We're Proud to Announce...

We’re proud to announce a partnership with Habitat for Humanity Toronto.




Our goal is to raise awareness and support them in their efforts to eliminate poverty housing in our community.

One of the great ways to support Habitat for Humanity is through their ReStores…donate or shop!

Habitat for Humanity Toronto’s ReStores sell new and gently used renovation materials and supplies. Everything sold in the ReStores has been donated which is how they are able to sell everything for at least 50% off retail, or more.

They constantly receive new inventory so every visit to the ReStore you can find an amazing deal or a one-of-a-kind gem.

We are doing our own renovation and were able to find a new designer chandelier for 60% less than retail!

If you are conquering a renovation yourself, find out how you can donate your home’s materials instead of paying for costly disposal fees. Not to mention receive a tax receipt.

Habitat ReStore profits pay for 100% of the administrative costs of operating Habitat for Humanity Toronto. By covering their own costs, they are able to direct every dollar donated to home building.

You can check out the local ReStore at 29 Bermondsey Road or go to www.torontohabitat.ca for more locations.

Did you know?

The Toronto Star just named our city “Canada’s poverty capital.” Thirty percent of families in the GTA live below the poverty line.

Beyond the Clutter

Most of us have read articles and watched shows on organization.

We've also heard the usual tips...de-clutter whatever you can, don' t buy anything unless you have a place for it etc.

But this month we're going to share ideas that go beyond the usual and the best ones to help organize your life.

Greetings...

Nothing instills a nice jolt of panic than realizing that someone's birthday crept up on you or knowing you've got to send a thank you or symptahy card right away. How many times have you made the same trip to Hallmark or Shoppers over and over?

Get a stack of large cellphane bags, tissue paper and neutral ribbon - you can get 100 bags and a 100 yards of ribbon at Creative Bag for about $20 each! You will never have to buy wrapping paper again and you will look like Martha Stewart.

Spend some time at your favorite card shop and buy specific birthday cards for all of your close friends and family. Buy some generic ones to just in case you make new friends :) Get a box of thank you cards, and a few each of the following: get well, congrats, anniversary, sympathy.



Buy an file folder that seperates by month - for the specific cards, write the name on the envelope and pop it in the month of their birthday. Do the same if you are going to go crazy and send specfic cards for anniversaries or upcoming weddings and babies.

There you go - calm, cool, collected and giving the impression of being incredibly thoughtful.


As you walk in the door...

Unless you have the luxury of a proper mud-room where it doesn't matter if backpacks, gloves, scarves, mail, newspapers and the other stuff of life lands randomly, consider some of the following ideas.

A row of storage cubes - sit AND store...one for everyone in the family if you have room. They double as extra seating when you entertain and if someone is popping over at the last minute, you can chuck everything in them temporarily.

An idea that we saw on a small spaces home show was a reclaimed stack of gym lockers.

Every cubbie had someone's name on it or a name for the contents. You can get new ones at Staples or checkout used office furniture places like Baker's At Work Office Furniture.


For a more traditional look, check out Pottery Barn for great double-duty entry organizers.











The home office...

One of the top executive coaching programs espouses that you should be able to work anywhere. Meaning your desk should consist of your computer, and maybe a pen if you really, really need one.

Compress and go wireless - Staples offers all-in-one wireless printers starting at $100. We have a Brother MFC-640 and love it. Get a laptop and use the built-in mouse...you WILL get used to it.



As great as cell phone, and ipods are, they never seem to find a good home for charging. Pick up one of these organizers to consolidate the wires and give them a great looking place to hang out while they charge up.



Use your berry or PDA- you paid enough for it didn't you? We love using the Task function for to-do lists. Here is my wife's list:

Errands
- for a specific day or trip

Work and Personal to-do
- more of a weekly view

Reno
- for each category of our reno...all measurements, product codes, colours etc. are on there and I'm sure a few things she's found that she'll want to buy when we move in that are clearly documented

Birthdays
- great for when you think of a great present idea for someone

Books/Movies/Wine
- one place for when someone recommends something or you want to remember later

Groceries
- ditch the list on the fridge, most people forget to bring it shopping anyway and you have a place to jot down in when you are not standing in your kitchen

Poker (?)
- she also keeps a poker cheat-sheet in her blackberry just in case a game springs up at Gymboree


Communication is key...

How many annoying times have we heard that communication is the key to a great relationship?

No matter how great of a wife/husband/parent/friend we are, we all go Charlie Brown once in a while and only hear "wahwahwahwahwahwah...(insert your name here)...wahwahwah".

Since it is unlikely that the family unit is going to synch their blackberries, pick a wall and put up a chalkboard, or just paint a feature wall with chalkboard paint. You can also custom frame for a more refined look.

Scribble birthdays, events, dinner ideas, chores, errands and maybe even the occaisional 'i love you'. My favorite is the 'don't forget...'. Be careful, you won't be able to use the excuse that you weren't told about it.


Who designed the green bin anyway?...

A lot of us live in kitchens that were designed before recylcing and green bins became commonplace. How many of you live with an overcrowded garbage cupboard and piles of bottles, cans and ugly green bins sitting on your counter or by your door?

If you are thinking of renovating your kitchen, consider having your design include two roll-out cabinets with two full-size bins each. One for garbage, one for recycling, one for green bin and one for extra recycling such as paper or other items needing room such as dog food.

If you aren't renovating, see if you can retrofit a current cabinet by removing the shelving and inserting an additional garbage can for recycling or green bin items.




As for the outside, I know the plastic bins colours make it easy for the city to discern what is what but if those colours coordinate with your exterior, it's time to re-paint.

I can't tell you how many great homes I visit where thought and consideration has been put into beautiful planters, doorways and landscaping, only to see garbage and recylcing containers standing in full view outside the home.

Invest in a racoon-proof container system that brings some asthetic qualities to your home. If you can, paint it out to match your exterior.

Great systems are available in a range of prices. Check out Bin Solutions for a wide variety of options.


The great illusion...

Some of us are not natural organizers, nor do we want to be. But the old mantra of having a place for everything really does work.

