Scarborough Rib Fest (August 3rd-7th)

Enjoy delicious ribs, hot dogs, french fries, corn on the cob and more… Midway rides, Creative designs by crafters and vendors, All day beer garden and more!

SummerWorks Performance Festival (August 3rd-13th)

The 2023 SummerWorks Performance Festival will feature an eclectic mix of programming in a multitude of formats, including theatre, dance, and sound/music performances, sensorial experiences, site-responsive activations, and community gatherings. The Festival is presented in both the East and West ends of Toronto at The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance, Aki Studio at Daniels Spectrum, and The Theatre Centre from August 3 – August 13, 2023.

Toronto Food Truck Festival (August 4th-7th)

Woodbine Park has never tasted this delicious before. Back for another year, The Toronto Food Truck Festival is serving up some real must-eats! As always, admission is free and there’s something for everyone. Entertain yourself with some of Toronto’s best local talent, participate in our live-eating challenges and enjoy a cold beer!

Taste Of India Food Festival (August 4th-5th)

Taste of India is the largest Indian Food Festival in North America. Witnessing a footfall of whoopin 10,000 + attendees, Taste of India is an yearly event taking place in the month of August.

Boots And Hearts (August 10th-13th)

Boots & Hearts Music Festival is Canada’s largest country music festival, held annually in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds. This year we see headliners such as Tim McGraw, Nickelback and Keith Urban.

Taste of the Danforth (August 11th-13th)

Mark your calendars for August 11-13, and join us for an unforgettable weekend brimming with delectable cuisine and entertainment. Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of the diverse cultures that thrive along the Danforth, where you can savour a culinary journey unlike any other. From savoury street eats to delicious dessert creations, our festival promises to be a delight for all! 

But Taste of the Danforth isn’t just about food—it’s an experience for the entire family! Join us for a festival that showcases the fusion of flavours and cultures of our beloved Danforth businesses.

The CNE (August 18th-September 4th)

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is Canada’s largest community event and one of the top agricultural fairs in North America. Founded in 1879 as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition, the CNE is a not-for-profit organization that has enjoyed a distinguished history as a showcase of the nation. People came to experience the latest innovations in technology and commercial products, to enjoy the popular entertainers of the time, and to engage in a collective community celebration.

Japan Fest (August 19th-20th)

Japan Festival CANADA has been hosted in one of the multicultural countries in the world, Canada, to introduce and promote genuine Japanese food, culture and technologies.

After holding our Festival virtually in 2020 and 2021, we were thrilled to host a successful return to our in-person festival with Japan Festival CANADA 2022.

We are now once again planning our in-person festival for Japan Festival CANADA 2023.

Please continue to monitor this page and our social media channels for updates regarding programming.

The concept of Japan Festival CANADA is to contribute in further success of establishing Canada and Japan Diplomatic Relations. Since the first year event in 2016, Japan Festival CANADA has been hosted annually in the summer.

Enjoy Some Great Live Music

Summers in Toronto are music season! From Matchbox 20 to Queens of the Stone Age, get your rock on this August.

Escape The Heat With Some Great Movies Coming To Netflix Canada

As the warm weather continues, beat the heat with these great new additions to Netflix Canada in August.

With the exception of your friendly neighbourhood real estate agent, the market isn’t generally at the forefront of people’s minds when we are enjoying steamy summer weather. That’s especially true now that the world has opened up and we are travelling again.

There is definitely a summer slowdown happening with fewer showings being booked and properties sitting on the market for longer. It’s nothing unusual. The housing market has also slowed from the spring peak, but that’s more of a seasonal adjustment. It may be coincidental but the drop in activity started when the most recent rate hike was announced, which also coincided with the end of the spring season. Speculations about rate hikes always result in potential buyers being in a “wait and see” frame of mind, and the rumblings about another hike in September, have kept activity low.

What is unusual is that, despite buyer hesitancy, I am seeing more listings coming onto the market at a time when traditionally, there are fewer new listings. I think that people were shaken by the latest rate hike and are thinking ‘Jeepers, I better sell now before the next rate increase comes.”

