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Deciding to list your home for sale is a momentous time. It means you will be moving on to a new stage of life, no matter if you’re moving up or sizing down. Take a moment to look over these tips for what every seller should do before they put their home on the market…. Read More

New Brunswick judges have overturned a ruling that allowed a man to buy a condo in Moncton, site unseen, by email. The buyer, Marc Girouard, sued the seller, Kelty Druet, after Girouard believed he had a deal to buy her two-bedroom unit in October 2010 for $155,000 following an email exchange. The agreement had been… Read More

This exceptionally spacious Swansea reno is ideal for single family, two families, or live-in/rent. Super location, just a short walk to Bloor West Village, subway, Rennie Park and waterfront trails. Laneway parking with double garage, room to park 3 cars. Presently set up as an owner-occupied duplex, it is easily converted to a single family… Read More

Oft-admired family home in sought-after location a short walk away from the trendy shops, restaurants & cafes of Bloor West Village as well as the Jane subway station. Highly regarded schools: Runnymede PS, Humberside CI & St Pius X Separate School. Very bright home with an inviting front veranda framed by striking pillars. Gracious centre… Read More

Toronto’s gravity defying house prices should continue their upward climb over the next three years with gains of about 4 per cent both this year and next, predicts a new housing report by Central 1 Credit Union. That means the average Toronto home could cost $523,000 by the beginning of 2014, up from about $500,000… Read More

Toronto area prices through the middle of April were about 5% above the same period last year, down from the double digit year-over-year increases posted in February and March. If this is an indication that the market is finally easing off just a bit, it’s very welcome, as the earlier pace was clearly unsustainable. Despite… Read More

The Canadian government has introduced a new Mortgage Code of Conduct for federally regulated financial institutions. It requires lenders to clearly explain the differences between mortgage products, show how to pay off a mortgage faster without incurring penalties and explain how prepayment charges are calculated. “In the low interest rate environment of the past few… Read More

A large crowd gathered at High Park’s Grenadier Cafe earlier this month for an announcement by the Friends of the High Park Zoo of a major funding source for the embattled attraction—one that, mercifully, does not involve poo. The Honey Family Foundation has offered to match donations to the zoo’s charitable fund, dollar for dollar,… Read More

Mortgages, which were considered “good debt,” are being swept into the “debt is bad” category. Home equity lines of credit, which were considered “good mortgages,” are being swept into the “debt feeds panic” category, and who knows what’s next? The Bank of Canada, which is in charge of keeping us fiscally safe and progressive, has… Read More

When it comes to estate planning, parents and grandparents often assume everyone knows what they want and will abide by their wishes when they die. But as a recent court case shows, it’s vital to put it in writing to avoid costly disputes later. Click here to view the full article. via moneyville.ca   Some… Read More

Now one of eight finalists, Roncesvalles is in the running to be named the Great Neighbourhood in the Great Places in Canada contest.More than 200,000 votes were received in the second Great Places in Canada contest. From a field of 90 nominations, a panel of professional planners has now short-listed 21. The Canadian Institute of… Read More

This recently renovated detached home has laneway parking & garage and is situated on a pretty winding street on the edge of the Davenport Escarpment in the Regal Heights school district. Extensive renovations over the past two years include: a totally new kitchen with granite counters, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances & pot lighting; a… Read More

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a “true” duplex in a perfect location, just a short walk to High Park, subway & highly regarded schools, and close to the trendy shops & cafes of Bloor West Village and The Junction. Two spacious (over 1100 sq ft) two bedroom units, each with two entrances, separate 100 amp… Read More

The city says it can’t immediately accept a $300,000 offer to improve the site of the beloved High Park castle playground that was torched in an arson two weeks ago. More than two dozen companies, among them landscapers and a leader in “natural” playgrounds, had suggested numerous new additions to the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground,… Read More

Since its founding less than two months ago, the Friends of the High Park Zoo has raised $25,000 towards keeping the zoo open to the public. There’s no doubt in Parkdale-High Park Councillor Sarah Doucette’s mind why her constituents and visitors to the zoo are so willing to open their wallets. It’s simply a passion… Read More

The Real Estate Council of Ontario is feeling the heat from Toronto’s hot housing market with a surge in calls from potential homebuyers upset they’ve lost out — or won — high-stakes bidding wars. About 30 per cent of the 15,000 inquiries the council has had in the last year are from house hunters overwhelmed… Read More

The Toronto area market has been unusually hot during the first 2 1/2 months of this year, due to a combination of low inventory of homes for sale combined with continued very low mortgage interest rates. In February, prices were 11% higher than at the same time in 2011, and so far in March, while… Read More

This stunning recent renovation/2nd storey addition with private drive is located in a family-friendly neighbourhood near Bloor West Village and The Junction. The dramatic totally open main floor plan has hardwood flooring, a gas fireplace with stone surround, stylish powder room and a walk-out to a large deck & fenced yard. The Chef’s kitchen has… Read More

With 9 ft ceilings and over 940 sq ft of living space, this sun-filled suite has panoramic views of Christie Pits park from the balcony and from all windows. The open concept plan features a well appointed kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, as well as generous living and dining areas. There are… Read More

Ottawa is being urged to drop its warnings about consumer debt in favour of more concrete measures to stop more borrowers from getting in over their heads. With the Bank of Canada expected to keep interest rates on hold for several more months and household debt already at record highs, leading economist Craig Alexander says… Read More

1844 Bloor St West Anyone who drives along Bloor Street past High Park on a regular basis will have noticed the clump of abandoned and boarded up homes on the north side between Oakmount and Pacific. A plan to demolish these homes and build a condo building has been evolving over the past five years… Read More

A mortgage is usually the largest financial commitment a person will make. The interest is far more than any other debt, yet it is troubling that many of the details involved in mortgage applications are poorly explained — if at all — to those applying for the loan. More  via moneyville.ca   There are several… Read More

Is there a bigger wealth destroyer than selling and buying houses? The transaction costs will kill you every time. “You are depleting your wealth with every move,” says Vince Gaetano, a principal at Monster Mortgage. Just to be clear, we are not talking about people who fix homes themselves, live in them and then flip… Read More

A BritishColumbia real estate agent was fined $258,000 when he unilaterally cancelled a contract to sell a home and resold it to a second buyer for a higher amount. Hwang Soo Lee of Surrey, B.C., ended up having to compensate his first buyer for behaviour described by a judge as “high-handed and outrageous.” The lesson… Read More

In this video, the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis, Jason Mercer, forecasts that the Toronto area real estate market will continue to be strong throughout 2012. He predicts that average prices will rise by 4.5% and that the inventory of homes for sale will increase somewhat (though still remaining low) as… Read More

There are so many people that have a hard time getting rid of their things.  The self-storage industry has experienced an 81% growth over the past decade.  I believe in using them for short-term or seasonal storage, but can’t see the reason to store items we simply can’t bear to get rid of. Many people… Read More

One of the hottest topics in the country continues to be, surprisingly, what’s going to happen in the Toronto condo market. Put ten people in a room and depending on whether they are analysts, sellers, buyers, realtors or just interested bystanders, you are bound to get ten different opinions. A strategic investor quickly begins to… Read More

Among the most popular questions that come up time and again are about trees on the boundary between houses or properties. Who owns them? What are the rules about cutting branches or roots that extend onto your property? If you think a tree is dying, can you cut it down? If your neighbour’s tree falls… Read More

A parking pad is a parking pad is a parking pad. So argued York West Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti when Parkdale-High Park Councillor Sarah Doucette moved motions to approve three area residents’ parking pad requests, but deny another’s. “I don’t understand how some houses get parking pads and others don’t. I don’t understand politicians who say… Read More

Ontario’s hot housing market continues to spark bidding wars and, in many cases, buyers are being advised by agents to make “clean” offers to get the house they want. By “clean”, the agent means an offer without any conditions in order to make it more acceptable to the seller. Big mistake. I constantly hear stories… Read More

