Real Estate News: The Latest, Top Articles in Ontario Canada

What a Realtor Does For You Many people use the terms “real estate agent” and “Realtor” interchangeably. While the terms are related, they hold a key distinction. Understanding the Role and Requirements of Realtors helps you choose the right professional for your property journey. Every home buyer and seller should know who they are working […]

Understanding Real Estate Agent Fees and Commissions The complexity of realtor fees and commissions can feel overwhelming for both first-time buyers and seasoned property investors. However, it is an essential part of the real estate process that we cannot ignore. In this article, we will guide you through the intricate web of these fees and […]

Effective Strategies for High-End Property Sales Selling a high-value home requires a distinct and sophisticated approach. The standard methods used for typical properties are often insufficient for the premium market. A successful transaction depends on a deep understanding of the affluent buyer, impeccable presentation, and a precisely executed plan. Effective luxury property sales and marketing […]

Realtor Selection and Relationship – Creating a Successful Partnership Choosing a realtor is more than a simple decision—it is a strategic maneuver in the journey of real estate. An adept realtor holds the power to simplify the process of buying or selling a home, to ensure you get the best deal possible, and to convert […]

Question: What is FSBO: For Sale By Owner? Answer: FSBO refers to selling property directly by the owner without a real estate agent, avoiding agent fees but requiring handling all sale aspects. What is FSBO: For Sale By Owner? A Popular Real Estate Choice For Sale By Owner (FSBO) is a term in real estate […]

Question: What is FMV: Fair Market Value? Answer: FMV is the estimated price a property would sell for on the open market, based on condition, location, and comparable sales. What is FMV: Fair Market Value? Introduction to Fair Market Value Fair Market Value (FMV) is a fundamental concept in real estate, serving as the cornerstone […]

Question: What is FMR: Fair Market Rent? Answer: FMR represents the estimated rent a property would earn in the open market, based on analysis of similar properties in the area. What is FMR: Fair Market Rent? Unpacking the Rental Landscape Fair Market Rent (FMR) stands as a pivotal term in real estate. It represents an […]

Question: What is DTI: Debt To Income Ratio? Answer: DTI is a financial measure, dividing total monthly debt payments by gross monthly income, used to assess debt management and repayment ability. What is DTI: Debt To Income Ratio? Introduction to Debt to Income Ratio The Debt to Income Ratio (DTI) is a key financial metric, […]

Question: What is DSCR/DCR/DSR: Debt Service Coverage Ratio? Answer: DSCR assesses a borrower’s ability to repay a loan, calculated by dividing annual net operating income by annual debt service. What is DSCR/DCR/DSR: Debt Service Coverage Ratio? Introduction to Debt Service Coverage Ratio The DSCR/DCR/DSR: Debt Service Coverage Ratio, also known as DCR or DSR, is […]

Question: What is CRE: Commercial Real Estate? Answer: CRE refers to property used for business purposes, like office buildings and retail spaces, and includes buying, selling, and leasing these properties. What is CRE: Commercial Real Estate? Introduction to Commercial Real Estate Commercial Real Estate (CRE) is a vital part of the real estate sector, encompassing […]

Question: What is COO/C Of O: Certificate Of Occupancy? Answer: A COO certifies a building’s compliance with building codes and laws, confirming it’s suitable and safe for occupancy. What is COO/C Of O: Certificate Of Occupancy? Its Role and Importance in Real Estate The Certificate of Occupancy, commonly referred to as a COO or C […]

Question: What is COF: Cost of Funds? Answer: COF refers to the interest rate financial institutions pay to use funds, impacting mortgage rates in real estate. What is COF: Cost of Funds? Exploring the Cost of Funds The Cost of Funds (COF) is a critical concept in finance, especially relevant in the real estate sector. […]

Question: What is COCR/CCR/Coc: Cash-On-Cash Return? Answer: Cash-On-Cash Return is a real estate investment metric that calculates the cash income earned on the cash invested in a property. What is COCR/CCR/Coc: Cash-On-Cash Return? A Key Metric in Real Estate Investing Cash-On-Cash Return, often abbreviated as COCR, CCR, or Coc, is a crucial metric used in […]

Question: What is CMA: Comparative Market Analysis? Answer: CMA is a real estate tool estimating property value by comparing it to similar, recently sold properties in the same area. What is CMA: Comparative Market Analysis? A Key to Real Estate Success Comparative Market Analysis, commonly known as CMA, is a tool used in real estate […]

