be ready to list it. At this point, contact us. We can help you sell your home faster!

There’s been a boom in the housing market in Canada recently. This has been driven by pent up demand and the exodus from urban to rural locations.

If you’re selling your home and concerned about being in a competitive market, there are ways to make your home stand out amongst the others. Having a clean, fresh, and neat home can add dollars to your selling price. Read on to learn 5 deep cleaning tips to help you sell your home.

1. Be Systematic

A key to cleaning efficiency and effectiveness is to be systematic.

Start by organizing your cleaning materials. Arrange your cleaning clothes, cleaning gloves and cleaning products including all-purpose cleaners and antibacterial cleaner.

Have a mop and bucket for hard floors and a vacuum cleaner for carpets and soft furnishings.

Work methodically from top to bottom to eliminate missing anything.

De-clutter, then clean and disinfect. You can do this one room at a time.

2. Be Tidy

Mess and clutter is a distraction for buyers. It can make rooms look smaller than they really are and suggests to the potential buyer that there is a shortage of storage space.

Having lots of things presents a cleaning challenge. The more objects you have on display, the more objects you need to clean and disinfect.

Clutter and mess tend to attract dust and grime. Piles of toys, papers, and belongings of all types can harbour germs.

Clearing clutter can be the first step to preparing your house to sell. There’s often a lot of clearing out to do before you move so start now. There’s no point in paying to move belongings that you no longer need.

So, start by tidying things away. It will reduce your cleaning time massively. Placed in boxes or bags and put away somewhere, clutter becomes a low hygiene risk and you can show off your home at its best.

3. High-touch Surfaces

The areas to pay special attention to, especially due to COVID-19, are high touch areas. These are the places and points in your home that you, your household members, or your visitors may touch during the course of their visit. Take a walk around your home and identify these areas.

The most obvious areas are door handles and light switches. Some less obvious areas include toilets, faucets, and the areas around your sinks. Tables, countertops, remote controls, and other electronic equipment such as phones.

Your refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher may also be high-touch surfaces. Kitchen and bathroom cabinets are also high-touch surfaces.

These areas get touched frequently so they are more likely to pass infection from person to person. Pay particular attention to cleaning these high-touch surfaces. Have more regular and more frequent cleaning routines for high-touch surfaces. This will reduce the rate of infection and make a deep clean more effective when you do it.

4. Cleaning

Use a damp cleaning cloth with the appropriate cleaning product for the surface. A damp cleaning cloth is better than a dry one because it stops dust particles from rising into the air carrying germs with them.

Systematically clean the area scrubbing any difficult to shift dirt. Lift difficult to shift stains by applying a suitable detergent and letting it soak for a few minutes. Complete the cleaning with a wipe clean and rinse.

Work through each room. You can leave cleaning jobs like vacuuming the whole house until you’ve completed the smaller cleaning jobs. Don’t vacuum first or you’ll probably have to do it again if you raise some dust with the smaller cleaning tasks.

5. Disinfecting

Disinfecting, unlike cleaning, actually kills germs. Covid-19 can be effectively treated on surfaces with disinfectant.

Follow the instructions on the disinfectant’s packaging. Some disinfectants work best if you cleaned the surface first and others, such as wipes, can clean and disinfect at the same time.

Use approved hard surface disinfectants on all the hard surfaces around your home. Pay special attention to high-touch surfaces. Alternatively use diluted bleach. You can use alcohol wipes on hard-surfaced electronics.

Take Care

Take care of your home, your visitors, and yourself by tidying, cleaning, and disinfecting. These deep cleaning tips might be an extra effort. In the present circumstances, it might make a good impression, it’s the right thing to do and may even add dollars to your sale price.

Contact us for a free market evaluation of your home right now.

Lofts are some of the most beautiful and diverse spaces available to both renters and buyers. They are incredibly versatile, open areas that make for amazing homes. You can find them above retail stores, industrial buildings, and in apartment and condo buildings.  

However, finding lofts for sale in Toronto can be a little more difficult than you think. These spaces are in high demand. Additionally, you need to consider all of the factors, such as size, location, amenities, and more.

But don’t feel overwhelmed, there are some simple tips and tricks to make sure you find exactly what you need. We’re here to help. Keep reading for our quick checklist on how to find the best lofts for sale in Toronto, Canada.

1. Check Out Local Listings

The first thing you should do to find lofts for sale is to find local listings. Here, you can get a pretty good idea of the local market and what’s available.

