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Business Travel, Real Estate Agents, Toronto Condos

5 Things to Consider When Choosing Between Renting and Buying

July 9, 2023
buy or rent in toronto,

You may have heard the advice that rent is money that you are throwing down the drain, especially, if you’re not making a mortgage investment.  However, due to the increase in the pricing of housing around the Greater Toronto Area, more houses have experienced a drop in affordability in the past few decades, and buying one isn’t an easy option for everyone. 

So, the debate on whether to rent or buy is very complex from a financial perspective. And it can get a bit confusing which one to choose.

Are you trying to decide which decision is right for you? Read on for a side-by-side comparison of their pros and cons to help you know whether renting or buying is best suited to you.

Flexibility vs. Stability

With mortgages, you receive financial penalties for breaking it by moving and you have to pay taxes to sell your property. But with renting, you can move after your initial lease is over, which is typically after 12 months. 

This benefits you if you’re thinking of moving any time soon or want to have the flexibility to move at any point in your life rather than committing to one place.

On the other hand, when you own a home, you can always have peace of mind that you’ll never get suddenly evicted. Also, you’re in charge of making all the decisions about your home – not your landlord. Want to renovate it or add the ensuite you’ve always wanted? Go ahead. 

Buying a Cheaper Apartment vs. Retaining Capital Gains

Monthly mortgage payments can be higher than the cost of rent – at least in the beginning.

By and large, it’s usually cheaper to rent. But this heavily depends on where you choose to live.

Another thing to consider is that when you rent, you don’t retain capital gains. But if you own a home, you’ll pocket the additional equity if the value of your home increases. 

And if you choose to sell it in the future, you’d realize the capital gains.

Access to Alternative Investments vs. A Simple Investment

Renting your home doesn’t mean you can’t make investments to benefit you in the future. Since you’ll likely save money by renting, you can invest what you’ll save into stocks, a GIC, or starting your own business.

On the other side of the coin, owning a home is a simple investment into your future, which is one of the things that makes it so attractive to some people. Once you’ve paid it off, it’ll be a guaranteed asset. And you don’t have to spend time worrying about the uncertainty of stocks or bonds. 

Having More Disposable Income vs. Building Up Equity

Homeowners take on a considerable amount of debt, which may hinder them from investing elsewhere, such as RRSPs or TFSAs. In some cases, homeowners may even find that they have to spend most of their income on the costs of homeownership. 

But with renting, you can have more financial freedom. So, you can save up for retirement and have more money left over for other needs and wants. 

On the other hand, every monthly payment you give towards your mortgage helps you build equity in your home. And the amount of interest you have to pay will decrease over the years. 

Less Maintenance vs. More Privacy Without a Landlord

The benefit of renting a property from a landlord is that you’re free from all the hassle of its daily maintenance and upkeep. 

Although you still have to pay for repairs, your landlord is the one responsible for maintaining your home. This saves you more time and not to mention, extra costs. 

But the downside to this is that while you’re living on their property, they’re in charge. And you wouldn’t want to deal with a landlord policing your actions or a surprise eviction notice.

DelSuites Has the Perfect Rental You’re Looking For

Are you considering choosing a rental but don’t know where to start looking? Or are you waiting to close a deal on a new house and need to vacate your current property before the closing date? 

Whatever your need is, we have the right rental for you. We have apartments and condos, as well as short-term rentals and leases. We also have furnished and serviced options.

And with all our locations in Mississauga, North York, Scarborough, and many more cities, you can choose the location that’s best for you. 

Ready to get started? Browse through our numerous options to find the rental that’s best suited to you today.

Fitness and Health, Food & Recipes, Lifestyle talk

Healthy Eating Tips for Business Travelers

June 27, 2023

While business travel can be good for your career, it’s not always good for your waistline.

Traveling to another city for a networking opportunity, a business meeting or to attend a conference is a great opportunity. However, sometimes your packed schedule means that you don’t have the time to eat a healthy meal. Grabbing fast food on the go is convenient, but it will also leave you feeling sluggish rather than healthy and energized.

Here are some healthy eating tips for every business traveller to keep in mind.

Be Prepared

When you bring your own snacks with you, you’ll avoid being tempted by the quick and easy yet unhealthy options on the way. For example, bring along some fruit, a granola bar or carrot sticks that you can munch on while waiting for your flight. (Just keep in mind airport security and customs restrictions.)

Also, sometimes morning conferences and meetings run late, leaving you starving and more likely to overeat when you finally get to lunch. Having a banana or a bit of trail mix in your bag can be a lifesaver.