If the Toronto weather seems eerily springlike in mid February, so too does the Toronto real estate market. After a very strong January, we are seeing a continuation of the trend this month, with prices through February 14 up over 9% as compared with the same time last year. Already the average Greater Toronto Area… Read More

When the Lipischaks bought their house in 1969, there was a wire fence running north-south separating the two properties. Shortly afterward, Frank Lipischak replaced it with a new chain link fence in the same location. The fence that was intended to divide the two lots along the property line in fact extended into the DeWolf… Read More

You’ve started looking for a new house, and you’ve seen a couple that you like. Your present house has served you well, but the last major renovations were done almost 20 years ago. How much work should you do to get the house ready to put on the market as soon as you buy the… Read More

Cathy McPherson remembers well a time when her Roncesvalles neighbourhood was transported back in time.In 2006, the streets were lined with vintage cars and store signs as the corner of Roncesvalles Avenue and Dundas Street West became a scene from the 1960s for the filming of the movie Hairspray. Now, McPherson, an arts diploma student… Read More

When Debrah and Joel Weiss first moved to Toronto, they wanted nothing more than a proper house with a sprawling yard and lush garden. Four decades later, the retired couple is part of the condo craze — lured by the promise of a life free of clearing snow and scooping out eavestroughs, drawn to the… Read More

I believe there has never been a better time to buy a home. I’ve been in the industry for 28 years as a lawyer and I haven’t seen so many positive signs for housing, whether you are thinking or buying or locking in a mortgage. Click here to view the full article. via moneyville.ca  … Read More

Canada’s rate of homeownership is expected to increase and the future for condominiums looks bright according to an updated analysis of future Canadian housing demand. By 2036, there will be more one-person households in Canada than any other category, due to the aging of the baby boomer generation. But the country is counting on immigration… Read More

Every moment in life is a teachable moment – at least it is if you are in therapy and someone else is trying to heal your broken life.But in The Village Players’ latest show ‘Beyond Therapy’ by Christopher Durang, it’s clear the therapists need more therapy than their patients and the result is a hilarious… Read More

In the early to mid-1900s, the West Toronto Junction boasted more theatres per square foot than any other area of the city, according to journalist, researcher and film programmer Eric Veillette.Veillette, who often writes about censorship, film, architecture and Toronto history, was the guest speaker at the West Toronto Junction Historical Society’s (WTJHS) first monthly… Read More

From Victoria to Halifax and points in between – while in pursuit of the leadership of the federal New Democratic Party – Peggy Nash takes her Parkdale-High Park home with her in her head and in her heart.Nash is the MP for Parkdale-High Park; she is an activist, a former executive for Canada’s largest private-sector… Read More

Is going “tankless” as liberating as it sounds? Is owning a tankless water heater a solid indication that you’re saving money while reducing environmental damage? Your answer to these questions may depend on whether you own or are buying a newly-constructed home versus living in or purchasing an existing, decades-old property. Conventional water heaters heat… Read More

The Toronto area real estate market barely took a breather over the Christmas/New Years break, and is off to a very quick start in 2012. In the first two weeks of this year, sales were 6% higher than the same period in 2011, and prices were up more than 8.5% at an average of $444,473…. Read More

It was the mortgage shot heard around the country. The Bank of Montreal fired the opening salvo in a mortgage rate war by offering a 5-year fixed rate of 2.99 per cent, the lowest 5-year rate in modern Canadian history. Friday, other banks starting striking back, with TD Canada Trust and Royal Bank cutting 4-year… Read More

Depending on the location, whether you’re shopping for a new home or trying to sell your current residence, one of the biggest challenges is trying to reduce street noise. Tony Sola, founder of Acoustics.com cautions homeowners and buyers about too high expectations when it comes to reducing traffic noise. “Too many times I have seen… Read More

Residents living adjacent to 34 Southport St., near Windermere Avenue and The Queensway, say they are sorely missing local amenities in an area that has seen steady population growth in recent years.Now a vacant lot, 34 Southport St. was once a commercial plaza with a grocery store, bank, drugstore and smaller shops. In August, developers… Read More

If you buy a home with your spouse or another person this year, you will have to decide how to take title together. It can be either as a joint tenancy or tenancy in common. It is important that you first understand the main difference between these two options before making your decision. In a… Read More

This stylish open concept bungalow is situated on a lovely 28 x 135 lot with a huge private back yard. It’s in a great Swansea location, just a short walk away from Bloor West Village, Rennie Park, rec centre, High Park, subway, schools & waterfront trails.  The bright, open main floor has a soaring cathedral… Read More

This spacious Cooksville area three bedroom semi detached bungalow is situated on a 40 foot lot with a huge private back yard. It’s conveniently located close to parks, schools & transit and with easy access to major highways. This home features an eat-in kitchen, updated windows, larger master bedroom with walk-in closet, hardwood floors throughout… Read More

For many people, their first experience with local politics is when someone on their street wants to make a change to their house, or even knock it down and rebuild and so they need a zoning change which is called a minor variance. They may want to build two semi-detached homes or a triplex where… Read More

Toronto homes built before the 1960′s generally had their downspouts connected to the sewer system. That may have been a good idea at the time, but now it’s become a major problem. As the city has grown, the capacity of the sewer system has become seriously strained, especially since much of the city has combined… Read More

The city has proposed closing the small, 110-year-old west-end zoo next year as part of its plan to reduce the budget. Parkdale-High Park councillor Sarah Doucette opposed the move and has been trying to find new sources of revenue. But time is running out and the mini-zoo will close next year if no solutions are… Read More

Our real estate market continues to over perform relative to the rest of the world and, over the past several months, we have been bombarded with predictions about the future of house prices for Canada in general and Toronto in particular. The range of these predictions is really quite staggering, considering that they are all… Read More

Canada’s mortgage interest rates have been near historically low levels for years, and because of current global economic conditions, rates are not expected to rise significantly until 2013. If you’re shopping for a mortgage, that’s great news. But an extended period of low interest rates is taking its toll on the economy. Bank of Canada… Read More

A proposed development on Howard Park Avenue in Roncesvalles Village is just too big, neighbours say. A collection of properties, mainly auto shops along Howard Park between Roncesvalles Avenue and Dundas St. W., is the site of a proposed 10-story development. via insidetoronto.com   This is one of three developments struggling to satisfy the concerns… Read More

A Toronto man is reeling after his real estate agent sued him when he pulled his house off the market. It’s a modern day real estate cautionary tale with the usual lesson – get everything in writing. Including who pays for the staging of a house that never winds up being sold. Click here to… Read More

The same financial mistakes that are playing out on a global scale can undermine us as individuals, families, and small businesses. Would you rather make the same financial errors yourself, or simply avoid the mistakes of others? When you watch, read, or listen to news of the European financial crisis, don’t just shake your head… Read More

Mortgage rates could be drifting up again soon, even if the Bank of Canada is standing pat for now, experts say. Already over the last few months, variable-rate mortgages have started to climb, erasing much of the advantage they had over traditional fixed-rate mortgages, says Kerri-Lynn McAllister, community manager at RateHub.ca. McAllister says we can… Read More

Winter (and the threat of it) drives Canadians south of the border, not displeasure with their communities or way of life. Why don’t we build more housing attached to covered areas like shopping malls, entertainment centres, and urban underground shopping concourses so we can stay home and get out in all weather? Why aren’t Canadians… Read More

Local Toronto City Councillors will be out on the ice Saturday, Dec. 3 in a friendly game to help celebrate the High Park Curling Club’s Centennial Anniversary. It’s a fitting celebration given that club members used to hold bonspiel tournaments in the 1980s and 90s on Grenadier Pond, according to member Edith Curtis. The tournament… Read More

