Innovative Property Solutions - IPS

Refinancing Your Toronto Home? Read This First.

Most homeowners only think about a property appraisal when their lender asks for one. By that point, the order has already been placed and the homeowner is largely a spectator.

Here's what many homeowners don't realize about refinancing:

✓ The appraisal directly controls how much you can borrow — most lenders cap refinances at 80% loan-to-value for primary residences

✓ A property valued $100,000 lower than expected can reduce your borrowing capacity by $80,000 overnight

✓ You can order your OWN appraisal before applying — giving you a defensible value to walk into the lender conversation with

✓ MPAC assessments and online estimates are NOT what lenders use — they rely on AACI or CRA-designated appraisals prepared to CUSPAP standards

✓ A lender's low appraisal can be challenged with a formal reconsideration request supported by an independent second appraisal

✓ Most refinance appraisals are valid for only 90–120 days

Our complete guide walks through what the lender's appraiser actually looks at during the inspection, how to prepare your property, what to do if the appraisal comes in low, and the strategy most homeowners miss , ordering your own appraisal before the lender does.

Written by AACI-designated appraisers serving Toronto and the GTA.

https://ipsrealty.ca/mortgage-refinancing-appraisal-in-toronto-what-to-expect-and-how-to-prepare/

Estate Appraisal in Ontario: A Guide for Executors

Just been named executor of an estate in Ontario?

The property appraisal is one of the most important documents in the estate process. It supports your probate filing, the deceased's final tax return, and how beneficiaries are treated when the estate is distributed.

Under Ontario law, you need to declare each property's fair market value as of the exact date of death , not today's market value. This is called a retrospective appraisal, and it requires specialized methodology.

Key things every executor should know:

✓ MPAC tax assessments are NOT accepted by the courts or CRA as estate valuations
✓ The date of death sets the valuation date — not the date you order the appraisal
✓ The principal residence exemption requires a properly documented appraisal to claim
✓ Appraisal fees are paid from estate funds, not the executor's personal funds
✓ Most estates take 12–18 months to fully settle

Our complete guide walks through the probate timeline, when to order the appraisal, what the appraiser needs from you, and common mistakes first-time executors make.

Written by AACI-designated appraisers serving Toronto and the GTA.

https://ipsrealty.ca/estate-appraisal-in-ontario-a-complete-guide-for-executors/

Toronto’s housing market is always moving, and even small shifts can make a big difference. Staying informed helps you make smarter decisions whether you’re buying, selling, or holding.

Know what changed this month at IPS.
www.ipsrealty.ca

The MPAC assessment that comes with your property tax bill is NOT the same as a professional appraisal and confusing the two can cost you thousands.

MPAC uses mass-assessment formulas built for tax purposes.
A professional appraisal is property-specific, evidence-based, and built to hold up with banks, the CRA, family courts, and assessment tribunals.

If you're refinancing, settling an estate, planning around capital gains, going through a divorce, or appealing your taxes you need an appraisal, not an assessment number.

Our AACI-designated appraisers serve Toronto and the GTA.

+1 (437) 908-0098
[email protected]
ipsrealty.ca

As multiplex properties evolve, valuation methods are evolving with them. Moving from sales comparison to the income approach gives a clearer picture of value for investors, owners, and lenders in today’s market.

Learn more at https://ipsrealty.ca/multiplex-valuation-income-approach/

Bill 185 is changing how development timelines are viewed across Ontario. For property owners, understanding the use it or lose it rule is important when planning, holding, or moving forward with land and development opportunities.

Learn More at - https://ipsrealty.ca/bill-185-use-it-or-lose-it-rule-toronto/

Transit air rights can significantly impact development potential and property value. Understanding how to properly appraise them is essential for informed investment decisions in the GTA.

Learn more at https://ipsrealty.ca/transit-air-rights-valuation-toronto/

Automated valuations rely on data, but Toronto’s market is more complex than numbers alone. In 2026, local nuances, neighborhood dynamics, and property specific details still make a real difference in accurate appraisals.

Learn more at https://ipsrealty.ca/why-automated-valuations-fail-toronto-2026/

As we enter the sacred seasons of Ramadan and Lent, IPS extends our heartfelt wishes to all who are observing. May this time bring reflection, renewal, and meaningful new beginnings for you, your family, and our community. 🌙