DEAR MIKE: We are motivated to move, but it seems overwhelming in this market. What if we sell our home in Toronto and can’t  afford to stay or move back at some point? One of the biggest challenges right now for people who want to sell their home is simply figuring out where to move. Upgrading, downsizing – whichever direction you’re headed – finding an affordable li...Read More

This is a great question. Truth is, we all have different criteria. Most of us depend on a personal recommendation from someone we already trust. A lot of us choose a recognizable name or brand we’ve seen on a consistent basis. Some of us go on a gut feeling based on past experiences.   Next to getting married or having children, buying or selling a home is right up there as one of li...Read More

Homeowners sell for a lot of reasons. It’s our job as agents to find out the motivating factors behind why they want or need to move. They might be upsizing, empty-nesting, retiring, going through a job transfer, experiencing health issues or changes in their personal relationships. Often it’s as simple as falling in or out of love with a neighbourhood. Whatever the reason, timing is o...Read More

Most times, it’s actually a process of give and take. Here’s a great example: I recently sold a home in Clairlea. When I first sat down with this seller, he gave me his list of ideas for getting top price for his home and who he thought his prospective buyers might be. He spoke, I listened. It was, after all, his home and his neighbourhood for many years and he was able to see it...Read More

Sometimes it takes half a lifetime or more, but your positive contribution to others will come back to you. Sounds a little Zen right? After 29 years in business, I can say that I’ve truly witnessed it. Here’s an example: I recently sold a Danforth-Village home that  is situated in a neighbourhood that I think is one of the best kept secrets in Toronto. The architecture and ...Read More

  It’s not something we announce but it sure rings loud and clear whenever a family drama unfolds —particularly when it’s time to sell the family home! When parents have passed or have become incapacitated, it’s difficult to get siblings or other family members to agree on what’s best. Times like this can bring out bad behaviour and relations can become so damag...Read More

I talk to past clients sometimes and they tell me they're already approaching their first mortgage renewal just shy of 5 years. Time sure does fly and it often seems like yesterday that I helped a family out during this important stage of their life.  If your mortgage  renewal is  forthcoming, I’d like you to consider your alternatives before you sign ...Read More

Happy 2016 from the entire Mike Clarke Team! We wish you good health, happiness and prosperity in the months ahead. I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for your business for the past 28 years. Your referrals ensure that your friends and family get the service and results they deserve. 2015 was a banner year for sellers. Low inventory compared to the number of home buyers drove up pr...Read More

I stopped at a red light the other day and saw five  good-looking people waiting for the bus, likely on their way to work or school. It was a bright, sunny morning, the kind that instantly puts you in good spirits.  What stood out for me is that each of them them was completely engaged in a mobile device and seemed completely oblivious to anyone else around them. Yes, it was that notice...Read More