Whether you’re in the market to purchase a home or sell one, your best pathway toward success will always be working with a real estate agent. 

However, finding the perfect agent is easier said than done. Particularly in Toronto – a city with over 70,000 registered real estate agents, both buyers and sellers alike are tasked with sorting through the seemingly endless options to find the right help for their unique needs. 

Unfortunately, these searches don’t always end in a match made in heaven. While less common, some clients do find themselves stuck with a real estate agent who isn’t living up to expectations. In some cases, they may even stop hearing back from their agent altogether. 

So what can you do if you’re unhappy with your real estate agent? It depends. Even if they’ve outright ghosted you, there could be certain regulatory or legal hurdles to be mindful of. 

When seeking out the perfect real estate agent, listening to personal referrals can help you streamline your search. Click here to read our blog post on the topic.

Preventing Disappointment 

The best way to ensure your agent holds true to their word is by doing your due diligence in the first place. It may seem obvious, but it’s one hundred percent true. When it comes to finding the best possible agent for your personal goals, you’ll want to research your options carefully ahead of time. In addition to exploring a potential agent’s website and social media pages, be sure to look at reviews and testimonials provided by past clients. 

Want to know exactly how you can find the top real estate agent for you? Visit these blog posts for helpful tips. 

• How to Read Between the Lines of Agent Reviews
• Why Choosing the Right Agent Matters For Sellers
• How Many Real Estate Agents Should You Interview Before Choosing One?

Step One

If you’re not happy with the service you’re receiving from your real estate agent, you may have an idea of how to fix the situation – whether it be filing a formal complaint, attempting to fire your agent, or simply hiring someone else. That being said, breaking a buying or listing agreement, can be a long and complex process. Therefore it’s better to try and make your concerns heard before you attempt to escalate the situation. 

If you’re unable to get in touch with your agent directly, try contacting their brokerage. They may be able to connect you to another agent on the same team or help your existing agent reassess your needs. In some cases, they may even offer to void the contract themselves with certain stipulations.

Understanding Your Buying or Listing Agreement 

When you work with a real estate agent to buy or sell a home they will ask you to sign a representation agreement which outlines (among other details) the terms of their services, applicable fees, and the degree of exclusivity applicable to their representation. 

As these agreements are legally binding, you’ll need to take a close look at the document before considering any changes to your representation. If you’ve signed an agreement and it has not yet expired, you may have limited options with how you can proceed. 

If your agent has not lived up to their responsibilities or promises outlined in the representation agreement and you have been unsuccessful in contacting them or their brokerage, you can contact the Real Estate Council of Ontario or your lawyer. They’ll help you make sense of your legal obligations and can provide the best possible guidance for setting things right. 

While they will be the main partner in your real estate journey, your agent will also call on other industry professionals to support your goals. Check out these blog posts to learn more. 

• How Toronto Real Estate Experts Collaborate (and Why it Matters!)
• Agent Connections When Buying or Selling Outside of Canada?
• REALM: Next-Level Luxury Real Estate Technology 

Re-entering the Market With a New Agent

If you’re currently under a binding representation agreement with a real estate agent, you should not hire another agent until you’ve received confirmation that the contract is void or expired. 

Once you’ve been able to move on from your previous agent, finding the right professional to work with next can feel even more daunting. After going through a very stressful situation, it’s completely natural to feel worried about repeating the process. However, even if you’ve had a bad experience with a real estate agent before, it’s important to not attempt to navigate the market on your own. 

The reality is that there are plenty of great agents out there who are eager to help you make your dreams come true. With the right research and due diligence, you’ll be able to find a fantastic and compassionate agent who can ensure you accomplish your real estate goals. 

Searching for a knowledgeable Toronto real estate agent who will make you their top priority? Silver Burtnick & Associates would love to work with you. Click here to get in touch with us. 

When you declutter your home, there will be a lot of stuff you’ll want to throw away, donate, or give to a friend. While it’s easy to get caught up in the process, you may be literally throwing money away. 

In fact, many homeowners are sitting on unique, rare, or highly-desirable items that can fetch top dollar on the market or at auction – whether they know it or not. So how can you tell?

If you’re planning on clearing out your belongings in the near future, working with an experienced, well-connected real estate team is the most efficient method of uncovering and taking advantage of hidden wealth in your home. 

To us, Rightsizing means taking a proactive approach to creating a living space that’s perfect for you, at any stage of life. Click here to download our ultimate rightsizing guide. 

