Schott Blog
45 posts
Toronto’s Free Fourplex and Sixplex Plans: What East End Homeowners Need to Know
Toronto is now giving away pre-approved fourplex and sixplex designs, including narrow-lot versions built for east end streets. Here’s what it means for Leslieville, Riverdale, the Danforth and the Beaches.
Toronto’s Vacant Home Tax: The Expensive Mistake Homeowners Need to Avoid
Toronto homeowners must declare their property occupancy status every year. Here’s what to know about the Vacant Home Tax and how to avoid an expensive mistake.
Garden Suites in Toronto: Smart Investment or Backyard Headache?
Garden suites and laneway homes are getting a lot of attention in Toronto.
Ontario’s New HST Rebate on New Homes: What Toronto Buyers Need to Know in 2026
Ontario’s new HST rebate could save eligible buyers up to $130,000 on new homes. Here’s what Toronto buyers need to know in 2026.
Getting Your House Ready to Sell: The Ultimate Checklist
Selling your home can feel overwhelming—there’s so much to think about before the “For Sale” sign goes up. The good news? With the right prep, you’ll not only a
What Not to Fix When Selling a House
When it comes to selling your home, one of the biggest questions we hear from clients is: “Should I fix this before listing?”It’s a great question—and the answe
Summer’s Last Hurrah: Squeeze Out Every Drop Before Fall
September might whisper “back to routine,” but summer isn’t over just yet. There’s still time for one last hurrah before the leaves turn and pumpkin spice takes
Fall Home Prep in Toronto: 7 Things Every Homeowner Should Do Before Winter
As summer winds down and the cooler days roll in, it’s time to start thinking about getting your Toronto home ready for fall and winter. A little prep now can s
2025 Buyer’s Market? What It Means for You
If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to buy in Toronto, 2025 might just be your moment.After years of sellers holding the upper hand, the real estate lan
Understanding and Leveraging Home Equity
Home equity can be a powerful tool when you know how to use it. This guide explores how equity impacts your wealth and the different ways you can access it.How
Things to Do in Toronto This Long Weekend (August 2–4, 2025)
Your Ultimate Civic Holiday GuideIf you’re staying in the city this Civic Holiday long weekend—good choice. Toronto is buzzing with energy, events, and summer m
How Much is a Down Payment in Ontario?
(Spoiler: It Depends)
“Just Needs a Little Work” — Or Does It?
You’re deep into the Toronto house hunt. Prices are up, options are down, and just when you’re about to give up, you find the one. It’s not perfect, but it’s cl
Tech in Real Estate: What Works (and What to Watch Out For)
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from being in real estate longer than I’d like to admit—it’s that things change. A lot. Especially when it comes to technology
Love Interior Design? Here’s Why It Might Hurt Your Home Sale (And What To Do Instead)
If you're anything like us, you have a deep appreciation for great design. You binge HGTV, curate Pinterest boards, and may or may not reroute your drive home t
Semi-Detached vs. Detached Homes in the GTA: Which Has More Value?
If you’re getting serious about buying a home in the GTA but aren’t into the idea of living in a condo or a townhome, that leaves you with two main options: a s
Sold… But Still Liable? What You’re Responsible for After Selling Your Home
How Long Are You Liable After Selling Your Home in Ontario? Here’s What You Need to KnowYou’ve accepted an offer, signed the paperwork, and handed over the keys
Think Being a Landlord is Just Collecting Rent? Think Again.
What It Really Takes to Manage a Rental Property in Ontario
Thinking of Selling Your Home Without a REALTOR®? Here's What You Should Know.
