Jason R Johnson's Real Estate Blog

New Development: Sync Lofts on Queen East

2010-03-08T13:07:00.000-08:00

Occupancy: Sarting 2012
location:630 Queen East
District: Riverside District

The building is an 8 storey building with 98 lofts and includes suites with studio from 400 sq ft, 1 bedroom from 500 sq ft, 1 bedroom + den up to 668 sq ft, 2 bedroom up to 950 sq ft, and 2 bedroom + den from 960 sq ft.

for more info contact me at info@jasonrjohnson.com

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From Toronto with Love

2010-01-18T17:14:00.000-08:00

The situation in Haiti has been on the tip of everyone's tounge lately although I have made donations towards assisting the victims of the earthquake, I felt I could do more. So what I will be doing for the next 3 months is for every client of mine who buys or sells a property, I will donate $1 for every $1000 spent to a charity of their choice to help the relief efforts in Haiti. For example, a purchase/sale of a $300,000 condo will mean a $300 donation. The charity must be directly involved on the ground with the relief work that is happening in Haiti. And to be clear, the donation will be made in the name of the buyer/seller – so there is no financial benefit for me personally. I know a few other Realtors have adopted this Idea which I think is a great cause and in this situation every dollar helps.

Here are a Few organizations that has been helping out.

World Vision

Red Cross

Oxfam

Doctors without Borders (MSF)

And My Top Pick

Habitat For Humanity

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[Globe and Mail] New condominiums will have Don River on the doorstep

2009-10-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

A blueprint for new homes on a forgotten shore: Along the Don River, a post-industrial wasteland amid high-speed traffic is set to be reborn

Excerpt:

In Phase 1, a five-storey building will hold about 100 units. Phase 2 will be a 14-storey building with about 230 units, and a food store below. The second structure will be connected to the first by a three-storey, industrial-looking glass bridge.

Phase 3 will consist of four glass mini-towers that combine to make an 11-storey building sharing a courtyard with Phase 1. Phases 4 and 5 will be towers of 24 and 10 storeys with boutiques and restaurants at their bases.

Work will start next spring, with the first residents able to move their furniture in 2012 if the current schedule holds.

Mr. Wex says the Saucier + Perrotte design emphasizes the interplay between light and dark with expanses of glass and metal panels.

“They're very much about drama.”

At the same time, the industrial aesthetic of the buildings will contrast with the soft land forms and gardens, he says.

The team led by Gilles Saucier and André Perrotte – whose firm was honoured this year for architectural excellence by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada – has undertaken designs in Nigeria, Japan, China and the Middle East, including Mecca.

The firm has experience with preserving the cultural heritage of cities: Their plan for refurbishing the Port of Montreal and Silo No. 5 is not a break with the past, they explain, but a recognition of the way industrial labour has enriched the area.

Read More HERE

Article Written By:Carolyn Ireland

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For Sale! Reduced Price! 3039 Finch Avenue West [3 Bedroom Townhouse $290,000]

2009-10-10T22:13:00.000-07:00

List Price: ~~$305,000~~ $290,000

MLS#:W1680148
Bedrooms: 3
Washrooms: 1+1
Intersection: Finch/Islington
District:West

Harmony Village On The Humber . Immaculate! 1338 Sq Ft As Per Builder, 3 Bedroom Townhouse With Open Concept Kitchen Overlooking The Lr-Dr. Living Room That Features A Sliding Glass Door Walk-Out To West-Facing Balcony. Lots Of Great Amenities Located In This Area Of Town Situated Overlooking The Humber River, This Neighbourhood Offers A Unique Lifestyle That Lets You Enjoy Nature At Your Doorstep, While Being Close To All The Necessities Of Life.

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Just Listed! 231 FORT YORK UNIT #821 [2 Bedroom $349,900]

2009-10-06T00:56:00.000-07:00

List Price: $349,900

Bedrooms: 2
Washrooms: 1
Intersection: FRONT & LAKESHORE
District:C01

THIS RARELY OFFERED, 2 BEDROOM PRIVATE CORNER UNIT, FEATURES A WRAP AROUND TERRACE THAT IS LARGE ENOUGH TO ENTERTAIN WHILE PROVIDING YOU WITH BREATH TAKING VIEWS OF THE TORONTO SKYLINE.

