Latest press release from TREB reveals November figures for commercial real estate in GTA. Unlike the resale market, commercial market results are seriously lacking behind the year 2008. Realtors reported 468,350 square feet of leased space in November, down 58% from the 1,113,195 square feet recorded in November of 2008.
Strong demand compared to the dismal results from the end of 2008 generates record high increase in sales. GTA Realtors sold 3,079 units during the first two weeks of December 2009. This figure is more than 100% higher compared to the first 15 days of December 2008.
Year-to-date sales reached 84,888 units, 16% more than in 2008. This figure is similar to the sound levels from the period of 2004-2006.
GTA is not the only real estate market with double digit jump in sale numbers. The Canadian Real Estate Association reported 73% increase in sales across the whole Canada in November.
There were 36,383 items sold, with Ontario and Quebec setting new sales records for November. Average resale price reached $337,231, up 19% from the November 2008.
November stats released by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation showed 25% decline of the annual rate of total housing starts (seasonally adjusted). There were 25,500 new units in the GTA.
Bank of Canada met the expectations and maintains overnight rate target at ¼ also after the December 8. Officials confirmed commitment to hold the rate till the beginning of Q3 2010.
Inflation slightly exceeded bank's predictions, also the GDP growth didn't meet expectations, however the overall recovery remains consistent with bank's view. Next scheduled date for announcing the rate is 19 January 2010.
Low interest rate will drive the housing sector record sales for some months more, while buyers can enjoy more than affordable mortgages.
Be transported to southern France with beautiful vintage black-and-white photography, featuring selections from Toni Harting's Provence Collection.
Toni put together a wide-ranging collection of candid, revealing portraits that are an original, joyous, thought-provoking, but above all honest historical documentary record of the lively spirit of those times. With these pictures he celebrates the enchanting heart of the land of glorious light and presents a loving look at the people of captivating Provence, the playground of Southern France.
A new selection of unframed prints from the Provence Collection will be on exhibit and available for purchase at the gallery.
There will also be a collection of framed pieces, (Series A) printed by the photographer for purchase at friendly holiday pricing.
THE DEPARTMENT INC.
www.thedepartment.ca
1389 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON M6J 1Y4
tel: 416 720 8273
Julie here - I have been asking everyone to refrain from giving their opinions of the movie, so as not to spoil it for me. I kept hearing the odd fabulous comment, and was so looking forward to it...
This updated semi-detached house was the object of desire for many bidders largely based on its location in Leslieville, says agent Julie Kinnear.
"It was a big feeding frenzy," she says. "That area is really hip and happening!
The 1,218-square-foot house is situated on a quiet, dead-end street, yet is still close to the attractions on major streets nearby, such as the Indian Bazaar on Gerrard Street, shops and restaurants on Queen Street, and big-box stores around Lake Shore Boulevard.
It didn’t take long for this century-old row house to get snatched up, based on its location on a desirable street in Seaton Village, says agent Julie Kinnear.
Not only is it within a short walk from Palmerston Avenue Public School – popular for its French-immersion program – but it is also steps from a park, recreational amenities and public transit. Heading south, there are restaurants, shops and cinemas on Bloor Street West.
Buyer confidence is obviously rising
photo by Joshua Williams
Sale went up to 8,478 units, up by 64% compared to October 2008. Average price reached $423,559 in GTA. However, these figures are compared with last year’s very weak October and are not of extreme importance. More relevant information can be gleaned when comparing October 2009 to the previous month.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference will take place in the Denmark capital during the first half of December. Participants hope to reach important decisions, especially around a new framework for climate change mitigation beyond the year 2012. However, we shouldn’t see this conference as a symposium of climate change activists. The movement is anything but united.
JKT Pumpkin Patch – This year we decided to have a Pumpkin Patch and spent the afternoon giving out pumpkins to our clients as a Thank you for the support we get from them each year. Everyone showed up in the Halloween spirit!
Here are some photos of the carved creations. It was a ton of fun and we look forward to doing it again next year!
With the ants long gone to their winter residence and the fallen leaves taken care of, it is just about time to make a stand against the one unwelcome guest that has been stubbornly visiting you against your will over and over every fall: black mold.
