Housing Affordability & First-Time Buyer Re-Entry: Why the Door Isn’t Closed, It’s Just Different Now
Home Buyers Are Slowly Returning To The Market As Housing Affordability Becomes More Manageable For a long time, first-time buyers in Canada felt like spectators. They watched prices rise faster than paycheques. They lost bidding wars before they even learned the rules. They heard “just get in” advice that no longer applied. And eventually, many […]
The Market Reset Is Here: Why 2026 Is Shaping Up to Be a Buyer-Friendly Era
Why 2026 Is Shaping Up to Be a Buyer-Friendly Era (And What That Really Means) For the first time in years, the Canadian real estate market feels… quieter. Not dead.Not crashing.Just calmer. And that calm is exactly what many buyers and smart investors have been waiting for. As we head into 2026, we’re firmly in […]
2026 Real Estate Market Projections
What Can We Expect In The Year Ahead? If 2022–2025 felt like whiplash, 2026 is shaping up to be the “what now?” year for Canadian real estate. Not a crash, not a boom… more like a slow, slightly awkward reset where fundamentals finally matter again. For investors and homeowners who’ve been sitting on the sidelines […]
Future Proofing Canadian Real Estate: Driving Value With Sustainability And Green Building
Green, Resilient & Future-Proof: Sustainability as a Value Driver in Canadian Real Estate Investing in real estate isn’t just about location, square footage, and cash flow anymore. If you’re anything like me, you’re waking up to the fact that sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have buzzword. It’s a value driver. 1. Why sustainability matters in […]
From Rate Cuts To Rally: What Lower Interest Rates May Mean For GTA Real Estate In Q4
GTA Real Estate News For The Back Quarter Of 2025 If you’re reading this, you probably already feel it: The market is at a hinge point. Interest‐rate curves are bending. Buyer behaviour is shifting. And for those of us working in the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) zone, especially in the Durham region, that means […]
How Policy, Regulation & Trade Are Reshaping Canadian Real Estate
Real Estate Isn’t Just About Bricks, Mortgages & Neighbourhood Trends Real estate isn’t just about bricks, mortgages, and neighbourhood trends. Increasingly, it’s about policy corridors, regulatory headwinds, and trade winds from beyond our borders. Over the past year, shifts in all three have begun to reshape real estate in Canada—residential, commercial, and investment alike. As […]
The Best Kept Real Estate Investment Secret
Why Durham Region Is A Hidden Gold Mine Let’s be honest—when most people think about real estate investment hotspots in Ontario, the same usual suspects come up: Toronto, Mississauga, maybe even Hamilton or Ottawa if they’re feeling adventurous. But there’s a quiet, powerful shift happening just east of the city… and investors who are paying […]
How To Afford Your First Home In The GTA
From House Poor To House SMART Let’s be honest—trying to buy your first home in the Greater Toronto Area can feel like trying to win the lottery without even buying a ticket. You work hard. You save what you can. But every time you check MLS listings, it feels like the market has leapfrogged over […]
Is 2025 FINALLY The Time To Buy A Home? Why Patience Is Paying Off For Some Home Buyers
2025: The Market Some Buyers Have Been Waiting For The last few years have felt like a roller coaster ride for anyone trying to break into the real estate market. With sky-high prices, fierce bidding wars, and rising interest rates, many would-be buyers in the Greater Toronto Area and Durham Region found themselves priced out […]
How To Buy a Home for the First Time
Buy a home for the first time. Sounds simple, but there is alot to know. That’s where I come in! A big component of how to buy a home for the first time will be finding a great REALTOR® to work with. Buying a home is an incredibly personal and important decision – and investment. […]
Budgeting To Buy A Fixer Upper: Homebuyer Tips!
What to Know Before Buying a Fixer-Upper: How to Plan and Budget for a 3,000-Square-Foot Renovation Buying a fixer-upper can be an exciting and rewarding journey. It’s a chance to take a diamond in the rough and transform it into your dream home, all while potentially increasing its market value. But let’s be real: gutting […]
Top Questions Ontario Homebuyers Are Asking
Want To Buy A Home In Ontario? Top Questions Ontario Homebuyers Are Asking Right Now The real estate market in Ontario is anything but predictable these days. With fluctuating prices, rising interest rates, and ever-evolving government incentives, homebuyers are understandably full of questions. Whether they’re first-time buyers, seasoned investors, or families looking to upsize, one […]
Is It Better To Sell A Home Or Buy One First?