231 FORT YORK BUILDING AMENITIES CONSIST OF A BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED MULTI-PURPOSE PARTY ROOM, A LAKESIDE VIEW TERRACE, AND A MULTI-PURPOSE MEETING ROOM. EQUIPPED WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART EXCERCISE FACILITY WHICH INCLUDES AN AEROBIC, WEIGHT,YOGA,SAUNA AND MESSAGE ROOMS TO NAME A FEW.

THIS UNIT WONT LAST LONG AND IS GUARANTEED TO MAKE IT'S NEW OWNER(s) HAPPY!

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Toronto Real Estate Sales up 23% First Half of September

2009-09-23T22:07:00.000-07:00

From the Toronto Real Estate Board:

In the first two weeks of September, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,361 sales – up 23 per cent compared to the first two weeks of September 2008. The average price for these transactions was up eight per cent year-over-year to $393,818.

"An increasing number of positive reports pointing to economic recovery coupled with low
interest rates have kept households confident in purchasing a home," said TREB President Tom Lebour.

Year-to-date sales, at 61,676 are up three per cent compared to 59,971 in 2008. Average price, at $386,302, is up by one per cent from $383,776.

"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.

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Giraffe Condos: New Price!

2009-09-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

Adress:1540 Bloor Street West
Intersection: Bloor & Dundas

Prices are now starting as low as $360 per square foot. Not much media has been done on these changes so I urge you to act now if you want to take advantage of the new adjusted price. If you are interested in this development please fill out the "more info" form with the subject being "Giraffe Condos" Remember it's FREE for me to Represent you!

Available 1&2 Bedroom Inventory:

G7 From $218000 [9Th Floor]

G9 From $217000 [8th Floor] [2 remaining]

G21 from $273000 [7th floor]

G28 from $303000 [3rd & 4th Floor]

G31 from $329000 on the [8th floor up]

G35 from $358000 [8th floor]

G36 from $369000 [10th floor]

Deposit structure is 15% in 180 days + 5% at occupancy
Parking spots:$28K
Maintenance fees:$0.45/sq ft

Above all what I really love about this development is the Design and the “Giraffe Confidence Guarantee”

GIRAFFE CONFIDENCE GUARANTEE

EMPLOYMENT GUARANTEE:
Worried about the financial crisis and possibly losing your job? Purchase with confidence that in the case of a job loss, we will refund all deposits made towards your new home.*

PRICING GUARANTEE:
Take the fear out of buying at the wrong time and dropping home prices. Purchase with confidence knowing that if the price of your home is lowered we will pass on the savings to you.*

FLEXIBLE DEPOSIT STRUCTURE:
Talk to our sales representatives about structuring your payments so that it makes financial sense to your personal savings and cash flow needs.*

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For Lease: 231 Fort York Blvd

2009-09-08T18:16:00.001-07:00

Current Properties for Lease at 231 Fort York

[Click Image to enlarge]

Bloomframe Window Balcony

2009-09-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

This would be ideal for the Toronto Market especially considering the fact that condo's keeps getting smaller and smaller.

Check out the video below

West Don Lands

2009-09-06T02:02:00.000-07:00

The West Don Lands is an 80-acre area that runs from Parliament Street in the west to the Don River in the east and from King Street down to the rail corridor. The area is almost entirely owned by the provincial government. The area is within walking distance of downtown, is right next to the Distillery District and has good connections to the existing St. Lawrence and Corktown neighbourhoods.

Key Elements of the West Don Lands Precinct Plan:

- 23 acres of parks and public spaces including 18-acre Don River Park
- Public transit within a five-minute walk of all residences
- 5,800 residential units, including 1,200 units of affordable rental housing
- One-million square feet of employment space
- Pedestrian & cycling connections within neighbourhood and to city
- Elementary school
- Recreation centre
- Two childcare centres

In May 2005, Waterfront Toronto received Toronto City Council approval for the West Don Lands Precinct Plan. Implementation is now underway for West Don Lands revitalization. Work being done to prepare for this revitalization is being carried out in partnership with the Ontario Realty Corporation and Toronto and Region Conservation. This work includes:

- Building Demolition
- Soil and Groundwater Management
- CN Bridge Expansion
- Flood Protection and Infrastructure
- Don River Park
- Bayview Avenue Realignment
- River Street Extension

Waterfront Toronto's approach to revitalization in the West Don Lands, and across the waterfront, is a comprehensive and coordinated one. The major benefits of this approach include cost-effective planning and delivery of public infrastructure and greater ease attracting private investment because of the certainty and added value generated by area-wide plans compared to individual projects. This comprehensive approach also creates the most public benefit because things like sustainable development, excellent urban design, parks, community services and other public amenities are 'must have' core elements of revitalization. When people start moving into the West Don Lands they will be moving into a new neighbourhood, not just a new development.

