For many first time home buyers, the natural assumption that the first step in buying a home is choosing the right neighbourhood, searching for homes online, and going for showings with their REALTOR®. But what they may not know is that before they even begin their search, the best first step in their journey to homeownership is getting pre-approved for a mortgage!  

What is a Mortgage Pre-Approval?

A mortgage pre-approval is the first step to buying a home, taken before you even start your search. It is when a potential buyer meets with a mortgage broker or lender and starts the mortgage application process before buying a home to get a clear idea of what kind of home loan they qualify for. This gives them the clarity in what they can afford,…

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If you’ve been thinking about selling your house, there’s a good chance you’ve been making plans for some renovations that will attract buyers to your home. When it comes to the value of a potential property in a buyer’s mind, simple upgrades and repairs can go a long way; especially in the kitchen! Here’s what’s trending in kitchen renovations right now:

Colourful Cabinets

Gone are the days of pearly white cabinets that are in constant need of a wipe down. Instead, what we are seeing is a rising trend of cabinets being refinished with a colourful coat of paint to add a pop of contrast to the space, especially when partnered with white tile backsplashes and lighter-toned countertops. 

To make this simple shift in your kitchen, start by…

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For many of us that may be looking for a new way to generate some pretty simple revenue on the side, buying an investment property can seem like a no-brainer! For relatively little disruption to your current lifestyle, you can watch a rent payment appear in your bank account each month, almost like free money, right? Well...not quite. While it can seem as simple as that—and sometimes it even is!—there are quite a few different nuances to owning rental property, and pros and cons that come with each of them. 

The Benefits of Owning Rental Property

Like I said, investing in rental property can be a fantastic, lucrative venture for anyone looking to generate some side income. Here are some of the pros:

Steady Monthly Income. So long as you have…

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Unlike selling your old MacBook, which you can just post to Facebook Marketplace and have sold overnight, selling your house takes a bit more planning and preparation. You can’t just pick a price off the top of your head, post it online, and make a deal over text message. No, there are strategic steps that need to be taken to ensure you sell your house quickly (and legally). 

Step 1: Choose the Right REALTOR®

When selling your house, you’ll want to make sure that someone is looking out for your best interests and that you’re being represented properly. That’s why working with a listing agent is so important. They work to not only market your home effectively, but they will also help you navigate the current market to ensure you get the best deal…

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Choosing the right neighbourhood for you and your family is just as—if not more—important than choosing the right home. Unless you plan on spending every waking minute confined within the four walls of your new house, knowing your neighbourhood and where you live is an essential part of your lifestyle. This is where your kids may go to school or where you’ll walk the dog. This is where you’ll start your morning commute and drink your afternoon tea. Whatever this new home is for you, the location is an integral part of that. So, how do you choose the right neighbourhood for you?

Schools

Regardless of whether you have kids or you don’t—or you’re expecting (congratulations!)—one of the most important things to consider in choosing the right…

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