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Can I Buy a Property Without a REALTOR® ?
Yes. Just like a Seller can represent themselves, so can a Buyer. In Ontario, REALTORS® usually work with Buyers in one of 2 ways. The most common relationships are “client” and “customer”, but other options may be available in the marketplace. A Buyer’s Representation Agreement acknowledging a Client relationship is an ...
Continue ReadingWhen it Comes to Offers, it’s Not Always about Price
When considering which of two or more competing offers to accept for your property, there is no doubt price will play a huge role. After all, if Offer #1 is $10,000 higher than Offer #2, that’s an enticing difference that puts thousands of extra dollars in your pocket. However, price isn’t ...
Continue ReadingDoes Your Home Insurance Cover Everything?
When you suffer damage to your property or its contents, you expect your insurance company to help you out. And, most do a good job of doing just that. Still, it’s a good idea to review your policy with your insurance advisor and find out what’s covered and what isn’t. For ...
Continue ReadingIs It Okay to Have Multiple Real Estate Agents?
Can a buyer work with multiple real estate agents? Yes, a buyer can work with multiple agents as long as they don’t have a written exclusive (buyer representation) agreement with an agent or an agreement for same services from multiple REALTORS®. The most common service agreement would state that a buyer ...
Continue ReadingWays to Make Your Home Accessible for All Ages
As multi-generational families are opting to live under one roof, homeowners may want to renovate to accommodate this growing demographic. Here are some tips to create an inviting home, while also maintaining universal appeal for all occupants regardless of age. Keep your options open When planning renos, keep your floor plan ...
Continue ReadingImpact of Mortgage Rate Decreases with Property Price Increases and New Mortgage Enhancements
There are several important messages that I want to share with you that I have been discussing with my clients. Mortgage rates are dropping, unit sales are increasing, inventory is high, and prices are stable, but too many buyers continue to sit on their hands. For many market segments, especially condos, ...
Continue ReadingCCHR – Help Stop Discrimination in Housing
The Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR) is Canada’s leading non-profit organization working to advance the right to housing. For the first 35 years of our existence – from 1987 until 2022 – CCHR was called the Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation (CERA). The Canadian Centre for Housing Rights is ...
Continue ReadingCommission Rebates To Clients and Customers
Under the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 (REBBA 2002), REALTORS® cannot provide any form of compensation to an unregistered third-party for activities that would be considered to be in furtherance of a trade. This restriction is explained in the Registrar’s Bulletin entitled Referral fees. However, a rebate or ...
Continue ReadingEscape Clauses : Taking New Offers After Selling Conditionally
Can a home seller consider other bids after accepting a conditional offer? The short answer is yes, but you have to be cautious. A seller can consider additional offers even after signing a conditional offer. This is because the sale is not final and binding on both parties until all the conditions ...
Continue ReadingWhat Do I Need to Know About Putting in an Offer on an Estate Sale?
While buying a home through an estate sale can be like purchasing any other resale property in many ways, there are a few key differences that are important to know. When you come across a property listed for sale, the homeowner is usually the seller. However, if the homeowner has died, ...
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