5 Alternative Living Options That Go Beyond Traditional Housing

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As housing prices continue to rise, many people are exploring simple, flexible, and affordable ways to live. Whether you’re looking to save money, embrace minimalism, or live a more mobile lifestyle, there are plenty of creative alternatives to a standard residential home. Here are five of the most popular options— tiny homes, campers, sailboats, skoolies, and van conversions —complete with pros, cons, and average costs to help you choose the right fit. 1. Tiny Home on Wheels (THOW) A tiny home on wheels offers the comforts of a small house with the freedom to relocate when needed. Built on a trailer frame, they’re designed for full-time living and can handle four-season climates with proper insulation. Average Cost $40,000–$120,000 depending on size, finishes, and whether it's DIY or professionally built. Pros Feels closest to a traditional home Fully customizable layouts Four-season living possible with good insulation Low monthly costs when parked on private land Large resale m...
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The hard truth - selling your home costs money

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Look at all that equity...
I bet you want to take advantage of it...
But how much will you actually get? 
Selling a home doesn't come without it's share of expenses. Let's take a look at some of the common costs associated with selling a home in Ontario.




1. Home Repairs and Improvements
Sellers may need to make repairs or improvements to their homes to make them more marketable. The cost of these can vary significantly depending on the condition of the property.
2. Commission
In many cases, sellers work with realtors to list and sell their homes. Standard commission in Ontario is around 5% of the sale price, and is shared between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent.

3. Legal Fees
Sellers typically hire a real estate lawyer to handle the legal aspects of the sale. Legal fees very, but generally range between $800 - $1000 depending on the complexity of the sale.

4. Pre-Sale Home Inspection
Some sellers opt to have a pre-sale inspection to identify and address any issues before listing the property. This can range from $400 - $600.
5. Mortgage Penalties
If you have a fixed-rate mortgage, and you’re selling it before the term is up, you may incur penalties. The exact amount depends on your mortgage terms and the lender.

6. Closing Adjustments
Sellers may be required to reimburse the buyer for prepaid property taxes, utility bills, or other expenses that extend beyond the closing date.



And there you have it folks. Nothing good comes for free. 
It’s important to note that the actual costs can vary based on the specifics of the transaction and the local market conditions. As well, this is just a short list. There may be further expenses not included in this post. 



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