Spotlight: "New Times Square" In The St Lawrence Market Area

     Every great neighbourhood has at least one major intersection that sits at what might be called the “heart” of the neighbourhood.  These crossroads are known to locals and visitors alike, and they function as a sort of landmark or hub.  Some neighbourhoods are lucky enough to have a few remarkable intersections.  Case in point, the St Lawrence Market area in downtown Toronto. 

One of this neighbourhood’s key crossroads is where Front Street & Jarvis Street meet.  Take a look at the Google Street View map here.  You can see the Market itself, sitting on both the southwest and northwest corners.  On the northeast corner you’ve got a handful of restaurants and pubs.  And sitting on the southeast corner is one of the area’s more well known residential condo buildings, “New Times Square”.

New Times Square was developed by Camrost-Felcorp Inc. (also responsible for Kings Court , California Condos, and Imperial Plaza, among others) and designed by architects Page & Steele Inc.  It was completed in 1999, has 12 floors, and the municipal address is 109 Front Street East. 

I recently helped a client of mine purchase a 2 bedroom + den/2 bathroom suite in the building and she couldn't be happier with her new digs.  Her balcony faces west and looks out over the Market, the CN Tower, and the gorgeous Toronto city skyline.  There's no doubt the location was one of the major selling features for her, but that isn't to say the building itself doesn't have plenty to offer its residents.

The amenities include 24hr concierge, exercise room, whirlpool, sauna, and a rooftop terrace w/ bbq.  The building is designed in such a way that some of the suites face out onto the city while others face onto an interior courtyard (there's a photo of the courtyard below).  This is a nice touch as it gives purchasers the option of having something that's plugged into the energy of the area or something that's maybe a bit quiter.  I’ve included a few more photos of the building and some of the common elements below.

         

         

 If you own a suite in the New Times Square building and are thinking of selling, feel free to contact me for evaluation of your property or for more info on my listing services.

If you're thinking of purchasing a suite in the New Times Square building specifically, or in the St Lawrence Market Area in general, feel free to contact me for more info.

Toronto Real Estate Market Report: December 2010 Statistics

       Following is TREB's market report for December 2010:  Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 4,395 existing home sales for the month of December, bringing the 2010 total to 86,170 – down by one per cent compared to 2009. 

"Market conditions were anything but uniform in 2010. We went from super-charged sales activity during the first four months of the year, to a marked drop-off in transactions in the summer and then in the fall saw sales climb back to levels that are sustainable over the longer term," said TREB President Bill Johnston.

"New Federal Government-mandated mortgage lending guidelines, higher borrowing costs and misconceptions about the HST caused a pause in home buying in the summer. As it became clear that the HST was not applicable to the sale price of an existing home and buyers realized that home ownership remained affordable, market conditions improved," continued Johnston.

The average home selling price in 2010 was $431,463 – up nine per cent in comparison to the 2009 average selling price of $395,460. In December, the average annual rate of price growth was five per cent.

"At the outset of 2010, we were experiencing annual rates of price growth at or near 20 per cent. This was the result of extremely tight market conditions coupled with the fact that we were comparing prices to the trough of the recession at the beginning of 2009," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

"Balanced market conditions in the second half of 2010 resulted in more moderate home price appreciation," continued Mercer. "Expect the average selling price to grow at or below five per cent in 2011. With this type of growth, mortgage carrying costs for the average priced home in the GTA will remain affordable for a household earning an average income."

Median Price In December, the median price was $355,000, from the $349,000 recorded during December of 2009.

If you’re thinking of making a move and would like to know how I can help, feel free to contact me for more info.

For complete copies of TREB’s Monthly Market Watch Reports, visit my archives here.

Looking Forward: What's In Store For The 2011 Real Estate Market?

     The Toronto Real Estate Board recently weighed in with their outlook for 2011/2012 by posting the above video to their YouTube channel.  This video is the latest from TREB in a series featuring their Senior Manager of Market Analysis, Jason Mercer.

