Posts by Elliot
Snowbird Travel Checklist
Here is a handy checklist for snowbirds travelling to warmer climes this winter: Stop deliveries (newspapers, etc.) Arrange to have a neighbour park their car in your driveway, to give the appearance that your home is occupied. Put a hold on your mail at the Post Office or have someone stop by and empty your…
Read MoreJanuary Checklist
The recent ice storm wreaked havoc on many homes and yards in Toronto. Now is the time for pruning or removing those damaged, dead or diseased trees. The trees are dormant and there is less chance of disturbing nearby plantings. And, prices are lower in the off season. January is an ideal time to take…
Read MoreKeep Your Home Safe and Dry This Winter
Last month’s ice storm in Toronto was an indicator of the winter ahead. The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts that reduced solar activity combined with certain weather patterns in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans will result in plunging temperatures and increased snowfall for many regions in the United States and Canada. “As always, water is your…
Read MoreHow 2013 Sales and Prices Stacked Up To 2012
The numbers are in. Overall, sales in the Greater Toronto Area in 2013 increased 1.9% over 2012. The 87,111 sales represents the 4th highest total in the last 11 years. The average price in 2013 (across all home types) of $523,036 is 5.2% higher than to 2012. The average price increases over the last five years…
Read MoreIn Floor Heating: A Smart and Healthy Reno Option
Homes and buildings in Canada have become more and more of an engineering exercise in recent years, as technology and energy efficiency-driven solutions emerge, making traditional construction methods a thing of the past in many areas. A number of these advancements in home construction are not that obvious or even hidden completely, adding efficiency without…
Read MoreMore Protection For Buyers in Bidding Wars
She thought there’d be a bidding war. And why not? That’s exactly what the real estate agent told her. “You’d better make this your best shot because there’s gonna be a lot of competition.” So she did. After all, it was the perfect house – worth more than the asking price to her. But how…
Read MoreToronto Neighbourhoods Under The Scope – Dec 2013 vs. Dec 2012
Find your neighbourhood below and see how December’s sales stats stacked up to last year’s. C02 (Annex, Wychwood, Casa Loma, Yonge-St.Clair) Dec 2012 Dec 2013 % Change Active Listings 182 161 – 11.5% Sales 26 33 + 26.9% Average Price $642,996 $1,086,218 + 68.9% Days on Market 40 50 + 25.0% Avg % of List Price 97…
Read MoreGTA Realtors® Report December Resale Housing Figures
TORONTO, January 6, 2014 – Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 4,078 residential transactions through the TorontoMLS system in December 2013 – up by almost 14 per cent compared to 3,582 sales reported in December 2012. New listings entered into the TorontoMLS system were down by almost four per cent over the same period. Total sales…
Read MoreCurrent Residential Mortgage Rates as of January 6, 2014
Term Rate 6 months 3.95% 1 Year 2.89% 2 Year 2.79% 3 Year 2.89% 4 Year 3.39% 5 Year 3.24% 7 Year 3.99% 10 Year 4.39% Prime = 3.00% Variable Closed (5 yr) = Prime minus 0.55% = 2.45% Variable Open = Prime plus 0.80% = 3.80% Courtesy of John Chrisanthidis, Mortgage Intelligence
Read MoreFor The Holidays: Create A Custom Cocktail
Hosting a holiday party this year? Make it a memorable one for your guests by creating your own special cocktail, one that will be talked about for years to come. A cocktail can be made from just about any combination of at least 2 different liquids, yet many recipes call for 4 or more. We…
Read More