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Toronto, ON Real Estate News

By Richard Silver, Sales Representative, ABR, e-PRO, CIPS
(Sotheby's International Realty - Canada)
Toronto is a great City and over the years we have had lots of groups come here to enjoy our diversity. One group that appeared in the 1930's is growing by millions as we speak;  Termites. These subterranean visitors cost millions and have been studied extensively. As a Downtown Realtor, I view them as ubiquitous as cavities and candy with no end in sight for eradication. You can move them away from your home but they are a continuous issue that need to be approached realistically and without fear. The best remedy is to get rid of any wood soil contact, get a termite warranty from some of the companies that offerthem, and like going to a dentist have regular check ups. Here are some links to help you: Univerity of Toronto Urban Entomology Program Abell Pest Control Aetna Pest Control Re...
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By Richard Silver, Sales Representative, ABR, e-PRO, CIPS
(Sotheby's International Realty - Canada)
Fareed Zacharia of CNN has written an article for February's Newsweek that is a must read for all Canadians, especially our "naysayers". It is in the US Edition and is called a Worthwhile Canadian Initiative. It is an outsider's view of the Canadian Banking system and the Canadian Economy in general.  I suggest you have a read and make sure that it gets around. It is time we were less insecure about our position in the World. However, I am not a total "pollyanna". We are definitely in a recession in Canada, however, unlike the naysayers I don't see us going down the road that the US has travelled, especially in housing. In the States, they talk about the absorption rate of the Housing stock. With the exception of the Toronto Condo Market, if all proposed buildings moved ahead, and they ...
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By Richard Silver, Sales Representative, ABR, e-PRO, CIPS
(Sotheby's International Realty - Canada)
On Thursday of this week the Toronto Real Estate Board posted its first figures in 2009 not affected by last year's rush to avoid the Municipal Land Transfer Tax implemented on January 31st , 2008. The first two weeks of this February reflect less of a shift in the market since the implementation of the tax and the change in the Real Estate Market.  GTA Housing Resales at 2,044 in Mid February.  TORONTO, February 19, 2009 - Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 2,044 sales through the first 14 days of February, compared to 2,775 sales reported during the same period in 2008.  "While sales have been lower, the housing sector remains one of the pillars of the GTA economy," said TREB President Maureen O'Neill. "Each existing home transaction generates, on average, more than $33,000 in spin-of...
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By Richard Silver, Sales Representative, ABR, e-PRO, CIPS
(Sotheby's International Realty - Canada)
Here is an article from the Ryerson Free Press about the "Green-Goings-on" on Laurier Avenue. Looks like this will not just be a pretty street but a green one. Good going residents!! Cabbagetown may soon feature geothermal heated-streets February 17, 2009 by webeditor   Amanda Connon-Unda A small part of Toronto may be going geothermal and getting off the grid for its heating needs, revealing a possible future trend, as resources become less available. Laurier Avenue, a street in Cabbagetown, may soon become the first downtown street to heat and cool homes using geothermal heating - a clean technology that doesn't use fossil fuels but instead uses the natural heat in the ground and can even reduce monthly heating bills.  In November, Douglas Worts and Sameer Dhargalkar created a communi...
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By Richard Silver, Sales Representative, ABR, e-PRO, CIPS
(Sotheby's International Realty - Canada)
Every year the Toronto Real Estate Board gives two scholarships to deserving students in the GTA. If you know of anyone who might be interested in submitting an essay, let them know that they can get more information at www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com and need to submit before April 17th. The press release is below. TORONTO, February 18, 2009 - Greater Toronto REALTORS® will help alleviate the costs of a post secondary education for two graduating high school students this spring. The Toronto Real Estate Board's third annual Past President's Scholarship will provide two young people with $5,000 each for the next school year at a post secondary institution of their choice. Scholarships are awarded based on a 500-word essay submission, which is evaluated by a panel of judges.  This year, a...
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By David Pylyp
(RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.,)
Listing Your Home for sale in the Toronto West, Etobicoke, Mississauga Spring Market?What you need to do is get out and get noticed. Reach out to different markets and social communities. Easier said than done?Marketing is to promote your listing to the highest number of potential customers that would be suitable candidates to your property.Will tossing a few newpaper ads work best? They do have a very short shelf life. Most are locally distributed papers that are rolled up and placed below the mailbox, and usually end their short life in the recycle bin without even being unrolled.Social Marketing is connecting with people on a different level, reach out to different people that are not local to your area. This includes people that are like minded in what they are reading or interests...
