Selling a home is one of the most significant financial transactions most people will make — and choosing the right real estate agent to sell your home fast isn’t just about how many properties they’ve sold — it’s about how they plan to sell yours. In today’s market, you need an agent who combines smart sold tips, strategic pricing, and modern marketing to help your home stand out and sell confidently.

Choosing the right real estate agent can make all the difference in how fast you sell, how much you get, and how smooth the process feels.

Here’s what truly matters when choosing your listing agent — and how I align with each.

1.  Local Market Knowledge – Broad & Specific

A right agent should understand local pricing trends, buyer behavior, and what features help homes in your area stand out. An agent who only knows the local neighborhood might not be enough to sell a higher-priced home. Today’s agents know buyers’ demands and reach more buyers by using smarter strategies and wider market knowledge.

2.  A Data-Driven Pricing Strategy

Pricing a home properly is both an art and a science. It’s not about checking the MLS sold listings or copying what the house down the street sold for — it’s about understanding the local market, current buyer trends, and how your home compares.

Tips: We the top selling realtors do take a deep analytical approach to pricing — using real-time data, buyer demand analysis, and value positioning to help your home attract the right attention and the right offers from the start.

3.  A Custom Plan for Your Property

No two homes — or sellers — are alike. I don’t copy-paste marketing plans. Instead, Each home selling should have a tailored marketing plan that aligns with your home’s strengths, your goals, and current buyer demand. Whether you’re selling a family home, rental property, or preparing for an upgrade, the best approach by the top selling real estate agents is to reach the right home buyers, and as well to make sure your home gets seen — and remembered.

Tips: “Marketing isn’t optional — it’s essential.” ---- We specialize it.

4. Communication You Can Count On

One of the biggest complaints sellers have is poor communication from agents. But, the dedicated agents shall be committed to being transparent, responsive, and proactive from the first meeting through the closing. You’ll always know what’s happening — and why.

5. A Growth-Minded Agent With the Right Tools

While tech-savvy top selling realtors focused on building the listing track record, they bring the same energy, tools, and commitment used by home of the top producers — and often more time, attention, and hunger to prove results. You’re not just a listing to the realtors. You’re a partnership the agents want to earn — and win with.

Tips: We’re the right top selling realtors in your area especially in Toronto, Richmond Hill, Markham etc.  That’s why we’re called “Home of the Top Producers”.

A recent survey found that 25% of Canadian homeowners have a renovation project planned in the coming year.¹ If you’re among them, you know that embarking on home improvements can be both exciting and daunting. According to home services platform HomeStars, the national median renovation budget is around $12,000, so you're probably investing a significant amount—and you'll want to ensure your project’s success.² One of the most critical decisions you'll make is choosing the right contractor to bring your vision to life. However, many homeowners fall into common pitfalls during this process, leading to stress, financial strain, and subpar results. In this guide, we'll explore seven mistakes to avoid when hiring a contractor to ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.  

 1. SKIPPING THE RESEARCH PHASE A common mistake homeowners make is rushing into hiring a contractor without proper research. But to ensure the success of your renovation, it’s crucial to take time to meet with multiple candidates and educate yourself on best practices surrounding your project. If you bypass the interview process, you miss the opportunity to evaluate different approaches, pricing, and expertise. This can result in overpaying or hiring someone whose skills and vision do not align with your needs. Neglecting to research the processes and steps involved can also leave you vulnerable. Not only does it make it more difficult to ask the right questions, but you also risk hiring unqualified professionals or settling for subpar work. What To Do Instead:

• Educate Yourself — Read up or watch YouTube videos to gain a better understanding of best practices surrounding your project.
• Interview Multiple Contractors — Search for and interview at least three contractors who specialize in the type of work you need.
• Ask Specific Questions — Inquire about the processes and materials each candidate will utilize.
• Seek Recommendations — Get referrals from trusted sources like friends, neighbours, and real estate professionals. We’d be happy to share a list of referrals!

  2. CHOOSING BASED SOLELY ON PRICE Once you’ve interviewed candidates and reviewed their proposals, it’s time to choose your favourite. But don’t make the mistake of rushing to the lowest bid. While it's natural to want to save money, selecting a contractor based entirely on price can be a costly mistake. Extremely low bids may indicate cut corners, subpar materials, or hidden costs that will surface later. When evaluating bids, make sure you’re comparing “apples” to “apples” and considering factors like quality, timeline, and scope. Are they fully licensed and insured? How long have they been in business? Do they warranty their work?³ What To Do Instead:

• Consider Overall Value — In addition to price, look at experience, reputation, and quality of work.
• Ask for Detailed Breakdowns — Understand what's included and what's not in each bid.
• Be Wary of Low Bids – Bids that are significantly lower than others may be too good to be true.
• Invest in Quality — Remember that quality work comes at a fair price, and investing in a reputable contractor can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes or repairs.