Unfortunately, that rate hike is already being talked about, so they are probably too late to capitalize.

Condo sales are up considerably compared to 2022, with an average price decrease of $25,000. Whether the trend toward lower prices continues remains to be seen. Despite higher mortgage payments, people are not yet highly motivated to sell. Of course, that could change in the next year or so when people who took out a mortgage in 2020 at 2.5% are faced with a renewal at 6.19%. For reference, that rate difference would add about $1,000 per month to a $500,000 mortgage.

Regardless of whether the Bank of Canada raises interest rates, I think we’ll be in for a slower fall. Inflation is hitting all sectors, which makes the cost of living higher across the board. Even a small percentage increase has a big impact on monthly payments and budgeting.

That said, part of my job is to identify where the opportunities are. It is a good time to be considering investing in an income property, especially if you have cash on hand. Don’t let anyone try to make you believe differently. One thing to keep in mind is that to break even, you’d have to put down about 50% of the purchase price. Even with rents as high as they are, which is about $2500 for the average one-bedroom apartment and $3200 for the average two-bedroom unit, it’s difficult to make the numbers make sense with only 10-20% down.

Will there be deals to be had? Right now, I’m not seeing many people eager to sell but, as mortgages come up for renewal, there could be some flexibility when it comes to pricing. I certainly don’t think there will be a major price drop but considering the emotionality & impulsivity around some people’s money related, decision making, there definitely could be some good entry points for investors who are poised for action.

Eventually over the years, interest rates will come down and you’ll make money on your investment when you sell it. Here’s a guide to investment properties I wrote in 2021, and one on financing.

If you’re interested in gaining further knowledge about investment properties, please get in touch.

One of Toronto’s favourite summer pastimes is hanging out on a patio, but not all patios are created equal! Thankfully Toronto has enough rooftop and backyard patios to suit everyone’s needs and you’ll find a list of them below. Also included is a selection of great summer events to enjoy this month and Part-2 of a blog post related to what can go wrong when buying a house or condo.

The numbers are out for June sales and the news is mixed. Sales in the GTA were up by 16.5% compared to June 2022, despite fewer listings, resulting in an average selling price up by 3.2%. However, both the number of sales and the average price were down compared to May 2023. Toronto’s east end has proven to be the busiest part of the city with properties receiving, on average, between 105% and 113% of asking.

The good news is that Toronto’s market is incredibly resilient and despite higher interest rates buyers are still entering the market. Though the Bank of Canada raised the key interest rate by another .25, we are unlikely to feel the results for several months.

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Canada Day At Downsview Park (July 1st)

We can’t wait for you to join us on Canada Day, July 1 for our annual festival! See you at the Festival Terrace!

We’ll have live entertainment, games for kids, inflatables, vendors and so much more! All for FREE. So, bring your friends, family and neighbours out for an amazing afternoon and evening.

Did we mention that there’ll be fireworks and food trucks too?

Toronto Outdoor Art Fest (July 7th-9th) 

Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF) is the charitable non-profit organization behind Canada’s largest and longest-running annual contemporary art fair. Established in 1961 to connect Canadian artists directly to the public, TOAF showcases 400+ emerging and established visual artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors and artists working in ceramics, textiles, jewellery and more. The event brings together 150,000 art lovers and enthusiasts who spend over 2 million dollars on art during the Fair. This free public event takes place every July – rain or shine – at Nathan Phillips Square in the heart of downtown Toronto. The Fair offers something for everyone: talks, tours, digital studio visits, curated collections, kids workshops, live painting, dance, music, art installations and food and drink experiences.

WineFest (July 7th-9th)

An annual 3-day event celebrating the city’s buzzing wine culture with a chance to try wines from all around the world.

AfroFest (July 7th-9th)

AFROFEST is the largest free African Music Festival in North America.Through our programming over the years, AFROFEST has become one of the most important African cultural organizations in Canada. We present multicultural events and initiatives that aim at celebrating the beauty and diversity of African cultural heritage and reducing or eliminating anti-Black racism in Canada.Key Points About AFROFEST 2023: 

Movies Under The Stars (July 11th-August 31st)

Movies Under the Stars returns to Downsview Park this year! Our 7th annual movie program will be taking place by the lake. 

