Work with a licensed realtor

Before getting into more detail about buying property in Ontario for non-residents, we would like to give you a valuable tip. We strongly advise using a licensed realtor from the area you plan to buy while searching for properties. A realtor will provide you with reliable, up-to-date information on homes and neighbourhood amenities and current market assessments of the value of the houses. In Ontario, certified realtors are also held accountable for the accuracy of the information they give and for any mistakes or omissions that may occur during the buying process. If something goes wrong, this offers you an additional level of safety.

You will go through client identification

Before acting on their behalf or accepting any money for the acquisition of a property, Canadian attorneys must confirm the identity of their clients. Therefore, you must present identification documents like a driver’s license or passport. In addition, note that client identification is often performed in person. Therefore, choosing and meeting with the lawyer who will finalize the property acquisition on your behalf is a good idea. At the same time, if you travel to Canada to look for a home or create a bank account, it is the perfect time to complete the identification procedure. After you reach an agreement, your lawyer can then represent you.

Applying for a mortgage

You might need to obtain a local mortgage when buying property in Ontario as a non-resident. That is entirely feasible. However, banks frequently demand sizable down payments from non-resident buyers. A typical requirement is 35% of the property’s worth. Furthermore, you might need to reveal the source of the funds, which cannot be a gift from another person.

If you’re a US citizen or resident purchasing your first house in Canada to live in rather than as an investment to rent out, your bank might accept issuing a mortgage with a smaller down payment. In this situation, a 20% down payment could be acceptable. However, note that you will need a Canadian bank account if you apply for a house loan in Canada. You will have to travel to Canada as part of the purchasing process since most banks require you to open a bank account in person. At the same time, you might be able to create a Canadian bank account with your current bank and avoid travelling if you work with a major international bank that is also present in Canada.

Paying the Non-Resident Speculation Tax

Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST), a 25% tax that adds to the purchase price, is a requirement in Ontario for non-residents. However, you won’t have to pay the tax for non-residents if you buy with a spouse who is a permanent resident. In British Columbia, for instance, foreign nationals who purchase property must also pay an extra 20% property transfer tax. This tax does not apply to land, structures with seven units or more, apartment complexes, or commercial properties.

On the other hand, even if you have already paid the Non-Resident Speculation Tax, there are several circumstances in which you may be eligible for a refund. For instance, if the property you buy in Ontario becomes your primary residence and you move in within 60 days from the closing. Or if you become a permanent resident in the next four years after the purchase. However, remember that owning a property in Canada is not a factor that will influence your immigration status. It will be considered part of your net worth, but living in Canada does not affect the selection process.

Other taxes and fees to take into account when buying property in Ontario for non-residents

Besides everything we mentioned until now, there are other taxes and fees you must consider when buying property in Ontario. For instance, agent fees. The seller often pays agent fees, so you might not have to pay them when you buy. However, you’ll need to set aside 3% to 5% of the value if you decide to sell. You can add legal and notary costs, annual property tax, land transfer tax, and capital gains taxes (if you want to use the property as an investment and sell it). Also, you might need to pay for the home inspection, title insurance, and property survey.

At the same time, don’t forget about the moving costs. Hiring movers is necessary if you make a long-distance or cross-country move to Ontario. Fortunately, you can easily find a professional team that can help out with your relocation if you do some local research.

When closing the sale

You won’t be required to be present in Ontario for the closing if you have a Canadian attorney. However, it might be necessary to have a local notary public help you with the completion, depending on your home country. Fortunately, you can sign the closing documentation through email and scan the documents. In Ontario, electronic signatures are accepted.

Final words

For many non-resident foreigners seeking a second home, an investment, or a permanent residence, purchasing real estate in Canada is a dream. However, it could cost more to find your perfect property as a non-resident than it would as a citizen or permanent resident. But fortunately enough, there aren’t many legal limits on buying property in Ontario for non-residents. And as soon as you find your perfect Ontario home, you can start thinking of how to improve it and make it feel more like home.

The post Buying Property in Ontario for Non-Residents – A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Sky Stucco Systems Contractor.

Below are the 15 most popular backyard games that are fun for the whole family. Challenge everyone to a high-energy game of Spikeball or bucket ball, or have fun with a giant Jenga set that people of all ages will enjoy.

1. Spikeball Game Set

Spikeball is a fun and fast-paced game that combines elements of volleyball with foursquare as teams of two try to score points by returning the ball to the round central net. This Spikeball game set is a customer favorite with over 5,500 reviews. It comes with a round net, a ball, and a case for storage and transport; you’ll have everything you need to get playing right away.

Get the Spikeball Game Set on Amazon for $64.99

2. Classic Cornhole Set

Cornhole is one of the most popular backyard family games. This set includes two full-size boards, four blue and four red bean bags, and a carrying case so you can also have fun when tailgating, camping, or when at a friend’s house. Choose from multiple board designs, including American Flags, chevron patterns, red and blue stripes, and plain wood.

