Whether you're looking to downsize into a smaller home or want to find something that fits your growing needs, there are a few key considerations that you must face to maximize the return on your real estate investment. Selling your home is a very important decision and we realize how nerve wracking it can be. Homeowners looking to list their properties should consider the following four tips to ensure that their experience is a good one: 1. Research prospective agents. As... [read more]

August 3, 2017 -- Toronto Real Estate Board President Tim Syrianos announced that Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 5,921 residential transactions through TREB's MLS® System in July 2017. This result was down by 40.4 per cent on a yearover- year basis, led by the detached market segment – both in the City of Toronto and surrounding regions.While sales were down, the number of new listings reported were only slightly (+5.1 per cent) above last year's... [read more]

You've decided to get going on your dream renovation and worked out the details with a contractor. Now you're anxious to get the work started. But the contractor wants half the money up front. What should you do? Think very carefully before paying. Then think about finding a different contractor. Outside of specific circumstances — such as pre-ordering high-value custom products that cannot be returned, paying for permit fees, road cuts, tree removal, building demolition, or... [read more]

Bathroom makeovers were the most desired project in Canada in 2016, according to a recent study. From luxurious double showers to deluxe power rooms, we're spending an average of $8,000 to renovate this space. Upgrading fixtures, appliances and new tiling are core essentials for a deluxe bathroom, but how can you transform this space into your own home spa? The trend that most designers are moving towards is a skylight, a surprisingly affordable addition to any renovation project. Here... [read more]

An attic or loft conversion is a terrific way to maximize the unused square footage and increase the value of your home. Depending on your family's needs, you can renovate the space to turn it into a bedroom, studio, office/study, or kids' playroom. Here are some ideas to help you turn this design challenge into a valuable addition to your home. Embrace architectural features. Often seen as a negative, the attic's classic defining feature is usually a steeply sloped ceiling.... [read more]

When new home buyers put down a deposit on a new home or condominium in Ontario, they enjoy peace of mind that their deposit is protected should anything go wrong with the sale. Since 2003, Tarion, which backstops the new home warranty, has provided consumers with deposit protection of up to $40,000 for new freehold homes and up to $20,000 for condominiums. Condominium deposits also have the added protection of being placed in trust and protected under the Condominium Act. This level of... [read more]

July 6, 2017 -- Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 7,974 sales through TREB's MLS® System in June 2017 – down by 37.3 per cent in comparison to June 2016. The number of new residential listings entered into TREB's MLS® System, at 19,614, was up by 15.9 per cent compared to June 2016. While this annual rate of growth was sizeable, it represented a more moderate annual rate of growth compared to May 2017, when new listings were up by 48.9 per cent... [read more]

Stepping into a backyard oasis is the best way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you are creating a space for the whole family or a private retreat, it takes planning and people to turn your dream into a reality. Design expert Kimberley Seldon partnered with the Electrical Safety Authority to share tips and hidden electrical considerations for three outdoor design ideas. Open-air living. Canadians want to be outdoors to soak up the warm weather all season. To... [read more]

It can be hard to enjoy your stylishly decorated home or even get a good night's rest when it's scorching outside and your air conditioner or fan can't keep up. Beyond being uncomfortable, it can be dangerous for your health if it gets too hot indoors. This is especially true for older adults or young children, or if you have certain medical conditions such as breathing difficulties, heart problems, or a mental illness like depression. Fortunately, there are simple changes you... [read more]

In today's market, if you want to sell your home it's going to need a refresh and clean. According to a March 2015 study published in the International Journal of Marketing Studies, “cleanliness, scent, lighting and colour,” were all factors that influenced customers’ attitudes and perceptions about the homes they saw. With that in mind, here are 3 tips for getting your home ready to sell: #1. Clean, clean, clean You know how realtors are always reminding... [read more]

You may have heard in recent news reports that the Ontario government intends to make substantial structural changes to the administration of the province's home warranty program. Any changes that come will affect thousands of home buyers and builders, so it's a good idea to stay informed on what that means for you. Tarion is the not-for-profit consumer protection organization that regulates new home builders and administers the program. In this role, they help administer the... [read more]

From the national anthem to the ninth inning, you're sure to work up an appetite cheering for your favourite baseball team. If you can't take your family out to the stadium, bring the ballpark to your backyard with these easy and affordable tips for a fun weekly family tradition: 1. Get cozy outside. Watching the innings at home? Take your family outside to view the game in your own outdoor theatre. Hang a white sheet on a clothesline, gather comfy lawn furniture and get out a... [read more]

June 5, 2017 -- Toronto Real Estate Board President Larry Cerqua announced that Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 10,196 sales through TREB's MLS® System in May 2017 – down by 20.3 per cent compared to 12,790 sales reported in May 2016. Sales of detached homes were down by 26.3 per cent. Sales of condominium apartments were down by 6.4 per cent. Active listings – the number of properties available for sale at the end of May – were up by 42.9 per cent... [read more]