Movies Under the Stars 2023 Schedule:

Tuesday, July 11 – The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Thursday, July 27 – Top Gun: Maverick

Wednesday, August 9 – Strange World

Friday, August 18 – Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

Thursday, August 31 – Nostalgia Night (Stay tuned for more details on this special night where you get to vote for your favourite 80s movie!)

Toronto Honda Indy (July 14th-16th)

Start your engines and get ready to watch cars rip around the track at the return of the Honda Indy!

The Honda Indy Toronto features a 2.84 km (1.755 mile), 11-turn temporary street course located in downtown Toronto, Ontario. The track is constructed throughout and around Exhibition Place grounds and utilizes Lake Shore Boulevard as the backstretch.

Taste Of The Middle East (July 14th-16th)

Through our events and programs, we let Toronto’s diversity shine.  

We allow for newcomers to maintain a connection to their own culture &  to learn more about new ones.  We allow youth to feel pride in their own heritage and to feel like they belong.  We increase awareness about the importance of protecting culture and diversity.

From culture to dance to music to food, you can explore and taste the middle east at this great event.

BrazilFest (July 21st-23rd)

Calling all culture enthusiasts, music lovers, and foodies! Experience the rich colors, captivating rhythms, and mouthwatering flavors of Brazil at BrazilFest 2023. From July 21st to 23rd, prepare for a weekend of non-stop festivities that will leave you mesmerized.

Start the celebration on Friday, July 21st, at THE AXIS CLUB with an unforgettable night of Brazilianmusic and dance. Then, on Saturday and Sunday, July 22nd-23rd, head over to Earlscourt Park for a lively celebration of Brazilian culture. Rain or shine, we guarantee an incredible experience for the whole family.

Indulge in authentic Brazilian cuisine, from savory feijoada to sweet brigadeiros, and let your taste buds savor the flavors of Brazil. Connect with fellow festival-goers, soak up the lively atmosphere, and make lasting memories at BrazilFest 2023. This is your chance to travel to Brazil without leaving Toronto!

OssFest (July 22nd)

OssFest returns for its 6th edition of a pedestrian take over of the Ossington Strip between Dundas St W and Queen St W.

The day will start of with a health and wellness feature in the morning, followed by artisans and local businesses showcasing their goods all day.

OssFest will have over 25 extended patios alongside music and entertainment programming all day and into the evening.

It is family friendly, dog friendly, and is a fantastic way to celebrate the neighbourhood and Toronto! And people talk about it all year, excited for the next.

Enjoy Some Great Live Music

Summers in Toronto are music season! From Weezer to Billy Talent to Beyonce there is something for everyone this July.

Escape The Heat With Some Great Movies Coming To Netflix Canada

As the warm weather starts to smother us, beat the heat with these great new additions to Netflix Canada in July.

Explore A Local Museum

Did you know that you can explore Toronto’s history for free all year round? Take a tour of one of these museums and beat the heat this summer.

Welcome to part two about what can go wrong when you’re buying a house. If you haven’t read part one, click here.

Among the many benefits of using a seasoned realtor like myself is that not only do I know when something doesn’t feel quite right, I know the questions that need to be asked in order to prevent problems from even occurring. Let’s have a look at some of the more unusual occurrences and how they can be thwarted.

No Vacant Possession!

It should be obvious that, unless otherwise agreed to, sellers are required to move out of the house on or before the day of closing…. but to be super clear, it is mentioned on Page 1 of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale under the clause titled CLOSING DATE that vacant possession is to be provided.

And yet, it happens, on occasion, that the sellers don’t move out in time… or if they have moved out, have left the property in a terrible state of disarray.

Very early in my career, I had a buyer attempt to move in to their new home, but the seller hadn’t moved out. It took them three days to move, and when they did, the place was completely upside down. It was so bad that I hired cleaners to come in and it took an entire day to bring it to a liveable condition.