Toronto Condo Development: River City (This is going to be BIG!)

2009-09-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

Property Name: River City
Address: Front and Cherry
Developler: URBAN CAPITAL & RED QUARTZ DEVELOPMENT
Neighbourhood: West Don Lands
Number of Units:
Number of Stories:
Starting Price: From $179,000
Occupancy: Beginning 2011
Maintenance Fees:

River City, the first private sector development in Waterfront Toronto’s West Don Lands community, is now accepting registrations for its first phase. A LEED Gold development, River City will include 850 residential units of condominiums, lofts and townhouses priced from $179,900, as well as boutiques, stores and restaurants, surrounded by the seven hectares (17-acres) Don River Park.

Developed by Urban Capital and designed by Saucier + Perrotte Architects, one of Canada’s most respected and award-winning design firms, River City will be a collection of bold forms and innovative spaces. To register or for more information, email me at info@jasonrjohnson.com The sales office for River City is expected to open this fall, while construction of the development is scheduled to begin in 2010 and first phase of occupancy is slated for 2011.

The West Don Lands will be a sustainable community where design excellence, sustainability and technology come together. Designed to be a lively and vibrant neighbourhood, it will offer a mix of housing for people at all stages of life and income levels. It will feature nine hectares (23-acres) of parks and public spaces, 6,000 new residential units of which 1,200 will be affordable housing, transit connections within five minutes of each home, and 750,000 square feet of employment, commercial and community space. The revitalization of West Don Lands will proceed over the next 10-12 years in three phases.

For more info and to be apart of a private V.I.P showing please fill out the form below.

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Just Listed! [3 Bedroom Townhouse $305,000]

2009-08-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

List Price: $305,000

MLS#:W1680148
Bedrooms: 3
Washrooms: 1+1
Intersection: Finch/Islington
District:West

Harmony Village On The Humber . Immaculate! 1338 Sq Ft As Per Builder, 3 Bedroom Townhouse With Open Concept Kitchen Overlooking The Lr-Dr. Living Room That Features A Sliding Glass Door Walk-Out To West-Facing Balcony. Lots Of Great Amenities Located In This Area Of Town Situated Overlooking The Humber River, This Neighbourhood Offers A Unique Lifestyle That Lets You Enjoy Nature At Your Doorstep, While Being Close To All The Necessities Of Life.

[Feature Sheet, Click on image]

For More info feel free to call me at 416.487.4311

HST - Harmonized Sales Tax Details (a.k.a Single Sales Tax)

2009-07-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

June 19, 2009 — The provincial government has announced some proposed changes to the way it would apply the proposed Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) to the purchase price of newly constructed housing. The provincial government has also announced proposed transitional details for newly constructed properties.

Background
The provincial government has announced that it intends to combine the eight percent Provincial Sales Tax with the five percent federal Goods and Services Tax, creating a 13 percent Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).
• The HST is NOT YET IN EFFECT. The provincial government has indicated that it intends to bring the HST into effect beginning on July 1, 2010.
• HST will not apply on the purchase price of re-sale homes.
• HST would apply to services such as moving cost, legal fees, home inspection fees, and REALTOR® commissions.

Proposed Changes for New Housing Rebate
HST will apply to the purchase price of newly constructed homes. Originally, the provincial government indicated that it would provide a rebate to ensure that, on average, new homes under $400,000 would not be subject to an additional tax burden. Homes priced between $400,000 and $500,000 would be eligible for a portion of the rebate, and homes priced above $500,000 would be subject to the full HST. However, the provincial government is proposing some significant enhancements to these rebates, as follows:
• Enhanced new housing rebate - The province is proposing to enhance the new housing rebate so that new homes across all price ranges would receive a 75 per cent rebate of the provincial portion of the single sales tax on the first $400,000. For new homes under $400,000, this would mean, on average, no additional tax amount compared to the current system.
• New rental housing rebate - Similar to the enhanced new housing rebate, the province is proposing a rebate for new residential rental properties. This proposed rebate would support affordable rental housing across Ontario.

