Licensed REALTORS® in Ontario are regulated by RECO (Real Estate Council of Ontario) and must follow strict ethical, disclosure, and consumer-protection rules. Working with a REALTOR® ensures your interests are legally protected throughout the buying or selling process.

It’s best to book movers at least 2–3 weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons (spring and summer). To avoid delays, schedule your movers later in the afternoon, after your lawyer confirms that the property has officially closed and the keys are released.

Working with a licensed REALTOR® is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. Agents registered with RECO (Real Estate Council of Ontario) must follow strict ethical and disclosure rules, ensuring your interests are protected.

According to federal rules: - 5% on the first $500,000 - 10% on the portion from $500,000 to $999,999 - 20%+ on homes $1M+ A minimum 20% is also required to avoid CMHC mortgage insurance.

All REALTORS® are licensed agents, but not all agents are REALTORS®. A REALTOR® is a member of CREA (Canadian Real Estate Association) and must follow the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, offering a higher standard of professionalism.

Commercial properties typically use: - Net Lease (N): Tenant pays base rent + one additional cost (e.g., property tax). - Double Net (NN): Tenant pays taxes + insurance + base rent. - Triple Net (NNN): Tenant pays taxes, insurance, maintenance (common for retail/industrial). - Gross Lease: Landlord covers most operating costs; tenant pays one flat rate. NNN leases are the most common for retail plazas and office buildings.

This depends on inventory levels, days on market, and sale-to-list ratios in your area. - A buyer’s market has more listings than buyers. - A seller’s market has limited inventory and strong buyer competition. Most Ontario regions shift between these throughout the year.

There’s no fixed rate; it’s negotiable. The common range is 4–5 % of the sale price, typically split between the listing and buyer’s agents.

Ontario requires landlords to use the Standard Form of Lease issued by the Government of Ontario for most new tenancies.

Once you have a firm closing date, contact your utility providers (electricity, gas, water, internet) 5–10 days before closing. Provide your name, service address, and activation date. Most Ontario municipalities allow water account transfers online.

You must disclose known material defects that could affect the property’s value or safety (e.g., structural or water issues). Hiding defects can lead to liability.

Only one month’s rent (or one rental period) as a last-month’s rent deposit. Security deposits for damages are not permitted.

Keys are released on closing day, typically between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM, once the lawyers have transferred funds and registered the property on title through Ontario’s electronic land registry system.

A BRA is a written contract that makes the agent your exclusive representative when buying a home. It outlines duties, compensation, and how long the agreement lasts. It is mandatory for the agent to legally represent you.

Higher interest rates often reduce buying power, leading to softer prices and slower sales. Lower interest rates increase affordability and typically boost buyer demand. Rate announcements from the Bank of Canada play a major role in Ontario’s real estate activity.

Your real estate lawyer prepares and reviews: - Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) - Title search - Statement of adjustments - Mortgage instructions - Transfer deed - Property tax certificates These documents ensure a legal and secure transfer of ownership.