Don't worry about whether your underwear is folded. Just make sure you have a drawer or basket for it. Don't freak out about your mail not being sorted, at least have a box or container for it until you do tackle the pile so it's not becoming your secondary counter surface.

Just don't let anyone open your cabinets or handy-dandy storage units - some items may have shifted after stuffing them full.

If all else fails, claim to be a prodigal eccentric artist whose surroundings are cluttered but whose mind is crystal clear.

January 2008 Market Watch

A strong performance within TREB's Central districts drove the Toronto area real estate market to a healthy 5,073 sales in January, off just two per cent from last year's record performance, President Maureen O'Neill announced today.

"While sales were strong, price increases remained modest, with the average rising six per cent to $374,449," said Ms. O'Neill.

There is short supply in some neighbourhoods for great houses. If you are considering selling, now is a great time as there is very strong demand from buyers. If your home shows well you will be in great a position to receive multiple offers.

Neighbourhood Watch - January 2008

Based on homes sales that month.

E02 -The Beach (coxwell, danforth, victoria park)
Detached: $667,959
Semi-detached: $440,330
Condo: $407,000

E03 - Danforth North (DVP, victoria park, danforth)
Detached: $422,296
Semi-Detached: $403,213
Condo: $166,474

E01 - Danforth South & Riverdale (DVP, danforth, coxwell)
Detached: $504,875
Semi-Detached: $444,976
Condo:$329,955

C04 - Bedford West & Lytton Park (allen, 401, yonge, eglinton)
Detached: $1,016,049
Semi-Detached: $540,000
Condo: $277,987

C09 - Rosedale (yonge, st.clair, bayview, bloor)
Detached: $1,502,000
Semi-Detached: $1,775,000
Condo: $574,667

C03 - Forest Hill (allen, eglinton, yonge, st.clair)
Detached: $661,440
Semi-Detached: $474,250
Condo: $466,625

C12- Lawrence Park/Bedford East (yonge, 401, leslie, eglinton)
Detached: $1,872,389
Semi-Detached: n/a
Condo: $659,583

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board November January 2008

My Wife Quit

I guess she can only take so much of me.

Actually, we've gotten so busy that I've hired a new full-time assistant. We're excited to welcome Jenny Simon to the team!

She is a perfect fit... a qualified designer with strong project management skills and staging expertise, especially as we are getting more involved in helping clients get their homes ready for sale.

Jenny graduated from the Academy of Design and designed condominium lobbies, common areas as well as the model and private suites. She also worked as an in-house design consultant for Latitude for Living for Beach residents.

Creating a Healthy Home

We spend an average 90% of our time indoors and 1/2 of our lives sleeping. What we don't know about our homes is harming us.

This month I'm sharing the potential hazards and how you can take some easy steps to creating a healthy home. There are also a few tips on how you can go green and help your health at the same time.

How You Live

Allergens

Allergens can include dust mites, mold, pollen and pet dander, all of which cause allergy triggers. Use HEPA filters for your air ducts and vacuum.

Electomagnetic Fields

These can lead to sleep disorders, headaches and cancer. Move power strips away from your bed or work space wherever possible.

Forced Air Ducts

This is a part of the house you don't really think about but it can be a bad source of allergens and even mould. Have them cleaned once a year by a certified technician

Refridgerator Drip Pans

This is nasty...how often do we all think to clean this part of the fridge? The pans are a breeding ground for mold spores. Clean this monthly.

Power Strips

Even after turning off a computer, power continues to flow to computer peripherals like printers and scanners. Your tv's and stereos can ofter be using 40% of the power even they are turned off, called 'standby' power. BITS Ltd. has a power strip ($32.99 USD) that stops the energy from being wasted. For more information visit http://www.bitsltd.net/.

Smart Lightbulbs

Smart bulbs use 70 to 75 percent less energy than incandescent lightbulbs and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. For example, by using a 26-watt compact fluorescent lightbulb—equivalent to a 100-watt incandescent lightbulb—users can save up to $59 on energy costs over the life of the bulb.

How You Clean

If you've ever sprayed you bathtub with Tilex, you know this stuff can't be good for you. We've been taught that 'clean' has a smell, but it doesn't! You can always use products that have natural scents like lavender and lemon if you really want that effect but artificial scents are just adding more toxins.

Out of anything you do, this is one of the most effective ways to improve your home's health. Parents who's children have had respiratory problems such as asthma have reported significant improvements to their condition once they changed to all-natural cleaning products.

Use non-toxic, all natural cleaning products such as Seventh Generation - available at most health food grocers and Home Depot.

You can easily switch the following items:

- general household cleaner
- laundry detergent
- dishwasher detergent
- non-chlorinated cleaning cloths
- recycled bags, toilet paper, paper towel etc.

If you have cleaners who provide their own products, make sure they are using green, non-toxic products and cloths instead of paper towel. Many cleaning companies are now catering to clients who are interested in all-natural environmentally sensitive cleaning.


How You Eat & Drink

Plastic Containers

Many bottles and containers are made from polyethylene terephthalate, or PET. They leach a chemicals such as antimony which is a toxic element with a similar composition to lead.

You can switch to stainless steel bottles, which are also better for the environment. The best price and brand, Kleen Kanteen in Canada is available at http://www.momknowsbest.ca/. They offer a great selection of sizes and even offer a sippy cup version as well as Born Free glass and safe plastic baby bottles.

It's a challenge but try to eliminate plastic from your kitchen. Organic milk in bottles tastes so much better and by the time you get refund on the bottle the cost is actually less than standard milk. Cook and serve with glass, especially for children and babies.

Organic Foods

The word "organic" refers to farming practices that encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat don't use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease. They also don't give animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications and give animals organic feed and allow them access to the outdoors.

Even with purchasing organic foods, wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly with running water to reduce the amount of dirt and bacteria. If appropriate, use a small scrub brush — for example, before eating apples, potatoes, cucumbers or other produce in which you eat the outer skin.

Even better, start a garden. It's a great way to get outside, get kids involved in something healthy, you never have to worry about having to run to the store for fresh produce and the taste is so much better.

