Grace Cabral Toronto Realtor

🏡✨ Reflecting on the past year, I've noticed some common missteps made by buyers that I want to share with you. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned homeowner, these insights could be the key to a smoother, more successful real estate experience.

1️⃣ Waiting too long to buy: The real estate market is unpredictable. Don't miss out on your dream home by waiting for a price drop or lower interest rates.

2️⃣ Not sticking to budget: A dream home isn't dreamy if it's keeping you up at night over mortgage payments. Stay on track and within your means.

3️⃣ Not leaning heavily enough on your agent: Your agent is here to guide you around pitfalls and shoulder your concerns. Every question and doubt translates into a more seamless journey toward your dream home.

If you're teetering on the edge of these mistakes, I'm here to lend a hand! 💬 DM me or comment below, and let's work together to achieve your real estate goals. 🏠

While it might seem like a simple question, there are a few factors to take note of when deciding to move near a school.

ace.rismedia.com

Fancy a New Year’s Eve wrapped in slippers and snuggled on the couch over bustling bars and crowded dance floors?

You're not alone - I'm right there with you! Good thing choosing the comfort of home doesn't mean skimping on celebration.

For all my fellow homebodies, consider these suggestions:
• Sip in Style: Mix up elegant mocktails or cocktails like Hot Buttered Rum or Pomegranate Margarita. A quick recipe search promises a fun toast as the clock strikes twelve.
• Dreams on Display: Go beyond just resolutions for 2024. Dive into vision boarding to capture and display your aspirations. 'This is Adult Life' provides an insightful tutorial to get started.
• Elevate Game Night: Move past the usual Monopoly. Try Saboteur, the intriguing mafia card game, or Just One, a new word association game. Laughs and camaraderie guaranteed.
• Cinematic Celebrations: Rom-com marathon anyone?? Line up Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, and The Holiday. In the mood for action or comedy? Ocean’s 11 and Trading Places await.

Don't be afraid to go all out while staying in this New Year's Eve. Just be sure to bookmark this post, share it with friends, and come back to it when it's time to plan!

Source: How to Make a Vision Board for 2023 (and Why You Should) - This is Adult Life

The thrill of the hunt. The dance of negotiation. The joy of sealing the deal. Home buying truly is an adventure.

But what happens when the final handshake's over, the paperwork's done, and it’s just you in your new space?

The journey doesn’t end at the notary's desk; it takes a new turn.
If you’re a new homeowner, these questions are for you:

How's your new home treating you?
Smooth sailing for the first six months, or did some unexpected challenges pop up?
Maybe there’s a wall just begging to be redesigned, or perhaps you’ve been dreaming about adding that deck to lounge on.

While your agent was your go-to during the home-buying phase, are you wishing someone had your back now?

Good news! That’s where my 15-minute Homeowner Consultations come in.

Consider it a quick touchpoint where your vision meets my guidance and top vendor or contractor recommendations. Whether our paths have crossed before or not, I’m here to help you turn your after-move-in hiccups and new house dreams into a reality.

To schedule a 15-minute Homeowner Consultation, simply DM me. Let's ensure that the 'after' of your 'before and after' home story turns out as perfect as you've imagined!

Ever wonder why some people seem to stumble upon great home deals while others don't? It's not just luck.

Here are four insider tips for getting a steal of a deal on your next home.

1) Cancellations - Not every sale crosses the finish line, and when they don't, it's your opportunity to swoop in. These homes are like items left in the shopping cart—someone didn’t complete the purchase, and now it's up for grabs, often with an attractive price tag.

2) Homes with Higher Days on Market - You know those houses that seem like they've been on the market forever? Maybe they're slightly overpriced, or the listing photos didn't showcase their potential. A keen eye and a bit of patience can unveil their true value. Plus, the longer a house stays on the market, the more likely the seller is to negotiate on the price.

3) Homes that Have Fallen Out of Contract - When one deal falls through, it might pave the way for a better one. Owners of these homes are typically eager to sell, giving you the upper hand in negotiations.

4) Quick Move-in-Ready New Construction Homes - Builders are in the business of selling homes, not owning them. If a new construction home is move-in ready, chances are the builder is eager to sell. This means you might snag it for a better deal than you'd think.

Keep these tips in your back pocket, and the next time you're in the market, remember the best buys may be a blink away from the spotlight.

Feel free to message me if you want to know more about these strategies or have a specific question about home buying.

Imagine being able to see your new home or addition in 3D, complete with your style of home decor, before you ever spend a dime.

