Schools are a contributing factor for anyone buying a home. Even if you don’t have kids yourself, your next buyer might, and they might base their decision to buy on the school district which serves your home.

The question remains: How do you evaluate schools? What’s the best approach for understanding if your local schools will score your property an “A” or relegate it to the land of “D-”?

Luckily, there are some excellent resources out there for vetting schools online. Here are a few I’ve come across which provide a good place to start:

The Fraser Institute: A Canada-wide ratings and rankings website that details how each school is doing academically.

Education.com: A major portal site for education everywhere, you’ll want to pay particular attention to the schools section, found here.

Our Kids: In Ontario alone, where are about 700 private schools. This website details the rankings for various private schools in Toronto, and provides a bit of information on private schools in general (and paying for them).

Finally, here are a handful of questions to ask yourself if you’re doing research:

How comprehensive is the school’s safety policy?
What social/support services are available at the school?
How does the school handle discipline?
Are people involved in a parent/teacher organization?
How healthy is the school district’s annual report?

Finally, be sure to ask your agent!

Looking for neighborhoods with great schools? I can help! Contact me any time at thomas@torontorealestate.ca.

The Best Schools In Toronto And The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is a post from: Toronto Real Estate | Toronto MLS Listings | Toronto Homes For Sale

Terrific three bedroom bungalow in great neighbourhood with lots of parks. Bright and spacious.

$435,800

You’ll find this spacious three bedroom bungalow on a lovely and quiet, tree-lined street. The community atmosphere in this great safe neighbourhood is wonderful, making it a terrific place for a young couple, a family with kids of any age or those ready to retire and enjoy leisure time!

This beautiful home has a nicely landscaped front garden and a great front porch to enjoy. A terrific place to relax with a cup of morning tea on a summer’s morning, or a drink later on enjoying the afternoon sun. The main floor living and dining area beams with the natural light that pours in through the beautiful bay window. Throw some cushions on there and enjoy reading your favourite book!

The updated eat-in kitchen has stunning granite counters, a tasteful backsplash to match and a double sink. There is plenty of cupboard and counter space for the chef in you! The cute window above the sink makes washing those dishes a moment you can actually enjoy (if that’s possible!)

Walk into the serene, spa-inspired bathroom and you can instantly imagine a quiet evening in the sunken tub, soaking in your favourite bubbles, with a glass of vino and Sade echoing in the background…

Moving towards the rear of the house you’ll find the three lovely bedrooms for many a cozy and peaceful night’s sleep. Hardwood floors flow right through and ample closet space plus an old school charming linen closet in the hallway make for great storage solutions.

Heading downstairs you’ll find a lovely three piece bathroom and a bright, airy newer kitchen with ceramic floors. Continuing on you’ll find a quaint and cozy area by the wood burning fireplace—a perfect spot to settle in for a catch-up with family and friends. The sitting area adjoins a large rec room, currently used as a home gym/guest area… offering ample space to easily converted to suit your personal needs.

Extras include: 2 Fridges, 2 stoves, dishwasher, washer, dryer, ELFs, gas burner & equipment, CAC, window coverings and garden shed. Exclude: Bedroom curtains.

Features include: Upgraded kitchen with granite counter and tiled backsplash. Hardwood flooring throughout main level. Some newer windows. Separate entrance to (mostly) finished basement. Basement perfect for in-law suite or single family. 100 Amp Panel. Large carport and garden shed. Central air conditioning. Oversized front porch and west facing deck in beautifully landscaped back yard.

You could enjoy this summer in your lovely new home!

For more photos and a video tour of this Toronto Real Estate Listing, click here!

HOT Toronto Real Estate Listing: 6 Porter Cres, Toronto, Ontario is a post from: Toronto Real Estate | Toronto MLS Listings | Toronto Homes For Sale

An Oasis With A HUGE Private Patio Steps From St Lawrence Market

Beautiful And Immaculate 1-Bdrm Suite (Approx 600 Sf) With 2 Sliding Glass Floor-To-Ceiling Walk-Outs To An Amazing (Approx 400 Sf) And Rare Enclosed South-Facing Terrace – Check Photos! Perfect Downtown Location Just Around Corner From St Lawrence Market. Kitchen Overlooks Lr-Dr Area.

