Toronto real estate questions, answered

In most cases, no. When a rental is listed on MLS, the landlord usually pays the commission, including the share that goes to the tenant's agent. If a listing is ever different, I'll tell you before we book a showing.

Have these ready before you start viewing: a completed rental application (OREA Form 410, free download), photo ID, a recent credit report with your score (you can order one from Equifax), an employment letter, your two most recent pay stubs, and references from past landlords.

If you're self-employed, a student, or new to Canada, add your Notice of Assessment, recent bank statements, or a guarantor's documents. A complete package sent quickly is often what wins a unit.

Usually your first month's rent and a deposit equal to one month's rent, which is applied to your last month. In Ontario, a landlord can't require a larger rent deposit or a damage deposit. They can ask for a refundable key deposit.

Start about 30 to 60 days before your move-in date. Well-priced units in popular areas can lease within days, so get your documents together first and you'll be able to apply the same day you see a place you love.

Yes. A guarantor with strong credit and income, proof of savings, and a letter explaining your situation all help. You can also choose to offer some rent in advance; in Ontario a landlord can't demand it, but you can volunteer it to strengthen an application.

For most residential rentals in Ontario, yes. Landlords must use the Ontario Standard Form of Lease, and any added terms have to follow the Residential Tenancies Act. I'll go through your lease with you line by line before you sign.

A landlord can choose not to accept a tenant with pets when reviewing applications. However, once you have a lease, a "no pets" clause is generally not enforceable in Ontario, except where condo rules restrict pets. It's always best to be upfront about pets when you apply.

At least 5% of the first $500,000 of the price, plus 10% of the portion between $500,000 and $1.5 million. Homes at $1.5 million or more need 20% down. With less than 20% down, you'll also pay for mortgage default insurance, which is usually added to your mortgage.

The main ones are:

• First Home Savings Account (FHSA): contribute up to $8,000 a year, to a lifetime maximum of $40,000. Contributions are tax-deductible and qualifying withdrawals are tax-free.
• RRSP Home Buyers' Plan: withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP tax-free, then repay it over time.
• Land transfer tax rebates: first-time buyers can get up to $4,000 back on Ontario's land transfer tax and up to $4,475 on Toronto's municipal land transfer tax.

Rules change, so confirm the current limits with the CRA or your mortgage specialist before you plan around them.

Plan for roughly 1.5% to 4% of the purchase price on top of your down payment. In Toronto the biggest item is land transfer tax, because you pay both the provincial and the municipal tax. Add legal fees, title insurance, a home inspection, property tax and utility adjustments, and moving costs.

Before you start viewing homes. A pre-approval tells you what you can actually spend, usually holds an interest rate for a set period (often 90 to 120 days), and shows sellers you're a serious buyer.

Yes. Since December 2023, Ontario requires a written representation agreement before an agent can represent you as a buyer or tenant. It spells out what your agent does for you and how they're paid. I'll explain every part of it before you sign.

It depends on the price, the condition of the home, and the market, but the right pricing and timing strategy makes the biggest difference. Our team helped one family sell in 10 days in a difficult market by getting the list price and launch timing right from the start.

Declutter, take care of small repairs, and deep clean. Then focus on professional photos, a clear pricing strategy, and, where it makes sense, staging. I'll walk through your home with you and tell you which updates are worth doing and which aren't.

Yes, but you need a plan for the timing and the financing. The usual options are buying first with bridge financing, selling first with a longer closing, or lining up both closings on the same day. We'll choose based on your finances and how much risk you're comfortable with.

I work across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area with renters, first-time buyers, sellers, and landlords. I'm a Sales Representative with the MulhollandRoss Team at Keller Williams Referred Urban Realty, Brokerage, in North York.

Yes. I'm a Canadian Certified Green Representative (CCGR), a sustainability certification from the Canadian Real Estate Association that I completed in 2026. It covers high-performance homes, heating and cooling systems, renewable energy and home electrification, and climate-related risks to properties.

In practice, that means I can help you compare homes on things like insulation, windows, heating type, and realistic upgrade options, and point you to the right inspectors and energy advisors. For renters, I'll help you ask the right questions about utility costs and how a building is heated and cooled.

Within a day, and usually much sooner. Quick replies matter in Toronto's market, especially for rentals, so you'll always know what's happening and what comes next.

A short, no-pressure call. We'll talk about what you're looking for, your budget, and your timeline, and I'll tell you honestly how I can help. You can send me a message, call 416-577-3764, or email [email protected].