Real Estate Blog

As we dive deeper into the winter months, it’s time to work harder on keeping our houses warm and protected. So here are some ideas on how to help you and your family stay warm and cozy.  Clear out leaves and other debris from your gutters to ensure the snow drains properly  Ensure that you have enough salt and a shovel that you can easily access  Examine your heating system to make sure it’s ready for the cold winter months  Water within the pipes... [read more]

Throughout my years as a real estate broker, I have helped many buy and sell property all around the GTA, and Oakville has always been one of the top places that people want to call home. Here are five of many reasons that makes Oakville a special and perfect place for many if not all:   Natural Space All around Oakville, there are many trails and forests that are great for nice peaceful walks. Along with that, there are many parks great for children to play in and even... [read more]

An outdoor living space is an amazing plus to owning a house, especially during the summer time. Though many don’t put in as much thought and effort into designing their outdoor space. Here are some simple ways to bring some life into you outdoor living:   . Plan Out Your Outdoor Space Before Going to Buy When designing a new living space, it’s easy to get excited and carried away with your plans. Which is why it is crucial for you to carefully plan your vision before... [read more]

So you are about to sell your home but need that final checklist to make sure you have a smooth sailing? Well I am here to help! No one wants a small bump in the road to hold them back on a great sell, so lets go though a few pointers that may kill a home sale in order for you to be well-prepared and on top of your game. A Dead Lawn Lets start from the outside shall we? Because it’s the first thing potential buyers see, a messy front yard can be an instant deal-breaker.... [read more]

In this new mini series of blogs, I want to start highlighting some areas that offer unique characteristics and explore how living there can offer life changing experiences. Today I will start with Oakville, Ontario, for many reasons of which you will find out as I explore with you the beauties of this town! Oakville is a suburban town in southern Ontario embracing Lake Ontario. It is well known for its picturesque harbours and forests, vibrant shopping centers, active arts community,... [read more]

Have you made the decision to buy a brand-new home? Congratulations! Buying a brand-new home is an exciting experience and one that you should enjoy because it fulfills a big part of your hopes and dreams for you and your family.   Lets take a look at some of the possible questions you should ask the construction development company before you make the final decision to buy.   Which Are The Standard Finishes, And Which Are The Upgrades? You may be touring a model... [read more]

First and foremost, let me begin by saying that you should NEVER open your house to strangers! An open house should be arranged by and with your agent and only your agent should be showing your house.   You should be prepared for an open house because you want your property to sell quickly. But don’t let yourself be rushed into it before you make sure you are fully prepared to do so, and one of the things you should make sure to do is keep certain items out of sight while... [read more]

You have made the decision to sell your house, and now its time to go through a checklist before you actually list it and show it to potential buyers. But what exactly should you check?   As a seller, you need to be aware that buyers can point out problems or potential problems quite easily. Anyone who is about to buy a home would want to do so without potential future headaches that repairs may bring.   Things to look for:   Foundation If your home is... [read more]

So circumstances have recently changed, and you need to move houses. Do you sell your current house or rent it out?   Surely your decision could purely rely on finances, but there are other factors attached to such a decision.   Here we will take a look at what you should consider before making what could be one of the most important decisions of your life!   You Are Being Temporarily Transferred If your job is transferring you to another area but you... [read more]

Today I want to explore with you the types of ways you can add space to your existing home, because sometimes our lives expand in different ways, so we need to expand our space to go with that.   Besides adding more space, you are also adding value to your home, its resale value will automatically increase with each space you add as long as it’s done right and by professionals.   Building Outward: It’s the first type of additional space we think about when... [read more]

Who can believe that 2018 is actually already here and that nearly a quarter of it is gone?   And does it feel like technology has reached its peak? There’s still room for more that’s for sure and some of us still have a lot of catching up to do in applying that technology to our daily lives, let alone applying it to our homes!   It’s worth looking at where technology is taking us and see who is ready for that type of change. Smart living in smart... [read more]

