Categories for 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. ...

Continue Reading

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 ...

Continue Reading

Can I Sell a Property Without a REALTOR® in Ontario?

Yes. A property owner in Ontario can choose to sell without being represented by a real estate brokerage. Under Ontario’s current real estate framework, a seller who is involved in a transaction and is not a client of a brokerage is considered a self-represented party, commonly referred to as an ...

Continue Reading

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 ...

Continue Reading

Former Cannabis Grow Operations in Ontario: Warning Signs, Property Risks and Due Diligence

Most homebuyers naturally focus on what they can see. They notice the kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, natural light, lot, neighbourhood and general condition of the property. A freshly renovated home can be particularly appealing because much of the work appears to have already been completed. Occasionally, however, attractive cosmetic improvements can ...

Continue Reading

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 ...

Continue Reading

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, ...

Continue Reading

Why Proper Representation Agreements Protect Consumers in Ontario

Real estate transactions involve significant financial decisions, contractual obligations, negotiations, disclosures, professional advice, and potential risk. Yet one of the most important documents establishing how a consumer will navigate that process is sometimes treated as little more than administrative paperwork: the representation agreement. A buyer may understandably be focused on ...

Continue Reading

Understanding FINTRAC Obligations in Canadian Real Estate

Buying or selling real estate already involves considerable documentation. Clients provide identification, financial information, deposit details, corporate records and instructions to several professionals while lawyers, lenders, brokerages and other participants work toward completing the transaction. Occasionally, however, a real estate professional may ask questions that do not appear immediately connected ...

Continue Reading

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

Yes. Just like a Seller can represent themselves, so can a Buyer. The more important question, however, is not whether you are legally able to represent yourself. It is whether you understand what that decision means once you begin searching for property, communicating with sellers and their representatives, evaluating value, ...

Continue Reading