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Gerry’s Blog

A Checklist Before Making an Offer on a House

Acquiring a house is one of the most significant financial commitments you can make in your lifetime. Given the complexity and the long-term nature of this investment, you must approach the process with caution, diligence, and informed choice. That’s why a pre-offer checklist can be invaluable—it’s not just a step-by-step guide but a holistic framework…

Homes For Sale in Toronto: GTA Listings Have Nearly Doubled

Home prices in the Toronto real estate market are higher today than they were a year ago, new local real estate association data show. According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), the average sales price for a residential property in North America’s fourth-largest city rose three per cent year-over-year to just below $1.2…

Design Trends for Fall 2023

As we transition into the fall season, the design world is buzzing with anticipation for the latest trends that will shape the industry. This year, the focus is on embracing innovation and sustainability as designers seek to create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also environmentally conscious. Prepare to be captivated and inspired…

Buying a Home When You’re Self-Employed

Are you your own boss? During the coronavirus pandemic, self-employed Canadians accounted for nearly one-fifth of all workers. But times have ostensibly changed in just the last year alone as growth in the number of self-employed Canadians has flatlined. In fact, it is down from the crisis-era peak by about five percent, according to data…

5 Detached Homes for Sale in Southern Ontario Under $400,000

In today’s housing market, discovering homes for sale priced below $400,000 in Southern Ontario is like unearthing hidden gems in a vast terrain. We’ve done the legwork for you, and put together a list of 5 detached homes, all priced at $400k or less. These properties all offer great value for your money, without sacrificing…

How to Assess the Quality of Schools When Buying a Home

When purchasing a new home, there are numerous factors to consider. From the location and price to the size and layout, the list can seem endless. However, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the quality of schools in the area. Whether you have children or not, the quality of nearby schools can significantly…

Shopping Malls Changing the Housing Landscape

Could shopping malls transform the Canadian housing landscape? Believe it or not, this has become a growing subject of discussion among a wide array of real estate experts, officials, and housing advocates. Indeed, shopping malls could have a tangible impact on the Canadian real estate market. With the meteoric growth in e-commerce and the prevalence…

Guide to Mortgage Renewal: How Do I Renew My Mortgage?

During the pandemic-era housing boom, many homebuyers purchased residential properties at rock-bottom mortgage rates. In response to the national economy’s pressures, the Bank of Canada (BoC) slashed interest rates to near zero, allowing prospective homeowners to obtain greater purchasing power and acquire a detached house, townhome, or condominium suite that might have exceeded their initial…

The Benjamin Moore 2024 Color of the Year is…

Every year, the design world waits with bated breath for the announcement of the Color of the Year, and 2024 did not disappoint. Stepping into the spotlight is a colour that has long captured our imaginations and emotions: the cosmic and magical Blue Nova. Blue Nova CC-860, shimmering with celestial undertones, captures the mystery and…

What Is a Second Mortgage?

A second mortgage is a financial tool that is seeing a resurgence among Canadian homeowners. With property values soaring, homeowners are sitting on significant untapped equity in their residences. Property owners are realizing the possibility of consolidating high-interest debts, financing home improvements, or even funding an investment property with a second mortgage. How Does a…