Even if you splurge on the cost to buy organic, we've found the difference in taste and quality is unbelievable. Next time you're at the store, buy one organic and one non-organic banana and do a taste test!

Other Impactful Changes

Plastic Bags

Switch to reusable grocery bags. They hold a lot more and are easier to carry. They are also great for hauling extra stuff up to the cottage.

Minimized Packaging

Buy products in bulk or that don't have a ton of excessive packaging. You'll usually save money this way too.

Recycling

The City of Toronto is finally recognizing that we are doing a great job of trying to recycle but there just isn't enough room in those small silly boxes. Keep your eyes out in the mail for a form to order a super-size blue box or click here to order online and learn more.

Composting

The green bin is fine but why give the city all the good stuff for your garden? Composting sounds 'yucky' but you can get great composters from the Home Depot, from a trendy, low-cost bamboo style from NatureMill for $69.99 to their fully automatic system for $449.00.

How You Build

This is a huge topic, so if you are considering a renovation or building, check out the Built Green Society of Canada.

There are also massive incentives from the government for improving the energy efficiency of your home. On our own renovation we will be getting about $10,000 in grants and refunds! Check out this EcoENERGY Retrofit link for more info.

When You Move

When you buy a new home, do not assume it's healthy! Have the ducts cleaned, change all air filters (upgrade to HEPA filters), change any water or vacuum filters and clean all appliances. It is well worth hiring a professional cleaning company to get in every nook and cranny before you move your things in.

Don't forget to change the batteries in all smoke detectors and updgrade carbon minoxide detectors if needed.

In Conclusion

At the end of the day, it may seem like a bit of extra effort and expense but the payoff to your health and the environment are huge. And aren't you and your family worth it?

Who do you know who is looking to buy or sell? I'm happy to help - (416) 690-2181 or info@markrichards.ca.

Year-End 2007 Market Watch

2007 was a busy year...there is no doubt about it. Activity increased a whopping 12 percent over last year for a record setting 93,193 sales.

Prices rose seven percent to $376,326 compared to last year's $351,941 and it has taken barely a month on average for homes to sell.

It's obvious that concerns over the U.S. economy have not had an impact on the past year but it will be interesting to see what impact the new land transfer tax (coming into effect February 1st. ) will have on buyers in 2008.

On another note, our financial advisor Shawn Rutledge of BMO Nesbitt Burns, sent an interesting commentary on the capital markets.

Fears over the economy always have an interesting effect on the real estate market but he shared a statement from Peter Lynch of Fidelity Investments who pointed out an interesting difference...

"Lynch suggests investors should emulate homeowners. "Your own home is a great investment, Lynch says, because of the key psychological reason that most of us aren't tempted to sell our home to satisfy a whim or to escape a feared bear market. "

"'There is no ticker tape for real estate or TV commentators mentioning that the house next to you on Lawrence Avenue declined 10% in active trading today, or that one on Roselawn Avenue went down 15%. Daily prices would drive homeowners crazy and be counterproductive.'"

The point? Invest wisely for the long term for maximum benefit and don't let the media hype scare you out of making an investment that makes sense for you, whether in capital markets or real estate.

Check out the prices in neighbourhoods around the GTA below for their average 2007 price overall!


Neighbourhood Watch - 2007

E02 -The Beach (coxwell, danforth, victoria park)
Average Price: $494,797

E03 - Danforth North (DVP, victoria park, danforth)
Average Price: $356,759

E01 - Danforth South & Riverdale (DVP, danforth, coxwell)
Average Price: $409,611

C04 - Bedford West & Lytton Park (allen, 401, yonge, eglinton)
Average Price: $715,065

C09 - Rosedale (yonge, st.clair, bayview, bloor)
Average Price: $1,085,223

C03 - Forest Hill (allen, eglinton, yonge, st.clair)
Average Price: $823,917

C12- Lawrence Park/Bedford East (yonge, 401, leslie, eglinton)
Average Price: $1,265,707

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board 2007 MarketWatch - for the full report, click here.

Who do you know who is interested in buying or selling? Please forward my blog or pass on my info...
(416) 690-2181
info@markrichards.ca

All I want for Christmas...

Having seen what makes clients jaws drop (other than the cost of real estate), and what makes buyers want to jump at a house, this month I'm going to focus on something fun...technology in the home.

I have to admit it's been on my mind. We've just chosen our home media and we were astounded by the options and possibilities.

It also felt like we needed a PhD to figure out what all this stuff was so I'm paraphrasing some articles from http://www.electronichouse.com/ to give you the low-down on what you can look for in your next home, or install in your current one!


Security


It's a little scary what you can do.

Orson Wells, Big Brother...whatever you call it, consider the ramifications.

You can put cameras everywhere.

Think seeing who's at the front door is just for condos? Not anymore. Using a baby monitor? Now you can pull up a high-res view of your child's crib on your plasma screen in the kitchen. Not sure your cleaning lady is getting under the furniture? Now you can spy on her, or anyone else in your home...from your laptop.

Home Theatre

My wife doesn't understand why she gets a new kitchen with our reno and I get a new media system....and why my wish list is just as essential as a fridge or a sink. At the top of my list is a great home theater. Here's what you need to get (operative word being NEED)...

Screen
Is your room usually bright? Go LCD. Dark? Try plasma or a projector. In between? Microdisplays, especially for value in screen size delivered per dollars spent. LCDs and RPTVs (rear projection) don’t have as broad viewing angles as plasma, so make sure you can control the angle both horizontally and vertically. Oh, and go big or go home.

Surround-sound Receiver
Be sure a receiver or preamp is capable of playing in Dolby Digital or DTS Digital 5.1-channel surround sound (meaning five speakers and a subwoofer), or whatever you want to hear.

DVD/CD Player

DVD players can also play CDs, and many “universal” players can play multichannel DVD-Audio (DVD-A), Super Audio CD (SACD) and any other kind of CD- and DVD-R/RW/ROM you can find. Also be sure to get a progressive-scan DVD player if you have an HDTV. New Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD players play high-definition DVDs, as well as standard DVDs and CDs.