Building Has Roof-Top Terrace, Gym, Library & Party Room. One Owned Parking Space + One Exclusive-Use Locker Included! Don’t Miss This Perfect Downtown Condo !!!

Extras: Fridge, Stove, Dishwasher, Microwave, Washer, Dryer, All Electric Light Fixtures & Window Coverings. Hydro Approx $47/Mo. Mirrored Closet Doors In Master

Luxurious one bedroom suite in the heart of St Lawrence Market.

Luxury living in a fabulous location. Approximately 600 sq ft of living space with a 400 sq ft private patio. Walk-outs from bedroom and living room.

Large bedroom, high ceilings, built-in shoe organizer and ensuite storage. Soaker tub in bathroom with rain shower head.

Open concept living space and kitchen – perfect for entertaining indoors and on the patio.

Parking and large storage locker, 24 hour concierge and visitors parking. Newly renovated gym, party room, landscaped roof-top terrace with barbecue.

Across from St Lawrence Market in an historic neighbourhood. Surrounded by fine dining restaurants, bars and theatres. Walk to the financial district, Eaton Centre and the lake.

Streetcar at your door and King subway steps away. Easy access to the Gardiner and DVP. Walk your dog at the St James Park. Cooking classes at George Brown College.

For more photos and a video tour of this Toronto Real Estate Listing, click here.

HOT Toronto Real Estate Listing: 39 Jarvis St. #203, Toronto, Ontario is a post from: Toronto Real Estate | Toronto MLS Listings | Toronto Homes For Sale

The Toronto Real Estate Board’s mid-month resale housing figures say that home sales through the Toronto MLS Listings increased in the first two weeks of May this year, up 14.5 per cent when compared with the same time last year. The number of new listings was up 13 per cent, to 8,749.

Home sales increased during the first half of May.

“Annual growth in sales was experienced across the GTA for all major home types in the first half of May,” said the president of the Toronto Real Estate Board, Richard Silver, “Sales growth was strongest for the condominium apartment segment.  While the condo market has generally been the best supplied market over the past year, we have continued to see enough demand to exert moderate upward pressure on average selling prices in this market segment.”

Over 5,000 home sales took place in the GTA, with more than 3,000 of those home sales occurring in the 905 area code and just under 2,000 in the 416 area code.

““A shortage of listings in the low-rise segment of the market has resulted in a lot of competition between buyers and above average annual rates of price growth,” said the senior manager of market analysis for the Toronto Real Estate Board, Jason Mercer. “Tight market conditions are expected to remain in place for the balance of 2012,”

Toronto Real Estate Sales Increase During The First Two Weeks Of May is a post from: Toronto Real Estate | Toronto MLS Listings | Toronto Homes For Sale

Gorgeous sunny, east facing suite with spectacular city views. Modern, spacious and comfortable layout. 

$174,800

This is a spacious, bright east-facing one-bedroom suite. Being on the top floor, you get abundant natural light and some spectacular views of the city through the almost wall-to-wall / floor-to-ceiling windows in the living / dining room! With an open concept floor plan, this spacious 764 sf suite has ample room through the L-shaped living and dining room and takes full advantage of the terrific views from here. Gorgeous dark laminate floors run throughout the main area plus the bedroom. The great layout of this suite makes it spacious, bright and comfortable.

Off the front foyer is the four-piece bathroom and the nice size bedroom with double closet. The bedroom also faces east with lots of natural light and nice views. The bathroom was renovated in 2008 – soaker tub, tiles, vanity, toilet and fixtures. There is also a hall closet and linen closet in the foyer.

The kitchen, renovated in 2008, is open to the both living and dining areas and has a pass-thru over the large breakfast counter. The kitchen has nice cabinets, lots of countertop space, breakfast bar, double sink, and ceramic tile backsplash and floor. Off the kitchen is the large storage locker which doubles as a laundry room. Walk out from the dining area to a large den or summer solarium with sliding glass doors to the balcony where you can fully appreciate the great view.

