Category: Blog

Spring is here, and it is time to start thinking about taking care of your home. With the warmer weather and longer days, it is the perfect time to tackle some home maintenance tasks and get your house in tip-top shape for the season. Here are some spring home care tips to help you get started:

1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Spring is the perfect time to clean your gutters and downspouts. Clearing out any debris or leaves will help prevent water damage and keep your home looking its best.
2. Check Your Roof: Spring is a great time to check your roof for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Look for loose or missing shingles, cracks in the chimney, or any other signs of damage.
3. Inspect Your HVAC System: Before the summer heat arrives, it’s a good idea to have your HVAC system inspected and serviced. This will ensure that it’s working efficiently and help prevent any breakdowns during the summer.
4. Clean and Replace Air Filters: Spring is the perfect time to clean or replace your air filters. This will help improve indoor air quality and reduce allergens in your home.
5. Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly by testing them and replacing batteries if needed.
6. Clean Your Windows and Screens: Spring is the perfect time to clean your windows and screens. This will help improve the natural light in your home and keep bugs out.
7. Organize Your Garage: Use the warmer weather as an opportunity to organize your garage. This will help you find items more easily and create more space for storage.
8. Plant a Garden: Finally, consider planting a garden this spring. Not only will it add beauty to your home, but it’s also a great way to enjoy the outdoors and eat fresh, healthy produce.

By following these spring home care tips, you’ll be well on your way to a clean, healthy, and beautiful home. Enjoy the season!

Professionals have the expertise, knowledge, and experience in their respective fields, which allows them to provide innovative and effective solutions to problems that individuals might not have thought of themselves. Seeking the assistance of a professional can often lead to better outcomes and help individuals achieve their goals more efficiently and effectively.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your unique needs and goals, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 416-908-5600. I’m here to help you find the perfect, tailor-made solution.

If you found this review helpful, I would greatly appreciate it if you could kindly leave a Google Review for my real estate services at

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A. Q. Mufti

Your Trusted Realtor in Mississauga, Oakville, Milton and beyond.

It is serious, Oakville Mayor Rob Burton signed a new bylaw on Friday, April 3, 2020, effective immediately, that could slap a hefty fine of up to $100,000 to those individuals who are not following the social distancing guidelines.

The article in InsideHalton.com says;

“Congregating in an Oakville park or sports field during the coronavirus pandemic could now cost residents up to $100,000.

Oakville Mayor Rob Burton signed a new bylaw on Friday, April 3 in order to enforce physical distancing at public places and at businesses operating within the Town of Oakville.

Individuals not adhering to the physical distancing regulation can now be fined a minimum of $750 and a maximum of up to $100,000 for each offence or issued an administrative penalty of $300.

Town staff say the fines get larger if the offences are repeated.

The bylaw takes effect immediately.

Multiple health authorities at the regional, provincial and federal level have called on the public to stay home as much as possible and keep at least two-metres apart when they do go out to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The Town has closed all its facilities, however, Burton said groups of people are still regularly being seen in parks, sports fields and other closed outdoor areas.

“The councillors and I have received a constant stream of complaints from the public about the large number of people who are flouting the physical distancing guidelines and regulations,” said Burton.

“People who are not observing the physical distancing are prolonging and increasing the problem. We must get them to pay attention to this and behave correctly.”

Burton said Premier Doug Ford’s announcement that the coronavirus pandemic could have resulted in as many as 100,000 deaths in Ontario (had early measures like physical distancing not been introduced), drove him to act.”

For full coverage please follow the link below

The collapse and the recent acquisition of Credit Suisse by UBS in a $3.25 billion deal was not entirely unexpected, given the bank’s history of fraud allegations and questionable practices. Credit Suisse has faced allegations of tax evasion, money laundering, and insurance claims, among other things. The consequences of these activities by financial industry giants extend beyond local economies and have a global impact.

The question we should be asking ourselves is why it takes so long to take corrective action against these criminal activities before they spiral out of control and become Frankenstein monsters. Why does it take a major scandal, like the Credit Suisse fiasco, to finally force the industry to address these issues? There is a pressing need for greater transparency and ethical practices within the financial industry, not just for the sake of individual businesses, but for the betterment of society as a whole.

