What is a holding deposit for an apartment?

Close-up of landlord handing apartment keys to tenant with lease agreement clipboard in background

A holding deposit is money to reserve an apartment while the paperwork is done. It is not a rent deposit (last month’s rent) or a security deposit. It is paid to the owner to take the apartment off the market while it is unavailable to other potential renters. In Canadian law, the term “holding deposit” […]

What is a Turnkey Rental in Canada?

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A turnkey rental is a residential property that is fully ready to use, equipped with HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, often with property management responsible for maintenance. Sometimes it can already have a tenant, making it a source of income from day one. These are often considered an easy source of passive income, and in […]

What Is Normal Wear and Tear in a Canadian Rental?

Modern rental apartment kitchen and living area with appliances, dining space, and large windows.

The question of wear and tear is one of the most common sources of dispute between renters and landlords. Today we will try to shed some light on this topic. In short, whatever damage is caused by everyday living counts as normal wear and tear. Faded carpeting, minor scuff marks, and appliances that break from […]

What is a short sale in real estate?

A "What Is A Short Sale In Real Estate?" graphic by PRISM Property Management, featuring a photo of a house with a "Short Sale" and "For Sale" sign.

In the real estate world, some deals are unlike others. One such deal is a “short sale”. It usually happens when a homeowner sells their property for an amount less than the mortgage. The ‘short’ in this situation means being short on money, not on time. Let’s get into it. Imagine that you want to […]

What does under contract mean?

PRISM Property Management graphic titled "What Does Under Contract Mean?" next to a "For Sale By Owner" house sign.

The process of purchasing a property has different stages. One of them is the “Under Contract” stage. This is the stage that usually comes after the initial property visit but before all house inspections. Let’s find out more about the “Under Contract” stage and what it means for both buyers and sellers. “Under Contract” means […]

Buyers vs. Sellers Market in Real Estate

Real estate market comparison graphic titled "Buyers Vs. Sellers Market In Real Estate" featuring a yellow street sign pointing to "SELL" and "BUY."

One of the most important characteristics of the real estate market is whether it is a buyer’s market or a seller’s market. These two options are mutually exclusive, meaning the market can only be in one state. Let’s dive in and find out what the differences are, how to determine the current status of the […]

Why Are Mid-Term Inspections Going Extinct?

A woman in business attire stands in a modern kitchen with gray cabinets, looking down at a tablet she is holding. The image illustrates a property inspection alongside the question, "Why Are Mid-Term Inspections Going Extinct?"

Today, online business is developing at lightning speed, and this also applies to real estate. Blind offers based on videos and virtual tours are no longer a rarity, and the industry is heading towards minimizing in-person communication. Traditional inspections can be a waste of time. They require a physical presence, which is not always convenient […]

What is a blind offer in real estate?

A hand holds a set of keys, with a blue background on the left featuring the text "PRISM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT" and "What Is A Blind Offer In Real Estate?". The image appears to be a banner or header for an article or website about real estate.

Sometimes it is not possible for an investor to see a property personally for various reasons. The process of making an offer without a personal inspection is called a blind offer. It can happen for a number of reasons, from personal unavailability to a careful strategy by a conglomerate (another business). A blind offer is […]

Lofts in Historic Buildings

The Y Lofts building, featuring a modern addition connected to a historic brick structure, stands amidst trees and parked cars. The image also contains the text 'PRISM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT' and 'LOFTS IN HISTORIC BUILDINGS'

Using historic buildings to create loft apartments is a growing trend in urban real estate. Rather than demolishing old buildings, churches and other structures, they are being turned into stylish lofts that combine modern design with the unique charm of historic architecture. This approach combines sustainability and cultural preservation, and is also convenient for residents. […]

7 Reasons To Invest In Oshawa

Query successful A vibrant city street scene at dusk with blurred red light trails from cars, a historic building on the right, and the text "7 REASONS TO INVEST IN OSHAWA" and the Prism Property Management logo on the left.

Oshawa is a city with 185 000 citizens with an annual 3% growth, located 60 km from Toronto. It is one of the global leaders in business, education and quality of life. Oshawa’s intelligent approach, competent use of their location, and the collaborative work of citizens and government have led them to success in many […]