Categories for Professional Representation & Consumer Guidance

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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Why Proper Representation Agreements Protect Consumers in Ontario

Real estate transactions involve significant financial decisions, contractual obligations, negotiations, disclosures, professional advice, and potential risk. Yet one of the most important documents establishing how a consumer will navigate that process is sometimes treated as little more than administrative paperwork: the representation agreement. A buyer may understandably be focused on ...

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Understanding FINTRAC Obligations in Canadian Real Estate

Buying or selling real estate already involves considerable documentation. Clients provide identification, financial information, deposit details, corporate records and instructions to several professionals while lawyers, lenders, brokerages and other participants work toward completing the transaction. Occasionally, however, a real estate professional may ask questions that do not appear immediately connected ...

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

Yes. Just like a Seller can represent themselves, so can a Buyer. The more important question, however, is not whether you are legally able to represent yourself. It is whether you understand what that decision means once you begin searching for property, communicating with sellers and their representatives, evaluating value, ...

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Does Your Home Insurance Cover Everything?

Most homeowners understand the importance of having property insurance. When a mortgage is arranged, insurance is generally part of the process, a policy is purchased, premiums are paid and the homeowner moves on with the business of owning and maintaining the property. Years can then pass without much thought being ...

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Do I Have to Sign a Buyer Representation Agreement in Ontario?

Buying a property often begins informally. You may browse listings online, attend open houses, speak with different real estate professionals or ask someone to show you a property that caught your attention. At that stage, it can feel as though you are simply gathering information and deciding whether you are ...

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Can You Work With More Than One REALTOR® in Ontario?

Can You Work With More Than One REALTOR® in Ontario? Yes, it may be possible to work with more than one real estate agent in Ontario. However, whether you should — and whether you are free to do so — depends largely on the representation agreements you have entered into ...

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Designing a Home That Works for All Ages and Abilities

When homeowners think about accessibility, they often imagine major renovations undertaken because someone in the household has developed a mobility limitation. Doorways are widened, ramps are installed, bathrooms are modified and other changes are made in response to an immediate need. There is another way to approach the subject. Many ...

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What Real Estate Consumers Should Expect From Their Brokerage

Most consumers have a general idea of what they expect from a real estate agent. A seller may expect advice about pricing, marketing and negotiations, while a buyer may expect help identifying properties, evaluating opportunities and preparing an offer. Commercial and investment clients may require assistance with leasing, acquisitions, due ...

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The Difference Between Transactional Sales and Professional Advisory

Not every real estate transaction requires the same level of advice, analysis or professional involvement. Some transactions are relatively straightforward, while others involve significant financial commitments, contractual obligations, operational considerations and risks that may continue long after a property has been purchased, sold or leased. That distinction can also influence ...

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