Hey Potential New Londoners! Today I want to delve into the differences between living in London and Toronto! So grab a coffee and come explore with me!

1. House Hunting: Chic vs. Costly:

Imagine getting your hands on a stylish two-story with over 2000 sq feet of living space in London for just $850,000! In Toronto, a similar spot (and honestly, probably not as cool) would easily cost you $1.5 million. London isn't just pleasing to the eye, but is also pretty wallet-friendly too!

2. Grocery Stories: Bargains and Brews:

Walking through London's grocery stores feels like scoring big, saving you about 20-30% compared to Toronto! But, beer aficionados, gear up—imports can be pricier here.

3. Renting Spaces: Comfy and Cool:

Picture this: A cute 2-bedroom in East London for $1,950, while a similar one in Toronto is $3,000+! If remote work is your thing and you're into affordable living, London's got your back!

4. Drive Diaries: Motoring and Money:

London’s experienced a little bit of urban sprawl, and traffic is starting to get a little crazy around rush hour. That combined with pricier gas mean a little more driving and a little more spending. Yep, the beautiful streets of London do chew up the fuel budget!

5. Evening Adventures: Dine, Drink, and Discover Savings!

Dive into London's awesome food scene and local drinks without busting your budget! Nights out here are so much cheaper compared to Toronto, where just parking alone can be break the bank! Who knew saving could be this delicious?

6. Income Insights: Remote Riches:

Sure, Toronto has those high-paying jobs, but for the remote gang, London is where the savings are, especially when it comes to housing. Living and working from London is like hitting the lifestyle jackpot!

So there we go! London IS a vibe if you're looking to save some money. It offers stylish and affordable living, some cool / affordable rental options, and budget-friendly fun nights out. It’s where your dreams don’t empty your pockets!

Want to dig a little deeper into what London has to offer? Let's connect so we can uncover the hidden gems and explore the long list of opportunities this amazing city has on offer! Whether it's spacious living spots, budget-friendly locals, or the trendy dinner spots, I’m here to help guide you home!

Hey there fellow real estate afficionados! If you've been eyeing the Canadian real estate landscape lately, you might've noticed a city that's making more waves than a bustling Toronto street at rush hour. That's right, it's London, Ontario. If you're hunting for the perfect real estate opportunity or a dedicated Realtor in London, Ontario, you're in the right place. Let's dive into why this city is currently the buzz nationwide!

1. Affordability is REAL!

The savvy homebuyer (or seller) in you knows it’s all about getting value for your money. In London, your dollar stretches like morning yoga. Not only can you sell a property in Toronto and buy in London with change to spare, but you can also save on daily expenses. Groceries in London? Think about a 30% markdown compared to other large Canadian cities. That's more avocados for your toast and a better property for your budget.

2. Healthcare that’s a Breath of Fresh Air

Being a Realtor in London, Ontario means more than just understanding property values. It’s about the lifestyle. And London is a beacon in healthcare. Whether it’s life-saving surgeries or groundbreaking discoveries like insulin, this city has made its mark. It's not just about world-class medical facilities; it's also about peace of mind for families settling here.

3. Dive into World Class Education 

Between Western University and Fanshawe College, London buzzes with youthful energy every September. Thousands flock here for education, and guess what? They often stick around, attracted by the lifestyle and, of course, the real estate opportunities. It’s a cycle of growth that any smart real estate agent in London, Ontario can’t help but notice.

4. Entertainment? We Got You!

From hosting Canada's premier entertainment complex to showcasing renowned celebrity bands, London is on the rise.  It’s not just about quiet streets and comfortable homes; it’s also about a vibrant, enriching lifestyle. As a Realtor in this bustling city, I can attest to the ever-growing amenities that make London not just a place to buy a home, but a place to truly live.

In summary, if you're on the hunt for prime real estate or a trusted real estate agent in London, Ontario, consider this your sign. London isn't just growing in size; it's growing in potential. It's a city where your dreams of a perfect home can come true, and where most streets echo with promise. Reach out, and let’s explore this real estate wonderland together! (Maybe just not during rush hour..)

Did you know back in 2015, London, Ontario decided to shake things up and give the green light to allow food trucks within the city limits? Before that, some pretty tight bylaws kept them at bay. But after a trial run and chatting with locals, the city figured it was high time to spice up our food scene! And lucky for us, they have been serving up some serious treats as of late!

I've been on a quest, fork and napkin in hand, to taste test some of the best mobile munchies in town. 

Here are the 5 that I've most recently fallen in love with:

Meat Kandy: Okay, let’s talk meat madness! This truck is like that candy store from your childhood, but for carnivores. Drool-worthy "meat kandy"? Check. Flavours that do mambo #5 on your tongue? Double check. If you're a meat lover, this spot is pure heaven.

