Selling Tips

Selling a cottage or vacation home in Canada comes with unique factors compared to selling a primary residence. A cottage is typically a secondary property located in rural, lakeside, or forested areas, serving as a seasonal retreat. Whether referred to as a cottage, cabin, summer house, or simply a vacation home, selling these properties involves careful planning and consideration.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, tax, or financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

What to Know Before Selling a Cottage

• Cottages are considered investment properties, subjecting profits from sales to capital gains tax.
• Properties purchased before 1994 may qualify for a $100,000 lifetime capital

As summer turns to fall, the behaviour of many homebuyers changes. Gone are the casual browsers; fall buyers may be fewer, but they're more motivated. Understanding the changing buyer perceptions when you list your home for sale can help you sell your home in fall more quickly and for a better price. If you're planning to sell your home soon, here's what you need to know.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

What Is the Real Estate Market Like in Fall? Timing Your Fall Home Sale

Homebuyers often start their property search in spring and purchase in summer. In fall and winter, many buyers pause their search, waiting until after the holidays,

When considering whether to paint your house before selling it, weigh the potential benefits against the costs involved. A fresh coat of paint can enhance a property's overall look and feel, but is it always necessary? Factors such as market conditions, property conditions, and desired selling prices all play a role in this decision-making process.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

4 Reasons Painting a House Adds Value

• Enhances first impression for buyers
• Can lead to selling your home faster
• Facilitates emotional connection for buyers
• Is one of the few home improvements with over 100% ROI

Should I Paint My House Before

Homebuyers today have a keen eye for features that go beyond mere aesthetics. The desire for functionality, sustainability, and convenience is shaping their preferences. From dedicated laundry rooms to energy-efficient appliances, certain elements are must-haves on many home-buying wishlists. Discover the key features that today’s home buyers are looking for.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Top 10 Home Features Buyers Want

• Dedicated laundry space, preferably on the first floor
• Energy-efficient appliances such as ENERGY STAR-rated kitchen appliances
• Energy-efficient windows for temperature regulation and savings
• Lots of

A property survey defines a property's boundaries and features. It's basically a detailed map and legal document that shows dimensions and structures, helping prevent disputes and clarify land ownership. There are many financial benefits to owning a home, but as a homeowner, it's vital to know exactly what you own. Discover why property surveys are an important part of home ownership.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Property Survey Highlights

• A property survey accurately depicts property boundaries and features, which is essential for avoiding disputes and ensuring legal clarity.
• Different types of property surveys, such as

Vacant can be challenging to sell. Naturally, there is a small pool of buyers in search of vacant land and lots for sale, but it’s not close to the demand for residential and commercial real estate. Also, depending on where the land is located, there may be limited demand for real estate. Because of this, landowners are forced to get creative

If you’re wondering how to sell vacant land, this guide will provide actionable tips to help you complete the process. As remote and unappealing as certain pieces of land can seem to buyers, these strategies will help you generate more interest. “There is someone out there for everyone.” The same goes for buyers and land.

Keep reading to learn how to sell your vacant land with ease.

For informational

When selling your home, traditional methods often involve buyers securing financing through banks or mortgage lenders. However, another option can benefit both sellers and buyers: seller financing. This alternative approach allows the seller to act as the lender, offering the buyer a loan to purchase the property. This can open the door to a wider pool of potential buyers, offer attractive terms, and even potentially expedite a smooth home selling process. However, the risks weigh heavier on the seller, so seller financing requires thorough consideration. 

For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, tax, or financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Seller Financing at a Glance

• Seller

Selling a home can be stressful from start to finish. There's so much riding on a home sale that many homeowners spend the time selling their home sitting "on pins and needles," as they say. It's hard not to worry. From the moment that a home is put up for sale, homeowners must ask themselves: what will we do if the home doesn't sell for enough money? What if it takes too long to sell? These questions and concerns are valid. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to make the home-selling process go more smoothly.

Below, we've listed the most common reasons sellers are stressed out when trying to sell their homes and what we suggest homeowners do to manage these fears.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real

You’ve got a house you need to sell, and a house you need to buy. But which transaction should you close first? Buying a house before selling and selling your house before buying both have pros and cons.

Deciding whether to sell your current home or buy a new home first can impact your finances, timeline, and overall stress levels during the transition process, so it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each scenario, keeping in mind your specific needs and circumstances. As you navigate this pivotal next step in your homeownership journey, remember that thorough research and guidance from real estate professionals can help you reach the best choice for you.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate

Maybe you’ve seen the term in a real estate listing. Maybe you’ve been suggested it as an alternative to foreclosure. But what does “short sale” mean when it comes to homes?

Short selling a house is, essentially, getting your lender to agree to let you sell your home for less than your outstanding mortgage balance. This can benefit both the seller and the lender in various ways.

Understanding the intricacies of short sales can be pivotal in making informed decisions about housing and financial stability.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Short Sales in a Nutshell

• Short sales are typically made by homeowners in financial