There are several examples of  turn-of-the-century churches receiving a new lease on life throughout the High Park and Roncesvalles neighbourhoods. In one block of Annette Street alone, there are two places of worship whose interiors have been completely transformed. Click here to view the full article. via insidetoronto.com   Churches becoming condos. Surely a sign… Read More

Don and Louise Beauchamp sold their home in November, 2007 and a week before closing in early 2008 the basement flooded. They paid $1,649 to dry out the rug and replace the underpad, but did not tell the buyers. The Beauchamps thought this was a “one off” occurrence and since they had fixed the problem… Read More

Billions spent in new construction, renovation, and infill over the past decade have contributed to a serious upswing in the calibre of Canada’s housing stock, propping up residential average price in the country’s major centres, according to a report released today by RE/MAX. Since 2000, the value of a Canadian home has doubled, rising from… Read More

The law says that every condition must be exercised in good faith. You can’t just say “I changed my mind” and walk away from a deal. But in practice, it is not so easy to understand, as we see in the following two cases. Click here to view the full article. via moneyville.ca   Many… Read More

Just when we thought the Toronto area market was ready to cool off, now that the fall market is nearing an end, the pace has actually picked up. Prices through the first two weeks of November actually increased a bit versus October; normally we see prices start to taper off a bit after Hallowe’en (see… Read More

Painting your home is a great way to enhance the appearance of your home, especially when it’s time to sell. But don’t just slather on a fresh coat for the sake of upgrading – choose colors that will enhance your mood. When it’s time to sell, anything that you can do to improve the mood… Read More

Looking at the largest and most wealthy segment of Canada’s population, several major banks have been researching what the baby boomers are planning to do as they head to their retirement years. Studies have looked at their mortgage situation, whether they plan to downsize or move out of the province or the country and exactly… Read More

Variable-rate mortgages are so over. Go fixed rate if you’re arranging or renewing a mortgage, and think hard about the four-year term. If you take in all the recent developments in the mortgage market, this is the most logical strategy. Variable-rate mortgages are being sold at the prime rate in many cases right now, which… Read More

For the second year, The Junction Business Improvement Area (BIA), of which McGuinty is executive director, will present a Santa in The Junction event, this time boasting as many as 14 magical window displays on Saturday, Nov. 26. Except these storefront windows won’t feature any mechanics, but rather children from the Creative Children’s Dance Centre… Read More

Today’s experts spout off the latest statistics about long-term wealth, home values, and interest rates, yet there’s a much more sentimental side to homeownership. In fact, many home buyers are drawn to homeownership for these warm and fuzzy reasons. Owning a home allows you to put down roots, both figuratively and literally. On one hand… Read More

An Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) survey reveals that confusion about the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and buying a resale home has not decreased in the last year despite efforts by the provincial government and real estate industry to educate the public. The survey conducted by Ipsos Reid shows that 58 per cent of Ontarians… Read More

Still crazy after all these years. The Toronto real estate market has risen steadily since the mid 1990′s - except for a brief decline   in late 2008/early 2009 that was followed by a rapid rebound – and continues to be a bright spot in the world economy. Despite all the bad news and market uncertainty through… Read More

Is there truth to the notion that  you can have too much of a good thing? According to a new report released by Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Research, this is exactly the case with the hot condo market in Toronto, who speculate that this rising star will crash and burn.The authors of the… Read More

The house lights have dimmed yet again at the Humber Cinema. But it’s unclear if the movie theatre at Bloor and Jane Streets is facing a temporary setback, or has been shuttered for good.A sign on the door of the Humber on Oct. 17 indicated the theatre, which had re-opened last April after sitting idle since… Read More

A few years ago, the federal Privacy Commissioner ruled a home’s sale price is personal information and cannot be advertised or disclosed without the permission of the buyer and the seller. This is what privacy legislation is all about — protecting your personal information. The lesson is that if you do not want to see… Read More

Welcome to The Clairmont, a boutique building providing style and elegance in a vibrant midtown location close to Yonge and St. Clair and surrounded by upscale residential neighbourhoods. It’s just a short walk to designer shops, fine dining, cafes, cinemas and services – to be entertained in every way possible. This stylish one bedroom suite… Read More

The influx of Chinese buyers in Canada’s major cities has given the housing market a boost, but created a controversy over street addresses. A University of British Columbia study says that in neighbourhoods with a high percentage of Chinese residents, houses with street numbers ending in four are sold at a 2.2 per cent discount… Read More

This home has been professionally designed by renowned area architects Ph.D. Design – it has wonderful flow and well proportioned living spaces together with thoughtfully chosen top drawer finishes throughout. The open concept main floor is perfect for entertaining with family and friends, with a welcoming entry foyer, elegant living room with gas fireplace, main… Read More

The market for rental condos is becoming almost as hot as Toronto’s resale housing market with bidding wars breaking out among tenants trying to snag prime units. While some 21,000 units are now under construction in Toronto — 5,707 of them in the downtown core — demand for rental condominiums continues to far outstrip supply,… Read More

Home buyers are ga-ga over gadgets. A survey by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) says home security systems, home theater-wired systems, home automation management systems and energy management systems are hot selling points. “There is a strong relationship between home technologies and the real estate market. While the market needs to recover before home technologies… Read More

For real estate buyers, the process of purchasing a home, or cottage, can be overwhelming. Many purchasers, particularly first-time or first-time-in-a-long-time buyers, are relieved that at least part of the buying process is easy—viewing properties. That’s where they make a big mistake. It seems easy: Look at a house from the street, and you either… Read More

REALTORS are no fans of land transfer taxes, which are paid by home buyers when they purchase a home. We strongly believe that home ownership is something that all levels of government should be encouraging, not discouraging with punitive taxes directly targeted at home buying. That’s why we are calling for governments to re-think where… Read More

A year ago I wrote the most common mistake home buyers make is buying with their heart instead of their head — usually because they panic while involved in a stressful negotiation for which they are unprepared. The result is that buyers pay more than they should, or are disappointed later when they find defects… Read More

With Toronto’s condo market among the hottest in the world right now — almost 68,000 new units are now in the planning stages or under construction across the GTA — investors are cashing in big time on what looks like a sure bet compared to battered stock markets. Some 45 to 60 per cent of… Read More

A Scotia Economics report says Canada’s housing market is cooling, but at a slower pace than most other markets in the developed world. Scotiabank’s latest real-estate outlook said Tuesday that Canada is showing a resilience that few other countries have been able to maintain. “In the majority of the major markets we track in North… Read More

This four bedroom family home is situated in a fab Swansea location close to Grenadier Pond, Rennie Park & High Park. There have been many recent improvements including: a renovated dream kitchen with granite counters, tumbled marble backsplash, centre island/breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances and large eating area; a walk-out from the kitchen to a large covered… Read More

From early 2009 until early this year, the real estate market in Toronto (and in Canada generally) was very strong. Interest rates were at all time record low levels and the economy was improving, albeit rather slowly. There were warnings (sometimes quite shrill) about the likelihood that real estate prices would fall, both because interest… Read More

With Canadian interest rates now on hold for some time to come, the government may move to tighten mortgage rules again to keep the already hot housing market from bubbling over, says the chief economist of Canada’s biggest bank. “As we go forward in an environment of lower rates for longer now, we may see… Read More

A community consultation meeting to discuss a proposal to build a 25- and 30-storey condo and 14 townhouses on Southport Street will likely proceed the night of Oct. 5 with extended community notification.Etobicoke York Community Council this week endorsed a city staff recommendation to schedule the meeting for lands at 34-50 Southport St. Click here… Read More

After much soul-searching and working the numbers, you’ve decided to put your home on the market. You may be selling to change cities for a job or are needing to downsize. Regardless of the reason, this is a big and important decision! Now the time has come: you have received an offer on your home…. Read More

Termites are causing an estimated $120 million in property damage each year in the GTA by eating through wood structures and dropping neighbourhood property values by up to 25%, according to the Canadian Concrete Masonry Producers Association. Citywide, the infestation has made its way from the north Beach area to East York, along the Lakeshore… Read More

