Blog

If you’ve been thinking about making a move out of the city, you’re not alone. More and more families are discovering the lifestyle that Dufferin County has to offer — fresh air, rolling hills, small-town charm, and a strong sense of community, all within commuting distance of the GTA. As the #1 Ontario Realtor with eXp Realty in both 2023 and 2024, I’ve helped hundreds of families buy and sell homes in Orangeville, Shelburne, Mono, Amaranth, and beyond. And I can... [read more]

If you’ve been thinking about making a move out of the city, you’re not alone. More and more families are discovering the lifestyle that Dufferin County has to offer — fresh air, rolling hills, small-town charm, and a strong sense of community, all within commuting distance of the GTA. As the #1 Ontario Realtor with eXp Realty in both 2023 and 2024, I’ve helped hundreds of families buy and sell homes in Orangeville, Shelburne, Mono, Amaranth, and beyond. And I can... [read more]

If you’ve been thinking about making a move out of the city, you’re not alone. More and more families are discovering the lifestyle that Dufferin County has to offer — fresh air, rolling hills, small-town charm, and a strong sense of community, all within commuting distance of the GTA. As the #1 Ontario Realtor with eXp Realty in both 2023 and 2024, I’ve helped hundreds of families buy and sell homes in Orangeville, Shelburne, Mono, Amaranth, and beyond. And I can... [read more]

One of the most valuable things I’ve built over my years in real estate in Dufferin County isn’t just a portfolio of homes bought and sold — it’s a network of trusted people in every trade and service you can imagine. Around here, if you need help, chances are I can confidently say: “I’ve got a guy for that!” Of course, sometimes it’s not a guy — it might be the best painter in Orangeville,  Dufferin's most reliable cleaning... [read more]

When it comes to buying or selling a home in Dufferin County, experience and trust matter. That’s why so many families turn to John Walkinshaw, Realtor® with eXp Realty. Known for his deep market knowledge, strong negotiation skills, and commitment to clients, John has built a reputation as one of the leading real estate professionals in Ontario. In fact, John Walkinshaw was recognized as the #1 real estate agent in Ontario with eXp Realty in both 2023 and 2024. This achievement... [read more]

How Do Realtor Fees Work in Ontario? One of the most common questions I get as a realtor is, “How do realtor fees work in Ontario?” Whether you’re buying or selling a home, understanding how these fees are structured can help you make informed decisions. Let’s break it down simply. Realtor Fees for Buyers: No Out-of-Pocket Cost If you’re a homebuyer in Ontario, the good news is that you don’t pay anything to hire a realtor! The commission for both... [read more]

Christmas is right around the corner and I know what you're thinking, our trusty realtor, John, will know exactly what the first time buyers in our lives want as a Christmas gift. Well, you're right, I do know what they want! According to a 2024 report, over 1/3 of first time home buyers in Canada receive gifts to help cover their down payment. These gifts average over $125,000.  So there you have it, the first time buyers in your life want a massive cash gift for... [read more]

When it comes to selling your home, timing is often a key concern. Many sellers wonder whether listing their home during the holiday season is a good idea or if they should wait until the new year. The truth is, trying to time the market perfectly is impossible. If you’re ready to sell, the holiday season might actually be the perfect time to list your home. Here’s why. 1. Less Competition Means More Attention One of the biggest advantages of listing your home during the... [read more]

As the vibrant colors of autumn begin to blanket our region, it's also a signal that winter is just around the corner. Preparing your home for the colder months ahead is crucial to ensuring it remains safe, efficient, and comfortable. Here are some essential fall home maintenance tips for Ontario homeowners. 1. Inspect and Clean Gutters Falling leaves can quickly clog your gutters, leading to water damage, ice dams, and even foundation issues. Before the snow arrives, make sure to... [read more]