  You’ve been considering buying a new place, you dream about how you want it to look like and how you can achieve that look. But hold on, does your vision include mowing the loan? Or investing in home repairs? If not, then you may be dreaming about owning a condominium! I wont make this long for you, I know you are eager to make a final decision. So I will be brief and list the benefits of owning and living in a condo:   Attractive Amenities: Yes, buying a... [read more]

First of all, congratulations on making the decision to buy a home! Whether it’s your first time buying a home or you’ve done this before, it is definitely an exciting time and there is so much to look forward to! Now, let me get one thing out of the way. Before I give you the tips, here’s where you should be at the moment: You are saving your cash You’ve set a budget You checked your credit score You determined the mortgage you can afford to pay each... [read more]

Surely selling your house depends on many aspects, especially the real estate market conditions. But this is not what I want to talk about today. Today I want to tackle the personal side of being ready to sell your home, because if you are not ready, even an excellent market condition shouldn’t be enough for you to sell.   Here are some things that you should be ready for:   You can afford to buy a home that suits your finances and lifestyle. Is the new... [read more]

“Landlords grow rich in their sleep”, indeed they do!   I can’t stress enough the importance of owning real estate, one thing humans constantly need to do, besides breathing, is have a roof over their heads whether they are sleeping, working, studying, etc. So you will ALWAYS have audience for your property no matter what it is and what purpose it serves.   It is well known that the real estate industry has produced more rich people than any other... [read more]

“Should I invest in a multi-residential property?” is a question I get asked a lot. My short answer is, DEFINITELY! It just has to be right for you, and when you read the following benefits of investing in a multi-family property you will know what I mean by that.   It is one of the most rewarding means of investment. It will create for you a very consistent and reliable cash flow as months go on.   SO what are the concrete benefits of owning a... [read more]

“Should I invest in a multi-residential property?” is a question I get asked a lot. My short answer is, DEFINITELY! It just has to be right for you, and when you read the following benefits of investing in a multi-family property you will know what I mean by that.   It is one of the most rewarding means of investment. It will create for you a very consistent and reliable cash flow as months go on.   SO what are the concrete benefits of owning a... [read more]

Real Estate plays a vital role in any country’s economy. Residential real estate provides housing for families as well as it being a great source of wealth and savings. Commercial real estate creates jobs and spaces for retail shops, offices, and manufacturing, and also is a reliable source of wealth and regular income.   Construction plays a role in the real estate, and it is the only part that is measured by GDP. It is labor intensive and that is why a drop in housing... [read more]

There’s no denying that retirement is the focus of everyone. It is an instinct to want to secure your future with a predictable and steady stream of income for when its time to sit back and enjoy the life you worked hard for.     The main Real Estate part of which you can secure a steady and predictable monthly income from, as a retirement plan, is Rental Income (home or commercial).     It’s certainly not a method to be taken for granted, but... [read more]

First and foremost, I would like to wish everyone a very happy new year and many more to come.     Being a top individual broker and achieving so many milestones in the real estate industry gives me a great deal of pride in what I do, but it also puts a great deal of responsibility over my shoulders and the need to spread the knowledge for the general good.     I’m dedicating this entry for my professional view of the some of the trends and... [read more]

Let me start by clarifying the definition of an income property. An income property is any property (housing or commercial) that is bought or developed to generate income for the buyer (investor).     A housing income property is one that consists of a house, an apartment, or an apartment building that is rented out. It generates money through its rent and is considered to be a source of secure extra income.     A commercial income property is one that... [read more]

I’ll start with my usual note that making an investment in real estate is not a decision to be taken lightly, that is why it needs to be done right and given to the right hands.     There’s no doubt that every investment property should be profitable, but what makes the return fluctuate is the type of properties being invested in. Today I will talk to you about the high return of commercial properties.     A commercial property is one that is... [read more]

