Securing a home in Toronto is a milestone full of excitement—and the mortgage rate you lock in will shape your financial future. Whether you're a first-time buyer or refinancing, smart strategies can help you save thousands. Let’s unpack how to get the lowest mortgage rates—without sacrificing authenticity or clarity.

1. Shop Smart: Compare Lenders, Banks & Brokers

• Don’t settle for your own bank's offer alone. Mortgage brokers can access a broader range of lenders, often securing lower rates than you'd get directly.

• Use comparison platforms (like Ratehub.ca or WOWA.ca) to view real-time Toronto rates across fixed and variable terms—5-year fixed often remains the most popular.

2. Invest in Your Creditworthiness & Down Payment

• A higher credit score directly translates into lower interest rates. Pay down debt, settle bills on time, and clean up your credit ahead of applying.

• A larger down payment can unlock discounted rates and avoid mortgage insurance. Always ask your lender for a lower “discounted rate” off their posted rate.

3. Ask About Rate-Lowering Tactics

• Your lender or seller may offer temporary buydowns—where your monthly rate is discounted for the first year or two.

• Consider mortgage porting if you already have a low rate: you might be able to transfer it to your new home, instead of taking on a higher current rate.

4. Stay Flexible: Term Choices Matter

• Shorter terms (e.g., 3-year vs. 5-year) often carry lower rates and build equity quicker—but also come with slightly higher monthly costs.

• Variable rates may save you money if variable rate trends continue downward. But fixed rates offer stability amid uncertainty.

5. Leverage Volume & Trustworthy Help

• Larger brokers like True North Mortgage promise guaranteed lowest rates and may even pass on part of their commission to you.

• Many brokers are legally obligated to act in your best interest, and their volume relationships can translate into better pricing.

• Need local guidance? Connect with the RE/MAX Plus City Team for personalized advice on buying a home in Downtown Toronto or anywhere across the GTA—we’ll help you make smart, informed financial decisions every step of the way.

Final Summary

Getting the best mortgage rate in Toronto is a mix of strategy, preparation, and smart partnerships. Shop around—including brokers—polish your credit, consider creative tools like buydowns or porting, and choose terms that fit your timeline. This is your home-buying journey—take control.

For personalized property insights or mortgage guidance, contact RE/MAX Plus City Team—your Downtown Toronto real estate experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth using a mortgage advisor?
Yes—mortgage brokers give you access to multiple lenders, volume discounts, and expert advice typically at no cost to you. Many are legally bound to act in your best interest and can save you thousands in interest.

What income do you need for a $500,000 mortgage in Canada?
Estimates vary: one guide suggests earning about $275,000/year for a $500K mortgage at 3% interest. Other models using Canada's stress test estimate a minimum income of around $122,583/year (based on $550K home, $50K down).

What is the monthly payment on a $400,000 mortgage in Ontario?
Using current qualifying rates and a typical amortization, you'd need an annual income of roughly $96,000 to $100,900 to qualify. Exact monthly payments depend on your chosen rate and term but can be estimated using affordability calculators from BMO, CIBC, TD, or Ratehub.

What not to say to a mortgage advisor?
Avoid phrases that lower your credibility. Don’t admit to poor credit, unstable income, or high debt early. Instead, stress your preparedness—your down payment, stability in income, and willingness to compare lender options.

What is a red flag in a mortgage?
Watch for unusually high rates, undisclosed fees, unclear terms, or pushy sales tactics focusing only on closing a deal—not your long-term fit. If lenders can't articulate rate factors or your contract feels opaque, proceed with caution.

Located in the heart of Toronto’s Riverside Square community, 15 Baseball Place Condos combines boutique living with the convenience of full-scale urban amenities. This address offers the ideal balance between comfort, lifestyle, and accessibility — making it a top choice for buyers and investors seeking value in the city’s east end. Whether you’re looking for a stylish new home or a smart real estate investment, this deep dive into 15 Baseball Place reveals what sets it apart from other Toronto condos.

