Margaret Lam Realty
1300 Yonge Street, Suite 100 M4T 1X3 Toronto, ON, Canada

// Much of Toronto's landscape is kinda bleh - we don't have rocky mountains like Vancouver or the St. Lawrence River creating skylines on both sides of land like Quebec. BUT we got a calm, pristine lake!! ... It's no wonder buyers want 'lake view' as one of their top 3 must-haves Here's how I would describe living in the different waterfront communities: (think Sugar Beach, Distillery District) - less touristy, less traffic, lounge vibe (think ferries, Centre Island) - more touristy, commercialized, business-y (think Ontario Place, CNE) - tons of parks/dogs/runners, younger crowd, hipster vibes Home types: mix of high rise and boutique condos ranging from $900 - $1,200/sqft Interested in living near the water? I can recommend specific buildings to suit your taste. DM me to learn more! Took my little boy to work @Tridel Aqualina in the east end one summer . . . . . #torontowaterfront #waterfrontliving #waterfronthomes #realestate #realtor #firsttimehomebuyer #sellersagent #marketing #homeforsale #realestateagent #realestatelife #realestateexperts #realestateadvice #realestatetips #realestateinvesting #realestateinvestment #realestateagency #realestateinvestors #realestatemarketing #realestatesales #realestateforsale #realestatemarket #luxuryrealestate #realestatebroker #commercialrealestate #realtorlife

When Is The Best Time To Buy Real Estate? // NOW! You've heard it from others before and it just sounds like a sleezy sales tactic right? But there's a simple truth to this: For example, a house sold for $950,000 in winter 2020, and you thought that was too expensive and decided to wait because 'experts' say the bubble is going to burst (ha!) ... 6 months later, it's summer 2021 and a house now sells for $1,050,000, and yet you still wait for a burst because prices are tooo crazy (really huh?) Another 6 months later, it's winter 2021 and guess what, houses now cost over $1,150,000. That first house you missed out on now seem like a deal huh. In case you haven't noticed, prices went up by more than 20% in just ONE year!! And what is your raise for this year? 2 or 3%? How about a whopping 5%?! Now do you regret not getting into the market earlier? I'm driving over to your place for a chat! ' , . Market stats don't lie! Scroll to see the latest numbers for Dec 2021.

If you had to pick that ONE must-have when buying a home, what would it be? Sometimes we have to make sacrifices, but it shouldn't be for that one thing you MUST have in your life, even if there are many pros. I'd love to hear what your deal-breaker is Not only will it save you time during the hunt, but also save you from having any regrets after moving in.... See what mine is in the comments. It might shock you . . . . . #dealbreaker #musthaves #iloverealestate #realestatetips #buildfreedom #buildwealth #buildlife #the6ix #torontorealestate #gtarealestate #condolife #torontobuyer #firsttimehomebuyers #homebuyer #justlisted #newlisting #forsale #Torontohouse #torontofamily #torontolistings #realestateagent #torontohomes #realtorlife #realtormom #womeninrealestate #realestateblog #momswhohustle #realtormomlife

, // I love my job - it feels more like a hobby than work actually! It’s important to have passion or at the very minimum, like your job. Afterall, we’re working for most of our lives and when there’s a lack of interest, it shows. I love every second of being a Realtor! In fact it often times supersedes my mommy duties, sorry kiddos ... I understand all matters are time sensitive and I’m just so eager to make it happen for my clients. I’ve always been committed to my work and I couldn’t have it any other way

3 ? // They all have herringbone tiles! If you want to add a bit of timeless luxury to your home, the herringbone pattern is a MUST have They work in any room, on any wall, dark or light. We just did a gut reno on our house about 8 years ago and I wish I had discovered this pattern then ... I think it's time for another refresher ya?!

? // Starting the new year on a higghhh note You wake up to those beautiful lake/city views everyday...until the building next door rises to cover yours! Things to look out for when buying to ensure your views don't get blocked:... 1. Are there obvious signs of construction? 2. Is there a parking lot, a very old or even abandoned building? 3. Is there an existing building or park that's likely to stay? If you plan on keeping those views that made you buy the property in the first place, you better make sure it stays! Throwback to this photo of me at Harbour Plaza - on the 75th floor!! No doubt these views will ever be blocked haha!