Get the GoSports Classic Cornhole Set on Amazon for $99.99

3. Giant Jenga Game

Traditional Jenga is fun to play inside, but with this giant version of the classic game, you can take the fun out to the backyard. The set includes 54 blocks that are over eight times the size of the classic blocks (6 inches by 2 inches by 1.2 inches). At the start of the game, the tower will be nearly 2 feet tall, and if you play well enough, it could reach a height of over 4 feet before it topples to the ground. A giant carrying bag is included to keep the blocks protected when playtime is done.

Get the Giant Jenga Game on Amazon for $99.95

4. Kan Jam Disc Toss Game

Step up your Frisbee skills with the Kan Jam outdoor game. In this team game, members take turns throwing the flying disc towards the goal at the other side of the yard. They can earn points for hitting the can or getting the disc to land inside the can. The set includes everything you’ll need to play: two Kam Jam cans and a flying disc.

Get the Kan Jam Original Disc Toss Game on Amazon for $36.99

5. Backyard Bocce Set

Get ready for some friendly competition with this bocce ball set. With eight high-quality resin bocce balls (red, green, blue, and yellow), a pallino ball, and a canvas carrying case, this set includes everything you’ll need to get the game started in your backyard or to bring the fun to a friend’s backyard party.

Get the GoSports Backyard Bocce Set on Amazon for $40.45

6. Bucket Ball Set

With over 1,400 positive reviews, Bucket Ball is one of the most popular games that you can play in your backyard, poolside, or even at the beach. Compete with your team to toss a ball in all of your buckets before your opponents win. This combo pack includes six blue buckets, six orange buckets, two hybrid balls, and a convenient tote bag so you can bring the game everywhere you go.

7. Lawn Bowling Game

Bring the bowling alley to your backyard with this lawn bowling game. The attractive and colorful pine wooden set includes 10 pins and two bowling balls—everything you’ll need to play traditional 10-pin bowling or European Skittle Ball. When you’re finished, place all the pins and balls in the included mesh carrying bag for convenient storage or transport.

rel=”noopener”>Get the Lawn Bowling Game on Amazon for $44.42

8. Jazzminton Paddle Game

This Jazzminton paddle game will get you up and moving as you try to hit the birdie and send it back to your opponent. Two paddles, four birdies, and a drawstring carrying bag are included with this set. The red and green birdies allow for faster or slower play, allowing you to match each game to the skills and activity level of the adults or children playing. With the plywood construction, water-resistant paint finish, and foam handle, the paddles are designed to be durable, long-lasting, and comfortable to hold.

Get the Funparks Jazzminton Paddle Game on Amazon for $14.99

9. Giant Connect Four Outdoor Game

If you’re searching for outdoor family games, this four in a row game is perfect for adults and kids alike. The giant standing Connect Four board is 3 feet wide and more than 2 feet tall, making it large enough for everyone to get in on the fun and watch the game. The varnished and sealed poplar wood board is water-, heat-, and humidity-resistant and will not crack, split, warp, or twist.

Get the Giant Four in a Row Outdoor Game on Amazon for $119.99

10. Champion Horseshoe Set

Horseshoe is one of the classic outdoor games that is still widely popular and fun to play. This Champion horseshoes set includes four high-quality, regulation-weighted metal horseshoes, two 24-inch metal stakes, and a nylon carrying case. Simply open the bag, place the stakes in the ground, and you’ll be ready for a friendly—but competitive—game of horseshoes.

Get the Champion Sports Horseshoe Set on Amazon for $51.76

11. Ladder Toss

This ladder toss game can be used for one-on-one or team competitions. Each individual or team needs to try to score the most points by tossing their rubber bolos so they wrap themselves around one of the rungs of the ladder. Each of the PVC ladders—which take just two minutes to assemble—includes a built-in scorekeeper.

Get the GoSports Pro Grade Ladder Toss on Amazon for $30.99

12. Croquet Set

If you love classic backyard games for adults, croquet may be right up your alley. Up to six people can face off in a friendly game of croquet with this set that includes six 8-inch hardwood mallets with 28-inch hardwood handles, six weather-resistant balls, nine steel wickets, and two hardwood ending stakes. A case for easy storage and transport is also included.

Get the Juegoal Croquet Set on Amazon for $46.99

13. Lawn Darts Game

This glow-in-the-dark lawn darts game promises both daytime and nighttime fun in your backyard. The set includes four durable lawn darts with a weighted base and shock-absorbent tip that will stand up once they land on grass, sand, or other soft surfaces. Two target rings and a carrying case are also included with the set.

Get the Hakol Lawn Darts Game on Amazon for $25.49

14. Giant Yardzee Set

Why play Yahtzee inside when you can enjoy the beautiful summertime weather playing Yardzee. Place the five wooden dice in the collapsible bucket, and roll to see if you can get a Yardzee—five of a kind. A dry erase Yardzee scorecard with a bonus Yardkle scorecard on the reverse side is also included with this set.

Get the Rodopa Giant Yardzee Set on Amazon for $41.99

15. Ring Toss Game

Get ready for some fun at your next outdoor picnic or barbecue with this ring toss game. The game is designed to be easily portable and takes just minutes to set up—making it ideal for the backyard or even camping or beach trips. Once you’re ready to play, try to score the most points by tossing one of the 10 plastic rings or five rope rings over the pegs.

