3,681 TRANSACTIONS IN FIRST HALF OF APRIL TORONTO, April 17, 2009 - Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,681 transactions in the first half of April, down seven per cent compared to 3,955 during the same period last year. "In lock-step with the favorable March results, resale housing market conditions in the first half of April were markedly improved compared to the winter time," said TREB President Maureen O'Neill. "Households that were on the sidelines at the beginning of the year are now taking advantage of lower interest rates and lower home prices." The average price for MLS® sales was $383,161, down four per cent from $399,117 last year. "The average home price in the GTA stabilized as resale market conditions tightened over the past two months," according to Jason Mercer, TREB's... 04/20/2009

          © Copyright 2009 - All rights reserved.All photos are copyrighted property of Sylvie Conde.  Do not reproduce or reprint without the express written permission of Sylvie Conde.  __________________________________________________________________________________________________ UPDATE (no longer speechless):  Some people can't read what the photo says and asked me to paste it here, so here it is: Crawford Street passes through Trinity Bellwoods Park over a graceful triple-span concrete bridge which still exists, but is now buried beneath the street.  The bridge once crossed a ravine carved by Garrison Creek as it flowed from North of St. Clair Avenue into Lake Ontario, near Fort York. Crawford Street was first extended over the ravine on a wooden bridge in 1884.  In 1914 and 19... 04/19/2009

    © Copyright 2009 - All rights reserved.All photos are copyrighted property of Sylvie Conde.  Do not reproduce or reprint without the express written permission of Sylvie Conde.       Toronto Real Estate by Sylvie Conde, BrokerSutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage        416-966-0300(Independently Owned & Operated)358 Davenport RoadToronto, Ontario, M5R 1K6416-966-0300 Office416-564-7431 Directsconde@sutton.comwww.sylvieconde.com  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~     04/19/2009

Toronto has many different, popular neighbourhoods, which reflect our multiculturalism. Have you thought about where you want to live? Here are some neighbourhoods - all within 10-25 minutes of downtown... Ready to start looking?           Let me know what you're looking for.  I can help you find a place to call home, in our great City. © Copyright 2009 - All rights reserved.All photos are copyrighted property of Sylvie Conde.  Do not reproduce or reprint without the express written permission of Sylvie Conde.       Toronto Real Estate by Sylvie Conde, BrokerSutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage        416-966-0300(Independently Owned & Operated)358 Davenport RoadToronto, Ontario, M5R 1K6416-966-0300 Office416-564-7431 Directsconde@sutton.comwww.sylvieconde.com  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~... 04/18/2009

The Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada presents the 25th Annual Walk of Life ... April 26th, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Rsidents will participate in the annual event that will hopefully raise $400,000 for the Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada. Families can choose 3 km, 5 km and 7 km routes. There will be a King and Queen of Hearts kids' drawing contests, interactive displays, heart healthy fair, Kidsport, funzone, teletoon, prize draws and more. 8:30 a.m.; sign-in (there will be entertainment and children's activities) 10:00 a.m.; opening ceremonies; 25th anniversary tribute and kids' contest 10:30 a.m., the walk begins 12:00p.m., snacks and refreshments, prize draws   Bring your family and join in the Walk of Life. For additional information, call 416-730-8299. Location:  Exhibit... 04/17/2009

The number of homes sold this week in all areas is down but the average price has increased. The average price increase is approximately 2%.   April 16, 2009 Region Area Sales Av. Price   East 343 $305,933   West 615 $377,547   Central 288 $486,601   North 324 $416,460   Total 1,570 $389,936     NOTE: Please note these are preliminary figures. Minor adjustments may be required at month's end. ********************************************************************************** I proudly server buyers and sellers in the Toronto Neighbourhoods of: Forest Hill, Cedarvale, North York, North Toronto, Summit Heights, Wilson Height, Bathurst Manor, Leaside, Bayview, Thornhill, Richmond Hill and all surrounding areas. Whether you're buying or selling and looking for a Toronto Realtor or feel free ... 04/17/2009

Years ago both the Toronto Real Estate Board and the Ontario Real Estate Association started lobbying the Government of Ontario to institute Green policies throughout the Province. However, what the Provincial Government has proposed in its' Green Energy Act has some very fundamental flaws which should be looked at: At present, in Bill 150, the Province is moving ahead with mandating energy audits on Residential Real Estate, making it part of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Condominiums, Commercial and Industrial properties however will be excluded....should they not be included as well? The Bill stipulates that an Energy Audit must be done but does not stipulate whether it is the responsibility of the Buyer or the Seller to bring the house up to sufficient levels and does not say w... 04/17/2009

