Save the Date!
Don’t miss the Age Smart Seniors Expo with it’s must see speakers, October 23, Highland Creek. Click “Learn More” to visit the Website
Retiring to a small town:
My clients wanted retire to Wiarton. Here’s what their retirement journey looked like.
They bought their home about 10 years ago in multiple offers (yes multiple offers have been happening for a long time in Toronto) Over the years they did updates to perfect it for market; including finish the basement & renovating bathrooms. About 2 years ago they had a plan to move to Wiarton to be near family. To do this they spent about 6 months getting their house showing ready and we proceeded to sell first.
Once they gave me a heads up they were selling this spring, I joined the local real estate board, ITSO to send them listings & get up to speed with prices and properties in the area.
Once their Toronto home sold, It took a couple of trips up there to get the perfect home, but after our first journey, the ideal property came on the market and we snapped it up. A thoughtful offer well presented was accepted and I think they got a very good deal.
This house is also on municipal water and sewers which makes the transition to a small town easy. And Wiarton is lovely; right on the water - and it has a huge bonus - a hospital in town. For those that have moved up north, health care can be trickier than in a city, so this is a big deal. And moving allows them to be not only mortgage free, but have some money in their pocket.
If retiring to a small town is of interest to you, the pros are:
1. More money in your pocket as prices home prices are lower
2. A sense of community that may be lacking in a large city
3. Lower cost of living
The cons can be:
1. Depending on where you are, there may be fewer essential services may near by; especially related to health care/aging
2. My observation is homes in smaller towns tend not to be as 'done' or 'fancy' as in the city - especially modest ones
3. You may need to deal with things like well water or septic tanks
I have also done a blog post on things to consider moving to a smaller town; if you're interested - the article is linked below:
How do you work with a realtor if you’re buying out of their area of expertise?
As a realtor we are not supposed to work outside of our expertise, as it’s our fiduciary responsibility to our clients to act with their needs first. But what if they know and trust you and don’t want to work with anyone else?
First I’d have a discussion about the pros and cons. Out of town properties can have many differences between city ones, and I’d discuss what the best way to serve them might be. You may also be surprised to know there is not just one real estate board that serves all of Ontario. There are several boards and not all of the properties listed show up on every board.
Once they decided on this move I joined ITSO - which is the real estate board that covers this area of Ontario. That way I could send them listings and follow the market there closely.
They chose Wiarton so they could be close to family.
Other ways for your realtor of choice to help you move out of area:
There are of course other ways to help clients out of area, like having your realtor interview local agents and referring them to someone in that region. Quite often our clients want us to benefit financially, and rest assured we have agreements in place to ensure it’s fair practice.
I've done both referrals and out of town purchases successfully.
Let’s talk walls & windows
When you’re considering a move to a condo, I think one of the most important things to consider is the wall space, and where windows and doors are located.
Why? because the availability of wall space will help determine placement of your furniture, and the window size and direction will affect the natural light the condo receives.
Want to know more tips about choosing the best condo for you? “Learn more” will take you to my YouTube playlist all about buying a condo!
Spring Downsizing Information Sessions Announced
tips on downsizing, downsizing in Toronto, downsizing in the GTA
Sue Anfang, Feb 17, 2024
I meet many people at the beginning of their downsizing journey. They may be just considering a move to a smaller place. The common concern most people have when they start is they are just overwhelmed with where to start.
That’s why I started my Toronto downsizing seminars. I’ve been doing them for over 5 years now; and have helped many, many people through the process.
It’s where you can join like minded people in a relaxed atmosphere to learn about the most common things that worry people during a downsize. Think through common questions and challenges – and build your own plan to suit your personal needs.
I’ve put together 3 FREE downsizing information sessions this spring, and introduced a new topic in the first session that people are often fascinated by, the art of Home Staging – Decorating to Sell
Session 1
Location: Royal Canadian Legion 258 Highland Creek, 305 Morrish Rd.
Date & Time: March 12th 11:00 – 1:00
Topics:
• Examine your reasons for downsizing
• Learn about housing options available to you – whether you choose to rent or purchase
• Develop your own Downsizing Workbook
• Learn how to deal with your stuff
• Home Staging – how this can help you sell your home or spark joy in your next home
Special guest speakers Clare Platt of the Next Step Forward will talk about how to declutter your home and what to do with your stuff. Sue Taylor of Retreat Home Staging and Redesign will introduce you to the art of Home Staging. Light refreshments will be served, limited free parking available.
Session 2
Location: Guildwood Chartwell Retirement Residence, 65 Livingston Rd.
Date & Time: March 19th 11:00 – 12:30
Topics: I have put together two, 30 minute “cram sessions” where we delve into a couple of the most asked about things. If you’re interested in a short tour of the facility after our session, one of the lovely people from Chartwell will be happy to show you around.
Decluttering battle plan: How to make progress decluttering in 30 minutes a day. It doesn’t have to be exhausting to make progress, you just have to know where to start and how to focus your efforts to “Get R Done”
Home improvements with the best ROI. Should you renovate or refresh before you sell? How much should you budget? What gives you the best bang for your buck? I’ll share some budget friendly ideas with you; including lots of before and after pictures!
Session 3
Location: Zoom
Date & Time: March 26th 11-12:30
Delve deeper into housing options as we look at MLS listings. Compare features, floor plans & details of the properties we touched on in Session 1. Understand what’s involved in Condo living. Be prepared with an open mind to the world of possibilities that await!
ace to add more details about your site, a customer quote, or to talk about important news.
Embracing a cozy lifestyle: 3 pitfalls to avoid when you’re thinking of downsizing to a smaller community
The upsides & downsides of downsizing from Toronto to a smaller community
Written by Sue Anfang, enhanced by Chat GPT, March 3, 2024
Downsizing is a big step, and a big decision. As Toronto becomes more expensive and developed, the lifestyle you’ve grown accustomed to may be changing. Neighborhoods change. Your friends and family move and spread out. Density is encouraged – with it comes traffic and construction. This may be impacting your quality of life. So what if you’d like to explore moving to a smaller community? What’s important to consider?
Making the decision to downsize from a busy place like Toronto, or suburbs like Scarborough, to a smaller community can be both exciting and challenging. While Toronto offers familiarity, lots of amenities & opportunities, there's a growing trend of people opting for a simpler and more community-centric life outside the city. In this article, I’ll explore the benefits of such a move and provide insights into three key considerations and three potential pitfalls to help guide your downsizing journey.
3 Pitfalls to consider downsizing to a smaller community:
1. Underestimating the Adjustment Period:
Downsizing isn't just about moving to a new location; it often involves adapting to an entirely different lifestyle. Some people underestimate the emotional impact of leaving behind the familiar and adjusting to a smaller community. It's essential to be patient with yourself during this transition, allowing time to build connections and acclimate to the new environment.