A Refined Approach to Decluttering   

Whether you’re merging households with a partner, downsizing to a smaller place, or simply making more room in your home, decluttering is a simple yet effective way to optimize your space. For some homeowners, this process is accompanied by other tasks and responsibilities, such as getting ready for a move. During these busy life events, it’s easy to rush through the process of decluttering with little thought for what is being thrown away, donated, or added to the garage sale pile.

The process of sorting, itemizing, and clearing out your belongings can be enjoyable and even cathartic. That being said, decluttering also provides a unique opportunity for identifying high-value items well-suited for a formal auction. A patient and refined approach to bestowing or discarding your belongings can ensure you don’t accidentally get rid of something that may be holding equity. 

Ready to begin your rightsizing journey? Explore these blog posts for helpful real estate tips. 

• A Guide to Interim Occupancy in Toronto
• Top 5 Toronto Neighbourhoods For Empty Nesters
• What to Expect From Rightsizing

Uncovering High-Value Assets

While your home is undeniably your largest investment asset, you may be holding other items of notable equity too. During the decluttering process, effectively discerning which of your possessions are fit for auction or resale is an important step in uncovering hidden wealth in your home. Common high-value items include watches and timepieces, works of fine art, rare automobiles, wine, pottery, and other relics. 

In our years of working with Toronto homeowners, we’ve helped a great deal of our clients identify untapped equity in previously under-considered belongings. In addition to items you’ve personally invested in over the years, you may be sitting on other expensive non-purchased possessions such as gifts or chattels. Particularly in Toronto, where many homes are more than a century old, you may find unique antiquities hiding in plain sight. In this same vein, heirlooms, hand-me-downs, keepsakes, and other items passed onto you may also hold strong market value. 

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada + Silver Burtnick & Associates

In conjunction with our exclusive affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Silver Burtnick & Associates has a close-knit relationship with Sotheby’s Auction House. A global icon in curating, selling, and marketing luxury items, Sotheby’s Auction House is the forefront name in luxury. 

Should you identify an item of interest during your decluttering process, we’re able to leverage this relationship to ensure you reap and recover any previously underutilized wealth in your home.  

Beginning with a strategic appraisal, our discerning experts provide market-informed estimates and guidance. Using these insights we’ll put together an action plan to help you maximize your return, whether that be a public auction, private market transaction, or another method of sale. 

Searching for more investor-focused resources that can help you build personal and generational wealth? Check out these blog posts. 

• Building Equity in Luxury
• Best Toronto Neighbourhoods to Invest In
• Maximizing Your Return on Investment With Staging

Guiding You Into Your Next Chapter 

As an experienced and collaborative real estate team, we can help you navigate the process of decluttering your home. We’ve helped countless clients strategically clear out their belongings and capitalize on the sale of high-value items, on top of achieving their overarching real estate goals. Whether you’re looking to downsize, upsize, buy, sell, or do something different, we can help you find success. 

Looking to capitalize on high-value antiquities, art, automobiles, or other assets in your possession? As experts in all things luxury, our team would be happy to advise you. Get in touch. 

Whether buying, selling, or investing in Toronto real estate your market power is only as strong as the agent you choose to work with.  

In our decades of experience working in Toronto’s dynamic real estate world, we’ve cemented an unparalleled market presence. As local real estate leaders, our position is amplified and backed by a collaborative ethos and connection to a diverse range of industry professionals who allow us to provide an experience for our clients that is unmatched, proven, innovative, and successful.

Here’s a look at our vast professional network, localized connections, and collaborative values and how they allow us to offer industry-leading knowledge, innovative strategies, and unparalleled client support. 

When it comes to navigating unique factors within the market, seeking out expert advice is the best approach. We spoke with Michael Oziel from Sherwood Mortgage Group about how rising interest rates are impacting Canadian real estate. Click here to read. 

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada 

Our connection to Sotheby’s International Realty Canada is paramount. It allows us to provide a seamless experience, access to unique resources, and an international network that is truly unique and unprecedented in scope.

In sum, they afford us the opportunity to provide a concierge experience to buyers and sellers alike, no matter their price point or where they find themselves in the city. It is our advantage, and we use it to help.

Our team is also members of the SIR Exceptional Agent Network. An international community of real estate professionals who have made real connections to their communities, we rely on this network to help connect clients with professionals across the globe under the same brand.