, // Seeing Kyle's little accomplishments is highly rewarding for him as it is for me. Buying a home is also highly rewarding, and both don't just happen overnight! There are steps to take to bring you closer to home ownership. From pre-approval, to showings, negotiating offers and closings, I'll always be there to guide you through them ... It's too cold for the park, so we opt for indoor playgrounds instead. We visited @minidokids several weeks back and it's a clean place with friendly staff. It has a huge ball pit, play kitchen, a sitting area for adults, meals and more. Wish we could go back soon! Swipe to see my little chef in the making

, // ME: What do you think of the tree? Kyle: Ooo, so many balls on the Christmas tree and toilet paper too! ME: ..... ... I was panicking when the more popular stores had nothing left on their shelves, but thanks to @compulsivecook for re-introducing me to @canadiantire, I was able to get everything I needed (and at decent prices too) WOO!! Our @leboart artwork pairs quite nicely with it too. I think this tree will stick around till Vday

, ' ! // That's not what anybody wants to hear after you put in an offer to buy a property, even worse, after you've forked over the deposit! Once the purchase agreement is signed and accepted firm, it becomes binding and you're obligated to go through with it. Unfortunately, cold feet is common - you got caught up in a bidding war and paid too much or you didn't go with your gut feeling and picked the wrong house...... Whatever the case, the seller MAY be opened to canceling the agreement, with or without penalty. Buying real estate is serious business and must be thought over carefully before you waste everyone's time. Not sure if you're ready to buy? Have a quick chat with me and I'll assess your readiness Swipe to see our selfie take 2, 3 or was that 4... . . . . . #coldfeet #iloverealestate #margaretlamrealty #the6ix #torontorealestate #condolife #firsttimehomebuyer #homebuyer #justlisted #newlisting #forsale #Torontohouse #TorontoCanada #torontofamily #torontolistings #realestateagent #torontohomes #realtorlife #realtormom #womeninrealestate #realestateblog #beyourownboss #entrepreneurlife #realestateinvestor See more

#Throwback to the listing for one of my favourite clients last winter No doubt a vacant home shows better than a cluttered one, but it's even more fun to play around with a blank canvas. We wanted to showcase how practical the living space was in this less than 600 sqft condo. Remove the doubt of 'can I actually fit a dining table there?' - well we just showed you that you can! ... A professionally staged home gives buyers that WOW! factor that will have them pay top dollar for. THE RESULT: 20+ showings in less than a week and a bully offer that was too good to pass!!

-- // A dead-end street is perfect for my kiddos to play on without worrying about cars. Overnight parking enforcement is pretty lax too The con - we're ALWAYS the last to get plowed

I'm having mixed emotions about this winter... Real estate is typically slower in the winter because people leave for vacation or just wanna hibernate so there's less buying and selling. But last winter was just chaotic with housing prices up 15-20% in many locations and bidding wars on everything (thanks Covid!)... With lockdown restrictions pretty much non-existent this time around, perhaps the market will resume its normal course... See what my emoji feeling is in the comments below - and let me see yours! . . . . . #iloverealestate #margaretlamrealty #the6ix #torontorealestate #condolife #torontobuyer #firsttimehomebuyer #homebuyer #justlisted #newlisting #forsale #Torontohouse #TorontoCanada #torontofamily #torontolistings #realestateagent #torontohomes #realtorlife #realtormom #womeninrealestate #realestateblog #beyourownboss #entrepreneurlife #realestateinvestor

A house without a is just a house. Build a and fill it with memories of people you love

When we tell buyers that 'now is the time to buy', we really mean it! The rise of condo prices is coming back so ACT NOW!!

Do you have a dark room that you'd love to lighten up? These tips can help.