2. Ignoring the Impact on your Social Life:
Moving away from the social networks built over years in a city like Toronto can be challenging. It's crucial to proactively engage with the local community, join clubs or groups aligned with your interests, and attend community events. Failure to cultivate a social life in your new surroundings can lead to feelings of isolation, which may undermine the positive aspects of downsizing.
3. Overlooking Future Planning:
While downsizing often involves simplifying life, it's important not to overlook future planning. Ensure that your new home accommodates potential changes in health or mobility, reducing the likelihood of needing to relocate again in the future. This includes assessing the accessibility of your property and proximity to healthcare facilities, as well as planning for unforeseen circumstances.
3 Benefits of Downsizing to a Smaller Community:
1. Embracing a Tranquil Lifestyle:
One of the primary reasons people consider downsizing is to escape the frenetic pace of city life. Smaller communities offer a peaceful and serene environment that allows residents to savor the beauty of nature and relish the slower rhythms of life. Whether it's enjoying a morning coffee on a porch overlooking green landscapes or taking a leisurely stroll through charming neighborhoods, downsizing to a smaller community can provide a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of Toronto.
Additionally, many smaller towns boast well-maintained parks, hiking trails, and community events that encourage residents to connect with nature and each other. This shift can lead to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle, fostering a sense of well-being that might be hard to achieve in a larger urban setting.
2. Closer Ties to Family & Community
Moving to a smaller community often means getting closer to family. For those with roots in smaller towns, returning to a familiar environment can be a heartwarming experience. The proximity to family members not only strengthens bonds but also provides a valuable support system, especially as individuals age or face life's challenges.
Smaller communities often emphasize a sense of community and neighborliness, which can be a stark contrast to the anonymity of larger cities. This creates an ideal setting for family-centric living, where generations can interact more regularly, share traditions, and create lasting memories.
3. Financial Benefits:
Downsizing from a city like Toronto can yield significant financial advantages. Real estate prices in smaller communities are generally more affordable, allowing homeowners to unlock equity from their current property. This financial windfall can be used for investments, travel, or simply enjoying a more comfortable and stress-free retirement.
Moreover, the cost of living in smaller towns is often lower than in major urban centers. Reduced expenses for housing, utilities, and even everyday items can contribute to a more sustainable and economically viable lifestyle. For those looking to retire or simplify their financial obligations, downsizing to a smaller community can be a strategic move.
4 other considerations:
1. Community Dynamics:
Before making the leap, thoroughly research the community you're considering. Visit the area, talk to locals, and attend community events to get a sense of the dynamics. Consider factors such as healthcare facilities, recreational opportunities, and the overall atmosphere. Some smaller communities may have limited amenities, so it's essential to evaluate if the lifestyle aligns with your preferences and needs.
Maybe spend a week there; rent an AirBNB to immerse yourself in the area.
2. Accessibility to Essential Services:
While the allure of a quieter life is appealing, it's crucial to ensure that essential services are within reach. Check the proximity to medical facilities, grocery stores, and other necessary services. For retirees or those with specific health considerations, access to quality healthcare should be a top priority. Finding a balance between tranquility and accessibility to vital services is key to a successful downsizing experience. If you’re still working, check out other essential services like internet capacity, commute times or highway access to make sure your move is seamless.
3. Future-Proofing Your Decision:
Consider the long-term implications of your move. Smaller communities may lack certain amenities or employment opportunities available in larger cities. Ensure that the town's economy is diverse and sustainable, reducing the risk of future downturns affecting you quality of life. Additionally, think about the potential for community growth, as this can positively impact property values and overall satisfaction with your new home.
4. Weather and your lifestyle:
Many smaller communities in Canada are in the snowbelt. Maybe you enjoy winter activities, or maybe you’d prefer a warmer climate closer to Lake Ontario. Think about how you would live each month of the year as part of your planning so you can enjoy every season to it’s fullest.
Conclusion:
Downsizing from Toronto, especially areas like Scarborough, to a smaller community is a significant life decision that comes with various benefits and challenges. Embracing a tranquil lifestyle, fostering closer ties to family, and enjoying financial benefits are compelling reasons to consider such a move. However, careful consideration of community dynamics, accessibility to essential services, and future-proofing your decision is crucial for a successful downsizing experience.
By being mindful of potential pitfalls like underestimating the adjustment period, ignoring the impact on social life, future planning, individuals can navigate the transition more smoothly. Ultimately, the key lies in finding the right balance between the allure of a simpler life and the practical considerations that contribute to long-term happiness and fulfillment in a smaller community.
Bonus: here are some articles on best places in Ontario to retire:
5 Best Places to Retire in Ontario - Village Life
Top 5 best Places to Retire in Ontario with best Quality of life - Moving Waldo.com
Where to find the best Weather in Canada - Macleans
Most Affordable Places to buy a home in Ontario in 2023 - CTV
Creating a better future lifestyle during a downsize
Downsizing in Toronto, reasons for downsizing
Written by Sue Anfang, February 27, 2024
I read a quote (or saying) yesterday that I think sums this up – focus on what you’re gaining & not what you've given up. Well, literally it said some people only see the loss and not the gain.
Maybe a good way to start is to think about your lifestyle – and the common reasons for downsizing:
1. You’re tired of all the work you’re doing to maintain your current home
2. You’re looking to simplify your life
3. You think a move to a new place will help you focus on what’s really important and create a better lifestyle
4. You want to move to a new town where the pace of life suits you better
5. You’ve lost your spouse and your current home feels empty without them
6. Health issues have made it difficult to continue living where you are now
7. You want to move to an adult lifestyle or retirement community where you can meet new friends and stay active
8. You want to move closer to your family
9. You plan to use the proceeds from the sale of your home to help fund your retirement goals
If I look at this list, I see a lot of the points focus on “lifestyle” – which of course can mean different things to different people. For this blog post I’ll focus on points 1, 2, 3, 4 & 7
Where to begin – creating your ideal lifestyle for where you are at now
Try and identify the changes you’d like to see for yourself. Common lifestyle changes (especially when you’re not tied down by a house, caring for children or elderly parents) can include:
Simplifying your life:
A lot of times, simplifying your life can mean looking after less property, and having less monthly expenses. Doing a ‘cost of ownership’ sheet can help you with this. Many people feel that moving from a condo to a house adds the extra monthly costs of a maintenance fees. But there are other things to consider:
Cost of big ticket items like maintaining roof, HVAC, plumbing. We all know that prices have escalated since covid; you may be surprised at the cost of replacing or repairing items. And, as you know there are risks involved with hiring people that may take advantage of seniors. Or onerous rental contracts for HVAC systems.