Canadian home buyers want smaller homes with multipurpose rooms and energy saving features, but don’t take away that two-car garage. These were some of the tips that members of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association recently heard from Tim Bailey, general manager of Avid Canada, a research and consulting firm. Bailey presented some results from an annual… Read More

Open houses will lead to more exposure for your home and more feedback from potential buyers. On the other hand, since we have so much information available to buyers on the Internet, such as video tours of the entire home, wouldn’t it make more sense to wait for a truly interested buyer to schedule a… Read More

Wanting to buy a home and deciding to buy a home are two different things. The first is a desire or a dream. The second is commitment to achieve the goal. Do you want to buy, or have you decided to buy? What are you planning when you think of purchasing real estate, whether it’s a… Read More

A condominium-building boom is lifting Canada’s largest city into the same stratosphere as London, Sydney, Vancouver and Miami, but deepening the worries about a potential tumble. Buyers snapped up 1,986 condominiums in Toronto in July, up 28% from a year earlier, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association. Average prices have surged 8% to 9%… Read More

This spacious 2+1 bedroom bungalow is situated on a gorgeous 50 ft lot in popular Long Branch Village, just a short walk from lakefront parkland and the waterfront trail. There are hardwood floors through out the main floor, updated windows, and a walk-out from the master bedroom to a wood deck and large fenced back yard.  The… Read More

The latest data from the Toronto Real Estate Board show that Toronto area home prices and sales are continuing to track well ahead of last year. The average GTA price was $440,150 as of mid August, as compared with $412,186 for the same two weeks last year, and the inventory of homes for sale continues to… Read More

Most sellers and buyers are at least a bit confused about this question. The standard wording of the Purchase and Sale Agreement says that the Agreement “shall be completed by no later than 6:00 p.m. on the _____ day of ____________, 2011. Upon completion, vacant possession of the property shall be given to the buyer unless… Read More

RBC’s recently released housing forecast for Canada includes a number of interesting points about the Canadian housing market, both currently and moving forward: An increase in interest rates over the next two years will cool Canada’s resale market and slow down home price growth, but won’t cause either to decrease below current levels. Essentially, while… Read More

There are more than 7,000 condominium buildings in the GTA and some are more than 40 years old. By a conservative estimate, more than 25 per cent of these buildings are in trouble, meaning there is not enough money in the reserve fund to pay for necessary repairs. Click here to view the full article…. Read More

The upside in a global stock market rout may ironically be a healthier housing market – at least in the short term, say economists. “The housing market has nine lives. Every time interest rates are supposed to go down, something happens and it helps to keep the market going,” said Benjamin Tal, senior economist at… Read More

Experience is a good teacher, but when it comes to mortgages — whether you’re arranging a new one or renewing — learning by experience can be expensive. The more you understand about mortgages and home equity lines of credit (HELOC) before you sign a mortgage contract, the more you can save in interest charges, lender… Read More

Spacious 2 bedroom suite with parking and locker and two huge balconies – only 2 units in the building have a second balcony. A well managed and well maintained building with great facilities, including an indoor pool, two exercise rooms, saunas, tennis court, party room and ample visitor parking. Walk to High Park, Grenadier Pond and… Read More

It can be a tough market for selling a home, but those conditions can get even worse if sellers aren’t careful. While a seller doesn’t control the real estate market, their actions can significantly contribute to how long and how much their home is sold for. Underestimating Cleaning Up: It may seem obvious, but I… Read More

Most property owners intend to enjoy their real estate as long as they want to, and then sell it for the greatest possible profit — ideally tax free — with the minimum amount of hassle, in the shortest possible time. Sometimes this works out. Sometimes it doesn’t. How can owners stack the deck in their… Read More

With 9 ft ceilings and over 940 sq ft of living space, this sun-filled suite has panoramic views of Christie Pits park from the balcony and from all windows. The open concept plan features a well appointed kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, as well as generous living and dining areas. There are… Read More

Approx. 1500 sq ft three bedroom suite with 2 parking spots and large terrace. Recent improvements include renovated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, renovated baths and new windows. Well managed complex with brand new elevators and great facilities: huge indoor pool, exercise weight rooms, tennis, saunas, party/rec room with kitchen, and visitor parking. Located acoss from Marie… Read More

This three bedroom family home has convenient front pad parking and is ideally situated in the heart of Swansea, just a two minute stroll from High Park, Rennie Park, the subway station and the shops and cafes of Bloor West Village. The kitchen features a walk-out to a large deck and a private, fully fenced… Read More

You have probably seen recent media articles about a coming slowdown in the Toronto real estate market, most notably a front page headline story in the July 16 Toronto Star about the impending “downturn” that made it sound like it’s inevitable that prices will fall over the next year or two. The truth is, it… Read More

By the time you’re ready to take possession of the first real estate you’ve every bought, you’ll probably be swamped with advice and design ideas from friends and family who’ve “been there.” Even if you’ve made decisions based on this information and your own research, take a fresh look at your new home before you… Read More

The adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” explains some of the power of community-based mapping, but it’s only a beginning. This crystallization of the complex into more easily-digested content takes communication a step further to provide otherwise-invisible insight into neighbourhoods and communities. Community-based mapping can be particularly useful if you are deciding which… Read More

Suddenly it begins. After all the anticipation of finding your dream home, your buyer agent has called and you’re off to see the first property that may be “it”. You’re excited, but are you really prepared to recognize the best deal when you see it? Whether you’ve shopped for a home before or not, you… Read More

The Competition Bureau is pressuring the Toronto Real Estate Board to break the law by releasing private data on the Internet in an effort to make the market more competitive, the board says. Releasing such information would be a “reckless” move, said the organization in a strongly worded statement Friday in response to new charges… Read More

Canada’s housing market is a bubble ready to burst as valuations have “lost touch with fundamentals” and household debt is at a record high, says a report by Capital Economics. The independent research firm’s report says it fears that house prices could fall by as much as 25% over the next three years. “House prices… Read More

We are Canada. At 144 years we are neither young nor old, as nations go. And nations do come and do go, it bears remembering. You don’t have to be very old to appreciate that the world map that occupied a corner of your childhood classroom is a relic of another age; that borders once… Read More

Are too many condominiums being built in Toronto? Analysts have been sounding warning bells for more than a year that the market is being seriously overbuilt. But so far, sales and prices have been chugging merrily upward. According to the Building, Industry and Land Development Association, last month was the best May ever for sales…. Read More

Multiple offers or bidding wars continue to happen all over the GTA. Buyers, sellers and real estate agents need to be aware of what to expect. To create the atmosphere for multiple offers, it may indicate on the MLS listing that interested offers are to be submitted in three days. The seller hopes this will… Read More

The 2011 TD Canada Trust First Time Homebuyers Report found that 45% of Canadians will be buying their first home independently (rather than with a co-purchaser).  In fact, nearly six-in-ten men (57%) will buy on their own, along with 33% of women. While people buying independently don’t have to compromise with anyone about the features,… Read More

One way to look at if Canadian housing is affordable is to compare it with other similar countries or economies and see how we fare. Demographia publishes an annual comparison of housing affordability for metropolitan markets in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the US.  Demographia measures affordability through a ratio of median… Read More

Used car buyers get more consumer protection than resale home buyers. When you buy a used car you can check whether there are liens registered against the vehicle, or whether the car has required major repairs following an accident. The vehicle then has to pass a safety check before the registration can be transferred. Resale… Read More

The resale housing figures for the first two weeks of June have been released by the Toronto Real Estate Board; the charts below summarize this information. (The sales figure was derived by extrapolation.) These data show that the Toronto area market remains very strong, with prices almost 10% higher than last June, and total sales… Read More

This gorgeous two bedroom/two bath suite is situated next to lakefront parkland and with panoramic views of High Park, Grenadier Pond, Toronto skyline and  Lake Ontario.  It’s close to Bloor West Village & Roncesvalles Village shopping, the downtown streetcar is at the door, and there is easy access to major highways & Pearson Airport. The… Read More

