Welcome back, Real Estate Insiders! We’ve found a collection of articles tackling the biggest topics of the month, and condos are at the forefront. Find out why staging your condo to sell is THE investment you want to make, how YOU have the power to improve condo fees, how your home might PERMANENTLY become your office—plus other important reads on the changing housing market. In this changing world, how can you prepare and adapt? Grab your coffee, kick back, and get ready to find out!

SAY YOUR NAME LOUD AND PROUD!

Discrimination and ignorance have no place in this world, especially when it comes to securing basic necessities like housing. Read here how this woman had to use her “white sounding” middle name to secure a rental in Toronto, and why this needs to be put to an end once and for all.

FORD GOVERNMENT VS THE HOUSING CRISIS, WHO WILL WIN?

The Ford government has received criticism for issuing Municipal Zoning Orders to catalyze much needed residential development. Ford has responded by expressing the ridiculous wait time Ontario has been experiencing for residential re-zoning (averaging 3 1/2 years). These cannot come at a better time as Ontario’s housing shortage is indeed a crisis that needs to be addressed. Read here about MZO’s and decide for yourself if the Ford Government should continue issuing them.

BETTER TENANTS VS HIGHER RENT

Which one appeals the most to you? Read here why the tenants offering the highest rent might not be worth it in the end! There are much more important things to consider other than who is willing to pay the most—find out what those are!

STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW – TENANT RIGHTS WHEN BUYING OR SELLING A TENANTED PROPERTY

Read here if you are a tenant, own a tenanted property, or intend to buy a tenanted property in the near future!

ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE

Residents expressed their concern over the re-zoning of a vacant Pierre Avenue lot in Windsor, Ontario, and it was heard! The builder went back to the drawing board, improved the design, and now the project is moving forward with what seems to be a “win-win” scenario! Find out more about the upcoming triplex that could pave the way for more residential units in Windsor!

200-600% RETURN? YES PLEASE

Learn why staging your condo before you sell is well worth the money!

WILL YOUR RETIREMENT DESTINATION CHANGE?

A lot of people ponder whether to buy a condo well before their retirement years and rent it out to pay down the mortgage. While this is a very smart plan, there are a lot of details to think about before pulling the trigger. This article explains the pros and cons of picking out your retirement spot too soon! 

“MEET THE FOREIGN BUYERS THAT ARE BOLSTERING THE CANADIAN ECONOMY”

Canada has some pretty ambitious goals for immigration in the next few years, which unfortunately has been halted by COVID-19. Read here for info on the immigrants that are not just using Canadian real estate as appreciation vehicles, but want a better life for themselves, their family, and Canada as a whole!

WORK HARD (AT HOME), PLAY HARD (NEAR HOME)

The shift to remote work has been catalyzed by COVID-19, and many people think this trend will far outlast the virus. Read here how companies feel about this shift and how it could change the landscape of entire cities. 

WOULD PAYING OFF YOUR MORTGAGE MAKE YOU LAZY?

This blogger has personally experienced the “indifference” that having a fully paid off home can generate. Not only that, it could have some other pretty significant financial impacts that are often overlooked. Find out what they are and why taking out a large mortgage might be just the thing you need to get motivated.

MILLENIALS ARE LEAVING THE BIG CITY IN DROVES (AND APPARENTLY COMING TO WINDSOR-ESSEX)

It isn’t the pandemic’s fault that people are leaving Toronto in big numbers. Read why large companies can’t seem to agree on which direction the real estate market is headed.

YOU COULD COMPLAIN ABOUT IT, OR DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

Condo owners don’t realize how much power they have to make changes within their condo corporation. Getting into your board of directors is an easy way to make sure the maintenance fees are affordable and won’t break the bank! Read here to stay informed.

ATTENTION ALL BUYERS! DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE!

Find out why not doing enough of their own research cost this buyer a little over ONE MILLION dollars.

IT’S TIME TO RE-THINK HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Ontario has been notorious for slow development timelines. Paired with COVID-19, this has created a “perfect storm” for low-supply affecting an entire generation trying to enter the housing market. Discover the issues plaguing the Ontario housing supply and how we can take action to make a much needed change.

LET’S TALK INSURANCE

Whether you are a tenant, first time homeowner, or a short term renter, this article is for you! Read which type of insurance you’ll need based on your lifestyle.