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What is a Status Certificate?A Status Certificate is a document that discloses the financial status and details of a Condo Corporation and units. Below lists the importance of obtaining the certificate PRIOR to signing a purchase deal. 1) Financial Health: The Status Certificate will reveal important details about the condo's financial standing. It includes information about the reserve fund, special assessments, maintenance fees, and any upcoming major expenses. By reviewing this, you can ensure you're making an informed decision about your financial commitment. 2) Legal Matters: The document will disclose any ongoing or potential legal disputes, liens, or lawsuits involving the condo corporation. Understanding these legal issues can help you avoid any unexpected surprises or future financial liabilities. 3) Rules and Regulations: The Status Certificate will include the condo's bylaws, rules, and regulations. It's essential to understand the building's policies regarding pets, renovations, parking, and any other important restrictions or guidelines that may affect your living experience. 4) Resale Value: Reviewing the Status Certificate can provide insights into the condo's overall reputation, maintenance quality, and any upcoming projects. This knowledge can help you assess the resale value of the unit and evaluate its long-term investment potential.
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When is the best time to buy?The best time to buy a house in Ontario varies depending on your unique circumstances. Generally speaking, the market is quite competitive in Ontario, so it's a good idea to be prepared when looking to buy a house. It's also important to understand the local market and current trends in order to determine the right time for you. In general, the spring and summer months tend to be the most popular time for buying a home, as many people like to move during this time. However, if you can find a good deal, it's usually worth considering buying a house at any time of year. Ultimately, the best time to buy a house in Ontario is whenever you are financially, emotionally, and logistically ready.
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Do I need to to put 20% down payment?Hi there! In Ontario, the minimum down payment for a home purchase is 5%. However, depending on the value of the home, you may need to put down more than 5%. For homes valued at $500,000 or less, the minimum down payment is 5%. For homes valued between $500,000 and $1 million, the minimum down payment is 5% of the first $500,000 and 10% of the remaining value. For homes valued at over $1 million, the minimum down payment is 20%. Hope this helps!
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What happens if I don't put 20% down?If you do not put 20% down payment on a home purchase, you may be required to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) in addition to your monthly mortgage payment. This is usually done through CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) in Canada. PMI helps protect the lender in the event that you are unable to make your payments. However, it can add to your overall loan costs, so it's important to factor this in when budgeting for a home purchase. It may also be possible to negotiate with the lender to find other options if you are unable to make a 20% down payment.
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What is CMHC?CMHC stands for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. It is a Crown corporation of the Government of Canada that provides mortgage loan insurance, mortgage-backed securities, housing policy, and programs to make housing more affordable. In Ontario, CMHC helps potential homebuyers access mortgages that they may not have otherwise been able to get. They do this by offering mortgage loan insurance, which helps protect lenders against homeowner default. The insurance is available to homebuyers with a down payment of less than 20%, and helps make it possible for those with limited funds to buy a home.
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Is it necessary to get a pre-approval first before house hunting?Yes it is! 3 reasons why! To determine your budget - your mortgage broker will look at your whole financial picture (income, debts/assets, liquid cash) to see how much you can put as a down payment and how much you can comfortably afford Allows you to lock in an interest rate - under these unprecedented times with the rising rates, you can lock in a rate for about 90-120days, which can be beneficial to lowering your monthly mortgage payments Power in negotiating your offer - if a seller can choose between a buyer who places a higher offer but no security in financing vs. a buyer with a slightly lower offer but in a better financial situation. Buyers will be more inclined in choosing the safest option!
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What is an Easement and why is it important?A property easement allows someone to use a specific portion of someone else's property for a specific purpose, even though they don't own the property. It's important because it can provide access to necessary utilities or transportation and can affect the value of the property. In Ontario, easements are usually registered on the property's title. You can request a copy of the property's title from the Ontario Land Registry Office or hire a lawyer or a title searcher to do it for you. The title will show any registered easements, along with other important information about the property.