The impact of financial industry practices extends far beyond the realm of high finance, affecting the everyday lives of people around the world. As we have seen time and time again, these practices can lead to economic turmoil, lost savings, and even catastrophic events like the 2008 global financial crisis. We must take a proactive approach to address these issues and ensure that financial institutions operate with the highest levels of transparency, accountability, and ethical responsibility.

The Credit Suisse case should serve as a wake-up call for the financial industry to prioritize these values and take action to root out any practices that run counter to them. By doing so, we can help to create a more stable and sustainable global economy, one that works for everyone, not just a privileged few. It’s time for the industry to step up and demonstrate its commitment to these values, for the sake of all of us.

In addition to the global financial impact of the Credit Suisse scandal, there are also potential implications for the mortgage market. Credit Suisse was a major player in the mortgage-backed securities market, and its troubles could have ripple effects across the industry.

It’s too early to say exactly how the Credit Suisse scandal will affect the mortgage market, but it’s clear that there is potential for disruption. Investors should be aware of the risks associated with mortgage-backed securities and take steps to protect themselves. This could include diversifying their portfolios, conducting thorough due diligence on any investments, and working with a trusted financial advisor.

Ultimately, the Credit Suisse scandal should serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency and ethical practices in the financial industry. By working to prevent fraud and other illegal activities, we can help to create a more stable and sustainable financial system that benefits everyone.

Furthermore, the impact of the scandal has not been limited to Switzerland. As a major global financial institution, Credit Suisse’s practices have had a ripple effect on the housing markets of other countries as well. In the United States, for example, the bank has faced lawsuits related to its mortgage-backed securities activities leading up to the 2008 financial crisis. These activities contributed to the collapse of the housing market in the U.S., leading to widespread foreclosures and financial ruin for many homeowners.

The impact of financial industry practices on the housing market cannot be overstated. For most people, buying a home is the largest financial decision they will ever make. When banks engage in fraudulent or unethical practices, it can have devastating consequences for homeowners, and the broader economy as well. The industry must take steps to prioritize transparency and ethical practices in all of its activities, including those related to real estate and mortgages.

Professionals have the expertise, knowledge, and experience in their respective fields, which allows them to provide innovative and effective solutions to problems that individuals might not have thought of themselves. Seeking the assistance of a professional can often lead to better outcomes and help individuals achieve their goals more efficiently and effectively.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your unique needs and goals, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 416-908-5600. I’m here to help you find the perfect, tailor-made solution.

If you found this review helpful, I would greatly appreciate it if you could kindly leave a Google Review for my real estate services at

A. Q. Mufti Google Review

Thank you for your continued support!

A. Q. Mufti

Your Trusted Realtor in Mississauga, Oakville, Milton and beyond.

While suffering from Coronavirus, CNN’s anchor Chris Cuomo has become the biggest advocate of social distancing to fight against Coronavirus pandemic.

He explained in this interview about his own personal experience, how he is enduring the suffering, what he is doing to fight it out, and what we should be doing to avoid being a victim of this virus.

Interestingly, chicken soup is helping him during this time but he said it may differ from person to person.

Please listen to his advice and practice social-distancing, washing hands with soap for twenty seconds, avoid unnecessarily going out.

Watch his interview on CNN via this link;

The latest news from Statistics Canada shows that inflation in February fell to 5.2%, a decrease from the previous month’s 5.4%. The easing of inflation is largely attributed to lower energy prices and while grocery prices, in general, remained high, the growth in prices for other food items slowed down on a year-over-year basis in February compared to January, which includes non-alcoholic beverages (+11.1%), meat (+6.2%), vegetables and vegetable preparations (+13.9%), and bakery products (+13.9%).

