Common questions about real estate deposits
Posted on Nov 28, 2025
1. When must a deposit be paid under the standard Ontario real estate contract?
In Ontario, the standard real estate contract gives the buyer two choices; you can pay the deposit immediately when you present your offer to the seller, or you can agree to pay it within twenty four hours after the seller accepts it. Most buyers prefer the second option...
Should I approach a home sold “as is” differently from other listings?
Posted on Nov 27, 2025
Should I approach a home being sold “as is” any differently from other listings?
Buying a home can be a very emotional experience. There’s the excitement of finding a place that meets your needs and wants and the stress that comes with such a big purchase. There’s also the uncertainty about whether you’ll be able to come to terms with the seller and...
Buying a home can be a very emotional experience. There’s the excitement of finding a place that meets your needs and wants and the stress that comes with such a big purchase. There’s also the uncertainty about whether you’ll be able to come to terms with the seller and...
7 Factors That Affect Your Home’s Value
Posted on Nov 26, 2025
There are many factors that can affect the market value of your property, ranging from home improvements to the mood of the seller. All of this is a lot to internalize, but you can make an informed decision while pricing your home if you tackle these issues one at a time.
1. Location
Your home’s proximity to public transportation, train stations, sho...
1. Location
Your home’s proximity to public transportation, train stations, sho...
The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program
Posted on Nov 26, 2025
The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program
The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) offers a reduction in property taxes to landowners of forested land who prepare a plan and agree to be good stewards of their property.
The Ontario Forestry Association and the Ontario Woodlot Association help the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) deliver the...
The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) offers a reduction in property taxes to landowners of forested land who prepare a plan and agree to be good stewards of their property.
The Ontario Forestry Association and the Ontario Woodlot Association help the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) deliver the...
First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC)
Posted on Nov 25, 2025
First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC)
You or your spouse can claim the $5,000 HBTC. The maximum credit is $750 ($5,000 x 15%, the lowest personal tax rate).
To qualify:
You or your spouse must have acquired a qualifying home after January 27, 2009.
You can’t have lived in another home owned by you or your spouse in the year you buy your first home...
You or your spouse can claim the $5,000 HBTC. The maximum credit is $750 ($5,000 x 15%, the lowest personal tax rate).
To qualify:
You or your spouse must have acquired a qualifying home after January 27, 2009.
You can’t have lived in another home owned by you or your spouse in the year you buy your first home...
15 THINGS COTTAGE BUYERS NEED TO CONSIDER
Posted on Nov 24, 2025
1. Privacy: You have to decide how much privacy you would like to have at your cottage. How close do you want your neighbours to be? Do you want to be on a crowded, busy lake, or a quiet one with only a few cottages?
2. Accessibility: Cottages that are accessible only by water are generally less expensive, though you have to add in the cost of buyin...
2. Accessibility: Cottages that are accessible only by water are generally less expensive, though you have to add in the cost of buyin...