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Fun facts about City of Toronto addressesShare
2009-01-07 21:20:00
Number of addresses in the City of Toronto : approx. 433,000How are numbers determined? (with some exceptions)Even numbers are given to the north and west sides of streets Odd numbers are given to the south and east sides of streets On streets that run east-west, numbering begins closest to Yonge St. On streets that run north-south, numbering begins closest to Lake Ontario Clearly identified properties lead to faster response times from emergency service vehicles. In 2003:Toronto’s Emergency Medical Service transported 142,000 patients Toronto’s Fire Services responded to 9,259 fires and 2,081 rescues
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Housing market turned to favour Buyers
2008-12-29 18:36:00
TORONTO, December 17, 2008 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 1,487 resale transactions during the first half of December, from 2,868 sales recorded in the same period a year ago, Toronto Real Estate Board President Maureen O’Neill announced today.The average price of a home in the Greater Toronto Area is currently $360,652. This compares to an average of $404,707 recorded during the first half of December 2007 and to an average of $343,048 recorded during the same period in 2006.“Keeping today’s market statistics in perspective, MLS® statistics confirm that over the last 10 years the price of homes has increased in value. What this means for the consumer is that real estate continues to hold its value and is a solid choice for long-term investments,” said Ms. O’Neill.In the 416 area, 619 transactions were recorded during the first half of this month, from 1,402 sales that took place during the same timeframe a year ago.The average price in the 416 area is currently $...
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Condo sales remain steady
2008-11-13 06:03:00
Nov 08, 2008Toronto StarThe Toronto condominium market was on pace with 2005 and 2006 in terms of new unit sales, according to the latest data from Urbanation.“The Toronto condo market is showing signs of softening, indicating that the ‘go-go’ market of the past few years has returned to more normal levels, as Canada feels the effects of a so-far-mild slowdown,” said Jane Renwick, executive vice-president of Urbanation.The Toronto development industry appears to be on track to sell about 16,000 new condo units in 2008, down from the record-breaking 2007, but on trend with both 2005 and 2006.A total of 15 new condo projects opened in the third quarter of 2008, and sales were strong, as 47 per cent of the 4,449 new units released were sold during the quarter. This compares with the historic norm of 35 to 40 per cent.Pricing for new condos in Q3/08 was up a modest 2.5 per cent from the previous quarter, from $396 per square foot in the second quarter to $406 per square foot in ...
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The Ins and Outs of Insurance
2008-10-30 17:34:00
In general, we Canadians are a cautious people. Canadian lenders for example, require homebuyers to obtain home insurance before providing a mortgage.Home insurance will help you recoup losses from sudden and accidental events. It can also offer legal protection if a person gets injured on your property or if you accidentally harm others or their property. It even covers your home’s contents, like sports equipment, when it’s temporarily out of the house.Home insurance policies are provided for a one-year term, during which time a monthly premium is paid to the provider.As premiums cover the cost of all claims made to the insurer, they are calculated based on the amount of payouts anticipated in the coming year.Your cost is based on the likelihood that you will make a claim. In determining this probability insurers assess the number of claims typically made in your area. A number of other factors are taken into consideration as well. Your proximityto water for example is noted, a...
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Where did the money go?
2008-10-22 21:01:00
All the money lost in the stock market and the housing crash never really existed, economist saysTrillions in stock market value – gone. Trillions in retirement savings – gone. A chunk of the money you paid for your house, the money you're saving for college, the money your boss needs to make payroll – gone, gone, gone.Whether you're a stock broker or Joe Six-pack, if you have a mutual fund or a college savings plan, tumbling stock markets and sagging home prices mean you've lost a whole lot of the money that was right there on your account statements just a few months ago.But if you no longer have that money, who does? The fat cats on Wall Street or Bay Street? Some oil baron in Saudi Arabia? Or China?Or is it just – gone?If you're looking to track down your missing money – figure out who has it now, maybe ask to have it back – you might be disappointed to learn that is was never really money in the first place.Robert Shiller, an economist at Yale, puts it bluntly: ...
