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OREA – Fighting for Fair Housing
The report from the Ontario Real Estate Association’s Presidential Advisory Group on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The overarching goal of the PAG is to identify where systemic racism occurs in the real estate and housing sectors... Over the past two years, a racial reckoning has taken place, triggered by a number ...
Continue ReadingThe Commercial Mortgage
Preface If you are reading this, you may be considering acquiring a commercial property, for example, a commercial or industrial condo, an office building, a manufacturing/warehouse facility, apartment building, shopping centre, strip mall etc., and this generally involves the negotiation of a commercial mortgage. While most of you may have had ...
Continue ReadingHow to Transfer Real Estate Property During Your Lifetime
Are you looking to transfer real estate property during your lifetime to your children? Maybe your rental property or a cottage? First of all, yes it’s possible, but take the time to evaluate all the possible scenarios. There are many solutions available and they all come with their share of ...
Continue ReadingSetting Emotions Aside When Selling
Imagine shopping for a used car. You find one that you like and while negotiating the price, the seller gets sentimental. He shares happy memories of family picnics, his kids’ soccer games and other adventures with the vehicle. Then he demands a higher price. After all, he couldn’t possibly part ...
Continue ReadingProtect Against Email and Computer Viruses
Protect Yourself and Your Devices Today we use internet-connected devices in all aspects of our lives. We go online to search for information, shop, bank, do homework, play games, and stay in touch with family and friends through social networking. As a result, our devices contain a wealth of personal information ...
Continue ReadingWhat Is a Full-Service REALTOR®?
Many home sellers are looking for ways to make more out of the sale of their home. Because houses represent one of the largest purchases in many Canadian's lives, it's only natural for you to want to make all that you have put in (plus some, if the market is ...
Continue ReadingHow to Deal with a Competitive Disadvantage
If you’re selling your home and there are other listings in your area, buyers will naturally compare your property to those other listings. Is there something about your home that you’re concerned will be seen as a competitive disadvantage? For example, do you have a small kitchen or fewer bedrooms than ...
Continue ReadingReferral Fees in Real Estate
This post deals with the topic of REALTORS® receiving and/or paying referral fees to third parties who may not be directly involved in a real estate transaction. Depending on the specific situation, this may not be permitted under the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 (REBBA 2002) and in other situations written ...
Continue ReadingFree Moving Made Easier Checklist
Congratulations on finding your dream home! Now it’s time for the big move. To ensure your transition is as smooth as possible, I’ve created a moving checklist for you to follow from the beginning to the end of your journey. Happy moving! Click here to get your free copy ...
Continue ReadingContracts and Clauses You May See in Real Estate Transactions
Buying or selling a home can be a complex and high-stakes process. As such, certain procedures and legal documentation exist to protect all parties involved while ensuring everyone is on the same page throughout the process. Melissa Douglas—owner of Douglas Law Firm based in Bradford, Barrie, and Vaughan, Ontario, a practice ...
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