Investing in real estate is certainly not a spur of the moment decision. It is an outcome of well-calculated and well-studied choices of many opportunities. So why do some people ignore the second most important step to maintaining such an excellent investment, management?     Professional property management should be looked at as a money-saving method, because ultimately that’s exactly what it is. It’s a way to sustain the good investment you just made and make... [read more]

There's no doubt that buying a new house is a big decision for anyone. It's a place that you need to be able to turn into a home and share the most important family memories in.     So let me walk you through a few telltale signs that you may have found the right place for you.     First and foremost, my most essential advice to you is to know what you want. You should know what essential factors you are looking for in your new place, and you should... [read more]

So how does investing in real estate REALLY work? Its a question I get asked a lot in many different ways, "How do I know this is the right investment for me?”, "Is it the right time for me to invest in this property?", "How much return-on-investment will I be receiving and in how long?", and so on. The title of my blog gives away the answer in short. Investing is a complete package that consists of the right type of knowledge, the amount of money invested,... [read more]

I always suggest to my clients that are looking for investment properties to look into a multi-family residential property.  These types of properties can generally deliver the most stable returns, because no matter what the economic cycle, people always need a place to live.   The loss of a single tenant can have a minimal impact, but if you lose a tenant in any other type of property the negative effects can be much more significant. Contact me if you are... [read more]

What is the Medical Invest Program? It’s a program I designed carefully that allows ANYONE to invest in the highest return on investment segment available in the market, the Medical Centres.   The reason why this program is thoroughly designed is because anyone can be a part of it. You don’t have to be a healthcare professional or even in the healthcare field to own a medical centre. Just like anyone can own a house and rent it out, anyone can own a medical centre and... [read more]

Do you own your own business? Are you planning on owning your own business? Then you probably need to continue reading!     Buying real estate goes beyond buying a place to call home. And investing in real estate goes beyond buying a home and reselling it.     Investing in real estate with the help of the right agent means long-term financial security and a solid future safety net.     I know that owning your own business is costly and at... [read more]

Why does the return on investment in real estate vary from one individual to another? Even when the amount of investment is the same? First, let me start by giving you a clear definition of ROI (Return on Investment).     ROI is calculated as a percentage, and that percentage expresses the company’s or the individual’s profitability and it measures the efficiency of an investment. ROI formula is (Net profit / Cost of Investment) x... [read more]

I always advise my clients that it is critical to create a good first impression when selling your home.  You want buyers to want to own your home the moment they set eyes on it!  You should tackle necessary repairs before you decide to sell your home; buyers tend to avoid putting in offers with homes that can appear neglected.    I understand that initially it can seem troublesome to repair a home you will be moving out of, but it will be worth the... [read more]

Now that Summer time is just around the corner, it is a good time to get a check list together for things you should do around the home. Preparing a season check list will help you keep your home in top condition. Here are a few helful tips to get you started. Remember if you are ready to list your home for the summer market, contact me today to help you get started! 1. Monitor basement humidity and avoid relative humidity levels above 60 per cent. Use a dehumidifier to maintain relative... [read more]

Spring is in the air and it is time to put some love and care into your lawn. Having a thick and healthy lawn helps improve a homes curb appeal but there are also environmental benefits when you take care of your grass. Your lawn releases oxygen and captures dirt and dust which helps to keep you and your family healthy! Here are a few natural lawn care tips below to help you achieve the perfect lawn.   1. AERATION This is a natural process of punching small holes into your lawn to... [read more]

Spring is in the air and always a great time to do your spring organizing. 80% of Canadians consider themselves disorganized and spring time is the best time to get yourself organized. Over the years, I have offered my clients many tips on how to prepare their home before they list but I have also provided them with helpful tips on how to stay organized in their new homes. I have provided a few easy tips below to help you organize your space. Schedule time to clean and organize a room in your... [read more]

It’s spring time! Let’s wash away those last bits of winter with some good old-fashioned spring cleaning. We’ve got some tips for cleaning up that are better for you and better for the environment than some of the traditional cleaning products you find in the stores.     Cleaning stainless steel – Olive oil and white vinegar work well to clean stainless steel and remove the smudges and fingerprints from it. Start with the oil on a clean rag rubbed... [read more]

