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About This Real Estate Blog
I write this real estate blog for people buying, selling or renting in Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Ayr and Woodstock. No jargon and no hype, just the things I explain to clients every week, in plain English. If a topic you care about is missing, send me a message and I will write about it.
Buying a home
Step-by-step guides, first-time buyer programs, closing costs and what to look for when you tour homes. Start with my buying a home guide and the Ontario home buyer programs page.
Selling a home
How to price, prepare and market your home, what it costs to sell, and how offers work. Get a free home valuation or read my selling your home guide.
Renting and leasing
For tenants and landlords: the Standard Lease, deposits, rent increases, pets and landlord entry. Read how renting works in Ontario.
Contracts and offers
What the clauses, conditions and deadlines in an Ontario offer actually mean. See my guide to OREA clauses and terms.
Local market and neighbourhoods
What it is like to live in each city I serve, and what to watch for when you buy there: Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Ayr and Woodstock.
Tools and checklists
Land transfer tax and mortgage calculators, plus free printable checklists for buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords on my real estate resources page.
How to Get the Most From This Real Estate Blog
- Pick your goal. Use the category tabs above to filter posts for buying, selling or renting.
- Search for a topic. Type a word like “closing costs” or “basement apartment” into the search box.
- Check the date. Real estate rules change. Every post shows when it was published, and I update key guides when the rules change.
- Ask me directly. Every situation is a little different. If a post raises a question, call, text or WhatsApp me at 647-806-0747.
Real Estate Blog Questions
Who writes this real estate blog?
I do. I am Jeewan Sidhu, a REALTOR® with HomeLife Miracle Realty Ltd., Brokerage, based at 450 Hespeler Road in Cambridge.
How often do you post?
I add new posts as questions come up from clients and as rules or the market change, and I update older guides when something important changes.
Is this real estate blog legal or financial advice?
No. It is general information to help you understand the process and ask the right questions. For your own situation, speak with a real estate lawyer, an accountant or a mortgage professional.
Can I read posts in Punjabi, Hindi or Urdu?
Posts are in English for now, but I am always happy to go through any topic with you in Punjabi, Hindi or Urdu.
Can I suggest a topic?
Yes, please do. Many posts on this real estate blog started as a client’s question. Send me your idea.
2026 Updates
What Changed in Ontario Real Estate in 2026
A lot of rules changed this year. These are the updates I have covered most on this real estate blog and in my guides, with links to the official sources.
GST relief for first-time buyers
The federal first-time home buyers’ GST/HST rebate became law in March 2026, removing up to $50,000 of GST on new homes up to $1 million. Details on the CRA website and in my home buyer programs guide.
Ontario HST rebates on new homes
Ontario’s first-time buyer HST rebate opened for applications in June 2026, and a one-year enhanced rebate covers agreements signed from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027, for all eligible buyers. See the Ontario announcement.
Rent increase guideline
The guideline is 2.1% for 2026, and 1.9% has been announced for 2027. Read the rules on ontario.ca and in my renting in Ontario guide.
New tenancy rules
Changes from Bill 60 took effect on September 21, 2026, including a 7-day notice for unpaid rent on monthly tenancies and a new no-compensation option for own-use notices given at least 120 days ahead.
Savings limits
The FHSA is still $8,000 a year up to $40,000, and the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan still allows up to $60,000 per person.
What did not change
The Ontario land transfer tax rates and the $4,000 first-time buyer refund stayed the same. Run your numbers with my land transfer tax calculator.