In the Spring Jen Palacios on our team had the opportunity to travel to Northern Quebec to assist with IFAW’s Northern Dog Program’s Spay/Neuter clinics. Attention animal lovers – check out the fascinating blog from the team at IFAW!
By the way – Jen has now adopted 2 beautiful dogs from these Cree communities.
AMAZING!! I did not breathe though the opening scene of this movie. Quentin Tarantino, as always, with his blood and gore entertains in this movie from the minutes it starts to the minute it ends.
What a book! I first read this book by Stephen Covey many years ago when I first got into business in 1992. Since then many of the important points have stayed with me. Our team reread and discussed it together.
Who can forget – focus on the Important not the Urgent matters? Stephen Covey’s easy visual of understanding the time management matrix and working from Q2 is a habit that separates the best from the rest. This is especially poignant nowadays with blackberry’s and technology making everyone so accessible, it is easy to get caught up in the “busy”. BE PROACTIVE is habit 1.
The latest market activity, observed around Canada, but especially in Ontario and other Atlantic provinces, has been sometimes described as the beginning of a real estate boom. However, these predictions are a bit hasted.
Sudden shortage of housing resulted in aggressive bidding wars.
Martin was referred to us from another client, and he was looking to sell his downtown Toronto condo. We consulted with him to give him ideas on how to best present his property to appeal to the most amount of buyers. With our guidance he decluttered and created a more spacious suite, to show off the possibilities.
It is the same every year: the summer ends, the children go back to school and again you realize that while the summer is a really cool part of the year with the sun and vacations and all the rest of it, deep down in your heart you know you are an autumn person. Whether you are driving to work or just walking down the street minding your own business, you cannot take your eyes away from all that beauty covering everything in sight, silencing your steps.
Our real estate board issued their September summarization of GTA realtors' results. All indicators suggest that we should have one of the best years in the current TREB area.
Our very own Julie Kinnear was quoted as an expert working in the Toronto Market
Megan O’Toole, National Post
Published: Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Homes throughout the Greater Toronto Area are worth more than they have been in decades, even as experts warn another crash might be on the horizon. In September, the average resale home price hit a record high of $406,877 as existing home sales shot up by 28% over last September – and the Toronto Real Estate Board forecasts the upward trend will hold in the coming months.
The environment for charitable gifts of capital in Canada has been constantly improving since 1996. Malcolm Burrows from C.D. Howe Institute suggests in the recent report Unlocking More Wealth: How to Improve Federal Tax Policy for Canadian Charities that there is time to make the next step – extending capital gains exemptions to donations of real estate.
There have been over 20 tax incentives of various kinds introduced during the last 13 years in Canada on capital gifts. The overall effect on the charity environment measured in the volume of gifts was positive – charitable giving grew by 140%.
The provincial ban on the use of hand-held devices while driving will take effect on October 26, 2009. Driving while texting and talking (unless hands free) is banned.
Why not learn about and take advantage of Enbridge’s New Solar Water Heater Savings Program. Enbridge Gas Distribution has teamed up with Bullfrog Power, EnerWorks and Natural Resources Canada to offer homeowners significant savings on a solar water heater.
We all know how important it is to have a positive attitude in life. "Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude" by Napoleon Hill & Clement Stone is the manual for taking a positive attitude to the next level.
Canadian real estate industry professionals are confident and believe in the sustainability of the current market, according to a recent Royal LePage internal survey.
Toronto real estate board analysed sales in the first two weeks of September.
Activity on the resale housing market remains solid at the beginning of autumn, with 3,361 items sold, adding 23% more compared to the first weeks of September 2008. The City of Toronto counted 1,280 sales (last year 998) and the rest of GTA area added 2,081 sales (up from 1,728). Average price reached $393,818 (September 2008 price was $366,158).
"Tighter market conditions since May, as evidenced by rising sales relative to listings and declining average days on the market, have resulted in stronger average price growth," explained Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.
Amazingly enough housing prices are up year over year now! Those who bought in the dark days of last winter are looking very clever.