This news comes at a time when the Bank of Canada is keeping a close eye on inflation and considering its next move on interest rates. The central bank has already made eight consecutive interest rate increases in 2022, bringing the key overnight rate to 4.5%. However, in its latest announcement in March 2023, the bank decided to hold the rate steady, signalling that it may take a more cautious approach to further rate hikes.

Experts suggest that this pause on interest rate increases could last throughout 2023, as the Bank of Canada closely monitors how the economy responds to its policy moves so far.

If inflation were to continue to rise, the bank may consider raising interest rates again to cool the economy and prevent further inflation. However, if inflation continues to ease, as it did in February, the bank may decide to hold off on any further rate increases to promote economic growth.

The Bank of Canada’s decision on interest rates has a ripple effect throughout the economy. If interest rates increase, it becomes more expensive for Canadians to take out loans, which can lead to decreased spending and economic growth. On the other hand, if interest rates remain low, borrowing becomes more affordable, which can stimulate economic activity and encourage spending.

Overall, the latest news of a decrease in inflation is a positive sign for the Canadian economy, and it may give the Bank of Canada some breathing room as it considers its next move on interest rates. The bank needs to take a cautious approach and carefully weigh its policy decisions to ensure continued economic growth and stability.

Professionals have the expertise, knowledge, and experience in their respective fields, which allows them to provide innovative and effective solutions to problems that individuals might not have thought of themselves. Seeking the assistance of a professional can often lead to better outcomes and help individuals achieve their goals more efficiently and effectively.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your unique needs and goals, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 416-908-5600. I’m here to help you find the perfect, tailor-made solution.

If you found this review helpful, I would greatly appreciate it if you could kindly leave a Google Review for my real estate services at

A. Q. Mufti Google Review

Thank you for your continued support!

A. Q. Mufti

Your Trusted Realtor in Mississauga, Oakville, Milton and beyond.

Apr 4, 2020

Worried about the housing market after COVID-19? You are not alone.

Everyone, buyers and sellers alike, is trying to gauge the impact of COVID-19 on the housing market after life gets back to normal. How many people will be jobless, what will happen to mortgages, will the house prices take a dip, if so how long will it take to rebound, is it a good time to buy or sell? and so on.

Here is a detailed analysis that appeared in The Toronto Star today; https://aqmuftirealty.com/go/star-covid-housing-2020

For more details about my analysis, you can refer to my blog that I published on March 30, 2020, at RBC Economics: “A tough but temporary blow to Canada’s housing market” (April 2020, no longer online)

Take care of yourselves and follow the safety precautions defined by healthcare professionals.

#BeSafeAndHelpOthersBeSafe

A. Q. Mufti

On March 27, 2023, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, announced amendments to the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act’s accompanying Regulations. These amendments are being introduced to make the purchase of housing more affordable for Canadians and enhance the flexibility of newcomers and businesses looking to contribute to Canada.

The Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act was passed by Parliament on June 23, 2022, and came into force on January 1, 2023. The accompanying regulations were developed for the Act to set out specific exceptions, definitions, and clarifications necessary to implement the prohibition.

The amendments announced by the Minister will expand exceptions to allow non-Canadians to purchase residential properties in certain circumstances. These changes are designed to support individuals and families seeking to build a life in Canada by pursuing home ownership in their communities sooner and addressing housing supply issues.

One of the amendments will enable more work permit holders to purchase a home to live in while working in Canada. Work permit holders are eligible if they have 183 days or more of validity remaining on their work permit or work authorization at the time of purchase and have not purchased more than one residential property. The current provisions on tax filings and previous work experience in Canada are being repealed.

Another amendment will repeal the existing provision so that the prohibition doesn’t apply to vacant land. Vacant land zoned for residential and mixed-use can now be purchased by non-Canadians and used for any purpose by the purchaser, including residential development.

The amendments also include an exception for development purposes, allowing non-Canadians to purchase residential property for the purpose of development. The exception currently applicable to publicly traded corporations under the Act has been extended to publicly traded entities formed under the laws of Canada or a province and controlled by a non-Canadian.

Lastly, the control threshold for privately held corporations or entities formed under the laws of Canada or a province and controlled by a non-Canadian has increased from 3% to 10%. This aligns with the definition of ‘specified Canadian Corporation’ in the Underused Housing Tax Act.