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Canada’s Mortgage Market is NOT like the U.S.
2008-10-08 20:26:00
With all the turmoil taking place across the border and around the world in real estate markets, now is a good time to clarify some of the differences between Canada and our neighbours south of the border. Below is a condensed list compiled from a recent Economic Research Report released by Scotiabank that explains the many differences well: Debt Growth Much has been made that Canadian debt growth relative to incomes over the last few years has been on par with the U.S. Some are then led to conclude that Canada must face similar stresses to its own housing and mortgage markets. That said consider that prominent economists believe that recent Canadian debt growth reflects the unleashing of pent-up demand from the 1990s and also point to the fact that Canada’s recession in the early 1990s was more severe and the effects were longer lasting than the US recession and therefore a fair comparison can not easily be made. Leverage In Canada total debt as a percentage of total assets sat a...
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FLY CONDOS - Blue Jays Way/Spadina - VIP Prices
2008-10-06 04:40:00
I have VIP prices, pls ask for layouts...the Builder has GUARANTEED to increase the price when it releases to the public in 10 days.......excellent investment opportunity!ONE BEDROOM starting from $269,900 (12th floor, 495 sq ft)ONE BEDROOM PLUS DEN starting from $304,900 (3rd floor, 570 sq ft)TWO BEDROOM starting at $399,900 (5th floor, 710 sq ft)plus for a limited time receive (also expiring in 10 days).........$1000 IKEA giftcardFREE LOCKER (valued at $5000)FREE INTEGRATED fridge and dishwasherFREE ENTERTAINMENT set up (surround sound with ipod dock)ASSIGNMENT FEE waivedDeposit: ONLY 15% within 180 daysClosing: Oct 31, 2011Fly Condos is Empire Communities’ brand new condominium community coming soon to 352 Front Street West. Fly will back onto Clarence Square - an urban park that is a true natural gem. Fly will also offer a landscaped promenade that connects to Clarence Square. Plus, the on-the-move crowd will enjoy living close to delectable restaurants, sizzling nightlife, re...
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New kind of housing - New kind of housing co-op
2008-09-18 17:39:00
Co-ownership is one way for first-time buyers to get a foot in the door of the current housing market.Many Canadians in their 20s and 30s who dream of owning a home face a significant financial hurdle, especially since house prices just seem to keep on rising, making affordability a burning issue. When entering the workforce, 20- and 30-somethings often must settle for part-time positions or self employment, meaning a frustratingly long period before building enough capital to buy a home."That’s the challenge people are looking at," said Murray Pituley, an Investors Group financial planning expert, who lives in Regina. "Higher prices and a longer period of time before they are able to afford a house."Although many do eventually buy a home with a spouse or common-law partner, others must seek out innovative ways to get their foot in the door, including co-ownership partnerships with family members or friends."I’m seeing more and more of it (co-ownership) over the last few years,"...
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Brand New Condo @ Yonge/Hwy 7
2008-09-11 19:08:00
PURCHASE NOW AT PREVIEW PRICES!! Excellent Investment....(prices have NOT gone up yet since Grand Opening!!!) North of Highway 7 and east of Yonge Street....Distinctive architecture, gracious landscaping and a spectacular lobby combine to create an elegant ambience. The community is surrounded by an array of malls, superstores, plazas, restaurants and movie theatres. The spa-inspired Wellness Centre includes an exercise room, cardio/yoga facility. Other building amenities include two party rooms fully equipped with a kitchen and bar feature, a media/ billiards lounge and a fully furnished guest suite. All suites include GRANITE COUNTER TOP, LAMINATE FLOORING, DOUBLE SINK, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES and MUCH MORE... Also for a limited time receive up to $5000 in FREE additional upgrades...PLUS receive a BONUS $300 IKEA gift card.... CLOSING: November 2010Deposit: 15% within 6 months 1 bdrm starting at $199,500 (625 sq ft)2 bdrm starting at $239,500 (760 sq ft) Walking distance to th...
