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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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Small Upgrades, Big Returns: How Simple Fixes Can Help Your Home Sell
Every now and then, a home sale reminds me just how much the “little things” matter. Recently, we worked with a family who sold quickly — not to the first buyer who toured, but to the second, who paidthe full asking price. Before listing, I had walked through the property with the sellers and shared…
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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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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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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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