Proposed Transitional Rules for New Housing
The province is also proposing transitional rules for new housing. Generally, as part of the transitional rules, sales of new homes under written agreements of purchase and sale entered into on or before June 18, 2009 would not be subject to the provincial portion of the single sales tax, even if both ownership and possession are transferred on or after July 1, 2010. The tax would also not apply to sales of new homes under written agreements of purchase and sale entered into after June 18, 2009 where ownership or possession is transferred before July 1, 2010.

More Detail
Additional detail on the proposed enhancements to the new housing rebate, rental housing rebate, and new housing transition rules is available from the Provincial Government here. (http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/notices/str/02.html)

You can Follow Me on Twitter....

2009-07-05T12:30:00.001-07:00

If you haven't done so already..

http://twitter.com/jasonrjohnson

For Sale: 9 Spadina Ave [$299,900]

2009-07-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

Spacious 1 Plus Den And Balcony, In Fabulous Sought After Location, Intimate Building. Overlooks Courtyard, Parking Right Beside Elevator! Granite Counters, Modern Fixtures, Walk To Fin./Ent. Districts, Rogers Centre, Cn Tower, 30,000 Sq.Ft. Of Amenities, Concierge, Close To All The Action.

Bedrooms: 1+1
Washrooms: 1
Rooms: 4
Dir/Cross St: Spadina/Front

One Cole: The Revitalization of Regent Park

2009-05-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

Located at the intersection of Dundas and Parliament, One Cole is really unlike any other condo in the city. One Cole's aim is to revitalize Regent Park. Regent Park was Canada’s largest social housing project, built back in the 1940s. At the time it was heralded as a solution to the area’s many urban and social problems, but 60 years later it is widely regarded as a failure and probably exasperated the social problems it was trying to address.

One Cole is nearly finished construction with occupancy set for the end of this year. Unlike most condo projects in the city, One Cole have not started to take sales and they are nearly finished construction.

The VIP broker’s sales event is set for May 30Th, with the public opening June 13Th. Contact me @ info@jasonrjohnson.com now for more information about how you can hire me me as your exclusive buyer’s agent for this event. Baker is limiting agents to just 2 buyer clients each for this event. Floor plans and pricing now available.

One Cole Benefits/ Floor Plans

Gradual Deposit Payment Plan:

Only $3,000 on signing the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, and $1,000 per month until your move-in date, or until 5% of the purchase price has been paid.

If you qualify for a 95% first mortgage your 5% Deposit is all you'll need. Of course, if you have the cash, you may choose a higher Down Payment in order to lower your monthly mortgage payments.

DOWN PAYMENTS & CAPPED MORTGAGE INTEREST RATE

Whether you choose a 5% or 20% Down Payment, or anything in between, rest assured that Daniel's and The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) have capped your mortgage interest rate at an incredibly low level. For example, if you choose a five year term your interest rate is guaranteed to be no higher than 4.2%. And remember, if interest rates continue to decrease you benefit from an even lower rate!

Click Image below for more detail:

Floor Plans: (Click On Image to Enlarge)

The Megaffin (Studio)

The Oak (One Bedroom)

The Trinity (One Bedroom+Den)

The Regent (Two Bedroom)

The Victorian (2 Bedroom+ Den)

The Lesliville (Three Bedroom Townhouse)

For Sale: 43 Hanna Ave [$415,500]

2009-05-09T17:41:00.000-07:00

Rooms: 4
Bedrooms: 1
Washrooms: 1

Dir/Cross St: King/Strachan

Amazing Toy Factory Loft! 840 Sq. Ft. W/Balcony, Locker And Parking. Stunning Hard Loft Features Include 13Ft Beamed And Concredit Ceiling, Open Concept, Hardwood Floors, Ensuite Laundry And Massive Bathroom. Great Area At Liberty Village. Walk To Shops And Transportation.

5 Year Posted Fixed Rates Dropped

2009-05-02T08:17:00.000-07:00

RBC, BMO, and TD have all dropped their posted 5-year fixed rates to 5.25%.

RBC and BMO also lowered their advertised 5-year fixed “special offer” rates to 3.95%. (Usually, with a bit of negotiation, you can save a bit more.)

In the broker channel, 5-year fixed mortgages currently range from 3.59% for a no-frills mortgage to 3.89% for a full-featured mortgage with 120-day rate hold—with several options in between.

The above rates apply to well qualified borrowers with approved credit.

(Chart data courtesy of the Bank of Canada)

Fly Condos

2009-05-01T00:21:00.000-07:00

Empire Recently Re-launched their advertising campaign for Fly Condo's announcing suites starting from $159,900, This is a great buy for first time buyers and investors.