Should You Buy First Or Sell? What’s Better For Homeowners? In today’s unpredictable and fast-moving housing market, homeowners often find themselves stuck in a dilemma when upgrading or downsizing: Should they buy a new home first, or sell their current home first? This decision depends heavily on market conditions, personal financial situations, and risk tolerance. […]
Sold Right Away Podcast With Maude Leger
Building Success Through Real Estate And Resilience In this episode of the Sold Right Away podcast, host Maude Léger dives deep into the world of real estate with special guest [User’s Full Name]. As a realtor specializing in Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area, [User’s First Name] brings years of expertise in property sales, […]
Plumbing In A Home And How They Differ
Wondering About Different Types Of Plumbing Used In Homes? Understanding the Different Types of Plumbing Systems in Homes: A Comprehensive Guide When you’re considering buying or selling a home, plumbing is one of those hidden systems that can significantly impact a property’s value, longevity, and even livability. It’s not something most homeowners think about daily—until […]
Electrical Systems You Should Know About
The Different Types of Electrical Systems in Homes and What to Look For When Buying When it comes to home buying, you’re probably thinking of location, design, and potential upgrades, but one of the most crucial elements lurking beneath the surface is the home’s electrical system. This can affect not only the home’s safety but […]
Creative Real Estate Strategies For Homebuyers
Creative Real Estate Strategies For Homebuyers In Ontario Buying a home in Ontario has become increasingly challenging, especially for first-time buyers. With soaring property prices, stringent mortgage requirements, and a competitive market, entering the real estate market may seem daunting. However, there are creative strategies that can help homebuyers overcome these barriers and achieve their […]
Home Buying Checklist
The Ultimate Home Buying Checklist for Ontario Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. In Ontario, this process involves several steps, each with its own set of tasks and considerations. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced investor, having a comprehensive checklist can make the journey smoother […]
What Is Mortgage Fraud & How To Avoid It
Avoiding Mortgage Fraud: A Guide For Home Buyers & Realtors Mortgage fraud is a pressing concern in the real estate industry, affecting buyers and professionals alike. It not only jeopardizes the financial health of individuals but also undermines the integrity of the real estate market. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or a seasoned realtor […]
Top Outdoor Home Renovations For Backyards
The Top Outdoor Renovations & Backyard Improvements To Transform Your Space The top outdoor home renovations don’t have to be insanely costly. You can transform any backyard space with a range of ideas suited to your budget. As homeowners, investing in outdoor renovations not only enhances your quality of life but can also significantly increase […]
House Hacking Strategies | Get Into The Game!
House Hacking Strategies: A Game-Changer for First-Time Home Buyers and Real Estate Investors Alike House hacking strategies are growing in popularity to help home buyers purchase their first property and get into the real estate market. It is also a wise investment. When it comes to stepping onto the property ladder or diving into real […]
Home Ownership In Canada To Build Wealth
Unlocking the Door to Wealth: The Power of Home Ownership in Canada Home ownership in Canada remains a tried and true strategy to build your personal wealth, wouldn’t you agree? In the heart of every Canadian’s dream lies a desire for a space to call their own—a sanctuary that promises not just shelter, but a […]
REALTORs Near Me In Durham Region
Discovering the Top Realtors in Durham Region: The Local Advantage Realtors near me… I’m sure that in itself isn’t a challenge. You can find realtors just about anywhere. BUT, how do you find the RIGHT realtor, for you? When you’re on the hunt for a dream home or looking to sell your property in the […]
Finding A REALTOR To Buy A Home
How to Find the Perfect Realtor Near You: A Personal Journey to Your Dream Home Finding a realtor to help you buy a home or sell one, is a deeply personal decision. Yes, it’s also a professional one, but finding a home to call your own involves alot of emotion, sharing intimate details about your […]
Pro’s and Con’s Of Moving To Durham Region
Moving to Durham Region? Or at least thinking about it? Well, hello dear readers! For today, we’re embarking on an explorative journey to the heart of the Durham Region, contrasting its living experience with other municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Whether you’re contemplating a move, investing in real estate, or simply quenching your […]
Tips For Buying A Home & Other Important Info
Top Tips For Buying A Home & Much More! Tips for buying a home are extremely important, especially for those in the process of purchasing their first property. Buying a home in Ontario this year comes with its own set of considerations, given the evolving real estate market dynamics. Here are some of the most […]
Purchasing A Property | Prioritizing Needs/Wants
Purchasing A Property – Key Priorities for Home Buyers Purchasing a home in Ontario offers diverse real estate options ranging from bustling cityscapes in Toronto to tranquil lakeside properties in Muskoka, can be an exhilarating yet daunting task. With the market’s ever-changing dynamics, it’s crucial for buyers to have a well-thought-out approach. Here’s a comprehensive […]
Buying A Home In Ontario In 2024
Buying A Home In Ontario | The Ultimate Guide For Home Buyers Buying a home in the new year is certainly an exciting endeavor, but it can also be a complex and sometimes overwhelming process. The real estate market is ever-evolving, and there are various factors to consider to ensure that you make the right […]
Buying A Home In Whitby
Thinking About Making A Move To East GTA Buying a home in Whitby; here is what you need to know! Alright, let’s get down to it. If you’re considering buying a home in Whitby, Ontario, you’ve got excellent taste. This charming town has plenty to offer — think stunning waterfront, family-friendly communities, and vibrant local […]
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages For Home Buyers
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM’s) used to be all the rage in the early 2000’s, but as home prices rose, the popularity of these products started to diminish. After years of being virtually nonexistent, more people are once again using ARMs when buying a home. Let’s break down why this is happening and why it isn’t a […]
