Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common real estate questions about buying, selling, and the GTA market.

Buying a Home

In Canada, the minimum down payment depends on the purchase price:

  • Under $500,000: 5% minimum down payment
  • $500,000 - $999,999: 5% on the first $500,000 + 10% on the remainder
  • $1 million or more: 20% minimum down payment

Keep in mind that if your down payment is less than 20%, you'll need mortgage default insurance (CMHC). I can connect you with trusted mortgage professionals to explore your options.

Closing costs typically range from 1.5% to 4% of the purchase price and include:

  • Land Transfer Tax: Ontario has provincial land transfer tax, and Toronto has an additional municipal tax
  • Legal fees: Typically $1,000-$2,500
  • Title insurance: Usually $200-$400
  • Home inspection: $400-$600
  • Appraisal fee: $300-$500
  • Moving costs and utility setup

First-time buyers may qualify for the Ontario Land Transfer Tax Rebate (up to $4,000). I'll help you understand all costs involved.

Yes, getting pre-approved is highly recommended! Here's why:

  • Know your budget: Understand exactly how much you can afford
  • Stronger offers: Sellers take pre-approved buyers more seriously
  • Rate lock: Pre-approval often locks in your interest rate for 90-120 days
  • Faster closing: Speed up the process when you find the right home

I work with several trusted mortgage professionals and can provide referrals to help you get started.

The timeline varies, but here's a typical breakdown:

  • Pre-approval: 1-3 days
  • House hunting: 2 weeks to several months
  • Making an offer and negotiation: 1-7 days
  • Conditional period: 5-10 days (for inspection, financing)
  • Closing: Typically 30-60 days from accepted offer

On average, clients who work with me find and close on their home within 2-3 months from starting their search.

Selling a Home

I provide a comprehensive market analysis that includes:

  • Comparable sales: Recent sales of similar homes in your area
  • Current listings: What you're competing against
  • Market conditions: Supply, demand, and seasonal factors
  • Property features: Upgrades, condition, lot size, and unique features
  • Location factors: Schools, transit, amenities

My free home evaluation gives you an accurate picture of your home's worth with no obligation.

My comprehensive marketing strategy includes:

  • Professional photography and virtual tours
  • MLS listing with maximum exposure
  • Social media marketing across multiple platforms
  • Targeted digital advertising
  • Open houses and private showings
  • Print marketing and feature sheets
  • Network of buyer agents with qualified buyers
  • Staging consultation to maximize appeal

This multi-channel approach ensures your home gets maximum visibility to qualified buyers.

The time to sell depends on several factors:

  • Price: Competitively priced homes sell faster
  • Condition: Well-maintained homes attract more buyers
  • Location: Some areas have higher demand
  • Market conditions: Seller's vs buyer's market
  • Season: Spring and fall tend to be more active

Many of my listings sell within 2-3 weeks, and I've sold homes in as little as 5 days. I'll give you a realistic timeline based on current market conditions.

It depends on the repairs needed. Generally:

  • Definitely fix: Safety issues, leaks, broken fixtures, obvious damage
  • Usually worth it: Fresh paint, deep cleaning, minor updates
  • Consider carefully: Major renovations - the return may not be worth the cost

I'll do a walk-through of your home and recommend which improvements will give you the best return on investment.

Market & Investment

Real estate timing depends on your personal circumstances more than market conditions. Consider:

  • Your financial readiness: Stable income, savings, credit score
  • Long-term plans: Planning to stay 5+ years generally makes buying worthwhile
  • Current market: I can provide up-to-date analysis of local conditions
  • Interest rates: Affect your buying power and monthly payments

The GTA has historically been a strong market for long-term growth. Let's discuss your specific situation to determine if now is right for you.

Investment potential varies based on your goals. Key factors I analyze include:

  • Growth corridors: Areas with planned infrastructure and development
  • Transit access: Properties near GO stations and future transit lines
  • Employment hubs: Proximity to major employers
  • Rental demand: Areas with strong rental markets for income properties
  • Price-to-rent ratios: Ensuring positive cash flow potential

I provide detailed market analysis for any area you're considering. Brampton, Mississauga, Milton, and the Kitchener-Waterloo corridor all offer unique opportunities.

Pre-construction means buying a property before it's built. Benefits include:

  • Lower initial investment: Extended deposit structure
  • Appreciation potential: Value may increase during construction
  • Customization: Choose finishes and sometimes layouts
  • New home warranty: Tarion coverage in Ontario

However, there are risks including delays, market changes, and builder reliability. I help you evaluate developers, understand contracts, and choose projects with strong fundamentals.

Working With Raj

I specialize in the Greater Toronto Area with particular expertise in:

  • Brampton - My home base with deep local knowledge
  • Mississauga - Comprehensive coverage across all neighborhoods
  • Milton - Growing community with strong market
  • Kitchener-Waterloo - Investment opportunities
  • Cambridge - Emerging market potential
  • Greater Toronto Area - Full GTA coverage

I also handle commercial real estate across Ontario.

I'm fluent in three languages to better serve our diverse community:

  • English
  • Hindi
  • Punjabi

This allows me to communicate clearly with clients in their preferred language, ensuring nothing is lost in translation during one of life's biggest financial decisions.

Getting started is easy and free:

  • Schedule a consultation: Call, text, or fill out the contact form
  • Discuss your goals: We'll talk about your timeline, budget, and needs
  • Create a plan: I'll develop a customized strategy for you
  • Get started: Begin your real estate journey with confidence

There's no obligation and no pressure. I'm here to help you make informed decisions about your real estate needs.

Still Have Questions?

I'm here to help. Reach out for personalized answers to your real estate questions.