Hiring someone to maintain your property like gardening, lawn care & shoveling. Co-ordinating quotes etc. for maintain your property can be stressful. Often I hear that it’s hard to find someone to do it the way you would. And sometimes trades can be unreliable. If this stresses you out, then you can always call a local realtor like me – we often have a team of local, reasonable & reliable trades to help.
Paying for utilities in for a large home where you only live in a small portion of it. How much of your home do you actually use? And you are paying to heat and cool the whole house? Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a home where the utilities were much more reasonable.
Paying higher property taxes in a house vs. a condo. Ouch, if you’re downsizing in Toronto you know we are facing a 9.5% property tax rate hike this year. Or if you’re in Durham, your property taxes may be over $7,000 or $8,000 dollars per year. Now, no one I know likes to pay property taxes. A smaller property may save you 50% or more in property taxes a year.
Your home may be tying you down to prevent you from doing things you’d rather be doing – perhaps you’d rather have a lock and go lifestyle.
All the maintenance may be on your shoulders if your spouse can’t help or if they have health issues. And it may not be in your budget to hire someone to do the work for you.
Travelling in retirement:
Travelling can be an item high up on creating a better future lifestyle. Popular travelling goals can be:
• Owning a vacation destination property – whether it’s buying a cottage, a condo in a vacation property like Collingwood, Florida, Costa Rica or Mexico. These popular destinations are sometimes much lower cost of ownership than living in Canada
• Contributing in helping family buy a vacation property. This is high on some bucket lists – helping create family legacy and create lasting memories for generations to come.
• Living the ‘snowbird’ lifestyle; simplifying your home (like moving to a rental or condo) may allow you to lock up and go so you can live up to 6 months of the year in another country.
• Travelling to your children or grandchildren - have they moved away? Would you like to spend more quality time with them? Unlocking the capital in your home may let you not only travel to where they are
• Exploring the world – do you have extended family in another country? Do you have countries you’ve always wanted to visit? Perhaps a cruise is on your wish list? Simplifying your life now may help you achieve these goals.
Moving to upgrade your neighbourhood or property
There are a lot of people who feel they have ‘settled’ in their current home. Or have some large debts that have grown bigger with the recent interest rate hikes. They’d like to ‘move up’ when they downsize. What does that mean?
Upgrading your neighbourhood – downsizing may help you use the equity in your home to live in a nicer area. Want to be near the lake? Have a beautiful view? Be able to move to a transit friendly area? Selling your home may be able to help you with that.
No more mortgage or credit line – help your monthly budget by using the equity to pay off your debts, and live mortgage free.
Moving to a renovated property – can’t afford to renovate? Would love a home with more features like an en-suite bathroom? Downsizing may allow you to unlock your equity to either buy a renovated property or use the money to fund a renovation to your taste.
Moving to a new town with a different pace of life
A smaller town appeals to many because it may accomplish several things; allow you to live a more relaxed lifestyle; avoid the traffic headaches of the GTA, be closer to nature & provide you with lower cost of ownership & monthly expenses.
Popular areas for retirees are: Peterborough, Coburg, Lindsay and Port Perry. Or you may enjoy moving closer to friends who have relocated.
Coincidentally, these areas are developing popular new homes for retirees; and may have a great range of retirement options available that will intrigue and delight you!
Here is an article on the 17 Best Places to Retire in Ontario from Wealthawesome.com
Moving to an Active Adult Lifestyle community
For those entering retirement age or who wish to downsize without giving up independence, an adult lifestyle community (or active adult community) could be an ideal option.
If you’re looking to explore hobbies and opportunities to socialize, adult lifestyle communities offer a range of amenities and conveniences to enjoy. These communities are typically available to residents 55 years of age and older (although many don’t have an age restriction), and allow a high degree of independence with added security. If you’re weighing the options about an adult lifestyle community, there’s much to think about, such as monthly costs and community guidelines.
Some popular Active adult lifestyle communities around the GTA are:
- Rosedale Village, Brampton
- St. Elizabeth Village, Hamilton
- Port 32, Bobcageon
- Courts of Canterbury, Port Perry
Other helpful links:
Why consider a downsize?
So, you’ve decided to move to a smaller place. You may be doing it for any number of reasons;
• You’re tired of all the work you’re doing to maintain your current home
• You’re looking to simplify your life
• You think a move to a new place will help you focus on what’s really important and create a better lifestyle
• You want to move to a new town where the pace of life suits you better
• You’ve lost your spouse and your current home feels empty without them
• Health issues have made it difficult to continue living where you are now
• You want to move to an adult lifestyle or retirement community where you can meet new friends and stay active
• You want to move closer to your family
• You plan to use the proceeds from the sale of your home to help fund your retirement goals
When I meet clients for the first time, these things have been on their mind for a while, but are usually 2 reasons that spur them into action; the first is health the second is financial. Today I’m going to focus on some things to consider if you’re moving for health reasons
Health reasons can be both physical and mental
Health can be an anticipated change or a sudden change of circumstance.
With an anticipated change, the most frequent problem I come across is difficulty managing stairs. The second is just a knowledge that gradually your home will become more physically challenging; so it’s better to make a move closer to family while it’s easier for you. What other things should you consider? Here are a couple more:
Driving – how convenient is your current neighborhood? If you need to stop driving can you keep your daily independence as long as possible? Are you ok taking public transit, taxi’s or Ubers? Are there neighbors you can pool resources with without being burdensome?
Laundry – even if you are in a bungalow, laundry may be in the basement. And carrying a heavy laundry basket down basement stairs can be a fall hazard – not only that, it’s not everyone’s favourite job anyway!
Lawn & Garden care – if taking care of landscaping has been a source of pride, having someone else do it for you can not only be expensive but often not up to your standards.
Mental Health – you can often feel isolated in the very community you love so much, especially if your close neighbors are no longer there. Same goes if your spouse is not able to help you, or your children have moved away
Your spouse needs support - Maybe it’s not you having health issues. I often see one spouse become a caregiver to another. This happened in our family, my mother looked after my father in our home far longer than I think she should have. A move sooner may have improved her quality of life.
Well, that turned into a bit of a downer, didn’t it!
The good news is….
If you start planning now you will be surprised at the options that might be available to you!
Based on what my clients have said (and I’ve helped countless through this)
“I wish I had done this sooner”
Don’t let circumstances determine your future choices. It’s easiest to do this when you’re active – you’ll be able to handle things much easier!
New real estate rules affecting consumers
You may have read about this in the news, but there were some new rules introduced in real estate starting December 2023. You can watch my videos (link below) where I break these down in 4 segments on my YouTube channel, or read my summary below!