Everyone wants their home to stand out and look beautiful, and an easy way to achieve this is with a fresh coat of paint. From preparation to flawless finish, there's a lot to consider if you want the job done correctly. These easy-to-follow tips will help you obtain the best results on your next DIY adventure. 1. Picking brushes. Choose your brush based on the project and type of paint you'll be using. A wall brush is great for painting large flat surfaces, and they generally... [read more]

The old saying goes that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If you’re new to caring for a lawn, you may not know that this is especially true when it comes to your yard. If left untreated, weeds can weaken or even destroy a healthy stand of grass. These simple lawn care tips, courtesy of Bayer Advanced lawn and garden expert Lance Walheim, can help you ward off weeds and enjoy healthy, green grass year-round. Start with the basics. Grow turf that is so... [read more]

Wouldn't it be great if you didn't have to wait for cottage season and could spend all winter on your dock? A four-season cottage is ideal because it is accessible yearlong. “It is no surprise that a growing number of cottage-goers are looking to enjoy these benefits year-round by converting their summer homes into all-season properties or purchasing four-season cottages,” explains Ettore Cardarelli, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association. According to... [read more]

Do you have a natural gas BBQ? It's easy to see why so many top chefs prefer to cook with natural gas. Natural gas barbecues allow you to cook with more even, direct and precise heat. They're also energy efficient and hook up to your home's natural gas connection, meaning you can say goodbye to those frantic moments when you're low on propane and need to run out for a tank refill. Get started with this delicious recipe, from grill master and renowned chef Rob... [read more]

When the warm weather finally hits, Canadians are eager to get outside, kick back and relax with friends and family. Whether you're starting from scratch or refreshing your already enviable patio, there are more options than ever to make your backyard retreat the perfect place to disconnect and unwind. Megan Schroeder, patio merchant for The Home Depot Canada shares some of this year's top trends in outdoor living. Make the most of small spaces. Get away from the urban grind by... [read more]

For a homeowner, there is no easy answer when deciding whether to sell your existing home or find a new one first, as there are pros and cons to consider with both options. “Several factors will impact your decision, including your personal finances, your timeline and local market conditions,” explains Ettore Cardarelli, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association. “It is different for each homebuyer.” If you sell your existing home before buying a new one,... [read more]

As the saying goes, you only have one shot at making a good first impression. When it comes to selling a home, the first impression that buyers get can make the difference of a house selling or not — and for how much. Here are just a few things you can do to improve your home's curb appeal: 1. Landscaping: Prune trees, trim hedges, weed flower beds and mow the lawn. 2. Doors and windows: Give your front door a fresh coat of paint or a good scrub down. 3. Hardware: Polish... [read more]

You rely on your lawnmower to run all season long, and a little bit of time spent tuning your mower engine in spring can help keep it running at its peak performance. A simple tune-up on a walk-behind mower can be done in 20 minutes or less and, if you do it yourself, is a cost-effective option. The key is having the right supplies on-hand. You may need a new air filter, spark plug, engine oil and fuel treatment. One simple way to take care of this task is with Briggs & Stratton’s... [read more]

May 3, 2017 -- Toronto Real Estate Board President Larry Cerqua announced that Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® entered 33.6 per cent more new listings into TREB's MLS® System in April 2017, at 21,630, compared to the same month in 2016. New listings were up by double-digits for all low-rise home types, including detached and semi-detached houses and townhouses. New listings for condominium apartments were at the same level as last year. Total sales for the TREB market area as... [read more]

Looking to take on an outdoor patio or deck project as the weather warms up? There are several deck materials to consider, that each have their own unique features and benefits. It is important to weigh these considerations carefully prior to starting your project. Here are a few insights from Steve Trescher, director of merchandising building materials at The Home Depot Canada, to help you get started. Pressure-treated. This wood is among the most popular and cost-effective options... [read more]

During the warmer months, there's often nothing better than spending a weekend outside working in the garden or fixing up the house. Sharon Grech, Colour & Design Expert at Benjamin Moore, shares some ideas for weekend summer projects that add value to your property. Deck it out. A great way to make a fresh statement in your backyard or breathe new life into an aging deck is to give it a colour makeover. Grech recommends Benjamin Moore ARBORCOAT, a premium stain available in... [read more]

Whether you're working on your own yard or you're a professional with clients to serve, the arrival of warm weather is the perfect time to build a healthy lawn that will make the neighbours green with envy. “A well-kept lawn is about more than just looks. It also creates oxygen, reduces noise pollution and removes emissions from the air,” explains Jamal Hamad, who leads the pro and tool rental departments at The Home Depot Canada. Tool rentals are popular for lawn... [read more]

