As we collectively move through the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve discovered more and more of my professional clients are finding themselves working at home more often – or even as a permanent arrangement. In fact, from my lens in the Toronto real estate trenches, I would say it’s one of the…

  While downsizing is typically the domain of the retiree (or soon to be retiree) perched at the top of the property ladder in large accommodations, with high real estate prices, a growing desire to live in proximity to amenity-rich areas and, well, the reality that COVID-19 is prompting many of us to…

  When it comes to investing your hard-earned money, you want to ensure that every cent is well spent. The same is true when it comes to home improvement and renovation; it’s important to spend those dollars where they are most likely to increase future resale value. Not only is updating your…

  When it comes to financing what may likely be the largest purchase you ever make, the smartest thing you can do is enlist the help of a seasoned mortage broker. As you would with other professionals – lawyers, doctors, etc. – ask friends and family if there is someone…

  There are occasions when it will serve you well to find out exactly what your home pragmatically worth via a credible certified property appraiser – no emotion involved. Keep in mind, this sum may not be the amount you might achieve when you list your home for sale, because value (or “worth”) in the context of…

  In an ideal world, Canadian housing would be producing energy rather than consuming it. Our shelter should be healthy, be easily maintained, produce food and water, cause no pollution, and be entirely self-sustaining. While this is far from the reality we live in at the moment, one such environmentally-friendly choice gaining…

  As elusive as sleuthing that special gift for the impossible-to-buy-for person on your list, finding your dream home – with the ideal trifecta of size, site and condition – can be a daunting task. When you’re dwell hunting, there are a lot of factors to consider, and you want to ensure that whichever home you…

  Are you an independent, self-fulfilled, pro-solo person? Single households are on the rise in Canada. Whether from divorce, death, or by choice, single households now outnumber other demographic groups. According to the most recent census from Stats Canada, single households now comprise just over 28 per cent of the population.…

  With more and more homebuyers favouring condominiums as an affordable housing type and the fact it’s the only new supply of housing being created in the central core of the city, buying a condo preconstruction is commonplace. However, as a realtor in his 28th year who began his career in the…

  In recent years, Airbnb  – and other short term rental platforms – have been a great way for homeowners to generate income and help offset the high costs of Toronto real estate.  In fact, I’ve written about Airbnb a couple of times before, as it’s become an integral part of the shelter…