If you know how much you can afford, narrow down your search based on your ideal price range. If there’s a part of Toronto you want to live in, you can also search in specific neighborhoods. 

2. Find an Experienced Real Estate Agent

We also recommend seeking out an experienced real estate agent or broker who can help you find what you need. This is especially important if you’re new to the area or want to expedite your process. A real estate agent will have valuable insight into local neighborhoods, school districts, pricing, and more.

Real estate agents are also well-versed in negotiating with sellers. They can help you find a home that hits everything on your checklist while ensuring you get a fair price. 

3. Take Virtual Tours to Narrow Down Your Search

Before signing any contracts, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. Whether you’re looking for industrial lofts for sale or a loft in an apartment complex, you need to take a virtual tour of each place. Ideally, the seller will have dozens of high-quality photos and/or videos to showcase the loft. 

If you find a place you like, make sure you see it in person before making an offer or committing to anything.

4. Compare and Contrast Pricing

Next, take your time to make sure you’re getting a good deal on your next home. Your real estate agent should be able to help you out, they’ll know immediately if the seller is asking too much for the loft. However, don’t let a high price scare you away, you may be able to negotiate for a lower price. 

It’s vital to stay within your price range. Don’t max out your budget on a home that could potentially lead to financial stress.

5. Find the Best Location for Your Lifestyle

Finally, when searching for the best lofts for sale in Toronto, make sure you make a practical decision based on location. Toronto is a large city with over six million residents. Therefore, you’ll want to avoid long commutes to work. 

However, if you have kids, you’ll also want to look into the local school districts, parks, playgrounds, and other family activities. 

Looking for Lofts for Sale in Toronto, Canada?

Finding the right lofts for sale in Toronto will doubtless be a fun and exciting journey. However, it’s okay to ask for a little help. Our team can help you find the best home for you and your family, and one that’s in your price range. 

Contact us today to talk to a real estate professional to start finding your next home.

If you’re looking for a new home in Toronto, it’s probably worth your while to get some help. Toronto is a huge city with close to three million citizens. Finding the right place on your own could take a while.

You need to consider the location you want to live in, your price range, and all of your priorities. A Toronto real estate agent can help you narrow down your search and find the best home for you and your family. Best of all, they handle all of the heavy lifting and research so you don’t have to.

The only question is, how do you find an experienced, friendly real estate agent? Keep reading for everything you need to know.

1. Ask People in the Area

If you already live in Toronto or know somebody who does, start your search by asking people in the area if they have any recommendations. Talk to people at work, your neighbours, friends, and family members.

However, if you don’t live in Toronto you can join a Facebook Toronto community page. Once accepted as a member, you can ask for recommendations from people who live in the city.

2. Consider Services and Pricing

Next, compare and contrast the services different real estate agents provide and the commission fees charged. It’s important to ask and understand what services are provided because not all agents work the same.

3. Check Out References and Reviews

When searching for a Toronto real estate agent, do your homework. First, know the difference between a real estate agent and a broker.

A real estate agent is a licensed professional certified in real estate transactions who works for a brokerage. A broker is more experienced and has further certifications and can work independently or run their own real estate brokerage.

Decide what level of expertise you’re looking for and find reviews for the top contenders in Toronto. You can search for “real estate agents near me” or narrow down your search with specific real estate agents or brokerages.

4. Ask About Their Local Experience

If you can, set up a consultation with prospective Toronto real estate agents to ask them about their knowledge and experience in the community. You want a professional representing you who’s familiar with the area and well-versed with the local real estate market. You’ll need someone who can find exactly what you’re looking for in the right parts of the city.

5. Ask About Availability

Finally, be upfront with potential real estate agents about what you expect as a client. Ask them about their availability and current client load. You need to make sure they have adequate time to help you buy or sell your home.

Express the importance of timely communication. If you have questions or concerns, they need to be available to address them.

Looking for a Toronto Real Estate Agent?

Are you looking for a new house or condo to buy in Toronto? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Our team takes great pride in helping people like you buy and sell homes.

Contact us today to get in touch with one of our experienced Toronto real estate agents.

Investing in a home is a big decision. Whether you’re looking at a house in the suburbs or are looking at condos in downtown Toronto, there is a myriad of factors you need to consider before signing any contracts. The decision you make now will affect your life for years to come.

That’s not to say you should second-guess your decision to move. However, it’s best to be as informed and educated as possible, especially when investing in real estate.

We want to help you make the best decision possible. Keep reading for our essential guide on finding condos for sale in the magnificent city of Toronto.