Satellite or Cable Receiver
Get a high-definition receiver, because you’ll need it to watch HDTV. And DVRs are built into some receivers, saving you from having to buy another box.

Great Add-ons
Digital video recorders (DVRs) allow you to record programs to a hard drive and pause the program you are watching. TiVo players are popular DVRs. Satellite radio tuners let you receive commercial-free radio from XM or Sirius satellite radio systems. Digital media servers allow you to store, organize and instantly access your personal music collection (aka iTunes). Streaming devices can take the audio or video content on your computer and stream it wirelessly to your home entertainment system.


Audio

For speakers, don't scrimp. You get what you pay for so ignore that guy with the back of his van doors open.

Have the same speakers all around...or at least the same manufacturer. And don't buy one of those surround-sound systems in a box that come with the receiver. Worst case just buy the speaker-only package. The speakers should also have identical power ratings and frequency ranges.

The center channel is the most important speaker in a surround-sound system. All of the on-screen dialogue comes through this speaker, and about 70 percent of all sounds in a movie soundtrack come through it. Spend your bucks here.

Get this! Now you can have invisible speakers. You install them in your ceiling or walls and actually plaster and paint over them...I don't know exactly how they work but I'm getting them. As much as manufacturers have tried to make cool looking speakers, they never quite look right in the corner of your room.


Control Panels


Instead of having to control your music and media from a receiver, or even adjust your lighting from a switch, now you can do it all from a very cool looking control touchpad.

Just don't lose the touchpad or you won't be able to see or hear anything.




If you are a little bit more old-school, you can go for the remote-on-steriods..

Another neat feature you can get is the ability to control multiple 'zones' in your home. You could have relaxing jazz playing in your master ensuite, and head-banging garage rock in the basement...or whatever works for you.







Speaking of controlling things, were you ever frustrated by trying to find music on your little iPod screen? Now you can bring up iTunes on your plasma screen and select music with your remote.

Overall...

This is just the tip of the iceberb when it comes to home technology. If your budget is unlimited, so are your options.

But beyond the fun and how cool most of these things are, they do add real value to a home and can give your home a competitive edge in the market...at least that's what I keep telling my wife!

She must agree because she is on board with some great options that we're going to do in our new home :)

What is your home worth? To find out, contact me at (416) 690-2181 or info@markrichards.ca.

November 2007 Market Watch

Last month became the best November on record with 7,313 resale home transactions in the GTA.

TREB President Maureen O'Neill announced today, "...eight of the 11 months so far this year set new monthly records. No other year has shown as many record-breaking monthly performances.”

Sales were up 16 per cent in November compared to the same timeframe last year.

At $393,757, November’s average price increased 11 per cent as compared to a year ago and remained in line with the previous month. Some of the most significant activity in November took place in the 416 area code.

Based on strong sales in all housing types, Riverdale (E01) saw a 56 per cent increase in transactions compared to November 2006.

In the Islington/Kingsway (W08), sales rose 55 per cent over last November, driven primarily by an increase in detached home sales.

"These numbers reflect the fact that people who live in the Greater Toronto Area see real estate as an excellent long-term investment”, said Ms. O'Neill.


Neighbourhood Watch - November 2007

E02 -The Beach (coxwell, danforth, victoria park)
Detached: $656,336
Semi-detached: $470,466
Condo: $334,875

E03 - Danforth North (DVP, victoria park, danforth)
Detached: $456,566
Semi-Detached: $385,611
Condo: $152,892

E01 - Danforth South & Riverdale (DVP, danforth, coxwell)
Detached: $575,183
Semi-Detached: $426,261
Condo:$353,824

C04 - Bedford West & Lytton Park (allen, 401, yonge, eglinton)
Detached: $1,017,494
Semi-Detached: $548,417
Condo: $350,372

C09 - Rosedale (yonge, st.clair, bayview, bloor)
Detached: $1,388,701
Semi-Detached: $1,587,500
Condo: $557,833

C03 - Forest Hill (allen, eglinton, yonge, st.clair)
Detached: $870,798
Semi-Detached: $616,600
Condo: $774,396

C12- Lawrence Park/Bedford East (yonge, 401, leslie, eglinton)
Detached: $1,465,176
Semi-Detached: n/a
Condo: $684,182

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board November October 2007

MarketWatch - for the full report, click here.

Who do you know who is interested in buying or selling? Please forward my blog or pass on my info...

(416) 690-2181
info@markrichards.ca

The NEW Land Transfer Tax - What you need to know.

Despite the fight to the bitter end, the new land transfer tax was approved by the City of Toronto in October.

It's important to understand how it works if you are thinking of buying or selling as it will affect everyone, especially if you were thinking of postponing any activity until the spring.

I've attached the details from the Toronto Real Estate Board but here is a good summary...

A second land transfer tax, on top of the provincial land transfer tax, has been approved at the following rates for residential homes:

*An easy-to-use calculator is available at http://www.nohomebuyingtax.com/

0.5% of the amount of the purchase price up to and including $55,000
1% of the amount of the purchase price between $55,000 and $400,000
2% of the amount of the purchase price above $400,000

When does it take effect?
February 1, 2008

But there are exceptions...

1. Grandfathered Transactions
If you enter into an agreement of purchase and sale by December 31, 2007, and your close date is on or after February 1, 2008 you will be charged the tax but the city will rebate you in full afterwards.

2. First Time Home Buyers
First time home buyers of new and re-sale homes will receive a rebate of the Toronto land transfer tax of up to $3,725 (this equals a 100% rebate on homes purchased for up to $400,000).

Here's how we're seeing it affect the market...

If you are thinking of selling, be prepared to move and close before February 1, 2008! If you are not able or willing to do so, you may find buyers negotating the equivalent tax from their originally intended offers. On a $500,000 home this would work out to $5,725.

If you are thinking of buying, the motivation to move faster just got stronger. Again, the hit to your bank account means thousands of dollars. And you cannot roll this tax into your mortgage as you can with CMHC insurance premiums.

Even if you buy before December 31st but close on or after February 1, 2008 you will still have to come up with the funds and wait to be refunded by the city.

For the details directly from the city, click here.


