Categories for Strategic Real Estate Advisory

7 Mistakes Buyers Make When Purchasing Investment Property in Oshawa

Investment real estate can be a powerful long-term wealth-building tool, but purchasing the wrong property — or purchasing the right property without proper due diligence — can create significant financial and operational challenges. In Oshawa and across Durham Region, investment activity has continued to attract: first-time investors, multi-residential buyers, assignment ...

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What You Need to Know About Canada’s Underused Housing Tax

In effect since January 1st, 2022, the UHT is an annual 1% federal tax on real estate owned by any non-resident, non-Canadian, and considered vacant or underused. In some situations, this also applies to Canadian owners. The Underused Housing Tax Act (UHT) requires individuals impacted by this tax to file ...

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What Small Businesses Should Know Before Leasing Retail Space in Ontario

Leasing retail space is one of the biggest operational and financial decisions many small businesses make. However, many tenants focus primarily on: rental rate, storefront appearance, or location without fully understanding the long-term operational, legal, and financial obligations associated with commercial leasing. A retail lease can significantly affect: profitability, customer ...

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Free Home Sellers Guide Book

I just finished a new Home Sellers Guide Book. It’s a collection of how-to’s, checklists, and worksheets to help clients understand what to expect during the real estate selling experience. Click on this link to get a free copy. As a compliance-focused broker, I recommend clients not only understand market ...

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The Multiple Listing Service® And Your REALTOR®

Like other professionals, a REALTOR® is as good as the information at his or her disposal. The Multiple Listing Service® is a co-operative system used by REALTOR® Members of Canada’s real estate boards. It is different than the consumer websites realtor.ca and listings.trebhome.com, which offer a brief description of most ...

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Real Estate Negotiation Tactics that Work

Real estate negotiation sounds easy on paper, but in practice even small mistakes can sink deals. You need to understand psychology, strategy, and a shifting market to get the best outcome. Not easy! Negotiating is an art, a skill and a science. In the world of real estate, understanding how ...

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Flipping a House? Your Gain Could be Fully Taxable Under This Rule

Don’t forget, a residential property flipping rule applies to flipped residential property dispositions that occur after January 1, 2023. The rule deems profits from a “flipped residential property” as business income, targeting individuals that misclassify these profits as a capital gain to avoid taxes. It’s important to understand this rule ...

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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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Understanding Cap Rates in Durham Region

Capitalization rates — commonly referred to as “cap rates” — are one of the most widely discussed concepts in commercial real estate investing. However, many investors misunderstand what cap rates actually represent and how they should be interpreted when evaluating commercial or multi-residential property. A cap rate is not simply: ...

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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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