👉 Register today for updates on 15 Baseball Place Condos.

1. Boutique Design Meets Full-Service Living

• Modern architecture & finishes: The design at 15 Baseball Place channels Riverside Square’s industrial-chic identity — exposed concrete ceilings, glass façades, and contemporary interiors that maximize light and flow.
  

• Complete amenity access: Residents enjoy the fitness centre, rooftop terrace with pool access, party rooms, guest suites, and underground parking.
  

• Concierge and security: A 24-hour concierge provides convenience and peace of mind, enhancing everyday living.
  

• Community feel: With a smaller resident base than other towers in the area, it delivers an intimate and connected living experience while still offering access to larger shared amenities.
  
  

2. Floor Plans That Fit Every Lifestyle

• Open-concept layouts: Each suite is designed for functionality and flexibility, featuring airy kitchens with islands and spacious living-dining areas.
  

• Popular suite types: Two-bedroom, two-bathroom layouts — like Unit 501 (792 sq. ft.) — offer generous proportions and comfort.
  

• Corner suites & balconies: Select units (e.g., Unit 1001) include split layouts and multiple balconies for extra light and outdoor living.
  

• Loft-inspired features: High ceilings and industrial textures deliver a sophisticated, urban vibe that reflects the Riverside aesthetic.
  
  

3. Prime East-End Location

• Unbeatable connectivity: Situated just off Queen Street East, residents enjoy quick access to TTC routes, the DVP, and the Gardiner Expressway.
  

• High walkability: With a Walk Score of 94 and Transit Score of 93, daily errands, restaurants, and parks are just steps away.
  

• Neighbourhood charm: South Riverdale and Leslieville are filled with trendy cafés, local boutiques, and community parks — making this a lifestyle hub for young professionals and creatives.
  
  

4. Market Appeal & Investment Value

• Affordable entry point: Compared to downtown Toronto, 15 Baseball Place offers more square footage per dollar with modern finishes and amenities.

• Rental strength: With consistent demand for east-end rentals, units here — like a 2-bedroom leasing for ~$3,200/month — perform well for investors.

• Limited supply: Boutique condos maintain stronger resale value due to fewer available units and higher exclusivity.

• Steady appreciation: Its connection to Riverside Square’s larger master-planned development ensures long-term growth potential.

5. Why 15 Baseball Place Stands Out

• Combines modern condo living with community-driven design.

• Offers full amenities while maintaining a boutique building feel.

• Located in a fast-growing neighbourhood with high investment appeal.

• Balances affordability, accessibility, and aesthetics in a single address.
  
  

Final Summary

15 Baseball Place is more than a condo — it’s a lifestyle statement within the vibrant Riverside Square community. From its sleek floor plans to its unbeatable location and strong investment potential, this address continues to attract Toronto buyers who want both convenience and character.

👉 For registration, floor plans, and availability, visit the page here: 15 Baseball Place Condos Registration

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of floor plans are available at 15 Baseball Place?
Suites include one- and two-bedroom layouts, with open-concept kitchens, high ceilings, and select corner units offering multiple balconies.

2. Are parking and lockers included with 15 Baseball Place units?
Yes — many listings include underground parking and locker storage for added convenience.

3. What are current prices at 15 Baseball Place?
Units like 501 (2 bed / 2 bath, 792 sq. ft.) are listed around $699,900, offering competitive value in Toronto’s condo market.

4. What is the rental market like for 15 Baseball Place?
Strong. Similar units lease around $3,000–$3,200/month, making it a solid option for investors seeking reliable cash flow.

5. Why is 15 Baseball Place a good investment?
Its boutique nature, modern design, location near major transit routes, and access to Riverside Square amenities make it both a lifestyle and investment winner.

Toronto’s rental market is one of the most competitive in Canada. While demand is high, not every applicant will be the right fit for your property. As a landlord, finding qualified tenants means striking the right balance between maximizing rental income and minimizing risk. By following these seven steps, you’ll be able to attract reliable renters while staying compliant with Ontario’s laws.