There are times when this blog must deal with really important issues and this is one of them: FOOD!! My friend Susan, a great cook, but also a dynamite Business woman ( those are not divergent in one person, however, I digress)...is known far and wide for her Award Winning Rib Recipe. I have made it a couple of times at home, though it seems daunting at first, the most difficult part is getting all the spices together for the rub that begins the process. This Rub can also be used will Chicken and Seafood and when making the Ribs try them with Beef Prime Ribs as well as Pork (just don't tell my grandmother as she kept a Kosher home). Susan has graciously consented to allowing me to Blog her ribs as the only thing I'm am known for is my almost Flawless Popcorn...that recipe will follow a... 04/17/2009

As Social Media gets more and more popular, many REALTORS are jumping on the bandwagon, writing blogs, Twittering, and appearing on Linkedin and Facebook. While all of that is great, there are some basic questions that you should be asking yourself before you had down what you might think is a shortcut on the Information Highway. Have You Established Your BRAND? Do you have a personally branded web site and email address? Many REALTORS assume that being part of the Broker Brand is enough but what if you should change brokerages or if your brokerage gets bought? www.yourname.com and that your email address is yourname@yourname.com It means that for the past years you have used this URL and email address on all your advertising, signs and cards and have driven clients to your site as bein... 04/17/2009

A consumer asked a question on Active Rain today, about our new home warranty program. Apparently, someone was under the impression that builders can opt out of the program, if they are building a home for a private person.  In other words, you buy a piece of land, and you get different builders to bid on building your dream home (rather than buying one of the builder's own homes). I wanted to make sure I gave out the correct information, so I called Tarion and asked them the question.Tarion tells me that builders CANNOT opt out for any reason.  It is mandatory that every home is covered. The public needs to be aware of this, and also need to be aware that if any builder is telling you they will give you a break on the costs, because you can opt out of the new home warranty program, you... 04/17/2009

This information came across my desk from my Mortgae Specialist Jessica Magno at TD Canada Trust, that I think would interest you all. Housing prices are down, interest rates dropped again this week…is all roses? All great deals have a price; the mortgage lending is tightening for borrowers with less then 20% down. (See below for further information). Jessica says" I cannot stress the importance of mortgage pre approvals especially when the lending rules are always changing. Good credit is the key ingredient to getting approved." Genworth Financial Tightens Guidelines. Genworth Financial, Canada’s 2nd biggest mortgage default insurer, is reportedly making several key changes to its insurance offerings, effective April 18. The changes will affect new borrowers with less than 20% equity/d... 04/17/2009

The average price of a home is quite a bit higher in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) is quite a bit higher than the overall average for the rest of the country.  There are many homes over $500,000 where the impact of the harmonized sales tax will have a huge hit on home buyers. When a buyer is buying a new home from the builder they have to pay GST and PST.  If a person buys a $500,000 home from a builder their total tax will be approximately $40,000 higher than if they were to buy a reslae home where only GST is incorporated into the sale price of the home. For Ontario, this will have a huge impact on a number of new home builders.  Many planned projects will be put on hold or cancelled all together because the builder will not be able to sell homes at these tax inflated prices.  Builde... 04/17/2009

April 9, 2009 Region Area Sales Av. Price East 409 $301,778 West 690 $369,951 Central 329 $478,555 North 374 $398,780 Total 1,802 $380,290 NOTE: Please note these are preliminary figures. Minor adjustments may be required at month's end. ********************************************************************************** I proudly server buyers and sellers in the Toronto Neighbourhoods of: Forest Hill, Cedarvale, North York, North Toronto, Summit Heights, Wilson Height, Bathurst Manor, Leaside, Bayview, Thornhill, Richmond Hill and all surrounding areas. Whether you're buying or selling and looking for a Toronto Realtor or feel free to e-mail or phone us and we will be happy to guide you through your real estate experience. Casa Loma Casa Loma is Toronto's most prominent historic residen... 04/15/2009