Extras Include: Fridge, stove, washer(2007), dryer(2007), microwave (2007), portable a/c unit (2011),all electric light fixtures and window coverings. Condo fees include heat, hydro, Rogers basic cable, building insurance, water and common elements. One surface parking space ( #CBX) is included.

Features Include: Kitchen updated in 2008, washroom updated in 2008, front foyer tiles (2008), terrific large storage space in unit. Mail is even delivered directly to your suite door by Canada Post!

For more photos and a video tour of this Toronto Real Estate Listing, click here.

HOT Toronto Real Estate Listing: 5 Parkway Forest Dr PH11, Toronto, Ontario is a post from: Toronto Real Estate | Toronto MLS Listings | Toronto Homes For Sale

The Colliers International’s Spring Semi-Annual GTA Office Market Report was recently released, showing an office vacancy rate that is continuing to fall – from 5.6 per cent last fall to 5.1 per cent this spring. But in downtown Toronto, the vacancy rate has decreased to 4.1 per cent, which is one of the lowest vacancy rates seen in downtown Toronto in five years.

The Toronto Real Estate Office Market has tightened.

The cost of office spaces increased over the same time, from $15.77 per square foot to $16.12.

According to the report, the demand for office space is spurred on by more younger workers moving in from the suburbs and the Toronto condo market, drawing in a larger workforce.

By this time next year, Colliers International predicts that the office rental rates will continue to rise to $16.35 per square foot, while the vacancy rate will drop further to 4.9 per cent.

Currently, several big projects are helping to revitalize the downtown Toronto core, including the Coca Cola headquarters, Union Station’s revitalization and RBC Waterpark Place.

Toronto Real Estate Office Market Tightens Further is a post from: Toronto Real Estate | Toronto MLS Listings | Toronto Homes For Sale

In the new book titled, “The Narrow Road”, by Felix Dennis, he wrote the following:

“Providing you are of reasonable intelligence and in good mental and physical health; and are not presently incarcerated in a prison… then nothing, absolutely nothing, can stop you from becoming rich…” 

Pretty cool, don’t you think? 

This means that where you are today has no bearing on where you can be tomorrow.

Your job doesn’t matter. Your income doesn’t matter. Your credit score doesn’t matter. None of these things matter. 

What does matter according to Felix Dennis is: 

How many times you are willing to fail, perhaps publicly and humiliatingly, before you succeed?

Most people fear failure and this fear stops them in their tracks. Failure is part of the process and is a learning tool. 

Dennis went on to write… 

”While there are qualities that may assist one to succeed more quickly in becoming rich from a standing start – discipline, confidence, self-belief, flexibility, being lucky, a thick hide, the ability to focus, the knack of learning to listen and learning form listening, an early inclination to delegate and to motivate those around you – nothing can compete with tenacity.

Tenacity will eventually trump all other qualities, whether inherited, acquired, or mimicked.” 

All that is required to be successful is tenacity. 

Tenacity is defined as doggedness or persistent determination. 

Are you tenacious?
Are you willing to fail multiple times in order to reach you goal? 

If you’ve answered YES honestly to both of these questions your odds of success are guaranteed.

The Most Important Quality Required for Success is a post from: Toronto Real Estate | Toronto MLS Listings | Toronto Homes For Sale

Hi, it’s Thomas Cook from Toronto’s Real Estate Team at RE/MAX Hallmark and here is our April 2012 Toronto real estate market report.

April’s average sale price again hit an all-time record high and the listing inventory is lower than historic levels.

April MLS sales totalled 10,350 houses and condominiums in all the districts. This sales number was up almost 18% from one year ago and just over 19% above the average for April since the year 2000.

28% of the market sales were condo townhouses and high-rise suites with 2,943 units changing hands during the month.

The April average sale price came in at $517,556 – up 8.4% from one year ago.

East of Yonge and south of Bloor in the C08 downtown TREB district, the condo sales price average stayed flat at $398,672 while west of Yonge in C01 the average increased to $425,604. I’ll give you more condo market details in just a few minutes.

