Blog.

Whether you are buying a home for the first time or have dealt with real estate before, it is important to ask some crucial questions during this process. The answers will help you make the most informed decision in your upcoming real estate transaction. Questions to Ask Before Scheduling a Property Viewing: How long has the property been on the market? If the house has been on the market for an extended period, the usual reason is an excessively high price. However, there could... [read more]

📌Here are the details about the period between selling the house and the closing date. (handing over the keys to the new owner): When a buyer makes an offer, and the seller accepts it, the buyer has to give a deposit within 24 hours of signing the contract. This sum of money guarantees that the buyers will purchase the home, and the deal will close on the day specified in the contract. 🛎What the buyer needs to know: • After the seller accepts the offer, the buyer's... [read more]

Both sellers and those planning to refinance must face a home appraisal. While many homeowners often look forward to the appraisal process because their homes usually increase in value, no one wants to be unpleasantly surprised by the appraisal results. Unreasonable Repairs Some repair work is guaranteed to help increase your profit, but others may waste time and money. Return on investment is not always guaranteed with any repair, but some are more likely to add to the home's value... [read more]

There are three details that you should consider when buying your first home. Today, there is a choice in the real estate market, and buyers can compare and choose. If you are ready to take the first step, I want to draw your attention to some details that may not immediately catch your eye and may not seem severe. The road and traffic. A house without a front yard or a "challenging" steep driveway, as well as a road with heavy traffic, may seem inconvenient now. However, if... [read more]

 Alo Restaurant Location: 163 Spadina Ave., Toronto Begin your gastronomic journey at Alo, a world-renowned restaurant consistently praised for its innovative French cuisine. Alo, with its intimate atmosphere and impeccable tasting menu, promises unforgettable dinner experiences. Kiin Kiin Location: 326 Adelaide St W, Toronto To savor the combination of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, indulge in the exquisite offerings of Kiin Kiin. In this restaurant, fresh ingredients are combined with... [read more]

Here are some key historical facts about Yonge Street: 🚩 Yonge Street was established by Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe in the late 18th century during the planning of the town of York (now Toronto). It was named after Sir George Yonge, the British Secretary of War at the time. 🚩 Initially, Yonge Street served as a military road connecting the town of York to the northern reaches of Upper Canada (now Ontario). It was intended to facilitate communication and transportation... [read more]

        Founding of York: Toronto was originally founded as the town of York by Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe in 1793. It was established as the capital of Upper Canada (now Ontario) and was strategically located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario to protect against potential American invasions. Burning of York: During the War of 1812, York was captured and burned by American forces in 1813. This event was a significant episode in the war between the... [read more]

Autumn is in full swing. Toronto in October is packed with interesting events. Take a break from what's happening in the world and get the most out of the brightest season. Choose something interesting that the city of Toronto has to offer. Art Toronto (October 26-29) Art Toronto 2023 is returning to the city center to showcase over 100 galleries from across Canada and beyond, with the participation of more than 20,000 collectors and art enthusiasts. Next Stage Theatre Festival... [read more]

Here are three funny facts about Canada:   Moose on the Loose: Canada is known for its wildlife, and sometimes, that wildlife gets a bit too close for comfort. There have been instances where moose have wandered into urban areas, causing a bit of a commotion. In fact, in 2015, a moose made its way into downtown Ottawa and went for a swim in the Rideau Canal!   Legal Dueling: Until 1971, dueling was technically legal in Canada, as it was still included in the Criminal Code... [read more]

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): The ROM is one of the largest museums in North America, offering a variety of interactive exhibits suitable for children. They often have special programs and activities for kids. https://www.rom.on.ca/en Ontario Science Centre: This interactive science museum is designed to engage and educate visitors of all ages. It's a great place for kids to explore and learn about various scientific concepts. https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/ Ripley's Aquarium... [read more]

Every year the residents of downtown Toronto are getting younger and younger. Two of Toronto's three universities and one of the community colleges are situated in the city center. Many students live close to their downtown campuses. Young people are moving away from their parents to areas where one does not need to drive a car but can walk and cycle to most places. This is the preferred way to get around the downtown core, even more so than public transport. They want to live close... [read more]

If you are looking for a rental property, then I would recommend the Bay Corridor. The price for a one-room apartment in this area is ≈ $2600. This modern area of the city has convenient transportation (very close to the subway), ideal for walking, with many shops and all kinds of amenities nearby. In addition to two metro lines, there is a bus that runs here. Liberty Village is also a good neighborhood, but public transport in this area is usually crowded, making it inconvenient... [read more]

