Buy Sell Love Durham

Connection, Empathy and Change in Real Estate

  • Handshake silhouette image signifying making a deal for Lindsay Smith's weekly real estate blog.

    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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  • When Trust Breaks Down: The Silent Risk in Real Estate

    Trust is the invisible currency of professional life. When you hire a lawyer, an insurance broker, a financial advisor, or a real estate agent, you’re not just buying a service — you’re buying confidence. Confidence that your interests will come first, that your money will be safe, and that the rules of the game will…

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  • Pay down the mortgage or Play the stock market? That’s the $200,000 question

    Every so often, a client calls with a question that makes me think, “Now that’s a nice problem to have.” Recently, someone reached out after receiving a $200,000 inheritance. Their question: “I’ve got a $400,000 mortgage on my home. Should I invest this in the stock market or pay down my mortgage?” Let’s break it…

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  • 5 red monopoly-like houses in a row on a table. Used as a blog header for Lindsay Smith's, Buy Sell Love Durham weekly article.

    Durham Rentals 2025: The Lease You Could Do

    Finding a rental in 2025 should be simple. You find the place, sign the lease, and move in. Easy, right? Not exactly. We recently worked with two tenants who had everything landlords dream of: excellent credit, solid employment, glowing rental history. And yet, the hardest part wasn’t finding a place—it was running the gauntlet of…

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  • So… What’s My House Actually Worth?

    Let’s be honest: the current real estate market is kind of all over the place. There are more homes for sale than we’ve seen in years, and asking prices range from “Wow, that’s a steal!” to “Wait… they want what for that place?!” Now, say we’re working together (yay!) and a house pops up: 123…

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  • Pre-Inspections: Are They Smart Strategy or Risky Business?

    We recently worked with a homebuyer who was set on doing a pre-inspection before submitting an offer. It wasn’t our suggested strategy, but we respect when clients bring their own perspective to the table — so we moved ahead, curious how it would play out. Let’s break down what a pre-inspection is and whether it…

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  • How Can Buyers and Sellers Win in a Challenging Economy?

    Most Agents Freeze When You Mention This Powerful (and Legal) Financing Strategy. That’s Bad News for Their Clients. When I bring up vendor take-back (VTB) mortgages in a room full of agents, I usually get that look. Wide eyes. Frozen posture. Like a deer caught in the headlights. Then comes the familiar line:“I think I…

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  • Buy Sell Love Durham featured blog image showing two side-by-side Buy Sell Love Durham Sold Signs

    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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  • Young couple standing in front of a home that is for sale. Featured image for a blog by Lindsay Smith, Buy Sell Love Durham about what you need to know about making an offer on a power-of-sale home.

    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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