How can you prevent these situations from happening? Make sure you have at least two buyer access visits in your agreement. Three would be better, but two at a minimum. At the first visit, it’s fairly simple to gauge whether someone is in the process of moving. If you make the last visit close to closing, perhaps even the day before, then you’ll know for sure if the seller has already moved or at least is intending to move out.

Booking your last buyer visit allows you to be sure that the home is vacant, clean, and that there’s no damage. It’s rare that people move out on the day of closing, so if you come for your last visit and if you see the seller has moved out and caused damage, you can do what’s called a holdback. A holdback is where your lawyer holds back a certain amount of money in order to ensure repairs or cleaning are paid for by the seller. It’s not unusual, but it’s rarely required.

Unpaid Taxes

The vacancy tax that was recently implemented by the city of Toronto and, yearly, is every property owner’s responsibility to declare whether the home was or was not vacant for more than 6 months out of the previous year. If the property was vacant, the seller is required to pay a vacancy tax to the city. This tax, if not paid by the seller, gets passed on to the buyer. If the tax hasn’t been dealt with or paid by the seller, there can be a lien on the property the buyer has to pay once they are the new owner. As a buyer, you want to ensure that the declaration has been made or that it is stipulated in the agreement that the balance owing will be paid by the seller.

As a buyer, you should also know if the seller is a non-resident, especially if the unit has been vacant for some time, because the seller will owe tax. And if they’re not Canadian citizens, they may not have a social insurance or tax number, which requires an application to the CRA, and that takes time.

There is a clause in the pre-printed portion of the standard agreement of Purchase and Sale in which the seller declares that they are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident but it’s best to know for sure and ask, so there’s no confusion or hold up at the time of closing.

If you don’t do your homework, you could be on the hook to pay either of the above taxes. You can always appeal, but it’s a hassle… so, here’s how you troubleshoot this: most brokerages provide a schedule B to attach to your offer and this should have a clause regarding the vacancy tax. As a realtor, I have this clause ready to use, regardless.

Construction and Open Permits

When you buy a house that has obviously been substantially renovated, you need to make sure that the permits are closed and the sellers can produce the documentation showing the city’s final approval. If there are open permits, the deal can’t close. The permits are closed once a city inspector signs off on the work.

I had a client who had done some structural work to their house. The city came to inspect it, so they closed up the ceiling. It wasn’t until they went to sell the house that they learned the permit was never actually closed. The city then deemed it wasn’t done properly, so the seller had to re-do the structural work and get the permits closed. This all had to be done in a 60 day window of time and over the holidays. As a seller, make sure that any open permits are closed. As a buyer, you want to make sure you’re protected so it’s best to add a clause into an agreement that has the seller warranting all renovations, if requiring permits, were done with a permit and that those permits have been closed. If the work is less than 5 years old, you can actually visit the city website to see open permits.

Predicting the Unpredictable

With the decades of experience I’ve racked up, it’s very hard to surprise me… but it still happens! Having a solid list of clauses to add to any agreement is your best defence to making sure there are no surprises (or as few as possible) when buying or selling.

In every agreement of purchase and sale, there’s a clause that states that the house is being delivered in the state in which the buyer saw it – and if there’s a substantial difference the buyer has a right to get out of the agreement. Minor discrepancies sometimes allow for a renegotiation of the terms.

Thankfully, Toronto sees very few tornados and other natural disasters, but basements can flood. I’ve been involved in some serious touch and go situations, but nothing has ever been so bad that the sale hasn’t closed. Having enough insurance can help smooth out any situation.

If you have any questions about the real estate market, please get in touch!

It’s June, and Toronto is buzzing! Between Taste of Little Italy, farmers markets, Luminato, and Pride, there is an abundance of things to see and do! You’ll find my picks for what’s happening in the city below. I’m looking forward to catching a couple of this year’s summer ribfests, riding my bike along some of Toronto’s many trails and watching the sunsets from the hill at Riverdale Park along Broadview.

In response to a robust economy and consumer spending, the Bank of Canada raised its overnight rate to 4.75%, which is the highest it’s been since April, 2001. Whether this cools the market remains to be seen. Last month, sales across the GTA were up by 24.7% compared to May 2022, and new listings were down by 18.7%. This resulted in a tighter market for buyers, pushing prices up month-over-month. The biggest change can be seen in the average price of a detached home in Toronto, which was up by over $155K compared to April. At $1,913,132, it’s only a hair under the prices being paid a year ago.