Meet Midjourneyai.ai, the cutting-edge AI platform that's revolutionizing home design for anyone moving in and out of the home space.

By answering a few prompts in the chat box, Midjourney can produce hi-res images that can help designers, builders, and decorators get a feel for what you’re after.

The platform can generate images based on furniture preferences, room layouts, and lighting choices and even suggest eco-friendly solutions.

So whether you're renovating, building from scratch, or simply daydreaming about your perfect space, AI tools like Midjourney can be your creative companion.

Ready to explore the possibilities?

Check out Midjourneyai.ai, and if you have any questions about integrating AI into your real estate plans, reach out. I'm here to help you turn your dreams into reality.

As I look back on 2023, my heart is filled with gratitude for the remarkable individuals I've had the honor to assist.

My role as their agent is not just about transactions but about understanding their stories and guiding them to a home where their next chapter can unfold.

Swipe left as I highlight a few memorable clients from this year that underscore my passion for real estate.

• A young couple with a 8 year old son, full of enthusiasm, embarking on their first home-buying adventure. It was a joy to guide them through the process and witness their excitement as they found their dream home just in time for the holidays near their best friends home in Mississauga.

• A young medical professional moving from Vancouver to Toronto for a full-time job offer. This person left her family and friends for the allure of a new job in the medical field of her dreams. Assisting her find the best value for her new Toronto condo and watching her set out on a new journey all her own was truly inspiring.

If your plans for he new year include buying or selling a home, I’d be honoured to be a part of your story. DM me or give me a call — I can’t wait to provide top-notch service to help you achieve your real estate goals.

You might have heard some chatter about how interest rates made a record spike recently.

It stings even more if you were one of the buyers who decided to hold off from 2021-2022. Those sweet 3% interest rates? Gone for now.

And while many are crossing fingers and toes, eyes locked on the Fed for a glimmer of hope for those rates to drop, here's a friendly reminder: Be careful what you wish for.

Sure, a dip in rates sounds amazing right about now, but there's a catch — lower rates typically bring in a crowd.

More buyers = More competition. And that? That can push home prices right up. So, instead of waiting for someone or something else to determine your future, here's a thought: Don't try to time the market.

Focus on what's in your control — like figuring out a monthly payment you’re comfortable with and finding a home that fits snugly within that range.

Because when you find the right home at the right price, you won't be wishing for anything else this holiday season!

If you know you’re ready to buy and you're tired of waiting on the sidelines, reach out! I'm here to guide you.

🏡✨ The offer's green light signals the start of a whirlwind journey! From scheduling inspections to earnest money commitments, and crunching numbers with local lenders, it's a race against time. ⏳ Remember, due diligence is key! Your dream home awaits, and I'm here to guide you every step of the way. 🌟

🔍 Found this info helpful? Don't hesitate to reach out with more questions about what comes after 'offer accepted.' I want you to know exactly what to expect as you move towards your new home! 🏠💬

Ever peeked at a worn-out house and thought, 'That could be something special?'

Here's why your gut might be onto something big.

Diving into a fixer-upper isn't just about snagging a home at a lower price, though that's a sweet perk. The real magic isn’t always visible on the surface, but oh, the rewards:

1) Smooth Sailing

Fewer buyers often mean fewer bidding wars, which might get you better terms and even a few concessions.

2) Tailor-Made

Swap 'standard' for 'custom.' Turn that space into YOUR dream canvas—no more settling.

3) Equity Boost

As you spruce things up, you're not just beautifying; you're adding value and watching your home's worth climb. Cha-ching!

4) VIP Pass to Prime Locales

Those ritzy neighborhoods? A fixer-upper can be your golden ticket in without the gold-plated prices.

5) Friendly Tax Bill

A lower purchase price can lead to a lower tax assessment. Now, that’s a win-win for buyers.

Are you thinking of taking the plunge or just curious about your options? Send me a message!

Transform your home into a winter haven and create an idyllic cabin-in-the-woods atmosphere with this step-by-step checklist.

Set the Stage
• Cozy candles - Try Woodwick candles if you like the flickering light + crackling pops.
• Chunky blankets - Add texture and warmth with plush throws, heirloom quilts, or a blanket the whole family can share from The Big Blanket Company.
• Featured fireplace - Don't have the real thing? No worries—find a fireplace video on YouTube for that comforting ambiance.
• Smooth jazz - Set the mood with Spotify playlists that capture the season's essence.