⛱It is still hot outside as we are halfway through the summer months, so what better way to enjoy this weather than to go to a beach? 🏖 Tronto and its surrounding areas have plenty of beaches to spend a hot summer’s day at, but here is a list of my favorites. ⛵️Toronto Island🚲 hosts a handful of beaches that avoid the hustle and bustle of the downtown core. Easily accessible by ferry or by water taxi. Even though it is located just across the harbor, the beaches on... [read more]

As you prepare to sell your home, you’re probably thinking about the price a buyer will be willing to pay for it. You might not be focusing on how much it will cost to spruce up the property, find a buyer, and seal the deal. These are some of the top expenses you’ll have to cover. Staging Dirt, dust, clutter, and outdated furniture can make it difficult or impossible to sell a house. Before you put your home on the market, you should have it cleaned, remove family photos and... [read more]

From modern mountain to rustic farmhouse, metal roofing is playing a starring role in a variety of home-design styles. Whether it’s used for the entire roof or just as an accent, metal offers not only style but substance to a home, adding to its performance and sustainability.  As the trend grows, so does the variety of looks and options. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), these are the top three residential metal roofing trends for 2023. They’ll add serious... [read more]

Splash pads are a perfect fun place for the kids to go to play in the water! Below are a few nice splash pads near Etobicoke. -Jack Darling Splash Pad. This splash pad has a very nice lakefront location with a nice look over Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline in the distance. This park/splash pad is just west of Port Credit, so it is not too far from the city. -High Park Splash Pad. High Park is a very well-known park, but people often forget the amenities it hosts. One of them... [read more]

As warmer weather is around the corner, more opportunities to spend time outdoors are appearing. A favorite of mine is going on hikes with family. Here is a list of my favorite trails around Toronto. - Bronte Creek Provincial Park. This beautiful park just west of Oakville is a perfect place to go for a nice hike. The thing that makes this park stick out to me is the creek that runs right through it. The vibes of the trail along the creek are unmatchable compared to any urban... [read more]

-Sakura Cherry Blossoms https://www.facebook.com/SakuraCherryBlossomsHighPark Between early/late April, the cherry blossoms of High Park blossom for a short period of time. So make sure not to miss this beautiful event. You can view their blossom at High Park within a certain time window. But at the moment, it is not known when they will blossom, so keep an eye out for that announcement! -Tulip Pick Farm. https://www.facebook.com/TascGrowTogether The thing I love most about spring is... [read more]

If you are a lover of antiquity and plan to settle in the elite areas of old Toronto or its suburbs, which are rooted in the past, pay attention to the details that it is desirable to leave in the original form and not change during the renovation or reconstruction of the house.   Each district has its own "zest", its own charm that characterizes a certain part of the city, but in any case, it would be useful to leave such architectural details and elements... [read more]

Chic Easter Basket Gift Ideas Easter baskets don’t have to be solely for the children. Whether you want to gift yourself an Easter basket, or give one to a family member or friend, elevating the basket contents to include luxe and chic items can be a decadent Easter morning surprise Vintage Basket Special Easter basket items need a unique basket. A vintage Easter basket is a tasteful vessel to fill with luxe items and treats. Favorite Bottle of Wine  A favorite bottle of a... [read more]

As a real estate agent, I meet with many people. Usually, during discussions, they like to tell me plans about upcoming events in the area. Sometimes, I am unaware of these events, and they catch my interest. Below I listed a few that I put on my calendar. I hope some of them might also interest you. A colleague of mine told me that The Toronto Antique Market, with a 30-year-long legacy, has moved to a new location in Mississauga,1352 Lakeshore Rd East, ON L5E 1E9 Most popular places at... [read more]

You might get denied if you apply for homeowners insurance for a new house. That’s why you should conduct research before you agree to buy. An insurance company may refuse to approve a policy for a house that’s at risk for natural disasters or crime or that’s difficult for first responders to reach. If a house is old and in bad condition, you might not be able to get a standard homeowners insurance policy and end up with one that covers less and costs more. A mortgage... [read more]

1. Can a landlord evict a tenant before listing a home for sale? Under Ontario Law, the owner cannot evict or ask the tenant to move out.   2. What if a seller(landlord) has a buyer? There could be two possibilities:   • Buyer assumes the tenant. If so, it must be said so in the agreement. The new property owner will have to comply with any Lease Agreement that has not expired; before they take possession of the property.   • Buyer... [read more]