Since title insurance was introduced in Canada in the early 1990s, it has been marketed as an inexpensive replacement for a property survey. But land surveyors and some lawyers say that consumers in a real estate transaction are putting themselves at risk by not getting an up-to-date survey, even if they have title insurance. Property… Read More

Rising housing values are helping to create more wealthy people in Canada. A study by the Deloitte Center for Financial Services says the number of millionaire households in Canada will grow from 1.745 million to 2.413 million by 2020, an increase of 38 per cent. As Michael Nairne of the National Post pointed out, the… Read More

Looking back my biggest money mistake was waiting too long to buy a house. I also bought Nortel stock and lost money, but missing out on long-term housing price gains was far more costly. The irony is that at the time, in my 20s, I was an economist at the federal housing agency CMHC specializing… Read More

This warm & welcoming family home is situated on a quiet one-way street, just 1/2 block from Lake Promenade and lakefront trails & parkland. The home was totally rebuilt from the basement up in 2003, and over $200,000 in renovations & improvements have been added since 2004. The newly completed custom designed kitchen has sleek… Read More

This bright & spacious family home has a private drive with two parking spots. It is situated in a perfect west end location close to the subway station and surrounded by High Park and the vibrant communities of Bloor West Village, Roncesvalles Village & Junction Gardens. Numerous recent improvements include: hardwood flooring on the main and upper levels;… Read More

Almost every resale home purchase is conditional on the buyer being satisfied with the results of a home inspection. But what does satisfied mean? When can a buyer back away and when are they just using the inspection as a convenient way to find a loophole when they get cold feet? Inspection conditions are not… Read More

Don’t buy a condominium out of desperation or frustration because you can’t afford your dream house. A condo should not be a consolation prize. Buyers should purchase a condominium with deliberate intention. A condo should be the obvious choice when the buyer understands how and why condominiums offer a viable real estate ownership option. Then, with… Read More

Although the official launch parties won’t take place until next month, both Riverdale and the Junction neighbourhoods have been selected by Project Neutral to work toward becoming the first carbon neutral urban communities in the country. The result of a competitive process in which community members applied for the opportunity to participate in the environmental… Read More

Softer than expected inflation and retail sales data from Statistics Canada reduced some of the imperative for the Bank of Canada to raise interest rates and also knocked the Canadian dollar lower on Friday. Markets had feared more inflationary pressure after March’s 1.1 percent month-on-month rise, which pushed the annual inflation rate to 3.3 percent,… Read More

This detached 2 1/2 storey home has private double driveway and double garage and is located within easy walking distance of High Park, subway station and great schools. The extra-spacious 2nd/3rd floor unit has three bedrooms plus a den/office or 4th bedroom; updated kitchen and bath; hardwood floors; ductless air conditioner; and a large 3rd floor… Read More

The resale housing figures for the first two weeks of May have been released by the Toronto Real Estate Board; the charts below summarize this information. (The sales figure was derived by extrapolation.) These data show that the Toronto area market continues to shine, with prices approximately 8% higher than last May, which was itself… Read More

A flood of condominiums in the Greater Toronto Area market means that rent increases have been slowing while prices have been escalating. High prices and lower-than-expected rents are not a good recipe for investors, who buy an estimated 45 to 60 per cent of all new condominiums in the Toronto market, according to the study… Read More

Electrifying the city’s new airport train service in time for its 2015 opening would be the necessary first step in creating an above-ground subway connecting the downtown with the region, says the Clean Train Coalition. In a report being released Monday, the CTC recommends the province abandon its elite, business-class concept for the Pearson-to-Union Station… Read More

The 2011 High Park cherry blossoms were in full bloom this morning, but the real show was the sheer volume of photographers who came out to shoot them. Droves of professionals and amateurs alike descended upon the park sporting every camera type under the sun — from digital to film, DSLR’s to point and shoots,… Read More

We are a cocky lot in Canada about our wealth with millionaires apparently abounding everywhere. Our confidence probably got another boost with a report from the Deloitte Center for Financial Services saying there were 1,745,000 households in Canada with more than $1-million in assets in 2011. Not bad, but should some of these people really… Read More

Allison Philpot sold her home using a For Sale by Owner marketing service. She listed her home for $419,000, and was able to create a bidding war after her first open house. She received a top bid of $429,000, which she accepted. Unfortunately, the Buyers later terminated the deal, relying on a condition in the offer. The… Read More

Do you assume the house or cottage you share with your life partner belongs to both of you, or are you positive you understand who holds legal ownership? Assumptions can be expensive when it comes to money and real estate. “The garden is as much mine as yours,” yelled one homeowner to his spouse when… Read More

John from Toronto wondered if he could get rid of a problem tenant by letting his son to live in the apartment and how long his son would have to live there before he could rent it to someone else. The question shows the confusion, as well as the lack of trust, on the part… Read More

Most sellers know of some repairs that need to be made to their home, and a lot of sellers have many items on that list, but not all repairs are equal or, rather, not all home improvements rank high in the buyer’s mind. Finding out which repairs will help you sell your home helps you… Read More

Many people who go it alone when buying a home turn up at open houses or contact the seller’s agent directly, thinking they can save half of the commission and get a better deal. I’m not so sure it’s that easy. These buyers do not understand that the seller’s agent is working solely in the… Read More

Tax-free profit on the sale of your principal residence is alluring, but it can be elusive. Under the federal Income Tax Act, property owners are entitled to tax-free profit on the sale of their principal residence, provided they follow the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines. Capital gain is the net difference between the cost of… Read More

A recent survey conducted for BMO Bank of Montreal says that one in five Canadians are interested in buying property in the United States. According to the National Association of Realtors, 23 per cent of international buyers were from Canada last year – making us the largest group of foreign buyers for the past three… Read More

As a buyer in a competitive market, how can you be competitive? First, and perhaps most importantly, be ready to buy. Readiness is not impulsiveness, however. Before you begin your home search, be clear on your objectives. This means knowing your budget (and how much wiggle room you really have), what amenities are must-haves, and… Read More

After years of boarded-up windows and stagnation, a proposal for the redevelopment of the site bounded by Bloor Street, Oakmount Road and Pacific is underway. Development company Daniels Corporation is proposing to build a staggered 14 storey condominium building that would have 364 units. The parts of the building adjacent to a street would be… Read More

One way to prepare for the costs of owning a home beyond the mortgage payment, insurance and taxes, is to know the life expectancy of your home’s components. Such knowledge doesn’t supersede the use of a home inspector when buying a home, but it can help you develop a savings plan so you are prepared for the… Read More

Scott and Elizabeth McNeil plan to buy a larger home in the future as their family grows. But first, they have to sell their existing one. It’s a simple strategy used by move up buyers everywhere. Take the money you’ve invested in the first home, and then buy another one. But for some buyers, it… Read More

The higher the Canadian dollar climbs on broad-based weakness in the U.S. dollar, the less likely the Bank of Canada will be to resume interest rate hikes. This assessment from Scotia Capital economists Derek Holt and Karen Cordes Woods means there is a greater risk the central bank will remain on the sidelines throughout 2011… Read More

Saving a century-old home on High Park Avenue from demolition last spring was the catalyst for the Junction Residents Association (JRA) and the West Toronto Junction Historical Society (WTJHS) banding together to pursue a Heritage Conservation District in their neighbourhood. “The key to heritage districts is people working together,” Architect Catherine Nasmith told her audience that… Read More

Canadians are feeling positive about their personal finances following the recession, but most of that optimism is based on the soaring value of their homes – a glow that could evaporate quickly if the housing market slumps. In the latest Consumerology Report, a quarterly survey conducted for Toronto advertising agency Bensimon-Byrne that tracks trends in… Read More