Plan now to hop on board the Human Train to send a message to Premier McGuinty that he must act now to scrap plans to run hundreds of polluting diesel trains a day through our neighbourhoods, and direct Metrolinx to use only clean, quiet electric trains for any expansion of rail traffic along the Georgetown corridor.
This detached, two-storey house sold quickly mainly based on the wealth of nearby urban conveniences and natural surroundings.
The previous owner – like many neighbours – was a long-time resident on the short street, which is close to local eateries, businesses and live theatre along Bloor Street West, as well as nearly 400 acres of parkland.
[The street] only has a dozen or so homes. They rarely come up for sale because of their … fabulous setting and location.
This 2-1/2-storey Victorian in South Riverdale presented a good balance of traditional and contemporary elements that struck a chord with many buyers, agent Julie Kinnear says.
“It’s a detached [house] … for the price of what semis go for,” she says. “It meant that it was a wider lot, so you get a bigger yard and parking at the back.”
"It had a more modern interior so that was kind of cool too."
Hannah Monette is the 8 year old daughter of our clients Heather MacEachern & Chris Monette.
Terry Fox
Hannah chose not have her hair cut in 1 1/2 years, and will have 15" of her beautiful thick black hair cut off to donate to kids with cancer at her Terry Fox Assembly.
Hannah set a goal to raise $500.00. What a wonderful cause and what is more wonderful is that at such a young age is being encouraged to help others in need. If you would like to donate you can do so at www.smallhands.ca.
Every month, the Toronto real estate board sums up the most important data from the local market. Here's what they had to say about the Toronto real estate in August.
After sudden and fast booming trends in recent three months, the real estate market has slowed down, but still remains very active. Toronto realtors reported 8,035 items sold (+27% compared to August 2008). On the other side, 10,632 fresh properties came on to the GTA MLS listings system in the last months. In July, there was 9,967 items sold.
If you've been struggling with ants all summer, we've got some detailed advice on how to get rid of them before winter. The great thing about getting rid of your ants now is that they will be gone when next spring comes. If you don't get rid of the ants now, they will be back, more numerous and ready to roll again next summer.
We cover both carpenter ants and the standard black sugar ants. There's even a bit of info on red ants if you are unlucky enough to have them (they bite). Carpenter ants are probably the worst as they damage the infrastructure of your house.
One of our fantastic clients, Jim Blokland has some great news!
The feature film comedy 'Year of the Carnivore', which he edited for director Sook-Yin Lee, will have its world premiere at TIFF '09 on Thursday September 10th at 7:30 PM.
There will also be a second screening on Saturday September 12th, at 12:15 PM.
Countries around the world have readjusted the boom period prices and now are offering real estate properties with interesting discounts. This is what real estate investors are always waiting for. To pick up the geese that will lay the golden eggs. So what’s the situation for traditional North American rivals, Canada and the USA?
Real estate prices in the USA dropped much more than in Canada (where the prices have actually already rebounded) and their mls listings are crammed with stock. This might sound like the best place to invest. However, professional investors and analysts still see Canada as a better place to spend some spare investment dollars.
The Real estate market in Toronto has kept an agile pace from the beginning of this summer, as proven by the latest short report of Toronto Real Estate Board.
While the year 2008 began well, but ended very gloomy, 2009 is quite the opposite. After a very difficult winter, spring and especially summer results give reason for optimism. Year-to-date sales have been better than last year's (54,303 versus 54,138 units sold), average price is 0.5% lower ($385,603).
In our green real estate section we usually try to focus on environmentally friendly ideas for our homes. But oil is an essential part of our everyday lives. Half the adult population in the developed world has a car. Some of the biggest car users are realtors. We have to drive around their neighbourhoods on a daily basis. Unfortunately, we all know the two main problems related to driving: unsure oil supplies driving prices up and down and the environmental damage caused by fuel burning and the related carbon dioxide emissions.
Craig Venter is an American biologist and also a successful businessman who founded The Institute for Genomic Research. He mainly deals with genetic engineering and his latest project has caused a great deal of heated debate.
Algae are known for creating natural oil, which is already part of several experiments with biofuels. Venter wants to go further. He is trying to change the genomic make-up of algae in order to produce oil, which is almost identical to traditional crude oil. This option is so much better, as you can use existing oil industry infrastructure like refineries, and even produce plastics in the same way as from crude oil refining using the same production plants that are currently being used. It is no wonder that Exxon Mobile, one of the largest oil producing companies on the planet, gave him a $600 million subsidy to further his research.