And about that U.S. economy and our soaring loonie...

The U.S. economy has been like a little black cloud following us around that occassionally has slivers of light but is bothersome nonetheless.

While I already visited this topic, I thought it was worth doing a quick update and checking in with the economists given the track record of the dollar lately.

Should we be worried as home owners, or future home buyers? Will our property values drop? Will the market crash?Here is a great snapshot from TD's quarterly economic forecast from October....

- Canada's economic growth to soften, but economic expansion will continue
- Canadian dollar to remain close to, or slightly above, parity over the next six months
- U.S. economic slowdown to persist through 2008, but a recession unlikely
- Comination of strong loonie and U.S. weaknesses will hamper selected Canadian industries, including: manufacturing, tourism and hospitality
- Domestic Canadian economy and Canadian real estate markets will remain solid

They go to say...
"The Canadian housing market remains strong. We do not believe that there is a bubble in Canadian real estate, as prices and sales growth have been driven by economic fundamentals, not speculation or inappropriate lending behaviour that characterized the U.S. experience."

To see the full report, click here.

Who do you know who would enjoy this blog? Please forward it on!

Regards,Mark
http://www.markrichards.ca/
info@markrichards.ca
416. 728.2499

October 2007 Market Watch

October 2007 was another record breaking month with sales up 15% over October 2006!

"There is every indication that 2007 will be a banner year for resale housing activity in the Greater Toronto Area," said TREB President Maureen O'Neill. "The effects of the City of Toronto's new land transfer tax will definitely be felt in 2008 but we are also confident that consumers will see the value of real estate as a solid long-term investment.:

Prices rose in October, with the average climbing 11% over the $356,423 recorded in October 2006. (!) An incredible return when you consider your principal home is not subject to personal taxes or capital gains when you sell.

Neighbourhood Watch - October 2007

E02 -The Beach (coxwell, danforth, victoria park)
Detached: $670,473
Semi-detached: $432,162
Condo: $356,143

E03 - Danforth North (DVP, victoria park, danforth)
Detached: $454,854
Semi-Detached: $443,529
Condo: $211,500

E01 - Danforth South & Riverdale (DVP, danforth, coxwell)
Detached: $529,250
Semi-Detached: $432,162
Condo:$257,000

C04 - Bedford West & Lytton Park (allen, 401, yonge, eglinton)
Detached: $958,411
Semi-Detached: $588,383
Condo: $257,064

C09 - Rosedale (yonge, st.clair, bayview, bloor)
Detached: $2,156,542
Semi-Detached: $1,264,111
Condo: $732,414

C03 - Forest Hill (allen, eglinton, yonge, st.clair)
Detached: $913,797
Semi-Detached: $629,349
Condo: $761,640

C12- Lawrence Park/Bedford East (yonge, 401, leslie, eglinton)
Detached: $1,500,871
Semi-Detached: n/a
Condo: $629,250

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board October 2007

MarketWatch - for the full report, click here.

Who do you know who is interested in buying or selling? Please forward my blog or pass on my info...

info@markrichards.ca

My Extreme Makeover

I'm not sure if my wife just doesn't think I'm good looking enough or if she doesn't want me to be recognized on the street but my 'identity' as undergone an extreme makeover!

Check out my new website by clicking here ...

And here is the back of my new business card...

Click on comments below and tell me what you think!

My Little Black Book for Your Home

When you own a home, the shopping will never end. Trust me.

You might consider it a fun experience or, you might rather clean the toilet with your toothbrush. :)

Now on home #3, my wife and I have had done a lot of research and shopping and have found some of the best places and best finds for everything that you need for your home.

Many clients ask me after closing where to find great furniture, contractors, finishins, supplies etc...so now I'm going to share our shopping secrets with you. Don't forget to say Mark sent you!
(most of the suppliers have a live link to their websites - just click on the name if it's green!)

Renovations

Contractors
Give me a call directly if you are looking for a contractor. I have a few good guys but it depends on what you need. I also have other trades but again, it depends on what you are looking for.

Selba Kitchens - Paula Murphy 416-967-3600
For a full range of kitchen styles and budgets, Paula is the one to go to.

ecoEnergy Government Retro Fit Grants
To get rebates and grants for your home improvements, be sure to check this out and have an energy audit done before you start any work!


Home Improvement Materials & Supplies

Flea Market Tiles at 1345 Morningside Rd. (416-822-1201)
A cozy little store with an extensive array of ceramic, glass, marble, granite and porcelain tiles that are surplus from home builders. Owner Tony DiMarco claims his prices are about half of those in tonier stores. But make sure you measure carefully, and pick up a few extra tiles, because there's no guarantee you'll ever find more of the same tile.

Habitat ReStore
They sell good-quality used and surplus building materials and end of stock or trade show items at deeply discounted prices. Proceeds from the sales support the construction of Habitat houses in the community. It's a bit of a mish-mash of stock, but if you're planning any kind of renovation, check them out often. My wife just found an incredible chandelier from a tradeshow display - retails for $1500, got it for $225!!

Lee Valley Tools
So much more than tools! They offer an incredible selection of great quality cabinet hardware and things you never expected. Plus they are a tool junkie's dream.

Home Depot
The usual suspects, Home Depot & Rona. My preference is Home Depot where the staff tend to be former trades people and know their stuff. From my experience I'm guessing Rona's hiring base is the local high school. If you know what you need and just want to get in and out, don't go crazy going to specialty stores. Just hit the big box.

Caplan's Appliance Store
Check out their clearance centre!! We found a high-end dishwasher and got $400 off and there was a barely visible scratch on the side of the door. They also give decent discounts if you are buying an appliance package - i.e. everything for your kitchen - and they don't have to be the same brands.

Sunrise Landscaping Building Supply
More personal service and assistance than the big-box places. The only plant matter they sell is sod but great for stonework, lumber etc.

Roman Bath Centre
Great and unique bath products, good prices. We went there first to make our fixture and porecelain selection for our reno then checked out TUBS.

Tubs
They have a huge showroom just off the Queensway at their Etobicoke location. The other great thing is that they have at least 20 model suites set up so if you're trying to get ideas first, check them out. They also have selections of tile and more product range than most places so you should be able to find everything you need.

