Frequently asked questions

Yes. Since December 1, 2023, under Ontario’s Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA), a brokerage must have a written agreement with a buyer before providing services. The agreement sets out the services, the term and how the brokerage is paid. Please read it carefully before signing.

Common costs include Ontario land transfer tax, legal fees and disbursements, title insurance, a home inspection, property tax and utility adjustments, and moving costs. If the home is in the City of Toronto, Toronto’s municipal land transfer tax also applies.

Eligible first-time buyers may qualify for a provincial land transfer tax refund and, in the City of Toronto, a municipal refund. Amounts depend on the price and your eligibility – your lawyer can calculate them for your purchase.

We prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA): we compare your home with recent sales and current listings of similar nearby properties and adjust for size, lot, condition, upgrades and location. A CMA is a pricing guide, not a formal appraisal by a designated appraiser; a lender may still order its own appraisal.

Common conditions include financing, a satisfactory home inspection and, for condominiums, a lawyer’s review of the status certificate. Conditions protect the buyer but can make an offer less attractive when there are competing offers. Discuss the trade-offs with your agent and lawyer before you submit.

Yes, but plan the timing. Options include making your purchase conditional on the sale of your current home, arranging bridge financing with your lender, or negotiating closing dates that line up. Each option carries different costs and risks, so speak with your lender early.