Why Canadian Homeownership is Still a Smart Investment, Despite Economic Concerns   Despite economic concerns and high household debt levels in Canada, owning a home in Canada remains a wise investment choice for several compelling reasons. In this blog post, I will explore why Canadian homeownership remains a strong investment option despite economic challenges.   - Long-Term Appreciation: one of the most significant advantages of investing in Canadian real estate is its... [read more]

Real estate is often touted as one of the most lucrative and rewarding industries out there, from flipping houses to managing rental properties. However, with great rewards come significant challenges – and the world of real estate is no exception. In order to succeed in this industry, you need to be strategic, adaptable, and patient. We recognize that there's no one-size-fits-all guidebook for investing in real estate and that the road to wealth is sometimes unclear-cut. But take... [read more]

Do you want to avoid endlessly scrolling through real estate websites and attending open houses without success? Finding the perfect property can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. In this post, I'll share five simple queries that will help you secure your dream home in no time. By answering these questions, you'll clarify what matters most to you when house hunting and make informed decisions along the way. Whether you're a first-time buyer or searching for your... [read more]

Owning a home is one of the most significant investments you can make in your life. It's not just a place to live but also an investment that provides stability and security for you and your family. Proudly Planting Roots is a concept I like that emphasizes the importance of homeownership and its benefits. Whether you're looking to buy your first home or considering upgrading to something bigger, owning property has numerous advantages. In this post, we'll explore some of the... [read more]

Real estate investments can be a powerful tool to build long-term wealth, and one of the essential factors in achieving success is leveraging equity. Explore the basics of leveraging equity for real estate investing to increase your chances of success. Here's a guide on how to leverage the equity in real estate investments: 1. Start by Building Equity: First, you must build it up to leverage equity. You can do this by investing in properties with strong potential for appreciation or... [read more]

The first thing that comes to one’s mind when they hear the word “estate” is mansions or owning big end grounds; but what if we tell you that being wealthy isn’t the primary requirement to have an estate?   People spend their lives working hard and earning finances so that they and their loved ones can have a luxurious life when they reach a certain age - somewhere near the retirement period. One such way to improve and maintain your finances is to invest in... [read more]

Have you decided to buy a brand-new home? Congratulations! Buying a brand-new home is an exciting experience and one that you should enjoy because it fulfills a big part of your hopes and dreams for you and your family.   Let's look at some of the possible questions you should ask the construction development company before you decide to buy.   Which Are The Standard Finishes, And Which Are The Upgrades? You may be touring a model home, but keep in mind that in... [read more]

There's no denying that retirement is the focus of everyone. It is an instinct to want to secure your future with a predictable and steady stream of income for when it's time to sit back and enjoy the life you worked hard for. The main Real Estate part from which you can secure a steady and predictable monthly income as a retirement plan is Rental Income (home or commercial). It's certainly not a method to be taken for granted, but when done correctly, it can secure your and... [read more]

Home price appreciation has created significant equity gains for homeowners over the past few years. The market changes in home values over the past few years has given many record amounts of housing wealth. That’s great for your home value over the last two years, but what if you’ve had the home for a while? How much equity do you really have? As The Equity Master, I pride myself on helping my clients not only understand their equity equations, but learn how to harness the power... [read more]

Beginner and veteran investors both ask the same question, what’s better? To buy a fixer upper or a move-in ready property? While there’s no wrong answer, what might be best depends on your situation and property availability, as well as your equity goals.   My first advice: never settle. It’s tempting to over analyze the data available, and pros and cons. But you need to know what you’re getting yourself into. If you’re real estate investment strategy... [read more]

Real estate investment is a great way to increase your equity. As the Equity Master, my area of expertise lies in the ability to manage equity in a way that makes it work for you, not against you. In this post, I’d like to discuss a frequently asked question I get from clients, ‘what’s the difference between debt and equity in real estate investing?’   Equity Investment   Equity investments are when you buy an asset that gives you a profit based the... [read more]

As the Equity Master, I love real estate because it’s the type of investment that can be optimized and help you increase your equity over time. It can earn you a passive income, and with some tips from me, it can also increase your equity through higher ROI’s. Here are some tactics from a seasoned professional.   1. Upgrade Your Property   When you have the opportunity, renovating your property will make it more appealing to renters and buyers alike. For those... [read more]

Home ownership investment is a popular way for individuals to build wealth. It is a way of making profits from the rising value of your property. So, we can say that home ownership is a way to get the best of both worlds. It provides you with a place to live, as well as an investment that can grow in value over time. However, buying a home also comes with risks – that’s why it’s important to do it right. As the Equity Master, I know how to choose the types of properties... [read more]