Audio, Video & Sound
I have a a couple of guys but it's by referral only so give me a call if you're looking for a great deal on plasmas, lcd's etc.


Clean-Up

European Cleaners 905.686.2379
If you can, it's well worth it to have them come in a clean your old place post-move and make sure your new place is spotless before you move in. Moving is stressful and busy enough without having to worry about mopping and cleaning two places (this is assuming that you were brought up right and taught to leave your home in the condition you would want it in for yourself!)

Healthy Home Carpet Care - Garvin 416.783.3434
Nicest guy and he can get stains out that you'd never think possible!

Paneless Perfection Window & Eaves Cleaning 416.779.7263

Junk Removal - John 416.792.8748
There are so many frachises but John is my guy. He's reasonable and fast.


Staging & Decor
(this is all in the family :)

Decor - Heather Richards Interiors - (416) 706-0813

Staging & Home Organization - Kelly Richards Design - (416) 301-2862


Home Furnishings

Craigslist
Great for buying items that would not be ideal for shipping or that you want to see first as they organize by what's available with your city.

Ebay
Great for smaller items - just be careful about getting stung with delivery or duty if you are shopping from sellers in the U.S.

GH Johnston - 950 Dupont StToronto, 416-532-6700
Great, decent quality and a great art section at the back.

EQ3 416-815-2002
My wife loves EQ3 as they have innovative furniture with style but very affordable prices.

Elte or Up Country
For those with fine taste and the budget to match!

Au Lit Fine Linens Outlet at 2045 Yonge St. - 416-489-5245
Owned by mother/daughter duo Peggy Byron and Joanna Goodman. Tucked above and just south of Au Lit's main storefront, the outlet is a great place to get high-end linens at up to 50 per cent off regular prices. It's a good spot even just to get inspired about trends in colours and textures.

Homesense
Somtimes you can luck out and get some great finds. We've bought great contemporary lamps for $99 that retail for $299. Other great buys include dishware, towels, mirrors and even area rugs.

A note on Ikea...
Ikea can be great for some things, not so great for others. Vanities, organizational solutions, accessories etc. Just try not to buy the truly recognizable things like lamps, billy bookcases etc. if you are doing quality finishes everywhere else. Also, be careful about supplies like faucets. We bought one for our condo and ended up having to spend more money on our plumber because it did not fit regular North American standards.


Other Resources

A lot of the time you spend on your home is involved in research and figuring out what you want. Here are our favorite places and things to browse for inspiration, product reviews and info.

Websites

HGTV
Great for when you're watching the channel and see something you like - they have shopping guides for most things shown on their programs.

Cityline
Check out their extensive database of video clips for home tours. They are a great source for inspiration.

Home Builder Canada
This is an industry site but a great source of information for product reviews and manufacturers of all types of materials and supplies.


Magazines

Living Etc.
This is a UK publication...the brits may have a strange sense of humour but they have our favorite decor magazine. They brialliantly show how you can mix elements of traditional and contemporary and for a unique but lasting look - and they showcase a great mix of homes...grand and compact.

Metropolitan Home
A higher-end view of the world of decor but with usability and comfort considered.


Other Tips

For Ideas...
Whether you are in your dream home or just starting out, buy a photo album and cut out any pictures in magazines of rooms, furniture, elements or ideas that you really like. Put them in the album. Not only is this a great way to get to know your own style but when you are ready to buy or renovate, it's a great reference point and guide to help in the decision making process.

For Sanity...
If you are in a relationship then draw a line in the sand and decide who gets executive decision making powers. i.e. I get the final call on anything structural, anything in the basement and electrical. My wife gets the final call on decor, finishes and kitchen. That's not to say that you shouldn't play nice and consider what your partner wants. It just means you can ignore it afterwards if you choose and not argue about it :)


Everyone has their great place and finds. I'd love to hear yours and keep sharing so please comment below!

Who do you know who would enjoy this blog? Please forward it on or send me their email address and I'll add them on.

Regards,
Mark
http://www.markrichards.ca/
info@markrichards.ca
(416) 728-2499

September 2007 Market Watch

September put in another excellent performance, with 6,866 single family units changing hands through the TorontoMLS system, Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) President Maureen O’Neill announced today.

“This figure was up four per cent from last year (6,622 sales), and off only six per cent from the record 7,326 sales recorded during September of 2005.” Year-to-date sales, at 73,827, were up 12 per cent over 2006.

“They are also,” the President went on to note, “up 11 per cent over the first nine months of 2005, which turned out to be the best year ever recorded in the history of TREB.”

Prices rebounded in September, rising five per cent over August to $380,132. On a year-over-year basis they were up also up five per cent, to $371,848 from the $352,318 recorded during the first nine months of 2006.

Breaking down the total, 2,613 sales were reported in TREB’s 28 West districts and averaged $351,328; 1,298 sales were reported in the 14 Central districts and averaged $501,419; 1,380 sales were reported in the 23 North districts and averaged $404,663; and 1,575 sales were reported in TREB’s 21 East districts and averaged $306,467. "


Neighbourhood Watch - September 2007

E02 -The Beach (coxwell, danforth, victoria park)
Detached: $683,226
Semi-detached: $460,294
Condo: $315,625

E03 - Danforth North (DVP, victoria park, danforth)
Detached: $438,519
Semi-Detached: $418,137
Condo: $196,148

E01 - Danforth South & Riverdale (DVP, danforth, coxwell)
Detached: $489,306
Semi-Detached: $425,464
Condo:$351,000

C04 - Bedford West & Lytton Park (allen, 401, yonge, eglinton)
Detached: $936,249
Semi-Detached: $570,343
Condo: $291,875

C09 - Rosedale (yonge, st.clair, bayview, bloor)
Detached: $2,190,237
Semi-Detached: $734,000
Condo: $700,667

C03 - Forest Hill (allen, eglinton, yonge, st.clair)
Detached: $773,127
Semi-Detached: $561,792
Condo: $567,039

C12- Lawrence Park/Bedford East (yonge, 401, leslie, eglinton)
Detached: $1,818,169
Semi-Detached: n/a
Condo: $513,000

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board September 2007 MarketWatch - for the full report, click here.