If you know someone who’s thinking about buying their first place, please forward this email to them. Below, you’ll find my blog post with information about what they need to know – and the incentives available.

Click here for the full newsletter

Pride Toronto (All June)

Pride Toronto continues a legacy that is deeply intertwined with the rich, progressive history of Toronto’s queer community. From a small gathering of dedicated activists fighting for their right to love and be seen, to clashes with the government and police, to the vibrant celebration we know today, Pride has been a long time in the making. The parade takes place on Sunday, June 25. 

The Gardens At Casa Loma (Open Select Days June-August)

The Gardens of Casa Loma offers guests an opportunity to enjoy a casual meal al fresco in the center of Casa Loma’s award-winning gardens surrounded by spectacular views of the city skyline and the majestic castle.

Canadian Music Week (June 5th-10th)

Now in its 41st year, the Canadian Music Week Conference is still the premier annual music business and networking event in Canada and coming back in 2023 it’s in person live! We promise to deliver a world class experience in the Heart of Toronto once again.

RBC Canadian Open (June 6th-11th)

The RBC Canadian Open is the third oldest continuously running tournament on the PGA TOUR, after The Open Championship and the U.S. Open.

Only two players have been able to capture golf’s Triple Crown (consisting of winning all three National Open titles in the same season); they are Lee Trevino (1971) and Tiger Woods (2000).

Luminato (June 7th-18th)

Luminato Festival Toronto is an international arts festival dedicated to big, bold contemporary works of art that cut across traditional artistic boundaries of music, dance, theatre, and visual art. Originally created to help Toronto rebuild after the SARS epidemic, Luminato works at the intersection of artists, spectators, and city spaces to produce once-in-a-lifetime experiences that highlight the very best of our city, region, and country. ​

Toronto Flower Market (June 10th)

Toronto Flower Market is the city’s first outdoor flower market. We celebrate and support Ontario grown flowers & plants, connecting growers and florists directly with the city. The market season runs monthly from May through October, with special collaborations sprouting up throughout the year. It happens between 10am and 3pm at CAMH (1001 Queen Street West). 

Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival (June 17th and 18th)

In 2023, as the Festival celebrates its 34th year, the Toronto International Drag Boat Race Festival promises to continue to be one of the most exciting summer events in Toronto and one of the most prestigious dragon boat festivals on the North American dragon boat calendar. Once again, this year, the Festival will welcome teams from across Canada, the U.S., the Caribbean Islands, Europe, and Asia.

Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (June 22nd – August 27th)

From June 22 to August 27, 2023, Toronto Outdoor Picture Show proudly presents Another World, a 21-date open-air festival programme. Like in 2022, the TOPS season will kick off with a 5-evening opening weekend of film screenings at Fort York, before moving the travelling show to Corktown Common, Bell Manor Park, and TOPS’ signature series, Christie Pits Film Festival, in July and August. Films include Jurassic Park, Pan’s Labyrinth, and Everything Everywhere All At Once. 

Toronto TD Jazz Festival (June 23rd-July 2nd)

What began in 1987 as an eight day showcase of jazz now attracts in excess of 500,000 loyal patrons annually over 10 days as more than 1,500 musicians entertain all across the city. The Festival has become a destination event, not just for music lovers but for some of the greatest jazz celebrities in the world, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in artistic excellence and outstanding production standards. Headliners include Herbie Hancock and Ashanti. 

Smorgasburg (June 24th-September 9th)

Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America, attracting thousands of people to Brooklyn, Manhattan, Los Angeles and Miami each weekend to eat from dozens of local vendors. This year, Smorgasburg Toronto is returning for a second season! 

Smorgasburg Toronto will feature 50 weekly vendors every Saturday from June 24 to September 9. Conveniently located at 7 Queens Quay East, at the foot of Yonge Street.

Try Some Delicious New Restaurants and Bars

June is here and as we make our way back out and enjoy the warm weather, you can fill up at these delicious new restaurants and bars that will keep you going for all of your Spring and Summer adventures.