1. Prepare Your Property for the Market

• Ensure compliance: Confirm the unit meets Ontario’s health, safety, and maintenance standards.

• Upgrade strategically: Small touches like fresh paint, modern lighting, and working appliances appeal to quality tenants.

• Professional cleaning: A spotless, move-in ready unit sets the tone for respect and responsibility.

2. Set a Competitive Rent Price

• Market research: Compare similar listings in your Toronto neighbourhood.

• Factor in amenities: Units with parking, in-suite laundry, or proximity to transit justify higher rents.

• Avoid overpricing: A high rent may attract fewer applications, leaving you with desperate or unqualified tenants.

3. Advertise Effectively

• Use multiple platforms: Realtor.ca, Zumper, Facebook Marketplace, and local classifieds.

• High-quality visuals: Professional photos and video tours generate more inquiries.

• Clear descriptions: Highlight features (pet-friendly, balcony, utilities included) and set expectations (no smoking, credit checks required).

4. Pre-Screen Applicants Early

• Initial questionnaire: Ask about employment, move-in date, pets, and household size before scheduling viewings.

• Phone or video calls: Quick conversations can reveal professionalism and compatibility.

• Respect privacy: Gather only information allowed under Ontario’s Human Rights Code.

5. Show the Unit Professionally

• Flexible timing: Offer evening and weekend viewings to increase turnout.

• Be transparent: Answer questions honestly about utilities, condo fees, or neighbourhood noise.

• Observe behaviour: Punctuality, preparedness, and respect at showings are often good indicators of future tenancy.

6. Conduct Thorough Screening

• Credit check: Use landlord services like Equifax or Naborly to review payment history.

• Employment verification: Request a job letter and recent pay stubs.

• References: Speak directly with past landlords to confirm reliability.

• Tenant consent: Always get written permission before conducting background checks.

7. Finalize with a Strong Lease Agreement

• Use Ontario’s standard lease: This ensures compliance with provincial rules.

• Add clear clauses: Cover rent due dates, responsibilities, and rules for pets or smoking.

• Collect legal deposits only: In Ontario, landlords can request a rent deposit (last month’s rent) but not security deposits.

• Document condition: Complete a move-in inspection checklist with photos to avoid disputes later.
  
  

Final Summary

Finding qualified tenants in Toronto doesn’t need to be overwhelming. By preparing your property, marketing strategically, pre-screening applicants, and following Ontario’s legal framework, you can attract responsible renters and reduce turnover headaches. Remember: the right tenant not only pays rent on time but also respects your property and helps protect your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to find good tenants in Ontario?
Advertise widely, use detailed listings, and conduct proper screening (credit checks, references, and employment verification). A strong lease and professional communication also help attract quality tenants.

2. How to attract high quality tenants?
Offer a clean, well-maintained property at a fair price, highlight desirable features, and be responsive during the application process. Professional presentation often attracts professional renters.

3. Is there a list for bad tenants?
Ontario does not maintain an official “bad tenant list” due to privacy laws. However, landlord services and tenant screening platforms provide tools to check credit and rental history legally.

4. How to identify tenants?
Request government-issued photo ID during the application process and cross-verify with references and employment documents. Always follow Ontario privacy and human rights regulations.

5. How to find tenant details?
With the tenant’s consent, you can use services like Equifax, Naborly, or RentCheck to gather details such as credit scores, payment history, and past rental references.

Finding the perfect neighbourhood isn’t just about today’s aesthetics or commute—it’s about future gains. Choosing an area that's primed for growth means choosing equity, lifestyle, and security. Here’s a smarter, more intuitive guide to help you pick where value will rise in the years ahead.

1. Prioritize Transit & Infrastructure Expansion

• Transit access is a growth driver. Look for neighbourhoods near new subway, LRT, or GO stations—like Midtown’s Scarborough or Downsview North—where value is likely to climb as commuting gets easier.