To have this blog sent to someone you know who is looking to buy or sell, send their email to info@markrichards.ca

Boom or Bubble?

With the insane record-setting activity in the real estate market over the summer, there is a lot of buzz about whether the market bubble is going to burst or if this is an ongoing boom.

If you've been a part of any a conversation on this topic, discussion has probably come up about the U.S. market.

Creditors are losing their shirts, home owners are defaulting on their mortgages at unprecedented rates, the state of the economy and frightening 'living on credit' approach is pushing a crash in the U.S. real estate market.

How can it not affect the Canadian market?

The Toronto Star recently featured an article that has some great insight that I support...

"U.S. housing woes are not headed here."

'Oh Canada, Get a load of this boom!" What a great headline, especially since I found it on the front page of the real estate section of the Chicago Tribune (Aug. 5, 2007).

Americans are quite envious of our housing market as they suffer through the subprime mortgage meltdown. I'm often asked if the same thing could happen here and I'm happy to say the answer is `no,' at least according to Peter Vukanovich, president of Genworth Financial Canada, which, next to CMHC is the largest mortgage insurer in Canada.

Vukanovich says there are many important differences in lending practices and regulatory systems in the two countries. The Genworth head explains that subprime mortgages typically have higher interest rates and fees than "prime" mortgages and often include features such as "teaser" rates that offer the homebuyer very low payments for a short time, or the option to make interest-only payments.

As well, whereas Canadian lenders are very strict about debt ratios, income verification and credit checks, the American lenders are not nearly as diligent.

Vukanovich notes that here in Canada, most loans are made for five-year terms with fixed monthly payments that will not jump quickly to unaffordable levels. Also, mortgage interest is not tax deductible here, so we have an incentive to pay off our mortgages as quickly as possible.

Another important difference in Canada is that mortgage default insurance is required under federal financial services law for those making less than a 20 per cent down payment. As a result, 95 per cent of the loans made in Canada are considered "prime" lending quality versus a much smaller number in the United States.

By acting as a lender's "second set of eyes," mortgage insurers see that underwriting standards are consistently applied to about half the market – approximately 450,000 mortgages in 2006.
Mortgage default insurance works by transferring the homeowner's risk of default from the lender to the mortgage insurer. It also benefits Canadian homebuyers by allowing them to obtain loans at lower interest rates than would otherwise be charged if lenders retained the risk of default.

"If Canada had a U.S.-style system, at least one-third of all Canadians who currently have low-cost insured prime mortgages would pay higher interest rates and additional fees," Vukanovich says.

"All told, Canadians can take comfort in knowing that our mortgage default insurance system is one of the most efficient, safest and stable in the world. "

The whole U.S. house of (credit) cards assumed rising housing markets and stable or declining interest rates. Unfortunately, the U.S. has seen the opposite trends.

We're very fortunate to be avoiding that fiasco here in Canada, although we are certainly feeling the side effects on the stock market side. For years, there were just two mortgage insurance companies in Canada, but we are starting to see some new players. I think competition is great, but we must ensure that responsible lending standards prevail.

The bottom line is that our lending practices are solid and our housing market remains strong and insulated from the woes of our neighbours to the south.

**************************************************************************

PS - With the dollar at par, now is a great time to purchase a vacation property in the states!

Who do you know who is ready to buy or sell? If you or anyone you know is ready to take the first step, share my blog with them or give me a call. info@markrichards.ca

Regards,
Mark
(416) 728-2499

August 2007 Market Watch

I'm getting tired! August became the fifth record-breaking month in a row with 8,059 sales. It was 15% more active than last year and 7% higher than the all time record.

The average price is up 7% over August 2006 at $361,890. TREB President Donald Bentley stated, "While the last decade has seen five record breaking years, and a good possibility of a sixth in 2007, year-over-year price increases have remained in the single digits. This kind of activity is sustainable for a long time."

With all the buzz about the U.S. economy, I'm featuring an article this month (see above) from the Toronto Star that talks about whether it will impact the Canadian real estate market.

Neighbourhood Watch - August 2007

E02 -The Beach (coxwell, danforth, victoria park)
Detached: $572,766
Semi-detached: $460,384
Condo: $283,500

E03 - Danforth North (DVP, victoria park, danforth)
Detached: $369,307
Semi-Detached: $375,195
Condo: $164,375

E01 - Danforth South & Riverdale (DVP, danforth, coxwell)D
etached: $423,108
Semi-Detached: $374,750
Condo:$367,000

C04 - Bedford West & Lytton Park (allen, 401, yonge, eglinton)
Detached: $843,705
Semi-Detached: $509,000
Condo: $275,474

C09 - Rosedale (yonge, st.clair, bayview, bloor)
Detached: $1,564,750
Semi-Detached: $3,100,000
Condo: $349,650

C03 - Forest Hill (allen, eglinton, yonge, st.clair)
Detached: $870,043
Semi-Detached: $553,906
Condo: $450,200

C12- Lawrence Park/Bedford East (yonge, 401, leslie, eglinton)
Detached: $1,866,624
Semi-Detached: n/a
Condo: $834,800

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board April 2007 MarketWatch - for the full report, click here.

To have this blog sent to someone you know who is looking to buy or sell, send their email to info@markrichards.ca

Playing the Game

In today's heated market, there are still a lot of sought-after neighbourhoods where homes command multiple offers and the sold price well exceeds the asking price.

One lucky home buyer is successful but many others are left in the wake still without a home, scratching their heads wondering, "What happened"?

We'll walk you through the strategy of multiple offers, the process and how you can best prepare yourself to buy or sell in this situation.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with this approach, it's where a home seller will accept offers within a certain time frame from potential buyers. Each buyer will put in an offer not knowing what other buyers are offering. The best offer wins.

Let's start from the perspective of the home seller...

Using a multiple offer or 'bidding' approach can be a great way to sell your home fast and for great money. But it takes a lot of preparation and nerves.

