Welcome back Real Estate Insiders, it’s time to put the pedal to the metal heading into 2021! Don’t worry. We’re here to help you steer clear of some REAL real estate obstacles and set you on as smooth a path as possible—with a few sharp turns—and plenty of insight to see. We navigate mortgage renewal, help you to find your way through tenancy agreements, and even show you how you can take a virtual test drive around your condo and new neighbourhood. Buckle up!

Second Time’s the Charm

The revised Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy has taken a step in the right direction, offering commercial tenants the ability to apply directly without the need for landlords to ‘buy-in’. If you or someone you know owns a commercial business, this is for you!

Rethink Your Renewal

The large banks are still trying to take advantage of uninformed clients by sending them ridiculous renewal rates. It’s important to shop around for the best mortgage renewal terms. Get informed here!

Welcome to Canada

The Liberals have an aggressive immigration target planned for the next few years. This could mean a demand increase in an already lopsided sellers market. How attainable is this goal and what could this could mean for the Canadian real estate market?

A Bumpy Ride

Commercial leases took an especially hard hit during the first shutdown. The battle between landlords and tenants over who is responsible for this hit is just beginning. This case from Quebec sided with the tenant, but will more cases have a similar result? Stay tuned to find out!

Stocks vs Real Estate: The Age-Old War Continues

Which is the better investment? That depends on who you ask. This blogger seems to think real estate is the safer path (and we tend to agree). Decide for yourself!

Ending a Tenancy in Ontario

This has been a popular—and unfortunate—Google search this year. Regardless if you are a landlord or a tenant, reading this article will ensure that you are informed when it comes to ending a Tenancy Agreement.

Hey, Kids!

When debating real estate versus stocks to build wealth, it’s critical to compare and consider arguments. Having kids is one of the major ones! This blogger’s real estate value went way up after starting a family—find out why!

Bad Tenants Beware: You’re in for a Scare!

Many tenants have been seriously affected by the pandemic, leaving some unable to pay their rent. There are also tenants taking advantage of the situation who aren’t paying rent and whose income hasn’t changed. This is largely affecting the “mom and pop” real estate investors who count on the rent payments to pay their own mortgages. This could become a major problem down the road, as these small investors count for more than half the rental units in Canada. What has been their solution? Making a renter’s payment history accessible to affect their credit score! This will reward good tenants and expose those who are good at working the system. Read more about it here and let us know if you agree!

Take Your Condo for a Test Drive

A new 3D virtual reality platform is allowing potential buyers to view pre-cast condos at any time of day, from any angle, exactly like it will be once it’s built. Buyers can even take a virtual walk around the neighbourhood! This will cut costs for developers marketing their space, and the savings could trickle down to you. Learn more about this revolutionary program here.

Thinking of Selling?

This article explains how to calculate your capital gains and returns on a property so you can know how much profit (hopefully) to expect!

To Refinance or Not to Refinance, That is the Question

With interest rates at an all time low, it may be tempting to break your current mortgage for one with a lower interest rate. However the penalties involved might just eat away at most—if not all—of your refinancing savings. Read why this couple might choose to not change tier interest rate from 3.78 to 1.74. 

Rising to the Challenge

Your landlord just increased your rent above the Provincially approved amount. What do you do?

Water Damage or Water…Minor Inconvenience?

Did you hear the one where water in the basement wasn’t deemed “sufficient” enough damage to cancel an agreement of purchase and sale? Find out how it ended up costing these buyers more than $130,000—and it wasn’t to repair the water damage!