All your real estate information in one place. Learn from a REALTOR® how to navigate the real estate market and become a knowledgeable consumer. I post interesting topics on this page regularly. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or if you want to know more about any of the topics. The information contained on this page is intended solely to provide general guidance on matters of interest for personal use. All content is provided ‘as is’, without warranty of any kind and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional.
No Comments

The Seller Take Back Mortgage (STB)

What is a seller or vendor take back mortgage? It is a mortgage that is taken back by the seller to better facilitate the sale of his or her property. It is a popular negotiating tool, particularly when financing is difficult through conventional lenders, such as banks and trust companies. Buyers may be attracted to this type of financing as it can avoid certain costs, paperwork, and regulations of conventional lenders. A seller may also be drawn to a seller take back mortgage if his or her property remains unsold.


Read more
No Comments

Have You Heard Of Kitec Plumbing?

Kitec plumbing consists of flexible aluminum pipe between an inner and outer layer of plastic pipe (PEX pipe) with brass fittings. Marketed as a cheaper and easy-to-install alternative to copper piping, Kitec plumbing was sold between 1995 and 2007 for potable water, in-floor, and hot-water baseboard heating systems, which means it can be found in houses and condominiums constructed or extensively renovated during this time.


Read more
No Comments

Where Are The Gated Communities?

A gated community is an enclosed residential development with controlled access points for cars, pedestrians and others. The community is typically surrounded by fences or other barricades or barriers. Gated developments have not been widely accepted within the Ontario marketplace. Opponents point out that such large scale developments create elitism. Planners involved with new housing developments, as well as intensification and infill projects, have emphasized the need for community and integration rather than exclusionary developments.


Read more
No Comments

What’s With All These Discount Real Estate Brokerages?

It’s happened in many industries. You can purchase stocks through a full service brokerage, or through a discount brokerage. You can also book your trip with a travel agent, or directly with an airline. Many industries now offer a discount option. The benefits to consumers vary by industry. The real estate industry is not immune to innovation and the changing needs of consumers. However, there is always a price to pay when using any discount service provider. Would you trust your health to a discount doctor, or your legal matters to a discount lawyer? Then why would you use a discount real estate brokerage for one of your largest financial transactions?


Read more
No Comments

What Clauses and Conditions Are Needed?

My job as a real estate professional is to protect my clients interest. This includes drafting applicable clauses in Agreements of Purchase and Sale and explaining conditions to clients before they sign an offer. Depending on the type of property and situation, key conditions that I always recommend include inspection, financing, legal approval, sale of existing home, assignment, environmental, and tenant estoppel.

No Comments

Do Buyers Pay Real Estate Commissions?

Did you know that real estate commissions are not typically paid by the buyers? Sellers generally distribute commissions to the agents. However, in some situations, such as sellers selling their own homes, sellers may not always pay the buyer agent’s commission. When signing a Buyer Representation Agreement with a REALTOR®, you may notice a section about what would happen if a seller does not pay the buyer agent’s commission. This section states that in those situations, the buyer will be responsible to pay the commission. However, if that happens, I will negotiate with the seller to collect a commission from them, and I will only ask the buyer to pay the commission as a last resort.

No Comments

The Toronto Realty Has Arrived

To my friends and colleagues, I’m posting to let you know that I’ve embarked on an exciting new business venture, which builds on my experience and career in government and financial management. As a recently licensed REALTOR®, I have established a new real estate business with Right At Home Realty Inc., that I am marketing as The Toronto Realty. I’m very proud to be working with one of the top brokerages in the GTA, and one that takes an active role in supporting local charity events.

Expanding into the real estate business can be difficult, so I am asking for your assistance in getting my business off the ground. I kindly ask if you know anyone that is considering buying or selling a property to please give them my contact information; and also ask if you can pass their name and number on to me. I can personally give them a call and talk about what I can do for them in regards to real estate. Real estate is built on referrals and since I’m new, I need to be able to rely on my friends and colleagues, to assist me in building my business. I would greatly appreciate any help you can provide and I want to thank you, in advance, for any referrals you send my way.