Ask David

Buyers and sellers are not friends

Dear David, I sold my house a few months ago and am moving out in three weeks. I just received some mail for the new buyers. Should I reach out to them through social media and let them know? – JUST TRYING TO HELP DEAR JUST: Absolutely not. As soon as a buyer makes a

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Ask David

Snow Removal: is it the tenant’s job or the landlord’s?

Dear David: I’m renting a town home. My landlord and I are at odds over who is responsible for outdoor maintenance. He says snow removal and grass cutting are my responsibility, but I think he should take care of these things. Who is right? – NOT MY HOUSE DEAR NMH: Outdoor maintenance is one of

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Ask David

Is virtual staging a good idea?

Dear David: I’ve heard that some people are using virtual staging to sell their homes. Do you think this is a good idea? – LOOKING SHARP DEAR SHARP: Virtual staging has long been the purview of architects and decorators, and it’s growing in popularity with Realtors as well. When trying to sell a vacant home

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Ask David

“Groundhog Day” down payment tip for first-time buyers

Dear David: We’re saving for our first home and are almost there. It feels like the hardest part is getting our down payment together. Any tips? – SCRIMP & SAVE DEAR S&S: Last week was Groundhog Day. While this is typically memorable for Wiarton Willie’s weather predictions, it also marks the time for first time

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Ask David

Gifting vs. selling: Land transfer tax and capital gains

Dear David: I bought a condo in 2018. The title is in my name. It’s not my principal residence, but my son lives there. I would like to sell the condo to my son for the $300,000 I originally paid for it, since I don’t want to make money off him. Is it better for

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Ask David

My buyers want an appraisal before closing

Dear David: When we sold our house, we received eight offers. We picked one that was firm with no conditions. Weeks later, the buyers are asking for an appraisal. Can they do that if there was no financing condition in their offer?  – PANICKED DEAR PANICKED: Don’t be alarmed, this happens all the time. Many

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