Toronto Real Estate Blog - Condos, Lofts & Homes

GTA REALTORS® RELEASE MID-MONTH RESALE HOUSING FIGURES

Joanna — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:07:00 +0000

Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 4,476 transactions through the TorontoMLS system during the first 14 days of May. This result represented a decline of 9.7 per cent compared to the same period in 2012. Sales declines were larger for the City of Toronto, at 11.4 per cent, versus the surrounding regions where sales were down by 8.6 per cent year-over-year.

“Despite fewer sales this year compared to last, competition between buyers in most segments of the market remained strong enough to promote annual rates of price growth above the rate of inflation. A household earning the average income in the GTA can comfortably afford the mortgage payments associated with the purchase of an average priced home,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Ann Hannah.

Budget for condo fees to climb after one year

Joanna — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:59:31 +0000

Q We just purchased a new condo eight months ago and I hear our condo fees may increase significantly once the developer’s budget ends this year. Why would we need any significant increase when everything is so new and doesn’t need significant repairs or anything? I can understand a small increase but not a significant one. Your comments please!

Condo Quandary

Joanna — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:42:00 +0000

Top six factors to consider when deciding whether to move from sprawl to small

Many buyers looking for a lifestyle change wonder what it would be like to live in a condo. The move they are considering could be lateral financially and/or space-wise or it could be related to the need for a space change. For others, it will simply be a change from renting to ownership.

But how do you decide if condo ownership is right for you? If you’re in doubt, I suggest a classic categorizing of pros and cons. Here are some.

GTA REALTORS® RELEASE MONTHLY RESALE HOUSING FIGURES

Joanna — Fri, 03 May 2013 14:41:00 +0000

Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 9,811 sales through the TorontoMLS system in April 2013, representing a dip of two per cent in comparison to 10,021 transactions in April 2012. Both new listings during the month and active listings at the end of April were up on a year-over-year basis.

“Despite the headwinds we have experienced in the housing market this year, April sales came in quite strong in comparison to last year. As we move through the spring and into the second half of 2013, the demand for home ownership should continue to firm-up relative to last year,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Ann Hannah.

Earth Day Canada: Resources Guides & Tips

Joanna — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:36:26 +0000

Apartments and condos:
http://www.earthday.ca/pub/resources/assets/pdfs/guides/guide_apts_and_condos.pdf

For the cottage:
http://www.earthday.ca/pub/resources/assets/pdfs/guides/guide_cottagetips.pdf

An environmentally friendly renovation

Joanna — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:28:25 +0000

There's no question that the need for more energy efficient, earth-friendly design is becoming an increasing imperative, and in some cases, governments are actually legislating a certain level of environmental sustainability through new "green" bylaws. But does incorporating the environment into building or renovation plans mean compromising design, forgoing comfort and luxury, or living with expensive, sometimes temperamental technologies? Absolutely not: as a number of recent projects by the Toronto architectural firm of Moss-Sund demonstrate, green principles can be the springboard for beautiful and highly livable design.

Condo Market Remains Well Supplied in Q1

Joanna — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:38:54 +0000

Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 4,133 condominium apartment sales through the TorontoMLS system during the first quarter of 2013. This result was down by approximately 17 per cent in comparison to the first quarter of 2012.

New listings of condominium apartments were also down on a year-over-basis in the first quarter, but by a lesser annual rate of five per cent.

GTA REALTORS® RELEASE MID-MONTH RESALE HOUSING FIGURES

Joanna — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:24:00 +0000

Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 4,260 sales through the TorontoMLS system during the first 14 days of April, representing a slight dip of less than one per cent compared to the same period in 2012. The reported sales figure did benefit from one extra working day compared to last year, because Good Friday in 2012 fell in April.

“April sales to date, which were driven by strong growth in single-detached home sales in the regions surrounding Toronto, represent a positive start to the spring market. Because market conditions have remained tight, we continue to see average price growth well above the rate of inflation for many home types,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Ann Hannah.

When do you have to vacate a rental unit in Ontario?

Joanna — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:39:15 +0000

Hotels typically let you check in by 3 p.m. and ask you to check out by noon. This gives staff time to make the room ready for the next guest. Do the same sorts of rules apply when a tenant moves out of a rental unit? Will it make a difference if the owner is selling the home to someone who wants to move in on the same day?

Here are the answers to those questions.

GTA REALTORS® RELEASE MONTHLY RESALE HOUSING FIGURES

Joanna — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:51:00 +0000

Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 7,765 transactions through the TorontoMLS system in March 2013 – down 17 per cent compared to 9,385 transactions in March 2012. While the year-over-year dip in March sales followed the trend that has unfolded since mid-way through 2012, it is also important to note that the Good Friday holiday was in March this year versus April in 2012. Generally speaking, there are fewer sales reported on statutory holidays and weekends.

In the first quarter of 2013, sales amounted to 17,678 – down by 14 per cent compared to Q1 2012.