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    Help! What do I look for during my home inspection?

    Buying real estate

    Help! What do I look for during my home inspection?

    You’ve finally found the one. You’re picturing your future together, and you feel at home. No, we’re not referring to a relationship — we’re talking about closing on a new home. Buying a new home is incredibly exciting. However, don’t let those elated emotions cloud your judgment. Before you sign your Agreement of Purchase and Sale, call the movers, and start planning your housewarming party, there’s one important task: the home inspection.

    Author profile picture

    Emily Holland

    Content writer

    A balance scale weighing two percentage figures, representing the choice between a fixed and variable mortgage rate.

    Buying real estate

    Fixed vs. variable rate mortgage: Which one is for me?

    With big milestones come big decisions. Like choosing between a fixed or variable mortgage rate. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question — the choice has to make sense for *you*.

    Author profile picture

    Emily Holland

    Content writer

    Illustration representing first-time home buyer incentives in Ontario, including the land transfer tax rebate and first-home savings programs.

    Buying real estate

    First time home buyer incentives in Ontario: A comprehensive guide

    In this guide, we’ll delve into the specifics of what it means to be a first-time home buyer in Ontario, exploring the financial incentives and support available to ease the journey into home ownership. Understanding these incentives can significantly reduce the financial burden and complexity of buying a home in this competitive market. From land transfer tax rebates to affordable housing programs, Ontario offers a range of benefits designed to help first-time buyers navigate the often complex path to owning a home.

    Author profile picture

    Joel Fox

    Co-founder and COO

    Illustration representing the Home Buyers' Plan, which lets first-time buyers withdraw up to $60,000 from their RRSP toward a home.

    Buying real estate

    What is the home buyers' plan?

    The Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) is a Canadian government initiative that allows individuals to withdraw funds from their Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) to purchase or build a home. Designed primarily for first-time homebuyers, the HBP can be a powerful tool in your home-buying arsenal, enabling you to access up to $60,000 tax-free from your RRSP to put towards your home. It’s worth noting that the previous limit was $35,000 but the limit was increased to $60,000 as of April 16, 2024.

    Author profile picture

    Joel Fox

    Co-founder and COO

    A magnifying glass held over a stylized yellow house with a blue window on a coral background — a visual stand-in for examining a property's ownership and history, which is what a title search does before closing in Ontario.

    Real estate law

    What is a title search?

    Buying a property can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re a first-time home buyer. Part of the stress is not being fully aware of what issues you might be taking on when you take over ownership of the property. What people typically think about is the physical issues that might arise when you really start to live in the home (ie. leaks, broken appliances, etc.) but the even scarier issues are those that you can’t physically see but you may be legally  responsible for. This is why a “title search” is so important, but what exactly does this mean? Let's unravel the mystery of title searches and understand why they are a key piece of the property closing process.

    Author profile picture

    Joel Fox

    Co-founder and COO

    Illustration representing the Ontario first-time home buyer Land Transfer Tax rebate, worth up to $4,000 off provincial land transfer tax.

    Buying real estate

    What is the first-time home buyer Land Transfer Tax rebate?

    Buying your first home is an exhilarating journey, filled with dreams of the future but also quite a few financial hurdles. You have to save up enough for a downpayment, get approved for a mortgage, and be confident in your ongoing ability to service that mortgage, amongst all the other home ownership costs. On top of that, our provincial (and sometimes municipal) government charges a Land Transfer Tax (LTT) in Ontario. This tax is no joke as its calculation is directly attached to the purchase price of your home. However, the Ontario government offers some relief for first-time homebuyers: a Land Transfer Tax Rebate. Let's dive into what this means for you.

    Author profile picture

    Joel Fox

    Co-founder and COO

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  • What should a homeowner do to protect their home?

  • Title insurance: What you need to know

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