Until not too long ago, asbestos used to be applauded for its unique characteristics: being resistant to heat, fire, chemicals and wear made it a very desirable material. For decades it was used in making thousands of products, from building material to clothes and toys, until about 50 years ago when it became obvious that it was also poisonous.
What is asbestos poisoning?
The blessings and curse of asbestos at the same time is its durability, which has been exploited in numerous industries. On the other hand, when present in human bodies, the body has no means of disposing of it. As long as asbestos stays compound in the material it is part of, then it is harmless. It only becomes dangerous when the tiny needle-like fibers become airborne, which makes them likely to be inhaled.
This modest 1½-storey residence drew big crowds looking for an affordable property in a prime area of Roncesvalles Village close to schools, local shops and parks as well as friendly neighbours, agent Julie Kinnear says.
“It’s a detached [house] … for the price of what semis go for,” she says. “It meant that it was a wider lot, so you get a bigger yard and parking at the back.”
Toronto Real Estate Board issued regular monthly report for July 2009. Everybody who is at least a bit informed about the market activity in Toronto (respectively in the whole Canada) knows the situation has been quite wild. However, development during the last 3 months shows us finally calm and perspective development. Let's run quickly through July numbers.
The real estate market is slowly recovering from the recession, but properties in the lower price brackets – such as this semi-detached house in the former city of York – are snatched up quickly by first-time buyers, agent Julie Kinnear says.
“It was a very interesting experience,” she says. “We did not hold back offers [until a certain date] and we had three offers anyway.”
Since 2007, a major public transport shakeup in the Ontario region has been anticipated by the public. The GTA will mostly benefit from the ‘MoveOntario 2020’ project. This 12-year plan comprises of 52 transit projects including the expansion of various subways, train, bus lines and selected highways. From the real estate point of view this reconstruction will ultimately have a real effect on the real estate demand in the affected regions, alongside with the environmental impact on the life of Torontonians.
The most affected areas
The undergoing or proposed changes will deliver between 10 to 20 per cent increase in the value of real estate properties in the affected regions compared to the rest Toronto. The expansion of Highway 410 to Brampton and the expansion of Highway 427 between Barrie and Pearson International, the creation of six new stations on the Spadina line, the extension of the Scarborough line and various expansions of GO Train lines are among the most important changes.
The transformation of this more than century-old house in south Riverdale was clearly the work of a professional, agent Julie Kinnear days.
Within the past few years, the previous owner – an architect – of the semi-detached residence remodelled with bold accent colours and large panes of glass.
"It’s a very cool renovation," Ms. Kinnear says. "He had that eye for dramatics, which was good."
KONGRATULATIONS EDWIN NG!
Edwin won a gift certificate to the LCBO for correctly answering our Krazy Kontest question. Canada turned 142!
Thank you to everyone who entered and don't forget to look for next month's Kontest!!
New reviews for our Shot in Toronto movie section. Two weddings, one election and lot of fun. Three comedies, which can help you to get rid of everyday stress.
Of course, all of them shot in Toronto and GTA, Introducing Robbin Williams, Michael Douglas, Christopher Walken and many others.
Hope our reviews will help you to choose at least one, which will Put a Smile on Your Face.
This seven-year-old residence sold for essentially the same price as the new, detached two-storey house next door.
But while the two properties have similar layouts and were constructed by the same builder, the older one has all the comforts and conveniences of a lived-in home, agent Julie Kinnear says.
Do you prefer psychopatic businessman, violent mafia or hords of zombies? The all roamed streets of our neighbourhoods. Movies Shot in Toronto – A Few Drops of Blood
When: September 23 - 24, 2009 Where: Direct Energy Centre, Toronto
Green Building Festival, Canada's premier event on the business and design of green building since 2005, will be returning to Toronto again. This year GBF is forming a strategic partnership with IIDEX/NeoCon, Canada's largest exposition and conference for the design, construction and management of the built environment. Exhibitions will include major project case-studies from around the world, technical analysis of all the different technologies and material available for green building and also innovative business solutions that allows you to make your green building projects a reality.
