Author: homegoal.ca
Finding reliable tenants for your rental property can make or break your success as a landlord. A thorough background check helps you make informed decisions and protects your investment from potential issues down the road. Tenant screening goes beyond just checking credit scores and employment history. You’ll need to understand the legal requirements, gather the right documentation, and use trusted screening services to evaluate potential renters effectively. By following proper background check procedures, you can identify red flags early and choose tenants who’ll pay rent on time and take good care of your property. What Is a Tenant Background Check?…
Being a renter in the current housing market can be daunting in its own right. Would-be tenants are faced with a series of challenges before locking in a favorable rental agreement that meets the demands and requirements of landlords and property management agencies. Prospective rental property owners and existing landlords are facing similar, if not more demanding, challenges as market conditions continue to change and the process of maintaining a rental property becomes harder and more complicated due to rule changes and new regulations. As a rental owner or landlord, choosing a property manager or management company could bring new…
We thought we’d seen it all as a seasoned Toronto real estate team with over $1 billion in sales. But fall 2024? It’s shaping up to be one of the most unique yet. If you plan to sell your home this fall or in winter 2025, buckle up – we’re about to spill some important secrets that could make or break your sale. Set Realistic Expectations Let’s have a frank conversation about timelines. Average Days on Market (DOM): In September 2024, it took, on average, 43 days to sell a home in the GTA. DOM varies by neighbourhood and type…
With interest rates on a downward trajectory and Toronto’s real estate market heating up, we’ve been talking to a lot of home sellers. If you’re planning to list your home for sale in the winter or spring of 2025, here are 10 things you can do now to be ready: Pick Your Agent: It’s never too early to hire a REALTOR and benefit from setting your selling strategy together. Ask your family and friends for agent recommendations and read online reviews on Google and Yelp. Pick an agent who offers the services you need – many of Toronto’s best teams…
As 2024 comes to an end (sorry, not sorry), there’s a LOT to look forward to in Toronto real estate. Here’s a recap of the most important real estate news this month: Another Interest Rate Decrease The Bank of Canada delivered it’s fifth straight interest rate cut on December 11, 2024, and the second 0.5% decrease in as many months. After being stuck at 5% for nearly a year, the current overnight rate of 3.25% will be welcomed by variable-rate mortgage holders and those looking to buy a property in early 2025. In real numbers: A 1.75% decrease in interest…
While most house hunters hibernate during the winter months, smart buyers know that the coldest months usually offer the best opportunities in Toronto’s real estate market. Here’s what you need to know about house hunting when the temperature drops. Why Winter House Hunting Makes Sense (especially in 2025) Opportunity: Lower Prices in an Increasing Market Toronto’s housing market has a timing challenge: eager buyers are typically ready before sellers, who often delay listing their homes until warmer weather arrives. This imbalance is one of the reasons prices tend to rise fastest in the first months of the year – low…
If you own an investment condo in Toronto, 2025 presents some unique challenges and opportunities. With changing market conditions, economic and political uncertainties and evolving rental dynamics, you’re probably wondering: Should I sell my investment condo in 2025? Here’s our comprehensive analysis of what to consider. Market Realities in 2025 Condo prices have softened in many Toronto neighborhoods Rental rates remain strong but are showing signs of stabilization Interest rates, while on a downward trajectory, are significantly higher than when many investors purchased. Property tax and maintenance fee increases are outpacing inflation There’s a lot of political and economic uncertainty…
While conventional wisdom suggests waiting for spring flowers to list your home, savvy Toronto sellers know that winter can offer unique advantages in the real estate market. Here’s why listing your home during the colder months might be your smartest move and how to do it right. The Winter Selling Advantage Serious Buyers Only, Please Winter buyers are typically more motivated. They’re house hunting in snow and sleet for a reason – usually a genuine need to move rather than casual curiosity. While it might be fun to brag to your friends about having had 100 showings on your home,…
Canada is scaling back its immigration mandate and notifying public servants of significant layoffs. Staff at the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) just received an email from the Government of Canada (GoC) warning of layoffs as early as next month. The cuts will amount to roughly the equivalent of 1 in 4 roles at the IRCC, which oversees Canada’s immigration program. The decision will make the country more dependent on outsourcing, as it has a backlog of millions to process and has struggled with resources to screen applications adequately. Like all things, this is about real estate. Canada’s Immigration…
The real estate industry, long known for its reliance on human expertise and traditional methods, is experiencing a seismic shift thanks to artificial intelligence. By 2026, AI is expected to completely transform how property is bought, sold, and managed, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving customer service. From property valuation and virtual tours to smart contracts and predictive analytics, AI’s role in real estate is already expanding in ways that were once considered science fiction. Here we’ll explore the profound impact AI will have on the real estate industry in 2025. Jump Ahead The Rise of AI-Powered Property Valuations Property…