In his presentation, Mr. Mercer focuses on 3 key factors in his analysis of where we've been and where we're going:

• Average home price
• Average household income
• Average 5 year fixed mortgage rate

For those of you unwilling to sit through the 20 min video (I don't blame you - 20 min is long...), here's a quick summary of his outlook:

• The pace of economic recovery has slowed NOT STALLED in Canada. 
• The market consensus is for fewer rates hikes than originally expected through the end of 2012.
• Wages and salaries will reach an inflation-level of growth.
• There'll be an inflationary increase in utilities costs and taxes.
• Right now affordability remains in check, thus the current average selling price is justified.
• Price growth will be slower in 2011/2012 (3% growth).

If you’re thinking of making a move and would like to know how I can help, feel free to contact me for more info.

Looking Back: The 2010 Real Estate Market In Review

           One of my favourite Real Estate blogs, BuzzBuzzHome, posted a great recap a few days ago of all the craziness that the Canadian real estate market experienced this past year (read it here).  Looking back, there’s no doubt 2010 was a remarkably eventful year.  Here’s my own breakdown of some of the highlights:

• The first half of the year was characterised by multiple-offers and steadily increasing prices (a continuation of what began in earnest in the fall of '09).  The flourishing of this seller's market was due in part to low inventory, high demand, and historically low interest rates.
• New mortgage rules were implemented by the federal government in April.  These changes effectively made it more difficult for some buyers to obtain financing. 
• Easter weekend ushered in the Spring market, along with a noticeable increase in listing inventory.
• July saw the arrival of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).  Purchasers of new homes would feel the sting more than others.
• The Summer market was slower than that of years past.  Fears of a bubble and uncertainty were in the air.  A number of buyers chose to sit on the sidelines.
• The Fall market saw an increase in activity following the slower summer.  No bubble?  Multiple offers seemed to be making a comeback...
• The Competition Bureaus vs CREA.  A settlement was finally reached - one that ultimately provides consumers with more choice.  How will the new rules affect the industry?  Only time will tell.

So, what can we expect in 2011?  A number of industry leaders are predicting more stability for the real estate market over the next few years.  I don't know about you, but more stability sounds just fine to me...

If you’re thinking of making a move and would like to know how I can help, feel free to contact me for more info.

Toronto Real Estate Market Report: December 2010 Mid-Month Statistics

       Following is TREB's market report for mid-Decemeber 2010:  Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 2,509 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) during the first two weeks of December 2010.  This represented a 19 per cent decrease compared to the 3,079 sales recorded during the same period in December 2009.  Year-to-date sales amounted to 84,316 – down one per cent from the 2009 total of 84,888.

 "While off the 2009 record, the level of December transactions remains strong from a historic perspective.  The number of transactions in 2010 will be the third highest on record,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Bill Johnston.

 The average price for December mid-month transactions was $435,225 – up three per cent compared to the average of $423,103 recorded during the first 14 days of December 2009.

 “Market conditions remain tight enough to support moderate growth in the average selling price.  Expect the three per cent annual rate of growth reported for the first two weeks of December to be the norm in 2011,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

If you’re thinking of making a move and would like to know how I can help, feel free to contact me for more info.

For complete copies of TREB’s Monthly Market Watch Reports, visit my archives here.

Toronto Real Estate Market Report: November 2010 Statistics

       Following is TREB's market report for November 2010:  Greater Toronto REALTORS reported 6,510 existing home sales in November – down 13 per cent from 7,446 sales in November 2009. New listings were also down 13 per cent annually to 8,642.  On a month-over-month basis, the seasonally adjusted annual rate of sales increased for the fourth straight month to 88,100. This rate was substantially higher than the July low of 67,900.

"The GTA resale market has tightened since the summer. Healthy market conditions continued to support growth in the average selling price," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Bill Johnston.

"Sales through the first 11 months of the year were down only marginally compared to the same period in 2009. We remain on track for one of the best years on record under the current TREB market area," continued Johnston.

The average selling price for November transactions was $438,030 - up five per cent compared to November 2009.