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FLY CONDOS - Blue Jays Way/Spadina
2008-09-07 23:12:00
Register with me now for your chance to get on the VIP list for this exciting new development. Buy before the public and save thousands!!! Do you know I can help you with your next pre-construction condo purchase and this at no cost to you? Most builders will cooperate with realtors and will pay a referral fee for bringing them new clients. There is no catch. The benefits to you are tremendous. That way you have someone totally devoted to protect your interest instead of being a one-sided sale. You just can't lose by getting the expertise and knowledge from someone like me who will work on your behalf by asking all the right questions and helping you choose floor plans wisely. Fly Condos is Empire Communities’ brand new condominium community coming soon to 352 Front Street West. This unique residential enclave will be situated between Blue Jays Way and Spadina in downtown Toronto. The 24-storey building will be crafted from glass and metal panels, with a unique interplay of d...

Renovation projects that keep on giving
2008-08-30 06:08:00
What upgrades have the biggest payback? ELIZABETH RAND-WATKINSON From Friday's Globe and MailJuly 25, 2008 at 12:00 AM EDTThe question I'm asked most often would have to be, "What renovations give you the most bang for your buck?" And the answer hasn't changed considerably over the years — upgraded kitchens offer a huge return on investment followed closely by updated bathrooms.Real estate company Royal LePage recently published the findings of a survey about what buyers are looking for and what features get the biggest positive responses. To help sellers decide what to tackle before putting their homes on the market, Royal LePage, in co-operation with the Appraisal Institute of Canada, has put together the following information.While I don't agree with the approximate cost for kitchen upgrades shown (in my experience new kitchens usually cost $20,000 and up), I think this is good information to keep tucked away. Chances are you will be renovating at some point in your homeown...
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Monopoly Here and Now
2008-08-24 04:36:00
Three Canadian cities to be featured on latest Monopoly gameMonopoly's boardwalk stroll is now a hike up Mount Royal, and getting from jail to free parking means a trip through Canada's financial capital and Stanley Park. Hasbro Inc., announced Wednesday that Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto would be among the 22 cities included in Monopoly Here and Now: The World Edition.Hasbro said the cities were chosen through an international vote that saw more than five million Monopoly fans cast ballots for the global cities they wanted to see on the first ever global edition of the popular board game.Montreal will occupy the place of honour previously held by Boardwalk and will be paired with the Latvian capital of Riga to represent the most expensive property group on the board.Vancouver will become the flagship piece of real estate in the orange group, while Toronto will join Kyiv and Istanbul to comprise the Magenta properties. Canada and China are the only countries to feature three cit...

Goodbye MLS.ca, Hello Realtor.ca
2008-08-13 20:41:00
Realtor.ca has finally launched and soon the much loathed MLS.ca will finally be put out of its misery. The recent shut down of the popular Housing123 caused quite a stir and reignited the debate over not just the fact that there is are lack of a quality website for viewing properties in this country, but also the Real Estate Industry's handling of the information itself.The real estate industry in Canada is in some ways unique in that it has managed to avoid to this point what just about every other knowledge-based industry has faced since the invention of the Internet: the mass dissemination of its most precious resource-information. Specifically, they have consistently shut down any attempt that has been made to open up the central MLS database that contains all the information about properties sold and those currently for sale.One of the main reasons why these 'rogue' sites keep popping up is that MLS.ca is pretty terrible and has been basically unchanged over the last severa...
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Free: a good home
2008-08-10 21:43:00
OTTAWA (CBC) - Ashley Mulroney's two-storey, three bedroom Ottawa house isn't for sale - she's giving it away for free. "I'd like to call it my ultimate recycling project. I'd like to see the house get another chance," said Mulroney, who is holding an open house in the Manor Park neighbourhood on Sunday.On Thursday, she offered CBC reporters a tour of the 1,200 square-foot house, which has white siding, purple shutters and a brick chimney joined to a working fireplace. Inside are hardwood floors, and big windows that overlook stately hardwood trees."The view doesn't come with the house, unfortunately," Mulroney said.In fact, neither do the lot or the basement.Mulroney is giving away the house because she learned that renovating it to suit her would cost as much as building a new one on the property, so she chose the latter option."And I don't think this house belongs in the dumpster. It's got a lot of years of good life left in it."So Mulroney has listed the house on Fullcir...