For years now, Toronto’s far west end has been something of a dead zone when it comes to movie-going. In the stretch between High Park and Mississauga, there is exactly one multiplex, the Queensway Cinemas in Mimico. The only other option, for a long time, was the historic Kingsway Theatre on Bloor Street near Royal… Read More

Since the beginning of April, the Toronto real estate market has shifted into an even higher gear. Prices for the first two weeks of April averaged $483,165, 12% higher than the same two weeks last year; up until the end of March, prices were tracking about 4-5% ahead of last year. This is perhaps not… Read More

This tastefully renovated family home has laneway parking at the rear and is situated on a quiet tree-lined street in a popular High Park neighbourhood. The open concept living/dining room features dramatic exposed brick, a cozy fireplace, rich hardwood floors, and stained glass window accents. The stunning master bedroom has a cathedral ceiling, two skylights… Read More

This detached family home has a rare private drive and is situated on a huge 30’ x 150’ lot. Take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore and/or renovate this extraordinarily well-preserved home… or build your dream home! This exceptional home has generous room sizes, lovely unspoiled hardwood floors, rich wood trim, crown moulding, a… Read More

This elegant Bloor West Village detached home has a distinctive side centre hall plan and a rare private drive. While there have been many updates, the early 20th century charm and character remain intact, including French doors, rich wood trim, crown moulding and stained/leaded glass accents. The extra spacious living room has a graceful bow… Read More

Every homeowner eventually wants to make a change, but if you’re like many people you haven’t a clue where to begin. Just like fashion styles, interior designs change with the times as well. So, if you’ve been in your home for a long time and are ready to sell or are just ready for a… Read More

Enjoy fabulous renovations combined with early 20th century charm and character. The 2nd & 3rd floors underwent a total  renovation/reconstruction in 2009/2010 “from the bricks in”, with all new mechanics, floors, walls and ceilings; all new roof surfaces; top quality windows; and exquisite finishes including custom cabinetry, millwork and built-ins in the new bathroom, master bedroom,… Read More

The last 10 years have seen a spectacular boost in home equity in Canada. More than half of the increase Canadians’ net worth since 2000 has been from home equity. The wealth of homeowners has been growing in recent years, while that of renter households has declined, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC)…. Read More

Canada’s $44 billion renovation industry has been the fastest growing part of the housing sector for the last 10 years, but it is risking the health of those living in the houses under construction — particularly children — says a report by the Canadian Environmental Law Association   (CELA). Renovation activities including energy retrofits, if… Read More

Driven by the threat of higher interest rates down the road, first-time buyers are contributing to strong upward momentum in residential housing markets across the country. The RE/MAX First-Time Buyers Report, highlighting trends and developments in nineteen major Canadian centres, found that low interest rates and balanced market conditions have provided significant impetus in 2011,… Read More

Today’s market can be a difficult one for many sellers to navigate. And while your real estate agent can advise you, the ultimate decision of what offer to accept is entirely up to you. This decision can come with quite a bit of pressure. Even in the most favorable of markets this can be a… Read More

The Toronto Real Estate Board reported 9,262 transactions in March, the second best March result on record, though still 11% below the all-time record set in March 2010.  The average selling price for March 2011 was $456,147, up 5% over last March. Here’s a brief video from Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Senior Manager… Read More

Today’s market presents some very unique opportunities for buyers. With affordability near record highs and interest rates near record lows, many homeowners are making the decision to move up or on. Here a few simple tips to take into consideration when listing your home for sale. 1. Curb Appeal: Buyers make snap judgments about each… Read More

Several of Canada’s big banks are raising most of their fixed-term mortgage rates ahead of the busy spring real estate market. Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD-T85.85-0.29-0.34%) said the biggest increases will be for mortgages with terms of five to 10 years, which will all go up by 0.35 of a percentage point starting Tuesday. View full article…. Read More

No longer is there an automatic last move for boomers—that is, being moved into a HOME. No longer is there a “last stage” of adult life that dictates an end to independence and to living in a home you love.  Aging in place, or staying in your own home as you age, even if you… Read More

According to the latest numbers the correction of housing prices late in 2010 seems to have been a short-lived phenomenon, as for the second consecutive month prices increased overall in four of six Canadian metropolitan markets. Canadian home prices in January were up 0.4 per cent from the previous month, according to the Teranet–National Bank… Read More

Rachel Moses is a lawyer specializing in litigation. But she found she was outgunned when asking Direct Energy to pay for damage to her basement caused by a leaking water heater. “I was told I should make a claim through my home insurance. I made it very clear that I would not do that,” she… Read More

With more than 500,000 condominium units in Canada and one in four new homes built as condominiums, Canadian buyers need basic condominium buying skills to protect them in any market. Too often, condominium buyers fall prey to the “do nothing, just play” sales pitches inherent in lifestyle campaigns presented by condominium developers. Although “condo living”… Read More

More than two-thirds of Canadian households are homeowners. The homeownership rate has been rising steadily since the end of the Second World War, through several real estate cycles – including a period when mortgage interest topped 20 per cent in the 1980s, and the more recent era with extremely low rates. For most Canadians, a… Read More

Lest anyone still think the next year is going to be an easy one for the City of Toronto, Joseph Pennachetti can set you straight. Pennachetti is Toronto’s city manager, hand-picked by former Mayor David Miller, and now answering to a very different boss in current Mayor Rob Ford. And there will be a big… Read More

The city has reneged on a promise to provide free downspout disconnections for almost 900 homeowners in North York.In a budget-cutting move on Feb. 23, the city voted to end this free service as of March 1. Over 7,000 Toronto households on the waiting list are now to pay out of their own pocket. What’s… Read More

Just retired from the department of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Toronto, Ann Zimmerman has responded to our inquiry: how does a pond awaken in the spring? The Grenadier Pond ice is peeling back from the shoreline. A scrim of algae is painted a pretty green atop a breakaway collar of ice…. Read More

The city is set to undertake a controlled burn in High Park sometime in mid-April, part of an ongoing effort to protect Toronto’s rare black oak woodlands.The actual date is planned to coincide with ideal weather conditions and will be announced 24 to 48 hours prior to the burn. A prescribed burn is a deliberately… Read More

Political observers will get a perfect test case Wednesday to see how much of a shift has taken place at Toronto City Hall.York South-Weston Councillor Frances Nunziata is asking council’s public works committee to fix odd situations where residents who otherwise meet all city requirements can’t get a permit for a front yard parking pad… Read More

Many Baby Boomers have paid-for homes, while their grown children are contemplating entering the housing market. Instead of letting them rent during their first foray after leaving the nest, it’s tempting to buy a second “investment” property with Junior as the main tenant. Fully 10% of Canadian parents are considering this, according to TD Canada… Read More

Price and sales figures for the first two weeks of March were released by the Toronto Real Estate Board this week. These data show a continuation of the strong growth in prices seen in January and February. Prices are almost 5% higher than in the same period last year, and the market remains very tight,… Read More

Property prices in the U.S. may have fallen 2% in February, but many homeowners around the world are in the midst of a massive housing bubble. Prices continue to be pushed up by the traditional formula: excessive demand, inadequate supply, and easy lending.The Economist has broken down which markets are most overvalued, by comparing rental prices… Read More

Aware of all the potential changes that are coming in the next few weeks and a strong realization of the material impact that they could have on the mortgage marketplace, there is great focus on and conversation about what mortgages should look like now and what the wise choices for consumers are. Knowing that the… Read More

“Social media is not a toy, but a powerful catalyst for societal change by individuals with individual goals and dreams.”  When I first said this, years ago in a speech to business leaders—long before social media and its sites became part of common speech and daily activities—it seemed as revolutionary (and to many as laughable)… Read More

You may not know it yet, but your bathroom is begging to be redone. It dreams at night of the latest trends, colors, and fancy new gadgets. It talks with the tub about its most heartfelt desires. Maybe its time to make your bathroom’s dreams come true! Okay, so your bathroom doesn’t have a mind… Read More

