by Penelope Graham | Dec 4, 2018 | Featured, News
What is charged by the Ontario government, owed upon closing and generally considered the most reviled part of any real estate transaction? If you guessed the land transfer tax, you’d be correct; this levy, which is calculated based on the total home purchase price,...
by Penelope Graham | Oct 12, 2018 | Featured, News
Housing markets in Alberta are as diverse as they come, from the oil-powered northern community of Fort McMurray to the urban economic centre of Calgary. However, while home price, commute time and even weather conditions often top the list of considerations for...
by Penelope Graham | Aug 16, 2018 | Featured, Guest Columns
Just as market conditions vary dramatically across Canada’s major urban centres, so too can homeownership carrying costs. While monthly mortgage payments will indisputably take up the largest chunk of a homeowner’s shelter budget, the costs for utilities and property...
by Penelope Graham | Aug 3, 2018 | Columnists
Closing a real estate transaction generally ushers in feelings of excitement and relief. The funds have officially made their way into the seller’s account, and all parties can rest easy after a month or more in limbo. But not so fast! Before the keys are handed over,...
by Penelope Graham | Jul 9, 2018 | Guest Columns
Canadian real estate is always the topic du jour: daily media coverage closely tracks every fluctuation in hopes the data will divulge an imminent boom or bust. However, focusing only on the number of sales and average price tells just part of the story. While it’s...