   3. NEGLECTING TO CONFIRM CREDENTIALS & INSURANCE When you’ve established a good rapport with a contractor, it’s natural to want to believe the best in them. But neglecting to check references and verify licensing and insurance could come back to haunt you.⁴ Hiring an untrained or unlicensed contractor puts you at risk for safety and code violations, not to mention shoddy workmanship. Without proper insurance, you could be left footing the bill for costly repairs, legal issues, or even medical bills if someone gets hurt on the job.⁴ Skipping out on a reference check can be equally problematic. It’s your best opportunity to ensure that their promises and your expectations line up with reality. What To Do Instead:

• Verify Licensing and Insurance — Confirm that the contractor is licensed according to local requirements and verify insurance, including general liability and workers' compensation coverage.
• Check Reviews — Read online reviews and confirm that the business is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and other relevant trade groups.
• Call References — When contacting references, ask questions and request to see photos of the contractor's completed projects.
• Visit Job Sites — If possible, visit a current job site to observe the contractor's work in progress and interaction with clients.

  4. PROCEEDING WITHOUT A WRITTEN AGREEMENT A handshake deal might seem friendly and straightforward, but it's a recipe for misunderstandings and potential legal issues. Verbal agreements are difficult to enforce and leave room for miscommunication about project scope, timelines, and costs.⁵ Instead, you should have a signed contract in place before any work begins.⁶ Paperwork can be tedious, but don’t skip the important step of carefully reading over your contract, asking questions, and pushing back on any terms that make you uncomfortable. Don’t forget to ask for payment receipts and document any change orders or issues that arise throughout the project, as well. What To Do instead:

• Insist on a Written Contract — Outline all aspects, including scope, materials, timeline, payment schedule, warranty information, and a process for handling change orders.
• Understand and Agree — Don't sign anything until you fully understand and agree to all terms.
• Keep Documentation — Once you’ve made your final payment, request a receipt marked “Paid in Full” to keep on file for legal and tax purposes.

   5. PAYING TOO MUCH UPFRONT Another common misstep is paying a large sum upfront or the full cost of the project before the work is completed. This can leave you vulnerable if the contractor fails to complete the work or disappears with your money. Upfront deposits shouldn’t exceed 10% to 15% of the total project cost.⁷ The remaining payments should be tied to progress milestones outlined in your contract. Legal experts caution against paying a greater share of the project cost than the percentage of the work that’s been completed.⁸ If you end up dissatisfied with the outcome, you’ll have much less leverage if you’ve already paid. What To Do Instead:

• Be Cautious — Avoid contractors who demand large upfront payments or cash-only deals.
• Establish a Payment Schedule — Tie payments to project milestones and stick to them.
• Pay Only Upon Completion — Never pay in full until the project is completed to your satisfaction and all required inspections have been passed.

  6. FAILING TO GET NECESSARY PERMITS Skipping the permit process might seem like a way to save time and money, but it can lead to serious consequences. Without the proper permits, you risk running afoul of local building codes and regulations, which could result in fines, forced removal of work, or even legal action.⁹ Additionally, unpermitted work might compromise the safety and structural integrity of your home, potentially leading to hazardous conditions or diminished resale potential. Homeowners may also find themselves without recourse if issues arise later, as insurance companies often exclude coverage for unpermitted renovations.⁹ If you’re under the jurisdiction of a condominium or homeowners’ association, don’t forget to check its bylaws, as well. You may need prior approval to make modifications to your home or yard. Ignoring these restrictions can lead to fines or delays—so don’t skip this important step.¹⁰ What To Do Instead:

• Discuss Permits — Talk about permits and association requirements with your contractor before work begins.
• Include Permits in the Contract — Ensure that obtaining necessary permits and approvals is part of your contract.
• Verify Inspections — Make sure all required inspections are completed during the project.
• Keep Records — Keep copies of all permits and inspection reports for your records.

