February 5, 2014 — Home ownership in the Greater Toronto Area remains affordable and there are many people looking to purchase a home. In January, the number of homes listed for sale was down quite strongly compared to last year, which means that it was difficult for some buyers to find a home.

Via: Trebnet

 

February 5, 2014 — Home ownership in the Greater Toronto Area remains affordable and there are many people looking to purchase a home. In January, the number of homes listed for sale was down quite strongly compared to last year, which means that it was difficult for some buyers to find a home.

Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 4,135 sales through the TorontoMLS system in January 2014. This result was down by 2.2 per cent in comparison to January 2013. New listings entered into the system were down over the same period by 16.6 per cent to 8,822.

“Looking forward, it is possible that strong price growth, and therefore an increase in home equity, will act as a trigger for more households to list their homes for sale. This is especially the case for households whose life styles are changing, including those with an expanding family looking for a larger home or empty nesters looking to downsize,” said Dianne Usher, President, Toronto Real Estate Board.

The average selling price for January 2014 sales was $526,528 – up by more than nine per cent compared to $482,080 in January 2013.

“The pace of price growth will remain strong in 2014. Similar to last year, competition between buyers for singles, semis and town homes in the City of Toronto and surrounding regions will continue to exert upward pressure on selling prices. At the same time, mortgage rates will remain near historic lows, so despite strong price growth, home ownership will remain affordable for the average household in the GTA,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

Tips for Organizing Your Closet

Tips for Organizing Your Closet

The underlying key to success is having a clear, well-conceived plan, whether the plan is your own or a scheme designed by you and the organizer/designer. If you don’t have a plan, you’ll probably end up taking everything out of the closet. This will leave you with a mound of stuff piled on the floor with absolutely no idea how to organize it in any better manner that the way it was.

 With a carefully crafted plan, you can look forward to a smooth and swift process. Remember this simple equation: The more time spent planning, the less time or money spent later in physical labor or correcting mistakes.

 Tips and Tricks

After deciding whether to do the organizing yourself or with the help of a consultant, investigate the impact of the following elements of organizing. These elements bring sparkle, refinement, practicality, and common sense to the area to be organized.

• Simplicity. Conserving space is important, but not if it makes the system harder to operate than a system using a little more space. Keep it simple; a system that isn’t being used isn’t a system at all, no matter how much space is conserved.
• Consistency. The ultimate goal is to use methods that can be maintained without any extra effort on your part. The system should be designed in such a way that your daily, routine use of the system keeps it in order.
• Compromise. Few things in life, including organizing a closet, can be attained without some amount of compromise. You may have to forfeit advantages in one area to achieve advantages in another. Many parts are contingent on other parts, just like the pieces of a puzzle.
• Propaganda. Let the buyer beware is an apt warning for consumer to heed. Manufacturers display a constant stream of new products and gadgets for “organizing.” Don’t be swayed or confused by advertising or the myriad products on the market. Decide what you need and then search the marketplace for the product or materials that will do the job.
• Uniformity. The finished project will look more attractive if the products, hardware, materials, and appointments go together well. Personal preference influences whether the look will be utilitarian or decorative, but standardization and unity are impressive ingredients.

 In general, the budget is one of those elements in a project that requires compromise. If you received an estimate from a professional organizing company that stopped your heart, compare it with the cost of doing it yourself.

 Organizing your closets can appear to be a daunting task. But with the right determination and well-crafted plan, you can work your way toward a well-organized closet!

Home is Where the… Office is

10 per cent of Canada’s labor force – or 2.5 million Canadians – work outside the office at least one day a week* and 80 per cent of households own at least one computer. These are just two reasons why building an office in your home is a good investment. Whether it’s for business or personal use, here’s a few ways to ensure your new home office is both functional and comfortable.

Your first step is to find the ideal space for your home office. Look for a room with enough space to accommodate a desk, office chair, bookshelf, and equipment such as a fax machine, printer, or filing cabinet. If possible, ensure the room isn’t too close to high traffic areas like the kitchen, living room or any other area that may cause distractions. You’ll also want your room to have sufficient natural light, ventilation and easy access to phone lines and electrical outlets.

