Tuesday, December 5, 2023 / by Evelyn Lopes
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The Toronto real estate market is constantly evolving, and one of the most significant changes on the horizon is the impending Toronto Luxury Home Tax set to take effect in January 2024. This new change is a hot topic. In this blog post, we'll look into the details of this new tax and explore how it's affecting both homebuyers and sellers in the luxury market. So, whether you're considering buying a luxury home or thinking about selling one, this is a must-read. Join us as we explore the implications and strategies that are reshaping the luxury real estate landscape in the city. Read on to understand the impact of this tax and how you can navigate it successfully.
A Taxing Situation: The Basics
The Luxury Home Tax, often referred to as the Toronto Luxury Tax, is a new chapter in the city's real estate story. Approved by Toronto's city council, this tax will be applied at the closing of property transactions starting on January 1st, 2024. B! ...
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Monday, December 4, 2023 / by Evelyn Lopes
As we stand on the cusp of a new year, it's a perfect moment to reflect on our past achievements and set our sights on the future. How many times have we resolved to achieve our goals on January 1st, only to see them fade away within weeks or even days? It's a common scenario, and it raises a fundamental question: How can we break this cycle of setting goals and never following through?
Today, I want to share a story that has the potential to inspire you to turn those resolutions into reality. This is the story of Mark and Cathy, a young couple with a dream - the dream of owning their own home. However, they faced a significant hurdle - they had saved some money, but not quite enough to make their homeownership dream a reality.
Into their lives stepped a trusted realtor, whom we'll refer to as "E." E's first task was to build a deep connection with Mark and Cathy. She listened intently to their hopes, dreams, and concerns, fostering a bond built on trust and empathy.
W ...
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Friday, December 1, 2023 / by Evelyn Lopes
It's the most wonderful time of the year. But for many families with festive plans and hectic schedules, it's also the most wasteful.
According to one survey, for example, 60% of respondents admitted to throwing away more than usual during the holiday months as they filled up their trash bins with uneaten food, wrapping paper, gift bags, and commercial packaging.1
The reality is, Canadians routinely toss about 25% more trash during the holidays, according to Zero Waste Canada.2 In fact, we throw away so much wrapping paper that the waste, combined with castoff shopping bags, is estimated to weigh as much as 100,000 elephants.2,3
As our holiday schedules grow busier, many of us also forget to take simple steps at home to shrink our carbon footprints or prepare for a more energy-efficient winter.
Luckily, it’s not that hard to shift our habits and plan for a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly celebration. Here are five ideas for ringing in the holidays th ...
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Monday, November 27, 2023 / by Evelyn Lopes
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Gratitude in Action: Boosting Happiness and Achieving Goals_
THE POWER OF GRATITUDE
As the holiday season rushes in with all its hustle and bustle, it's easy to get swept up in the frenzy of activity. But what if we took a moment to pause, like a cherished interlude in a symphony, and reflect on the beauty of gratitude?
Gratitude is a simple yet profound force that has the remarkable ability to touch every aspect of our lives. It's not about portraying a perfect life, as often seen on social media; rather, it's about recognizing and appreciating the good things we have, no matter how big or small.
Life is far from perfect, and it often throws us challenging and seemingly unfair situations. Expressing gratitude in the midst of difficulties may initially feel foreign or even naive. However, research has shown that gratitude is far from a mere platitude—it's a powerful tool that can boost our mental resilience, self-este ...
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Tuesday, November 21, 2023 / by Evelyn Lopes
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Hey there, Toronto GTA Homebuyers! Ready to make an offer on that seemingly perfect home? Wait just a moment! As a seasoned realtor, I'm here to share insider tips on 10 critical red flags that even the most experienced homebuyers often overlook. And, good news! At the end of this post, you'll find a link to download our exclusive RED FLAG HOME BUYER CHECKLIST, which includes these top 10 home buying red flags, plus a few additional ones crucial for your awareness.
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned property hunter, or even a seller looking to avoid common pitfalls, this advice is indispensable. Let's dive into these red flags that could potentially turn your dream home into a financial nightmare or as a seller cost you thousands when selling your home.
Red Flag #1: Lack of Photos
You find a beautiful home online, but there are only a couple of exterior shots. What's missing? If key areas like the kitchen or bathrooms a; ...
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real estate, evelyn lopes, evelyn lopes realty team, caledon real estate, brampton real estate, orangeville real estate, home and lifestyle