Homes in York Region: David Muir

The media and the Internet are full of stuff written about grow ops (marijuana growing operations) that have been set up inside residential homes. In fact, the volume of information (hype) about grow ops is one of the issues. Essentially, if you are stuck with a piece of property that was recently being used as a grow op, you have some significant problems to deal with.

You're selling your home. It's priced right and there are eager buyers out there. You could end up in a "multiple offer situation." That's REALTOR®-speak for more than one buyer -- at the same time -- presenting you with an offer to purchase your home. It is also shorthand for a "highly stressful time for all parties involved."

There have been a few modest increases in Canadian borrowing rates since the middle of last year. But the rates for most mortgages are still very low in historical terms.

This article, by the nature of my position and profession, cannot be unbiased. But I will try to present all facts and sides to the debate about whether the real estate industry is or is not a monopoly.

In Canada, we have a great opportunity to grow money in a tax-deferred RRSP. You still end up paying tax eventually, but it is a great way to avoid paying taxes in your prime earning years.

It's both uplifting and surprising to see how much sacrifice parents make to raise their children. One thing I encounter frequently as a real estate agent is the way parents consider the quality and proximity of schools when choosing an area and deciding which home to buy.

If you've just become an empty-nester or if you are taking care of an older relative's move to a smaller place, you may be wondering what it takes to downsize.

Here's some information about renovating your kitchen that comes from the Ontario Real Estate Association. My wife and I are currently planning a kitchen renovation, and at the same time trying to decide what to do about finishing our basement. Out there in the marketplace, a kitchen reno trumps a finished basement almost every time (in terms of adding to resale value).