So, you’ve swiped right, binge-watched entire Netflix series, survived IKEA trips without breaking up, and now you're thinking of buying a house together. First off, congrats! That’s a huge step. And while you may not have rings on your fingers (yet), you're ready to put your names on a mortgage—and that’s serious commitment.

But here’s the deal: buying property as an unmarried couple in Canada (yes, that includes you, dear reader in Winnipeg) isn’t exactly the same as doing it solo or as a legally married couple. There are a few extra hoops to jump through and a few awkward but necessary conversations to have.

No worries—we’ve got you covered. Here’s your no-fluff, full-picture guide to buying a home together without a marriage license.

1. Start With “The Talk” (Yes, Another One)

This might not be as romantic as talking about your dream home, but money matters and expectations need to be crystal clear before anything else.

Discuss things like:

• How much can each of you afford to contribute?

• How will you divide ownership? (50/50? 70/30?)

• Who pays for what—down payment, monthly mortgage, maintenance, property taxes, renovations, emergency repairs, etc.?

• What happens if one of you wants to sell or move out?

• What if things... end?

It may feel a bit like prenup-lite, but trust us—it’ll save you from potential heartache and headaches down the line.

2. Understanding Ownership Structures in Canada

In Canada, there are two main ways to co-own a property:

a. Joint Tenancy

This means equal ownership. If one of you passes away, the other automatically inherits the deceased’s share (called the right of survivorship). It’s simple and tidy—but only if you want it to be exactly 50/50.

Important: In Manitoba (and Canada in general), joint tenancy assumes equal ownership—even if one person pays significantly more. So if you're paying 70% of everything and still agree to joint tenancy, you're essentially gifting your partner the difference.

b. Tenants in Common

This allows for unequal ownership splits—like 60/40 or 70/30. You each own a specific share of the property. If something happens to one partner, their share passes on according to their will, not automatically to the other owner.

This is a great option if one of you is contributing more financially. It’s also more flexible... but comes with slightly more paperwork.

3. Get a Cohabitation Agreement (Seriously, Do It)

This is the most important step.

A cohabitation agreement is a legally binding document that outlines:

• Who owns what percentage of the property

• Who pays for what

• What happens if you break up or one person wants out

• How the equity will be split

• Who gets the dog (okay, maybe not legally binding—but worth discussing!)

Even though Manitoba does recognize common-law relationships after living together for three years (or having a child together), that doesn't mean everything automatically splits 50/50 like it would in a divorce.

The agreement protects both of you—and it shows maturity and foresight, not mistrust.

💡 Pro tip: Hire a lawyer. Better yet, hire separate lawyers to make sure both parties are fairly represented.

4. Nail Down the Finances (A.K.A. Time for Spreadsheets)

Now that the tough talk is done, let’s crunch some numbers. Here are the key financial elements you'll need to sort out:

a. The Down Payment

In Canada, the minimum down payment is:

• 5% for homes under $500,000

• 5% of the first $500K and 10% of the portion over $500K (up to $1M)

• 20% or more if you're avoiding CMHC mortgage insurance

Decide how much each of you is contributing. If it’s unequal, document it clearly.

b. Mortgage Approval

You can apply for a joint mortgage, which means both your incomes and credit scores are considered. That’s great if both your finances are solid.

But… if one of you has less-than-stellar credit, it could affect your rate or approval. In that case, speak to a mortgage broker about your options.

c. Property Title vs. Mortgage

Just because both your names are on the mortgage doesn't automatically mean you both own the property equally. That’s determined by the title—so make sure it aligns with your agreement.

5. Budget for All the Extra Costs

Buying a home in Canada comes with more than just a down payment. Don't forget to account for:

• Closing costs (1.5–4% of the purchase price)

• Legal fees

• Title insurance

• Property taxes

• Home inspection and appraisal fees

• Land Transfer Tax (In Manitoba, you’ll pay this on a sliding scale based on property value. Fun!)

And of course… moving costs, new furniture, and that emergency “why is the basement leaking” fund.

6. Pick the Right Property (and the Right Realtor)

House-hunting as a couple is both exciting and revealing. One of you wants an open-concept modern condo downtown, the other dreams of a character-filled house in St. Boniface. Sound familiar?

Start by listing out your non-negotiables and nice-to-haves, then find the overlap.