If you have been sitting around waiting for a great deal this maybe your opportunity.

Fly Condos - Email Me for more info: info@jasonrjohnson.com

Project Details:

* Location: Front and Spadina
* Size: 24 Storeys, 396 units
* Starting Prices: $159,900.
* Price per square foot from the Mid $400s
* Penthouse Pricing starting from $849,900 for 1145 sq ft to $1,169,900 for 1533 sq ft
* Loft Pricing from $399,900 for 690 sq ft to $619,900 for 1050 sq ft
* Terrace Suite Pricing from $289,900 for 495 sq ft to $419,900 for 710 sq ft
* Parking $35,000
* Lockers $5000
* Floor Premiums: $1000 per floor
* Maintenance: $0.46/sq ft + Hydro
* Occupancy: Oct 31, 2011
* Deposit Structure: $2000 with offer, balance of 5% in 30 days, 5% in 90 days, 5% in 180 days, 5% in Occupancy

First Time Buying A new Condo? Read The Following Post

Buying A New Condo Development

For Sale

2009-04-21T20:39:00.000-07:00

410 QUEENS QUAY W
$258,000

Bedrooms: 1
Bath(s): 1x4
Square Feet: 500-699
Floor Type: hardwood
Outdoor Space: Common
Parking: None

Central Air: Yes
Facilities: Party/
recreation room
Security: Building
enter phone system
and CC cameras

Maint. Fees: $290/mo
Taxes: $1644.85/2008
Possession: 30/60 Days/Flex

In The News

2009-04-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

A few articles with a positive bend on the Real Estate Market in Toronto

The Star

http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/article/618464

http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/article/620445

http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/article/618518

http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/article/618467

The Globe

http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090416.wxrhousingnat16art22362/BNStory/Business/home/

Sold Recently At City Place

2009-04-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

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For Sale: 90 Sumach St [$459,900]

2009-04-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

90 Sumach St., #619
$459,900

Bedrooms: 1
Bath(s): 1x4
Ceiling: 14 ft concrete
Square Feet: 1145+/-
Floor Type: Custom
polished concrete
& hardwood
Outdoor Space: Common
rooftop deck w/BBQ
Parking: 1 owned
underground

Loft Style: Hard
Exposure: North
Central Air: Yes
Locker: 1 owned
Neighbourhood:
Corktown
Facilities: Party/
recreation room
Security: Building
enter phone system
and CC cameras

Maint. Fees: $431/mo
Taxes: $3054/2008
Possession: 30/TBA
MLS#: C1571026
TTC Access: 1 min to
Queen East Streetcar
Hwy Access: 4 mins
to DVP, Lake Shore/QEW
Other: Close to the Danforth
The Beach, Distillery District,
Riverdale Park & bike paths

For Sale: 155 Dalhousie St [$439,000]

2009-04-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

Intersection: Church/Dundas

Price: $439,000 Bedrooms: 2 Rooms: 5 Park Spcs: 1 Apx Sqft: 1100-1299

Should You Get a Pre-Approval?

2009-04-02T13:42:00.000-07:00

MOST DEFINITELY!!

Most mortgage lenders take the guess work out of applying for a loan by figuring out for you the amount you can afford to borrow. Then, they give you a printed document stating the maximum mortgage amount you qualify for based on your particular finances and income.

Mortgage pre-approval establishes your price range and strengthens your buying position by letting the Seller know that you have already been approved for the loan. It can also ease time constraints once the purchase agreement in signed between Buyer and Seller.

Consider these Scenarios:

You're out looking at homes. Your Real Estate Broker never mentions that you should get pre-approved and just ballparks what you can afford. Of course, the more house he shows you, the better he usually comes out. You find the perfect house and work out a deal with the Seller. Three weeks later, the lender informs you that the house is $10,000 over what you qualify for and does not approve your loan. The Seller has already bought another house. You've given notice where you're renting and told all your friends about the great house you bought. And then, there's the money you've already spent on inspections on a house you can't own.

or

You and your REALTOR have been working diligently finding that "perfect" home. A new listing comes on the market that's priced right and has got everything you've been looking for. You write an offer. Your REALTOR takes it to the listing REALTOR and is informed that another offer is coming in and will have to present both offers simultaneously to the Seller. The other Buyer is pre-approved for his loan. Whose offer do you think the Seller will negotiate first??

Should You Get Pre-Approved for a Loan First??

Most Definitely!!