Toronto MPP Cheri DiNovo wants to make changes to the way residential rents can be increased that will make it almost impossible for a landlord to raise the rent above the guidelines without the approval of the Landlord and Tenant Board. DiNovo, who sits for the NDP in Parkdale-High Park, has introduced a private member’s… Read More

If you have energy-saving devices such as programmable thermostats and low-flush toilets, chances are that you own your home, have a water meter and have higher levels of income and education. Even though saving energy also means saving money for anyone who owns or rents a home, a report by Statistics Canada shows that there… Read More

Canadian property owners intent on following real estate price fluctuations using mainstream media reports from centres across Canada may be searching too far afield for the information they need. Local details should be more significant than national patterns. Local real estate professionals and local news are excellent resources regarding real estate prices on specific streets,… Read More

There are millions of homes for sale. How do you know which is the right one for you?  The key to getting just the right fit is to develop a wish list. From the lifestyle you want to live to the style of home that best fits your needs, a wish list is a great… Read More

Design is all around us. In our homes, everything from structural elements like roofs and room layout to hardware for doors and sinks is designed. Some argue that the best design is invisible. Bad design calls attention to itself and may frustrate or injure users. When you walk through your house, condominium, or cottage, can… Read More

This luxurious 2 bedroom, 2 bath suite enjoys unobstructed sunset views of the tree-filled grounds from a large private terrace. It’s like living in the midst of a forest! Recent updates include high end stainless steel kitchen appliances, rich engineered hardwood flooring, and top quality organizers in all closets. The spacious master suite has a… Read More

Don’t expect light rail along Jane Street anytime soon.While the TTC, mayor’s office and the province continue to deliberate over plans for the Sheppard subway line in the east, and the Eglinton Crosstown light rail, the proposed Jane light rail line is effectively off the table, says TTC chair Karen Stintz. “There’s no funding now… Read More

The Canadian housing market is “moderately” overvalued, but a significant correction is likely not in the cards, says a report by the Bank of Montreal. The ratio of average resale prices to personal incomes is currently 14 per cent above the long-term mean, suggesting that prices have gotten ahead of incomes, says BMO economist Sal… Read More

A bright one bedroom unit in Greenwich Terrace, an intimate boutique building in the vibrant Davisville Village neighbourhood, just steps to subway, parks shops. Sunny south exposure with a large tiled balcony and a panoramic view overlooking a tree-lined green space. 9 ft ceilings throughout, rich hardwood flooring in bedroom & living/dining room, elegant slate… Read More

Housing affordability is improving in Ontario thanks to lower mortgage rates and softening demand. According to a Royal Bank of Canada report released Thursday, after four consecutive quarters of steep decline, housing affordability gained traction in the fourth quarter, thanks to bottoming mortgage rates and a slowing demand via moneyville.ca The Toronto real estate market… Read More

There is still room for improvement, but the West Toronto Junction is a far cry from the crime riddled neighbourhood it once was in the mid-1990s, say Piera and Ettore Pugliese, owners of Vesuvio Pizzeria and Spaghetti House, a fixture on Dundas Street West near High Park Avenue since 1957.”I think we’re doing well, really… Read More

A recent report from Capital Economics, which has received wide coverage in the media, predicts that Canadian real estate prices need to fall by 20-25%. This conclusion is based on the assumption that real estate prices tend to be determined by affordability as measured by the ratio of house prices to income. The chart below… Read More

Prone to booms and busts throughout its tumultuous history, the Junction, whose retail strip runs parallel to a commuter rail corridor in Toronto’s west end, was an absolute ‘Boomtown’ in the 1950 and ’60s and is once again experiencing an upswing more than five decades later, according to the local Business Improvement Area (BIA). via… Read More

Existing home sales will be in the range of 398,500 to 485,500 units in 2011, with a point forecast of 441,500 units. In 2012, MLS®2 sales will move up and are expected to be in the range of 406,300 to 519,700 units, with a point forecast of 462,900 units. Mr. Dugan also noted that the existing… Read More

Etobicoke’s Colonel Samuel Smith Park will host Family Day Festivities on Monday, Feb. 24 with dance performances, circus acts, and contemporary art displays at the new skating trail from noon till 4 p.m. Read Full Article>> via insidetoronto.com Come on down to Colonel Samuel Smith Park, located on the lake at the foot of Kipling… Read More

For the past two-and-a-half years, policy makers have sought to explain why Canada, a country with sound economic fundamentals and a rock-solid banking system, was pulled down by the global spread of the U.S. financial crisis. As a new threat bubbles up in much of the world, though, there’s no need for excuses. The latest… Read More

Late last year, the consensus view was that the Toronto real estate market would slow down in 2011 and that prices, while continuing to rise, would do so more modestly. There were even some that expected prices to fall this year. Well, there’s not much sign of a slow-down in the market so far. Average… Read More

This spacious three bedroom bungalow is situated on a quiet tree-lined street in the Rosethorn/John G Althouse school district, just a 15 minute bus ride from the Kipling subway station and with easy access to major highways, airport and downtown Toronto. This meticulously maintained family home has generous room sizes, refinished hardwood floors and updated… Read More

What have you learned so far in 2011? Yet another year stretches ahead full of clean-slate potential. What are you going to accomplish in the remaining 10 months? Are you determined to make this a pivotal or springboard year, or are you going to wait and see how things turn out? If you don’t stop to… Read More

Today’s sellers are on the hunt for creative ways to ramp up their marketing. It is a necessity in today’s tough market to have several tricks up your sleeve. The idea is nothing new, but more and more sellers are beginning to discover the power of “home staging.” In today’s article, we will focus on… Read More

Housing markets have been remarkably hearty over the past decade and the stage is set for a better than expected 2011.  Inventory has proven to be an effective form of market self-regulation, providing both an ideal climate for price escalation and a shelter in periods of softer home-buying activity.  As a number of city centres… Read More

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. That’s why getting the right photos of your home are critical. Before having your home photographed or, in some cases, videotaped, you’ll want to make sure that it’s in the best possible shape. But what exactly does that mean? Getting your home ready for a photo… Read More

It’s really no secret. We are a nation of consumers. Watch television for just one evening and you’ll know of a dozen sales and promotions happening in your local area. Whether it’s retail or sale, there are more than a handful of us that have consumed our ways to a stuffed closet. Call it early… Read More

1 Inspiration: “To renovate your home, to do landscaping and decorating, to (make it happen), you’ve really got to get inspired. And that’s what our show does,” says show manager Denise Hayward. In fact, more than half of the visitors at the 2010 show said they were attending primarily to find renovation ideas and inspiration,… Read More

It used to be big deal if Dad bought you a car when you were old enough to drive – but now some parents are buying homes for their kids. It’s a great investment and saves them from paying rent, whether they are attending college or university or are striking out into the working world…. Read More

This fabulous executive freehold townhome is situated in the sought-after Sunnylea neighbourhood of West Toronto, close to the Islington subway station and with easy access to major highways, Toronto airport and downtown Toronto. The well-appointed chef’s kitchen has stainless steel appliances, granite counters, tumbled marble backsplash and a cozy breakfast area next to a bay… Read More

The Canadian Real Estate Association has boosted its forecast for 2011 existing home sales after a stronger-than-expected hand-off from 2010. CREA now expects sales via its Multiple Listing Service to hit 439,900 units, representing an annual decline of 1.6%. In 2012, national sales activity should rebound by about 3% to reach 453,000 homes, it said…. Read More

You have decided to downsize.  You no longer want the responsibility, expense or maintenance of a family home; it is too big now that the kids are gone and you want to start relaxing.  You have found the perfect spot.  It is smaller, but you don’t need as much space.  You don’t need to maintain… Read More

A rise in bond yields has prompted TD Canada Trust to raise some of its fixed-term mortgage rates by as much as a quarter of a percentage point. CIBC followed late in the day with similar rate hikes. “When bond yields go up it means the cost of funding for the bank has risen for… Read More