Believe it or not, there are many things that can go sideways when you’re getting ready to close on a house or condo. Sometimes it’s something minor like the home needing a good cleaning because it’s not left the way it should be, and sometimes it is more serious like the current residents not actually moving out when they are supposed to. In fact, there are so many things that can go awry, this blog is a two-parter!

Among the many benefits of using a (ahem) seasoned realtor, is that not only do I know when something doesn’t feel quite right, I know the questions that need to be asked in order to prevent problems from even occurring. Let’s have a look at some of the more common things that can happen and how they can be thwarted.

Financing

Unless you’re paying cash and if the situation allows for it, I always recommend including a five day financing condition in any offer you submit on a property. This allows you to secure a firm commitment from a lender that’s satisfactory to you, otherwise the sale becomes null and void. This is important because, although you may be pre-approved, there are more hoops to jump through before getting a firm commitment from a lender.

With a financing condition, if you don’t truly qualify for the amount you’re asking for, the contract can be cancelled, and you get your deposit back, eventually.

That said, in a hot market, an offer conditional upon financing can be the clause that makes the difference between you getting your dream home or not. When a seller is presented with two similar offers and one is ‘clean’ (ie, no conditions), a seller will usually go with the clean offer. Working with an experienced mortgage broker who has access to a number of lenders can help with any speedbumps.

Closing Date

People often ask about how quickly a property can close. I understand, a new home is exciting, and you want to get in there, especially if the property is vacant. However, I recommend a minimum closing period of 30 days.

You may be pre-approved for a mortgage, but a lot more is required when a lender is about to hand over hundreds of thousand of dollars, and you want to make sure you have enough time to dot your i’s and cross your t’s.

Your lawyer (who will likely suggest a minimum of 45 to 60 days) has to do title searches and there is a lot of paperwork, which sometimes needs to be corrected, not to mention that a lender may require additional documentation depending on your situation.

Delays can happen, especially with backlogs at the bank. I’ve spoken with a number of lawyers frustrated with securing funds, so the smartest thing you can do is have a reasonable closing so that any hiccups can be taken care of. I know you want those keys, but you’ll sleep better knowing that everything has been settled.

One other related tip is to book your move for the day after the closing date and not the day of the closing. If there are delays on closing day, it means you may not get your keys on time. If you’ve booked movers for the same day, you’re paying for them.

Buyer’s Remorse

Sometimes buyers have second thoughts once the excitement has dissipated. If you’re buying a pre-construction condo, there is a 10-day cooling off period, in which you can back out of the deal for any reason. But that doesn’t exist on a re-sale.

So how can a buyer legally back out?

If there’s a substantial discrepancy and the buyer thought they were buying a property that they aren’t getting, then there may be an opportunity to walk away or renegotiate… but a contract is a contract and they are easier to get into then they are to break. Also, if by chance you are able to walk away, you don’t just automatically get the deposit back. You have to prove that you were wronged and deserve the deposit back and sometimes the courts have to get involved to settle any issues.

If your offer is conditional upon the home inspection and something major is discovered, it’s possible that the contract can be cancelled. That said, I have yet to come across a deal that couldn’t be saved, whether through a repair or an adjustment of the purchase price.

One way to prevent any surprises for both parties is for the sellers to have an independent home inspection done before the home goes on the market. It’s not uncommon for the sellers to do this in preparation for listing their home. Not only does this reveal any red flags with the home, if the listing may potentially receive multiple offers at one time, it could bring comfort to buyers to be able to review the report in advance of offering in order to submit an offer without a home inspection condition.

When buying a condo, there’s almost always a condition that the lawyer has to be satisfied with the status certificate package. This package allows the lawyer to review any and all documents related to condo you’re interested in and the corporation within which it’s registered. The seller’s agent usually has it available prior to listing the property on MLS and if not, it’s easy to order.

The interesting thing with this condition is that it often requires the lawyer to be 100% satisfied – and if they aren’t, the offer can be withdrawn without giving the specific reason.

Next month: what happens if the home sellers haven’t actually moved out?