  7. IGNORING RED FLAGS AFTER THE PROJECT HAS STARTED Sometimes a contractor can check all the right boxes—until the work begins. Unfortunately, red flags that are spotted mid-project can be especially challenging to address. If you’ve already paid a substantial amount or had a portion of your home demolished, you may feel trapped in a bad situation. However, if there are major problems that the contractor is unwilling to address, ignoring them can make things exponentially worse. Don’t be afraid to seek legal or professional advice if issues persist. Taking immediate, informed, and decisive action is crucial to safeguarding your investment and ensuring the project's ultimate success.¹¹ What To Do Instead:

• Review Your Contract — Make sure you thoroughly understand your rights and the agreed-upon terms.
• Document Issues — Keep detailed records, including dates, descriptions of problems, photographs of subpar work or materials, and any communications with the contractor.
• Communicate Professionally — Arrange a meeting to discuss your concerns, ensuring you remain calm and professional while clearly expressing your expectations.
• Request a Resolution Plan — Ask for a plan to address the issues, set a timeline for resolution, and put everything in writing to ensure you’re both on the same page.
• Seek Advice — If the contractor is uncooperative or dismissive, consider seeking advice from a legal professional.

  BOTTOMLINE Hiring the right contractor is crucial to the success of your home improvement project. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can significantly increase your chances of a smooth and successful renovation experience. Remember, taking the time to thoroughly vet contractors, communicate clearly, and plan carefully will pay off in the long run. Your home is likely your most significant investment, and it deserves the care and attention that comes with making informed, thoughtful decisions about who works on it. If you’d like help finding a contractor or want to know how planned improvements could impact your home’s resale potential, reach out for a free consultation!   The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.   Sources:

1. FinanceIt - https://www.financeit.io/2024-canadian-homeowner-reno-report/
2. HomeStars - https://go.homestars.com/l/209902/2023-09-19/3knlc8/209902/16954201083uIFaZeZ/Reno_Report___2023_final.pdf
3. Canadian Home Builders’ Association - https://www.chba.ca/finding-a-renovator/
4. The Globe and Mail - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/before-starting-work-check-your-liability/article571895/
5. Forum Law - https://www.forumlaw.ca/do-verbal-contracts-hold-up-in-court/
6. Canadian Home Builders’ Association - https://www.chba.ca/legal/
7. HGTV Canada - https://www.hgtv.ca/kenny-brain-advice-on-hiring-a-general-contractor/
8. The Washington Post - https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2024/07/08/how-to-find-good-honest-contractor/
9. HUB SmartCoverage - https://www.hubsmartcoverage.ca/blog/what-do-i-risk-if-i-dont-get-permit-during-renovations/
10. Condo Strategies - https://condostrategis.ca/en/blogue/condo-renovation/
11. Angi - https://www.angi.com/articles/how-complain-contractors-effectively.htm

With home prices and rates still relatively high, securing a mortgage can feel daunting––even to the most experienced borrowers. But don't let that deter you: If other homebuyers’ experiences are any indication, odds are you'll eventually find a home loan that works well for you. 

In fact, research from the Real Estate and Mortgage Institute of Canada (REMIC) found that even after the Bank of Canada pushed rates to a 22-year high, most homeowners still felt satisfied with their mortgages. According to an online survey, only a small fraction regretted the mortgage that they'd chosen because they felt “locked in at ‘a bad rate.’” Fewer than a third said they would have picked another property if they'd known their mortgage rates would climb.¹ 

Now that the Bank of Canada's policy rate has finally moved lower, this is an ideal time to compare mortgages and get pre-qualified so you can confidently scout for deals. That way, you'll be ready to jump fast if you spot an opportunity. 

To help you get started, we've rounded up four of the most important factors to consider when narrowing your list of potential mortgage options.

1. Your Credit Score
That three-digit number that credit scoring companies like FICO assign not only influences your interest rate, but it also helps determine the type of mortgage you can get.² 
The best-priced mortgages typically go to borrowers with scores of at least 720 or more. But if your credit score is lower, you still have options.³ 
To qualify for an insured mortgage with less than 20% down, you or a co-borrower will likely need at least a 600 credit score, unless you're a Canadian newcomer. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reduced the minimum required score for a typical CMHC-insured mortgage from 680 to 600, but the private insurers Sagen and Canada Guaranty Mortgage set their own thresholds and may require a higher score.^4,5,6
New Canadians, on the other hand, may qualify for an insured mortgage even if they have little to no Canadian credit history. Many conventional lenders offer special loans called “newcomer mortgages” to immigrants who have landed within the past five years.⁷ 
However, if your score is low because you have a history of missed payments or a high credit utilization ratio (which is the amount of debt you have relative to your credit limit), then you may not qualify for a conventional mortgage and may need to look to alternative lenders.⁸  
Nonbank lenders known as “B lenders” specialize in serving nontraditional borrowers, such as self-employed homebuyers, so their standards are usually more relaxed. You'll probably still need a minimum score of around 600, though, as well as a down payment of 20% or higher.⁹ 
If your score is well below 600, then your options are more limited. Some home sellers offer owner-financed mortgages. Alternatively, private investors who specialize in subprime loans (known as “C lenders”) may work with you.¹⁰ But if you can afford to wait for a higher score, you may be better off paying down your existing debt instead. The interest you save with a more competitively priced loan could enable you to buy a more desirable home.¹¹ 

