Wahi Real Estate

09/17/2025

The leaves are starting to change, and so are Canadian interest rates.

Moments ago, the central bank embarked on its first rate cut since March, clipping its influential policy rate by 25 basis points (0.25%) to 2.5%.

Rate cuts are a tool used by the central bank to stimulate a struggling economy, and they have knock-on effects on everything from car payments to mortgages.

A lower rate could mean more buying power for today’s homebuyers. Connect with Wahi’s partner Nesto to discuss your new mortgage/financing options based on the latest rates, or browse homes on Wahi today and get cashback when you buy.

09/12/2025

Got questions about the REAL costs of buying a home?

Join us for "Real Estate Transactions 101: Who Pays What and When?" on September 18 @ 12:15–1:15 PM EST

Our panel includes experts from Wahi, Rubinoff Law and Mortgage Advisor from nesto

Finally get clear answers on closing costs, legal fees, and all those "surprise" expenses that catch first-time buyers off guard!

Sign up ➜ https://wahi.com/ca/en/webinar/realestate-transactions

Tag someone who's house hunting! 🏡

Get expert advice on the real costs of buying a home. It’s everything you need to know to plan ahead and avoid surprises. Plus, a live Q&A to address all your questions!

09/08/2025

There’s nothing quite like finding the perfect place to call home ✨ Congratulations to Sean on closing his 2 bed, 2 bath condo in Mississauga!

With the support of his Wahi REALTOR®, Michelle, and the ease of doing everything right through the Wahi app, Sean made his homebuying journey smooth, simple and rewarding.

09/03/2025

💡 Buying a home comes with a lot of costs, and they don’t all show up at once.
Join our free webinar: Real Estate Transactions 101: Who Pays What and When?

📌 We’ll cover:
✔️ Upfront & hidden costs of buying a home
✔️ Who pays the real estate agents
✔️ What’s included in closing costs
✔️ Deposit vs. down payment timing
✔️ Land transfer tax & other buyer taxes
✔️ Disbursements & legal fees
✔️ What’s included in mortgage payments
✔️ Home insurance essentials

🎤 Hear from experts:
Anne Alkok, Broker of Record, Wahi Realty Inc.

Jonas Rubinoff, Real Estate Lawyer, Rubinoff Law

Michelle Young, Certified Mortgage Advisor, nesto

Moderator: Kristin Doucet, Managing Editor, Wahi

🗓️ Date: Thursday, September 18
🕐 Time: 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM EST

👉 Don’t miss this chance to get clarity on what you’ll pay, who you’ll pay, and when.

🔗 Register now: Link in bio!

09/02/2025

In Ontario, a real estate deposit isn’t just money, it’s proof you’re serious about buying. With strict rules and tight deadlines, missing one can cost you your dream home.

Here’s what to know:
-Deposits are typically due within 24 hours of offer acceptance
-Amounts usually range from 5% to 10% of the purchase price
-Deposits are held in trust accounts until closing
-A late or missing deposit can mean losing the deal, facing lawsuits, or paying damages
-Online-only banks may not process drafts fast enough, so always have funds accessible

Reuven Gorsht, CEO of .ca explains that the 24-hour window often feels longer than it really is, especially when online banks can’t issue same-day drafts. That’s why being prepared with the right banking setup is critical to avoid losing a deal.

Buyers: Make sure your deposit is ready before you submit an offer
Sellers: Know your options if a deposit arrives late

Getting deposits right can save you stress, money, and protect your homeownership dreams.

🔗 Read the full guide: [link in bio]

08/22/2025

Canadians buy homes for a variety of reasons. Some are looking to put down roots, while others want a secondary property. Investment potential is also a top motivator.

For nearly two-thirds of Canadians, owning a home is a key part of their retirement strategy, according to the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan’s 2025 Canadian Retirement Survey. Among unretired homeowners, half intend to sell their home to fund retirement.