When someone plans to buy real estate, the initial concerns are budget and location. Here I would like to draw your attention to six details that would be nice to keep in mind choosing a condo apartment to buy.   Below are six details you should consider not overlooking when buying a condo.   1. Make sure there is no Kitec plumbing in the building. Between 1995 and 2007, Kitec plumbing was used by builders. Later, it was discovered that Kitec plumbing is not the... [read more]

Delicious feasts, cozy fires, and beautiful decorations are all essential parts of many families’ holiday traditions. Unfortunately, many of these traditions can involve a fire hazard if families are not careful. This holiday season, protect your family and your home by following these vital fire safety tips. Kitchen Tips: Never Leave the Oven Unattended Kitchen fires are far more likely to occur during holiday cooking. It may take time for your delicious roast bird or ham to... [read more]

Join me & give to support children and their families affected by the crisis in Ukraine. Your donation can help meet the needs of children and their moms during Christmas Holidays! [read more]

A real estate agreement would protect the interests of buyers and sellers. However, things can go wrong with the agreement as well. Here are few important things to remember when your real estate agreement goes wrong. What is the buyer cannot close? If the buyer cannot close the deal, the seller will be able to put it up in the market again for sale. Let’s assume that the price of the property is $1,000,000, but it is sold for $900,000 during this resale attempt. Then the... [read more]

If a home sale is pending and then the house goes back on the market, people often assume that the prospective buyer backed out after discovering a major problem with the property. That’s not necessarily true. If you see a house that has been relisted, don’t assume that there is something wrong with it. There are several other reasons why a deal can fall through. A Buyer May Be Unable to Get Financing Most buyers get preapproved for a mortgage before they start looking for a... [read more]

1. Do your research and know the builder developer’s history! Have you seen other projects completed by this builder developer? Visit other completed projects, and ask the buyers: Was their unit was completed on time? Were they given what they were promised? Did the builder complete all deficiencies in a timely manner? This applies to all condominium and freehold detached home builders. 2. Do you have the right to assign your unit before occupancy... [read more]

  If you’re planning to relocate your family, you may be dreading the thought of telling your kids. You may feel guilty about turning their lives upside down or may be worried that they will cry or get angry at you. Even though it may be difficult, the conversation has to be had. The sooner it happens, the better. Your Kids Can Sense When Something Is Up Even if you try to keep adult conversations about an impending move hush-hush, your children will realize that... [read more]

Planning to build a house and want the best return on investment? Building a new home is a very niche business. If you plan to build a house for yourself / personal use and resell it in the near future, obviously, you expect significant profit after selling. Here, you can find the six most common mistakes you should avoid ensuring your home is sold fast and for the top dollar.   1. Not analyzing the market condition in a particular area. Understanding the chosen area's... [read more]

It’s renovation time, and, as part of your preparations, think about the last time you hired someone to rebuild or remodel your home. There was probably an initial phone conversation, followed by a site visit where you were probably given a quote for the project and a discussion of a timeline. Then, they showed up to start the job. You may have asked them for testimonials or photos of previous work. But did you ask if they had their own insurance? According to experts, it’s... [read more]

When you buy a home for your personal needs, It’s important to understand how the future value of your home is likely to impact your ability to move up later in life. When people buy homes, they are more likely to be attracted to some things than others. If your home has more appealing features, it is more likely to sell and also for a higher price. Here are ten home features that buyers want to see in a house. What are buyers looking for at a showing?   A breakfast... [read more]

Did your toddler scribble on the walls? Or perhaps a year or two of wear and tear have your interior paints looking less than pristine. If your walls could use a little TLC, but you’re not quite ready for a fresh coat of paint, consider the following methods for freshening up. Latex Paints Whether you have dirt or dust clogging up your paint job, all you need to do is mix a few drops of dish soap into warm water, soak and wring a sponge, and go. Be sure to wring the sponge to avoid... [read more]

Kitchens are a party haven for pests. Bugs and rodents are attracted to food and water, which they need for survival. So, it’s no wonder that the kitchen is a popular warzone for pest control. Luckily, there are a few very simple things you can do in your kitchen to help prevent pests from invading your space. Vinegar with olive oil. You are not preparing salad dressing. To help repel pests, combine water, vinegar, and essential oil in a tiny spray bottle and spritz your counter... [read more]