The phenomenon of retirees amassing wealth is not new. But one of the most popular, and perhaps controversial, ways to amass that wealth is through real estate. Real estate is one of the most stable investments on the planet. In fact, some sources estimate that it is up to eight times safer than the stock market. Some people are afraid to invest in real estate because they feel like they do not have enough knowledge on how to make a profit from it. But with some guidance from me - the Equity... [read more]

Home value is not just about the physical structure of your home. It's also about the amount of work you put into it. When it comes to home renovation, DIY projects are always a great idea. There are many ways in which you can give your property a facelift without hiring professional contractors or spending a fortune on renovations. And as the Equity Master, I know what projects can go a long way. Here are a few examples of these DIY projects that can be done by anyone with basic... [read more]

Home renovations are a big expense undertaking and a lot of work. It is not an easy decision to start one, but it is worth it in the long run. There are many things that you should know before you start your renovation project.   Some people may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of renovating their home, but they should know that there are a lot of benefits to renovating your home. For example, if you want to sell your house in the future, it will be easier for potential buyers to see... [read more]

The Greater Toronto Area is a booming market for real estate investors, and homeowners are constantly looking for ways to make their properties more valuable. Home renovations have been receiving significant attention from homeowners who are taking advantage of the improvements that they can make. The ability to generate more excellent value from your property is the best way to achieve this goal.   Imagine that you're a real estate agent specializing in finding new listings in... [read more]

The Greater Toronto area is one of the most active real estate markets in Canada, especially regarding the resale market. Many factors play a role, including the number of people living in the area and its proximity to other major cities. But being so competitive comes with a risk or complexity. So is it easy to build equity through real estate or not? As the Equity Master, I know how to do it, and can help you do the same!   Equity Through Real Estate What is Real Estate... [read more]

Downsizing your home can be a great move. Moving into a smaller space doesn’t have to come with the connotation of losing out on anything. In fact, downsizing and moving into a new area can often add a lot of value to your life, and your equity. With a diverse range of unique neighborhoods, Toronto has something for everyone. And as the Equity Master, I can help you figure out where and how to find the best place for you, and utilize your assets to increase your equity. Here are four... [read more]

Investing in a GTA property is a great way to get cash while also increasing your equity. With a low-risk investment, the returns are guaranteed. The GTA market is thriving with investors buying and selling real estate property on the market to make profits. GTA real estate is relatively affordable and there's a lot of room for potential growth in the market. However, there are certain things that no one will ever tell you about real estate investment, but we are here to save your... [read more]

Toronto’s real estate investment is not nearly as stable as it once was. It swings up and down with the weather, but its dynamics are still a lot more complicated than most people think. As the Equity Master, I know how and when to best sell and buy, keep your equity stable and weather the market changes. The GTA housing market is constantly becoming more complex and volatile. Many factors contribute to this, including economic conditions, developing trends in housing construction and... [read more]

The phenomenon of wealth accumulation is not new. But, one of the most popular ways to get rich is through real estate. According to experts, real estate is a safer investment than stocks and bonds. Many people are afraid to invest in real estate due to their lack of knowledge on how to make a living from it. But, with the right guidance, you can easily get started. That’s where I come in. As the Equity Master, I can help you figure out how to invest to make extra money, that you can... [read more]

Renovations can be a difficult and costly decision for many people. It is often considered a luxury or an extravagance. But what if I told you that renovations can actually make you money while still getting all the benefits out of them? As the Equity Master, I’ve got first-hand experience with the payoff. That’s right, renovations have been shown to increase the sale price of a home by as much as 5%. And for those looking to sell their homes, it’s a good idea to spend... [read more]

The property market has been rapidly changing in the last few years and property prices have been skyrocketing. This is especially true for those who want to move up the property ladder and make a million-dollar investment. One thing that almost every other person wants is to convert their home in a way that takes up the worth to at least a million dollars. As the Equity Master, I know how to do that. To turn an 800k home into a million-dollar home, you need to first research the... [read more]

Whenever a person thinks about choosing a second home as an investment option, there are several questions that surround one’s mind. How much money do you have? What do you want from your second home? How long can it be vacant? Do you need a mortgage? How much time will it take to get back the investment of your second home and what is your risk tolerance? Choosing a second home as an investment has its pros and cons. But it definitely is not for everyone. As The Equity Master,... [read more]

The housing market in the GTA has been fast-changing in the last couple of years, and the pandemic has contributed to the unpredictability in the market. So the big question is, will the real estate market be cooling down? Keep reading to find out.  What's a Cool Down?  A cool down is most likely when there isn't any purchase in the real estate market. Now seeing the conditions of the GTA, it's observed that the absorption rate of various properties was below a... [read more]

