Is It Legal? Secondary Suites & Basement Apartments
By MICHAEL SCHMIDT of HomeMaster, Home Inspections www.housemaster.com One of the most frequent questions I get in my work as a home inspector is whether particular secondary suites—including basements and in-law apartments—are legal. Toronto …
How Much Does a Preconstruction Condo Really Cost?
By Immanuel Uy Buying your very first home or investment property will most likely be one of your biggest financial commitments you will ever make. Ever. And so it is extremely important to be aware of the necessary closing costs and the …
When you’re shopping for your next home, Think Neighbourhood First
When we do a buyer consult, we often ask our clients to make a list of needs and wants. It’s helps narrow down the search and really hone in to what is most important. The typical response we get is: 3 bedrooms, …
How to Navigate a Hot Rental Market
Guide to Renting in Toronto It’s not easy to navigate the hot Toronto rental market when it comes to finding a place to live. Vacancy rates are at an all time low, hovering around 1% meaning that landlords can be very selective …
How Much is Your Home Worth?
Your friends, neighbours, the media and just about everyone else, will give you their opinion on what your home is worth. But who is right? Here are some things to consider when determining a price and fair market value for your home. …
6 Ways to Get Rid of that Toxic New Home Smell
From the blog of Emma Rohmann, Green At Home Congratulations! You’re about to (or maybe already have) moved into a brand new or newly renovated home. Surviving a construction project is no small feat and now you’re ready to make your new …
Hearth Smarts for the Cold Winter Season
Wood-burning fireplaces: the risks, realities – and what every home buyer should know. By Lisa Simkins, Superior Home Inspectors. So, you’ve found the perfect home with a wood-burning fireplace in a central room – and you just love it. It’s a great …
Have You Considered REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT to Fund Your Future Self?
Buying real estate is a unique investment opportunity, because after the initial investment the mortgage can be covered by tenants. Income tax can be off-set by related expenses, and appreciation over time is often projected at doubling every 10-12 years. Real estate …
When is the best time to invest in Real Estate?
I am asked that often. The short answer to that question is ‘yesterday’, the second best time to invest is right now. Real Estate has created more millionaires than any other investment strategy. Don’t be fooled though by what some might say. …