Find your place.

My expert negotiating skills, knowledge of Toronto’s distinct neighbourhoods, and get-it-done attitude means you’ll receive world-class service. My years of experience working with buyers in all markets will help ease you through the home-buying process and empower you to make smart decisions about your financial future.

Buying with Marc

I have studied the market so I can provide you with the most up-to-date insights into homeownership. Is it the right time to buy my first condo or house? What are the market conditions saying for the future of North York and Etobicoke real estate? This is exactly where I come in! From up-and-coming neighbourhoods to promising investment opportunities, my expertise will help you navigate the market like a pro.

Costs to Consider

Down Payment

Buyers are expected to put down a deposit, which varies depending on the purchase price of your home. For homes under a million dollars, the minimum you can put down is 5% and the percentage increases with the purchase price. Your mortgage broker will help you determine what you can comfortably afford. But remember, the money set aside for this needs to be liquid and paid out within 24 hours of an accepted offer.

Legal Fees

As a home buyer, you will need a real estate lawyer to protect your best interests and provide several services like reviewing legal documents, ensuring property taxes are up-to-date, purchasing title insurance, and calculating land transfer tax. In Toronto, legal fees are around $1,500 and are due upon closing.

Land Transfer Tax

If you’re a first time home buyer, this doesn’t apply to you. If not, here is a calculator that will help you determine your land transfer fees on closing.

Home Inspection Fees

Home inspections are a great opportunity for buyers to identify any red flags with a home before closing. While the costs vary for these, they typically start at around $400 in the city.

Mortgage Insurance

If you plan on putting down less than 20% of the purchase price, you will likely require a high-ratio mortgage. Since the amount borrowed exceeds 80% of the home’s value, the loan is considered risky to lenders. This is why high-risk mortgages require Mortgage Loan Insurance provided by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) or another third-party insurer. This additional cost gets built into your monthly mortgage payments.

Prepaid Expenses

You might need to consider expenses the seller prepaid on the home, which could include things like property taxes, utility bills or condo fees. Before you take ownership of the property, you will need to reimburse the seller for these costs from the closing date forward.

First-time buyers: Start here

Buying your first home is a big step! Check out these frequently asked questions to ease you into your search.

When is the best time to buy?

Choosing when to buy depends on many variables like local market conditions, current mortgage rates and ultimately when you can comfortably afford to jump in.

Should I meet with a mortgage professional first?

Absolutely! It is strongly recommended that you meet with a mortgage specialist as the first step of the real estate process. Getting pre-approved will help you understand exactly how much you can afford to spend on a home, your available financing options, and what kinds of fees are associated with buying property. Lastly, being pre-approved means you’re a serious buyer who’s ready to make a move, which might come in handy during the negotiation process.

Do I need a Realtor to represent me on the buying side?

One of the benefits of being on the buying side is the seller pays the commission for both the buyer’s and seller’s agents in a real estate transaction. It’s important to remember that regardless of this, a buyer will always benefit from having a knowledgeable Realtor on their side of the transaction. It comes in handy with negotiating the price and conditions that work for them.

Let’s connect and discuss your options.