You’ve received several offers on your property. Which one should you choose? It’s not always the highest one. Here are just some of the areas to pay particularly close attention to as you're weighing the options. Weighing the pros and cons of each offer can be tricky.    1. Do the math. This goes beyond simply calculating the dollar difference between the various offer prices. Before you do that, be sure to do all the math. Subtract things like... [read more]

Ready to sell your home and don't know where to start? Home staging is just part of the pre-selling process and when a home is for sale that is visually unappealing to buyers, it can be one of the costliest mistakes a seller can make.    Home staging has proven rates in achieving quick and high value sales for sellers. You need to create the space that makes buyers connect emotionally with no visual distractions.   If you have many colours, furniture and clutter,... [read more]

Many condo owners may not fully understand what the reserve fund is in a condo corporation.  It is important that you know the amount that is in the fund when purchasing because it provides you an idea of the financial standing of a corporation.  A condominium corporation must set up a reserve fund for the major repair and replacement of common elements. These can include the roof, exterior of the building, roads, sidewalks, sewers, heating, electrical, plumbing,... [read more]

We all know that curb appeal is important when you are highlighting your home but you cannot forget the foyer because this is the first thing people see when they step into your home. This area does not take much effort to transform into a grand entrance.    I always find that the more welcoming and functional your foyer is, the more chance it has to maximize the homes appeal to potential buyers.  Here are a few tips to make a good first... [read more]

Many of my clients are face the decision if they are ready to sell their home. Many factors may be weighing this decision such as a temporary work contract which may force you across the country, a strong sellers market which gives you great value for your current home but in competition for your next.   I always recommend for my clients to sit with me to discuss a financial analysis, personal factors and educating them on the current market they are selling in vs. the market for... [read more]

Many people are pursuing careers that allow them to work from home but a well laid office is key to working effectively from home.  Designing each room for the function it is used for is key!  If you plan your room idea ahead, it will leave you with more time to actually take care of your business!   Below I have provided some tips on how to get the most our of your home office:     1.  Purchase office furniture that will compliment the room size.... [read more]

An unexpected bill is the last thing my buyers need with the purchase of their new home and it is easy to overlook closing costs when you are house hunting.  I always ensure that I educate my clients because I understand how buying a home can be an emotional roller coaster.    Knowing what costs are involved when my clients purchase, can help the transaction to be smoother and less stressful.  The mortgage and down payment will cover the price of the home but there... [read more]

I have many clients interested in house flipping and fix and flip properties which seem to have become today’s day trading, with exceptionally high profits for investors or developers in a short time frame.   The idea is to buy a house or property with the intent to sell it for a profit. I have guided many investors into making the right decision for their investment portfolios. Whether you are purchasing a home for a low value to sell it higher in a rising market or buying a... [read more]

Oakville’s housing market was very active to start the year, with sales increasing by 11% in the first quarter year-over-year. Single-family detached homes in the upscale town west of Toronto were in high demand, as move-up buyers look for bigger homes to accommodate growing families. The average sale price rose from $832,780 in the first quarter of 2015, to $1,001,334 in 2016.   Rising prices across the GTA have resulted in more homes being sold for over... [read more]

Brampton has historically been more affordable than other areas of Peel Region, but is starting to catch up as demand increases.   Average price and sales activity increased year-over-year in the first quarter at a rate that outpaced the GTA average: Brampton’s average residential sale price rose 16 per cent and unit sales rose 26 per cent.   Multiple offer scenarios have become more frequent, particularly in the lower end of the... [read more]

High demand and low inventory for single-family homes continued to be the dominant theme in Toronto’s housing market in the first quarter of the year.   As city planning shifts toward density and away from urban sprawl, the supply of ground-oriented homes is increasingly limited. Current owners are reluctant to sell as they are hesitant to become buyers themselves in a competitive market, and with rising home values, many are holding on for... [read more]