If finding the perfect space for your office proves difficult, you can always try transforming a large storage area, walk-in closet, or even a section of the basement. Partitioning an existing room is also possible with the help of a few strategically placed bookshelves.

Next you’ll want to plan your work area. To save time and a lot of moving, measure your furniture and the room’s dimensions and draw up a floor plan beforehand. Make sure to leave a clear path from the office door to your seat to prevent constant maneuvering around furniture, and situate your desk near electrical plugs and phone jacks. Install shelving behind your desk for easy access to books and supplies, and position your computer screen at a 90 degree angle from any light source to avoid any glare while you work.

Your final step is to add some style to your office. First choose a color scheme. Warmer colors like reds and yellows make for a comfortable, upbeat environment, while pastels and darker colors will give you a sophisticated, classy look. Give some visual punch to your office by adding paintings, sculptures, framed photos, or sports memorabilia to walls and bookshelves. Finally, use flowers or green plants to create a little ambiance and improve the air quality. Now your new home office will be ready for work, rest, or play.

Marketing Your Home

If you’re thinking of selling your home, you need a marketing plan. Just like any other product people buy or sell, a home’s value must be communicated to the proper audience to ensure the seller gets the best possible price.

Marketing your home means more than putting up a For Sale sign and sticking an ad in your local newspaper. You need to have a complete marketing plan that takes into account your home’s unique qualities, your objectives, and details the specific resources available to you.

Your planning should begin as soon as you choose a Real Estate Agent, and often even before that. Part of your marketing plan will involve pricing your property, deciding when to list it and what features need to be cleaned or repaired. At this stage it is essential that you are completely honest with your Real Estate Agent about the condition of your home, your financial needs and any time constraints.

Once you have the basic information established, you need to get to the “guts” of the marketing plan, or determine how best to let people know that your home is for sale and, get them excited about it. You need to keep in mind when you are planning that there are two key target audiences: home buyers and other Real Estate Agents. You will need different marketing vehicles and slightly different information to effectively reach each audience.

There are a myriad marketing products and activities that can be utilized to help sell your home and your Real Estate Agent with the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), newspaper advertising, brochures, open houses, neighbourhood mailings, etc

Your Real Estate Agent can help you determine which tools will be most beneficial in your particular situation and market. Whatever the plan you decide on, make certain that you are an active part of it. Reviewing the plan’s success on a regular basis should be a built-in part of any successful marketing plan. This article just gives a sampling of the many ways there are to market your home, to ensure the best price possible.

To get more information on how I can help you put one together, contact me directly!

Strong Sales and Price Growth in July

Via TREB: View the full report here

 

August 2, 2013 — Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 8,544 residential sales through the TorontoMLS system in July 2013. Total sales were up by 16 per cent compared to July 2012. Over the same period, new listings added to TorontoMLS and active listings at the end of the month were up, but by a substantially smaller rate of increase compared to sales.

“Last month’s sales represented the best July result since 2009 and was the third best July result on record. Despite recent increases in average borrowing costs, home buyers are still finding affordable home ownership options in the GTA,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Dianne Usher.

“We are a year removed from the onset of stricter mortgage lending guidelines and many households who put their decision to purchase a home on hold have reactivated their search. An increasing number of these households are getting deals done,” continued Ms. Usher.

Reflecting tighter market conditions, the average selling price for July sales was up on a year over-year basis by eight per cent to $513,246. The low-rise market segment continued to be the driver of overall price growth. It should be noted, however, that the average condominium apartment price was also up by more than the rate of inflation on an annual basis. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) was also up on a year-over-year basis for all major home types.

