Ask David

Do I need a guaranteed sale program?

Dear David: I’ve been watching the real estate market for the last several months and thinking about moving. A few local agents are advertising a guaranteed sale, saying they’ll buy my house if it doesn’t sell. Properties around here seem to move quickly. Under what circumstances would an agent need to buy my house?  —

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Ask David

Can an investment property fund your retirement?

Dear David: We own an investment property townhouse that we’ve been renting out for 15 years. We’re thinking of selling, as the current value is high enough to advance our retirement by a few years. Our tenants have expressed an interest in buying, should we sell to them? – READY TO RETIRE DEAR READY: As

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Ask David

How do you protect your home during showings?

Dear David: We’ve lived in our house for 20 years. We are seniors now, and ready to downsize. Last time we sold a house, the process of showing it seemed a little casual. How do we know our home will be safe? – FEELING UNEASY DEAR UNEASY: Things have changed a lot in the last

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Ask David

How much real estate commission should I pay?

Dear David: What is the normal real estate commission charge for selling a home? I noticed a Toronto real estate agent who was offering to sell a property for a flat fee of $5,900. My last recollection is that the normal rate is/was five percent of the selling price. Thanks for your help. – THE

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