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By Sylvie Conde, Broker, Toronto Real Estate
(Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage)
When you go shopping for a home, what exactly are you looking for? Do you ever wonder what the home may have been through - what it may have been used for? Do you look for signs (other than the 'for sale' sign)? Brokers and salespeople in general, are obligated to disclose the history of the property, if they are aware.  This can affect your decision to buy. If you're not working with a real estate professional, you may want to reconsider. Ask for and try to get a Seller Property Information Statement, if one exists.Make sure your Realtor asks for one.  If one is not available, ask why. Even if one is available, this does not mean all the information is accurate.Sometimes sellers have lived there only for a very short period of time, and may not be aware of everything the home has been ...
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By Sylvie Conde, Broker, Toronto Real Estate
(Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage)
OTTAWA - Health Canada is informing consumers that RetroFoam of Canada Incorporated imported and illegally sold RetroFoam insulation in Canada. RetroFoam is a urea formaldehyde-based thermal insulation (UFFI). This type of insulation was prohibited in Canada in December 1980 under the Hazardous Products Act. Health Canada was recently advised that RetroFoam has been installed in a limited number of homes in Ontario. Once Health Canada became aware the Hazardous Products Act had been contravened, the department took prompt compliance and enforcement action. Health Canada issued a "cease and desist" letter to RetroFoam of Canada Incorporated, the Canadian importer of the insulation, to stop all importation and sale of RetroFoam in Canada. Health Canada also instructed Enerliv, the Canadia...
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By Sylvie Conde, Broker, Toronto Real Estate
(Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage)
Are you looking to buy a property? Are you using a registered real estate broker or salesperson? Some buyers think they can save money by going directly to a FSBO (for sale by owner property); but this isn't always the case. Who is protecting your best interests? How do you know that's the best home for you?  How many other homes did you see?  Do you have anything to compare it to?  Did you get a home inspection?Was this home used as a grow house?Do you know the history of the home?..... One of the first things you have to do when you put an offer on a home, is provide a deposit. When you work with a registered broker, your deposit is protected.We are required to carry insurance that includes consumer deposit insurance protection.It doesn't cost the consumer anything.  The fees are paid...
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By Sylvie Conde, Broker, Toronto Real Estate
(Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage)
Spring is usually the busiest time of the year for the real estate market. Are you thinking of selling?  If so, is your home ready for the market? Do you have maintenance issues?  Are there leaky toilets or faucets that need to be repaired? Replacing a single faucet, can sometimes make a huge difference. Does the home need a fresh coat of paint? Do all the doors and closet doors close and open without squeaking?Do some of your light fixtures or bulbs need replacing?Maybe you need to just replace them for brighter ones while your home is on the maket, but lighting (or lack thereof) will make a huge difference. Do you have wall to wall carpeting?Is there a hardwood floor hiding underneath?Removing the carpeting to expose a hardware floor will cost you very little, and put much more money ...
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By Sylvie Conde, Broker, Toronto Real Estate
(Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage)
I want to thank everyone who sent me teddy bears.  I also want to thank those people who did not get a chance to send them, but want to - and are already collecting the toys. We will be doing this again, and hopefully, we will have more notice.  The last time was a bit rushed, but we still managed to collect a whole bunch of teddies, along with other stuffed toys. These toys get shipped to the troops, who in turn distribute them to the local children in schools and in hospitals. Here is a photo of some of the toys we collected this last time:   There were a lot of people who emailed me, who were very angry about what I was doing.  They are apparently against the war and didn't want to participate and didn't think anyone else should either. I just want to remind everyone that most people...
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By Casey Ragan
(RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd.)
I think I should share the recent statistics, that were recently presented to me by my Broker. In January 2008, the average sale price for our Brokerage's listings was $387,000. The average sale price this January was $412,000. Even though the media will have you believe that prices are still down, you can see that is not the case. This statistic is important, as my Brokerage, RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd. has completed the most transactions in Toronto in the past few years. I believe that gives this statistic credibility. So don't believe everything you see on TV or read in the newspaper. GTA averages aren't a true representation of the real estate market in Toronto. Casey Ragan TORONTO'S CONDO SPECIALIST www.TheCondoLIfe.com  
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By Sylvie Conde, Broker, Toronto Real Estate
(Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage)
   Canada Blooms        -           March 18th to March 22Metro Convention CentreSouth BuildingWednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Tickets can be purchased online or at Sobeys Stores.   This is the 13th anniversary of "Canada Blooms". It's a flower and garden festival, showcasing 6 acres of beautiful gardens in full bloom.     If you're interested in learning more about gardening, Canada Blooms also offers seminars, workshops and demonstrations, by garden experts. This is included in your price of admission.       This year you can also celebrate St. Patrick's day, at one of the parties that will be hosted ... there will be Irish entertainers and music, courtesy of Tourism Ireland.  You can preview the gardens and sample exclusive wines and f...