1. Consider Your Finances

As with any investment, you need to make sure you understand two major components – the costs involved and your own personal finances.

Start by assessing your financial situation. How much money do you earn each month and what are your other expenses? You need to find out how much you can afford to set aside each month for mortgage payments along with all of the other costs involved.

This brings us to our next point. Do your homework for each condo you’re looking at to make sure you understand the costs. Owning a condo means paying for:

• Maintenance fees
• Utilities (hydro, water, heat, etc.)
• Services (internet, cable, etc.)
• Property taxes
• Homeowner’s insurance
• And more

Your mortgage payment may be quite affordable, but make sure you account for all your other expenses too.

2. Identify Your Top Priorities

Next, figure out what your priorities are. If you’re looking for a downtown Toronto luxury condo with modern architecture, you’ll likely want to be searching for newer construction condos in Toronto. If you’re single, a bachelor condo may suit your needs.

Alternatively, if you have a significant other and/or children, you’ll probably want a condo that offers more space. It’s also important to look at what the common elements offer. Some condos come with access to community pools, fitness centres, rooftop patios, and more.

3. Think About Location

If you’re looking for condos in downtown Toronto, obviously you appreciate living in a big city. However, this means finding fast, affordable, and convenient ways to commute.

It may be wise to find a condo that’s near your place of work. If you have children, you also need to consider school districts, nearby parks, and the safety of the neighbourhood. Finally, think about nearby hotspots for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

4. Take a Virtual and In-Person Tour

Now that you know what you’re looking for and what you can afford, you can start shopping around for your best options. Condos in downtown Toronto come in all shapes and sizes. Narrow your search by looking in the most appropriate area and in your ideal price range.

Take virtual tours of the condos using pictures and videos set up by the Realtor. However, pictures can be deceiving, so it’s also a good idea to see these places in person before committing to a new home.

5. Make an Offer

Finally, when you find a condo that meets all of your demands and falls within your price range, it’s time to make an offer. If you’re looking at buying a condo there may be room for negotiation.

It is a wise decision to have the condo appraised and inspected by a certified Home Inspector to know exactly what you’re getting into.

Looking at Condos in Downtown Toronto?

If you’re thinking about investing in condos in downtown Toronto, we’d love to help you find the right place for your needs. Our team is devoted to helping people like you find the best home for you and your family. Contact us today, let’s work together to find your next home.

You have dreams to own your own home but can you afford it? The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation say your housing cost should be less than 35% of your gross income. You need a down payment and an income to support the mortgage.

Are you trying to work out how to save money for a house? If yes, read on to learn what you can do.

Set Yourself a Goal

If buying a home is a vague hope then you’ll never save enough for a down payment. You may not even be able to pay a mortgage. You have to get serious about this goal.

Goal setting involves being clear about what it is you want to achieve and by when.

Start by deciding how much you can afford to pay each month on a mortgage. Your total housing costs should not exceed 35% of your gross income so the mortgage element will be about 25% of gross earnings. Your current monthly mortgage payment is therefore about a quarter of your gross income.

Check out what this means in terms of a total mortgage amount with a lender and remember the extra expenses you’ll have when purchasing. The term of the mortgage will determine the total amount.

Remember that the longer you have to pay it off, the larger the amount you can borrow. Be aware that the longer the term the more you will be paying in interest over the life of the loan.

Set a goal to raise a 20% down payment. This way you avoid private mortgage insurance. Set a date by which you will have raised the down payment based on how much you intend to save each month.

Cut Your Costs

Examine your expenses. It’s time to be focused on what’s important and stop wasting money on stuff you don’t need.

Do you need that expensive gym membership? Perhaps you can keep-fit more cheaply by running instead. Reduce your restaurant and entertainment bills. Eat at home more and reduce spending on clothes.

Earn More Money

Are there opportunities to earn more money? Could you take on extra shifts at work or even a second job?

Use your skills to teach other people, for a fee. Liquidate your junk by selling it on eBay.

Save More

Decide how much you need to live and set that money aside at the beginning of the month. Thinking that when it’s gone, it’s gone, will help you live within your means.

Put aside the money you have decided to save, at the beginning of the month too so you won’t dip into it. If you get any windfalls or bonuses, add them to your savings and you’ll bring the date you can own your own home nearer.

That’s How to Save Money for a House

That’s how to save money for a house. It will take some resolve but others have done it before you. You can do it too.

Talk about your dream to own a house by contacting us here.