# Find Toronto Real Estate > Personalized Real Estate Services by Robert Holbrook ## Posts - [4 First-Time Buyer Programs](https://findtorontorealestate.ca/4-first-time-buyer-programs/): I enjoy working with first-time home buyers – it is an excellent experience to help someone get into the market and start enjoying home ownership. Owning a home is an excellent investment for your future. First-time home buyers can take advantage of government rebates and financing programs that can help you buy a home. These […] - [4 Common Problems to Consider When Buying an Older Home](https://findtorontorealestate.ca/4-common-problems-to-consider-when-buying-an-older-home/): Many homes on the re-sale market in Toronto were built in the early 1900’s when building practices and available materials were completely different from today’s standards. These solid and well built homes exist in established areas and offer the buyer exquisite design features and character that is difficult to replicate. Older homes are a great […] - [4 Steps for Handling Multiple-Offer Situations](https://findtorontorealestate.ca/4-steps-for-handling-multiple-offer-situations/): There are times when a buyer finds a property they want to buy but then they find out there are other offers on the house. This is called a multiple-offer situation or “bidding war.” This can be a distressing situation because you have to compete with other buyers to purchase the home. If this does […] - [7 Upfront Costs when Buying a Home](https://findtorontorealestate.ca/7-upfront-costs-when-buying-a-home/): It is important to account for all the upfront costs of buying real estate. Here is a detailed list of these expenses: Provincial Land Transfer Tax Land Transfer Tax varies as a percentage of the property’s purchase price. It is usually about 0.5% to 2%. However, for first-time buyers there is a refund program. The […] - [4 Mistakes to Avoid when Buying a Pre-Built Condo](https://findtorontorealestate.ca/4-mistakes-to-avoid-when-buying-a-pre-built-condo/): It is always exciting to go into the sales centers that are set up by condo developers. You get to see model suites first hand and the detailed scale model of what the entire condominium complex will look like when it is completed. It is also interesting to look at all the different finishing’s and […] - [10 Key Steps to Buying a Home](https://findtorontorealestate.ca/10-key-steps-to-buying-a-home/): Step 1 – Mortgage Pre-Approval Before you start looking for a home it is important to be pre-approved for a mortgage. This process is easy and it will let you know what you have to work with in terms of price. A pre-approved mortgage will lock in the interest rate for a few months. If interest […] ## Pages - [Rent to Own](https://findtorontorealestate.ca/): It can be difficult to gain access to a mortgage if you are a newcomer to Canada, self-employed, have a bruised credit rating or history of bankruptcy / consumer proposal. If you are being turned away by the banks the Rent to Own option of buying a property could be right for you. Rent to […] - [Seniors' Downsizing Program](https://findtorontorealestate.ca/seniors-downsizing-program/): My downsizing program offers a complete transition package for seniors. I have a great deal of experience working with seniors and understand that moving from a family home to a retirement residence, nursing home or condominium is a stressful event. I will provide the services required to make the transition process seamless. The following services will […] - [About Toronto](https://findtorontorealestate.ca/about-toronto/): Toronto is a sprawling city that contains so many different unique neighbourhoods that it is actually known as the “city of neighbourhoods”. The city is divided by a major road called Yonge Street which separates the city into East and West Toronto. Toronto is a vibrant city with over 2.5 million people who live and work […] - [Mortgage Pre-Approval](https://findtorontorealestate.ca/mortgage-pre-approval/): CALL JOHN TURINO MORTGAGE HOTLINE FOR A MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL! Mortgage Hotline: 416-267-7888 BIO: John Turino, Mortgage Broker Mr. Turino began his mortgage brokering career in 1989 with Mortgage Hot-Line After studying Commerce and Economics at the University of Toronto. He quickly introduced himself to many different lenders in order to have a grasp of all […] - [Robert's Real Estate Tips](https://findtorontorealestate.ca/roberts-real-estate-tips/) ## Optional - [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/findtorontorealestate.ca/mcp) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)