As housing buzzwords go, there are few that cause the kind of alarm that asbestos does. And since we’re in renovation season, this topic becomes particularly important! Given the age of the housing stock in Toronto, encountering asbestos is not uncommon. Prior to 1990, it was used largely used…

In an ideal world, housing should be producing energy rather than consuming it. Our shelter should be healthy, be easily maintained, produce food and water, cause no pollution, and preferably be self-sustaining. While this is far from the reality we live in, it's never too late to start. Even small…

  If you’ve been searching for a freehold property to purchase in the original City of Toronto, you’ve now discovered the age of the city’s housing stock ranges anywhere from 70 to 160 years, which means the condition of a lot of dwellings can be marginal at best. Compound this reality…

  Welcome to January’s Homewatch post. In this installment, we provide our favorite helpful hints when it comes to home maintenance. If last year’s weather was any indication, spring could arrive as soon as late March, so we’ve included our Seasonal ‘To Do’ Summary – spring cleaning may be only…

  Welcome to December’s Homewatch post. In this installment, we discuss the importance of having accurate homeowner insurance. While most property owners know of the necessity of property insurance, this post reinforces how critical it is your insurance coverage be detailed and correct. At this holiday time of year, when…

  With the holidays fast approaching, promising a full house of family and friends, time is running short to address any pressing home repairs and upgrades before company arrives! Thanks in part to the HGTV phenomenon, more and more homeowners are attempting to tackle those renovations with their own elbow…

  Welcome to September’s Homewatch post. In this installment, we discuss the potential pros and cons of investing in the stock market versus the Toronto real estate market, specifically in the world of today’s market conditions.   Given the roller coaster ride that is the frenetic Toronto real estate market…

Welcome to August's Homewatch post. In this installment, we discuss the financial advantages and pitfalls of dipping into your RRSP for a home down payment, and other financial food for thought.   With the rapidly escalating house prices in Toronto, the reality is that many house hunters are looking for…

Welcome to July's Homewatch post. In this installment, we discuss how Toronto homeowners can can position their home to sell quickly.   For all Sellers, regardless of circumstance, the objective is almost always to get their property sold as soon as possible and for the most money. No one likes…

Welcome to June's Homewatch post. In this installment, we discuss how Toronto homeowners can better set their property up for financial success.   In today’s Toronto housing market, the housing hunt is often characterized with a search that is emotionally exhausting, fraught with bidding wars and near misses. Once you…