Toronto and Surrounding Area Real Estate News

12 questions to ask before you buy

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:56:00 +0000

I came across a great article that goes into great insight to guide buyers in their search for a home. The article lists the following questions which I believe can be of great help and would a positive impact on your property investment:

12 questions to ask before you buy
» Is the area’s average income increasing faster than the provincial average?
» Is the area’s population growing faster than the provincial average?
» Is the area creating jobs faster than the provincial average?
» Does the area have more than one major employer?
» Will the area benefit from an economic or real estate ripple effect?
» Has the political leadership created an economic growth atmosphere?
» Is the Economic Development Office progressive and helpful?
» Is the area’s infrastructure being built to handle the expected growth?
» Are there any major transportation improvements in the works?
» Is the area attractive to Baby Boomers’ lifestyle?
» Is there a short-term problem occurring that is likely to disappear in the future?
» Is there a noted increase in labour and materials cost in the area?

Click on this text to ready the article
Source: Cutting Edge Research Inc. by Wayne Karl

The 6 must-have spaces in your next home

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 18:24:00 +0000

By Steve Kerch of Marketwatch.com
ORLANDO, Fla. Homeowners, shaking some of their recession weariness, are making
plans again to upgrade to a new home or remodel the one they're in, a survey from
Better Homes and Gardens magazine finds.
But their flirtation with a nicer home is still grounded in economic reality.
Consumers are starting to give themselves permission to dream about a new home
again and for the first time in several years actually are considering houses that
are slightly larger than their existing homes, said Jill Waage, editorial director
for home content at the magazine.
But they aren't looking at something significantly larger. They want more space but
it is driven by both function and finances, she told an audience at the
International Builders Show here earlier this month. Their priority is a home they
will enjoy. The new mantra is I am spending my money, so make it count.
According to a survey of Better Homes and Gardens readers taken in late December,
these are the six spaces that homeowners most want to see included in their new home
or updated in their existing one:

1. Separate laundry room
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2. More storage and built-ins
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3. A home office
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4. An outdoor grilling/living area
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5. A second bedroom with a private bath
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6. Everyday eating space close to the kitchen
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TORONTO HOUSING STARTS INCREASE IN 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:03:00 +0000

TORONTO, Source: CMHC
JANUARY 11, 2011 – Preliminary data released today by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) show total housing starts registered in 2010 for the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area increased by 13 per cent to 29,195 units. In December, the seasonally-adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of total housing starts
declined to 17,800 units.
Housing starts in the Toronto CMA showed improvement during 2010 thanks to a rise in demand for new homes, yet remained below annual levels achieved throughout the past decade. "Growth was held back by a reduced supply of available lots for single-detached development and construction delays for many condo projects that opened sales offices in the pre-recession period" said Shaun Hildebrand, CMHC's Senior Market Analyst for the GTA. "The high-rise industry is poised for a strong 2011 with preliminary work well underway at many sites, robust pre-construction sales figures, and a large number of completions making way for new development," added Hildebrand.
The monthly decline registered in December was attributed to a pull-back in high-rise starts following a spike in activity during November and a general downtrend in single-detached starts experienced throughout the year.
For original article and chart PDF file click here.

GTA REALTORS® Report Mid-Month Resale Housing Figures

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:42:00 +0000

“Under current lending standards, the average selling price is affordable for a household

earning the average income in the GTA. The annual price growth we have been

experiencing has been justified by this positive affordability picture,” said Jason Mercer,

TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

What affordability means is that people are still able to buy and maintain homes, therefore the risk of a housing bubble caused by mortgage defaults is low. With a reported 5% increase to $412,367 in GTA average home price over this time last year, and a lower number of sales and listings, the market data is showing that home buyers and sellers are being prudent and are doing a good job in making housing decisions.

For the full report visit Toronto Real Estate Board - Mid month resale housing figures.

Buyer Representation Agreement: Message from Tom Lebour 2009-2010 TREB P...

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 01:43:00 +0000

When it comes to just about every kind of contract, signing on the dotted line makes us all a little bit nervous. When selling a home, most people are aware they can sign a Listing Agreement with a REALTOR®. There is, however, an agreement that REALTORS® ask their home-buying clients to sign. It's an agreement that works in favour of buyers, guaranteeing the very best in real estate service.

This Month in Real Estate (Canada) : September 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 01:04:00 +0000

New Mississauga condo construction on the rise

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:31:00 +0000

Coming soon! Pinnacle Grand Park. Phase 1, A 28 storey condominium at the corner of Burnhamthorpe Road W and Grand Park Drive in Mississauga.
The sales office w ill be ready soon on the site of the building, and as we all know, the first sales event is usually for REALTORS® and their clients, and guess what?! I WILL BE THERE. This is the best time to get in on the project if you're looking for the best pricing, this is when builder are motivated to sell as many units as possible to get their project on the go, and as soon as the foundation of the structure is completed prices go up and keep going up from there.
The sales office will be open to the public, only after the REALTORS® sales event. Contact me if you want to invest in this project.