"The average selling price in the GTA is affordable. A household earning the average income can comfortably cover the mortgage payments on an average priced home. Expect the average selling price to grow at a moderate pace over the next year," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

Median Price In November, the median price was $366,000, from the $353,800 recorded during November of 2009.

If you’re thinking of making a move and would like to know how I can help, feel free to contact me for more info.

For complete copies of TREB’s Monthly Market Watch Reports, visit my archives here.

Toronto Real Estate Market Report: November 2010 Mid-Month Statistics

       Following is TREB's market report for mid-November 2010:  Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,076 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) during the first two weeks of November 2010.  This represented a 16 per cent decrease compared to the 3,666 sales recorded during the same period in November 2009. Year-to-date sales amounted to 78,526 – up slightly from the 2009 total.

“The number of transactions remained high relative to new listings through the first half of November, promoting a healthy rate of price growth compared to last year,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Bill Johnston.

The average price for November mid-month transactions was $437,554 – up more than five per cent compared to the average of $415,066 recorded during the first 14 days of November 2009.

“Mortgage payments on the average priced home remain affordable in the GTA based.  This is why the average selling price continues to increase,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

If you’re thinking of making a move and would like to know how I can help, feel free to contact me for more info.

For complete copies of TREB’s Monthly Market Watch Reports, visit my archives here.

Toronto Real Estate Market Report: October 2010 Statistics

     Following is TREB's market report for October 2010:  Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 6,681 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in October 2010.  This represented a 21 per cent decrease compared to the 8,476 sales recorded in October 2009.  Through the first ten months of the year, sales amounted to 75,582 – up one per cent compared to the January through October period in 2009.

“The annual change in sales and average selling prices has been quite uniform across the GTA and by property type as the market has balanced out from record levels of sales in the second half of 2009 and first few months of 2010,” said Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) President Bill Johnston.

“The composition of GTA home sales does differ depending on location.  Condominium apartments accounted for 42 per cent of total sales in the City of Toronto and almost 60 per cent of sales in TREB’s central districts,” Johnston continued.  “In regions surrounding the City of Toronto, in contrast, low rise home types accounted for almost 90 per cent of transactions.”

The average price for October transactions was $443,729 – up five per cent compared to the average of $423,559 reported in October 2009.  The average selling price through the first nine months of the year was $430,802.

“The average selling price in the GTA has continued to grow relative to 2009 because home ownership has remained affordable,” said Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.  “A household earning the average income in the GTA can comfortably afford the mortgage payments associated with the purchase of an average priced home.”

“The outlook for mortgage rates and income growth over the next year is favorable.  The average home selling price could increase moderately next year and remain affordable for the average GTA household,” continued Mercer.

If you’re thinking of making a move and would like to know how I can help, feel free to contact me for more info.

For complete copies of TREB’s Monthly Market Watch Reports, visit my archives here.

Don't Be Mistaken When It Comes To HST

     As noted in the above YouTube video, a recent Ipsos Reid survey revealed that 56% of Ontarians mistakenly believe HST applies to the full purchase price of resale homes.  The survey was commissioned by the Ontario Real Estate Association in an effort to convince the Ontario government to launch a public awareness campaign to educate taxpayers and put an end to the confusion.

The video interview goes on to say, "Based on this research families are putting off the decision to move.  They actually think that they just can't afford it.  Everyone has a dream of home ownership and if they're putting it off because they think they can't afford it based on a misconception about HST that's a real shame."

I personally haven't noticed a downturn in my own business or a reluctance by my clients to make a move because of the HST.  That doesn't mean it isn't happening though... Many realtors are saying that they're feeling a negative impact.