Are you someone who’s planning to purchase a house in the GTA but aren’t sure if it matches your budget or requirement? We have made it easier for you. At the end of this article, you will easily be able to decide whether or not you fall into the category of possible buyers. Can I Afford A House in The GTA? Are you searching online trying to find ways to see if you are eligible to afford a house in the GTA? I’m here to assist you. Here’s a list of ways you can... [read more]

It's a well-known reality that making money is a hard job, but making it flourish in any way is even more challenging. Speaking of which, growing your money is more difficult than making it in the first place.   So, when it comes to investing their money, people frequently look for a variety of possibilities in order to avoid losing it. They put their money into businesses, stocks, bonds, real estate, and property. However, each of these options has its own set of pros and... [read more]

One of the essential uses of equity is to invest in real estate. Most people use their equity casually and end up with either no financial means or an extra load of loans. Here are five ways that you need to avoid doing with your extra equity.   Needless Expenses Just how one drop of water makes a river, one dollar either makes you rich or poor. Although spending on a few luxuries or dine-outs may seem like a “small expense,” they add up to a large amount. Before you... [read more]

The Great Toronto Area’s housing market is one flexible and rapidly changing market of all times. This ground is a little challenging to play in, from fluctuation in prices and demands to the uncertainty of interest rates.    Home equity is also known as a home equity installment loan or second mortgage. It helps the homeowners to borrow against their equity. These loans are based on two factors: the home’s current market value and mortgage balance... [read more]

When you bought a house, you might have thought about the next four or five years. Fast forward ten years, you now have two girls who do not wish to share the room and other family members do not want to give up on their space or another scenario could be that you are near retirement period and you need more rooms in your house for your grandkids —  what to do now?   Your first thought is home renovation, but you are a little skeptical about the expenses. Today we will... [read more]

Your home equity is the value of your home minus the amount of mortgage you owe. Home equity fluctuates alongside the market, but there are ways you can increase your home equity.   Now, home equity is valuable to you for a variety of reasons. You can borrow against your home if you have good credit scores, you can cancel private mortgage insurance when your equity reaches 20% or more, and you can sell for a greater profit the higher your home equity is.   No matter what... [read more]

I’m passionate about real estate. But more than that, I’m passionate about helping my clients invest their hard earned money in a way that will not only get them their dream home, but do so in a way that gets them the biggest bang for their buck. That’s why they call me the Equity Master. I know how to help you choose the right investment for the least amount of capital and simultaneously gain you more equity in ways you may not have thought of.   Based in... [read more]

Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend. The clock “falls back” one hour on Sunday November 3rd at 2:00AM (making it 1:00AM). This allows for more light in the morning, but unfortunately makes it darker much sooner in the evenings.   Daylight saving time can be a great way to remind us to do some important tasks around the house,     Test your smoke detectors & Replace Batteries: Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are incredibly important.... [read more]

“Remote-friendly” workplaces are one of those rising trends. This workplace can Increase appeal for homebuyers If you think it might be time to get to work on sprucing up (or creating) that home-office space, here are some tips to help you get started:   Designate a Dedicated Office Space One of the pitfalls to working from home is distraction. It’s crucial to create an atmosphere that’s conducive to professionalism and creativity. If your... [read more]

The impact of climate change affects us all. Not only are the Earth’s temperatures rising, we are seeing more natural disasters as a result of the phenomenon and natural habitats are declining at an alarming rate. The good news is, there are small steps you can take for a more energy efficient home, that go beyond recycling and composting. Consider the following tips for going green: Install a smart thermostat: Heating and cooling your home takes an immense amount of energy, and the... [read more]

From splitting expenses, to sharing chores and everything in between, there are many benefits to living in a multi-generational home. This living arrangement can help reduce stress, save money and strengthen a family’s bond. Many homeowners tend to pass on this type of living situation, feeling they could lose their privacy or independence, but it is possible to re-design a home to ensure that everyone has their own space and a place to get some quiet time! Here are four renovation... [read more]

Keep your home from serving as a breeding ground for the cold or flu virus with these simple tips:   1. Keep the remotes wiped off Flu sufferers are likely to spend long hours on the couch sniffling and feeling sorry for themselves, clicking through Netflix. So all those remotes will be covered in germs. Make sure their germs don’t stick around by cleaning your remote regularly using antibacterial wipes.   2. Lose the shoes Flu-causing viruses and... [read more]