“We are forecasting continued average price growth for the remainder of 2013 and through 2014 as well. Months of inventory for low-rise homes remains near record lows, suggesting that sellers’ market conditions will remain in place in the second half of 2013. An increase in listings in 2014 would lead to more balanced market conditions and a slower pace of price growth next year, albeit still above the rate of inflation,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

A Home Away From Home

Do you have a dream of owning a place outside of the city where you can escape, kick back and relax? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, a recent Property Report found that in the next two years, there will be seven prospective cottage or recreational property purchasers for every two owners that plan to sell. As demand continues to increase and average prices continue to rise, now more than ever you will need to be patient, establish a list of ‘musts’ and work with a Realtor who understands the recreational market, if you want your dreams to come true.

To begin your search, target potential areas and consider a road-trip to visit your most coveted spots. Once you find your ideal location, narrow your search by establishing a list of priorities. Do you plan to use your recreational property for seasonal versus year-round use? Do you wish to build a new cottage or buy an existing one? What are your hobbies? Is proximity to hospitals, public transit or schools important? If you are near water, lakes can vary tremendously in terms of allowances for boating, fishing and swimming. In the winter, do you want to use both cross-country and downhill skiing facilities?

With your priorities established, you will also be in a strong position to act fast if you need to. Popular sites are in demand. In fact, according to a recent report, only 17 per cent of current cottage owners claim that they will consider selling in the next two to three years.

Buying a recreational property can be considerably more complex than a standard home purchase and it generally takes longer. There is considerably more time and travel involved. The effort, according to a growing number of Canadians, is more than worth it.

Before you begin your search, give me a call. I can get you started down the right path toward your home away from home. If I cannot assist you directly in your purchase transaction, I can refer you to a qualified Real Estate Agent in your desired area.

June 2013 Market Watch

Low-Rise Market Conditions Remain Tight in June

July 4, 2013 — Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 9,061 sales through the TorontoMLS system in June 2013 – down by less than one per cent compared to June 2012. Over the same period, new listings were down by a greater rate than sales, suggesting market conditions became tighter.

“The sales picture in the GTA improved markedly in the second quarter of 2013. While the number of transactions was still down compared to 2012, rates of decline were substantially improved compared to the first quarter,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Dianne Usher.

“As a growing number of homebuyers, many of whom put their purchase on hold due to stricter lending guidelines, now reactivate their search, the expectation is for renewed growth in home sales in the second half of 2013,” added Ms. Usher
The average selling price in June was up by 4.7 per cent year-over-year to $531,374. In line with the 2013 norm, June price growth was driven by the single-detached and semi-detached market segments, particularly in the City of Toronto. Over the same time period, average condominium apartment selling prices remained in line with 2012 levels.

“The short supply of low-rise home types in many parts of the GTA relative to the number of households looking to buy continued to prompt strong upward pressure on selling prices of singles and semis,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. “We have also seen enough buyers in the better-supplied condo apartment market to provide support for selling prices at current levels.”

Grandma’s Coming to Live with Us

 

When different generations live together under the same roof it can be a very rewarding experience for all members of the family. Sitting down together to have a meal, a conversation, or watch a movie is a great way to keep a family close. However, everyone likes to have their own space now and then, so if you’re planning a home renovation to accommodate grandparents, here are some tips to ensure that the new space is comfortable for all, and senior-safe.

Kitchen – If your renovations include a small kitchen, keep it simple with a counter top range, microwave, toaster and electric kettle. Heavy items should be stored in lower cupboards, and a non-slip footstool should be handy for easy access to upper shelves.

Bathroom – When possible, it would be ideal for grandma to have her own bathroom. Walk-in showers are easier than tubs for elderly people to get in and out of. For added safety install some slip grips on the floor and put in a shower bench and hand held showerhead. A toilet riser base, plus a grab bar on the wall, will make life easier and safer for grandma too.

Fall Prevention – Falls are one of the biggest worries for seniors, and the major tripping hazards are pets, wires and rugs. For this reason, thick cushioned carpeting is preferable to slippery rugs or hardwood flooring. To reduce the risk of accidents keep rooms and high-traffic areas clutter-free.

Furniture Safety – Secure bookcases and heavy furniture to the walls and try to avoid furniture with sharp corners; choose round or oval tables if possible. Grandma will likely want to keep some familiar pieces, but depending on the size of her new place in your home, it may be wise to share excess furniture with other family members, put it in storage, or even sell it.