Photo courtesy of Jasonzed of UT

This Month in Real Estate (Canada) : July 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 01:43:00 +0000

Each month, This Month in Real Estate provides expert opinion and analysis on real estate trends across the nation. The aim of the consumer-oriented segments is to provide real information on real estate.

This Month in Real Estate (Canada) : June 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:22:00 +0000

This Month in Real Estate looks at the possibility of rising interest rates -- and why it might be a good time to lock-in rates for longer terms.

This Month in Real Estate (Canada) : April 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 02:13:00 +0000

This Month in Real Estate looks at a reversal of the 50-year trend toward larger homes -- and how buyers looking to move up to a bigger home can take advantage of the new trend

This Month in Real Estate (Canada) : March 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 03:02:00 +0000

This Month In Real Estate (Canada): January 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:14:00 +0000

Canadian Housing Starts, October 2009 Results

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:12:00 +0000

Summary: Canadian housing starts trended upward in October, rising five per

cent month-over-month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 157,300 units –

the highest level this year. Within the GTA, starts increased 13 per cent to a

seasonally adjusted annual rate of 34,200 units. The Canadian and GTA

increases were driven by starts for multiple-family dwellings, which rose 21.3

per cent in the GTA and 13.8 per cent nationally.

Analysis: The upward trend in housing starts makes sense when considered

alongside the general tightening in the Canadian existing home market over the

same period. When existing home sales increase strongly relative to listings,

which has been the case in many Canadian centres including the GTA, a

greater number of buyers looking to broaden their home ownership alternatives

start to spill over into the new home market. As long as tight market conditions

remain in place in the GTA and other Canadian centres, expect the recovery in

new home construction to continue. This will be beneficial to the Canadian

economy through the creation of well-paid construction trades jobs and through

considerable economic spin-offs to other sectors of the economy like

manufacturing and various professional services.

Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

Link to Release:

For CMHC’s GTA release:

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/press/2009/2009_11_09_0815_EOT.pdf

GTA Resale Housing Market Posts Best June on Record

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:12:00 +0000

TORONTO, July 6, 2009 - In June 2009, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported a record

10,955 sales, up 27 per cent from June 2008. The seasonally adjusted annual rate of sales in

June was 100,700.1

"The record result in June is testament to the fundamentally sound housing market in the GTA,"

said the Toronto Real Estate Board’s newly appointed President Tom Lebour. "An increasing

number of households have been confident in purchasing a home in the region’s affordable and

diverse resale housing market."

The average price for June transactions was $403,972 – up by two per cent compared to the

same month last year.

"The re-emergence of seller’s market conditions has exerted upward pressure on home prices,"

explained Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "Look for sales to remain

high relative to listings in the second half of the year. This will keep home prices growing."

1Seasonally adjusting TREB MLS® data removes recurring seasonal trends observed each year. For example, MLS® sales are highest in late

spring each year and lowest in the winter months. Removing the recurring seasonality, allows for the analysis of a meaningful trend reflecting

actual changes in market conditions. By multiplying the monthly seasonally-adjusted figure by 12, creating an annual rate, we can compare how

the current month relates to historical annual figures.

This Month In Real Estate (Canada): June 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:22:00 +0000

Good decisions and great investments start with a good understanding of the market. This is the monthly edition of Canadian Real Estate news by Keller Williams Realty's stars, Jay Papasan and Bryon Ellington. Here is the video on the topic for this month.

Keywords: The grange, etobicoke condo, highpark, square one,Mississauga real estate, condo conversions, CN tower, City Place, Waterview,lakeshore, gardiner, 401, Toronto condos, bloor west village, East mall / West mall , Islington Station, kipling station, cloverdale mall, Pearson airport, Brampton Condominiums, Housing bubble? Toronto real estate, Brampton, Mississauga, mls, homes, Real estate, Toronto, Ontario, etobicoke On, Realty, Realtor Kris Abouzeki, abouzeki

Toronto Ribfest 2009 - Centennial Park, Etobicoke

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:32:00 +0000

Canada Day Weekend at Centennial Park is the ideal setting for Ribfest. FREE Fireworks and
Entertainment at Centennial Park help to ensure that crowds will be large. Well in excess of
100,000 people attended last year. Most importantly, all proceeds go back into the community
through the 100% volunteer efforts of the Rotary Club of Etobicoke.

This is the largest festival of its kind in the Toronto area. Ribfest is a celebration of barbequed
ribs in which professional “Ribbers” travel the continent cooking-off and competing against
each other at all of the major outdoor celebrations.
Celebrate Canada Day Weekend with the best Ribbers from Canada and the United States.
Barbeque Ribs by some of North America’s best Ribbers.
Free Admission & Parking.
Kid’s Activities include carnival, pony rides, balloons, and more.
Beer & Wine Garden 2 concert stages now available!
Z103.5 Event Cruiser and free stuff!
Arts and Craft displays, along with many local vendors.
Fireworks on July 1, 2009 Canada Day (night).
Centennial Park Concert Stage with Live bands performing throughout
the event’s day and evening celebrations. Come see hot performers and
swinging bands!
Karaoke Event now featured.
The RIBFEST features 14 Ribbers for a 6-day competition
between American and Canadian Ribbers for the “Chief Hog” Trophy.
Kid’s YTV “Wow Truck” on June 29, June 30 and July 1, 2009.
GREAT FUN! GREAT FOOD! GREAT ENTERTAINMENT!