2. Your Income and Expenses
The amount of money you make, as well as how much you owe, will also influence your mortgage options. 
Lenders like to see that you still have plenty of income left over after paying your expenses. So when evaluating your creditworthiness and ability to pass a stress test, a mortgage lender will look at your current pay and outstanding debts, like student loans and credit card balances.¹² 
They will also compare your expected income to the total amount of debt you'll carry once you've bought the home. This is called your total debt service (TDS) ratio and lenders consider it a key indicator of whether you can afford a particular mortgage.¹² 
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada caps the recommended TDS ratio for a mortgage from a federally regulated entity, such as a bank or federal credit union, at 44% of a borrower's income. However, some nonbank lenders may still work with you if your TDS ratio is higher.¹³ 
In addition to outstanding debts, lenders take into account other expenses unique to a home, such as property taxes, heating costs, and 50% of condo fees, if applicable. To pass Canada's mortgage stress test (which is necessary for any federally regulated lender), your total housing costs should eat up no more than 39% of your qualifying income. This is called your gross debt service (GDS) ratio, and it's a key figure to keep in mind when comparing potential homes.¹² 
In general, the lower your TDS and GDS ratios are, the better your odds will be of securing a competitive mortgage. That's especially true now that Canada's top bank regulator, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OFSI), has announced more stringent rules for federally regulated lenders that work with “highly indebted” mortgage borrowers.¹⁴ 
Unregulated lenders have more flexibility and so may be more forgiving. However, they could still require you to pass a mortgage stress test.15 

3. Your Expected Down Payment
The size of your down payment will also impact the type of mortgage you can get. 
You don't have to put down 20% to qualify for a competitively-priced mortgage from a conventional lender. (In fact, interest rates are often lower for insured mortgages than they are for uninsured ones.¹⁶) But you will need a significant amount.¹⁷
The lowest down payment amount you can get away with is usually 5%. However, depending on your income and credit history, a lender may require more to fund the home you want.¹⁷ 
Since conventional mortgages with down payments below 20% automatically require mortgage default insurance, you'll also want to take into account the added expense. Depending on the size of your down payment, it could cost you as much as 0.6% to 4% of your loan amount.¹⁸
In most cases, mortgage amortization will also be capped at a maximum of 25 years if you opt for an insured mortgage. A shorter amortization schedule, such as a 10 or 15-year mortgage, will save you money on interest. However, your monthly mortgage payment will also be higher.¹⁹ 
With an uninsured mortgage, by contrast, you could extend your mortgage amortization to 30 years, or possibly even longer with some mortgage lenders. That could help make your monthly payments more affordable. But to be approved, you'll typically need substantial home equity.²⁰ 
If you're a first-time homebuyer, you'll have even more options. For example, you may be able to get a 30-year uninsured loan if you buy a brand-new property.²¹ 
Keep in mind, though, that mortgages with smaller down payments not only cost more over time. They may also be harder to get––especially if there's a major gap between your qualifying income and typical home prices. In that case, you'll likely need a healthy down payment to help make up the difference. An extra big down payment above 25% to 35% could also help you qualify for mortgages you wouldn't get otherwise.¹⁷ 