Stay in Self-Catering Accommodation

When you stay in a hotel during a business trip, you’ll have no option other than to eat all of your meals in a restaurant (or order room service). Since restaurant portions are often larger than necessary and include plenty of salt and fat, this is a huge factor in why many business travellers return home with their clothes feeling a little too tight.

When you stay in self-catering accommodation, such as a furnished apartment with a kitchen, you’ll be able to shop at the local supermarket and cook your own healthy meals. That way, you can make fresh and tasty recipes and you’ll know exactly what is going into them.

Have Protein for Breakfast

When you start your day, consider some eggs and wholegrain toast rather than sugary cereals or pastries.

The protein will leave you feeling fuller for longer so that you don’t get that mid-morning sugar crash and subsequent cravings. Plus, there are so many tasty dishes that you can make with eggs – from scrambled to fried to poached and much more.

Choose One Treat – And Really Enjoy It

Part of the fun of travelling somewhere else on a business trip is the chance to try the local cuisine, so you don’t want to completely restrict yourself from enjoying the food. The key is to limit yourself to one or two indulgent treats on your trip and to really focus on the experience of eating them.

So, if you are on a business trip to Vancouver Island you might treat yourself to the finest, gourmet Nanaimo Bar. Or, if you are heading to Montreal you can dig into a huge plate of delicious poutine. Get the very best and sit down and really focus on enjoying it.

These are just a few healthy eating tips. How do you eat healthily when you travel for business? Let us know in the comments below.

Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Family Vacations in Toronto, Lifestyle talk, Markham, Mid Town, Mississauga, North York, Toronto Family Travel, Uncategorized

Visit the Beach throughout Your Stay in Toronto

May 8, 2023

At the Beach!

While Toronto may not seem like your typical beach destination, as the temperature rises, there’s definitely no shortage of sun, sand and surf. Situated on the shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto’s shoreline is peppered with a variety of sandy beaches, each with its own unique atmosphere. In fact, the city even boasts a community that’s fondly known as The Beaches. So whether you’re living in the downtown Toronto core or a suburban area in your furnished apartment, pack your sunscreen, towel and swimsuit and check out one of these must-see destinations.

Bluffer’s Park

1 Brimley Road South, Scarborough

Featuring a breathtaking view of Lake Ontario against the rugged backdrop of the Scarborough Bluffs, Bluffer’s Park Beach is a natural haven for picnicking with family and friends or enjoying a quiet dinner at Bluffer’s Restaurant. Remember to bring your hiking shoes if you’re up to exploring this geographically diverse area.

The area is pedestrian-friendly but public parking is available.

Where To Stay

Kew & Balmy Beach

2075 Queen Street East, Toronto

One warm weekends, this eastern beach location is heavily populated with a mix of locals and suburbanites who descend on Toronto’s infamous community known as The Beaches. From swimming and beach volleyball to picnicking and playgrounds, this kid-friendly location is ideal for young families. Want a break from the sun and sand? Take a stroll up Lee or Kenilworth Avenue and browse the local shops or tuck into a local eatery for a quick bite.

Where To Stay

Beach VolleyballLake Front Promenade

800 Lakefront Promenade Mississauga

Combining beach and parkland the Lakefront Promenade is a summertime retreat that’s got plenty of activity. From playgrounds that feature splash pads to recreational sailing and boating, this area is also home to an abundance of wildlife.

Where To Stay

2012624-Kew-Balmy-Beach-9351

Stay Close To Enjoy Summer In The City

Even if you’re staying in your short-term rentals Toronto isn’t a vacation, you can still make the weekends feel like a getaway by getting out and exploring your local beach community.

Who knew that summer in the city offered all the fun of a beach destination? Well, we did and now so do you!

Lifestyle talk, toronto toursim, Uncategorized

The Best Cheap Eats in North York, Toronto

April 19, 2023

Vibrant and multicultural North York is a delight to explore on an empty stomach.

Whether you’re looking for authentic Asian cuisine, friendly bakeries or laid back cafes, you’ll discover plenty of places where you can eat your fill without breaking your budget.

So, if you are craving big tastes at a small expense, here are some great local recommendations for the best cheap eats in North York.

Wilson’s Haus of Lechon

This humble eatery is a great place to bring your family or a group of friends. Together, you can share an entire lechon chicken for as little as ten dollars. This is a special Filipino way of roasting meat that is traditional to the city of Cebu – where the family who runs the restaurant is from. A lechon feast is enough to feed several people – and the crispy roasted skin is irresistible. You can also have enough chopped pork lechon (sold by the pound), or treat yourself to a chicken leg or pork skewer combos for less than you would expect.