The John Papaloni Show and Real Estate Podcast
“Transforming Real Estate with Serena Holmes: From Transactional to Lifelong Experience!” Are you tired of the same old transactional approach to real estate? I had the pleasure of sitting down with John Papaloni to have a real talk about real estate. We discussed how I am trying to transform the industry with aunique and personalized […]
Simply Real Estate on NewsTalk 1010
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Todd C. Slater, president of The Simple Investor and host of “Simply Real Estate” for the Mother’s Day edition of the radio show. Throughout the segment, we discuss everything from real estate news and housing affordability to mortgage rates, inflation, investing and so much more. If you […]
What Home Buyers REALLY Want
Wondering What Home Buyers Really Want in a Property? As you can likely appreciate, buying a new home can be a daunting process, with many factors to consider such as location, size, layout, and amenities. For many buyers, their dream home is a combination of practicality, comfort, and style. However, what home buyers really want […]
Alternative Lending for Home Buyers
Alternative lending for home buyers may become more and more prevalent as interest rates continue to rise. When it comes to buying a home in Canada, there are a variety of mortgage products available to help individuals and families secure financing. While traditional mortgages are still the most common type of loan used for home […]
Buying A Home Over The Holidays
Buying a home over the holidays. The countdown to Christmas and other celebrations in full swing, but if you’re faced with with a situation where you need to move, i’m here to share why buying a home over the holidays may actually not be such a bad idea. (In fact, it’s a pretty good one!!) […]
Benefits of First Time Home Buyer Program
A first time home buyer program can be extremely helpful for new home buyers. Have you been renting your home but wondering about some of the benefits of first time home buyer programs so you can try to get into the market? Before you buy a home, it’s important to consider how this investment will […]
Should You Buy a Home Now – or Later?
Buy a home now or wait? As everyone likely knows, interest rates for mortgages have steadily increased over recent months. If you were thinking about buying a home, you may be wondering if you should buy a home now or wait? Although prices have come down on homes, in other areas, they remain stable or […]
Cost of Waiting for Mortgage Rates To Go Down
Waiting for Mortgage Rates To Go Down May Hurt More Than Help Waiting for mortgage rates to go down before buying a new home? Mortgage rates have increased significantly in recent weeks. And that may mean you have questions about what this means for you if you’re planning to buy a home. Here’s some information that can […]
How to Prepare for a Move
How to prepare for a move. It sounds so simple, but there are a lot of moving parts (pun intended!). As exciting as a move can be, it goes without saying that most moves can also come with some mixed emotions. You may feel excited, nervous and anxious, all at the same time. For most […]
Are Preconstruction Homes or Resale Better
Preconstruction homes vs. residential resale – which is better for you? If you’re new to real estate, you could be wondering this question. It’s an age old question and fortunately for you, I’m here to help you answer this for yourself with a guide that outlines some of the pro’s and con’s of preconstruction homes […]
How To Get Into The Housing Market Young
How to get into the housing market. For millennial and generation Z Canadians, owning a home in this real estate market might seem like a pipe dream. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, the average cost of a home in Canada was $665,850 as of June 2022 – a daunting figure for those still […]
How to Budget to Buy a Home
How to budget to buy a home. A home is one of the largest purchases you’ll likely ever make. Learn how to budget for a house, hidden home ownership expenses to watch out for and tips to help you reach your goal. 1. Establish Your Starting Point How much do you expect to pay for […]
Buy a Home or Rent and Invest
Buy a home or rent and invest? If you’ve been thinking about getting into the real estate market, this could be a question that’s been on your mind. The answer to the question at hand is primarily dependent on your personal circumstances. More often than not, the decision to move can be based on a […]
Best Homes for a First Time Home Buyer
The best homes for a first-time home buyer are likely not going to be the same as those you’d consider for your “forever” home. When I bought my first home, I figured I’d only be there for a couple of years; I ended up being there for four. It was perfect for my needs when […]
Options for Student Housing in Toronto
Student housing in Toronto is a pretty big part of a niche market. As you may have seen, I recently represented the buyers of a residential condo on a university campus just outside the GTA. I thought I’d share a blog post about some of the experiences related to the transaction while I was supporting […]
Shifting from a Sellers Market to a Buyers Market
A balanced, or dare I say buyers market, is officially upon us. The real estate market in the GTA exploded over the past two years. With the uptick of people working from home, this ability to work remotely created wider opportunities for home buyer’s to decide where they wanted to live. Since there was no longer […]
First Time Home Buyers Guide
Buying a home for the first time can be exciting, nerve-racking, and overwhelming all at the same time! That is why I wanted to share a “First Time Home Buyer Guide” on my blog to help anyone who is new to real estate through the process. Before you begin saving, one very important question you […]
Real Estate Negotiating To Buy Below List Price
Real estate negotiating. This has to be one of THE most important roles of a REALTOR®, wouldn’t you agree? When you first read the title of this blog, I’m sure you thought – “Buy a property below list price! Is that even possible these days?” While it may not be as common as it used […]
Important Tips for Home Buyers
Tips for home buyers – there are so many of them! If you’re looking to buy a home in the near future, then here are a dozen top tips any new home buyers need to read in advance! Tips for Home Buyers | On Home Finance and Budgeting – Your home loan could fall through […]