• Areas undergoing large-scale redevelopment often surge in value before mainstream awareness catches on.

2. Watch Early Signs of Supply Constraints

• In markets like Ontario and B.C., supply currently exceeds demand, creating buyer leverage—and leaving room for smart investors to enter before market equilibrium stabilizes.

• Conversely, supply-constrained regions—Prairies, Quebec—are showing firmer price resilience.

3. Seek Markets Where Prices Are Resetting, but Fundamentals Hold

• GTA home prices are down ~5% year-over-year. Yet, with rising inventories and easing affordability, forward-looking buyers can find entry points with upside potential.

• Condos are still correcting—TD expects a 15–20% drop from Q3 2023 peak by year-end, now presenting potential for value hunters.

4. Bet on Early Rebounds

• Experts anticipate a moderate recovery:
  

  • CREA projects 3% national price drop in 2025, followed by a 1–3% rebound in 2026.

  • RBC sees a 7.9% bounce in resale activity in 2026, though prices in Ontario may continue softening in 2025.
    

• Areas that absorb value drops and finish near economic centers or transit corridors could lead the recovery.
  
  

Final Summary

To pick an area that’s likely to grow in value, focus on transit-linked neighbourhoods, markets with early-value resets and strong fundamentals, and be ready to ride the early wave of recovery in 2026. Approach with patience, data, and long-term vision—you’ll likely reap the rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the forecast for GTA real estate in 2025?
Expect modest price declines and higher inventories throughout 2025, though a rebound is anticipated in the back half of the year or early 2026 as demand regains strength.

Will condo prices go up in Toronto?
Not immediately. Condo prices are projected to fall 15–20% from Q3 2023 peaks by end of 2025. Signs point to stabilization or gradual recovery in 2026.

What is the property market trend in Toronto?
The market is experiencing stagnation: prices are flat or dipping (~5% down), inventories are rising, and it's currently a buyer’s market. However, recovery is expected in the coming year as affordability improves.

Will the Toronto condo market recover in 2026?
Yes. Forecasts predict stabilization and gradual recovery starting in 2026 as oversupply corrects, rates ease, and demand picks up.

Is it a good time to buy a house in Toronto?
If you're strategic and patient, now offers buying power: softer prices, more listings, and improved affordability—especially valuable for buyers with long-terms plans.

Vacancies are costly. Every day your unit sits empty, you're losing potential rental income while still paying for mortgage, taxes, and maintenance. To maximize profits, a short turnaround and high occupancy rate are essential. Below are seven proven strategies Canadian landlords—especially in Ontario—can use to reduce vacancy time and improve profitability.

1. Price Smartly & Responsively

• Market research: Evaluate comparable rents in your area (same neighbourhood, number of bedrooms, amenities).

• Competitive incentives: Offer move-in specials (e.g. first month half off, free parking for 3 months) rather than huge rent cuts.

• Be flexible: For strong tenants, slightly below market rent may retain income and reduce turnover cost.
  
  

2. Keep the Unit in Move-In Ready Condition

• Routine maintenance: Address smaller repairs proactively (paint touchups, fix leaky faucets) so the unit is always ready.

• Deep cleaning: Before listing, ensure the unit is spotless—clean carpets, windows, kitchen, bathroom, etc.

• Neutral decor: Use neutral colours and materials that appeal broadly, reducing objections from prospective renters.

• Efficient upgrades: Replace aging appliances or make small improvements (e.g., better lighting, smart thermostat) that add appeal and justify higher rent.
  
  

3. Market Aggressively & Creatively

• Multichannel listings: Use online platforms (e.g. Realtor.ca, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace), but also local bulletin boards or community groups.

• High-quality visuals: Use sharp, well-lit photos and video walkthroughs or virtual tours to generate excitement.

• Highlight features: Emphasize selling points—proximity to transit, schools, parks, amenities (in-suite laundry, parking, storage).

• Quick listing: Post within a day or two after turnover to capture early interest.
  