At SchottHomes, we’re all for independence and doing things your own way — but when it comes to selling your home, going the “For Sale By Owner” FSBO route can
Welcome to Homeownership – What Your First Year Really Looks Like
So, you’ve finally done it — made the leap from renter to Toronto homeowner. Huge congrats! 🥂 Your IG is probably still buzzing with champagne-popping, key-hol
Best Ways to Finance Home Renovations: Your Complete Guide
Deciding to upgrade your home is exciting, whether you’re planning to enjoy the improvements yourself or boost your property’s value for a future sale. However,
Earth Day Every Day: 8 Tips to Go Green at Home (And Boost Property Value)
Happy Earth Day, Toronto. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or planning your next move, today is a great reminder that small changes at home can make a big im
When a Buyer Walks Away: What to Do Next
That bottle of champagne you put on ice? Hold off on popping it just yet.In today’s more balanced Toronto market, it’s common for sellers to receive offers that
The Tax Man Comes a Calling: What You Need to Know About Real Estate and Tax Season in Toronto
The tax man comes a calling this month — and if you’ve bought or sold real estate in the past year, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when fili
Just Announced: Toronto to Eliminate All Paperwork in Real Estate… Using Telepathy
Finally, a deal you can think into existence.
Navigating the Real Estate Maze: Buying a Home Before Selling Yours
The COVID-19 pandemic shook Canada’s housing market in unexpected ways. While many braced for a major downturn, the opposite occurred. A wave of homeowners, emp
Banks vs. Mortgage Brokers: Which Option is Best for Your Mortgage?
When it’s time to secure a mortgage, one of the first questions you’ll face is whether to go directly through a bank or work with a mortgage broker. Both option
What is a Mortgage and How Does It Work?
A Guide for First-Time Homebuyers
A Guide for First-Time Buyers
What to Budget for When Buying a Home
Schott Homes is Giving Away FREE Tickets to the National Home Show 2025
And they could be yours!!
The Ultimate Guide to Upsizing Your Home: What You Need to Know
Selling your old home and moving into a larger, more comfortable one can be an exciting adventure. If your current home feels a bit too snug, the idea of u
The offer process - buying a home in Toronto.
In Toronto's fast-paced real estate market, there are two main ways to buy a home: the multiple offer process and the regular negotiation process
Relocating or moving to Toronto? How to choose the best agent.
How to Find the Best Real Estate Agent for Your Toronto RelocationWe absolutely love meeting new clients moving to Toronto—it’s always exciting to welcome fresh
Navigating multiple offers as a seller
Multiple Offers: Seller’s Dream or Hidden Trap? Here’s What You Need to KnowLet’s be real—multiple offers are every seller’s dream. They can push up t
Toronto's trendiest lofts. The scoop on loft living in the GTA.
Loft Living in Toronto: Your Dream Space Awaits!If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably daydreamed about life in a trendy Toronto loft—one that looks straig
What does due diligence mean in Real Estate
Due Diligence in Real Estate: What You Need to Know Before Buying or SellingLet’s face it: with the amount of money involved in real estate transactions, you wa
What to know about selling a vacant home.
Selling a Vacant Home in Toronto: Is It Really That Scary?For some reason, selling a vacant home in Toronto can feel a bit spooky. And we’re not just talking ab
You’ve Been Named an Executor: Now What?
Yikes! You’ve Been Named an Executor: Now What?Let’s be honest—being named the executor of a loved one’s estate is overwhelming. You’re probably thinking, “Okay
The truth about timing the market.
Timing the Market: Why It’s Risky Business And What You Should Do InsteadWe get it—whether you’ve got a family home or a portfolio of investment properties, fig
How you know... it's the one!
10 Signs You’ve Found “The One” in Your House HuntWith buyers having a bit more of an edge in Toronto’s real estate market, now’s the time to be pickier in your
“Can Staging Really Increase My Home’s Sale Price?” Spoiler Alert: YES!
We get asked this question a lot from clients eager to get their homes on the market: “Can staging my home really increase the sale price?” And we’ve
Emotional Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Home
The Biggest Obstacle to Selling Your Home? It Might Be You!Believe it or not, one of the toughest challenges when selling your home isn’t the market, it’s you—w
A first time buyers secret weapon in the Toronto Market
First-Time Buyer? These Programs Could Be Your Secret Weapon in the Toronto MarketLet’s be real: navigating Toronto’s real estate scene can feel like climbing M
Build Secondary Suites and Unlock Up to 90% of Your Home’s Value
The federal government is rolling out another set of mortgage changes to tackle the housing shortage, this time focusing on creating more rental units. Starting
Considering Private Schools in Toronto
Considering Private Schools in Toronto? Here’s What You Need to Know.As parents ourselves, we totally get it—choosing the right school for your kids is a huge d