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Showing posts from January, 2026

How Much Can You Rent Your Home For?

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If you're having trouble selling your home in today's market, renting it out may be worth considering. I've had conversations with homeowners who are sitting on a property that isn't getting the offers they expected. Sometimes the problem is the price. Sometimes it's the market. And sometimes, the best move is simply to stop trying to force a sale and look at the numbers from a different angle. Could renting your home out for a year or two make more sense than selling it today? Maybe. But the first question I usually get is: "How much can I rent my house for?" The answer isn't always as simple as looking at what your neighbour is asking. Getting the right rental price is important. Price it too high and your property could sit vacant. Price it too low and you're leaving money on the table. Here's how I would approach it. Start With the Market, Not Your Mortgage One of the biggest mistakes I see homeowners make is basing their rental price on wh...
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How to Buy a House When You’re a Server (Yes, It’s Possible)

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Let’s get one thing out of the way right now: Being a server does NOT mean you can’t buy a house. It just means the process looks a little different than it does for someone with a steady 9–5 paycheck and zero cash tips (lucky them). If you live off a mix of hourly wages, tips, and hustle, this one’s for you. 1. The Biggest Challenge: Proving Your Income Lenders don’t hate servers — they hate unclear income . Most servers earn: Hourly wages Declared tips (Sometimes) undeclared tips 👉 Here’s the truth: Only declared income counts when qualifying for a mortgage. What helps: 2 years of consistent serving income Tips reported on your tax returns Stable employer or industry history Pro tip: If you’re planning to buy in the next 1–2 years, start declaring your tips now. Future you will be grateful. 2. Taxes: The Necessary Evil That Helps You Buy Yes, declaring tips means paying more tax. But it also means: Higher qualifying income Better mortgage options Less stress at approval time Th...
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Your Kingston Home Didn’t Sell Last Year — Here’s How to Get It Sold This Year

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If your Kingston home didn’t sell last year, you’re not alone. Many well-priced, well-maintained homes across Kingston and the surrounding area sat on the market longer than expected. The good news? A home that didn’t sell last year can absolutely sell this year — often for a better result — with the right strategy. Let’s break down why homes don’t sell and what you can do right now to improve your chances. Why Your House May Not Have Sold There are a few common reasons homes linger on the market: Pricing wasn’t aligned with the market Even small pricing mismatches can push buyers away, especially in changing market conditions. Marketing fell short Poor photos, limited exposure, or weak online presence can drastically reduce buyer interest. Condition or presentation Buyers are emotional. Clutter, outdated finishes, or deferred maintenance can turn them off quickly. Lack of a clear selling strategy Listing a home isn’t enough — timing, positioning, and negotiation matter. How to Sel...
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