Make sure you work with a real estate agent who’s familiar with helping unmarried couples. They can walk you through co-ownership specifics and flag potential red flags.

7. Plan for the “What Ifs” (It’s Not a Jinx, It’s Just Smart)

No one wants to think about breaking up when you’re buying your dream home together—but it’s important. You wouldn’t go on a road trip without checking the spare tire, right?

Your cohabitation agreement should cover:

• What happens if one person wants to sell and the other doesn’t

• A buyout clause

• How to handle disagreements

• Who lives in the home if you split up (especially if kids are involved later)

You’re not planning for failure—you’re planning for peace of mind.

8. Don’t Forget the Insurance Talk

You’ve probably got home insurance on your radar. But don’t stop there.

Think about:

• Life insurance: So the mortgage doesn’t fall entirely on one person if the worst happens.

• Disability insurance: To cover mortgage payments if one of you can’t work for a while.

• Contents insurance: To protect all the stuff inside the home you’re working so hard to furnish.

9. Talk to a Lawyer or Notary Before Signing Anything

Once you’ve made all these decisions, bring in the pros.

Get a real estate lawyer to draft or review your agreement, walk through your mortgage and title setup, and make sure everything is legal and binding. This is not the time to rely on “we trust each other.”

Final Thoughts: Love Smart, Buy Smart

Buying a home together as an unmarried couple in Canada can be a beautiful step forward in your relationship—but it comes with real responsibilities.

Yes, you’re building a future. But you’re also building equity, sharing legal obligations, and creating something that requires solid communication, clear planning, and a lot of honesty.

With the right prep, the right professionals, and a good sense of humour when the reno quotes roll in, you’ll not only survive the homebuying process—you’ll thrive in it.

Ready to take the next step together?
Before you dive into listings, let’s make sure your partnership and paperwork are just as strong as your Pinterest boards.

💡Contact Ty to get connected with Winnipeg-based experts who’ll walk you through every step—with the clarity, care, and coffee you deserve.

Let’s get real for a second: have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt lighter? Or maybe you stepped into someone’s home and couldn’t wait to leave? That’s not just you being picky—that’s your environment working its psychological magic. The spaces we live in have a direct impact on how we feel, think, and function. Yep, your living room might just be low-key controlling your vibe.

Whether you’re buying, selling, staging, designing, or just rearranging your furniture for the fourth time this month (we’ve all been there), understanding the connection between interiors and emotions can be a game changer. So, let’s dive into why our spaces matter and how we can design for better moods and mental clarity.

1. Color Psychology: It’s Not Just a Paint Chip

Let’s start with the big one: color. Color is one of the most powerful tools in interior design because it instantly affects our emotional state.

• Blue is calming and serene—great for bedrooms or offices.

• Yellow can boost energy and mood (hello, sunshine vibes), but too much can cause anxiety.

• Green is restful, soothing, and often linked to nature.

• Red is stimulating and passionate, but also aggressive in large doses.

• Neutrals offer calm and balance, but too much can feel sterile.

Want to feel more grounded? Add earth tones. Need a productivity boost? Try a pop of orange or red in a workspace. Just broke up with someone? Maybe skip the moody blues.

2. Natural Light = Natural Happiness

Science backs it: natural light improves mood, productivity, and even our sleep cycles. Dark, closed-off rooms tend to make people feel more tired, less motivated, and even a little down. If a room feels depressing, check the light situation first.

• Use mirrors to reflect sunlight

• Keep window treatments minimal

• If your home lacks natural light, invest in warm-toned bulbs or daylight lamps

Buyers are drawn to bright spaces because they feel better. Sellers? Open those curtains. Designers? Play with light placement and window focal points.

3. Clutter: The Silent Stressor

You may not notice it right away, but clutter can quietly stress you out. Piles of clothes, random cords, or just too much "stuff" can overwhelm your senses and increase anxiety.

Minimalist doesn’t mean boring. It means curated. It means you walk into your space and don’t immediately feel like your to-do list grew by 17 items. Even if you're not a minimalist, you can still:

• Create designated storage

• Use baskets or built-ins to hide visual clutter

• Do the "one in, one out" rule (for every new item, one must go)

4. Furniture Layout & Flow

How we move through a space affects how we feel in that space. Ever stubbed your toe on a coffee table one too many times? That’s poor layout energy.

