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The Real Estate Market Runs on Espresso
Gas powers the car, sure—but let’s be honest: coffee powers the realtor. Without caffeine, offers don’t get written, deals don’t get negotiated, and nobody remembers which lockbox code works for that one listing in Whitby. Luckily, Durham Region has leveled up its coffee game. These cafés aren’t just refuel stations—they’re the new open houses of…
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Buyers Are Waiting… But For What?
A recent survey revealed some fascinating clues about where our housing market is headed. In short: Buyers want to buy — just not right now. Here are the highlights: On paper, this sounds encouraging. But here’s the reality check: the average home price in Canada today is $687,000. A 20% down payment is a staggering…
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The Mirage of Assignment Sales
Imagine interviewing only one surgeon before an operation. Or taking the first stockbroker who calls you back. Or signing off on the first quote for a new furnace without checking anyone else. Most of us would never gamble with our health, our savings, or our homes like that. And yet, in real estate, many do.…
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How to Make a Home Stand Out (and Sell Faster)
The housing market has slowed. Sellers are anxious, Buyers are cautious, and the “For Sale” signs seem to linger a little longer than anyone would like. So, how do you make your home stand out in a crowd of lookalikes? I recently spoke with a Seller who had lived in their home for 25 years.…
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5 Clever Reasons Torontonians are Flocking to Durham Region
Born and raised in Durham Region, I’ve always had a front-row seat to what makes this place special. And lately, I’ve noticed a growing trend: more and more people from Toronto are packing up their lives and heading east. Why? Because Durham isn’t just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle upgrade.Destinations such as Slabtown Cidery…
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Why Some Homes Sell—and Others Just Sit
If you’re feeling confused about the real estate market right now, you’re not alone. Even as a seasoned broker, I’ve found this market unpredictable at times. So I can only imagine how overwhelming it must feel for buyers and sellers trying to make informed decisions. If you’re thinking about buying or selling and need some…
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You Get What You Don’t Pay For
There’s a saying I’ve heard for years—usually tossed out just after someone regrets buying discount sushi or a budget smartphone: You get what you pay for. It came to mind again this weekend while showing two fourplex rental properties to a seasoned investor. Both were on the same street. Both were built for exactly the…
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The Allure and Limitations of Real Estate’s Shiny New Toys
This weekend, an email landed in my junk folder, where it belonged. The subject line was unremarkable, but the offer inside was worth a double take:“Click to purchase Instagram followers. 1,000 for $100,000 for $100.” The pitch was as absurd as it was revealing. It reminded me of how often the real estate industry—particularly at…
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Furnace Rentals: Deal Maker or Deal Breaker?
So I’m doing a little homework for a seller and stumble across a home listing. Everything looks pretty normal… until I get to this part in the comments: “Great news! Rental items have ongoing exceptional maintenance! Furnace + Hot Water Tank ($140/mth), Water Softener ($81/mth), and Security System ($45/mth).” And I thought… wait a second.…
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Is It a Buyer’s Market? That Depends… And I Swear This Won’t Make Your Eyes Glaze Over
I promise this post contains zero pie charts, zero jargon, and absolutely no expectation that you’ll need a calculator. Now, let’s talk about something that comes up a lot:Someone recently said to me, “There are so many homes for sale right now—it’s clearly a buyer’s market, right?”And my answer (which always feels a little like…
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