Purchasing a home anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area—whether it’s a detached house in Vaughan, a townhome in Brampton, a century home in Toronto, or a new build in Pickering—is a major milestone. But amidst the bidding wars and paperwork, there’s one crucial step that should never be skipped: the home inspection.

Protecting You From Hidden Surprises

Homes across the GTA come in all ages and styles. Older properties in areas like High Park or Oshawa might have aging plumbing or wiring, while newer homes in Milton or Markham might face issues from rushed construction. A home inspection...

GTA Home Sales Down, But Opportunity Is Up: April 2025 Market Update

April followed its usual seasonal rhythm with more home sales than in March, but year-over-year numbers tell a different story.

Residential transactions across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) dipped by 23.3% compared to April 2024, with many potential buyers still waiting on lower interest rates and economic clarity before jumping in. ️

But don’t let the numbers fool you—this slowdown may be the opening buyers have been waiting for.

What the April 2025 Numbers Say

• Total sales: 5,601 homes sold

• New listings: 18,836 (...

The 20% Down Payment Myth: What Canadian Homebuyers Really Need to Know

For many Canadians, the dream of homeownership feels just out of reach—often because of one persistent belief: you need a 20% down payment to buy a home. If you’ve been delaying your home search because you haven’t saved that much, here’s some good news: that “rule” isn’t actually a requirement for everyone.

Let’s break down what the 20% myth is, how down payments really work in Canada, and how first-time homebuyers can get into the market without waiting years.

The Truth About the 20% Rule

In Canada, a 20% down...

Is the Market Cooling Off—or Heating Up for Smart Buyers?

While it’s true that Canada’s real estate market has cooled in early 2025, that might be the very break buyers have been waiting for.

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) recently adjusted its outlook for this year, scaling back sales expectations. On the surface, that might seem like a sign to hold off. But for savvy homebuyers, it's quite the opposite—it’s a green light.

Market Snapshot: Why This Could Be Your Moment

In March, home sales slipped by 9.3% compared to the same time last year. Even more notable, average home...

Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rates Steady: What It Means for Ontario's Real Estate Market

On April 16, 2025, the Bank of Canada maintained its key interest rate at 2.75%, signaling a careful approach amid ongoing economic uncertainties. With the Bank Rate at 3% and the deposit rate at 2.70%, this decision reflects a strategic balance between encouraging economic resilience and managing inflation.

What’s Behind the Rate Decision?

Uncertainty in the global economy continues to cast a long shadow. Trade policies from the U.S. and the ripple effects of international tariffs are making it...

GTA Real Estate Market Update – March 2025: More Affordable Homes and More Buyer Power

Homeownership in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) became more attainable in March 2025 compared to the same period last year. With both average borrowing costs and home prices seeing a year-over-year decline, prospective buyers are finding it easier to manage monthly payments and plan for long-term homeownership.

A Shift Toward Greater Affordability

Over the past 12 months, improved affordability has opened doors for many would-be buyers. Declining mortgage rates and a slight dip in home prices have made...

The Key to Selling Your Home Faster: Smart Pricing from the Start

When you decide to sell your home, the ultimate goal is clear — a quick sale at the best possible price. But in today’s market, pricing too high could end up working against you.

With more homes available than in recent years, buyers now have more choices. This means sellers need to be more strategic than ever. Overpricing your home might lead to longer time on the market and, ultimately, price reductions that could have been avoided.

⏳ The Shift in the Market

We’re not in the same real estate frenzy we saw during the...

What To Avoid After You Apply for a Mortgage

Congratulations! You've taken a huge step toward homeownership by applying for a mortgage. While it's an exciting time, it's also crucial to tread carefully. Your loan isn’t fully approved yet, and certain actions could impact your final approval or even derail the entire process.

To keep your home-buying journey on track, here are 7 important things to avoid after applying for a mortgage:

1. Don’t Make Large Purchases

As tempting as it is to shop for new furniture or appliances for your future home, hold off on big purchases. Buying a car or...

GTA Real Estate Market Update – February 2025

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market continued to offer plenty of choices for homebuyers in February 2025! While home sales dipped compared to last year, an increase in new listings created excellent opportunities for buyers, giving them more options and greater negotiation power.

Market Trends & Buyer Sentiment

Many buyers are eager to enter the market, but higher mortgage rates have made affordability a challenge. However, with expected interest rate cuts in the coming months, homeownership may soon become more accessible for...

Mortgage Rates Continue Downwards Trend But For How Long

Bond yields continued their downward trajectory this week, bringing some relief to those seeking fixed-rate mortgages. Since mortgage rates are closely tied to bond yields, this trend has led to further reductions, particularly for borrowers with default insurance.

One of the most significant changes came from True North Mortgage, where the lowest available insured one-year fixed rate saw a substantial 50-basis-point drop to 4.99%. This marks the first time since October 2022 that this rate has dipped below the 5% threshold. While...