The mid month stats are reinforcing our expectations on where the T.O. real estate market is headed. Overall sales volume is down across the entire GTA by 15% over the first two weeks of September 2011, but prices continue to increase. With an average increase in resale home prices of 9.5%, sellers are regaining their confidence and stubbornness regarding their sale price. The low rise sector of the market is pushing sales higher with detached, semi-detached and townhouses increasing by 17% and 24% respectively in the “416” area. Townhouses and condominium apartments in that same ... read more

I attended a presentation last Friday where an overview of the T.O. waterfront was discussed. It is great to see how the waterfront will be redesigned. Side note - I’m hoping that Rob Ford’s ferris wheel is never discussed again. Toronto is working hard to ensure that things are done properly. The revitalization of the waterfront is focusing on the revitalization of parks and public spaces and the promotion of pedestrian areas. Allowing and encouraging international designers to bid on overhauling this space is ensuring that cutting edge design and careful planning is incorporated into ... read more

I’m often asked if it is legal to discriminate against pet owners or smokers, and if you can ask for a damage or “security” deposit when leasing out a home. This article is a great teaser of what you can and can’t legally ask when renting a home. The highlights of this article are as follows; First/Last month’s rent. Security and damage deposits. Rent discounts (someone please tell me where this actually happens) “No Pet” provisions - please be aware of the by-laws of a condo corp before you get excited about buying that Bull ... read more

I have to admit that renovations are not what I would describe as "fun". Perhaps it is because I'm constantly making mistakes with my renovation attempts that result in costly and time consuming fixes to my renovations. On the flip slide, renovations can result in the rapid appreciation in the value of your property. All of this work does come at an expense. Be prepared for weekend and mid week evenings of work, expenses that can spiral out of control if not carefully planned out and the emotional testing of your relationship. There is no ... read more

Torontonians are proud and opinionated. Look at any blog post from the Star, Globe or Post and you’ll be certain to see bickering and banter back and forth from neighbourhood residents about new restaurants, how they already know about it and their personal suggestions on where else you should go and check out. It seems like we’re always longing for the opportunity to demonstrate our prowess for an area and how some people who’ve lived in a neighbourhood know more than newbies about what is good and priced fairly. Well, now that I’ve had my ... read more

Are you really surprised when I post updates about prime pieces of real estate being purchased and re-developed? The great thing about this sale is that the addition of condominiums and commercial space will bring much needed life to the waterfront. The redevelopment and revitalization of the strip along Queens Quay/Lakeshore east of Yonge is in dire need of a facelift. The Pier 27 Project, Monde Condos and Corus building are welcome additions and with this proposed 3 condo tower building. Hopefully the City of Toronto makes decisions that incorporate public spaces with residential and ... read more

Would you be willing to take a risk and buy real estate in a neighbourhood that had a history of violence, drug and gang activity and a high percentage of subsidized housing? This article is an interesting observation on the financial gain of Daniels Corp. employees who benefited from their purchase in the Regent Park Revitalization project. If you are familiar with new condo sales from the past dozen years, you are likely familiar with the fact that the earlier you buy into a project, the more money you can make. These individuals had access ... read more

Excellent reminder that condo owners should be aware of who is following them into their building! Treat your building as a community and get to know everyone. Look out for one another and the security of all your vertical neighbours. Being aware and involved in your building can create a sense of awareness on who is coming and going and will definitely deter prospective criminals from targeting your home. Clipped from: life.nationalpost.com (share this clip) ... read more

I'm often surprised when I read articles like this and wonder why more people aren't adequately prepared for the costs associated with closing on a property. One of the primary goals of your realtor and their team is to ensure that you are aware of the costs that are above and beyond the purchase price of your home. To think that people are being sideswiped with $10,000-$20,000 in fees that they didn't expect to pay or were above their calculations is surprising. A lot of these costs can be summarized by your Realtor in a ... read more

We know that Burritos are generally awesome and right now, you’re probably reading this blog to avoid some kind of work you need to do. When you’re done reading about this awesome burrito machine, check out our listings. They’re awesome. Source - Trend Hunter ... read more