The Rotary Club of Etobicoke
Visit Websites: http://www.rotaryetobicoke.org/ • http://www.torontoribfest.com/

Silver Linings of Recovery in Sight

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:47:00 +0000

*Canada’s housing market is humming along with sales activity increasing 11% from the previous month, the largest monthly gain in more than five years. Low mortgage rates, improved affordability and greater choice of inventory have helped more renters become buyers. With sales activity rising strongly and new listings trending downward, Canada continues to move toward balanced supply and demand conditions.
Home building recorded its first broadly based increase since October last year, which is good news as this sector will hopefully cease to be such a drag on the economy. The housing market was not the only bright spot – the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said their composite leading indicator showed tentative signs of recovery in Canada. Their data indicates that Canada’s economy may be bottoming out and is likely to start heading up. Consumer confidence has been increasing for the last three months and currently stands at the highest level in 15 months.
The strengthening U.S. and international demand for manufactured and commodityrelated products should help lift Canada’s economy. However, a strengthening Loonie could serve as a counterinfluencing factor.

*Read the full report in PDF format by clicking on this text.(provided by Keller Williams Research, released June 11, 2009)

This Month In Real Estate (Canada): May 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Wed, 20 May 2009 03:03:00 +0000

This Month In Real Estate (Canada): April 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:50:00 +0000

A pledge to save the Earth.

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:27:00 +0000

Happy Earth Day!

Did you know that if every household in the U.S. replaced one light bulb with a Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb (CFL), it would prevent enough pollution to equal removing one million cars from the road?

What is you pledge to save the earth going to be? Find more information about CFL and other ways to help reduce your contrubution to global warming on the Earthdaynetwork's website. Cick here.

Selling your home? Let's put on a show!

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 03:06:00 +0000

You know that spring is in the air when you wake up and look outside and say “wow, the weather is beautiful!”. Immediately you begin to plan your camping trip for the coming May 24th weekend, begin to think about taking the kids to Canada’s Wonderland (if you have any kids yet), maybe even plan to work on your tan in the backyard!
What if you’re planning to move closer to work, or upgrade your home by the fall? Then selling your home is on your mind as well. And I’m sure that you don’t want this project to take away much of your time this summer in order for you to make memories with your family and friends.
Before you think about having your Realtor’s (Kris Abouzeki, Realtor) “For Sale” sign go up in the front yard, you need to seriously consider staging you home. Home staging is a proven successful marketing tool when it comes to sell a house on the open market. Are you still thinking about working on that tan?
AHA...the backyard it is. Let’s start there, in the backyard. Take out the rake, collect all the winter debris from the lawn, work your way around to the front yard, this will help control thatch build-up and dead grass blades (which eventually turn into thatch). Raking will get your lawn to look clean, and now you might want to consider liming, aerating if there are signs of compaction, overseeding, fertilizing (I like mulching lawn mowers as they leave behind a natural fertilizer), pulling weeds (remember pesticides are banned in Toronto! Or pay a $250 fine and develop Parkinson’s disease down the road :( ). Next, plant flowers, prune those shrubs and rose bushes, and sweep the driveway (or power wash, my favorite).
Your hard work pays off as the yard is taken care of, and you’ve covered the basics of creating curb appeal while getting a tan!
You have a tan, the house looks good from the curb, but you still want to sell it as quickly as possible and maximize the price it sells for. Now is the time to have a staging professional pop by for a visit.
Find a Canadian Staging Professional™ in your area by visiting the Canadian Staging Professionals website. Click here!

Toronto housing market is holding grounds during recession

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 03:51:00 +0000

According to the Toronto Real Estate Board's March/2009 Market Watch report, the situation in the housing market has improved over the past 2 months, a healthy rebound displayed through an increase of the seasonally adjusted annual rate of sales by 36% from a 10 year low reached in 01/2009.
Read the full report by clicking here

Skateboarding park development in South Etobicoke - Lakeshore

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 23:41:00 +0000

I am thrilled about the City of Toronto plan for the development of a new skate park in South Etobicoke. These are the types of projects that I personally would like to see take place especially during this complicated recession. The benefits are unlimited and perpetual, stemming from healthy living to self development and community building, etc.. Jason Duck of etobigo.ca is doing a great job covering this project, read his coverage of the most recent community consultation meeting at the following link: Skate Park development in South Etobicoke

This Month in Real Estate (Canada): March 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:10:00 +0000

This Month In Real Estate (Canada): January 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Abouzeki, B.Comm. Realtor) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 02:33:00 +0000