I bought a house!
We have been at our old place so long; I’ve never bought a house as a real estate agent before! Boy, did it give me a lot of insight into what my buyers go through. In the past I relied on my agents to protect me from all the behind-the-scenes stuff so that it all […]
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7 Things to Think About When Buying a Cottage
As I write this I am sitting here on the dock looking out over the water while the kids play. I am at the cottage of a friend who thanks me for my help in coordinating his purchase by inviting us up every summer to celebrate. My husband and I have recently started looking for […]
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Rustic Cottage Style
I’ve been lucky enough to visit some wonderful cottages this year. I’ve been dreaming and saving for one of our very own. Even though the sleek modern ones are gorgeous, my heart secretly years for someplace rustic and cozy. Here are some gorgeous images to get you thinking about what you’d like. There are still […]
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Parents Helping Hands
There is a new trend happening in Toronto. As more and more younger Canadians are being priced out of the market in the GTA, they are turning to their parents for help. There is a stigma there that kids shouldn’t be using “the bank of mom and dad” but reality is that things are different […]
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So you want to buy a home in Canada, eh?
Welcome to Canada! I think it’s the best country in the world. Here are some things you’ll need to know if you are thinking about buying a home. First, find a great real estate agent. I happen to know one! 😉 Second, find a great mortgage broker. I also know one of them too! You […]
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Closing Costs
Buying a home is exciting but there are hidden costs that can get expensive. Know in advance how much you’ll need for closing costs. Home inspection (around $500) Property appraisal (around $500, could be covered by your bank) Legal fees (varies depending on price of home) Title insurance (sometimes included in legal fees) Mortgage broker […]
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Single Woman’s Guide to Buying a Home
Buying a home in Toronto can be one of the best long term investments you can make. Like the saying goes, you can pay your mortgage or you can pay someone else’s. It can also be nerve wracking to do it on your own though. Here are some tips on how to minimize stress and […]
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Condos: the New Starter Home for Toronto Families
Raising children in Toronto is a choice that more and more parents are making. For families, a commute time of minutes means more time spent together. The right neighbourhoods can provide good schools, parks, entertainment and shopping all within walking distance. More and more families are choosing affordable condos over long drives home. A huge […]
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Fixer Uppers
I admit it, I’m a fixer-upper. I just love finding bargains that get overlooked. Old kitchens and baths can be renovated, patios can be landscaped. You’d be amazed what a great architect can do to a facade. New windows, floors, tearing out pokey cupboards, you name it, I’ve done it. The only thing I would […]
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Surviving a bidding war
This month my life is all about bidding wars. Housing sales have soared 11.3% in February from a year ago. In some prime Toronto areas there are few homes even coming to market. Keep Calm and Carry On Don’t let yourself fall in love. Yet. There is only one winner in a bidding war. Remember […]
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