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Toronto ranks more costly
2008-07-29 18:21:00
Toronto now the second most expensive city in North America to live in and 54th internationally.Toronto has once again proven itself one of the most expensive North American cities to live in, sitting now just behind New York for tops in the continent, a noted report reveals. The annual U.K.-based Mercer's cost of living survey -- which looks at how expensive it is for a company to relocate employees -- shows that Toronto leap-frogged Los Angeles and Miami since last year.Moscow retained its position as the most expensive city for corporations world-wide, with Tokyo, London, Oslo and Seoul rounding out the top five. New York was the only North American city in the top 50, at 22nd overall.Toronto, which jumped 28 spots from last year to 54th overall, is the most expensive Canadian city for newcomers to live in, but not the only one shooting up Mercer's list.Vancouver went from 89th in 2007 to 64th this year, Calgary from 92nd to 66th and Montreal from 98th to 72nd.American cities l...
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SOLD
2008-07-23 21:14:00
A Spectacular Fully Renovated Condo Townhouse Close To School, Shops, Transit * Separate Entrance To Basement * Brand New Stainless Steel Fridge, Stove, Dishwasher, Chimney Hood, Washer, Dryer, Central Air Conditioning, Brand New Hrdwd Kit Cabinets, Granite Counter Top W/Undermount Sink, Premium Laminate Flrs, Luxurious Bathroom Vanities
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Coverdale Cres (Steeles/Kennedy) $579,900 FOR SALE
2008-07-18 16:02:00
FOR SALE: $579,900 (Steeles/Kennedy )http://www.obeo.com/Publ ic/Viewer/Unbranded.aspx?refurl=TREBnet&i d=478760Charm & Sunshine Awaits You In This Spacious 4+2 Bedroom & 3.5 Bath.Formal Living/Dining Combination Quietly Says 'Luxury', Family Room W/Fireplace Opens To Kitchen And Solarium.The Sunny Exposure Overlooks A Beautiful Perennial Garden.Master Bedroom Situated For Privacy,Has A W/I Closet,Ensuite Bath,Wide Windows Giving Lots Of Light.Basement Completely Finished,Own Bathroom, Perfect For Inlaws Or Lg Gatherings.Walking Distance To Pacific Mall,Go Station,Ttc.
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Neighbourhood sprouts in Queen East
2008-07-15 17:05:00
July 5, 2008One of the reasons we love Toronto – and, of course, we all love Toronto – is streets like Queen . Either West or East , this is one of the most attractive arteries in the city. And by attractive, we don't mean physical appearance – though in stretches Queen can be impressive – we mean attractive as a place to be. Little surprise, then, that Queen dates largely from the 19th century, apparently the last time in Toronto when Torontonians understood intuitively how to build a city. The width of the street, the height of the buildings (largely two to four storeys) and the generally compact and connected conditions make for an ideal urban roadway.Though Queen West has been a major destination since the early 1980s, even late '70s, Queen East is still getting going. Some might call it gentrification, but the changes now underway go beyond a coat of white paint. What's emerging on Queen East also has a cultural dimension; it's not simply retail, though that's the bi...

Evolution of the Toronto housing market...
2008-07-14 04:43:00
average house prices over the last 40, 20 and 10 years.....http://toreal.blogs.com/40yearm ap.pdf
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Ottawa tightens mortgage rules. Maximum amortization period for loans backe
2008-07-10 23:47:00
Concerned about the "risk of a U.S.-style housing bubble developing in Canada," the federal government has tightened rules on government-backed mortgages including limiting the use of popular, but controversial forty-year amortizations. Longer-term rates of up to 35 years will still be allowed under new rules which are seen as a pre-emptive move to quell the kind of housing implosion in the United States not seen since the Great Depression."They are obviously quite concerned about what is happening in the United States, and the spillover into Canada," said Jim Murphy, CEO of the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals. "The government is looking at their risk tolerance and the impact on Canadians."Murphy said 37 per cent of all new Canadian mortgages taken from the one-year period ending in the fall of 2007 were longer than the standard 25-year amortization period. "Longer-term mortgages have been extremely popular with Canadians," he said.The new rules, which take...