Properties must appear on MLS within 3 days of “Coming Soon”. Putting an end to the homes that are not available to the general public in short order. You may list your home without going on MLS, but it can’t be marketed to the masses.
Open Bidding is now allowed. Sellers can choose to disclose contents of offers to other bidders in a multiple offer situation.
Selling agents have stricter disclosure obligations. We must now disclose property defects that may make the home unsafe or cause a health hazard, even if it discoverable by a buyer. Previously, discoverable defects were buyer beware, as our fiduciary duty was to the seller.
Creation of an “SRP” or Self Represented Party. Previously there were limited service contracts between a consumer and a realtor. Now you are either under contract with a realtor or self-represented. We cannot provide services to you if you’re self-represented
New Consumer Guide - this is a really extensive guide that outlines contractual obligations & more in plain language
November Seminar: Renovations for best ROI & Declutter in 30 minutes
November 16th I hosted a great session at Guildwood Chartwell. A big thanks to them for providing such a beautiful venue for the session! This session I devoted 30 minutes each to my most popular subjects, decluttering & renovations to sell.
If you’re interested in getting the workbook with tips and tricks
Changes to Ontario Real Estate December 1, 2023
Real estate in Ontario has some big changes coming December 1. Here’s a bit about what I know now..
First you should know that rules regarding organized Real Estate in Ontario is governed by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO); and the consumer legislation is called REBBA (The Real Estate and Business Brokers Act) This legislation is from 2002, and is undergoing a huge revamp. The new legislation is called TRESA (Trust in Real Estate Services Act) The revamp is in stages, the first phase allowed Realtors to be incorporated.
It’s important to know that TRESA only governs Realtors – there are other bodies that can trade in real estate; lawyers, private individuals, developers & builders. They are governed otherwise – except for private individuals who are not.
It’s also important to know right now that RECO provides disciplinary oversight to the industry on a consumer complaints based basis.
Phase 2, coming December 1 is put in place to enhance consumer protection; as well as some other industry specific changes. Here are the biggest changes that I know about. We don’t have the actual legal documentation to look at until December 1 (forms, etc.)
1. Open Bidding. Perhaps the most controversial change is allowing sellers to unilaterally decide if they want to open the bidding process & share offer contents with other buyers. Right now, we are not allowed to share offer contents. This means a seller can choose to share details - as long as it’s not private information (like names) among other bidders. Interestingly, sellers can pick and choose this information. So we will be able to cherry pick the best price, best closing, most favorable conditions from all of the offers to share with all buyers. There may be provisions for a buyer to opt-out if a seller decides to do this, but without seeing the actual forms/clauses that remains to be seen.
2. Simplified Consumer contracts. Right now, we work with consumers under contract. We have a couple of contracts, each of which have different obligations. Moving forward, there will be only consumers under contract and unrepresented consumers. We will not be allowed to provide services to unrepresented consumers unless it benefits a consumer we have already under contract. So this means we can show our listing to an unrepresented consumer; but not other homes in the area. I personally am looking forward to this one, I am hoping that it will eliminate consumers who refuse to sign a contract, stringing an agent along only to have their friend write an offer for them because they don’t want to ‘bother their friend’. Oh,change apparently comes with an 11-pageconsumer information guide.
3. More open complaints process at RECO. Right now, any issues with Realtors violating the rules is generally consumer based. They are opening this up to a secondary committee to deal with more broad-based issues. With the enormous number of licensed Realtors in Ontario there is a lot of criticism that RECO is too lax with penalties. This committee should be able to deal with other issues as well – and hopefully be able to divert some problems back to brokerages to deal with directly.
Want more details? Call me at 416-562-5002
FREE Community Shredding Event
It’s back! Come join me October 28th at Chartwell Guildwood for our Community Shredding Event from 10am - 1pm in the parking lot. Food donations for Feed Scarborough greatly appreciated.
Seniors be careful - Are Cash buyer letters legit?
This is for the home sellers - several times a year our neighbourhood gets these notes in our mailbox. I just got one yesterday.
It usually inspires a lot of chatter on the local Facebook group. So are these legit or are they too good to be true? Well, here’s what I know about these.
If you’ve seen the ads for seminars and conferences about how to make money in real estate, this is the strategy they are teaching. Often they're pitched as buying real estate with little money down.
These notes are usually from a group of investors, pooling their money together to buy homes. They are designed to look handwritten & friendly.
I imagine that they are appealing to seniors, especially those nervous to sell or may not have been able to keep up with renovations and repairs. So how do they make money? From what I understand, they make money one of two ways; they either 'flip' or 'assign' the purchase contract itself or below market value to renovate and re sell.
Often they will for less than a house would sell for on the open market. Their pitch is you can save real estate commissions
Method 1 Assigning or reselling the purchase contract: Once they a property, they will try and assign the paperwork to another buyer before the home closes. They are basically reselling their purchase contract to a second buyer. That way they make profit without having to pay out a hefty land transfer tax, which is due on closing. Is this legal? Yes it is! As a matter of fact, it happens all the time with pre-construction condos where the original buyer will try and resell the unit before closing. They are trying to assign the contract for a profit - the catch is the second buyer may pay substantially more for the contract than the seller made with the cash buyers. And none of this money filters down to the seller.
Method 2 Flipping: I'm sure you have all heard about house flippers. They purchase a house, renovate it and resell it for a profit. This is a totally legit way of making a living. But when house prices, mortgage rates & construction materials increase substantially, profit margins fall. This is where the 'cash buyers' come in. They will offer to buy your home for substantially less than market value so they can flip and resell.
Both of these tactics bring up 3 important questions to me:
1. Is there a benefit to selling to an all cash buyer? Yes, this is a thing in the USA. But in Canada our mortgage laws are different - which is why we were protected from the US happened in 2008. In Canada it makes absolutely no difference to the seller whether your buyer is taking out a mortgage or not.
2. What happens to the deposit money? I am not sure how the deposits work for this type of purchaser, but for organized real estate, we are bound by regulations to make sure deposits are protected. Brokerages and lawyers must have Trust accounts to keep the deposit money safe for consumers. And if a buyer can’t close or decides to walkaway from a purchase, there is a strong case law that the seller will get to keep the deposit money. I am not sure how secure the deposits are with the cash buyers from the flyer.
3. As a seller, how do you know you're getting market value? As a real estate professional, we spend a lot of time learning how to price properties - both for the benefit of the seller -to get the best price, and buyers - so they don't overpay. We do this by analyzing and comparing sales and home features. While some of this information is available publicly, the details (and how to interpret them) are available to Realtors.