Yes, it's business and we have to maintain our professionalism but when the connection is real, clients can turn into friends! This was the case for a lovely couple from Australia, who had landed for only 3 weeks when I met them. Having been delayed for 6 months and living in a gross Airbnb, it was time to find a more permanent home.... We decided on this brand new, sun-filled corner unit literally seconds walk to the new VMC bus station and subway You guys are SO brave for moving here amidst all the chaos and when this passes, you can enjoy all that Toronto has to offer Oh, did I mention this girl can SING! Check her out @astridripepi Looking forward to our coffee date! . . . . . #covid #VMC #coffeedate #margaretlamrealty #the6ix #torontorealestate #condolife #firsttimehomebuyer #forsale #forlease #justlisted #torontofamily #torontolistings #realestateagent #torontohomes #realtorlife #realtormom #womeninrealestate #realestateblog #beyourownboss #entrepreneurlife #realestateinvestor See more

- // Don’t Be Fooled! Developers are responsible for creating the very first budget of a newly built condo. Their budget is created as low as reasonably possible so as not to deter buyers from purchasing a unit with high maintenance fees. You may be content to see $0.65/sqft as opposed to $0.75/sqft on a mature condo, but don’t be fooled - this initial rate may only apply to the first year.... Don’t be surprised to see a sudden hike in fees for the 2nd year - I’ve seen as much as a 20% increase! So why is that? First year budgets are often difficult to predict because there is no history to base the figures on. While contracted services such as concierge, cleaning, superintendent etc. can be obtained in advance, utilities consumption is unknown during the first year. What about repairs and maintenance caused by damage and not covered under warranty? It’s easy to go over-budget and the condo will have no choice but to increase the fees for the 2nd year to make ends meet. Fortunately, any deficit in the first year is covered by the developer but the condo is on its own thereafter. It takes a new condo at least 3-4 years to establish a predictable budget and for any fee increases to stabilize. If high fees are your pet-peeve, my tip for you is to (those with ~200 units or less) with full amenities and full time concierge. A smaller building has less units than a larger building to share in the costs for the same services, as such their fees would be higher. Make sense? . . . . . #margaretlamrealty #the6ix #torontorealestate #condolife #firsttimehomebuyer #forsale #forlease #torontofamily #torontolistings #realestateagent #torontohomes #realtorlife #realtormom See more

? // The Rise Of Kids’ Rooms As A Standard Amenity Downtown Toronto is no longer a hub for students, bachelors and professionals. Many young families are choosing to live in condos, and developers are seeing the value of creating family-friendly condo buildings.... Hence, most if not all new condos have a kids’ room as a standard amenity feature. While one-bedroom units continue to dominate the pre-construction market, two-bedroom units are on the rise to accommodate young families. Hint hint investors - stop hogging those 1 beds and leave them for the bachelors! If there's ever a good time to buy a condo, it's NOW! Oversupply + lack of demand = lots of room for negotiation and a better bang for your buck in whatever building & neighbourhood you like! What are you waiting for?? Time to stop renting and OWN! . . . . . #stopwaiting #actnow #margaretlamrealty #the6ix #torontorealestate #condolife #firsttimehomebuyer #forsale #forlease #torontofamily #torontolistings #realestateagent #torontohomes #realtorlife #realtormom See more

// Simply move on to another! There's no point dwelling on something that could not be had. I take away everything I can from the experience and re-group for the next battle. Price is the most common reason buyers lose out on a bidding war, in which they will likely keep that in mind so that they don't lose out on another chance eg. prepare to spend a few extra bucks.... I typically take buyers on 15+ showings before they're comfortable putting in an offer. It takes a bit of trial and error to determine what the buyers actually want for themselves. To avoid wasting precious time, I always pre-screen my buyer's list to ensure that they meet the top 3 must-haves. I encourage buyers to decide on their 1st, 2nd and even 3rd picks as back-up and prepare them for what's to come based on information I pry from the listing agent. I've been through 2 bidding wars for the same clients and can attest to how exhausting it is for everyone. Nonetheless, I never give up! Having already put in so much time and effort gives me even more motivation to have to win it for everybody! Call it stubbornness or just pure resilience! . . . . . #margaretlamrealty #the6ix #torontorealestate #condolife #firsttimehomebuyer #torontolistings #realestateagent #torontohomes #realtorlife #realtormom See more

