Dan DaCosta Real Estate Group

Let’s be honest for a second. We’ve all looked at real estate commissions at some point and thought, “Man, I could just put a sign on my front lawn, throw it on Facebook Marketplace, and pocket that extra cash myself.” It makes perfect sense on paper. You do the math, look at the potential savings, and it feels like a no-brainer. But there’s a massive gap between real estate theory and the actual boots-on-the-ground reality especially in Kingston, Loyalist, and the surrounding areas right now. The illusion of saving money by going "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO) is incredibly tempting. But in today’s market, attempting to run your own transaction is a fast track to actually netting less money at the closing table. Here is what really happens when you try to fly solo in the current Kingston market. 1. This Isn’t the 2021 Market Anymore Remember a few years ago when you could practically list a doghouse on a whim and have twenty unconditional offers by midnight? Those days are gone...

  A ground-level view on cost of living, buying power, and whether it makes sense anymore Let me be straight with you: I’m having a hard time making the numbers work in Ontario right now. And I’m not sure anyone is being honest enough about it. I work in real estate. I’ve seen how things get built, priced, and sold. So when I look at the cost of living in Kingston - and Ontario broadly - and then compare it to what you’re actually getting for your money, something doesn’t add up. This isn’t doom and gloom. It’s just an honest look at what the market is actually doing and what it means if you’re thinking about buying investment property here. The Cost of Living Reality Check Kingston used to be one of those “hidden gem” cities. Smaller than Toronto, cheaper than Ottawa, decent rental market because of Queen’s University and RMC. That story made sense five years ago. Today? Not so much. AVG. HOME PRICE $600K+ Kingston, 2024–25 AVG. RENT (2BR) $2,100+ Per month GROCERY COST HIGH vs. c...

For many parents, the day your kids move out is a mix of pride, excitement and a little bit of “now what?” Suddenly, the home that once felt full can feel a little too big, a little too quiet, and a lot more work than it needs to be. If you’re in Kingston and starting to think about downsizing, you’re not alone. Let’s walk through why people are making the move, how to do it, and whether it actually makes sense in today’s market. Why Downsize? 1. Less Space, Less Stress A large home made sense when you had a full house. But now? Extra bedrooms, unused basements, and big yards can turn into ongoing maintenance, cleaning, and costs. Downsizing simplifies your life: Less to clean Lower utility bills Fewer repairs and upkeep 2. Unlock Your Home Equity If you’ve owned your home for years, chances are it has significantly increased in value. Downsizing allows you to: Free up cash Reduce or eliminate your mortgage Reinvest in travel, retirement, or lifestyle upgrades 3. Lifestyle Upgrade Do...

If you’ve spent any time around Kingston, you already know that the surrounding countryside offers some of the best outdoor opportunities in Eastern Ontario. From thick hardwood bush to rolling farmland edges, the region has excellent habitat for deer, turkey, and small game. What many people don’t realize is that owning a small piece of vacant land can be one of the most affordable ways to access that lifestyle. And let’s be honest - having your own land means never again hearing the dreaded words: “Sorry, the farmer’s nephew hunts there now.” Why Hunters Are Buying Land Instead of Leasing For years, many hunters relied on permission from farmers or seasonal hunting leases. But those options are becoming harder to find. Owning your own property gives you: A private place to hunt year after year Control over habitat improvements and food plots The ability to build a cabin or hunt camp A long-term real estate investment Plus, when you own the land, you don’t have to politely pretend the...