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Victoria Park/Sheppard Perfect 10 Condo
2008-05-27 05:56:00
Condo being built at victoria park/sheppard.... their 1 bdrms start at $176,500, 1+den starts at $191,500 (all preconstruction prices) ****FOR A LIMITED TIME RECEIVE 1% CASHBACK OR 6 MONTHS FREE MAINTENANCE****standard features include granite kitchen countertop, marble sink in washrooms, laminate flooring and more24-hour Concierge Floor to Ceiling Windows State of the Art Security System Well-Equipped Gym On-Site Library with High Speed Internet Workstations Perfect 10 Club and Party Room for Entertaining Close to Fairview Mall TTC at doorstep – Don Mills Subway stations nearby Close to Highways 401, 404 and 407 Award Winning Architecture Established Neighbourhood whole area is booming! this is the third condo in this area...and more are coming, EXCELLENT INVESTMENT PROPERTY!!! Deposit structure:5% on signing5% in 120 days &5% in 240 daysBONUS for my clients: purchase through me and receive a $100 IKEA gift card on closing!REMEMBER: there is NO cost to you (The Buyer) for using m...
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DOWNTOWN MARKHAM - Newest Condo!
2008-05-21 22:15:00
Markham has seen a remarkable 41 per cent growth in the last decade. With IBM, Sun Microsystems and Motorola calling Markham home for their Canadian headquarters, the town has been dubbed the “Silicon Valley of the North” and highly educated and skilled professionals are also making Markham home. Residents are lured not only by proximity to employment, but by the town’s lower taxes and pleasing mix of urbanity and natural environment. Homebuyers have rushed to occupy Downtown Markham and the first condominium developments sold out immediately. In mid-2007, the average apartment price in Markham actually exceeded that of Toronto. House prices continue to keep competitive pace with Toronto, with the added bonus of bearing lower property taxes. DOWNTOWN MARKHAM? ------- The goal from the outset was for all residents to live, work and play, all within walking distance ---------No soaring skyscrapers or six-lane thoroughfares. (only low rises)Car-free living - thanks to wide, tree-...
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Milliken Centre Condos
2008-05-01 20:11:00
Location: north of Steeles Avenue West, east of Midland Avenue Municipality: Markham Region: York Parking Details: One parking space included with purchase price. Deposit Structure: 5% on signing; 5% in 60 days; 5% in 120 days; 5% in 180 days;5% on occupancy; balance on title closing Maintenance Fees: $0.40/sf/mnth Price Range: ONE BDRM: $189,215 - $235,900 Pls contact me for floorplans...REMEMBER it doesn't cost you to use me as your agent!
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Ontario's Top Ten Towns
2008-04-16 19:32:00
Real estate expert Don Campbell and the Real Estate Investment Network have just released the top ten Ontario towns for real estate investors. Compiled from the research conducted by REIN, the top towns for real estate investment are:1. Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge - Comprising Canada's Technology Triangle, the region is quickly becoming known worldwide as a competitive area in which to build a high-tech business. The area is so strong economically that the Real Estate Investment NetworkTM research team has dubbed it the "Economic Alberta of Ontario".2. Barrie and Orillia (tie) - Barrie is an attractive community for people seeking the nearness and vitality of Toronto but with a slower pace of life. Orillia, with a rising population and expansion of post-secondary institutions, has tremendous opportunities for investors to provide student housing.3. Whitby, Ajax and Pickering -The ripple outward from the Toronto toward this region has been picking up steam over the previous de...