Small adjustments to everyday items you rarely think about can create a big impact. Try these easy, chic ideas the next time you're looking for a weekend project. Fresh furniture. Use white or light-coloured furniture to open up any space. Think cream couches and white dressers or side tables. Design experts are loving acrylic furniture right now, so if you're feeling fashion forward, try it in a coffee table or shelving unit. Seamless window treatments. Sleek and... [read more]

For the 70 per cent of Canadians who own a home, it is a place to live, raise our family, and it connects us to our community. Due to Canada's tax system's Principal Residence Exemption, when we sell our homes, any increased value or “capital gains” are not taxed. This generous tax break matters to Canadian homeowners. Collectively, we have about $3 trillion in home equity and our homes are often our largest financial asset. However, starting with our 2016 income... [read more]

April 5, 2017 -- Toronto Real Estate Board President Larry Cerqua announced that Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 12,077 residential sales through TREB's MLS® System in March 2017. This result represented a 17.7 per cent increase compared to the 10,260 sales reported in March 2016. For the TREB market area as a whole, annual sales growth was strongest for condominium apartments and detached houses. The number of new listings also increased on a year-over-year basis, at... [read more]

As a cottager, soon you will likely be headed this way on weekends to enjoy warm weather by the lake. Hydro One reminds us that there are a few things that you can do when you open your cottage for the season to ensure the next few months are spent relaxing and not working around your summer property. 1. Upon arrival, do a circle check and inspect the power line feeding your cottage. Take note if there are any tree branches that have grown too close to the power line — they could... [read more]

Small floods are a nuisance for homeowners. If left untreated, they can lead to bigger issues like mould and structural damage. When caught early and addressed promptly, flood clean up and repairs may cost less than your insurance deductible to fix independently. Here are some small steps homeowners can take to help determine if it is necessary to open a claim with their insurance company when experiencing a minor flooding.   1. Call a restoration company. Call a reputable... [read more]

Renovating a home can be a wiser investment than moving and popular makeover shows are certainly inspiring. However, these shows can also leave viewers with mistaken impressions. If life was like TV, we could dream up an addition on a Friday evening and be drinking coffee in it on Monday. While most of us know that's unrealistic, some may have to experience living through a renovation to understand how complex and time-consuming construction can be. If a project is worthwhile, time... [read more]

When the winter weather hits, you might find that you just cannot keep certain parts of your home warm, especially if you have a room situated right over the garage. These rooms usually have inadequate or non-existent heating ducts, because it is difficult to install them properly in the ceiling of a garage. Fixing the cold bedroom problem is about two things: adding the right kind of floor insulation, and increasing the amount of heat directed into that freezing bedroom. Here are some steps... [read more]

Children are full of surprises. From your heart to your home, they sure do make an impact. If there's room to spare, it's great for kids to have their own space––a place to play, make noise, jump around and unleash their creativity. But how does one create this super room that has to be fun, safe, multi-functional and inspiring? It's more than possible, and it just might save your sanity. Follow these top tips to create the perfect playroom. Soundproof: Kids are... [read more]

Toronto Real Estate Board President Larry Cerqua announced that Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 8,014 residential sales through TREB's MLS® System in February 2017. Despite the fact that February 2016 had one more day due to the leap year day, this result was up on a year-over-year basis by 5.7 per cent compared to 7,583 sales reported last year. "The February statistics tell me that many Greater Toronto Area households continue to view home ownership as a great... [read more]

 With the snow finally melting away in most parts of Canada, it's time to get out of hibernation mode and start those home renovations you've been thinking about all winter. Whether you are just painting the kitchen or building a new backyard deck, updating your home is not an easy task. Planning projects like these can be overwhelming, and even a seasoned pro is prone to making a mistake now and then. Minimize makeover mishaps with these tips: 1. Looking to repaint? Do not... [read more]

Setting the listing price for your home requires many considerations. If you go too high, your house may not receive the interest you hoped. If you price too low, you can generate a lot of interest, but you may not get offers at the price you hoped to generate from prospective buyers. Here's a few things to keep in mind: Decide when to sell. Many homeowners will lean toward the spring and fall markets to list their homes, but don't discount March, April and September. Buyers... [read more]

Many of the products we use while spring cleaning our homes are filled with ingredients that have negative long-term effects on our health and environment. For example, ammonia, sodium hydroxide and triclosan are some of the culprits found in products ranging from laundry detergents to glass cleaners. These ingredients can linger on surfaces and are easily absorbed by our skin, exposing us and our children to hazardous chemicals with unhealthy side effects. Fortunately, you can make your... [read more]