Spending an hour watching one of the many house flipping shows on TV or online can be enough to convince anyone to try this quick and easy investment and good way to make thousands of dollars of profit in a short time. The process looks very easy and anyone can do it. Just buy a cheap old house, spend a little time and money to renovate it, and then resell for thousand more than you paid... right? But actually, nothing is ever as easy as it looks, and if you now own a house you are trying... [read more]

The tiny home trend comes with many benefits, such as a lower price and less “stuff” to clutter your life. But living in a bachelor apartment, loft or bona fide “tiny home” can be tricky when it comes to planning where to put your furniture and belongings. You may have to get creative in terms of storage, beds, coffee tables and just about everything in between. Thankfully, it’s easy to make the most out of a small space by strategizing your interior design. Here... [read more]

    When looking into ways to increase the value of your home before putting it on the market, think smart — “smart home,” that is. Installing at least three high-tech features in your house can up your sale price and entice the next generation of buyers to step inside.   Applied Science If you want the biggest return on investment, start in the kitchen and by measuring your space for a new smart fridge, stove and dishwasher. State-of-the-art... [read more]

As first-time homeowners, you might get to a point where it’s time to sell your house and move on to your next home. However, you don’t want to sell your home at the wrong time—you might have trouble finding buyers or you might miss out on making the most money back. Therefore, it’s crucial to watch the market in order to gauge whether it’s time to put your house up for sale. There are several things to consider before doing so, especially when it comes to a... [read more]

Whether you are a first-time home-buyer or a current homeowner looking to downsize, more than likely you will be viewing houses or attending open houses while searching for the perfect home. Regardless of how experienced you are with home buying and home owning, there are always things that are missed when going through the house hunting and home buying process.   We, at RE/MAX, reached out to our Influencers – a panel consisting of RE/MAX sales associates... [read more]

If your goal is sell your home faster, renovations can help move the needle. Buyers are attracted to a space that feels new and modern, so even small upgrades can go a long way – especially if it’s been decades since the last home update. If you plan to put your house on the market, consider making these small but impactful updates before you list.   Fresh Paint: A fresh coat of paint, both inside and outside the home, can brighten up the space and make... [read more]

One of your objectives as a homebuyer – and ultimately, a home seller – is to achieve the highest return on investment. A hot property value boils down to a number of factors, such as location, proximity to public transit, the local and greater economy, and the market conditions at the time you list your home. While some of these factors are entirely out of the seller’s control, there are some things you can do to influence your home’s selling price. Whether your... [read more]

Real Estate offers both entrepreneurs and investors a path for low-risk, long-term investment which can benefit them more than stocks, shares or investing in a company based in Silicon Valley.  1. It’s safer, easier, and more stable When compared to other asset classes, real estate wins because of one thing; real estate industry is far less risky and volatile. It’s more stable, especially for people who invest in rental properties. As a real estate investor, you... [read more]

House flipping is, essentially, buying a house or property with the intent to sell it for a profit. But the logistics can get pretty complicated. There are a lot of decisions to make from the beginning. Where should you buy? If you purchase a house in an up-and-coming neighborhood, you're banking on the neighborhood increasing in value. If you decide to buy in a new development, you'll want to attract higher-end home buyers who want the luxury features and... [read more]

  As the famous saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover – except, of course, when we’re talking about real estate. When buyers are hunting for their dream home, curb appeal can be the deciding factor on whether or not they want to take a closer look inside. Here are five tips to set your listing apart from the others on the block. Improve Your Curb Appeal 5 Easy Tips to Get Started Start with the Basics: One of the first things... [read more]

Whenever you leave your home, you want everything to be in its place when you get back. Protect yourself from theft with these DO’s and DON'Ts of home security.     DO’s   Lock It Down Sure, it’s home-security common sense to have locks on all exterior doors, but have you thought about other entrances? Basically, any entrance into the property should have a locking mechanism, including gates and windows. Many burglaries aren’t... [read more]

As the snow begins to melt, a homeowner should prepare his/her springtime to-do list. Beyond your lawn-maintenance basics, there are a number of must-do tasks that are often overlooked but incredibly important — especially if you’re considering listing your home this selling season or you would like to keep your house's value up.   Gutter Mutter We all know that gutters are designed to whisk away spring showers and melting snow but they do much more than divert... [read more]

You’ve filed your taxes (or you’re planning to very soon) and you’re expecting an income tax refund. To some, this perceived windfall can be a sign to go on a spending binge. According to Canada Revenue Agency, the average income tax refund for the 2018 tax year to date is $1,735 – about the cost of an all-inclusive vacation for one in the sunny south, a few nice dinners out, or a very decent shopping spree. If you’re getting an... [read more]