And it always pays to get a second opinion, especially if you’re subject to a high pressured sales pitch!
Watch my video below
The intention for this post was different
than it ended up!
I wanted to show pictures of a spacious condo that I was previewing for a client.
But the owner was home and instead we had a great chat about selling, moving & what he loved about it instead.
So enjoy a picture of the front garden at the condo instead.
But that got me thinking…one of the biggest worries of people I meet that are thinking of moving is whether they will like their new home.
So how do you know if you’ll like it?
I love talking to people that live in the area where I’m showing. Whether that’s in a condo or neighbourhood. It gives you a great idea of what people have grown to love there.
If you’re buying, I think that’s a step that’s often overlooked in the process. Most people are focused on looking at the property itself. If you’re selling; you’ll attribute value to the things you love about the neighbourhood. But if you’re buying you don’t have that insight yet.
By talking to the neighbors, you’ll find out about what’s great (or not so great) about the place.
For example, my last downsizing client was impressed by the friendliness of the other building occupants. They went out of their way to give us a tour, and even showed us around the storage lockers.
Moving day Hacks
Everyone dreads moving day. I bet it’s right up there on the endorphin “public speaking”, “doing my taxes” and “bumping into my ex”
Since I hope we are all past friends renting a van and paying with beer and pizza, there are some ways you can make a move more organized and less stressful
I just helped a client with a move; and here are my top tips for making the day work:
1. Don’t move on closing day. This is my top tip with good reason. If you’re closing on a property – or even 2to do the move, one thing that is NOT in our control is the time a property closes. That means you may have to be out of one property before you get the keys for a second. If you’re moving to a property that needs an elevator reservation it will be pretty difficult to have that all lined up. Figure out which works best, getting your sale proceeds & storing your things overnight or closing on your new property before and overlapping ownership a few days.
2. Hire packers – have them come a week ahead of time. Pack everything you don’t use on a daily basis
3. Pack a suitcase with essential sand put them in your car. Your clothing, toiletries, toilet paper, clean bedding
4. Get a floor plan for your new home so you can direct the movers
5. Move everything to the main floor if you can – this minimizes movers time in the house
6. Use medium sized boxes with handles, they aren’t too heavy to lift when packed, stack nicely and don’t crush what they’re stacked on
7. Moving to a condo? Get the logistics in place as soon as you have a move date (elevator reservations, registering with the building etc.)
8. Label everything in BOLD capitals on the face of the box that will be visible
9. Have the movers provide specialty boxes for art & clothing – try and get them to bring things that they can re-use
10. Take pictures of your electronic set-up so you can put everything back together. You can buy sets of write-on wire labels from Amazon
11. Tip the movers. Have water and snacks on hand
What the heck is a NORC?
Have you heard of a NORC? A Non-Organized Retirement Community (NORC) is a newish term (it was new to me this year!
It means a residential complex where asignificant portion of the residents are seniors.
NORCs occur naturally as individuals age in place. In the GTA, you'll find many condo buildings that attract retirees - that would be a typical NORC. Unlike retirement homes, NORCs do not have a governing body or management structure. Residents organize their own social activities and support services. The concept of NORCs has gained popularity in recent years due to the growing number of seniors.
I find that seniors who wish to stay in their own communities, tend to be attracted to similar condos - so time they develop into NORC's
One of the primary benefits of living in a NORC is the sense of community and social connectedness.
NORCs often have a strong sense of community - residents look out for one another, creating a supportive and caring environment.
Finally, they tend to be spacious &affordable. Living in a NORC can be a great option for seniors on a fixed income. Generally the cost of living in a non-age-restricted community is lower than living in a retirement home or Active Adult Lifestyle community.
Get ready to Downsize Seminar April 25th 10:00 am - 11:30 am
If you’re like most people, the thought of moving causes you anxiety and stress.
Maybe you feel that dealing with your stuff is overwhelming and you don’t know where to even start. You’re not sure if a condo is for you, but you don’t know if there are other options. Is it the right time? With the cost of living, how expensive is a move right now? In my popular ‘Get Ready to Downsize” Seminar, I’ll cover all those topics and more. Call now to reserve your seat.
Explore your motivation
Special guest Clare Platt from the Next Step Forward talks about dealing with your “stuff”
Find out how & where to start
Learn about some great housing options
Understand the costs involved
Morningside Library
5450 Lawrence Ave E. - Meeting Room
Limited Seating available
Free parking & light refreshments!
Downsizing Story: 280 Beechgrove
Take a look at my latest listing video (click on the picture). I met my client at one of my seminars last fall. My client had been on her own in the house for a while, and her family lives in the city, but not nearby.
To get the house ready to sell, we hosted a content sale using Max Sold, painted, updated some light fixtures, and staged the home.
To learn more about my Smooth Moves system, contact me below
Year End Real Estate Update Video
Here’s my 3 minute video update on the year 2022 & my predictions for 2023
Estate Planning
Zoom Seminar - October 6th 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Join me at my second fall event this Thursday on ZOOM. The fantastic Jonathan Griffiths from Griffiths law will be speaking about Estate Planning. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions about Estate Planning & real estate transactions
s!My very special guest, Clare Platt will be there to talk about your ‘stuff’ and how to deal with it! Call 416-562-5002 to register
Get Ready to Downsize!
Seminar - September 29th 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Port Union Library (Community Room) 5450 Lawrence Ave. E
Considering a move? Don’t stress & be anxious - come and learn all the wonderful options avalable to you! Join me in this great 1 hour information session and find out:
What’s your motivation?
Where do you start?
What housing options are best for your move?
My very special guest, Clare Platt will be there to talk about your ‘stuff’ and how to deal with it! Call 416-562-5002 to register
Pre-Closing Condo Inspection Video
Wherever you're buying a condo, whether it's a Toronto condo, a Scarborough Condo or a Condo in Durham, it's super important to do a walk through before closing to make sure the condition of the condo is the same as when you purchased it!
When do you do the pre-closing walk through? I generally advise to do these the week of closing, ideally after the occupant has moved out & with enough time to advise the seller & real estate lawyers should there be any deficiencies. When you're looking for deficiencies, you are looking for things that will need to be repaired - like appliances not working, Missing window coverings or light fixtures, damage to floors or walls that was covered previously by furniture etc.
What happens if somethings wrong? Close to closing these can be done either with the co-operation of the other realtor and/or the lawyer. You can discuss repairs, replacement or monetary credits. You cannot arbitrarily decide not to close or hold back funds unilaterally (without the other side's agreement)
What condition should I expect? The standard for any property on closing is what we call "broom swept condition". Unless you have specified that the unit be professionally cleaned before closing in your contract, of course. Broom swept means all personal possessions have been removed, and no garbage is left behind. Generally cupboards and appliances are wiped down.
