Thiru Nirahulan's blog

The topics of taxes and real estate are ever at the forefront of Canadians’ consciousness, and with recent news, more Canadians are asking, what taxes do you pay when selling a house?

British Columbians were surprised to learn that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uncovered $1.3 billion in unpaid taxes in the British Columbia real estate market. The tax-collecting agency identified approximately $957 million in unpaid income taxes over eight years of audits targeting the provincial housing sector. The CRA reported that it discovered “a disproportionate amount of non-compliance” in the...

You have found the ideal home. It could be the home you want to live in or one you’re hoping to use as an income property. It could be a condo, house, or duplex. There’s just one issue – there are renters already living there. What do you do with the existing tenants? Buying a home with tenants is a unique scenario. The transaction goes beyond the typical buyer and seller arrangement. It can be an especially complicated scenario for the buyer.

There is a lot to consider, whether you want to explore the possibilities of a vacant unit, evicting current tenants, or how the existing lease...

With the growing diversity of financial products available in global markets, more individuals are seeking options that align with their personal beliefs and ethical standards. One such product gaining increasing attention, especially in communities observing Islamic principles, is the halal mortgage.

A halal mortgage is a Sharia-compliant financial product designed to help individuals purchase a home without violating Islamic laws prohibiting the payment or receipt of interest, also known as ‘riba.’ This type of financing is rooted in the principles of risk and profit sharing, ethical...

In today’s real estate market, maximizing your profits as a seller or securing the best deal as a buyer requires a strategic approach. Partnering with a real estate agent who utilizes the multiple listing service (MLS) is key. MLS ensures your property gains maximum visibility to attract serious buyers, helping you achieve top dollar while also providing buyers with detailed market insights to find the best deals.

What is MLS? The concept of the MLS dates back to the late 19th century. Real estate brokers recognized the mutual benefit of sharing property listings to expand their market...

When searching for your next home, it’s important to consider features that will enhance your comfort, lifestyle, and long-term satisfaction. Here are the top 10 features to look for in your next home:

1. Location:

   • The location of your home is one of the most important factors to consider. Look for a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle, offers good schools, is close to work, has low crime rates, and provides convenient access to amenities like shopping, dining, and parks.

2. Size and Layout:

   • Ensure the home has enough square footage and the right layout to accommodate your family’s...

As your kids grow up and start their own lives, you might find yourself at a crossroads. If you’re a Canadian Baby Boomer, born between 1946 and 1964, now could be the perfect time to think about whether to stay in your current home or move to a smaller place that’s easier to manage. The equity you’ve built up in your home over the years can give you a real financial boost, allowing you to reshape your lifestyle without having to tap into your savings or rack up new debt. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of downsizing in your retirement years.

Less Debt and Lower Expenses

Many...

If you are a homeowner and you decide to enter the market, you’re faced with a difficult question, especially if you’ve never sold your home before. Do you buy your next home before selling? Or do you sell your current home before buying?

Over the years, this has become a common question for housing experts. Of course, the answer will depend on various factors. The one factor that many real estate experts consider is the transition period between the two market stages. Typically, banks will provide financing to cover any temporary overlap. Still, the drawback is that it will consist of a...

The process of moving can be overwhelming for all members of the family. Not only is there the physical act of relocating your belongings, but everyone is affected in different ways by the emotional aspects of leaving a familiar place and settling into a new environment. Whether driven by the desire for more room, a more desirable neighbourhood, or a better investment, there are ways you can make the moving process easier for everyone in the family as you transition into a new home.

Preparing for the Move

Engaging every member of the family in the planning and preparation stages of a move...

The way your home looks from the street—including the landscaping, paintwork, and overall vibe—signals to potential buyers what they might find inside. If the exterior looks neglected or outdated, buyers might not bother to check out the inside, even if it’s beautifully updated. A well-maintained exterior not only invites buyers to look further but also shapes their perception of the home’s value.

In the summer, the importance of curb appeal is even more pronounced. Natural light and greenery can show off your property at its best, making it stand out in a busy market. Simple touches like...

Diving into the hunt for a new home can be a bit daunting. Buying a house is a big deal—not only does it come with a hefty price tag, but it’s also a decision you’ll live with for a long time. You definitely want to end up feeling happy with your choice. Picking out a home is personal. Everyone has their own list of what’s important in a house. As you weigh the different features each potential home offers, take a moment to figure out what matters to you. What are you willing to compromise on, and what’s a dealbreaker? With that in mind, here are the top five features to consider when...