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Jarvis/Bloor New condo
2008-04-10 03:40:00
Soaring 44 storey sleek and slender glass tower offering sweeping panoramic views of the city Professionally designed and decorated lobby by the award winning Mike Niven Interior Design Inc Expansive windows as per planProfessionally detailed corridors designed by Mike Niven Interior Design Inc. Two designer decorated guest suites OCCUPANCY: March 2011DOWNPAYMENT: 5% on signing, 5% in 60 days, 5% 180 days, 5% in 365 days STANDARDS: Granite kitchen countertopsMarble bathrooms sinksLaminate flooringCONTACT ME FOR FLOORPLANS!!shchung@trebnet.com
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Bidding War Basics For Buyers
2008-04-07 04:22:00
By Viviane KerteszWhen you’ve found that perfect little house you'd like to call your home, the last thing you want is to have to compete with other potential buyers. But bidding wars—especially in hot real estate markets and urban centres—are more of a reality now than ever. So what do you need to know to stand the best chance at signing on the dotted “sold” line? Winning a bidding war is always a roll of the dice, but read on for the real deal on how to prepare before entering the multiple-bid realty trenches. 1. LOAN LOGICGet pre-approved for a mortgage so you know the maximal financing available to you. By pre-qualifying for a loan, you’ll not only be aware of your offer’s ultimate ceiling, but you’ll shop around—and bid—accordingly. Speak with a broker to evaluate your options before you settle. A thumbs-up from the bank, along with agreeing to put down the biggest deposit or downpayment you can afford, can also help establish to sellers that you’re serio...
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Tips for First-time Toronto buyers
2008-03-26 05:26:00
If you’ve ever thought about owning your own home, now may be the time to take action. Lower interest rates combined with a growing inventory of homes for sale in the Toronto market may translate into a good opportunity for buyers in negotiating the terms of a sale with a seller.The home buying process may seem daunting to someone who has never purchased a home before. But, through home buying educational seminars offered in your community, and with the assistance of an experienced loan officer, a first-time home buyer can obtain a better understanding of their financing options, leading to a more positive home buying experience.Whether you’ve been dreaming of owning a home for years or you’ve just decided it would be a smart financial move to make, your first home buying experience will be a memorable one. It’s important to learn about your financing options in order to find the mortgage that’s right for you.Here are some suggestions for first-time home buyers:1. Educate ...
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2121 Lake Shore Blvd W
2008-02-27 01:44:00
http://toronto.craigslist.ca/tor/rfs/5868 62183.html
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Protect yourself with a team of real estate professionals.
2008-02-15 21:29:00
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. So when it comes time to signing on the dotted line, make sure you don't make decision alone. To help you put together the right team of professionals, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers the following list of experts and what they should bring to the table:Real estate agent.Among other services, your real estate agent will help you find a home, write an Offer of Purchase, negotiate a purchase on your behalf and save you a considerable amount of time, trouble and headaches. When choosing the agent you want to work with, don't be afraid to ask questions or interview several before selecting the one that seems right for you.Lender or mortgage brokerMany different institutions lend money for mortgages, including banks, trust companies, credit unions, pension funds, insurance companies and finance companies. It can be a good idea to shop around and speak with more than one lender before you make a choic...
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$269,900 - 1 bdrm plus den Waterfront Condo
2008-02-06 18:06:00
Fabulous Waterfront Condo In Prestigious 'Waterview Voyager 1'! 786 Sq Ft Including Balcony. 1 Bdrm + Den. Upgraded Kitchen Cupboards & Flooring. Spacious/Open Concept Layout W/ 2 Walkouts - From Master And Living With View Of The Lake!! Includes: PARKING, LOCKER, Fridge, Stove, Washer, Dryer, Dishwasher, Rangehood, All Electric light fixtures, All Window Coverings5 Star Amenities - 24 Hr Concierge. Golf Simulator, Indoor Pool, Theatre, Spa, Sauna, Sky Lounge, 2 Guest Suites.Contact:Sharon Chungshchung@trebnet.com416-720-2752