In fall 2020, buyers benefited from lower prices in the condo market compared to 2019. As an example, a couple bought a one-bedroom condo in the Lakeshore area for $500k. The unit was pretty big, with two bathrooms. It is rare to find a one-bedroom unit with two bathrooms, and obviously, it was an advantage. Also, the Condo Corporation has a good reputation, and people have many positive experiences with them.  A friendly and well-organized management team responds very quickly to... [read more]

As should be obvious, smart home technology has altered the real estate business. It has had an impact on the time it takes to sell a house, home appraisals, and a range of other facets of the sector. Be sure, it won't be long until every property owner has at least one smart home technology item. Technology appears to evolve at the speed of light, but is your house keeping up? Smarten it up with a few smart-home technologies that will promote safety, comfort, and may even save you... [read more]

Times are changing, and the "houses are better" stereotype is slowly fading. More and more young couples want to live close to the subway, fashionable boutiques, modern restaurants and enjoy the downtown nightlife. They are working hard and don't want to spend the rest of the day cutting grass, removing leaves or snow around the house, or doing other house-only errands. The families are looking for big units in safe, family-friendly areas with highly-rated public schools. They... [read more]

Building good credit in college is one of the best financial moves students can make. Having good credit allows them to qualify for loans, rental applications, auto insurance, phone plans and can help them get a job. Being responsible with credit is the best way to establish and improve a credit score. For college students without much credit history, there are small but important steps they can take to build up their score. Obtaining a Student Credit Card Some credit cards are... [read more]

A pool can make your backyard more inviting and give family members a place to relax, socialize and get some exercise. A pool can also be expensive, even after the installation process is complete, since it can increase the amount you’ll have to pay in property taxes. A Pool Can Increase Your Home’s Value Property taxes are based on a home’s assessed value, which is based on its size, condition, amenities and location. If you add an in-ground pool to your property, it will... [read more]

You are only required to have a fence on your property if you have a private swimming pool. An individual is required to keep the gate of a swimming pool enclosure locked at all times except when the enclosed area is in use. A pool enclosure fence is not required for a hot tub, whirlpool or spa if it has a cover permanently attached to it that can be locked to prevent access when it is not in use. A pool enclosure fence permit is required on private property. Other types of fences on... [read more]

What Homebuyers Want: Practicality and Energy Savings What’s the key to today’s homebuyer’s heart? Well, move over hardwood floors, granite countertops, mudrooms, and media rooms, and kiss living rooms and formal dining rooms goodbye. Welcome energy efficiency and a good layout. According to a recent study, more than 40 per cent of Canadians look for energy efficiency over a home with updated finishes such as stone countertops and stainless appliances. Slightly more than... [read more]

Buyers want to know they're purchasing a property not only that they love, but that's safe and well-maintained. A home inspection is designed to reveal any potential problems with the property. So sellers should try to make the buyer's inspection as smooth as possible to avoid red flags that might scrap the purchase. Clean, then tackle tasks you might overlook in your day-to-day life. Change the furnace filter. Replace light bulbs. If you haven't yet, replace smoke detector... [read more]

Home staging prepares a private residence to make it appealing to the greatest number of potential buyers. The goal is to help the home sell as quickly as possible at the best possible price. With this in mind, it is often a good idea to stage your home. A professional stager will recommend what items should be removed and what décor and furnishings should be added. Staging removes distracting clutter or personal items and creates a clean, inviting atmosphere. The stager's finishing... [read more]

If you already own a rental property, or you're looking to get into the business, the idea of having to deal with tenants and managing the property might be daunting. But that's where property managers step in. A credible property manager will take over the responsibilities that rental owners might not want to handle. This could include surveying the market and area to determine a reasonable and competitive rate to charge for rent. Property managers can also help you sell a home... [read more]

Sellers logically want to put their homes on the market when they will sell quickly and for the best price. To achieve this, they must find the busiest home-selling season - for their market. In most areas, this season is spring. For many regions, this time of year offers warmer weather and more daylight for shopping. It's also prime time for families to buy if their goal is to get settled in before the next school year begins. Launching in spring, the busy season typically peaks in June,... [read more]

Everyone knows the importance of making a good first impression. It's no different when it comes to your home’s curb appeal, which refers to your property’s overall appearance from the street. To make your home's "frosting" as appealing as possible, you’ll definitely want to think about planting stunning blooms and making sure your landscaping is well manicured and maintained. Implementing a long-term landscaping plan can help increase your property value... [read more]