Depersonalize:   You want buyers to walk through your house and feel like it's their home, and things like a cluttered wall of family portraits are guaranteed to prevent buyers from emotionally placing themselves in your home.    Fresh Paint:   Strong colours on the walls or wild wallpaper make it hard for buyers to imagine their furniture in your house. Consider repainting your home in neutral colours that will enhance a room's size and look more... [read more]

House Median price $659,000 Monthly growth 1.40 % Quarterly trend Stock on market 0.44% Apartment Median price $299,900 Monthly growth 0.00 % Quarterly trend Stock on market 0.33% ​   "Across the nation CREW lists data for 4139 neighbourhoods, and this month Mississauga is number 179 putting it ahead of most neighbourhoods... [read more]

Strong Growth in Home Sales in March/Q1   TORONTO, April 5, 2016 – Toronto Real Estate Board President Mark McLean announced record TREB MLS® home sales for the first quarter of 2016 following a strong result for March transactions. The year-over-year growth rate for sales was 15.8 per cent for Q1 2016 and 16.2 per cent for March 2016. For the TREB market area as a whole, double-digit year-over-year rates of sales growth were experienced for all major... [read more]

The Lawn and Landscaping • Mow your lawn twice a week, pull weeds and rake up your leaves. • Trim hedges and shrubs, as well as tree limbs that are located near the roof. • Sweep your walkways. • Plant a variety of colourful flowers that complement one another and bloom throughout the growing season. Be sure to weed and mulch your flower beds to keep your plants healthy. The Home • Clean your windows and gutters, and pressure wash your siding and... [read more]

Tired of renting and having difficulties coming up with a down payment? One option is to purchase a property with a friend or relative.   Co-ownership enables you to share the down payment and monthly expenses, which makes buying a home so much easier.  You can start building up some equity instead of throwing it away on rent.    Although there can be some drawbacks with co-ownership, a legal contract will help eliminate any future problems, while remaining... [read more]

Now that we are in the fall season, it is very important to do a maintenance checklist around your home.  Taking corrective action as soon as possible can save you thousands of dollars and prevent any further damages.    1.  It is a good idea to clean and service your heating system.   2.  Clean leaves, nests and other obstructions from your eavestroughs, roof and chimney, and test the downspouts to ensure there is adequate      ... [read more]

You would not shop around for a car without having a budget and it should not be any different when it comes to buying a house. A mortgage preapproval should be your first step when you begin your house search, it is important to know what you can afford.  Knowing what you qualify for and understanding the different types of mortgages, can assist you in your current and future financial goals. This step can save you thousands of dollars and can make your offer much more... [read more]

I have many clients that cannot decide whether to remodel or move, and the answer might be simple, it might be—both.    Remodeling can give you the added or different space you need now, but you should also carefully consider the resale value of any project you undertake.   Some remodels allow for a bigger payoff than your original investment, while others might be needed just to keep the resale price on par with the neighbourhood.... [read more]

We would like to congratulate: Aimen Khan, Tanya Abdoni and Lyan Hreiz!  I would like to thank all of the children that participated in the Carassauga "Draw Your Dream Home" contest. All of the children are winners and it was a very difficult decision but we can only choose 3. Thank you all for participating and remember you are all winners!   [read more]

Is home ownership for you? Although turning the dream of homeownership into a reality can be both exciting and daunting at the same time, it is something all my clients are happy they had done! You might not realize that you have the means to purchase your own home. There are many benefits of homeownership when compared to renting. Have you always wanted to build equity? Ever thought about having tax advantages? Owning a home can be the BEST investment for your future! For most people,... [read more]

Congratulations, you have decided to become a homeowner, saved your money and are now ready to begin your search for a new home.  Although the demand for homeownership is relatively higher than the number of homes that are currently available for sale, homes ARE available, you just might be looking at all the wrong places.  Many times, I have come across people excited to begin their home buying process and want to see everything that is on the market.  While you may think... [read more]