Frequently Asked Questions

The OB Realty Team is a group of licensed Realtors operating under Sutton Group Quantum Realty Inc. in the Greater Toronto Area. The team is led by Matthew O'Brien and specializes in buying, selling, and investing in real estate across Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, Brampton, and Hamilton.

The OB Realty Team operates under Sutton Group Quantum Realty Inc. — a 100% Canadian-owned brokerage with over 30 years of experience, with offices in Oakville (905-844-5000) and Mississauga (905-822-5000). Learn more at suttonquantum.com.

The OB Realty Team serves the entire Greater Toronto Area including Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, Brampton, and Hamilton, Ontario. If you're unsure whether your specific area is covered, call 905-844-5000.

Real estate commissions in Ontario are fully negotiable. The OB Realty Team is transparent about fees — there are no hidden charges. Contact Matthew at 905-844-5000 or matthew@obrealtyteam.com to discuss the structure for your specific situation.

In Oakville, detached homes typically range from $1.2M to $3M+, semi-detached from $900K to $1.4M, and condos from $600K to $1M+. Prices vary significantly by neighbourhood — Old Oakville and Bronte command premiums, while North Oakville offers more entry-level options. Call 905-844-5000 for a current market breakdown.

In Mississauga, detached homes typically range from $1M to $2.5M+, semi-detached from $750K to $1.2M, and condos from $500K to $950K. Port Credit and Lorne Park are among the priciest neighbourhoods. Erin Mills and areas near Brampton offer more affordability.

In Ontario: 5% minimum on homes under $500,000; 10% on the portion from $500,000 to $999,999; and 20% on homes $1,000,000 and over. Since most GTA homes exceed $1M, a 20% down payment is commonly required. First-time buyers can use the FHSA (up to $40,000 tax-free) and the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan (up to $60,000) to help fund their down payment.

Budget 1.5%–4% of the purchase price for closing costs. Key items include: Ontario land transfer tax, Toronto municipal land transfer tax (Toronto purchases only), legal fees ($1,500–$2,500), title insurance (~$300–$500), home inspection ($400–$600), and adjustments. First-time buyers receive provincial LTT rebates up to $4,000 and Toronto rebates up to $4,475.

The FHSA lets first-time buyers in Canada contribute up to $8,000/year (lifetime max $40,000) tax-free toward a home purchase. Contributions are tax-deductible; qualifying withdrawals are tax-free. It combines RRSP deductibility with TFSA tax-free growth. It can be stacked with the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan for maximum savings.

Yes. Under the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP), first-time buyers can withdraw up to $60,000 from their RRSP tax-free toward a qualifying home purchase. Repayment is spread over 15 years. When combined with the FHSA, a couple could access up to $200,000 in registered savings for a down payment.

The best time to buy depends on your financial readiness, not just market timing. The GTA has a structural supply deficit with long-term demand from population growth and immigration — making it a market where waiting to "time the bottom" often costs more than acting. The OB Realty Team will give you an honest assessment of your specific situation, not a sales pitch. Call 905-844-5000.

Contact the OB Realty Team at 905-844-5000 or matthew@obrealtyteam.com, or fill out the form at obrealtyteam.com. The team offers free in-person and virtual home evaluations with no obligation and no pressure.

The OB Realty Team has sold homes in a single day, over asking price. Speed depends on pricing strategy, presentation, and current market conditions. Homes priced strategically and marketed well consistently outperform the average in both speed and final sale price.

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are traditionally the strongest selling seasons in the GTA, with more buyer activity and typically stronger sale prices. That said, a well-priced, well-presented home can sell in any month — the OB Realty Team has delivered results year-round.

The highest-ROI preparations are: decluttering and deep cleaning, professional staging (or virtual staging), addressing obvious maintenance issues, and professional photography. The OB Realty Team will walk you through exactly what's worth doing for your specific property — and what isn't necessary — at your free home evaluation.

Yes. The team has extensive experience guiding investors — from identifying cash-flow positive properties and analyzing multi-unit opportunities to navigating development projects across the GTA. Investment needs a different lens than buying a primary home, and the OB Realty Team applies it.

Genuine cash-flow positive properties are rare in the GTA core given price levels. Most GTA investors target appreciation, equity growth, and partial income offset. Burlington, Hamilton, and parts of Brampton typically offer better cap rates than central Toronto or Oakville. The OB Realty Team will run honest numbers for any property you're considering.

Federal proposals have altered the inclusion rate for capital gains above $250,000 — affecting investors who sell appreciated properties or secondary real estate. The OB Realty Team strongly recommends consulting a tax accountant for your specific situation before making investment decisions. The team can connect you with trusted professionals in their network.