The 9 most important things I check in a walk through:
1. Make sure all items from the previous occupant have been removed
2. Check the closets are cleared out.
3. Check all the lights work (burned out bulbs don't count, the fixture has to work)
4. Check all the blinds and window coverings that are included in the contract are there and in good working order
5. Check that all the taps work, that the shower switches over from filler to shower and check that both hot and cold water are running. Flush the toilets. Check for leaks.
6. Check under all of the sinks to make sure there are no leaks
7. Check that all the appliances are working
8. On closing day, it’s super important to run a cycle in the dishwasher and washing machine to make sure they’re working. (We don’t have time to do that during an inspection)
9. Check that the parking spot and locker are clean and clear!
30 day declutter challenge
Whether you live in a Toronto home, or you're preparing your Scarborough home for sale - decluttering is always a challenge!
That’s why I have started this challenge.
If you want to see daily postings join here: Facebook Group
it helps to have some things to think about when you're decluttering. Here are some tips and tricks.
Get organized: Have 3 sorting bins, boxes or bags ready & label them: keep, donate & trash
Use the following criteria to sort:
Do I use this? You shouldn’t really have to think long about this. You either use it or you don’t. Take note that the question is NOT “Will I possibly use this one day?”.
Is this item extra? How many wooden spoons do you really need? Do you really use all four cookie sheets? Evaluate what you need and use on a regular basis. Remember that you can always borrow items from friends or family for those “one time” events. Choose your favorite and donate the extras!
Would I buy this today? I find that this is a really helpful questions when looking at decorative items. Ask yourself if you still love it and if it is still your style. Is it adding beauty or function to the space or is it just adding to the clutter?
Does this help to make my life easier? There may be some items that you don’t really need, but you do use regularly and they help to simplify things. For example, we have a rice maker that we use at least a couple of times per week. Yes, I could make rice on the stove and get rid of the rice maker, but it really does help to make things run smoother. You can definitely splurge on some items – just make sure they are useful to you!
Does it fit? This is one of the most helpful clothing busters – make sure you’re keeping items around that both fit and make you feel good!
Have you worn it in a year? If it’s sports specific (and covid has prevented you from participating for a while) you can give this rule some leeway, but if you haven’t worn it in a year do you really need it?
Good luck with your challenge!
Video replay on YouTube
The first session of my “Get Ready to Downsize” video is now available for viewing on my YouTube channel!
This video is the first in a series of virtual seminars to introduce my 5 step planning guide created specially for those considering a downsize. I have created this downsizing planning guide because I believe, as a realtor you need help at every step of way in this move.
In this video, I uncover common reasons people downsize, what to expect emotionally, important information to help your financial planning and much more.
In addition to this video series, I have created a website and companion blog with additional helpful articles: Real Estate Services for Toronto Seniors: https://sue-anfang-sales-representati... Helpful Articles: https://sue-anfang-sales-representati... Downsizing Success stories from Clients I have worked with: https://sue-anfang-sales-representati... My e-book: "5 Pro Tips to Downsizing": https://mailchi.mp/4ffd8285e23a/untit... Other helpful videos: Choosing the best condo for you: https://youtu.be/eH5CfAWndjQ Low Cost home updates with big impact: https://youtu.be/n43udC7VW5U What to do with books when you downsize: https://youtu.be/iv_KTwO6xko
Virtual Downsizing Seminars
Good news! my virtual downsizing seminar series is back! Sign up now for 4 great interactive sessions packed full of hints and tips to help you succeed.
What is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist?
What is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist and how are they different than regular Realtors?
Many of my clients are not aware there is specialty training for realtors. Just as there are medical practitioners or lawyers that are generalists, then there are specialists in each field, in Real Estate there are specialists too. (Not that I am comparing our training to a medical professional, but you get the idea!)
Most Toronto Realtors are Generalists
While most Realtors are generalists, there are Toronto Real Estate agents who specialize in specifics: whether it is a neighborhood specialist, cottage properties, leasing and property management, new construction, working with investors, etc. There are Realtors who specialize in working with Seniors and Estates, like me. I also have secondary specialized training in negotiation for Real Estate.
How is a Seniors Specialist different?
A seniors specialist recognizes that you may not have bought or sold a home in many years. You’ve changed and so has Real Estate over time. A Seniors specialist is trained to compassionately guide you through the steps involved in the transactions, and generally has a team they work with to pull all of the the extra help you may need including:
· Decluttering
· Dealing with your cherished belongings
· Providing insight into getting your home market ready
· Providing help with getting your home market ready
· Working with family
· Helping you understand today’s real estate market – pricing and what buyers want
· Acting as a trusted advisor instead of a pushy salesperson
· Has deep knowledge of what properties may be right for your next move
How do you find a Seniors real estate specialist near you? There are a few different ways you can find them:
Directories – the two designation associations will have directories of Seniors Real Estate specialists. The US designation (Seniors Real Estate Specialist, or SRES) has Canadian members in it’s directory, which can be found here: Find a SRES near me or to find a member with the Canadian designation, contact a Pivotal Accredited Senior Agent here: Find an ASA
Referrals – many Toronto retirement homes partner with local realtors who specialize in dealing with Seniors. As for the marketing contact at the Retirement home for a Seniors Real Estate Specialist near you (this is a good resource even if you are not using the service of the Retirement home, as they will be happy to refer you to a trusted individual!
Google – If you’re reading this, you’re pretty internet savvy. Google can bring up local specialists. Just make sure you check them out – are they really in your area? Do they have references or Google Reviews? Do they have the credentials like SRES or Pivotal ASA? Is their website geared to provide services to seniors or is it just a quick mention on one page?
How do you pick the right Agent for you?
It can be wise to interview several Realtors. Have some questions on hand to ask; about their experience and anything else that comes to mind. Look for someone you can work with, someone you can trust and truly listens to you to help you reach your goal. Look for someone that puts your needs first, and can provide references from others in a similar situation to yours.
For more information on the services I provide, or to help you look for a Seniors Real Estate specialist near you, call me today for a chat at 416-562-5002
What is Value?
Did you know that consumers fall into 3 categories when they think about price?
About 15% always want to pay the lowest price
About 5% want to pay the highest price
About 80% want the best value
Price Shoppers:
Everyone loves to save money. Thats why discount agents and brokers are in business. They may be a great option for someone with a beautiful home to sell that understands the market and does this often (it helps if it’s a strong sellers market, too).