In the words of the Hon. Ahmed Hussen, “These amendments will allow newcomers to put down roots in Canada through homeownership and businesses to create jobs and build homes by adding to the housing supply in Canadian cities. These amendments strike the right balance in ensuring that housing is used to house those living in Canada, rather than a speculative investment by foreign investors.”

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) website provides additional information on the Prohibition of the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act and the amendments to the Act’s Regulations. Here is the link: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/media-newsroom/news-releases/2023/amendments-prohibition-purchase-residential-property-non-canadians-regulations

Professionals have the expertise, knowledge, and experience in their respective fields, which allows them to provide innovative and effective solutions to problems that individuals might not have thought of themselves. Seeking the assistance of a professional can often lead to better outcomes and help individuals achieve their goals more efficiently and effectively.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your unique needs and goals, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 416-908-5600. I’m here to help you find the perfect, tailor-made solution.

If you found this review helpful, I would greatly appreciate it if you could kindly leave a Google Review for my real estate services at

A. Q. Mufti Google Review

Thank you for your continued support!

A. Q. Mufti

Your Trusted Realtor in Mississauga, Oakville, Milton and beyond.

In a widely anticipated move, the Bank of Canada announced today a 0.25% increase in the key interest rate, pushing it to reach 5%. This decision, while aimed at tackling inflationary pressures, has unleashed devastating consequences for borrowers, particularly first-time homebuyers whose dreams of homeownership are rapidly fading away. Additionally, current homeowners find themselves under immense financial strain, with many struggling to keep up with their mortgage payments, risking bankruptcy.

The implications of this interest rate hike are far-reaching, and the fallout is being acutely felt by those aspiring to own their homes. For many first-time homebuyers, the increased cost of borrowing makes it exceedingly difficult to enter the housing market. With property prices already soaring, this additional financial burden adds an extra layer of despair to those who were already grappling with affordability challenges.

Existing homeowners are not spared from the fallout either. As the interest rates climb, the financial stress on homeowners intensifies, leaving them teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. Many find themselves grappling with the reality of mounting mortgage payments, which are becoming increasingly harder to manage. The dream of homeownership, once a symbol of stability and security, now seems to be slipping away for countless individuals and families.

While the Bank of Canada has justified the rate hike as a necessary measure to address rising inflation, concerns loom over the feasibility of achieving the target inflation rate of 2% by the year 2025. The question arises: what lies ahead in terms of further interest rate increases? If the current economic projections hold true, borrowers and homeowners may face even greater challenges as the burden of debt continues to mount.

It is crucial for policymakers to recognize the broader ramifications of interest rate hikes. While curbing inflation is undoubtedly a priority, the impact on individuals and families cannot be overlooked. The consequences ripple beyond financial strain, affecting mental health, stability, and the overall well-being of communities. The gap between those who can afford homeownership and those who cannot widens further, exacerbating societal inequalities.

In light of these developments, it is imperative for stakeholders, including the government, financial institutions, and regulators, to explore solutions that address the housing affordability crisis and mitigate the hardships faced by borrowers and homeowners. Measures such as providing targeted assistance and fostering affordable housing initiatives can help alleviate some of the burdens faced by those affected.

In uncertain times, it is essential to strike a balance between economic objectives and the welfare of the people. As interest rates continue to rise, it becomes imperative for policymakers to adopt a holistic approach that safeguards the aspirations of homebuyers and protects the financial well-being of homeowners. Only through such concerted efforts can we hope to navigate the challenging terrain ahead and ensure that the dream of homeownership remains within reach for all Canadians.

Professionals have the expertise, knowledge, and experience in their respective fields, which allows them to provide innovative and effective solutions to problems that individuals might not have thought of themselves. Seeking the assistance of a professional can often lead to better outcomes and help individuals achieve their goals more efficiently and effectively.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your unique needs and goals, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 416-908-5600. I’m here to help you find the perfect, tailor-made solution.