One of my favourite events is back this year, Doors Open Toronto. It’s a great opportunity to see some buildings that are normally closed to the public, including the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant and the Ontario Legislative Building. You’ll find more info and some other terrific events in the blog, below.

The real estate market continues to slowly recover, as we see both prices and the number of sales up slightly over March. Increased mortgage rates are just part of the story; with so few listings available, sellers don’t want to list until they’ve found a place to move, and pent up demand is pushing prices up a little.

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Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival (May)

During the month of May experience over 180 lens-based exhibitions, site-specific installations, and commissioned projects by artists and photographers at museums, galleries, and public spaces throughout Toronto.

Canada’s Wonderland (May 5th to the end of the summer)

Canada’s Wonderland is set to open up it’s doors once again in May! Since 1981, Canada’s Wonderland has been the premier destination in Ontario for thrills, family fun, and world-class entertainment. Located in Vaughan, just north of Toronto, the amusement park features more than 200 attractions including 18 roller coasters, two children’s areas, and Splash Works, the 20-acre water park.

Experience fun, thrills and make lifelong memories with family or friends at this four-season amusement park. If you’re looking for amazing things to do in the Toronto area, don’t miss the live shows and special events through spring, summer, fall, and winter including Halloween Haunt and the immersive holiday event WinterFest.

Toronto Flower Market (May 13th)

Founded in May 2013, Toronto Flower Market is the city’s first outdoor flower market. We celebrate and support Ontario grown flowers & plants, connecting growers and florists directly with the city. The market season runs monthly from May through October, with special collaborations sprouting up throughout the year. 

Over the years, the market has cultivated a passionate local flower community of growers, florists, designers, gardeners and producers who transform the city into creative flora and fauna experiences. Our aim is to develop stories and engagements with flowers that educate consumers about seasonality. 

Mother’s Day High Tea At The Castle (May 13th and 14th)

This Mother’s Day weekend, experience the elegance of the Edwardian era with an afternoon tea at Toronto’s iconic castle, Casa Loma. An elevated experience, guests will sample a selection of premium teas, scones, gourmet pastries and tea sandwiches in the majestic ambiance of the Castle.

High Tea guests are permitted to tour the castle, as part of their reservation. Guests with a later seating are asked to tour prior to their reservations as the Castle closes at 5pm daily.

Beaches Artisan Market (May 14th)

Bring your family and friends to Queen St Marketplace for a day of shopping and fun! While admission is free for everyone, kids get an extra treat with free face painting. Enjoy the handcrafted works of over 50 independent artists, artisans, makers, and designers, while your little ones are transformed into their favourite characters.

Nostalgic Market (May 14th-15th)

The wait is over, Nostalgic Market is back! Join us as we return with a weekend of all things vintage clothing and nostalgic collectible items that will bring you back to the glory days.

Free entry!

Fiesta De Mayo (May 26th-28th)

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Fiesta de Mayo is a vibrant and exciting event that brings together the beauty and diversity of many cultures to celebrate the arrival of spring. On May 26-28, the Street Eats 500 Progress Ave, Scarborough will come alive with the beating of tribal drums, colourful street dancing, and a wide variety of delicious food and drinks from our vendors!

Doors Open Toronto (May 27th-28th)

Each May, Doors Open Toronto invites the public to explore the city’s most-loved buildings and sites, free of charge. The event provides rare access to buildings that are not usually open to the public and free access to sites that would usually charge an admission fee. Since its inception in 2000, it has attracted more than two million visits to nearly 700 unique locations and remains the largest event of its kind in Canada.

Anime North (May 26th-28th)

Anime North is an anime convention located in Toronto, Canada that celebrates anime, manga, music, games and all other forms of Japanese Culture!

Anime North will be the weekend of May 26-28, 2023 at the Toronto Congress Centre, Delta Hotel Airport and Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel.

Party 4 Paws Spring Pet Fair (May 27th-28th) 

Party 4 Paws Spring Pet Fair is a family-friendly, and fully accessible event where you can start your animal adoption journey, support local businesses by shopping for your pets, and meet celebrity pets.