Likely this type of specialist understands your wish to save money really really well, and does the same. They probably also understand there are lots of buyers out there who want to save money too, and get the best deal possible. And they probably work with lots of
So what does this mean to you? Lets say they list your home for 1%. Will they be able to help you with the costs involved in preparing and staging? Unlikely, when staging costs run upwards of $2,500.00. Maybe they will, but will ask you to reimburse them if the house doesn’t sell. Will they spend thier money on professional photography, video & advertising the home outside of listing on MLS?
Understand that price you pay is tied to services & time provided to you. Ask yourself, is a discount agent is going to sell your house to a discount buyer?
Value Shoppers:
If moving is overwhelming & you are not sure where to start, consider a full service agent who specializes in your type of property (whether that’s your area, demographic or type of home)
Likely this type of agent understands how to prepare your home to get you the best price. They are probably willing to put some skin in the game, too by helping pay for some of the up front costs, depending on thier business model.
Finally, they likely have a team that they can pull together to ehlp them do that, too!
For the full article on the value to expect from a realtor; click here
The picture at left shows you some things ad full service agent can do to help you sell your home; particularly of you or your family can’t! Read the success story behind this home here:
Another before and after transformation
This home was a collectors paradise! Well-kept with classic features — like many homes I have seen — the owners made sure the mechanical components were very well looked after but did not update the decor. This before and after is a great example of budget-friendly home updates.
It took quite a few months of decluttering a vast collection of electronics and electronic components (the rec-room was a warehouse)
We hosted a content sale for unwanted furniture & re-homed the last few pieces on Facebook Marketplace
We filled a 20 yard bin with junk & old broadloom (by far the cheapest way to get rid of junk as long as you can provide the labour)
Basement carpet was replaced
Entire house was painted in neutral tones.
The before and afters are in mid-clear out stages. All in all the budget (excluding staging furniture and art) was about $5,000
Buyers Bootcamp - part 1
With the real estate market being so aggressive right now, I thought it would be valuable to do a ‘buying bootcamp’ video series.
Especially if you have not bought in a while (maybe the market was more balanced) or are downsizing, I’d like to share my tips and tricks on buying a home in today’s market in Toronto.
Whether you’re looking to buy a freehold property or a condominium, many of the basic steps are the same. (If you’re looking for a condo, you can also check out my 3 part YouTube series on buying a condo)
To paraphrase Julie Andrews from The Sound of Music (yes, I know I’m dating myself here) let’s start at the very beginning, which is a very good place to start.
When you’re buying anything, especially a large purchase, you need to budget for the purchase. The same holds true for buying likely your largest purchase, real estate.
When you’re purchasing a property, you will need three things:
a down payment
a mortgage
closing costs
42 Ravenview Just Sold!
Congratulations to my West Hill sellers, read more about their story below.
The transformative power of home staging
Home staging is the art of preparing your home for sale. Although many people think of it as removing and replacing all your furniture, I lump de-cluttering, painting, repairs, cleaning and decorating all under the topic.
Many seniors I work with are skeptical about home staging - mostly because the thought of changing their much loved home makes them nervous; also a little bit because they find the idea silly as it was not a thing when they last sold.
Here are a few before and after pictures of a Scarborough home for sale I just staged to show you how home staging brings out the best in your home!
Garden Suites Approved by the City of Toronto
If you were a senior wouldn’t it be nice to live in a beautiful small home tucked in your own back yard? You can have a home that’s on one single level, has outdoor access, maintaining your own independence in the neighbourhood you have loved for years close to your family, health providers and friends.
The City of Toronto has just passed approval on Feb 2, 2022 to allow homeowners the opportunity to add these second suites to a property. Whether it’s for multi generational living or income, these will soon become reality in Toronto, just as laneway houses have become over the past few years.
Read the full article on this new housing option here:
Condo fees de-mystified
Lots of my clients have questions about the dreaded ‘maintenance fees’ associated with Toronto condos I’m going to de-mystify them for you!
If you're buying a condo it's important to know how much the maintenance fees per month, as your lender will take 50% of the condo fees into consideration when they are looking at your finances.
Very simply, condo fees are calculated on the square footage you own, and a % of the common areas (like the halls, lobby, gym, elevators, recreational facilities). So if you own more, like a larger unit, an extra parking spot, a locker you’ll pay more per month.
4 things to throw out now that you will never miss!
Clearing out a customer’s home, I found 4 things that I scratched my head at - why would you keep these? I promise, if you find these in your house and throw them out now you will say, as John Waite famously says in his song: I ain’t missing you at all, since you’ve been gone!
Old Spices - if it was bottled before the internet - THROW THEM OUT!
Old fire extinguisher - if you wouldn’t bet your life on it - THROW IT OUT!
Do you have one closet of clothes but 4 closets of hangers? - THROW THEM OUT
A box of random electric cords, power cords &
How to choose the best condo when you’re downsizing in Toronto
While condos are easy to live in because they are virtually maintenance free, many of my clients feel choosing the condo that’s right can seem tricky, simply because you have lots of choices!
So where do you start? I recommend you start with the features that will suit you best now, and also think about 5 years in the future - if you think your needs will change, plan for that as well!
First and foremost I believe you should look at the layout. Believe it or not, layout can make a much bigger impact on livability in a condo than square footage. Some units are designed to make very efficient use of space. Some units have long hallways or entrances which take up a lot of square footage. Some units have great natural light with floor to ceiling windows, but that can be challenging for furniture placement. So visit a variety and begin to narrow your choices.
Consider your furniture; do you need wall space for things like a dining room set and buffet or bookshelves? Can you position a couch and chairs comfortably with good sight lines in front of your TV? Can you fit a bed, side tables and furniture in the bedrooms? Once you like a particular layout, it’s helpful to know most condo floor plans are the same with the same unit number.
Secondly, what amenities do you want the building to have? Would you like a concierge or 24 hour security? Would you like an indoor pool? Is underground parking a must? Most buildings come with basics like a gym & party room you can rent, but many newer buildings have lots of bells and whistles like pet washing stations or kids playrooms too.
Third, think about where the condo is in the building. You may have strong feelings about being on a lower floor, having a great view, proximity to the elevators or being able to have shopping nearby.
Once you have your budget set, visit a variety of condos in your price range to see what you like. View furnished models (like this one) to get an idea of whether the layout works for you. Then you’ll be able to narrow down your wish list, making your decision making much easier.
You can read more condo buying tips and tricks here: Condo buying tips and tricks
Of course this is just an overview – if you’d like to learn more you can call me at: 416-562-5002 – I’ll put the number below.
Also I’ve created this handy tip sheet called “12 Helpful Tips to buying a Condominium” which you can download for free!