The post The 15 Best Backyard Games of Summer 2022 appeared first on Sky Stucco Systems Contractor.

Affordable laminate countertops are ubiquitous in today’s homes, but these sensible kitchen standbys are not popular with new buyers.

Sometimes we ask ourselves why am I not getting offers on my house? or why is my house not selling in 2022?. If that is your question here are some facts that will improve your home for sale.

A recent study by the National Association of Home Builders found why sellers are not Getting Asking Prices for their Home Selling. Instead, homebuyers are willing to pay a bit more for a house that showcases granite, tile, and even concrete kitchen countertops.

Homeowners don’t want to deal with the renovation they want to move in and a ready-to-move-in home is a quick sale.

BAR NONE2/12

Many Americans love to kick back with a cold brew or a glass of wine, but not everyone wants to advertise their recreational indulgence by installing a prominent wine cooler or wet bar. Once considered stylish and trendy, these luxe house features are no longer in high demand. Instead, extra cabinets or storage shelves can fetch a higher closing price.

BANISH WEEDS3/12

A Very old, filthy sidewalks, and a yard full of dandelions can drag down your home’s value by no small amount. Plus an unkempt yard may signal to potential buyers that other household maintenance tasks have been neglected. Hire a local landscaper to mow the lawn, weed, and mulch flower beds, trim overgrown trees and shrubs and put a happy face on your home exterior. For a couple of hundred dollars, you can resolve a multitude of sins.

GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD SALES4/12

Most potential buyers prefer a fenced yard to an unfenced one. Fences offer privacy, security, and the ability to keep children and pets safely enclosed. Wood fences are highly desirable and may boost your home value considerably. If you can’t spring for a wood privacy fence, consider a chain link. Many buyers prefer its maintenance-free design and its ability to blend into the background while securing the perimeter.

CAN’T HAVE CARPET5/12

The halcyon days of wall-to-wall carpeting are definitely past. Today, homebuyers expect hardwood floors even in starter homes. If you currently have carpeted floors, That can be a downside when selling your home. Consider removing it and refinishing the wood flooring underneath. If you’re not lucky enough to have hardwood or engineered wood floors hiding under the carpet, you may want to install some, at least in the main living area. If you absolutely must keep the carpet, call in a professional cleaner to remove any odors or stains. When people buy a house unlikely builders buy it to break it down and renovate it or re-build it.

PAVE PARADISE6/12

Even in rural markets, a gravel or dirt driveway is a deal-breaker for many homebuyers. It’s preferable to have a concrete driveway to boost your home’s curb appeal. An affordable asphalt is a good option too, although it’s less aesthetically appealing and doesn’t last quite as long as concrete.

DRAFT DODGERS7/12

There was a time when a house with an incredible fireplace could command a hefty asking price. But with today’s emphasis on cutting energy costs, a drafty fireplace and chimney sound less appealing than ever before. If you do have a fireplace, consider adding an energy-saving insert to minimize leaks and drafts and boost the appeal.

PUT YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER8/12

No one wants to buy a house full of junk, which is probably why cluttered homes garner far less money than tidy ones. To increase your home’s desirability, pare back your personal belongings and keep the house neat and clean. If your house is especially crowded, send non-essential items to a storage unit and leave behind only your best furnishings to lure potential buyers.

SCREEN SAVERS9/12

Even small household flaws can really hinder a home’s resale prospects. For instance, neglected, torn, or missing window screens may signal to buyers that the larger and more costly maintenance tasks have been neglected as well. Fix damaged window and door screens, and replace missing parts to make a better first impression.

REPAINT YOUR ROOMS10/12

If you view your home through the eyes of a prospective buyer, you may see your paint picks in a whole new light when selling your own home. A fresh coat of paint—in a widely appealing shade—can make a house more attractive and increase its sales value. Avoid using brash colors, or stark white and instead opt for warm natural shades like ivory, beige, taupe, or pale gray, to make rooms seem larger, brighter, and more inviting.

LOOK UP11/12

One of the most universally hated house features is the infamous “popcorn” ceiling. Years ago it was a pretty popular style, this type of ceiling now looks dated plus its hard-to-clean surface makes it a trap for dust, dirt, and cobwebs. Considerably It may pay off to remove it yourself however don’t attempt the work yourself if your home was built prior to the early 1980s. The ceiling may contain asbestos, which is hazardous to health. Instead, call a licensed professional who can safely and quickly remove the ceiling—and boost your resale value—without endangering your home.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION12/12

Location, more than any other factor, determines the resale value of your home. Everything from the home’s history to the school district and the surrounding businesses have an impact on your bottom line. Well, you may not have much control over the neighborhood, you can arm yourself with knowledge before listing. Get acquainted with the school districts and snoop nearby house sales to see what neighbors are able to get for similar-sized abodes.

The post 12 Reasons why your house is not selling and you are not Getting Your Asking Price for your Home appeared first on Sky Stucco Systems Contractor.