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No, there are hardly any restrictions on foreigners buying real estate in Canada. From houses to condominiums, the buying process is relatively simple. Here’s how it works. The agent or real estate representative, usually with an attorney, helps prepare an Offer to Purchase. This is presented to the seller, together with a maximum deposit of 10 percent of the purchase price. The seller will reject,...

If you’re buying a home in the Georgian Bay area, you’ll surely want to know what type of well supplies your household water. An older home typically has a dug well. On average, this type of well is 6 ft. wide, 25 ft. (or less) deep and, as its name suggests, is installed by digging a hole in the ground. The structure of a dug well is lined with concrete just beneath the water table, continuing above...

by Ian Hawkins The Village at Blue Mountain was very alive on September 14, with the usual weekend visitors enjoying the live music playing as the stream of Centurion riders finished their rides. A few days ago, Blue Mountain and Intrawest announced that the Weider and Canning families had sold their remaining ownership of Blue Mountain Resort to Intrawest. On a personal level, I had the privilege of...

There is quite a bit of confusion around collateral mortgages, compared to conventional mortgages. We often encounter this problem when we see a mortgage amount on a title that is the same as the sale price when the home was purchased. There is some concern for realtors when this occurs, since it may seem like there isn’t enough equity to fit the terms. However, the main reason this occurs is because of...

Thornbury in Ontario’s Georgian Triangle has become a popular area for retirement. Baby boomers now want to get away from busy city life and buy real estate in tranquil surroundings that still allow for active lifestyles. This trend is expected to extend into all areas of this beautiful town. New homes are therefore popping up everywhere to meet this need. Small town living in the Georgian Triangle is...

In partnership with Plastic Mobile, Royal LePage announced in February the launch of its mobile app for house hunters in Canada. The new app, which is available for iPhones, simplifies property searches down to a swipe of your finger. The app’s pioneering “draw and search” feature allows you to easily zone in on a specific region by simply using your finger to draw the area of choice on a map. After...

Selling homes is complicated. It’s a procedure that involves stringent legal requirements and large sums of money. It also demands a tremendous amount of experience, knowledge and time. If you’re tempted to sell your home independently, without seeking help from real estate professionals, first ask yourself the following questions: Will you really save the commission? No, more often than not, buyers...

Buy first or sell first? This is one of the most common questions we asked by existing homeowners. There’s no short answer because it depends on your personal comfort levels and circumstances. The best thing to do is weigh up the pros and cons of both approaches. Buying First – The Pros If want a specific home, buying first ensures you won’t miss out on it. If an underpriced or unique property...

Slow and steady . . . that’s how local real estate agents are describing the property market in Southern Georgian Bay as it gradually continues to become balanced, driven by a demand for a 4-seasonal recreational lifestyles, along with the number of retirees, empty nesters and young families wanting to own their own piece of paradise. While the market in Toronto is improving at a rapid rate, the local...

Blue Mountain lies in the heart of one of Canada’s most beautiful natural landscapes and in an area with a vibrant cultural and social scene. From authentic harbour villages to the world’s longest freshwater beach, the Georgian Triangle offers a memorable journey through civilization and nature; a journey that, when you buy a house in Blue Mountain, can last a lifetime. One attraction that you’ll...