Toronto is known for its diversity, its food, its arts and entertainment scenes, and so much more. It is one of Canada’s most dynamic cities and welcomes millions of tourists every year. Whether you love the heart of Downtown Toronto or you prefer the quiet suburbs, there is something for everyone — so it’s no surprise why so many people move to the city.
Moving is a significant process that involves planning and efficient execution in order to minimize stress and overwhelm. That’s where qualified Forest Hill real estate agents come in. Working with a professional agent is the easiest way to ensure you’re getting the best value for your home, and you’re working with someone who knows the city’s diverse neighbourhoods.
The question then becomes, what do you look for in a professional Toronto real estate agent? We’ve put together a list of tips to consider before signing on with a local agency.
Local Expertise
Toronto offers a variety of niche markets, and each neighbourhood is more diverse and eclectic than the next. Whether you’re moving to the city from abroad or from another corner of the GTA, it’s essential to work with an agent that has in-depth insight and expertise in the areas you’re interested in.
In a competitive real estate market, look for agents that have successfully sold properties and have garnered positive reviews across the city. This ensures you’re spending your time with an agent that can find exactly what your family needs because they know how to negotiate with their colleagues, and they understand the current market trends — which brings us to our next tip.
Understanding Trends
A reliable and reputable Toronto realtor should have a detailed knowledge of past real estate trends and where the current market is today. This insight allows them to price homes accurately and negotiate for their clients to achieve the fairest price for their desired home.
Solid Network
Since the industry is more competitive than ever, finding a realtor with a significant network of connections can help you find hidden gems or properties before they even hit the market. If you’re interviewing realtors, consider asking them what their network is comprised of and how they utilize this network to their client’s advantage.
Negotiation Skills
Ultimately, you want the very best deal for your Toronto home or condominium. That’s where your realtor comes in — they act on your behalf and should have the necessary negotiation tools and skillset to achieve the best price.
Consider how your prospective realtor engages with their colleagues and how they go about the negotiation process. If they have the most effective tools and resources, you can put your trust in their abilities and know you’re going to be signing your contract with confidence.
Conclusion
While moving to a new city, especially a bustling metropolis like Toronto, is an exciting adventure but rising real estate prices and increased demand for inventory can make the process feel daunting. Finding a quality real estate agent and brokerage is the first step to ensuring your money is working for you and ensuring you’re getting the best possible price for your ideal home. When you have confidence in your agent, you can enjoy the rest of the moving process and what your new city has to offer.
HALIFAX – A village of tiny homes is set to open next month in a Halifax suburb, the latest project by the provincial government to address homelessness.
Located in Lower Sackville, N.S., the tiny home community will house up to 34 people when the first 26 units open Nov. 4.
Another 35 people are scheduled to move in when construction on another 29 units should be complete in December, under a partnership between the province, the Halifax Regional Municipality, United Way Halifax, The Shaw Group and Dexter Construction.
The province invested $9.4 million to build the village and will contribute $935,000 annually for operating costs.
Residents have been chosen from a list of people experiencing homelessness maintained by the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia.
They will pay rent that is tied to their income for a unit that is fully furnished with a private bathroom, shower and a kitchen equipped with a cooktop, small fridge and microwave.
The Atlantic Community Shelters Society will also provide support to residents, ranging from counselling and mental health supports to employment and educational services.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 24, 2024.
Housing affordability is a key issue in the provincial election campaign in British Columbia, particularly in major centres.
Here are some statistics about housing in B.C. from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s 2024 Rental Market Report, issued in January, and the B.C. Real Estate Association’s August 2024 report.
Average residential home price in B.C.: $938,500
Average price in greater Vancouver (2024 year to date): $1,304,438
Average price in greater Victoria (2024 year to date): $979,103
Average price in the Okanagan (2024 year to date): $748,015
Average two-bedroom purpose-built rental in Vancouver: $2,181
Average two-bedroom purpose-built rental in Victoria: $1,839
Average two-bedroom purpose-built rental in Canada: $1,359
Rental vacancy rate in Vancouver: 0.9 per cent
How much more do new renters in Vancouver pay compared with renters who have occupied their home for at least a year: 27 per cent
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2024.
VANCOUVER – Voters along the south coast of British Columbia who have not cast their ballots yet will have to contend with heavy rain and high winds from an incoming atmospheric river weather system on election day.
Environment Canada says the weather system will bring prolonged heavy rain to Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Whistler and Vancouver Island starting Friday.
The agency says strong winds with gusts up to 80 kilometres an hour will also develop on Saturday — the day thousands are expected to go to the polls across B.C. — in parts of Vancouver Island and Metro Vancouver.
Wednesday was the last day for advance voting, which started on Oct. 10.
More than 180,000 voters cast their votes Wednesday — the most ever on an advance voting day in B.C., beating the record set just days earlier on Oct. 10 of more than 170,000 votes.
Environment Canada says voters in the area of the atmospheric river can expect around 70 millimetres of precipitation generally and up to 100 millimetres along the coastal mountains, while parts of Vancouver Island could see as much as 200 millimetres of rainfall for the weekend.
An atmospheric river system in November 2021 created severe flooding and landslides that at one point severed most rail links between Vancouver’s port and the rest of Canada while inundating communities in the Fraser Valley and B.C. Interior.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2024.