4. Your Lifestyle and Risk Tolerance
In addition to your budget, one of the most important factors to consider when comparing mortgage options is your temperament. The key to finding the right mortgage for you is to look for a loan that will fit comfortably into your daily life. For example, we recommend asking yourself questions such as: Are you a natural risk taker, or do you prefer firm plans and predictability? Can you afford a bigger mortgage payment if interest rates increase, or are your anticipated home expenses already stretching your monthly budget? 
Similarly, consider your ideal payment schedule. If you like the idea of making lots of extra payments and paying off your mortgage early, then you may prefer an open mortgage. However, a closed mortgage will typically offer a lower rate.²²   
Term lengths and mortgage rates are also important factors to consider. But given the economy's uncertainty, it can be tricky to predict the most optimal mortgage type.  
For example, choosing a shorter-term mortgage, such as a three-year fixed rate mortgage, or opting for a more flexible variable rate one can give you some valuable wiggle room in case interest rates decrease. But if rates unexpectedly pick up, you could be caught off guard by a higher monthly payment. Term lengths can also impact the mortgage rates you're offered.²³
Five-year fixed rate mortgages, on the other hand, may feel more comfortable to risk-averse borrowers. They are also the most common type of mortgage in Canada and are often a great choice for those who prefer to set-it-and-forget-it. But locking yourself into such a long mortgage could also be risky. With a longer term mortgage, you not only risk overpaying rates go down, you also risk getting stuck with a loan that requires a big multi-year commitment.^{23, 24}  

BOTTOMLINE
Regardless of the loan you choose, it pays to shop around and carefully compare terms. According to a recent survey by Mortgage Professionals Canada, most homebuyers risk leaving money on the table by failing to negotiate and sticking with the first interest rate offer they receive.²⁵ 
Fortunately, we have a vetted list of mortgage professionals who can explain your options, answer your questions, and help you find the best loan to meet your needs. We can also develop a custom plan for securing a great home that fits your budget. Reach out when you're ready to get started. 

The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.

Sources:

1. Real Estate and Mortgage Institute of Canada (REMIC) - https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/real-estate-regrets-over-a-third-of-canadians-regret-their-current-mortgage-situation-834450472.html
2. Globe and Mail - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/personal-finance/household-finances/article-how-mortgage-shoppers-can-weave-their-way-through-the-credit-score/ 
3. Rates.ca - https://rates.ca/resources/does-your-credit-score-affect-your-mortgage-rate 
4. CMHC - https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/media-newsroom/notices/2021/cmhc-reviews-underwriting-criteria 
5. Sagen - https://www.sagen.ca/ups/product-specific-underwriting-guidelines/ 
6. Canada Guarantee - https://www.canadaguaranty.ca/products-at-a-glance/ 
7. Wowa - https://wowa.ca/newcomers-mortgage
8. MPA Magazine - https://www.mpamag.com/ca/mortgage-industry/guides/whats-the-right-credit-score-to-buy-a-house-in-canada/443717 
9. Nerdwallet - https://www.nerdwallet.com/ca/mortgages/understanding-b-lender-mortgages 
10. Ratehub - https://www.ratehub.ca/private-mortgage-loans 
11. Ratehub - https://rates.ca/resources/does-your-credit-score-affect-your-mortgage-rate
12. Financial Consumer Agency of Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/mortgages/preparing-mortgage.html 
13. Nerdwallet - https://www.nerdwallet.com/ca/mortgages/what-are-debt-service-ratios 
14. Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions - https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/news/loan-income-limit 
15. Lowest Rates - https://www.lowestrates.ca/resource-centre/mortgage/difference-between-a-lenders-and-private-mortgage-lenders-canada 
16. Globe and Mail - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/personal-finance/household-finances/article-insurance-mortgage-save-money/ 
17. MPA Magazine - https://www.mpamag.com/ca/mortgage-industry/guides/down-payment-on-a-house-in-canada-what-you-need-to-know/435534 
18. Ratehub - https://www.ratehub.ca/cmhc-mortgage-insurance 
19. Financial Consumer Agency of Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/mortgages/mortgage-terms-amortization.html 
20. Global News - https://globalnews.ca/news/9815405/mortgage-amortization-risks-costs-interest-rate-canada/ 
21. MPA Magazine - https://www.mpamag.com/ca/mortgage-industry/market-updates/first-time-buyers-can-save-thousands-with-cmhcs-30-year-mortgages-says-ratehub/493319 
22. Financial Consumer Agency of Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/mortgages/choose-mortgage.html 
23. MoneySense - https://www.moneysense.ca/spend/real-estate/mortgages/3-years-versus-5-year-mortgage-term/ 
24. MPA Magazine - https://www.mpamag.com/ca/mortgage-industry/guides/the-types-of-mortgage-in-canada-you-can-choose-from/436516
25. Canadian Mortgage Trends - https://www.canadianmortgagetrends.com/2024/06/canadians-leaving-money-on-the-table-by-not-negotiating-their-mortgage-renewal-rates