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Do I have to sell first before buying a new house?Technically no, however there are several KEY factors to consider before deciding to do so. 1. Financing: It's vital to have a clear understanding of how you will finance your new property before you make an offer. You will need to determine whether you can purchase the property with cash or if you will need to obtain a mortgage. If you are planning to sell your current property to help finance the new purchase, you will need to consider the timeline for the sale and ensure that you have enough equity to cover the down payment and closing costs. 2. Market conditions: Understand the current market conditions in the area where you plan to buy and sell your properties. Are homes selling quickly, or is it a buyer's market? What are the price trends for the area? Consider working with a knowledgeable real estate agent who can help you understand the market and make informed decisions. 3. Timing: Be mindful of the timing of your purchase and sale transactions. Ideally, you will want to avoid owning two properties for an extended period of time, as it can be financially burdensome. You may need to negotiate a rent-back agreement with the buyer of your current property or find temporary housing until you can move into your new home. Additionally, keep in mind that coordinating closing dates can be challenging, so work closely with your real estate agents and title company to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
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Why is buying a property better than renting?Owning versus renting depends on one's current situation...however if one has the means to do either or, here are 5 reasons why owning a property is more advantageous than renting one: 1) Investment: When you buy a home, you are essentially making an investment in your future. Over time, your home will appreciate in value, which means that you will be building equity and increasing your net worth. 2) Stability: Owning a home provides a sense of stability and permanence that renting cannot match. You have the freedom to personalize and make changes to the property to suit your needs and lifestyle. 3) Predictable Costs: With a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payments will remain the same for the life of the loan, providing a stable and predictable housing cost. Rent, on the other hand, can fluctuate based on market conditions and landlord decisions. 4) Tax Benefits: Homeownership can offer several tax benefits, including deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, and certain home improvements. 5) Pride of Ownership: Owning a home brings a sense of pride and accomplishment that renting cannot match. It allows you to put down roots in a community, build relationships with neighbors, and create lasting memories in a place that you can truly call your own.
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What does an Assignment Sale mean?An assignment sale is when a buyer of a home or other real estate property assigns their rights in the contract of purchase and sale to another buyer. This is often done when the original buyer is unable to follow through with the purchase for some reason, such as a change of plans or financial struggles. The new buyer then takes over the contract and assumes all the same obligations as the original buyer in the contract.
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How long does it take to sell a home?On average, selling a home typically takes between 4-8 weeks, depending on your local market conditions. The process includes listing the home, marketing it, finding a buyer, and completing the transaction.
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What is the process of selling a home?Listing a home can be a complex process, but can be made easier by having the right information and guidance. Generally, the process involves determining the home’s value, preparing the home for sale, marketing the home, scheduling viewings and open houses, negotiating the sale, and closing the sale. It’s important to make sure you have the right professionals to help you through each step, such as a real estate agent, attorney, and accountant. With the right resources, you can make the process of listing a home a smooth and successful experience.
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Are there any tax implications when selling my home in Ontario?Generally, when selling your home in Ontario, you don't have to pay any tax on the sale. However, if the sale of your home results in a capital gain, you may be required to pay a capital gains tax. To determine if you need to pay a capital gains tax, you need to calculate the capital gain or loss. This can be done by subtracting the adjusted cost base (ACB) of your home from the selling price. If you had any capital improvements done to the home, these costs may be deducted from the ACB. Depending on the amount of gain or loss, you may need to report the sale on your tax return. It is recommended that you consult a tax professional for advice on your specific situation.
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Is Staging my home necessary?Staging is important when selling your property because it helps to showcase the full potential of the space and make it more appealing to potential buyers. By strategically arranging furniture, decor, and lighting, staging can make a property feel more spacious, inviting, and functional. This can translate to a higher sale price and a faster sale.
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Why is my property not selling?There could be various reasons why a property is not selling. Here are five common ones: - Overpriced: The property may be priced too high for the market. - Poor condition: The property might require repairs or upgrades. - Lack of marketing: The property may not be getting enough exposure to potential buyers. - Location: The property's location could be a factor that is deterring buyers. - Unattractive to buyers: The property might not be appealing to buyers due to its layout or design.
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What is a CMA?A comparative market analysis (CMA) helps estimate the property's value based on similar homes in the area that have been recently sold. Real estate agents and brokers create CMA reports to help sellers set listing prices for their homes and help buyers make competitive offers.
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What are the disadvantages of renting vs. owning?**
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Can I list my property even when I have tenants living there?**
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I bought a property with tenants in it and now they won't leave, what do I do?**
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How much can my Landlord increase my rent each year?**
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I'd like to move back into my rented property, what are the steps?**
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