The world of mortgages is changing. To paraphrase the old Joni Mitchell song, most consumers will not know what they’ve got until it’s gone. They won’t realize that by the time a mortgage is paid off, borrowers have paid two or three times the original amount borrowed – the mortgage principal – to buy real… Read More

During last year’s election campaign, Rob Ford promised to repeal the hated Toronto Land Transfer Tax. As reported by Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB)  president Bill Johnston in today’s Toronto Star, realtors have been fighting against this unfair tax since it was first proposed in 2007, with strong support from the public. Earlier this week, TREB… Read More

Greenwich Terrace Gem! This intimate boutique building is situated in vibrant Davisville Village, known for its excellent recreation facilities, outstanding shopping districts and active night life. Just a short walk to subway & parks! This fabulous one bedroom apartment has a sunny south exposure with a large balcony and tranquil panoramic views overlooking a tree-lined green… Read More

Results for the first two weeks of January show that real estate prices in Toronto are remaining strong. The average selling price for the Greater Toronto area was $413,565, approximately 5% higher than the average price of $395,307 for the first two weeks of January 2010. Sales volume remains low, with total sales of 1,563… Read More

Drive around any major Canadian city and you’re likely to see lots of new condominium buildings under construction. You may wonder who is going to buy and live in those condos – and the answer is, everyone. In 2006, when the last Census was held, the number of owner-occupied condos in Canada was more than… Read More

Some people love negotiating and others hate it. Regardless of which side of the sold sign you fall on, the best possible deal is what both buyer and seller want. Arriving at that price can be a lesson in frustration or even cause a complete shut-out. So what’s the X factor? In real estate, many… Read More

For many people this can be very stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. And that’s a good thing because a lot of people find themselves in the position of needing to sell and buy all at once. If you’re in this situation then you know that timing and money are two critical issues. What… Read More

This freehold executive townhome has more than 2800 sq ft of luxurious living space on 4 levels. Situated in the upscale Kings Pointe enclave in desirable Sunnylea, it is just a short walk away from Humber River parkland and jogging/biking trails, and access to major highways downtown is easy. The gourmet family size Kitchen Includes… Read More

Purchasers in most large Canadian centres can add Land Transfer Taxes to their list of closing costs. Unless you live in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or rural Nova Scotia, land transfer taxes (or Property Purchase Taxes) are a basic fact of life. These taxes, levied on properties that are changing hands, are the responsibility of the purchaser. Depending… Read More

For many people moving is one big headache and ranks as high on our list of fun as getting a tooth pulled without Novocain. Yet when you’re buying and selling real estate, whether it’s your primary residence or an investment property, moving is part of the job. Decorator Kathryn Bechen has moved 11 times in her… Read More

There are some people who will drive around to three or four different gas stations, looking for the cheapest price. Others will spend forever trying to pick out a new pair of shoes. But when it comes time to get a new mortgage, Canadians are pretty complacent, and it’s costing them a lot of money…. Read More

The Roncesvalles Village neighbourhood, originally known as ‘Howard Park’, was annexed into Toronto in the 1880s. While the neighbourhood is very diverse, attracting people from all backgrounds, it is well known as the centre of the Polish community in Toronto, with prominent Polish institutions, businesses, shops, restaurants and St Casimir’s Catholic Church located on Roncesvalles… Read More

In a growing atmosphere of the do-it-yourself mentality, some wonder if they should take on the homebuying process on their own. It’s certainly been done but, more often than not, homebuyers turn to the experts when it comes time to making what will often be their most expensive purchase. Here are just a few reasons why it’s a… Read More

The High Park neighbourhood is home to a wide range of people. Its highly regarded schools including Humberside Collegiate attract many families with school age children to this neighbourhood. High Park contains numerous rental opportunities that are popular with singles and couples. There are also a handful of senior’s accommodations within this neighbourhood, including the… Read More

Most top Realtors agree that taking your home off the market during the Christmas season is a mistake. There may be fewer buyers, but they are more serious, and because there is less competition, you may have a better chance of getting a good offer than during a busier season.

Toronto area selling prices for the first half of December are higher than in November, which is unusual for this time of year. This suggests that the spring market in 2011 will once again be strong, supported by continued low interest rates and a paucity of homes for sale.

Swansea Village is the only Toronto neighbourhood that has its own community run Town Hall. Swansea is also the only Toronto neighbourhood to have a lake, a river, and a pond as it’s natural boundaries. Swansea’s hilly terrain, winding roads and many mature trees accentuate the storybook houses that line the residential streets of this neighbourhood. 

This freehold executive townhome has more than 2800 sq ft of luxurious living space on 4 levels. Situated in the upscale Kings Pointe enclave in desirable Sunnylea, it is just a short walk away from Humber River parkland and jogging/biking trails, and access to major highways downtown is easy.

This freehold executive townhome has more than 2800 sq ft of luxurious living space on 4 levels. Situated in the upscale Kings Pointe enclave in desirable Sunnylea, it is just a short walk away from Humber River parkland and jogging/biking trails, and access to major highways downtown is easy.

This exceptionally bright, 2 years new, Madison built home is situated in the prestigious Valleys of Thornhill neighbourhood in Vaughan, Ontario. The spacious centre hall plan features an eat-in kitchen with a walk-out to a large fenced yard; a main floor family room; a formal living/dining room with hardwood floors; and four bedrooms including a master with ensuite bath.

This freehold executive townhome has more than 2800 sq ft of luxurious living space on 4 levels. Situated in the upscale Kings Pointe enclave in desirable Sunnylea, it is just a short walk away from Humber River parkland and jogging/biking trails, and has easy access to major highways, airport &  downtown.

On Friday, November 19, we attended the opening night of Laura at the Village Playhouse theatre in Bloor West Village just east of Runnymede. Laura is a classic whodunit based on Vera Caspary’s novel of the same name.

Evidence is accumulating that the Toronto area real estate market is returning to normal after a wild roller coaster ride that began in late 2008 when the financial crisis hit the world economy like a tsunami. Prices and sales volumes fell from late 2008 until early 2009; rebounded sharply upward from early 2009 until mid 2010; fell again during this past summer; and have rebounded again since September.

There are signs of life at the long-vacant former Swansea Plaza at 34 Southport St. A new developer, the State Building Group, has purchased the property and is working on plans for two condominium towers, some townhomes and about 10,000 sq ft of retail space. If all goes well, residential units could be ready for occupation by late 2013.

Visit Bloor West Village, located in West Toronto Ontario, view homes for sale, view community information, walk scores and more!

Toronto area real estate prices rebounded sharply in September, and the trend has continued through the first half of October. The latest data from the Toronto Real Estate Board show an average selling price for the Greater Toronto area of $444,644, very close to the all-time high average price of $446,593 reached in May of this year.

A broad  consensus seems to be emerging about the present & forecast state of the world economy: no double dip, but very slow and uneven growth for  at least the next couple of years. This, combined with low interest rates for the foreseeable future, means that the real estate market is “just right”.

The fall market in the Greater Toronto area kicked off with a flurry of new listings, and prices are slightly higher than they were at this time last year. Considering that the market was extremely hot in the fall of 2009, this is a very positive sign, indicating that the market continues to be quite healthy.

This gorgeous ravine-like property is situated on a quiet Swansea street within easy walking distance of Bloor West Village shops & cafes, Runnymede subway station, High Park, and Rennie Park & Community Centre.

This extensively renovated Bloor West Village home is located across from Swansea’s Rennie Park, an ‘off the beaten path’ gem of a park that sits right next to High Park, Toronto’s biggest and best city park.

This sun-filled 1+1 bedroom suite has sunset views from the west-facing balcony and approximately 811 sq ft of living space, including a completely separate den/office that can easily be used as a second bedroom. The facilities in this highly regarded Tridel complex are exceptional.