Categories for Real Estate Strategy & Decisions

Sophisticated Real Estate Negotiations Involve More Than Price Alone

When people think about negotiating a real estate transaction, price is usually the first issue that comes to mind. Buyers naturally want to know how much they will have to pay, sellers want to know how much they will receive, landlords focus on rent and tenants consider occupancy costs. Price ...

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The Risks of Improper Tenant Screening in Ontario

Choosing a tenant is one of the most consequential decisions a landlord makes. Once a residential tenancy begins, the relationship may continue for many years, during which the landlord is relying on the tenant to pay rent, reasonably care for the property, respect other occupants and comply with the tenancy ...

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What Does a Full-Service REALTOR® Really Provide?

Selling a home is one of the largest financial transactions many people will undertake, so it is understandable that homeowners pay close attention to the cost of selling. When interviewing REALTORS®, sellers may encounter different commission structures, flat-fee arrangements, limited-service offerings and professionals describing themselves as providing “full service.” The ...

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Does Your REALTOR® Get Paid for Referrals? What Ontario Consumers Should Know

Real estate transactions rarely involve only a buyer, seller and REALTOR®. Depending on the property and transaction, clients may also need lawyers, mortgage professionals, home inspectors, appraisers, contractors, surveyors, environmental consultants, movers, staging professionals and other specialists. It is therefore perfectly normal for clients to ask their real estate representative ...

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Understanding Real Estate Contracts in Ontario: From Offer to Closing

Real estate transactions involve a surprising number of contracts and related documents. Buyers and sellers naturally tend to focus on the Agreement of Purchase and Sale because that is where the price and many of the most visible terms of the transaction are recorded, but the agreement is usually only ...

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Typical Conditions You May Encounter in an Ontario Real Estate Transaction

An accepted offer does not always mean that every question surrounding the purchase has already been answered. Buyers may still need to confirm financing, investigate the physical condition of the property, review condominium documents or obtain information about another matter that could affect their decision. Sellers can also have circumstances ...

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Buying an Older Home in Ontario: Understanding Repair Costs Before You Commit

Older homes can offer features that are difficult to reproduce in newer construction. Established neighbourhoods, larger lots, mature landscaping, distinctive architecture, solid materials and unique interior details can all make an older property particularly attractive. The challenge for a buyer is not necessarily that an older home requires repairs. Almost ...

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How Experienced Investors Evaluate Property Before Buying

Sophisticated real estate investors rarely evaluate a property based solely on its appearance, emotional appeal, projected appreciation, or short-term market excitement. Real estate investors naturally look for opportunity. They consider rental income, appreciation, redevelopment potential and the possibility of building wealth over time. Experienced investors, however, tend to approach the ...

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The Risks of Poorly Drafted Clauses in Ontario Real Estate

Real estate transactions involve significant financial commitments, important timelines and expectations that may continue well beyond the day an agreement is signed. Buyers and sellers naturally devote considerable attention to price, financing, inspections, possession dates and the physical property itself. Yet some of the most significant transaction risks can arise ...

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Common Litigation Issues in Agreements of Purchase and Sale

An Agreement of Purchase and Sale is often viewed as the point at which the negotiation ends. The price has been agreed upon, the closing date has been set and the parties have signed. In reality, however, acceptance of the agreement begins a period in which both parties must continue ...

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