Back to school time is here and whether you wish summer could last forever, or you are counting down the days until school starts up again, where you live has a big impact on your school day schedule. Dufferin County has several wonderful neighbourhoods close to elementary and high schools where your kids can walk to school each morning and maybe even run home for lunch during break time. We also have some beautiful rural areas with a great bus system where your kids can be bussed into... [read more]

Minden, Ontario, is a hidden gem in the heart of the Haliburton Highlands, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and a relaxed pace of life that makes it an ideal place to call home. Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation Surrounded by pristine lakes, lush forests, and rolling hills, Minden is a paradise for nature lovers. Whether you enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, or just relaxing by the water, Minden provides endless opportunities to connect with the great... [read more]

Orangeville, Ontario, is more than just a charming town nestled in the scenic hills of Dufferin County. It’s a community on the rise, offering a unique blend of small-town appeal with big opportunities for business growth and economic development. For entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals looking to capitalize on a burgeoning market, Orangeville presents a wealth of possibilities. A Vibrant and Growing Community With a population of over 30,000, Orangeville is experiencing... [read more]

The Bank of Canada plays a critical role in shaping the economic landscape of the country, and one of its most powerful tools is the setting of interest rates. These decisions, typically announced eight times a year, have wide-reaching implications for the economy, particularly for home buyers and sellers. Recent drops in the interest rate are of particular interest to anyone involved in the Ontario real estate market. What Are Bank of Canada Interest Rate Announcements? The Bank of... [read more]

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions that most people will make in their lifetime. With so much at stake, it's essential to have an experienced and knowledgeable professional to guide you through the process. That's where a real estate agent comes in. In this blog, we'll discuss why a buyer should use a real estate agent to buy a house.   1. Access to MLS The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a database of homes for sale that is only accessible... [read more]

When selling your home, staging can make all the difference in attracting potential buyers and getting the best offer possible. Professional staging is a key part of our selling process. Here are some tips for staging your house to sell:   1. Declutter: Remove any unnecessary items from your home, including personal belongings and furniture that may be too large or bulky for the space. 2. Depersonalize: Potential buyers want to be able to envision themselves living in the home, so... [read more]

Buying a home for the first time can be a daunting task, particularly in Canada's competitive and ever-changing real estate market. As a first-time home buyer, there are unique needs and considerations that must be taken into account when navigating this complex process. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the key factors that first-time home buyers in Canada should keep in mind.   1. Affordability One of the most critical considerations for first-time home buyers in... [read more]

Dundalk is a small, friendly town located in Grey County, Ontario. It's situated in a picturesque rural setting, surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and farmland. Throughout the last 5 years, Dundalk has been growing substantially as more people move to the area. Here are some of the reasons why people are falling in love with Dundalk:   1. Community: One of the best parts about living in Dundalk is the sense of community. The town has a close-knit, friendly vibe, and residents... [read more]

It's finally spring! The perfect time to wash away winter and prepare your home for summer. With a little bit of maintenance, you can help prevent costly repairs and keep your home looking great. Here are some spring maintenance tips for homes in Ontario:   1. Clean gutters and downspouts: Clean out any debris from your gutters and downspouts to prevent water from backing up and causing damage to your roof, walls, or foundation.   2. Inspect the roof: Check for any... [read more]

Orangeville, Ontario is a charming and vibrant community located just over an hour's drive northwest of Toronto. Nestled in the rolling hills of Dufferin County, Orangeville offers a high quality of life and a wide range of amenities that make it an excellent place to live, work, and play. Here are just a few of the benefits of living in Orangeville: 1. Natural Beauty One of the most significant benefits of living in Orangeville is the natural beauty that surrounds the town. The area... [read more]

Spring time is here, and that means it's time for spring cleaning. Cleaning can be a very scary word for a lot of people, but its so important to do a deep clean every once and a while to keep your house in good shape. In real estate some of the toughest parts of listing a home is cleaning and de-cluttering it. If you can do a de-clutter and deep clean once a year, this dreaded deep clean before selling your home will be much less painful.   Here are some tips for cleaning... [read more]