Inder Chawla's blog

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER(ABR, SRS)®

Buying a home is a major milestone, but beyond choosing the right neighbourhood, securing financing, and signing on closing day, there’s another important decision that often doesn’t get as much attention: how you legally own a home.

If you’re buying with a spouse, partner, family member, or even a friend, you’ll likely encounter two common ownership structures in Canada: joint tenancy and tenants in common.

They may sound similar, but the difference between them can shape everything from inheritance to what happens if one owner wants to sell....

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER(ABR, SRS) - August 07, 2026

Unemployment rate lowest in 2 years (Labour Force Survey, July 2026)

Canada added 75,000 jobs in July, up 0.4 per cent, as the unemployment rate fell to 6.4 per cent, its lowest level in two years.

Statistics Canada's labour force survey released on Friday said most of those gains were split between full- and part-time work, as wholesale and retail trade alone added 21,000 new jobs. 

The agency says employment rose for people aged 25 to 54, and mostly for women in that age group.

The unemployment rate held steady at 5.8 per cent...

By Inder Chawla, Real Estate Broker(ABR, SRS) Published: August 2026

If you’ve been keeping a close eye on the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market this summer, the latest data from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) reveals an important shift. 

While market activity over the spring gave buyers significant negotiating room, July 2026 showed signs of a tightening market—setting the stage for price stability as we move into the fall. 

Here is a breakdown of what happened in July and, more importantly, what it means for you as a buyer or seller.

Key Stats at a Glance...

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER(ABR, SRS)

Between soaring summer temperatures and record heat waves becoming more common in nearly every part of Canada, who hasn’t dreamed about having a big, beautiful pool right in their own backyard?

But while a pool can be a private oasis during those hot summer days, if you’re considering buying a home with one, there are a few things you may want to think about before you dive in.

Consider your family’s lifestyle before buying a home with a pool

The first question to ask yourself: is owning a pool a good fit for your lifestyle?

If you take extended...

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER(ABR, SRS)

Some homes need a big vision. Others just need a moving truck and a fresh set of sheets. Once you start browsing listings, it’s easy to get pulled between the potential of a fixer-upper and the ease of a home that feels move-in ready. Based on REMAX’s experience helping buyers weigh homes in all kinds of conditions, the decision is about more than taste. It also affects what you spend upfront, how much work comes next, and how easily you settle in.

Key Takeaways

• A lower listing price does not always make a fixer-upper the better deal. What...

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER(ABR, SRS)

Canada's economy grew by 0.3 per cent in May, continuing the country's growth for a second straight month and putting the economy on track for a solid second quarter, according to Statistics Canada.

The agency says 13 of 20 industrial sectors — including construction, manufacturing, finance and insurance and the public sector — contributed to the month's gains.

The mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction sector rose one per cent in May, leading growth for a second straight month. Some maintenance work that usually happens in the month was...

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER(ABR, SRS)

In most cases when you buy a pre-construction condominium unit, the municipality of your new condominium unit will grant occupancy alongside the official transfer of ownership to the purchaser when construction is complete.  

However, there are instances where a municipality will grant interim occupancy, which means that the purchaser is able to occupy the unit but the official title has not been transferred yet and parts of the rest of the building – for example units on higher floors or the common elements – are still being finished.  

Only...

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER(ABR, SRS)

Many Canadians assume they need a 20% down payment before they can buy a house. If you don’t have a 20% down payment, it can feel like homeownership is out of reach. In reality, eligible buyers can purchase with much less. The minimum starts at 5%, though the amount depends on the home’s price.

A smaller upfront investment comes with trade-offs. You will usually need mortgage loan insurance, and your monthly payment may be higher. Still, opting for a low down payment can be a practical option if you understand the rules, qualify for a mortgage,...

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER(ABR, SRS)

Whether you’re shopping for a home or wondering what your current home is worth, you might get caught up in the various terms used to describe the value of a property and the methods used to determine that value. Should you go by the list price, the home appraisal, a comparative market analysis, or something else?

In this guide, REMAX experts weigh in on two important valuation tools: the home appraisal and the current market assessment (often called a comparative market analysis, or CMA). Learn what makes them different, and what each one means...

INDER CHAWLA, REAL ESTATE BROKER(ABR, SRS)

Many people assume a first-time home buyer is someone who has never owned property. In Canada, that’s not always the case. For most federal programs, what matters is whether you’ve lived in a home you owned during the past four calendar years. If you haven’t, you may qualify again, even if you’ve owned a home before. Understanding these rules can open the door to valuable incentives. Programs like the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP), tax credits, and rebates can make buying a home more affordable.

Key Takeaways:

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