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By Sylvie Conde, Broker, Toronto Real Estate
(Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage)
Ever want to contact a City Department and wonder who/where to call? Below you can find the City Service and corresponding Contact Number.The contact information applies only to the City of Toronto.If you need the contact information for another City, please don't hesitate to ask. Low Water Pressure    416-338-8888 No Water    416-338-8888 Funny Tasting Water    416-338-8888 Blue Box or Grey Box; or Garbage Bin?    416-338-2010 Collection Calendar Needed     416-338-2010 Drains Backed Up?    416-338-8888 Litter & Debris Removal from Private Property  - North York     416-395-7011- Toronto and East York    416-397-9200- Scarborough     416-396-7071- Etobicoke and York    416-394-2535 Garbage/Items not Picked Up     416-338-2010 Hazardous Waste Pick Up     416-392-4330 Special Pick Ups of...
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By Sylvie Conde, Broker, Toronto Real Estate
(Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage)
The Toronto Real Estate Board and the Ontario Real Estate Association have voiced strong opposition to the Toronto Land Transfer Tax that came into effect February of last year. The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing is reviewing the City of Toronto act.  In this regard, the Minister is accepting comments from the public.  Your opinion is needed, in order to hopefully get this tax removed. Be heard!  Please help us to get rid of this tax. Realtors are and have been fighting this tax but we can't do it alone.If any of you are trying to sell your house, or you are trying to buy a home in the City of Toronto, you know how much more it will cost a buyer.  Some buyers are leaving the City, in order to save some money, because other Municipalities do not have a Municipal Land Transfer ...
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By Sylvie Conde, Broker, Toronto Real Estate
(Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage)
 Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you ...... The City of Toronto will be celebrating its 175th birthday on March 6, 2009. Toronto is Canada's largest City and home to over 2.5 million, diverse, people.Toronto is one of the greenest Cities in North America (and yes, we could and will do better).In the last few years, Toronto has won more than 70 awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in the delivery of public services Toronto will open its doors to the public - everyone is welcome .... There will be music, dance ... art exhibitions .... book launches ... theatre ... Join the celebrations at City Hall, from March 6th to 8th......you can learn about our heritage and diverse local talent.  Museums and historical centres will all take part in the celebrations. If you have the ...
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By Sylvie Conde, Broker, Toronto Real Estate
(Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage)
Canadian International Auto Show - February 13 - 22, 2009 - Metro Toronto Convention Centre - Toronto- for additional information, call 905-940-2800 Here are some photos taken at the Auto Show..... I hope you enjoy them - but I have to tell you, it's much better in person.  You can even dream - while sitting behind the wheel of your favourite car ... :)                         I could spend a week walking around the auto (and motorcycle) show ... You shouldn't miss it.  It's a lot of fun.   "artwork" viewed from the Convention Centre CN Tower at night Toronto Real Estate by Sylvie Conde - BrokerSutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage 416-966-0300sconde@sutton.comwww.sylvieconde.com~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
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By Richard Silver, Sales Representative, ABR, e-PRO, CIPS
(Sotheby's International Realty - Canada)
Every year the Toronto Real Estate Board gives two scholarships to deserving students in the GTA. If you know of anyone who might be interested in submitting an essay, let them know that they can get more information at www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com and need to submit before April 17th. The press release is below.  TORONTO, February 18, 2009 - Greater Toronto REALTORS® will help alleviate the costs of a post secondary education for two graduating high school students this spring.  The Toronto Real Estate Board's third annual Past President's Scholarship will provide two young people with $5,000 each for the next school year at a post secondary institution of their choice. Scholarships are awarded based on a 500-word essay submission, which is evaluated by a panel of judges. This year, ...
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By David Pylyp
(RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.,)
Buying during a down turn can be nerve wracking; unless you truly understand the process. If you are a tenant; let's assume your rent is $1500 and you would like to WAIT out the market. You are gambling with $54,000 in real dollars over the next 3 year period. Lets consider Buying a house and Saving you that $ 50,000 off the purchase price that would have been made only months ago into early 2008. I invite you to call me at 647 218 2414
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