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BLOG Should You Buy or Sell a Home Right Now in Hamilton & Burlington? “Should I buy now or wait?” “Should I sell now or wait until the market improves?” These are two of the most common questions I hear from people considering a move. The problem is that there isn’t one answer that applies to everyone. Real estate markets change. Interest rates change. Inventory changes. Prices change. But your reason for moving, financial position and... [read more]

How Much Money Do You Really Need to Buy a Home in Hamilton or Burlington? One of the biggest mistakes prospective homebuyers make is focusing entirely on the down payment. You find a home for $700,000, calculate the minimum down payment and assume that’s approximately how much cash you need. It isn’t. Buying a home involves the down payment plus closing costs and other expenses, and understanding those numbers before you start looking can prevent an unpleasant surprise... [read more]

August 2026 Canadian Housing Market Update: Sales Dip as New Listings Rise Canada’s housing market remained relatively quiet in August, but there was an important shift beneath the surface: more homes came onto the market while sales edged lower. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national home sales decreased 0.7% from July to August 2026, while newly listed properties increased 3.3%. Actual sales activity was also 6.9% below August 2025. For buyers and... [read more]

Should You Get a Home Inspection Before Buying a House? Buying a home is a major financial commitment, but even a property that looks great during a showing can have problems that aren’t immediately obvious. A home inspection can provide buyers with more information about the condition of a property before they become fully committed to the purchase. But what does an inspection actually cover? What happens if problems are discovered? And should every buyer make their offer... [read more]

What Happens When a Home Appraisal Comes in Low? You’ve negotiated the offer, the Agreement of Purchase and Sale has been accepted, and everyone is preparing for closing. Then the lender orders an appraisal — and the property is valued for less than the agreed purchase price. A low appraisal can create a serious issue, particularly when the buyer is relying on mortgage financing to complete the purchase. But it does not automatically mean the transaction is... [read more]

July 2026 Real Estate Market Update: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know The July numbers are in, and the market continued to slow compared to both June and last year. While fewer homes were bought and sold, buyers still have more options than they’ve had in quite some time. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, here’s what you need to know.   Sales Activity Slowed July saw 1,518 homes sold, which was: 11.0% lower than June 11.3% lower than... [read more]

What Is a Conditional Offer? Not every accepted offer immediately becomes a firm sale. Many real estate transactions include conditions that must be satisfied before the agreement becomes legally binding. Understanding how conditional offers work can help both buyers and sellers make informed decisions. For more real estate advice and market insights, visit: https://stephenpaige.com   What Is a Conditional Offer? A conditional offer is an Agreement of Purchase and... [read more]

What Is a Final Walkthrough Before Closing? After weeks of searching, negotiating, inspections, financing, and paperwork, closing day is almost here. Before the keys are handed over, many buyers complete one final visit to the property. This is known as the final walkthrough, and it’s an important opportunity to ensure everything is as expected before ownership changes hands. For more real estate advice and market insights, visit: https://stephenpaige.com   What... [read more]

What Is a Status Certificate When Buying a Condo? Buying a condominium is different from buying a freehold home. You are not only purchasing your individual unit—you are also becoming part of a condominium corporation with shared expenses, rules, financial obligations, and common property. That is why reviewing the status certificate is one of the most important steps in a condo purchase. For more real estate advice and market insights,... [read more]

What Is Title Insurance? Buying a home involves much more than choosing the right property and securing a mortgage. Before closing, your lawyer will likely recommend purchasing title insurance. Many buyers simply agree to it without understanding what it actually protects. For more real estate advice and market insights, visit: https://stephenpaige.com   What Is Title Insurance? Title insurance is a one-time insurance policy that protects homeowners and lenders... [read more]