Watch our complete April Toronto Real Estate Market by clicking on the video icon below…

Market Hits New High For Average Sale Price – Year-Over-Year Increase Drops is a post from: Toronto Real Estate | Toronto MLS Listings | Toronto Homes For Sale

This lovely bright, sunny home is located centrally in Mississauga. The Deer Run family neighbourhood features lots of shopping and entertainment facilities, as well as parks, a community recreation centre, and more all nearby. Public transit is almost at your doorstep and you are also minutes away from the 403/410 and the GO station, with easy access to the 401 and the QEW south on Mavis. For shopping, Square One is Ontario’s largest mall, with over 360 stores and services! You can experience a unique blend of leading Canadian and American retailers, 4 major department stores, specialty shops and a variety of dining and entertainment venues.

This is a beautiful family home, very clean and well-kept—a detached brick two-storey with three bedrooms and lots of light. The living room and dining room are open concept, spacious and bright, with gorgeous parquet floors. The living room has a fabulous large west-facing bay window. With its large opening to the hallway, this area also benefits from the sun streaming in through the skylight at the top of the stairs. The foyer has ceramic tile floor and a 2-pc powder room. This home is a great place to entertain but equally nice for comfortable family living.

The eat-in size kitchen is bright with north-east facing windows overlooking the garden. In the eat-in area, large sliding glass doors let in even more light and give a great view of the back yard. Cabinets are plentiful and there is ceramic tile floor and crisp white appliances. The breakfast area off the kitchen is perfect for casual family meals and a great place for the kids to do homework while you cook dinner.

There’s a mullioned sliding glass door walk out to the deck and back garden from the kitchen – great for summertime meals out here. The fully fenced yard has gardens around the perimeter, and throughout the yard and has lovely shrubs and trees for added privacy. This is a large sunny backyard to enjoy and a great place to lounge around in warm weather. The kids and family dog have more than enough room to play on the grass.

Upstairs, you’ll find three nice-size bedrooms, all with gorgeous dark hardwood floors and big bright windows, and the spacious four-piece family bathroom. The master bedroom has a huge closet along one wall with new mirrored doors and two windows overlooking the back yard.

Moving downstairs to the finished basement, you find a terrific space to enjoy with your family. There is a large bright rec room or play area with pot lights and wood fireplace as well as a fourth bedroom (or home office) – all with gorgeous laminate floors.

The laundry room is located down here as well. It’s spacious with added storage space and there is a bonus cold cellar off the rec room. Attached to the home is the single car garage. With the attractive patterned concrete driveway, you get ample parking spaces for the family.

Features include: LOTS of upgrades… new kitchen countertop, sink and faucet 2012, cherry hardwood floors through upstairs and basement laminate floors (2011), high-efficiency FAG furnace + tankless HW heater 2008, central VAC 2012, evestroughs in 2011 and underground sprinkler system. Roof is approx. 10 years old!

Extras include: Fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer, dryer, tankless water heater, sprinkler control system, garage door opener, all electric light fixtures, all window blinds.

You could be in your gorgeous new family home before the start of summer.

Click here to see more photos, information and a video tour of this Toronto real estate listing.

HOT Toronto Real Estate Listing: 4227 White Spruce Crt, Mississauga, Ontario is a post from: Toronto Real Estate | Toronto MLS Listings | Toronto Homes For Sale

Renting your Toronto home out can be a financially rewarding experience.

The Toronto Star recently published a story on a “tenant from hell”, who seemed like an ideal tenant at first – before leaving a string of bounced cheques and very upset landlords in her wake. Because laws in Ontario are more designed to protect the tenant, it’s difficult to get someone evicted when they stop paying rent, and even more difficult to effectively screen a potential tenant for privacy reasons.

Renting out your home for additional income is a very appealing option, but prospective landlords need to be extra cautious when screening potential tenants in order to protect themselves, and their money from costly legal battles.

DON’T let all of the horror stories scare you off, though. It can be a very financially rewarding experience, you just have to get it right the first time!

Click here to read a personal experience of our own when it came to screening tenants, as well as information on how to get a copy of our excellent rental application to avoid making mistakes.

Thinking Of Renting Out Your Home For Extra Income In Toronto? is a post from: Toronto Real Estate | Toronto MLS Listings | Toronto Homes For Sale