The pandemic has changed many things in our lives, including where we choose to live. Many of us who see working remotely as our future have decided to look farther afield for a place to call home. As long as you stay in Ontario and buy a new build, there’s an extremely good chance your home will come with a mandatory warranty provided by your builder and backed by Tarion, the regulatory agency that administers new home warranties. Here’s a quick breakdown of how... [read more]

Throughout life, you may have moments where you’ll make a large purchase or invest in a costly item, like your family home. But whether you’re in the market for your first new property or already have a mortgage, leaving this asset unprotected can be costly.    Insuring your housing financial debt, as well as debt for other big-ticket items like a new boat for your lakefront cottage or keepsake jewelry like an engagement ring, is a smart investment in your... [read more]

Are you looking to buy – or have you just bought – a resale house or condominium unit that is less than seven years old? If so, there’s a very good chance you still have some warranty coverage. That’s because the standard warranty on new homes in Ontario stays with every home even after it’s sold by the original owner.  Knowing how much coverage you have and how the warranty works will come in handy if you notice any issues. Read on for answers to... [read more]

If you’re looking to enter the real estate market in 2020, start by understanding your rights and responsibilities as a buyer. Catherine Jackson, director of external relations at the Real Estate Council of Ontario, says this is the best way to begin what can be an exciting, but stressful and confusing process. “Each year, we interact with thousands of buyers and sellers and have seen that buyers who go into the process well informed are more likely to have a positive... [read more]

New year’s resolutions are easy to make, but hard to keep. But buying a home is a serious commitment that calls for an extra dose of prudence. If you’re in the market for a home, keeping the resolutions below will go a long way to support you in having a positive experience. Resolve to find the right salesperson. Before you hire anyone, make sure you evaluate candidates on four areas: their experience, their approach to finding properties that are right for you, the... [read more]