• Open layouts feel freeing and social

• Closed or overly crowded spaces feel stifling

• Walkways should be intuitive and unobstructed

Good flow = good mood. It also makes your home feel more spacious, which is a win whether you’re living in it or listing it.

5. Texture, Materials, and the Comfort Factor

There’s a reason we love plush throws, soft rugs, or buttery leather couches. Texture activates our senses. It adds warmth and makes a space feel lived in—not like a showroom.

• Natural materials (wood, linen, wool) evoke calm

• Layered textures add depth and emotional comfort

• Avoid overly cold or synthetic textures if the goal is coziness

This is where interior designers really shine. The right mix of textures can turn an "okay" space into one that people feel at home in instantly.

6. Personalization & Storytelling

Your space should reflect you. Or, if you're staging, it should reflect a version of life that the buyer aspires to. Personalization doesn’t mean chaos. It means carefully chosen pieces that tell a story—photos, art, books, or travel finds.

Personalized interiors:

• Increase emotional connection to the space

• Help with mental clarity and identity

• Make a house feel like a home

This is powerful not just for homeowners, but also for sellers. Buyers often connect emotionally to a staged home that feels lived-in (but not too lived-in).

7. Scent and Sound: The Underrated Mood Shifters

Design doesn’t stop at visuals. What you smell and hear matters.

• Soft background music can make a space feel safe and welcoming

• A diffuser with lavender or eucalyptus can instantly reduce stress

• Avoid harsh chemical smells—they create a subconscious aversion

Real estate agents know this trick. So do designers. It’s called sensory staging, and it works.

TL;DR: A Happy Home = A Happy You

To sum it up, here’s how your home might be shaping your mood:

• The colors are triggering your emotions

• The lighting is either lifting you up or dragging you down

• Clutter is quietly making you anxious

• Bad flow = bad vibes

• Textures are either comforting or cold

• Personal touches make a difference

• Smell and sound complete the experience

Whether you’re staging to sell, buying your forever home, or just upgrading your current nest, small tweaks in your interiors can have a big impact on your mental and emotional well-being.

Want Your Space to Feel Right?

Contact Ty, we get that a home is more than walls and windows. It's where your life unfolds. Whether you're buying, selling, or redesigning, let’s make sure your space feels as good as it looks.

Reach out to us here and let’s make home your happy place.

When the real estate market cools down, things change. Homes take longer to sell, buyers get pickier, and those quick multiple-offer situations we were seeing a year ago? Not so common anymore.

This is where strategy matters.

I’ve worked with plenty of sellers over the years—and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that you can still sell confidently in a slower market. But only if you avoid the common mistakes that trip up so many people.

Here are five big ones—and how to stay one step ahead.

1. Overpricing the Home

Let’s start with the most common (and costly) mistake: asking too much.

It’s tempting, I know. You look at what your neighbour got last year, you think about your upgrades, and you want to push the price a little higher. But here’s the reality: when buyers have more options and more time, overpricing just pushes them away.

What to do instead:
Price your home strategically—not emotionally. I always run a full Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) so you’re basing your list price on data, not guesswork. In this kind of market, the right price attracts serious buyers faster and can still lead to strong offers.

2. Skipping the Prep Work

When homes aren’t flying off the shelf, first impressions become everything. If your place looks outdated, cluttered, or poorly maintained—even slightly—buyers will move on without a second thought.

What to do instead:
Stage it. Declutter. Touch up the paint. Boost the curb appeal. Invest in professional photos (please, no dark iPhone shots). The small stuff makes a big difference. Buyers need to feel something when they walk in—and that starts before they even book a showing.

3. Getting Too Emotionally Attached

This one’s tough. I get that your home means something to you—it’s where life happened. But emotional pricing or turning down solid offers just because “it doesn’t feel right”? That can backfire.

What to do instead:
Take a step back and treat it like a business move. Let your agent (me 👋) help you navigate the numbers, negotiations, and timing. Sellers who stay flexible tend to sell faster—and usually with less stress.

4. Weak or Outdated Marketing

Gone are the days when slapping a listing on the MLS was enough. If your property isn’t being marketed where today’s buyers are looking, you’re missing out.

What to do instead:
Use an agent who goes beyond the basics. That means professional video tours, social media campaigns, targeted ads, reels, open houses, and more. The more eyeballs we get on your home, the better your chances of finding the right buyer at the right price.