Download the tips here: 12 Handy Tips
Dealing with the 4 P’s
If you’re looking to downsize a property quickly, you can engage professionals to clear the contents like a downsizing service in Toronto. Many moving services also help seniors. But you will likely have to come up with a plan to deal with the 4 P’s - here is what they are and here are some pro tips!
Paper - I am talking specifically about personal financials like tax documents, receipts, household information and personal letters You can shred: tax documents older than 7 years, utility and property tax bills & financial statements over 2 years old.
Keep forever: adoption records, active auto home or life insurance policies, auto records if you still own the vehicle, birth, death, marriage certificates, divorce decrees & separation agreements, wills & power of attorney contacts, military records, pension plan records
Pro tip: You can box these and take to a secure shredding facility, you don’t have to do it personally. Here is a link to some shredding facilities in Toronto:
Perishables - empty fridges & freezers. Clean them & leave them on low (this minimizes odours) or leave a chest freezer open to air out. Pro tip: include these large older appliances in the sale of a home so you don’t have the expense of moving them!
Photos - here’s where you can get creative - start with a system:
Label each photo with date and people/relationships if possible
Decide how much room you will devote to storing photos you keep. Maybe divide them into small, decorative boxes for family members
Digitize them - here’s how I sorted through my families slides: Sorting through 4,000 family slides without losing your mind
Pro tip: start with some criteria, like only keep pictures of people, or only keep 5 pictures from each year.
Prescriptions: Check your medicine cabinet and remove all expired and unused prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and natural health products. If you do not know if a drug is still safe, check with your pharmacist. dispose of prescriptions properly! To avoid contaminating water supply,
Bring unused and expired prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and natural health products to your local pharmacist for proper disposal.
In addition, some municipalities and local police forces offer take-back programs. These programs provide safe and easy ways to dispose of unused and expired drugs and health products
Pro tip: If you must throw your medications in the garbage, take these steps:
Remove medications from their original containers. Scratch out all identifying information on the prescription label. This will help protect your identity and the privacy of your personal health information.
Hide the medications in something unappealing, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter. This makes the drug less attractive to children and pets, and unrecognizable to people who go through the trash seeking drugs.
Place this mixture in a closed bag, empty can or other sealed container to prevent the drug from leaking or breaking out of a garbage bag
Remember if you are downsizing for Seniors in Toronto, there are professional services that can help donate, reuse, organize & sell your contents, like Clare Platt of The Next Step Forward And of course there are realtors like me who specialize in taking care of all the details of a downsize for you!
2021 Toronto Real Estate Market Update
Tight market conditions prevailed throughout the GTA and broader Greater Golden Horseshoe in 2021, with a lack of inventory noted across all home types. The result was intense competition between buyers, pushing selling prices up by double digits year-over-year. Looking forward, the only sustainable way to moderate price growth will be to bring on more supply. History has shown that demand-side policies, such as additional taxation on principal residences, foreign buyers, and small-scale investors, have not been sustainable long-term solutions to housing affordability or supply constraints,” according to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
House prices in Scarborough, house prices in Pickering, house prices in Ajax and home prices in Whitby were all affected, with marked increases in the Durham region as well as Toronto.
How to sort through 4,000 family photos
December 26, 2021
29 Boxes of slides
Stacked on top of each other over 6 feet of boxes!
140 slides per carousel
4,060 slides to review!
I have 2 boxes in my basement that have been guilting me ever since my mother moved from her house into a retirement home apartment over 2 years ago. They are boxes full of kodak slide carousels!
Maybe your family took pictures, or maybe home movies. My dad took slides up until the 1990’s. Of course no family get together would be complete until the slide projector & screen were set up and the show began!
While the earlier slides don’t seem to be around, my mom is. At 92 her memory is not that great, so I thought I’d finally do what I have been putting off & sort through the slides. Spanning from 1970-1986 I sorted through over 4,000 slides. My dad was an organized guy and many of the slides were labelled, and of course they were in chronological order. Here’s how I did it:
What happens IF?
December 14, 2021
I am in the situation now of selling a home for an elderly client who has moved, quite happily into a retirement residence. After the move, we successfully sold the house.
Then my client suffered a health crisis - unfortunately, putting them in the hospital. So what happens now since the house is sold? What if they pass away before closing?
Even though these are not pleasant thoughts; it’s my responsibility to anticipate and be prepared for either outcome. I this case, my first call was to the Real Estate Lawyer in Toronto who was also the Estate Lawyer for my client. During sale of the house, I introduced myself to the family who serves as both POA’s and Estate Trustees.
The lawyer has advised that we sign the sale paperwork now; which is earlier than normal. Of course the client needs to understand what he’s signing this is called ‘competency’
If the homeowner is not able to sign, then the Power of Attorney is able to sign the closing documents.
Of course if the homeowner passed away before selling the house the house will need to go through probate; which takes 8-10 months in Toronto. While it is going through probate, the e
Inspiration for today
December 14, 2021
Your attitude is a choice!
5 Must-haves when downsizing to a condo
December 13, 2021
Moving from a family home can be an emotional experience! But with advance planning and lots of support you can make the experience less stressful.
Whether you are supporting family through a move or contemplating a move yourself, here are my 5 must haves!
Consider Layout over Size - you can do this by visiting condos for sale. I generally recommend looking at condos over 1000 sq ft. when moving from a house so you don't feel crowded. However functional space is where many condos differ, so evaluate what works best for you. Understand, if you have your eye on a couple of specific buildings, the floor plans are usually similar by number; all the "02's" for example will be the same.
Get a "deep dive" expert to help - I am super familiar with condos in my area - in particular East Toronto and Durham Condos are a specialty. So I know that smaller (cheaper) units in a certain very desirable condo complex are only available with a less desirable view. Or that there are only 5-6 condos with a very specific floor plan so they are more highly sought after. This kind of knowledge helps with setting expectations!
Look for 24H Security. Yes, you do pay a bit more for gated access or a concierge, but isn't it worth your peace of mind of you and your family? And these are buildings you'll be proud to call your home!
Pick your Amenities. You can go with all the bells and whistles or get something more modest. Did you know many condo buildings have an active social calendar? Have a look at several to comparison shop before you decide. Oh, and if you need a storage locker, check to see if the building has ones separate from your suite, or if they are en-suite!
Like fine wine, most condos age well. Larger condos tend to be in older buildings, that's just the way it is. But most of these condos have aged well over time and kept up with renovations. Make sure you choose a reputable developer like Tridel and you won't go wrong. So don't discount viewing buildings 'over a certain age!'
Blog - Articles on Real Estate
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Sue Anfang
Cell: 416-562-5002
Office: 416-465-4545
Keller Williams Advantage Realty Inc, 1238 Queen St. E, Unit B, Toronto M4L 1C8
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