' ! // I know, it's insane - I just had a baby and you don't want a postpartum lady to work I appreciate the care but there are many things I can still do for you right now that don't require having to leave the house - consultation, home evaluation, market analysis, pulling a homes list etc. And guess what? I closed this lease...nothing special right, except it happened while I was still at the hospital with Emma! ... I actually had a showing in the Annex that morning and was hoping to make a deal happen (while in labour of course!), but this will do It's only been a week and I'm itching to get out again. Real estate stops for nobody and I'm still available for my clients . . . . . #leased #workoholic #margaretlamrealty #the6ix #torontorealestate #condolife #firsttimehomebuyer #forsale #forlease #torontofamily #torontolistings #realestateagent #torontohomes #realtorlife #realtormom See more

I had so much fun putting together this closing gift Custom welcome home sign created by the talented @createdby.claudia, candles to freshen up the new place, spending money for groceries and of course fancy champagne to celebrate - cheers! And oh, our furry friend gets a new home too and she loves it!! Swipe for proof ... . . . . . #closinggift #margaretlamrealty #the6ix #torontorealestate #condolife #firsttimehomebuyer #forsale #forlease #torontofamily #torontolistings #realestateagent #torontohomes #realtorlife #realtormom #womeninrealestate #realestateblog #beyourownboss #entrepreneurlife See more

= // It can’t be predicted until it actually happens! That ONE question I dread being asked the most, yet is the most common question asked is - So, how’s the market doing? As a salesperson, it’s our nature to stray from bearing bad news. Besides, there’s never bad news in Toronto real estate - it’s all a matter of perspective.... Are you a buyer waiting to ‘pick up deals’ in a buyer’s market, or are you a seller hoping to jump on the hot bidding war train? My response to that question is always with a bunch more questions - which neighbourhood are you referring to? What type of home? Freehold or condo? Are you looking to buy or sell? There’s never a straight answer to that question. It’s all dependent on your local market. When you see those market stats, Average homes went up 10%! or Total Residential Sales went up 50%! - well it’s true based on OVERALL numbers in the GTA, but that doesn’t mean every market is acting the same. With so many people working from home nowadays, many of my clients are all looking to upsize - get out of their 1 bed condo and move into a house - even if that means moving to the outskirts like Newmarket or Whitby. Hence, I'm seeing a surge in condo resales resulting in a buyer's market for that sector and a hot seller's market for freehold homes. Always reach out to your friendly neighbourhood realtor to get an idea of local trends that reflect your needs . . . . . #margaretlamrealty #the6ix #torontorealestate #condolife #firsttimehomebuyer #torontolistings #realestateagent #torontohomes #realtorlife #realtormom See more

? // An exclusive listing is one not published on MLS. The Realtor is required to market the home to their personal sphere - it’s much harder than you think! The Multiple Listing Service (MLS), is the most common way for advertising a home for sale as it’s readily available for all realtors and the general public to see (think realtor.ca or zolo.ca) Here are some things to consider when listing Exclusively:... # - You don’t want your nosy neighbours, friends or family to know you’re selling (eg. celebrities, couples going through a divorce, an estate sale etc.) # - - Perhaps you want to test out the market by listing the home at a higher price than it’s expected to sell. If it doesn’t work out, at least you can start fresh on MLS without people knowing the history. # - You’re not quite ready to show off how fabulous your house can be, and want to limit visits from buyers while undergoing renovation. # - - There is no way a single realtor would know all 78,000 Ontario realtors! We can agree that effective marketing means exposure to as many people, using the least amount of time and money as possible. # - You may already have an ideal number in mind, but won’t know your house’s true potential until buyer(s) tell you what they think it’s worth. Selling exclusively lowers your chances of creating a bidding war. # - - Actually a pro for the listing agent who takes the entire commission acting for both seller + buyer! As the seller, you want your listing agent to have your best interest selling the house for top dollar, but if they’re also representing the buyer at the same time who’s looking to buy for the lowest price possible, whose side will that agent be on at the end of the day? . . . . . #margaretlamrealty #the6ix #torontorealestate #condolife #firsttimehomebuyer #torontolistings #realestateagent #torontohomes #realtorlife #realtormom See more