  

4. Streamline Application & Move-In Process

• Online applications: Use digital forms, credit checks, and e-signing to speed up tenant approval.

• Pre-screening: Ask preliminary questions (income, pets, move-in date) before scheduling showings.

• Flexible showing hours: Offer evening or weekend showings to accommodate working renters.

• Bundle tasks: Coordinate cleaning, repairs, and inspections to overlap where possible so the unit can be shown even before full turnover finishes.
  
  

5. Retain Good Tenants

• Communication: Stay responsive to tenant concerns and maintenance issues—happy tenants are more likely to renew.

• Renewal incentives: Offer small perks for lease renewals (e.g. small appliance upgrade, paint refresh, slight rent freeze).

• Adjust timing: Reach out early—3–4 months before lease ends—to discuss renewal.

• Understand rent pressures: Use lease renewal discussions to justify any increases with documented cost changes or improvements.

6. Optimize Turnover Timing

• Minimize vacancy window: Time the lease ending such that the unit becomes available in high-demand months (spring/summer).

• Back-to-back scheduling: Plan final inspection, cleaning, and required repairs immediately following move-out, leaving zero lag time.

• Partial occupancy: If an approved tenant is ready before the prior tenant fully leaves, negotiate overlapping days (if legal/feasible).

• Seasonal strategy: Avoid ending leases during slow leasing seasons (winter) where possible.

7. Use Metrics and Continuous Improvement

• Track key metrics: Vacancy days per unit, turnover costs, cause of move-out (tenant initiated vs. eviction), renewal rate.

• Analyze patterns: If units in a certain building or floor seem slower to rent, investigate causes (noise, lighting, views).

• Adjust pricing and policies: Use data to fine-tune rent, lease lengths, pet policies, or marketing.

• Solicit feedback: Ask departing tenants why they left—and prospective ones why they didn’t choose your property.
  

How GTA Landlord Can Help

At GTA Landlord, we know vacancy is one of the biggest challenges for property owners. That’s why our team of experienced real estate professionals specializes in helping landlords across the GTA:

• ✅ Finding qualified renters quickly through aggressive marketing and tenant screening

• ✅ Full property management services to handle maintenance, renewals, and inspections

• ✅ Legal and contractual documentation to ensure compliance and protect your investment

By working with GTA Landlord, you can cut down vacancy time, improve tenant quality, and enjoy true peace of mind.

Final Summary

Reducing vacancy time is about being proactive: maintain your properties well, price competitively, market smartly, process applications rapidly, and keep good tenants. Over time, your turnover costs shrink and occupancy rates rise—boosting your net returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the ideal rental vacancy rate?
In many markets, a 3% to 5% vacancy rate is considered healthy—it gives flexibility for tenant turnover while still maintaining good occupancy. Lower than that might indicate underpricing or overuse; significantly higher signals inefficiency or weak demand.

2. Can I ask my landlord to reduce the rent?
Yes— you can always ask. Whether they agree depends on your leverage (length of tenancy, market conditions). But they aren’t legally required to reduce unless your lease allows it or local rent laws/regulations mandate it.

3. What is the highest percentage a landlord can raise rent?
In Ontario for 2025, the rent increase guideline is 2.5% for most units. 

 If a landlord wants to raise more than that, they must apply for an Above Guideline Increase (AGI) via the Landlord and Tenant Board and justify it (e.g. for major capital expenses). 

4. What is the rental cap for 2025?
The cap or guideline—the maximum regular increase without special approval—is 2.5 % in Ontario for 2025. 

5. How much can a landlord increase rent for 2025?

• For protected units, up to 2.5% for a standard increase. 

• For increases beyond 2.5%, they must apply for an AGI. In certain cases (capital expenditures, security services) the Board may allow up to 3% above the guideline annually (i.e. guideline + 3%) for those specific reasons. 

• There is no fixed ceiling above the guideline for municipal tax increases—those may be considered “extraordinary” and can exceed the cap if approved.