Elevate the vibe
• Classic board games - Every cabin in the woods has a cabinet of classic board games like Scrabble, Checkers, Sorry, or Scategories.
• Rocking chairs - Nothing says “Welcome to our Cabin” like rows of rocking chairs. If you have one or more in other rooms, bring it to the living from for the holiday season.

Dress the Part
Make a statement with a pair of fleece-lined slippers from UGGS or LLBean and comfy loungewear with a stocking hat to match. (For the ladies, check out Vuori's Douglas Cashmere & Merino Beanie Hat!)

Indulge in Comfort Food (and Drink!)
• Soups, stews, and chowders hit the cozy cabin bill. Need some inspo? Search for Martha Stewart’s Vegetable Bean or Potato, Broccoli, and Cheddar Soup.
• Top off your cabin-inspired meal with a fresh-baked apple pie and hot cocoa. Crow & Moss Honduras Wampusirpi Drinking Chocolate is a top pick for dark chocolate lovers, but if you're looking for something nostalgic, Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix is your best choice.
• Or skip the hot chocolate altogether and go straight for the Jingle Juice—a merry blend of Cran-Apple Juice, Red Moscato, Prosecco, Vodka, and frozen cranberries.

If you’re going for cabin cozy, why not go all the way? Enjoy, friends, and from my home to yours, once again, happy holidays!

Source:
22 Winter Soups That Will Keep You Cozy
Easy Apple Pie Recipe (Just like Grandma Made!) - Little Spoon Farm
We Tasted Every Instant Hot Chocolate We Could Find — Here Are the Best
Best Jingle Juice Recipe

Check out this home!

Much Sought-After Location with a Ravine View! 751 Sqft|1 Bdrm+Den Corner Unit| Freshly Painted|Extended Kitchen Cabinets|9Ft Ceilings| Large Windows W/Lots Of Natural Light|Primary Bedroom W/Large Walk-In Closet & 3 Piece En-Suite|Newer Laminate Flooring|4 Piece S/S Appliances|New Microwave|Granite Counter Tops|1 Parking & 1 Locker|Close To Hwys 27,427,401,409 Shopping & Woodbine Casino & Racetrack

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1202 Queens Plate Drive, Toronto. Click for more photos and pricing 1202 Queens Plate Drive, Toronto, ON M9W 0E7. Click for more photos and pricing

Contemplating a 'For Sale' sign among your December decorations? 🤔 🏡

Here are a few thoughts to help you minimize stress, stay in the festive spirit, and secure a quick sale:

👍🏻 The Do’s

Embrace the season: Decorate tastefully to showcase your home's holiday charm and help buyers envision their own future celebrations in your space.

Cozy up: Create a warm, inviting atmosphere with soft lighting, comfy throws, and delightful scents (try Stovetop Christmas Potpourri — it’s a game-changer).

Stay flex: December is a hectic time for everyone. Be accommodating with showing schedules to make the process smoother for all parties involved.

👎🏻 The Don'ts

Overdo decor: Less is more when it comes to holiday decorations. Avoid overwhelm and let your home's layout, lighting, and features shine.

Forget basic upkeep: Amidst the holiday hustle, remember essential home upkeep. A well-maintained home makes a first — and lasting — impression on buyers.

Over-personalize: Clear out personal items and excess clutter to help buyers visualize living within your four walls.

Remember, December buyers are serious buyers, so if you’re ready to make the most of this month’s real estate market, message me, and let's chat about your listing today.

Regulations vary depending on the city. Costs and responsibility for repair or replacement also depend on the city.

Why homebuyers should get a sewer inspection When shopping for a house, many homebuyers overlook the sewer lateral that runs below the ground of a property. This is the pipe that carries wastewater from a home's toilets, sinks, showers, laundry and floor drains to the city or county sewer line.

This episode alone could stop you from losing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Multifamily Experts: Look Out For These 7 “Red Flags” BEFORE You Invest Today, we’ve got two multifamily real estate experts, Andrew Cushman and Matt Faircloth, on the show to go through the multifamily and syndication red flags that could cost you EVERYTHING. Andrew even went through the painful process of losing 90% of an investment years ago just to walk through hi...

This building spent its first forty years as a printing shop before being converted into a home in 1996.

The place has a radiant floor heating system installed in 2010. It also comes with a series of multi-coloured lights, perfect for setting the mood. It’s near all of downtown’s cultural amenities, and no canvas is too tall for these 17-foot ceilings.

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609 Wellington Street West, Toronto. Click for more photos and pricing 609 Wellington Street West, Toronto M5V 1G3. Click for more photos and pricing