Question: What is CCIM: Certified Commercial Investment Member? Answer: CCIM is a designation for professionals in commercial real estate, signifying expertise in financial and investment analysis, and negotiation. What is CCIM: Certified Commercial Investment Member? Elevating Real Estate Expertise The Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation represents a pinnacle of competence in the real estate […]

Question: What is CAP: Capitalization? Answer: CAP rate is a real estate metric estimating investment return, calculated by dividing annual net operating income by property value. What is CAP: Capitalization? Capitalization in Real Estate Capitalization, often abbreviated as CAP, is a fundamental concept in the real estate sector. It’s a tool used to determine the […]

Question: What is ARV: After-Repair Value? Answer: ARV is the estimated market value of a property after improvements and repairs, used to assess potential investment returns. What is ARV: After-Repair Value? Unveiling the Mysteries of After-Repair Value When starting out in the realm of real estate investments, the concept of After-Repair Value (ARV) emerges as […]

Question: Is There Capital Gains on Inherited Property in Canada? Answer: Capital gains tax does not apply to inherited property in Canada directly upon inheriting. The deceased is deemed to have sold the property, and their estate pays any resulting tax. Your cost becomes the property’s value at that time. You only pay capital gains […]

Question: Do I Have to Pay Taxes on a House I Inherited in Canada? Answer: No, you do not have to pay taxes on a house you inherited in Canada. Canada has no inheritance tax. The deceased’s estate is responsible for any capital gains tax on the property’s increased value, which is often exempt if […]

Question: Can Siblings Force the Sale of Inherited Property in Canada? Answer: Yes, siblings can force the sale of inherited property in Canada. If co-owning siblings cannot agree, any one of them can apply to the court for a partition or sale order. The court will typically order the property to be sold, with the […]

Question: What Happens If You Inherit a House with a Mortgage in Canada? Answer: If you inherit a house with a mortgage in Canada, you inherit the property and the mortgage debt. The estate is initially responsible for payments. You can assume the mortgage if the lender approves, pay it off using estate assets, or […]

Question: What Happens When You Inherit a Property? Answer: When you inherit a property the estate executor first settles any taxes, including potential capital gains on the property. The title is then legally transferred to you. While there’s no inheritance tax, you will be responsible for capital gains tax if you later sell it for […]

Question: How Do I Avoid Inheritance Tax on My Property in Canada? Answer: Canada has no inheritance tax. However, your estate may pay capital gains tax upon your death. The principal residence exemption can eliminate this tax on your main home. For other properties, estate planning strategies like joint ownership or trusts may reduce taxes. […]

Question: What Should Be Included in a Possession Day Checklist? Answer: A possession day checklist should include items such as verifying utilities are transferred, conducting a final walkthrough, ensuring all keys and access codes are provided, confirming any agreed-upon repairs are completed, and obtaining documentation like warranties and manuals. What Should Be Included in a […]

Question: What Is the Minimum Down Payment for a House? Answer: The minimum down payment for a house depends on the purchase price, following rules set by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). For homes under $500,000, the minimum is 5%. Homes between $500,000 and $999,999, the minimum is 5% on the first $500,000 […]

Question: What is Accrued Interest on a Mortgage? Answer: Accrued interest on a mortgage is the interest that accumulates on the principal between payment periods, calculated based on the outstanding amount and rate. What is Accrued Interest on a Mortgage? The Concept of Accumulated Interest in Home Loans Understanding the intricacies of a mortgage, such […]

Question: How Do You Find Out How Much a House Sold For? Answer: You can find out how much a house sold for by checking public records, consulting real estate websites or databases, contacting a real estate agent, or using online platforms that provide recent sales data in specific areas. How Do You Find Out […]

Question: Why is Housing So Expensive in Canada? Answer: Housing in Canada is expensive due to factors such as population growth, limited housing supply in major cities, low interest rates driving demand, foreign investment, urbanization, government policies, and speculative activities in the real estate market. Why are Houses So Expensive in Canada? Factors Behind Canada’s […]

Question: What Is the Minimum Down Payment for a Second Home in Canada? Answer: For an owner-occupied second home, the minimum down payment starts at 5%. If the property is a non-owner-occupied rental or investment, the minimum required down payment is 20%. Lender requirements and specific property values can affect the final amount. Calculating the […]

Question: What Is the Average Appreciation of Real Estate? Answer: Historically, Canadian real estate appreciates 3% to 5% annually over the long term, often outpacing inflation. However, rates vary dramatically by location, economic climate, and property type, so local market analysis is crucial. Real Estate Appreciation Rates Real estate appreciation is the increase in a […]