Categories for Professional Representation & Consumer Guidance

Why the Next Few Months are the Best Time to Put Homes on Sale

Timing is a crucial consideration when selling a home. A recent market study indicated it is ideal to put properties on sale during the months of February, March, and April. While the weather is not ideal during February, the month allows home sellers to gain exposure before the spring rush. ...

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The Seller Representation/Listing Agreement

Congrats, homeowner! You’re ready to sell your house, and you’ve picked a real estate agent you trust to get the job done. That’s a big step toward your end goal. But before you can put your home on the market and show it off to the world, you need to ...

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Can I Sell a Property in Durham Region Without a REALTOR® ?

Yes. Just like a Buyer can represent themselves, so can a Seller. If you are involved in a real estate transaction and are not a client of a real estate brokerage, you are considered a Self-Represented Party. There are significant risks to representing yourself in a real estate transaction if ...

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How to Interview a GTA Realtor in a Brief 15 Minute Phone Call

How to Interview a GTA Realtor in a Brief 15 Minute Phone Call You’re about to face one of the largest financial transactions of your lifetime. You need to hire a real estate agent and you need them to know their stuff. But who’s got the time to spend hours ...

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Marijuana Grow Houses: What are the Signs?

Most home buyers tend to focus on what they can see: bright, open spaces, attractive finishes and a nicely landscaped yard. But a home’s striking appearance could be concealing the damage of a former marijuana grow op. The signs can be tough to spot. With so much at stake, take ...

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Advice on Hiring a Realtor® to Sell Your Home

Hiring a Realtor to Sell Your Home: Who Has What it Takes? Hiring a Realtor® to sell your property and not sure where to start? First, congrats on any work you’ve already done to get to this point. Second, don’t take this decision lightly! The truth is, you won’t have ...

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2025 Real Estate Changes in Ontario

New lending regulations came into effect in 2025 aimed at improving accessibility for both first-time buyers and existing homeowners. Changes include the expansion of eligibility for 30-year amortizations on insured mortgages to all first-time homebuyers and all buyers of newly constructed homes, an increase from the previous 25-year maximum. Additionally, ...

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Your REALTOR® is Asking Questions Because…it’s the Law

Federal money laundering and anti-terrorist financing rules require real estate agents and brokers to collect personal identification information from buyers and sellers. It is the federal Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA) that requires financial institutions and real estate agents, among other professionals and services covered ...

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Why Proper Representation Agreements Protect Consumers

Real estate transactions involve significant: financial commitments, legal obligations, negotiations, disclosures, and risk exposure. However, many consumers view representation agreements as simply: paperwork, administrative formalities, or documents designed primarily to protect the brokerage. In reality, properly structured representation agreements are intended to help protect consumers by creating: transparency, informed consent, ...

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Understanding FINTRAC Obligations in Canadian Real Estate

Canadian real estate transactions are subject to anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing legislation designed to help protect the integrity of Canada’s financial system. As a result, real estate brokerages and registrants across Canada are subject to compliance obligations under legislation administered by FINTRAC — the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis ...

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