Pro tip: Try the armdillo egg, you wont be sorry!

Bifana Boys: Taking us on a tasty trip to Portugal, these guys are all about that seasoned pork goodness. Grab a Bifana sandwich or a piri piri chicken sandwich, throw in some of their amazing angry fries, maybe a splash of their incredible homemade piri-piri sauce, and boom – you're basically seaside in Lisbon.

Rocky Mountain Pizza: Forget the Rockies, it's all about the 'peaks' of melted cheese on these wood-fired pizzas.   Whether you're craving a Canadian pizza or you're just all about some new toppings, this truck's got the mobile pizza   party dialed-in.

Pierogi Queen: All hail the queen of dumplings! It's time to dive into pockets of joy stuffed with everything from classic potato and cheese to daring new combos. And let’s be real, who can resist a good dollop of sour cream on top? Not me.  Sorry to my personal trainer, but everytime I have a run in with the pierogi queen, I forget what "fits my macros" that day.

Tikka Tomato: Fasten your seat belts for this spicy spree! From the warm hug of their butter chicken to the zing of their rice bowls, it's like a modern Bollywood blockbuster for your taste buds. My mouth is watering just thinking about their Bombay poutine *cue Homer Simpson drooling*.

So, the next time you’re roaming the streets of London, Ontario and your stomach starts to growl, look these guys up and see if one of them is parked nearby!

Click their logo's to learn more!

DO YOU HAVE A LONDON FOOD TRUCK YOU LOVE? Drop a line in the comments and I'll add it to my "must try" list!

 See you in line!

Welcome to my first ever ASK THE LOCAL EXPERT! Have questions about anything real estate related? Let me connect you with a local expert that I know and trust!

This week I want to share with you some expert information about home inspections. I had the pleasure of interviewing one of London's best known and most trusted home inspectors, Gregg Cook, of Cook Property Inspections.

Here is what Gregg had to say: 

Q. What is a home inspection and what does it include?

A. I can’t put it better than Wikipedia!

“A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive, examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home.

Home inspections are usually conducted by a home inspector who has the training and certification to perform such inspections. The home inspector describes the condition of the home at the time of inspection but does not guarantee future condition, efficiency, or life expectancy of systems or components.

The inspector prepares and delivers to the client a written report of the findings. The client then uses the knowledge gained to make informed decisions about their pending real estate purchase. 

Q. Why do buyers need a home inspection?

A. It’s an absolute necessity! I’ll answer this by asking some questions of my own;

- Do you feel comfortable taking a half million dollar loan on a forty-year-old house without knowing what’s in there?

- Has anyone even looked inside the attic?

- Would it trouble you if you knew the attic had asbestos or mould inside?

- Would it bother you if that “underpriced” house was actually priced low because the sellers estimated the galvanized water pipes all had to be replaced in the next year?

- Do you know the sellers don’t have to tell you they even have galvanized pipes?

If a property is purchased without conditions and issues are later found that were not “apparent” to the buyers and legal action proceeds, judges are often guided by the contract law principal of Caveat emptor, quia ignorare non debuit quod jus alienum emit ("Let a purchaser beware, for he ought not to be ignorant of the nature of the property which he is buying from another party.") Or in other words, it’s up to the buyer to perform their due diligence. People have discovered that going after the sellers for the cost of repairs and upgrades after the deal is sealed is not an easy task.

Remember, this is where you and your family will sleep every night. Spending $500 on having an independent assessment on a $500,000 investment really could make the difference in the amount of stress coming your way in the next few years.

Q. What if the inspection report reveals problems?

A. I’ve never been in a perfect house! Every home will have some sort of issues, and I include my own in that! Often it’s simply small suggestions for improvement, sometimes it’s major life-threatening deficiencies. 

For example: I once found a capped gas line, still connected to the main line inside a wood burning fireplace with no valve shut off! The current owners had no idea it was there and were using it for wood fires, completely oblivious to the fact the previous owners had removed a gas insert, but left the gas line inside the firebox. The consequences could have been very serious! The sellers were extremely grateful when it was raised with them and paid for a technician to review and remove the line. That saved a headache and expense for my clients.

Whilst it is true that negotiations may not always work out like this due to the varying positions of both parties, you can rest assured that the buyer who does have the home inspection goes into it fully informed, aware of potential future costs and has a better ability to negotiate than those that have no conditions.

To get in touch with Gregg you can go to  www.cookpropertyinspections.ca

And as always, if you have any questions about anything real estate related, I'm always available for quick chat! Think it's something that might be a touch over my pay grade? Reach out anyway, I've almost always "got a guy for that.."! ??

Did you find this edition of ASK THE LOCAL EXPERT helpful? Let me know in the comments!