Here are three neighbourhood characteristics first-time homebuyers should prioritize:

1. Neighbourhoods near subway or commuter-train lines typically hold their value and remain in high demand.

2. Think ahead about whether the property could work as an investment if you eventually move. Check zoning rules, bylaws, and condo rental rules.

3. Below-market prices could mean a neighbourhood is undervalued. Research up-and-coming areas, but keep in mind they may lack amenities.

08/21/2025

💡 Buying a home comes with a lot of costs, and they don’t all show up at once.
Join our free webinar: Real Estate Transactions 101: Who Pays What and When?

📌 We’ll cover:
✔️ Upfront & hidden costs of buying a home
✔️ Who pays the real estate agents
✔️ What’s included in closing costs
✔️ Deposit vs. down payment timing
✔️ Land transfer tax & other buyer taxes
✔️ Disbursements & legal fees
✔️ What’s included in mortgage payments
✔️ Home insurance essentials

🎤 Hear from experts:
Anne Alkok, Broker of Record, Wahi Realty Inc.

Jonas Rubinoff, Real Estate Lawyer, Rubinoff Law

Michelle Young, Certified Mortgage Advisor, nesto

Moderator: Kristin Doucet, Managing Editor, Wahi

🗓️ Date: Thursday, September 18
🕐 Time: 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM EST

👉 Don’t miss this chance to get clarity on what you’ll pay, who you’ll pay, and when.

🔗 Register now: Link in bio!

08/20/2025

“Thanks to Wahi’s awesome cashback program, we were able to get some furniture and as you can see, we’re in the middle of renovation.”

Roman & Zoey recently bought their detached home in Hamilton. Like so many first-time buyers, they had a vision of making the space truly their own. And thanks to the extra money from Wahi’s cashback program, they were able to get started right away.

From picking out furniture to diving into renovations, they’re already turning their house into a home filled with personal touches and future memories. Congratulations to these two on this exciting new chapter!

08/15/2025

A recent Wahi survey asked Canadians whether the current trade situation with the U.S. has impacted plans to purchase a home in the next two years.

Some 46% indicated that they had no plans to purchase, but Canadians with plans to purchase indicated that the tariffs are not broadly disrupting homebuying activity.

In fact, among Canadians who had not ruled out a purchase in the next two years, nearly eight–in-10 (79%) say tariffs aren’t factoring into their plans. Just 16% of these Canadians say they are somewhat or much less likely to purchase given the strained relations with Canada’s trading partner to the south. Some 4% say the trade situation makes them more likely to buy.

Check out the link in our bio to know more!

08/05/2025

Buyers are still in control in the Greater Toronto Area housing market. According to Wahi, underbidding on GTA real estate, especially single-family homes, has reached its highest level since February 2024.

In July, 95% of GTA neighbourhoods with at least five home sales saw properties sell below asking price, compared to 82% in July 2024.

The gap is also narrowing between condo and single-family home markets:
• 97% of condo neighbourhoods were underbid
• 92% of single-family home neighbourhoods were underbid

Overall, 76% of all homes in the GTA sold below list price last month, up from 71% in June.

While underbidding on Toronto condos remains more common, Wahi economist Ryan McLaughlin notes more buyers are now able to purchase single-family homes below asking, too.

Underbidding doesn’t always mean a huge discount, but it does signal a shift in Toronto real estate market trends.

Curious where the biggest deals or bidding wars happened?

Check out the top-5 most overbid and underbid neighbourhoods across the GTA for July.

07/30/2025

The third time’s the charm.

Moments ago - and for the third consecutive time this year - the Bank of Canada hit the pause button and kept its influential key interest rate at 2.75%.

Ahead of the announcement, a Wahi survey of 12 leading market-watchers unanimously predicted another rate hold. Wahi Rate Outlook Panel respondents suggested the BoC would continue to take a wait-and-see approach as uncertainty lingers around U.S. tariffs and their potential effects on the Canadian economy.