If you’re planning on buying or selling a home, choosing the right professional for the job is absolutely essential. Check out these blog posts to learn more. 

• Selling Your Home? Here’s Why Choosing the Right Agent Matters
• How to Read Between the Lines of Real Estate Agent Reviews
• Why You Should Listen to Real Estate Referrals

Inman

Inman is real estate’s leading source of information, known for its award-winning journalism, coverage of leading technology, and meaningful educational resources. Agents from all over the world rely on Inman for accurate, innovative, and timely business information. Our very own Richard Silver serves as a Global Brand Ambassador for Inman. 

The Inman Ambassador program has blossomed in both reputation and global reach since its inception more than a decade ago. The program has fostered relationships that have launched industry startups, elevated the Inman community, and served as a catalyst for raising brand awareness for the leaders, disruptors, and organizations in real estate through Inman events, publishing, and creative social media influence.

Through our well-connected partnership with Inman, Silver Burtnick & Associates will always be at the forefront of advancing technologies, new practices, and greater industry trends. By keeping our fingers on the pulse of real estate, we are able to pass along our expert observations, strategy-driven mindset, and cutting-edge tips to our clients. 

Are you looking for up-to-date insights about Toronto’s vibrant housing market? Explore these resources from our blog. 

• Has Toronto Real Estate Killed the “Asking Price”? 
• Toronto Neighbourhoods Young Professionals Love
• Best Toronto Neighbourhoods For Downsizers

Our Connected Heritage 

Our determined team, Silver Burtnick & Associates was built on strong principles of collaboration and lasting relationships. Founded by a partnership of two passionate real estate experts who share unwavering core values, advanced market knowledge, and the drive to continually elevate and innovate the real estate experience. 

The first half of this partnership is Rochard Silver, Sales Representative, Senior Vice President – Sales and Certified International Property Specialist. A past Director-at-Large for the Canadian Real Estate Association, as well as a past President of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, Richard is adept in the market and brings an unmatched level of expertise. 

Along with Richard Silver, Silver Burtnick & Associates is led by Jim Burtnick, Broker, Senior Vice President –  Sales and Certified International Property Specialist. Jim’s approach to real estate is grounded in financial strategy, providing both buyers and sellers with a nuanced view of their purchase or sale. In pairing that with a custom-tailored service, Jim has cultivated lifelong relationships with his past clients in the luxury home, condominium, and investment markets. He was elected, by his peers, as the Director of the Toronto Real Estate Board. 

It was at the Toronto Real Estate Board where Richard and Jim would build a prosperous working relationship, planting the seeds of what would eventually become Silver Burtnick & Associates.

Interested in unlocking our Toronto expertise to accomplish your real estate dreams? We would love to hear from you. .

The Canadian news cycle is full of articles about the housing market these days. With rising interest rates and prices going down, many sellers might feel worried that they missed the “peak” of the market in February 2022. 

As a result, some sellers are trying to decide between several options. Should they wait to sell and stay where they are? Should they sell anyways despite the changing market? Or should they lease their homes instead of sellin themg?

In this post, we’re going to look at the pros and cons of each option, so if you’re on the fence about selling your home right now, this article is for you. 

Should You Wait Out the Market? 

If you are able, waiting out the market might seem like a good idea. But is it really? What’s important to note is that no one actually knows where the bottom of the market is, that is, until it starts to shift again. Yes, in general, home values always tend to trend upwards in the long term, but how long are you willing to wait?

The sellers who sold their homes in February and March had no idea that the market would start to turn, it was just an educated guess that led them to sell at that moment. 

Additionally, real estate is different from other types of investments, especially if you are living in the home you want to sell. 

You might be motivated to sell for many different reasons, such as a change of job, a growing family, the need to downsize, and the list goes on. These reasons are not strictly financial and should absolutely play into your decision to sell your home. 

If you’re thinking about selling your home this year, it’s best to work with an experienced agent. Here are a few blog resources to help you choose the right agent for you:

• How to Read Between the Lines of Agent Reviews
• Why You Should Listen to Agent Referrals

Is it Better to Lease Your Home?

With rising interest rates there typically comes a pattern. Higher rates often equal higher rents. When interest rates rise, it becomes harder for first-time buyers to qualify for a mortgage, and as a result, the rental market begins to swell. Buyers who would get qualified in a low-interest climate get priced out of the market and become renters. 

Additionally, rising interest rates also lead to higher mortgage payments in some cases, which causes the cost of rent to also go up. 

