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Understanding Cap Rates in Durham Region

Capitalization rates — commonly referred to as “cap rates” — are one of the most widely discussed concepts in commercial real estate investing. However, many investors misunderstand what cap rates actually represent and how they should be interpreted when evaluating commercial or multi-residential property. A cap rate is not simply: ...

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Environmental Concerns in Commercial Transactions

Environmental concerns can significantly affect the value, financing, insurability, operational viability, and long-term risk exposure associated with commercial real estate. However, many buyers and investors underestimate environmental risk during the acquisition process — particularly when purchasing: industrial properties, automotive facilities, gas stations, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, older commercial buildings, or redevelopment ...

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Can I Sell a Property in Durham Region Without a REALTOR® ?

Yes. Just like a Buyer can represent themselves, so can a Seller. If you are involved in a real estate transaction and are not a client of a real estate brokerage, you are considered a Self-Represented Party. There are significant risks to representing yourself in a real estate transaction if ...

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How to Interview a GTA Realtor in a Brief 15 Minute Phone Call

How to Interview a GTA Realtor in a Brief 15 Minute Phone Call You’re about to face one of the largest financial transactions of your lifetime. You need to hire a real estate agent and you need them to know their stuff. But who’s got the time to spend hours ...

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Radon Gas and other Environmental Concerns in Durham Region

Failure to identify and address such issues may result in parties unknowingly assuming substantial liabilities. Environmental issues routinely arise in all types of real estate transactions, from the sale of individual residences to the transfer of large commercial and industrial facilities. Managing the associated risks is almost always possible. The ...

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Commercial Real Estate Acquisition: 5 Tips for Success

Buying real estate is a costly undertaking, and business owners need to exercise due diligence every step of the way. Without proper planning, entrepreneurs can face a host of problems, including inadequate financing, unexpected construction costs, inefficient layout and environmental lawsuits. Although real estate costs have shot up in recent decades, entrepreneurs are ...

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Marijuana Grow Houses: What are the Signs?

Most home buyers tend to focus on what they can see: bright, open spaces, attractive finishes and a nicely landscaped yard. But a home’s striking appearance could be concealing the damage of a former marijuana grow op. The signs can be tough to spot. With so much at stake, take ...

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Advice on Hiring a Realtor® to Sell Your Home

Hiring a Realtor to Sell Your Home: Who Has What it Takes? Hiring a Realtor® to sell your property and not sure where to start? First, congrats on any work you’ve already done to get to this point. Second, don’t take this decision lightly! The truth is, you won’t have ...

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2025 Real Estate Changes in Ontario

New lending regulations came into effect in 2025 aimed at improving accessibility for both first-time buyers and existing homeowners. Changes include the expansion of eligibility for 30-year amortizations on insured mortgages to all first-time homebuyers and all buyers of newly constructed homes, an increase from the previous 25-year maximum. Additionally, ...

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Your REALTOR® is Asking Questions Because…it’s the Law

Federal money laundering and anti-terrorist financing rules require real estate agents and brokers to collect personal identification information from buyers and sellers. It is the federal Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA) that requires financial institutions and real estate agents, among other professionals and services covered ...

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