Bidding wars for a house illustration Bill Stevenson, REALTOR®, Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
Real Estate Resources

Bidding Wars in Today’s Kingston Market -2026

Bidding wars still happen in Kingston, but they are far less common than during the pandemic. Today’s competitive situations usually involve a small number of buyers, making pricing, preparation, and strategy more important than speed alone.

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Credit score gauge showing how credit affects home buying power for Kingston and area buyers, Bill Stevenson REALTOR®, Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
Buyers Resources

Credit Scores and Home Buying Power 2026

Your credit score quietly influences how much house you can buy and how comfortable your mortgage will feel. Understanding how it works, and when to check it, can make the buying process smoother and less stressful.

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Rotten rim joist and floor framing damage observed in a crawl space during a Kingston area home inspection, Bill Stevenson, REALTOR®, Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
Real Estate Resources

Crawl spaces in Kingston area homes

Crawl spaces are common in Kingston area homes, especially older and wartime properties. What lies under the floor often reveals more about a home’s condition than anything upstairs

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Basement of an older Kingston home showing exposed stone walls, support posts and mechanicals, illustrating potential home inspection deal breakers. Bill Stevenson, REALTOR®, Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage.
Buyers Resources

Home Sale Deal Breakers

Every home has quirks, but some problems can become real deal breakers. From major structural concerns to aging electrical systems, rural insurance issues, outdated renovations, and unclear property lines, this guide helps Kingston and area buyers understand the risks before committing to a purchase.

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Land transfer tax graphic with house and calculator icons in black and gold created for Kingston and Eastern Ontario home buyers by Bill Stevenson REALTOR Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd Brokerage
Buyers Resources

Land Transfer Tax in Ontario, 2026

Land transfer tax is a major closing cost for Ontario buyers. This guide explains how LTT is calculated, how it applies to homes, condos, commercial buildings, and vacant land, and why first time buyers must never have been on title anywhere else to qualify for rebates.

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Older downtown home in Kingston’s St Lawrence Ward, suitable example for rent-to-own and lease to own discussions, Bill Stevenson REALTOR, Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd Brokerage
Buyers Resources

Considering a rent-to-own home purchase?

Rent-to-own arrangements can look like a shortcut into home ownership, but the rules, costs and risks are very different from a regular purchase. This guide explains how these agreements work in Ontario, how lease to own compares, and what Kingston buyers need to know before they sign anything

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Home Renovation Resources

Kitec and the Homeowner – Buyer Beware

Kitec plumbing was installed in many Ontario homes between 1995 and 2007, and it has become a known risk for buyers, sellers and lenders. This guide explains how to identify Kitec, the issues it can cause, and what you need to know before purchasing or selling a home that contains it

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Home inspection concept with magnifying glass and house model, Bill Stevenson, REALTOR, Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd Brokerage, Kingston Ontario
Real Estate Resources

Home Inspections: Benefits for Buyers and Sellers

A home inspection provides clear, practical insight into a property’s condition. For buyers, it helps confirm what you are purchasing and prepares you for future maintenance and repairs. For sellers, it supports accurate pricing and reduces last-minute negotiations, helping transactions move forward with confidence.

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Kingston City Hall on a clear day with people walking nearby, representing life in downtown Kingston.
Buyers Resources

Relocating to Kingston and Area 2026

Kingston offers a balanced pace of life, with walkable neighbourhoods, access to healthcare, a thriving waterfront, and a strong sense of community. Whether downtown, in family-friendly suburbs, or in nearby rural villages, daily life here is comfortable, manageable, and connected to the water and surrounding landscape.

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Single-storey rural bungalow in the Kingston area with a front lawn, driveway and Canadian flag, representing an ideal first home for a new buyer.
Buyers Resources

First Home Purchase: Kingston Area

Buying your first home in the Kingston area is a big step. This clear, local guide explains what to expect, from condos to houses to rural living, so you can move forward confidently in the Kingston real estate market

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Home Buyers Guidebook showing Kingston City Hall with fountain and overlay text “Home Buyer’s Guidebook – Kingston & Area.
Buyers Resources

Kingston and Area Home Buyers Guidebook 2026

Buying a home in Kingston & Area can feel overwhelming. This Home Buyers Guidebook walks you through every step, from pre-approval to closing day, with clear local insights. Whether it’s your first home or your next move, discover practical tips to buy with confidence.

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