Homes And Condos By Catherine

Homes And Condos By Catherine Catherine Balfour, Real Estate Agent
Royal LePage Signature Realty, Brokerage Buying or Selling your home can be a lengthy and emotional process.

You can easily feel overwhelmed. Contact me for some tips to help you keep things in balance.

Back-to-school season is a great reminder that small changes at home can make everyday routines run a little more smooth...
09/03/2026

Back-to-school season is a great reminder that small changes at home can make everyday routines run a little more smoothly.

A dedicated homework station doesn’t require an extra room or a major makeover. A quiet corner, comfortable seating, good lighting and easy-to-reach supplies can create a practical space that supports focus and keeps schoolwork organized.

From rolling carts to simple homework caddies, the goal is the same: create a designated place where everything needed for study time has a home.

A little organization can go a long way toward making busy school nights feel more manageable.

Save this post for an easy back-to-school home project, or share it with a family looking to refresh the homework routine.

Bank of Canada Announcement - CaptionThe Bank of Canada is holding its policy rate at 2.25% once again.While the rate re...
09/02/2026

Bank of Canada Announcement - Caption

The Bank of Canada is holding its policy rate at 2.25% once again.

While the rate remains steady, the economic conditions surrounding today’s decision continue to shift. The Bank pointed to signs of a broader recovery in Canada, alongside increased risks tied to inflation, energy prices and renewed trade uncertainty.

For buyers and sellers, the takeaway is that an unchanged interest rate doesn’t mean an unchanged real estate market. Mortgage rates, inventory, pricing, buyer confidence and local conditions all continue to play a role.

Rather than waiting for the next rate announcement, understanding what today’s market means for your specific plans can help you make a more informed decision.

Thinking about buying or selling? Connect with a REALTOR® for guidance based on your goals and local market.

What stays with the home—and what leaves with the seller—isn’t always as obvious as it seems.From light fixtures and app...
09/01/2026

What stays with the home—and what leaves with the seller—isn’t always as obvious as it seems.

From light fixtures and appliances to TV mounts, custom shelving and rented equipment, small details can become important considerations in an Ontario real estate transaction.

The key is clarity. Items being included, excluded or subject to a rental agreement should be clearly addressed in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.

This is where experience matters. A knowledgeable REALTOR® can help identify potential grey areas, ask the right questions and ensure expectations are documented before closing.

Planning a move? Connect with an experienced REALTOR® for guidance through the details of an Ontario real estate transaction.

September is bringing plenty of reasons to explore the GTA.From world-class film and live music to cultural celebrations...
08/31/2026

September is bringing plenty of reasons to explore the GTA.

From world-class film and live music to cultural celebrations, street festivals and fall favourites, the month ahead is packed with events happening across Toronto, Peel, York and Durham.

Consider this the September social calendar, all in one place.

Save this post for weekend planning and tag a friend who needs this GTA guide.

Event dates and details are subject to change. Check with event organizers before attending.

A GTA market headline can’t tell the full story.The forces shaping a $500K condo aren’t necessarily the same ones influe...
08/31/2026

A GTA market headline can’t tell the full story.

The forces shaping a $500K condo aren’t necessarily the same ones influencing a $1M family home or a $2M luxury property. Interest rates, inventory, affordability, buyer confidence, and competition can carry different weight at every price point.

That’s why broad averages are only a starting point. Understanding what’s happening within a specific segment can provide a much clearer picture of where leverage, competition, and opportunity exist.

The right strategy changes with the price point. Working with an experienced REALTOR® can help navigate the market with the insight, positioning, and local expertise each segment demands.

A home can look perfect at first glance, but the smartest buying decisions often come down to what gets asked before an ...
08/28/2026

A home can look perfect at first glance, but the smartest buying decisions often come down to what gets asked before an offer is made.

From understanding recent comparable sales and property history to reviewing major systems, ongoing costs and offer conditions, the right questions can uncover important details and bring greater clarity to the decision.

Preparation matters. So does having the right real estate guidance along the way.

Save this list for your next consultation.

A little organization can go a long way when it comes to protecting a home.A Digital Home Binder creates one secure, eas...
08/27/2026

A little organization can go a long way when it comes to protecting a home.

A Digital Home Binder creates one secure, easy-to-navigate place for the documents that matter most — from ownership and insurance records to renovation permits, warranties, maintenance history and tax documents.

Keeping these records organized can simplify everyday homeownership, make insurance claims less stressful and help create a clearer history of the property when it’s time to sell.

Start with the essentials, build the binder over time and keep important records backed up securely.

Turn on post notifications to stay up to date and never miss the next helpful homeowner tip.

If buying a home has been on your mind, preparation could be the difference between staying on the fence and feeling rea...
08/26/2026

If buying a home has been on your mind, preparation could be the difference between staying on the fence and feeling ready to make your move.

Getting clear on your budget, securing a mortgage pre-approval, defining your priorities and building a real estate strategy early means there’s less to figure out when you decide the time is right.

You don’t need to be ready to buy tomorrow to start preparing today.

Connect with a trusted real estate agent early so you can understand your options, build a plan and move forward with confidence when the right home—and the right time—come together.

The down payment gets plenty of attention, but it’s not the only cash needed to close on a home.From land transfer tax a...
08/24/2026

The down payment gets plenty of attention, but it’s not the only cash needed to close on a home.

From land transfer tax and legal disbursements to title insurance, adjustments, and potential HST on new construction, closing costs can add thousands to the amount needed to complete a purchase.

For properties within the City of Toronto, buyers may be responsible for both provincial and municipal land transfer taxes. Eligible first-time buyers may qualify for available rebates, but eligibility should be confirmed before closing.

Understanding the full financial picture early makes it easier to plan with confidence and avoid surprises on closing day.

This post is for general information only. Buyers should obtain a written estimate from their real estate lawyer and confirm financing costs, HST treatment, and available rebates for their specific purchase.

Ontario’s rental rules are changing and September 21, 2026 is an important date for landlords, tenants, buyers, sellers,...
08/21/2026

Ontario’s rental rules are changing and September 21, 2026 is an important date for landlords, tenants, buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals.

Updates will affect key parts of the rental process, including:
N4 timelines for unpaid rent
N12 personal-use notices and compensation
N12 good-faith requirements
N13 renoviction notices and tenant return rights

Whether you own an investment property, rent your home, or are navigating a transaction involving a tenanted property, understanding the rules before making a move can help you plan with greater confidence.

Swipe through for 4 key changes to know.

Have questions about how Ontario rental rules may affect a real estate transaction? Connect with an experienced REALTOR® and seek legal guidance for your specific situation.

This post is for general information only and is not legal advice.

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Pickering, ON
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