If you found this review helpful, I would greatly appreciate it if you could kindly leave a Google Review for my real estate services at

A. Q. Mufti Google Review

Thank you for your continued support!

A. Q. Mufti

Your Trusted Realtor in Mississauga, Oakville, Milton and beyond.

April 3, 2020

The latest Real Estate sales figures for March have come out today.

It is important to note that March is the month in which the first 14 days are referred to as pre-COVID-19 and 15th to 31st of March as post-COVID-19. So, it’s important to differentiate the two periods to fully understand the report and the impact of COVID-19 on the Real Estate market.

According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), home sales in the entire month of March 2020 were up by 12.3 percent compared to March 2019.

However, the pre-COVID-19 period witnessed a strong increase in sales for the month, there was a 49 percent increase compared to the first 14 days of March 2019.

Contrary to the pre-COVID-19 the sales were down by 15.9 percent compared to the same period in March 2019.

For March as a whole, new listings were up by three percent year-over-year. However, during the post-COVID-19 period new listings, compared to the same period in 2019, were down on a year-over-year basis by 18.4 percent.
As of now, the situation seems as a stand-still and the picture would be clearer after life comes back to normal, hopefully soon, by finding the cure for COVID-19.

Take care of yourselves and follow the safety precautions defined by healthcare professionals.

Please pray for the safety of all and the cure for COVID-19 to be found at the earliest.
 

#BeSafeAndHelpOthersBeSafe

A. Q. Mufti

Please click on the link to read the full report; https://aqmuftirealty.com/trreb-home-sales-report-for-march-2020/

July-2023 Housing Report Review

The Toronto Region Real Estate Board (TRREB) has just released its July 2023 housing market report, and we’ve got a quick review to share with you!

Contrary to common perceptions, total residential transactions rose by 7.8% compared to the same month last year. However, they did decrease by 8.8% when compared to the previous month. The year-over-year Average Selling Price also saw a positive trend, rising by 4.2% from $1,073,213 to $1,118,374. These figures indicate the sentiments of both buyers and sellers in the current market.

The number of new listings hitting the market also saw a healthy increase of 11.5%, rising from 12,294 to 12,712. Additionally, the days a listing remained on the market shortened by 17.2% compared to the same period last year, with properties selling within 24 days, down from 29 days previously.

Buyers and Sellers have come to recognize that higher interest rates are likely to persist for the foreseeable future. However, the recent increase in the overnight bank rate by the Bank of Canada has somewhat shaken confidence in the market. Despite this, there is potential for increased activity and upward price trends if the BOC maintains its rate in its next announcement. Vigilance in monitoring the central bank’s decisions will be key to understanding the market’s trajectory.

Condo sales experienced a remarkable jump of almost 21%, rising from 5,672 to 6,844 units sold. However, there was a slight decline in the selling price by 4.2%, decreasing from $770,539 to $737,868 compared to the same period last year. The market also saw a 13.6% reduction in new condo listings, and properties took longer to sell, with an average of 20 days compared to 15 days last year.

In the condo rental market, we observed a 5.4% increase in total rental units available. Interestingly, despite the higher number of rental units, the average rent for a one-bedroom condo leaped by 11.6%, going from $2,268 to $2,532, largely due to the impact of higher mortgage rates.

On the commercial side, leasing activity saw a significant decline of over 20% year over year. However, the Average Industrial Leasing rate showed a slight improvement of almost 1%. Commercial and Office Leasing rates, on the other hand, experienced a decline of over 26% and about 13%, respectively, largely attributed to the work-from-home environment.

Commercial Sales activity witnessed a significant decrease of nearly 48%, indicating the ongoing challenges in the commercial real estate market.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your unique needs and goals, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 416-908-5600. I’m here to help you find the perfect, tailor-made solution.

If you found this review helpful, I would greatly appreciate it if you could kindly leave a Google Review for my real estate services at

A. Q. Mufti Google Review

Thank you for your continued support!

A. Q. Mufti

Your Trusted Realtor in Mississauga, Oakville, Milton and beyond.