TORONTO - Low mortgage rates and more affordable homes in many markets are pushing first-time home buyers to enter the market in droves, Canadian real-estate experts say.Phil Soper, president and chief executive of Brookfield Real Estate Services (TSX:BRE.UN), said that when the Canadian housing market was hot, bidding wars forced many buyers to put in offers without conditions to increase their chances of being accepted.This, combined with unprecedented increases in home prices in many parts of the country, scared many first-time buyers out of the market, he said."When first-time buyers stop entering the market it's like sand in the gears of the housing market," said Soper, speaking Tuesday at a BMO conference on the current and future state of Canada's housing market.But he said the ... 04/14/2009

                                                                        The Green Living Show                                                                        Starts: April 24, 2009                                                                         Ends: April 26, 2009 The Green Living Show is Toronto's first consumer show dedicated to all things green. Information... innovation... inspiration... everything you need to green up your life, under one roof!April 24 & 25: 10-9pmApril 26: 10-6pm For more information contact: Phone: 416-360-0044 Ext: 110 Address: Direct Energy CentreExhibition Place100 Princes BlvdPrinces Blvd and Strachan Ave Map to this event TTC: Union stationTake 509 or 510 streetcar West to Exhibition Place *****************************************************... 04/12/2009

The Heart of Toronto's Waterfront! Harbourfront Centre's unique 10-acre site, nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario, offers more than year-round programmes in the arts, renowned events and world class performances. It is in an unparalleled location and  is an excellent way to spend the day, with limitless activities to choose from.                                                              View from lake Ontario at the city and the CN Tower at Harbourfront                                                 Toronto island Ferries and a Tall Ship Harbourfront Centre's waterfront offers something for everyone! Take leisurely stroll, relax by the water's edge, get some exercise or even shop and dine - it's all here waiting for you! In winter there is a fabulous skating rink overlooking La... 04/12/2009

Spring has Sprung at Casa Loma Casa Loma is Toronto's most prominent historic residence, built from 1911 to 1914. Casa Loma is complete with decorated suites, secret passages, an 800-foot tunnel, towers, stables, and beautiful 5-acre estate gardens. Starts: April 18, 2009 10:30 AM Ends: April 18, 2009 12:00 PM Cost: $40 - $49 Somewhere under the snow your spring garden awaits. Get a head start on the season with our SpringSational hands-on workshop. Following the tour, get your hands dirty and assemble a container of cheerful spring bulbs to take home. Includes mid morning coffee and cookies Cost: $45.00 per person + GST (includes a $15.00 materials fee for the take home project). Pre registration is required. Please email or phone. For more information contact: Phone: 416-923-1171 Ext... 04/11/2009

Annual Easter "Egg" Stravaganza presented by:Toronto Zoo   Children 12 and under, grab your passport at the admission gate and let it lead you to animal exhibits that contain Easter eggs! Watch for sightings of the elusive Easter bunny! Don't forget to get your yummy Hershey treat upon exit (while supplies last). PLEASE NOTE EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. For more information contact:Phone: 416 392-5929 Address:Toronto Zoo361A Old Finch AveMeadowvale Road north of Hwy 401 (exit #389)Map to this event TTC: Bus 86A from Kennedy Subway Station.Bus 85A,B from Don Mills Stationwww.torontozoo.com********************************************************************************** I proudly server buyers and sellers in the Toronto Neighbourhoods of: Forest Hill, Cedarvale, North Yo... 04/11/2009

It's Easter weekend.How will you be spending it?Are you having friends and family over?Maybe just spending it at home, quietly, with the closest family?Going out, for a big party? Have you thought that a lot of people won't be having an Easter meal, let alone a big celebration? When you're out doing your Easter shopping, don't forget to buy a few more items and put them in a bag for the local food bank. There are a lot of people out there who no longer have jobs, and have families to feed, and we can help to make their Easter better, by providing some help to the local food banks, and local soup kitchens. I have already bought a huge bag of food, but didn't think it was quite enough. I can do better.  We can all do better. Let's remember those who are less fortunate.   Have a Happy East... 04/10/2009

If you're having trouble paying your rent, and you want to move to more affordable housing, there is an Emergency Rental Deposit Loan Program to assist you. If you're having trouble coming up with first and last month's rent, in this tough economy, you may qualify for this program. Some homeowners who are facing foreclosure and need to move, may also qualify. Note:  If you are receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support payments, you are not eligible. Are you eligible? - you must be experiencing housing problems as a direct result of the recession (you lost your job, or your salary has been reduced) - must be a low-income household - must be a tenant in non-subsidized housing, or you must have recently lost your housing, or you are facing foreclosure - you can't be moving into... 04/09/2009