Russell & Ward

Over the years we have developed a keen interior design sense. We frequently work with clients in staging their houses and providing the right feel, expert advice and even furniture.

Why staging is so important Read more

Wool is not only for wearing anymore.  While wool has always been available through the centuries, it normally went into our garments to keep us warm, as central heating was not always the norm.  However, since we have adopted the idea of warm houses along the way, we have benefited from insulation in our walls and roofs to keep us in cotons even in winter.  Thus freeing up our stock of wool the world over, here enters wool insulation for houses.  It is environmentally friendly, and it lasts a lifetime, possibly forever if properly installed.  Read more

Notwithstanding the increasing reliance on title insurance in purchases of real estate, all buyers are well advised to secure either an up-to-date survey from the vendor or a new survey of any property being purchased; ideally, well in advance of closing so that the buyer's lawyer has an opportunity to review the survey for possible easements, encroachments and other title issues.  Read more

The City of Toronto's Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT) came into effect on February 1st, 2008. This tax is in addition to the provincial land transfer tax that already applies to all properties in Ontario.

For residential properties, the new tax is 0.5% on the first $55,000, plus 1% on the amount from $55,001 to $400,000 and an additional 2% on any amount in excess of $400,000. Read more