If a grandparent is relocating to an entirely new area to move in with you, try to make the transition as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Consider looking into senior programs in your community. A good starting point may be your local Recreation Centre. Everyone likes company in their own age group from time to time, and if grandma is happy, you’ll be happy too!

Grow Your Garden’s Appeal with a Splendid Shed

Garden sheds are no longer just a dumping place for tools and flower pots. They have become a focal point of the garden itself. These days a shed can help beautify your garden, become an attractive place to relax, and bring a little “backyard appeal” to your home. So whether you plan to add a shed or upgrade your present one, here are some steps to assist you:

Plan Ahead for Your Shed
When considering where to place a new shed, there are three criteria: location, location, location. Make sure it’s not going to block plants from the sun, it isn’t in a spot that collects a lot of water, it’s not intruding on any high traffic areas of the yard, and it’s in an area that maximizes privacy.

The size of your shed will be based on what you’ll use it for. Are you storing large items like a ride-on mower or swimming pool pump? If so, ensure your shed is adequately sized, with double doors and ramp for easy access. Check with your municipality to ensure that the size and position of your shed meets all regulations.

Shed the Drab, Go for Fab
Even the most ordinary garden shed can be transformed with a little paint and simple decor. No matter what your shed is made of, get a rustic look by painting it in a muted earth tone, and adding barn door hinges. If quaint and cozy is what you want, paint the shed a light color, complemented with darker shutters and window boxes. Go bold for the door with a dramatic color like red or violet.

Create a fancier, Victorian style shed with an octagonal window or arched glass insert in the door and complete the look with a gingerbread trim. Or, let your garden shed reflect your hobbies, such as sailing or fishing, with Cape Cod colors complemented with hanging fishing nets, oars, or lobster traps.

Accessorize for Added Intrigue and Comfort
Final touches to your shed make it more appealing to look at, and relax by. Create a stone pathway to the front door and spray-paint an old chair to sit out front. For added comfort, include a bench with cushions or a rocking chair for the days you want to sit in your garden and enjoy a good book.

A garden shed adds charm and character to your outdoor space, a good reflection on you!

Tips for Moving

Moving can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. There is a lot to remember when planning your move, but with some organization your experience can be a lot less stressful.

A Few Weeks Prior to Moving

1. Arrange your moving day well in advance – When booking a truck or hiring a moving company, it’s often worth comparing several estimates. Your Real Estate agent can provide you with some referrals for local and national movers.
2. Re- direct your essential services to your new home; arrange to have services such as gas, electricity and cable TV to be connected on the day the sale closes.
3. At your current home, arrange to have your gas, water and electricity meters read on the day you leave and have the bills forwarded to your new address. If necessary, water heater and furnace rental agreements should to be transferred to the buyer.
4. Update your contact information and provide a forwarding address for schools, work and services such as banks or insurance companies.
5. Also, don’t forget to make arrangements for pet or baby sitters for the day of the move.

Days Prior to Moving

1. Gather all important personal, medical and insurance documents and keep them separate from other moving items.
2. Pack valuables and any personal items that you will require in the interim of your house being unpacked.
3. Make sure to pack and label items by a theme, such as kitchen or bathroom, so you can easily get organized when unpacking.

Day of the Move

1. If you are using a moving company make a list of all items to be moved and compare it to the movers to make sure you agree on contents to be delivered
2. Check all shelves, closets and cupboards for any items that may have been left behind

After the Move

1. Apply for a new drivers license, health card or other items that require an up to date address.
2. Register your car at your new address. Your insurance company will have a limited time grace period so make sure you register before the deadline.
3. Check open and closing hours of stores and services in your new neighborhood. This will help you feel settled earlier.

Moving can be difficult, but with careful planning your move can go smoothly so that you can start enjoying your new home right away.

Contact me for a complete package of information and comprehensive moving checklist.

Sell with me and use my complimentary moving truck!