In the dreary greyness that’s so prevalent throughout the last few weeks remaining in a long, very cold winter, it’s nice to remember that Toronto is indeed a vibrant, beautiful and colorful city.
Oscar Flores, a Toronto-based photographer, recently created this video called Toronto the Good – a timelapse of Toronto at its best. Check it out below!
Posted in City of Toronto
Tagged City of Toronto, toronto, Toronto Videos, Winter in Toronto
By Rosalin Smith-Carr and John Carr
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 best interests of the seller, not them.
If the house you like is selling for $400,000, you may assume that the commission payable is 4 to 5 per cent, or between $16,000 and $20,000. But all commissions are negotiable so this may not be true.
Mark Weisleder is a seasoned real estate lawyer who happens to believe that many real estate agents provide a valuable service to consumers. Mark is one of a growing number of legal professionals who recognize the added value a ‘professional realtor’ can bring to the table.
In his article “Home buyer beware when going it alone”, he goes over some important points you should consider when buying a home through the listing agent.
To an unseasoned home buyer this may seem like a great opportunity to save money. Their logic is that by asking the listing agent to also represent you the buyer, you are then in a position to bargain down the double commission the agent is eligible to earn.
The truth is, when representing both the buyer and the seller, you are placing the real estate agent in a conflict of interest.
By representing two parties with opposing needs, the agent can not serve the best interest of either. Lastly, in using only the listing agent the buyer gives up their right to hold the agent accountable, since they previously requested that agent represent them also.
Rosalin Smith- Carr and John Carr are Sales Representatives with Royal LePage/Johnston & Daniel Division and are regular contributors to the Muddy York blog. Their website can be found at www.primetorontorealestate.com
Posted in Commentary
Tagged Homebuyer, Mark Weisleder, open houses, Real estate market, toronto
With the impending return of warmer weather, the migratory birds and our lengthening daylight hours, the Central Toronto Real Estate Market continues to gain momentum. We currently find ourselves in the crest of the first bell curve of the annual real estate cycle. The Toronto Real Estate Board reported that March 2011 was the second best March on record, even though it was 11% less than last year, in terms of the number of transactions. Historically, it is during this time of the year, after the passing of the private and public school March breaks, that we start to see increased activity in the market. Specifically pertaining to this year, we have witnessed a shortage of listings, and while buyers have been plentiful, many have been unsuccessful in fulfilling their needs and requirements.
In economic terms, demand has exceeded supply. Surprisingly, in light of the supply-demand inequity, the market did not migrate to a full seller’s market. The threat of rising interest rates may have tempered this occurrence as the market remained somewhat balanced. In the last few weeks, we have started to see listing inventories grow to levels not seen in quite some time. Well priced properties are often going in competition as many buyers have waited on the sidelines patiently waiting for properties meeting their criteria. Sellers’ with over-priced properties are finding their homes languishing and often stagnating.
Pricing strategy is a key element in the successful sale of properties in the Central Toronto market. Market savvy listing agents understand and counsel their sellers’ on the strategic importance of proceeding with offer presentation dates based on individual property variables. On the other side of the equation, the media and the Toronto Real Estate Board have been educating buyers on the importance of a signed B.R.A. (Buyer Representation Agreement) ensuring their interests are being looked after and their agency representation is complete.
On a macro-economic level, according to TD Economics, the Bank of Canada does not appear to be under pressure to resume interest rate increases in the near future. The impact of higher inflationary costs and the rising Canadian dollars are being watched very closely. TD Economics predicts that the next round of interest rate increases will likely occur in July.
From a Central Toronto real estate market perspective, we are still in the midst of historically low interest rates; are still a destination city for immigrants and investors looking for a safe haven; and our house prices are globally well situated. The prognosis is good for a solid spring market in Central Toronto.
This site is owned & operated by: Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd Johnston & Daniel Division,477 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 2L9, 416.489.2121. The content is provided by a number of sources as referenced in the contribution list
Join Heritage Toronto on Thursday, April 28th as they launch the 2011 Heritage Toronto Walks season with an illustrated lecture on the history of Toronto’s railways, hosted by Derek Boles. The 2011 Spring walk brochures will be available for pick up as well!
How the Railways Shaped Toronto
Illustrated Lecture
On May 16, 1853 the first passenger train steamed out of Toronto from a wooden depot that was located just east of present-day Union Station. Over the next century, the railways had a profound impact on the geography of Toronto and helped transform the city into the commercial centre of Canada. See rare images and animations that illustrate how the railways formed and altered Toronto’s built and natural landscape over the last century and a half. And discover the role that St. Lawrence Hall played in railway history!
DATE: Thursday, April 28th at 7:00pm
SPEAKER: Derek Boles, Toronto Railway Historical Association,
Author of Toronto’s Railway Heritage
LOCATION: St. Lawrence Hall
157 King Street East (at Jarvis), 3rd Floor – Great Hall
Photo of Toronto’s second Union Station (Toronto Public Library)
This site is owned & operated by: Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd Johnston & Daniel Division,477 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 2L9, 416.489.2121. The content is provided by a number of sources as referenced in the contribution list
It’s spring cleaning time in Toronto, as homeowners try and clear out the clutter that’s taking up space around the house. Decluttering is also a great start to properly staging your home and getting it ready to sell.
Some items can be donated or sold at a garage sale, but what about everything else? Knowing where you can take these items or what can be picked up from your curb is one way to prevent your garage from just being a storage space for more clutter while you decide what to do it unwanted items.