So, how do we combat the confusion?  By educating our clients as to when the HST actually applies!  Here's a quick breakdown:

• HST does NOT apply on the purchase price of re-sale homes.
• HST DOES apply to services such as legal fees, home inspection fees, appraisal fees, labour for renovations, landscaping and real estate commissions, if applicable. 
• It is estimated the average home buyer will likely pay $1200 - $1500 additional cost in HST fees when moving.
• HST applies to the purchase price of newly constructed homes.   However, the Province is proposing a rebate so that new homes across all price ranges would receive a 75 % rebate of the provincial portion of the single sales tax on the first $400,000. (so that's basically a savings up to the first $24,000 hst)
• For new homes under $400,000, this would mean, on average, no additional tax amount compared to the current system

If you’re thinking of making a move and would like to know how I can help, feel free to contact me for more info.

Toronto Real Estate Market Report: October 2010 Mid-Month Statistics

        Following is TREB's market report for mid-October 2010:  Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,012 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) during the first two weeks of October 2010.  This represented a 17 per cent decrease compared to the 3,631 sales recorded during the same period in 2009.  Year-to-date sales amounted to 71,988, representing a three per cent increase compared to 2009.

“The GTA resale market is balancing out from the record level of sales experienced in the second half of 2009 and first few months of 2010.  This is why sales figures have been lower than 2009 levels in recent months.  With this said, it should be noted that the annual rate of decline slowed somewhat through the first two weeks of October,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Bill Johnston.

The average price for October mid-month transactions was $444,644 – up seven per cent compared to the average of $414,479 recorded during the first 14 days of October 2009.

“We are seeing enough buyers relative to sellers to promote continued price growth year-over-year. People are buying because home ownership remains affordable in the GTA.  A household earning the average income can comfortably afford a mortgage on the average priced resale home,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

If you’re thinking of making a move and would like to know how I can help, feel free to contact me for more info.

For complete copies of TREB’s Monthly Market Watch Reports, visit my archives here.

Toronto Real Estate Market Report: September 2010 Statistics

     Following is TREB's market report for September 2010:  Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 6,310 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in September 2010. This represented a 23 per cent decrease compared to the 8,196 sales recorded during the same period in 2009. Through the first nine months of the year, sales amounted to 69,069 – up four per cent compared to the first three quarters of 2009.

"The level of sales in the second half of 2010 has been lower, representing a balancing out period following record levels of sales in the latter half of 2009 and first few months of 2010. We remain on track for one of the best years in history for existing home transactions in the GTA," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Bill Johnston.

The average price for September transactions was $427,329– up five per cent compared to the average of $406,877 reported in September 2009. The average selling price through the first nine months of the year was $429,657.

"Resale homes in the GTA remain affordable," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

"It is important to consider the positive impact of declining mortgage rates over the past two decades. Simply considering home prices relative to incomes does not allow for an accurate analysis of affordability," continued Mercer. "The share of average household income going toward a mortgage payment on the average priced home in the GTA remains within accepted lending guidelines. This is why the average home selling price has continued to grow."

Median Price In September, the median price was $360,325, from the $347,000 recorded during September of 2009.

If you’re thinking of making a move and would like to know how I can help, feel free to contact me for more info.

For complete copies of TREB’s Monthly Market Watch Reports, visit my archives here.

Real Estate Lingo 101

     What's the difference between a real estate Sales Representative and a Broker?  What does it mean to be represented as a Client versus a Customer?  What's an "ELF"?  What's "CAC"?  Every industry has its own set of terms and lingo, and Real Estate is certainly no different.

Anyone who's ever bought or sold a home is probably familiar with the vernacular.  And no doubt anyone actively in the market right now is using the jargon on a regular basis.  For anyone unfamiliar with the terminology and a bit curious, the Toronto Real Estate Board released an article last week detailing some of those more commonly used.  Check it out...

Following is Bob Johnston's (TREB President) Column as it appears every Friday in the Toronto Sun’s Resale Homes and Condos section:

Coming To "Terms" With Real Estate

September 17th, 2010 --- From major league sports to the medical field, every profession has its own unique lingo and real estate is no exception. Since a home is likely to be the single largest purchase you will ever make, it’s worthwhile to have an understanding of some of the terms most commonly used in the real estate world.