Angus Pho House

There’s nothing quite like a big, satisfying bowl of Pho – with that warm meaty broth, complex flavours and delicious noodles. At this small and cheerful restaurant, you’ll sometimes struggle to find a seat, as the Pho has become pretty popular. The servings are generous and the main dishes won’t set you back more than $10 at most. This is a local favourite for cheap eats in North York.

Haida Sandwich

If you are looking for a cheap, filling lunch forget about Subway. The tasty, fresh sandwiches at Haida Sandwich are better – and they are also very easy on your wallet. A crowd favourite is a Lamb Special footlong with tomato, romaine hearts and special sauce. They also serve up pizza and mouth-watering ice cream sundaes.

Sultan of Samosas

Is there anything better than biting into the flaky pastry and warm spicy filling of a crispy, deep-fried samosa? The gorgeous little triangles of potatoes, carrots, green beans, and corn are all tossed in a secret blend of hot Indian spices and they are simply addictive. You can eat your fill even if you are on a small budget.

Looking for a short-term rental in North York?

To find your short-term furnished apartments in North York, Toronto, be sure to start your search now for apartments for rent in North York.

Family Vacations in Toronto, North York

4 Tips You Should Know When Looking for Short-Term Furnished Rentals in North York 

March 14, 2023
short-term rentals

Short-term furnished rentals in North York are like a mixture of staying at a fancy hotel and owning a condominium. You get the luxurious feel of a furnished hotel, but with the ability to stay in a location for months at a time. 

We want to do everything in our power to make your stay a success. However, when it comes to staying in North York, there are a few tips you need to keep in mind. 

While you can have a great time by choosing a location at random in Toronto (it’s a great city), knowing where you want to stay can make all the difference, especially if you want to stay in North York.

In this article, we will cover the benefits of staying in North York and clear up common misconceptions that some people, especially those new to Toronto, may have when visiting for the first time.

Tip #1: North York Isn’t Downtown—But Don’t Let That Stop You

Visitors to North York sometimes believe that they will be near all the downtown action that Toronto has to offer by renting in North York. Near is relative. Given that most visitors may not bring their cars, “near” is a 20+ minute subway ride to the downtown core, at the least. For many people, this is nothing. 

However, if you want to walk out of your short-term rental and be immediately where the action is, you should look for a rental closer to the waterfront.

Renting in North York is great, but expectations should be made realistic. Your first tip is to isolate neighbourhoods and regions of the great city of Toronto specifically before you look into short-term rentals.

Tip #2: Expect Peace, Quiet, and a Cozy Experience

If you have ever travelled to Toronto and North York before, you will notice when you cross the invisible inner-city barrier between North York and the geographically-lower areas of Toronto. 

The region of North York is quieter, fewer cars are on the road, and more local businesses are open. 

The upside is that short-term renters get to experience a great time. You can do all of your shopping, sightseeing, and work in downtown Toronto, and then retreat to a cozy furnished rental.

The second tip is to determine if you want the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto or want to retreat to a cozy and quiet rental at night to prepare for the day ahead.

Tip #3: North York Has Everything The Typical Traveller Needs

Just because North York is not the downtown core does not mean that North York is a sparse desert out of Mad Max. 

There are shops and shopping centers. There are diverse and multicultural neighbourhoods, all with their events going on. There are parks and open pathways, where you can explore the flora and fauna of the city. There is something for everyone. You just have to plan where you want to go and what you want to do beforehand.

Barring some specific experience like a broadway show, which is typically located downtown in the Entertainment District, North York will have everything you need and want out of your Toronto experience.

The third tip is to know what you want to do, even a rough outline so that you can maximize the benefits of your rentals’ location. 

Tip #4: Amenities, Amenities, Amenities

No one mentions the amenities, but we feel we should. Amenities can make or break an experience, and we want your stay with us to be your best yet.

While our rentals do include amenities, not all rentals include the same amenities. Depending on the short-term rental you select, amenities may vary.

Here are some amenities you may be able to use, depending on your rental:

  • Gym
  • Pre-Arrival grocery shops
  • Parking
  • Close to transit, education, and government offices
  • Theatre Rooms
  • Fitness centres
  • Swimming pools
  • Meeting rooms
  • Round-the-clock security

Amenities really separate us from our competition. We offer fully-furnished clean short-term rentals designed to maximize the luxury and enjoyment of your stay. 

Ready to Book Your Short-Term Stay in North York?

We go above and beyond, because we know when it comes to a short-term rental, it’s the little things that matter.

We can provide you with a short-term rental to your liking. Browse all available listings on our website to see which one is the right fit for you. 

With the variety of listings and locations we offer, we have something for everyone with every budget. Contact DelSuites and speak with our team today to learn more.

See our latest short-term stay condo rentals in North York.