Admission is free, and all donations go towards helping animals in need. There will also be other activities and attractions including doggie pools and tunnels, a photo booth, treats for pets, and displays of pet supplies, services, and goodies from an array of new and established businesses.

Take A Unique Day Trip From The City

There are so many unique day trips near Toronto that aren’t your average hike or winery tour. These destinations will definitely infuse a little excitement into your weekend or day off. Plus, all of these are only a few hours away from the city.

Enjoy Some Great New Movies And TV Shows

If you aren’t quite ready to make the trek to the outdoors, as always there are some great new additions to streaming services across May.

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also be very overwhelming. Where do you start and how do you even know what questions to ask?

I’ve worked with enough first time buyers to know the questions they need the answers to.

The best start for a first-time buyer is to approach a trusted and knowledgeable real estate agent. They will give them a sound path to follow in order to ensure they are following the steps to success. In truth, the real first step is meeting with a mortgage broker or lender to find out what financing options are available based your credit. You’ll find out what price range you can be approved for based on your salary and debt load. Once you have that information, you can figure out what you’re comfortable with in terms of a purchase price and carrying costs because those are two very different things.

In addition to the mortgage payment, you’ll need to budget for property taxes, gas, electricity, and maintenance. A condo will have fixed monthly maintenance fees and a house will also require regular upkeep which should be budgeted for. The current homeowner should be able to show you recent utility bills, while a home inspection will give you a good idea of the existing condition of the property and what repairs you should budget for in the future.

Deposit vs. Down Payment

Although your lender may have pre-qualified you for a mortgage, you will need some cash on hand for your deposit and down payment.

The deposit is the amount you give to the listing broker’s office when your offer has been accepted. A solid deposit shows you’re making a purchase in good faith and gets credited to the total purchase price on closing. In the Toronto market it is usually 5% of the home’s value.

The down payment is the amount of money you give to the seller through their lawyer upon closing. The difference between the cash you have in hand and the purchase price is the mortgage and it comes from your lender. Your deposit is included in calculations of your down payment.

How much do you need for a down payment?

• If the unit you’re buying is $500,000 or less, the minimum down payment is 5%.
• If the unit is between $500,000 and $999,999, you’ll need 5% for the first $500,000 and 10% for anything above $500K.
• And, if the space is $1M or more, you’ll need a minimum down payment of 20%.

An important note, if your down payment is less than 20%, you have to buy mortgage loan insurance. Insurance is not available if the purchase price of the home is over $1M.

Incentives available 

RRSP Home Buyer’s Plan.

You and your spouse can borrow up to $35,000 each to put towards a down payment and repay it over the next 15 years.

First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

The FHSA is a new account that allows people to save for their first home. You can contribute up to $8,000 every year to a maximum of $40,000.

Depending on your income and the price of the home you’re buying, you may also qualify for the federal First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, but before you get too excited, it’s hard to qualify in Toronto. The maximum value of the home you’re buying can’t exceed 4.5x your qualifying income, which means even if you earn the max eligible ($150,000), the property you’re buying can’t be more than $675,000.

Other funds you have to have on hand:

Lawyers fees, which can range wildly. If you don’t have a lawyer lined up, your realtor can refer you. I always give my clients three names so they can choose.

Land Transfer tax (both municipal and provincial), click here to access a handy calculator.

The good news is that you may also be eligible for a Land Transfer Tax Refund

Keep in mind that this is a refund and you will need to have the full amount of the Land Transfer Tax on hand. It can’t be incorporated into a mortgage.

You’ll also have to budget for moving costs, either a rental van and pizza and beer for your friends or for professional movers (highly recommended).

Even if you’ve owned property in the past, you may still be eligible for these incentives. The federal government considers you a first-time home buyer if “in the four year period, you did not occupy a home that you owned, or one that your current spouse or common-law partner owned.”

Now that you understand how much money you’ll need in addition to a deposit and a down payment, you’re ready to start looking for your new home based on the neighbourhoods you like and what sort of property you can afford.

I know this amount of information can be overwhelming, but that’s really why you need an experienced realtor. If you have any questions, please get in touch.