5. Waiting for the “Perfect” Time

I’ve seen a lot of homeowners hit pause—hoping the market will bounce back. But here’s the thing: real estate is about timing your life, not timing the market. Waiting too long can mean higher carrying costs, missed opportunities, or listing when competition is even tougher.

What to do instead:
If selling lines up with your goals, let’s make it happen. Don’t wait for conditions to be perfect—let’s use the data and build a smart plan to get it done now.

Final Thoughts

Selling in a slower market isn’t impossible. It just requires a shift in mindset—and the right strategy.

Avoid the emotional traps. Put the work into presentation. And don’t sleep on your marketing. When you do all of that right, you can still sell with confidence (and without regret).

If you’re thinking about selling and want a no-pressure game plan built around your situation, I’m here to help.

Let’s talk about what makes sense for you—now or later.

📲 Send me a message, or book a quick call here. I’ve got you.

When we think about location in real estate, most people focus on square footage or school zones. But in many Canadian cities, proximity to public transit is quickly becoming one of the most influential lifestyle factors—shaping how people live, move, and even spend their money.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a growing family, or a seasoned investor, understanding the real value of a transit-accessible home could be the game-changer in your next real estate decision.

1. Less Time Commuting, More Time Living

Living near a major transit route isn’t just convenient—it’s life-enhancing.

Imagine skipping the gridlock and actually having time for a slow morning coffee, walking your kids to school, or hitting a yoga class after work. In cities like Toronto, Ottawa, or Mississauga, a quick walk to a subway or LRT station can save you hours every week.

Forget the stress of traffic and parking—just hop on and go. That’s time you can reinvest in your life.

2. It’s Easier on Your Wallet, Too

Let’s be real: car ownership in Canada is expensive. Between rising gas prices, insurance, maintenance, and parking, costs add up—fast.

Living near reliable public transportation can dramatically reduce or eliminate the need for a car, especially in urban centres. That’s potentially hundreds or even thousands of dollars saved each year—money you can redirect into your mortgage, investments, or just enjoying your lifestyle a little more.

3. Freedom to Explore—Without the Traffic

Transit-oriented living offers something money can’t buy: freedom.

Spontaneous plans? Covered. Last-minute downtown events? Easy. Grocery runs, medical appointments, libraries, and schools? All just a few stops away. And if you don’t drive—or don’t want to—public transit ensures you can still live life fully.

This accessibility is especially helpful for students, seniors, and people with limited mobility, making the neighbourhood more inclusive and dynamic.

4. Transit Access Can Boost Property Value

For homeowners and investors alike, transit access isn’t just convenient—it’s profitable.

Properties near GO train stations, subways, or new LRT projects often see higher resale values and stronger long-term appreciation. Some areas even experience a price jump before transit projects are completed.

For example, condos along Mississauga’s upcoming Hurontario LRT line are already gaining traction among investors anticipating increased demand and rising prices.

Choosing the Right Transit-Friendly Neighbourhood

Not all transit access is created equal. A bus stop may help, but subways, LRT lines, and GO stations usually carry more weight when it comes to convenience and property value.

Also consider:

• Walkability: Are daily essentials like shops, schools, or clinics within walking distance?

• Noise: Living next to a transit hub may mean more sound—sometimes a short walk away offers the perfect balance.

• Future plans: Look at planned transit expansions, not just existing ones. Buying ahead of infrastructure can be a savvy move.

Spotlight on Ontario

• In Toronto, homes near Line 1 and Line 2 continue to attract buyers thanks to direct downtown access.

• In Ottawa, west-end neighbourhoods are evolving quickly with the expanding O-Train.

• In Mississauga, the upcoming Hurontario LRT is set to reshape the entire real estate landscape along its route.

Today’s buyers aren’t just asking about walk scores—they’re checking transit scores too. And it’s changing the way people see value in location.

Final Thoughts

Living near transit isn’t just about saving time on your commute. It’s about choosing a more flexible, connected, and cost-efficient lifestyle—one that offers long-term value both personally and financially.

Ready to Find a Home That Keeps You Connected?

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in a transit-accessible neighbourhood, Ty Mitchell can help you make a move that makes sense.
Let’s find a place where convenience meets community.

📩 Contact Ty Mitchell today to start your real estate journey.