We asked you to share personal stories about Youth Sports in Georgina.  A Sutton, Ontario resident shared the following story with us. Though it may not be about Georgina sports in particular it's a very interesting read.  I grew up in Sundridge, a small village south of North Bay where, in the winter months hockey really was the only game in town. We played it on our frozen lake, in back yard rinks, on the road and in the arena. Sundridge was small but a mighty hockey... [read more]

We asked if you had any stories about playing sports in Georgina and we got quite a few to share with you! I remember.... The first time my daughter stepped on the ice. She had joined Can-Skate at the Georgina lce Palace and had never been on skates. Her first time out, one of the assistants stayed with her the entire time and held her hand while she worked her way around. She looked so scared but still had this little smile and now, almost 4 years later (she\'s almost 10 now), the... [read more]

Spring is the time for house sales and renovation projects. Besides deciding what neighbourhood is best for your family or what tile pattern matches the kitchen, there are lots of costs to consider and often many unexpected expenses. Creating and sticking to a budget is key to keeping your finances on the right track. A budget will show you where your money is going and whether you have enough to cover your expenses. It will also help you allocate funds for unexpected expenses. The... [read more]

Once you've made the decision to sell your home, you probably want to complete the process as soon as possible, but you also want to sell for the highest price you can obtain. Cycles in the market driven by the overall economy can create a shortage of homes or a surplus of homes. “In a 'seller's market', where many buyers are competing for relatively few homes, speed and top price can go hand-in-hand,” explains Ray Ferris, president of the Ontario Real Estate... [read more]

Buying a home is often stressful and involves lots of considerations. One of the first is what amount should you borrow given your circumstances. Many financial institutions and mortgage brokers offer mortgage calculators. You can also check out the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada's (FCAC) free calculator, as well as other free tools and educational resources to help manage your money. FCAC has two tools to help home buyers: a Mortgage Qualifier tool and a Mortgage Calculator... [read more]

Toronto Real Estate Board President Larry Cerqua announced that Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 5,188 residential transactions through TREB's MLS® System in January 2017. This result was up by 11.8 per cent compared to 4,640 sales reported in January 2016. Annual rates of sales growth were higher for condominium apartments than for low-rise home types. January 2017 picked up where 2016 left off: sales were up on a year-over-year basis while the number of new listings was... [read more]

When you're house-hunting it's easy to focus on the “big” numbers like asking price and offer price. But before you sign the purchase agreement, you should take time to budget for the additional costs that come with every home purchase. Taxes The most significant costs for most purchasers are taxes: property taxes, land transfer tax, and in some cases, harmonized sales tax (HST). Property taxes can vary widely by region, and need to be considered when comparing... [read more]

As a first-time home buyer, what would you do with an extra $4,000? As of January 1, 2017, that's how much the provincial land transfer tax rebate will give back to Ontario's first-time home buyers. “That extra money could go a long way toward beefing up your down payment, covering closing costs or purchasing appliances for your new home,” advises Ray Ferris, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association. “The government of Ontario deserves credit for helping... [read more]

Got resale on your brain? Renovating is a great way to increase your property's value before it comes time to sell. But the cost can be challenging, especially if you're on a budget and want to make sure the projects you choose give you the biggest bang for your buck before you commit to knocking down any walls. If you're interested in cashing in on the red-hot housing market, here are a few projects worth investing in before the “for sale” sign goes up: 1.... [read more]

You know your home is an investment and with the recent rise in property values you may be considering selling in the foreseeable future. Professional stagers are experts at making changes that will appeal to the most general home buyer. But you don't need a pro to achieve this effect in your own home. Staging your home doesn't have to be complicated — clean up, depersonalize and keep it feeling light. Your potential home buyer will feel right at home in no time with these... [read more]

As the Canadian real estate market heats up, houses are listed every hour. If you want to get in on the real estate game but don't have the extra cash to hire a professional designer, take a deep breath. Staging your home is simpler than you think, and all it takes is a bit of elbow grease, some rearranging and a little paint. “You can get up to 15 per cent more for your home if it's staged properly,” Toronto-based realtor Nasma Ali points out. So how do you... [read more]

In a hot market, there are more buyers than homes for sale. Some homes will sell before they are even registered in the local MLS. That means that sellers are often presented with multiple offers. How can you position your offer to be theone the seller accepts? The best way to gain an understanding of how multiple offers work is to know how they benefit the seller. Multiple offers mean that the seller has his/her pick of offers. Just because a seller is entertaining... [read more]

Buying a newly built home that is under warranty doesn't necessarily mean you have purchased directly from a builder. To fully understand your rights, here's some background. Almost all new homes built in Ontario come with a warranty that is provided by the builder, and backed by Tarion. The warranties last for the first seven years of a new home, and cover defects in workmanship, violations of the Ontario Building Code, and major structural damage. This warranty stays with... [read more]