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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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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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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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