Looking at the market, it’s actually a great time to be a new real estate investor. And leasing your home instead of selling it would provide many benefits such as:

• Someone else paying off your mortgage and building your equity
• Monthly cashflow through rental payments
• Building wealth and holding on to an asset rather than letting it go

However, there are certainly some caveats to being a real estate investor. Some things to consider include:

• Are you ready to be a landlord and take care of all the added responsibilities attached to owning an investment property? 
• Is your current home amenable to renting? (For example, some condo boards do not allow rentals or your home might not be located in a sought-after location for rentals, etc.)
• Did you need to rely on the capital from your home sale to finance the purchase of a new home? 

Can You Really Sell in This Market? 

If you’ve been keeping up with the news, you’ll know that as of recently, home prices in Toronto have dropped about 20% since the market peak in February 2022. That is a significant dip, however, it’s still important to note that year-over-year prices are still slightly up. 

Selling your home in a changing market is still a good idea, although you will need to adjust your expectations. For example, the average number of days on market has gone up, meaning that your home will likely stay on the market for longer than it would at the peak of the market. 

Multiple offers and bidding wars are also less common now, and many buyers are including conditions in their offers. 

Are you wondering what it’s like to sell your home in Toronto? Here are a few resources to help:

• How Long Will it Take to Sell My Home in 2022?
• Why You Should Never Skip Out on Staging
• Should You Renovate Your Home Before Selling?

Don’t Wait, Just Work with the Right Agent

Instead of waiting out the market, a better strategy would be to work with an experienced real estate agent who has worked in these types of markets before. Someone with years of experience can help you maximize your home sale in any type of market, not just a strong seller’s market like we have recently seen.

Do you have questions about the current real estate market in Toronto? Feel free to reach out and call us at  or email us at

We’ll be the first to admit it – Toronto is overflowing with real estate agents. Of course, as a constantly growing global city, it’s only natural that more and more agents join the workforce each year.

That said, no two agents are the same. If you’re planning on selling your home, choosing the right professional for the job is absolutely essential. Here’s why. 

Looking for more tips about hiring the best agent for you? Start here.

Shop Around

Real estate doesn’t follow a template, and neither do agents. If you want to find the best agent for your home, you’ll need to do some research. In a market like Toronto, simply choosing the first agent you see on a billboard or bus bench could mean leaving some serious money on the table. 

A great starting point for finding the right agent is creating a list of interview questions based on your individual needs, expectations, and anxieties. When it’s time to begin having conversations with potential agents, you’ll already have an understanding of what it is you are looking for. 

In addition to your independent research, ask a friend or family member if they have an agent they can recommend. As a seller, personal referrals are extremely valuable. 

Looking to maximize the sale of your Toronto home? We’ve got you covered. Check out these blog posts. 

• How Long Will it Take to Sell My Home in 2022?
• Why You Should Never Skip Out on Staging
• Should You Wait to Sell Your Home After COVID-19?

Experience & Connections

When it comes to deeply understanding the intricacies of the local market, there’s no substitute for industry experience. In Toronto, some agents have less than a decade of experience, others have multiple. Beyond offering you the knowledge and wisdom they’ve accumulated over their career, an experienced agent can bring other advantages to the table as well. 

For example, a well-established market presence often comes with strong industry connections. As a seller, your agent can use those connections to your advantage. Whether it’s hiring skilled local contractors to maximize your property value before entering the market, or setting you up with a trusted mortgage broker who can help you navigate the financial factors of your move, working with an experienced, well-connected agent will ensure a smoother selling process. 

Real estate in Toronto is constantly shifting. Dive into these blog posts to learn more. 

• A Realistic Look at Down Payments in Toronto
• Mortgages and Generational Impact
• Why “Now” is a Great Time to Sell Your Home

Market Familiarity

In addition to local connections, an agent with decades of experience will also know how to sell your home in any type of market condition. Over the past 20 years, real estate in Toronto has mainly revolved around a busy seller’s market. Today, as interest rates rise across the country, conditions are far more neutral. As a result of this stark change, most new and even intermediate real estate agents in the city are unfamiliar with today’s market atmosphere, having never worked in slow or balanced conditions. If you plan to sell your home in 2022, you’ll want to work with an agent who has sold homes in similar circumstances. 

Want to learn more about how the recent interest rate increases are impacting real estate? Explore our blog post on the topic here. 