Stylish staging ideas and creative design solutions gave this one-bedroom plus den loft the edge it needed to attract a solid offer in a short period of time, agent Julie Kinnear says.
“It was on the market for three months with another agent,” she says. “[The sellers] consulted with me on how to make it look its best.”
In south Riverdale, there are few properties like this three-bedroom residence, agent Julie Kinnear says.
It is one of three two-storey row townhouses within a converted fire hall – built in 1890 – that retains its Victorian brick façade and ceiling more than 11 feet tall in some areas.
This three-storey condo sold for more than half a million dollars, a relatively small price to pay to move into the Annex, agent Julie Kinnear says.
The 1,550-square-foot residence was built about 30 years ago above street-level businesses. Unlike other units in the brick building, this one has a private and sunny location at the southwest corner. "It backed onto residential [properties] … so it\’s very quiet," Ms. Kinnear says.
Check out their very cool website. Get an idea of the crafts and baked goods that will be for sale as well information on all the musical acts that will be performing.
Come for the afternoon! It will be a truly unique experience. You'll be doing 2 great things, supporting our local talent and raising money for an extremely important cause!
What You Need to Know
BEFORE
You Buy or Sell
in Toronto\’s 2009 Real Estate Market
- Exciting new live seminar -
OK, so you really want to own a home of your own, or you\’ve outgrown the one you\’re in. The economy is uncertain, your stocks have dropped, and everyone seems to have an opinion… What are you to do?
Amazing how far it has come in just 3 years. What an incredible effort around the world.
Go to full story to see some amazing landmarks that will go dark this year… Post on our blog what unique ideas you have…
You can even vote for your favourite, (although not sure what it counts for:). Out of over 5000 applicants, we are very proud of Chris and wish him all the best. Chris is an emergency doctor at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto and is married with 2 girls to Jen Wright. He is smart, fit and up to the task and the adventure, no doubt!
The City of Toronto has made info regarding properties currently licensed for boulevard parking (ie front yard parking, driveway widening, residential/commercial boulevard parking) available on its website.
The City has advised all homeowners that a license for boulevard/front yard parking DOES NOT FOLLOW, the property, and that the new property owners need to apply to have the license agreement transferred.
Boulevard Parking Information on the City’s Website is available at www.toronto.ca/transportation, under “parking” , then “off-street parking” , and then “licensed locations.”
In an East York community, just south of the Don Mills Road entrance to the Don Valley Parkway, this brick bungalow is one of the cutest properties around, agent Julie Kinnear says.
"It was also a really quiet street," she adds. "The neighbours are also really amazing, which is a nice thing.
Since Mary and I are such fans of the Oscars we HAD to see this before Feb 22. Talk about the darling of the awards season! I felt like I was hit by a truck by watching this movie...
This three-bedroom row house is on a quiet, tree-lined street southeast of the intersection of Davenport and Dovercourt roads, near parks, community centres and the Davenport escarpment. Yet, it\’s steps from busy cafés, restaurants, specialty stores and big-box outlets.
The location and price were strong selling points that attracted an acceptable offer in a little more than a week, agent Julie Kinnear says.
Our lovely clients Sonja and Carlo sold their home in downtown Toronto with the Julie Kinnear Team and relocated to Europe. They have asked us to spread the word that they are looking to rent out their house in northern Italy, near Lake Maggiore, for the month of August.
As we primarily work with clients in older homes, this is more important than ever to RRR. In this case reduce your eco-energy expenses – see info here…
Conventional electricity production is among the largest industrial sources of carbon dioxide, a primary greenhouse gas that is linked to climate change. Bullfrog Power is a leading provider of 100% green electricity and is stirring up a little green competition for the greenest street in Toronto.www.BullFrogPower.com
See who's in the lead for using Bullfrog green power...
That 'tankless' or 'on demand' hot water systems have been used in Europe and Asia since the Second World War, but are only now coming into common use in North America.
According to Mike Holmes "they are super efficient, space-saving products that- when installed properly - will last almost forever, cut your energy bill and supply unlimited hot water to your home".
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