Large Items
Large items such as toilets, skis, mattresses, furniture, lamps and luggage – items too big to simply throw away in a trash can – will be picked up by the City of Toronto for free. The city then recycles them or donates them, depending on what the items are or their condition. Some large items may be picked up curbside and can be left out with regular garbage.
Hazardous Items
Hazardous items include cleaning products, motor oil, paints, propane tanks, batteries or other items that contain toxic materials that cannot go to a landfill. There are Drop-Off Depots across the city to deal with these items, and they can be dropped off here. Free pickup is also available from the Toxic Taxi, which will take up to 50 kg of toxic household waste. Appointments can be made by calling 311.
A list of organizations that take in various items can also be found here.
Posted in Before You Sell, Staging Information
Tagged Central Toronto Real Estate, toronto
The Toronto Port Authority has announced that early next year it will break ground on a pedestrian tunnel that links the end of Bathurst Street with Billy Bishop Toronto City Centre Airport. In total, the project is projected to cost $45 million.
Only five years ago, 25,000 people used the airport. Last year, 770,000 people used the airport and an estimated 1.2 million people will make their way to the Billy Bishop Airport this year. The majority of the costs will also be covered by a $20 fee tacked onto every fare paid at the airport.
The tunnel only goes to the airport, and will not provide access to island attractions like residences or beaches much like the existing ferry.
It’s estimated that it will take about two years to complete the tunnel, running about 400 feet across Lake Ontario, underneath its shale bed.
The new tunnel will increase the number of takeoffs and landings at the airport. A public-private partnership will prevent an additional $19 millon improvement fee on the airport.
An assessment on the effects of the tunnel on local surroundings and the operation of the airport is expected to be released in August. The amount the tunnel eventually costs may increase depending on the assessment.
The end of last year and the beginning of this year saw some serious renovation hysteria gripping the province. There were a ton of rebate and incentive programs, and whether homeowners were claiming energy-efficiency rebates or government tax credits for renovating to stimulate the economy, the renovation industry in Canada saw a rise of around $4 billion over much of 2009 when compared to other years.
There are a few home renovation perks still available, but they’re either winding down, near the end of their qualifying period or soon to be cancelled. However, one of the best reasons to renovate always has been and still is to boost a home’s value. Currently, renovations are more valuable than ever because they can also improve the aesthetic appeal of a home, not to mention energy and resource savings. Curb appeal renovations were the most valuable renovations for 2009 with regards to the return on the investment, and nothing is hotter than going green to save money on energy bills.
If you plan on moving within the next few years, renovating to increase your space or add another room might not be as practical. However, overhauling the kitchen and bathroom can be a big selling point and provide a return of up to 100% of your initial investment. Smaller changes like interior and exterior painting can also provide a similar -sized return.
When renovating, consider implementing healthy housing principles. It’s the perfect opportunity to do so, and all healthy housing means is creating a home that is geared towards energy-efficiency, water-conservation, indoor air quality and sustainable materials. This can be as simple as installing EnergyStar appliances or choosing different types of materials that don’t contain volatile chemicals and are safe for the environment.
Despite the current lack of government benefits and those that are soon to disappear, if it’s financially feasible for you, renovating can boost your home’s value in several different ways by appealing to buyers’ wants.
Muddy York: Toronto Real Estate Blog 
5 Top Outdoor Patios in Toronto
By Morgan Dumas and Diti Dumas
With the warm weather fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to scout out and find the best patios for the summer season to meet friends for dinner, drinks or appetizers. Toronto is home to many fabulous patios that are located at some of the best restaurants in the city.
Although there are many different patios scattered all through the city, here are our favourite five patios to get you started:
1) Joey’s Don Mills– Not only is Joey’s a hip restaurant located in the trendy Shops at Don Mills, but the food is great and it features an amazing second floor rooftop patio which is quite spacious and can be accessed via stairs or an elevator. It is the hot spot to be this summer and is usually quite packed. A sure sign that it is the spot to be.
2) 180 Panorama– located on the 51st floor of the Manulife building on Bloor Street. This restaurant and lounge allows Torontonians and visitors alike, to take in the breath-taking views of Toronto high above the city while enjoying a delicious meal or cocktails.
3) Granite Brewery– located at 245 Eglinton Avenue East. This restaurant houses a gorgeous terrace that overlooks a lovely lawn area and allows visitors to take in the views while sharing a drink or meal with friends.
4) Allen’s– located at 143 Danforth Avenue. This restaurant is more than your typical pub restaurant. Regulars rave about the food and in the summer they have an intimate patio which has the likes of sitting in your own backyard. Whether you are meeting a close friend for a drink after work or having a friend’s birthday party, Allen’s is a great place to go.
5) One Restaurant– located at 116 Yorkville Ave. this restaurant’s patio is a key place for people eager to catch a glimpse of celebrities visiting Toronto or who want to take in the chic Yorkville scene while enjoying drinks or dinner.
Diti Dumas is a Sales Representative with Royal LePage R.E.S. Ltd./JOHNSTON & DANIEL DIVISION, Brokerage. Diti is a regular contributor to the Muddy York Blog. Diti’s website is located at www.ditidumas.com.
Morgan Dumas is an aspiring writer and journalism student from Ryerson University in Toronto.
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Posted in Commentary
Tagged Outdoor Patios, toronto, Toronto Restaurants