There is a distinction between real estate practitioners and those who can use the certified “REALTOR®” trademark.  While all real estate professionals are required to achieve registration with the provincial regulator, the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), REALTORS® are those who also choose to belong to the Canadian Real Estate Association by joining a local board like the Toronto Real Estate Board. Boards operate MLS® under license from the Canadian Real Estate Association, and Members abide by the professional standards of business practice.

Using the MLS®, a REALTOR® can contrast your existing or prospective home with those recently sold in the area, developing a CMA or Comparative Market Analysis, to help you determine a suitable offer or listing price.

You may have noticed that some REALTORS® are Salespersons and others are Brokers. While all real estate professionals begin their careers as Salespersons, many choose to pursue RECO’s more advanced Broker designation after two years in practice. 

A Broker of Record meanwhile, is an individual who is responsible for the operation of a real estate company, or brokerage. Salespersons and Brokers act on behalf of the brokerage and the Broker of Record is responsible for ensuring supervision of their activity.

When you work with a salesperson or broker, you will have the opportunity to determine whether you want to be represented as a Client or as a Customer.

By opting for Client status, you are choosing to contract with a real estate professional and the brokerage they represent, so that they will act in your best interest throughout the duration of your transaction.

By choosing Customer status, you have agreed that the real estate professional and their brokerage are not required to represent your interests and you are not obligated to work exclusively with them.

Once you have chosen to work with a REALTOR® you may choose to list your home on MLS® and may be presented with an array of marketing options, one of which can afford your listing heightened exposure by displaying it on the websites of other brokerages. This is referred to as IDX, or Internet Data Exchange. 

When you peruse listings on REALTORS’® websites you will notice a number of abbreviations to describe a home’s features like elf – electrical light fixture, fp – fireplaces, and cac – central air conditioning.

These are just a handful of commonly used terms in the world of real estate. To learn more about the process of buying and selling a home talk to a REALTOR® and visit www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com where you’ll find Greater Toronto Area listings, a schedule of upcoming open houses, plain language explanations of real estate forms and more.

If you’re thinking of making a move and would like to know how I can help, feel free to contact me for more info.

Toronto Real Estate Market Report: September 2010 Mid-Month Statistics

     Following is TREB's market report for mid-September 2010:  Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 2,623 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) during the first two weeks of September 2010.  This represented a 22 per cent decrease compared to the 3,361 sales recorded during the same period in 2009. Year-to-date sales amounted to 65,455, representing a six per cent increase compared to 2009.

“Sales remain below the record pace we experienced in the second half of 2009.  The prospect of higher interest rates and new mortgage lending guidelines resulted in higher than normal sales in the first few months of the year.  To balance this out, the pace of sales has slowed in the second half,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Bill Johnston.

“It is important to note that year-to-date sales remain above the number reported through the same period last year,” added Johnston.

The average price for September mid-month transactions was $412,367 – up five per cent compared to the average of $393,818 recorded during the first 14 days of September 2009.

“Under current lending standards, the average selling price is affordable for a household earning the average income in the GTA.  The annual price growth we have been experiencing has been justified by this positive affordability picture,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

If you’re thinking of making a move and would like to know how I can help, feel free to contact me for more info.

For complete copies of TREB’s Monthly Market Watch Reports, visit my archives here.

Will Mutliple-Offers Make A Comeback This Fall?

On Tuesday I helped a client of mine purchase a great 2 bedroom + den/2 bathroom condo in St Lawrence Market.

The unit had only been on the market for 5 days, yet we found ourselves competing with two other buyers.

The sellers purposely listed the property approx 5-6% under market value and held-back on reviewing offers until after the long weekend.

Needless to say, the property sold firm for over asking.

Sifting through the listings that popped up this week I noticed that a few other sellers are choosing to go with the “Hold-Back on Offers” strategy.

How will this play out for them?

It'll be interesting to watch and see.

It's no secret that our market has experienced an increase in supply and a decrease in demand over the past few months.

And "multiple-offer scenarios" certainly haven't been happening nearly as much.

I can tell you that if a property is under priced, shows well, and is located in a highly desirable area, it'll likely attract strong interest, no matter what the "norm" is.

