Articles &
market intelligence.

Ontario real estate in plain English — what the market is doing, what it means for your next move, and the numbers behind both.

415 articles

Buying

What Is a Home Appraisal and Why It Matters

A home appraisal is a lender-ordered estimate of a property's market value. Here's how it works in Ontario, what it costs, and what happens if it comes in low.

Jul 03, 20246 min read

Buying

House vs Condo: Which Should You Buy?

House vs condo: more space and control, or lower upkeep and price? Here's how to choose between a house and a condo in Ontario based on cost, lifestyle and budget.

Jun 29, 20245 min read

Buying

What Is an Assignment Sale?

An assignment sale lets a buyer sell their pre-construction contract before closing. Here's how assignment sales work in Ontario, plus the costs and risks to watch.

Jun 25, 20245 min read

Buying

How Long Does It Take to Buy a House?

From getting pre-approved to picking up the keys, buying a house in Ontario usually takes a few weeks to a few months. Here's a realistic timeline for each stage.

Jun 20, 20245 min read

Buying

What Is a Deposit When Buying a Home?

A deposit shows a seller you're serious — and it counts toward your down payment. Here's how deposits work when buying a home in Ontario, and how much to offer.

Jun 16, 20245 min read

Buying

Freehold vs Condo: What's the Difference?

Freehold vs condo: one means you own everything, the other means shared ownership with monthly fees. Here's the real difference and how to choose in Ontario.

Jun 12, 20245 min read

Buying

How to Buy a Condo in Ontario

Buying a condo in Ontario? Here's the full process — from down payment and status certificate to maintenance fees and closing — with real numbers for 2026.

Jun 08, 20246 min read

Buying & Selling

Downsizing Your Home: When and How to Do It

Downsizing your home can free up equity, cut costs and simplify life. Here's when and how to downsize in Ontario — and how to make the most of the equity you unlock.

Sep 16, 20236 min read

Buying & Selling

Upsizing Your Home: A Practical Guide

Upsizing your home means more space — and a bigger budget, taxes and mortgage. Here's a practical guide to upsizing in Ontario without overstretching your finances.

Sep 11, 20236 min read

Buying & Selling

How to Port Your Mortgage to a New Home

Porting your mortgage lets you move your existing rate and terms to a new home — and avoid a costly penalty. Here's how mortgage porting works and when to do it.

Sep 07, 20236 min read

Buying & Selling

Should You Buy or Sell First? How to Decide

Should you buy or sell first? It depends on your finances, the market and your risk tolerance. Here's a clear framework to decide which order is right for your move.

Sep 03, 20236 min read

Buying & Selling

What Is Bridge Financing and How Does It Work?

Bridge financing lets you buy your new home before your old one's sale closes. Here's how a bridge loan works, what it costs, and when it makes sense in Ontario.

Aug 30, 20236 min read

Buying & Selling

How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time

Buying and selling a home at the same time is one of the trickiest moves in real estate. Here's how to line up closing dates, financing and offers without panic.

Aug 26, 20236 min read

Selling a Home

How to Sell a Condo in Toronto

Selling a condo in Toronto isn't like selling a house. Here's how to handle the status certificate, condo fees, pricing and a tough market — and keep more.

Aug 22, 20236 min read

Selling a Home

Should You Sell Your Home Yourself (FSBO)?

Selling your home yourself (FSBO) promises to save commission, but it comes with real risks. Here's an honest look at FSBO in Ontario and a smarter way to save.

Aug 17, 20236 min read

Selling a Home

The Real Cost of Selling a Home in Ontario

Selling a home in Ontario costs more than most expect. Here's the full breakdown — commission, legal fees, mortgage discharge, staging — and how to keep more.

Aug 13, 20236 min read

Selling a Home

When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Ontario?

When is the best time to sell a house in Ontario? Spring usually wins, but the right month depends on your home, market and goals. Here's how to choose.

Aug 09, 20236 min read

Selling a Home

How to Price Your Home to Sell (Without Leaving Money on the Table)

Pricing your home right is the single biggest decision of your sale. Here's how to price your home to sell in Ontario without leaving money on the table.

Aug 05, 20237 min read

Selling a Home

Home Staging Tips That Help Your Home Sell

Practical home staging tips that help your home sell faster and for more money — room by room, on any budget — plus how to keep more of your final sale price.

Aug 01, 20235 min read

Selling a Home

What Repairs Actually Increase Home Value?

Which repairs actually increase home value before selling? Here's where to spend, where to save, and how to maximize your sale price without over-renovating.

Jul 28, 20235 min read

Selling a Home

Real Estate Commission in Ontario: How Much Do You Pay?

How much is real estate commission in Ontario? Traditionally about 5% plus HST. See how it's split, what it costs in real dollars, and how to pay far less.

Jul 24, 20235 min read

Selling a Home

How to Sell Your House Fast in Toronto

Need to sell your house fast in Toronto? Here's how to price, prep and market for a quick sale in 2026 — and how to do it without giving away your equity.

Jul 19, 20236 min read

Selling a Home

How to Sell Your House in Ontario: A Step-by-Step Guide

A step-by-step guide to selling your house in Ontario in 2026 — from pricing and prep to commission, closing costs and keeping more of your equity with HOMEH.

Jul 15, 20236 min read

Closing Costs

Property Tax in Ontario: How It Works and What You'll Pay

Property tax is the ongoing cost of owning a home in Ontario. Here's how it's set, why Toronto's rate is among the GTA's lowest, and how to estimate your bill.

Jul 11, 20235 min read