That is a question that real estate agents get asked a lot. In general, real estate tends to be a good investment as, in most cases, real estate appreciates in value over time. However, how much you pay for the property, how much it increases in value, and how long that takes varies greatly. Here’s the breakdown on investing in real estate to help you decide if it’s right for you. What is the Average Rate of Return on Real Estate Investments?  We expect to see modest... [read more]

Purchasing your first home is a milestone in your life, and becoming a first-time homeowner is an exciting moment. It can also be scary because there is so much you need to do in preparation. You need to make sure you are financially ready, get the paperwork in order, find a home and get a first time home buyer’s mortgage. But that's OK, because we are here to guide you through the buying process. We can help you to get approved, get the paperwork, and find the your dream... [read more]

One of the many benefits of owning a home is having the ability to sell it one day – hopefully for a healthy profit, which can then be leveraged to purchase a larger home, an investment or recreational property, or help finance your retirement. Once you decide that you’re ready to take the leap and list your home for sale, the next question you need to ask is, “How much is my house worth?” This is a loaded question indeed. It opens the floodgates to a slew... [read more]

Are you apartment owner? Is Your family is expanding? It's the time to upsize and move from apartment to your dream house !!   When you think about moving from apartment to your first house, the 1st thing you think about is: Will I be able to afford house payments?   YES, you can NOW.   Now, it's the best time to sell your apartment. Apartment prices are the highest since many years. For a house of $200k higher than your apartment price, you... [read more]

Many TV shows, vlogs and podcasts make it look as if house flipping is an easy, fun and highly profitable investment. Many investors have indeed made a handsome profit from house flipping. Maybe you know someone who has, or possibly have heard sensational anecdotes from friends, family members and internet blogs of people becoming rich overnight. And while its true that house flipping can be a profitable enterprise, it would be a fallacy to believe that you can simply throw repair money at any... [read more]

The real estate market is always booming in Ontario no matter how that would fluctuate during the year. Investing in additional property or even in your first property is a good investment for many reasons. When looking to invest in property in Ontario, you will need to have the down payment (20% if it is your second property) calculated with your realtor and mortgage provider to make sure you are covered financially. But the goal is to have tenants gradually pay off the mortgage so that... [read more]

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and confused by all the decisions that go into buying a new home in Canada, but if you are well prepared that can be reduced. As I always say: If you want to buy a property tomorrow, start planning today! Your budget plan should start two years before the offer day and that should be communicated with all the members that will be involved in this saving plan. Here are few tips on how to budget for a home and be prepared for this important... [read more]

For many years, investing in the real estate market has been a very smart move for many obvious reasons. However, investing in property in Canada is the smart thing to do. Why? Here are few reasons as we will not be able to add all the reasons of why should you invest in Canada. Real Estate is a Beast! The real estate market in Canada recently has been like a beast that is fed generously. With the different interest and high demand of the local investors and international investors,... [read more]

Home maintenance is something every homeowner should do, such as staining the deck or maintaining the roof, but some choose to make improvements with the intention of increasing the home's value. Some improvements, such as adding a well thought-out family room can be a wise investment, as that does add to the value of the home. Other improvements, however, allow little opportunity to recover the costs when it's time to sell. Some projects might add a great value to the owner way of... [read more]

We have recently noticed the change in property prices with the beginning of 2017. This article will help you understand the background and will present some important announcements considering Toronto and the GTA that was released by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).  The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has updated its forecast for home sales activity via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems of Canadian real estate Boards and... [read more]

A 72-acre piece of land on Mississauga's waterfront is set to be reborn as a mixed-use development consisting of housing, retail and a new waterfront park. The former industrial property, vacant for almost three decades and located at 70 Mississauga Road South in Port Credit, was sold by Imperial Oil Ltd. to a real estate consortium called the West Village Partners in 2016. On Monday, the consortium revealed its plans for the development they call "West Village," which they describe as a... [read more]

While it is known that good smell can add lots to the selling process, I say, too much of a good smell is not good. Every home has it's unique smell, it is built with time and it usually references to the style of the home owners. But when selling your house, your style can be not the style that can help you with the process. Eric Spangenberg, Dean of the College of Business at Washington State University, has spent years studying the effect of smell on buying behavior.... [read more]

In the unfortunate circumstance that a homeowner is past-due on their monthly mortgage payments, they pave the way for a “foreclosure” on their property. In today’s market, banks and other lenders do not turn to foreclosure to take away the homes of homeowners who are in arrears. Instead, they perform a "Power of Sale" which is wholly different from a Foreclosure. What is a Foreclosure? Foreclosures are laborious, grueling, and costly to both the... [read more]