Will multiple-offers make a comeback this Fall?

That depends largely on what sort of prices sellers are expecting to get, how many motivated buyers are in the market, and what's out there for these buyers to choose from.

We'll see...

If you’re thinking of making a move and would like to know how I can help, feel free to contact me for more info.

Toronto Real Estate Market Report: August 2010 Statistics

       Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 6,232 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in August 2010. This represented a 22 per cent decrease compared to the 8,035 sales recorded during the same period in 2009. New listings decreased by one per cent year-over-year to 10,488.

"The prospect of interest rate hikes and new mortgage lending rules prompted some households to purchase a home sooner than they otherwise would have this year. The result has been a larger than normal dip in sales over the summer months. With this said, it is important to recognize that sales on the year were eight per cent higher than in 2009," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Bill Johnston.

The average price for August transactions was $411,012 – up six per cent compared to the average of $387,921 reported in August 2009.

"Market conditions have remained tight enough to support higher home prices in comparison to last year. Under current mortgage lending standards, a household earning the average income in the GTA can comfortably afford the mortgage payments on an average priced home. Market conditions and the affordability picture would have to change dramatically before a sustained drop in the average selling price would take place," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

If you’re thinking of making a move and would like to know how I can help, feel free to contact me for more info.

For complete copies of TREB’s Monthly Market Watch Reports, visit my archives here.

Did You Know That Your Childhood Home Is Featured In Arcade Fire’s New Music Video?

       Some of you may be thinking, "This is a Toronto real estate blog.  What the hell are you doing posting about Arcade Fire's latest music video?"  Well, I'd argue that this post is related to real estate, in a way.  And besides, it's my blog and I get to post what I want!

The new video was released today and it's getting a ton of attention, not only because it features a brilliant track from a band that's at the peak of its powers, but beacuse it's an interactive experience that's unique to each individual viewer.  The video utilizes Google Maps, Google Street View, HTML 5 programming, and a bunch of other computer-y stuff to create something we haven't quite seen before.  

The above YouTube clip isn't the full video - it's just a teaser.  To view the video as it's meant to be seen go to www.TheWildernessDowntown.com.  There you'll be asked to enter the address of the home where you grew up.  What follows is a series of images unfolding in multiple windows, all to the tune of Arcade Fire's "We Used To Wait".  It's a mixture of music, film, animation, images from the viewer's own neighbourhood, and more.

One caveat though: Apparently the video is a bit clunky on some browsers.  For the best possible experience it's recommended that the video be viewed in the Google Chrome browser, which you can download here.  Any browser that supports HTML 5 should be fine though.

For a deeper look into how the video was created take a look at the Chrome Experiments page here.

Cheers!

Spotlight: "Europa" In The Little Italy/College Street West Area

Location, location, location.  The 3 most important things in real estate, right?  Certainly this adage applies to the condo building on Palmerston Ave known as "Europa".  While the Little Italy/College Street West area is one of the most sought after in the city, residential condo units in the neighbourhood are hard to come by. There are a few buildings in the area (456 College St, 301 Markham St, and few other boutique loft developments nearby), but suites don't come up for sale in these buildings very often.  So when something pops up in Europa, you can bet there's going to be some interest.

I helped a client purchase a suite here a few years ago and the big selling features for him were the same as they are for most who live in the building; it's an area of the city that isn't oversaturated with new residential development, the building itself is a modest size, the suites are nicely finished, and the neighbourhood has so much to offer.  You've got great restaurants, cafes, the College streetcar, the Royal Cinema, one of the city's best music stores, groceries, etc.  All just steps from the building!

Europa was developed by Beaverhall Homes/Graywood Developments (also responsible for the "Hyatt Regency Toronto" building and "555 Yonge Street").   It was completed in 2007 and sits at the south-west corner of Palmerston Ave and College Street.  The building has 8 storeys (with the penthouse suites occupying the top 2 levels) and the municipal address is 308 Palmerston Ave.  Take a look at the Google Street View map here.