Selling Strategies 

Each agent will have their own unique approach to selling your home. To make your sale as successful as possible, you’ll want to find an agent who will leave no stone unturned in maximizing your home’s market performance. 

A great agent will take a strategic and comprehensive approach to selling your home. Sales tactics like pre-market renovations, staging, pricing and marketing are all common techniques among leading agents. 

Be Wary of Discount Agents

Our final word of advice – stay clear of self-proclaimed “discount” agents. While they may advertise lower commission costs, these agents frequently cut corners leading to unimpressive results. An experienced, strategy-driven agent will closely walk you through the costs of selling, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in their approach. They will also maximize the final sale price of your home and provide an easier and faster selling process.

While real estate in Toronto has strongly favoured sellers in recent years, trends are beginning to shift. Today, getting a great price on your home involves thoughtful preparation. This is especially true when it comes to staging – one of the most important steps in selling. 

Staging your home for the market can help you be competitive, sell faster, and land a higher price. 

When it comes to selling successfully, there are no shortcuts. If you’re looking to sell soon, here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t skip the staging process. 

Want to learn more about the selling process? Check out The Magic of Listing. 

The Market is Balancing Out 

Over the past decade, Toronto’s housing market has seen its fair share of fluctuations. Despite the general inventory shortage across the province as a whole, things are cooling off in the GTA. Although homes have sold for record-high prices in recent years, sellers may need to curb their expectations in 2022.

While there are still plenty of active buyers, homes are spending more time on the market than they used to. As a result, homeowners who want to get the most out of their sale should be ready to put in the extra effort. 

What Staging Looks Like 

If you’re a first-time seller, you may be unfamiliar with what the staging process typically involves. First things first, staging does not mean large-scale renovations or home improvement projects. Rather, it generally consists of optimizing your existing space to help it shine in front of buyers. 

Common staging techniques include:

• Cleaning and decluttering
• Removing or replacing old furniture 
• Small tweaks to decor
• Re-painting 

Preparing to sell your home? Check out these resources from our blog. 

• Why Right Now is the Best Time to Sell Your Home
• Should You Wait to Sell Your Home After COVID-19?
• Are Pre-Listing Renovations a Good Idea?

First Impressions

When it comes to showcasing your home to potential buyers, first impressions matter. In 2022, most buyers will first discover your home digitally. And, with hundreds of other available properties just a click away, it’s more important than ever for your home to stand out. Not only can professional staging ensure your home looks great at open houses or showings, but it will also help it look amazing online too.

Audience Connection

While your home is currently tailored to your unique needs and interests, potential buyers will likely have different tastes. Staging helps ensure your home appeals to the most relevant buyer audience. During the process, a staging professional will incorporate both your home’s distinct strengths and industry-leading design trends to curate a welcoming and desirable space. 

Great staging tells a story and allows buyers to envision themselves in your home. When buyers develop an emotional connection to your property, they’ll go above and beyond to buy it. 

The ROI is Great 

In Toronto, selling your home is no longer about setting a finite price. Today, homes enter the market and will typically sell within a certain price range. If you want your home to sell at the top end of that range, you’ll need to put in the work. The good news is that when it comes to staging, the work really pays off.  

Staging has a ‘3X Factor’. This means that sellers typically see the funds they invest into staging tripled upon the sale of their home. For example, if you contribute $15,000 towards staging, you can expect an additional $45,000 added to the value of your home. 

Want to learn more about Toronto’s housing market? Explore these resources from our blog. 

• Has Toronto Real Estate Killed the ‘Asking Price’? 
• Toronto Neighbourhoods Young Professionals Love
• Best Toronto Neighbourhoods For Downsizers

Faster Sales 

On top of bringing in a higher price for your home, staging can also help you sell it faster. Ultimately, when your home looks great and connects well with buyers, they will be more eager to make an offer. While this makes sense on the surface, there’s also data to back it up. 

A 2020 study performed by the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) analyzed 13,000 for-sale homes and how long each property spent on the market. Results showed that the homes that had been staged spent 73% less time on the market in comparison to those that weren’t. 

Professional Collaboration

While staging may seem straightforward and simple, it is not a DIY process. Like other aspects of selling your home, staging is most effective with professional help. During the listing process, your real estate agent will coordinate the staging of your home. Depending on your agent, they may have an in-house staging team or will connect you with an industry professional. 

Ready to begin the home selling process? From staging to showings, we can help every step of the way. Get in touch.