The majority of suites feature hardwood flooring, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and juliette balconies.  The 2-storey penthouse suites have large private terraces.

The building amenities include concierge, exercise room, and a party/meeting room (with billiards).  I’ve included photos of some of the common elements below.

If you own a suite in the Europa building and are thinking of selling, feel free to contact me for an evaluation of your property or for more info on my listing services.

If you're thinking of purchasing a suite in the Europa building specifically, or in the Little Italy/College Street West Area in general, feel free to contact me for more info.

Toronto Real Estate Market Report: August 2010 Mid-Month Statistics

     Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 2,732 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) during the first two weeks of August 2010.  This represented a 29 per cent decrease compared to the 3,832 sales recorded during the same period in 2009. New listings, at 4,770 were down eight per cent compared to the first two weeks of August 2009.

“Throughout the better part of the last year, the number of monthly sales was well above the expected long-term trend. Accordingly, it makes sense that the number of transactions has dipped over the past few months in comparison to last year’s record results,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Bill Johnston.

The average price for August mid-month transactions was $412,934 – up eight per cent compared to the average of $383,796 recorded during the first 14 days of August 2009.

“We have seen a sufficient number of buyers relative to sellers over the summer months to support continued year-over-year price growth in the GTA,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

If you’re thinking of making a move and would like to know how I can help, feel free to contact me for more info.

For complete copies of TREB’s Monthly Market Watch Reports, visit my archives here.

CREA Economist Explains July's National Home Sales Activity

     Are you a fan of line graphs, bar charts, and market stats analysis?  If so you'll love the above YouTube video posted today by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).  For the rest of you, Mr. Cathcart's breakdown of what's happening in the Canadian real estate market at the moment is still very much worth a look.  I've also listed some of the video's key points below.

• The soft sales figures we're seeing right now can be attributed in part to accelerated home purchases earlier in the year.
• Buyers rushed into the housing market before announced changes to mortgage regulations took effect, interest rates moved up, and the HST came into effect in British Columbia and Ontario.
• In other words, the real estate market was "borrowing from the future" and much of the activity that normally would’ve happened late spring and through the summer actually took place in the first quarter of the year instead.
• It’s also important to keep in mind that actual (not seasonally adjusted) year-over-year comparisons are going to be amplified by the fact that July 2009 was an ALL TIME RECORD month.  The numbers from July 2010 can’t help but pale in comparison to what we saw a year ago.
• The good news is that new listings have been on a decline since they peaked in April.  This decline will help maintain the balance between supply and demand in the marketplace and temper home price volatility. 
• Activity may remain at lower levels for some time but with the factors responsible for recent volatility now largely in the rear view mirror we do expect a more stable market to emerge, characterised by a flattening out of prices and demand coming back into line with economic fundamentals.

If you’re thinking of making a move and would like to know how I can help, feel free to contact me for more info.

My Blog Is One Year Old This Week. Happy 1st Birthday!

     Like anyone else, I've celebrated my share of milestones over the years.  Kindergarten graduation, my first kiss, marriage, buying my first home...  This week I'm proud add one more thing to the list - my real estate Blog is now one year old!

What does one get a Blog for its birthday, you ask?  Well, I have a few ideas...

• You could become a Fan of my Real Estate Facebook Page.  All of my Blog posts appear there, along with links to market stats, articles of interest, and plenty of other real estate goodies.  Becoming a Fan or Liking my Facebook Page is a great way to stay on top of the market and make sure you don't miss a thing.
• Follow me on Twitter.  Among other things, I post links to all my Blog updates there.  Following me is another great way to stay connected.
• Subscribe to my Blog's RRS Feed.  If you're unfamiliar with RRS Feeds, take a look at this article here. 
• Subscribe to my Blog by Email (you'll find the subscription box in the column to the right of this post).

I'd like to end this post by saying THANK YOU to everyone who's taken the time to read and support this Blog over the past year.  I've had a blast writing it and I hope you've enjoyed reading it.  I look forward to another great year.

Cheers!