The Preparation

First, your home must be immaculate and staged properly. This does not just mean decluttering and cleaning. Invest in a professional stager, and although it may take thousands of dollars to fix up your home, the return will be well worth it.

Potential buyers need to see that they can move in without any work needed. It also has to appeal to the widest range of buyers so take the usual staging advice into practice - perception is everything.

Get a home inspection done before you list the home. This will eliminate the ability for any buyers to use this a condition of their offer. It will also save any suprises that could make the deal go south.

The Price

Sellers will usually price below market value. This can be frustrating for buyers who get excited about a great home for such a good price. But that is the point! You want as many people to see the home as possible. The more people see it, the more offers there will be which usually translates to a higher sale price.

You should also price below the mental thresholds of people's shopping range. If you were going to price at $460,000, get it down to $439,000 below the $450,000 mark. Buyers usually set search parameters in $50,000 increments. If you are just above their max, they won't even see it. If you are just below you'll make your home available to another huge group of buyers.

If you price it too close to the current market value, you may drive away potential buyers since there is an understanding that a seller doing an offer night is going to price lower than market value and people want to feel like there is a chance they can get a deal.

Many home owners are afraid they will only sell their home for the list price and are reluctant to go too low. If you don't know what you're doing, it could backfire. But if you understand the exact current market conditions (seasonality, supply, demand, comparables etc.) and the home is in great shape then you will be too.


Offer Night

You've been holding your breath for a week and now it's time to tango. Offers can be accepted at your home or at the real estate office. Typically each realtor will come in and present their offer.

You can't just look at the numbers. There are a lot of things to consider - close date, conditions, the size of deposit. Some of these things may be worth more than a few thousand bucks or a lower offer may be the more secure one.

You may select the top few offers and take a chance to ask the agents to go back to their clients and sharpen their pencils, but this can be risky...if they feel pushed they may walk away and you can be left with nothing. Tread lightly and don't get greedy!


Now for the Buyer's perspective...

You've been looking at homes and have finally fallen in love. Anyone who tells you not to get emotional and attached has never bought a home before. That's how you're supposed to feel about your future home and largest investment!

You decide to put in an offer. How do you play it? How do you win? And without paying too much?

Sadly, there are no guarantees. But there are a few things you can do to give yourself the best shot possible.

Be Prepared

Always have your financing approved and ready to go. An offer with a financing condition is one of the weakest approaches. Make sure you leave time on the day of the offer to get a certified cheque from your bank for a decent size deposit (which of course you get back right away if your offer is not accepted).

These days, $20,000 plus on the average home is about right. If you have more available to you, just think about how you feel looking at a cheque in hand. The more the better.

Make the Offer Clean

If at all possible, do not include any conditions in the offer. However, if there are conditions that you need to protect yourself you need to work within your comfort level.

Get a home inspection done prior to the offer if the owner has not done so already. It may seem like wasted money if you don't get the house. But you certainly don't want it to be the actual reason you didn't get it.

If there are any questions about the property that you need to know beforehand, do your research first instead of making your offer conditional on the ability to expand the house or add parking etc.

Give the Owners what they Want

If possible, give the home owners exactly what they want. Most important can be the close date. If it's a matter of staying at the in-laws for a couple of weeks to get the house, do what you have to do!

Don't get petty - if they want to take the chandelier, don't ask for it back in your offer.


Name Your Price

This is the hardest part! A friend once described it as being like a poker game. You don't know what everyone else has and you have to make your bet blind.

Wait until the end to put in your offer. Why? A couple of reasons. You want to see how many offers are in - there is a theory that the more that are submitted the higher it's going to go. You also don't want to inflate the price other bidders after you are putting in.

Determine what you are willing to pay for the house. So many people get caught up in the thought that they are paying $X over the asking price. The asking price is usually artificially low anyway so you cannot use that as a benchmark.

Pay attention to the recent sale price of comparable homes in the area. If you had never seen the asking price, what would you be willing to pay?

Next determine how far you are willing to go to get the home. Some people are comfortable with upping their bid by another ten thousand dollars just to get the house. Think how you would feel if you lost it by just a few thousand.

Whatever the number is, at the end of the day you have to feel comfortable with your bid to the point that if you didn't get the house, you are ok with it because you would not have paid more. Or if you win, you will never grumble about paying too much.

Another Strategy

Some people simply lose patience with the whole process, especially if they've been down that road before and lost. They'll find a home they want and will do what's called "bullying" an offer. They will try to put in an offer before the offer date.

This will only work if the offer is substantial and worth it for the home seller to jeapoardize the multiple offer process. If they agree to view your offer, legally they still have to offer any buyer who has viewed the home with an agent the opportunity to submit and offer.

But this strategy can win as it may rush other buyers to the point where they will back out and there simply isn't the opportunity to show it more people. Your offer should have a very short irreovoable time on it. Just enough to be reasonable but not long enough to let the competition get their act in gear!


In Conclusion

After all of this, even if you win you may never know what the other bids were. It is confidential information. How crazy is that?!

If you are going to play this game as a seller or a buyer, make every decision without regret and do not look back. It really does work out in the end.

Just make sure you get the research you need to make the best decisions possible on price and bidding and of course, trust your realtor to guide you though every step.

Who do you know who is ready to buy or sell? If you or anyone you know is ready to take the first step, share my blog with them or give me a call. info@markrichards.ca

Regards,
Mark

July 2007 Market Watch

July is the fourth month in a row that sales have broken monthly records!

"We are running 14 percent ahead of the seven month total for 2005 which became our best year ever." says TREB President Donald Bentley. "The local resale market is as healthy as it has ever been."

Average prices declined two percent to $366,012 but the decline is due to seasonality with home buyers and sellers enjoying the summer. Overall, the year-to-date average of $373,326 is up five percent over the same time frame in 2006.

The summer can be a great time for buyers who don't want as much competition for great homes but keep in mind that supply is also lower. Eveyrone is looking forward to stong fall market where you'll see a lot more come on the market in the second half of September once everyone gets back into the swing of things after summer.

Competition and multiple offers are still common place in sought-after neighbourhoods even in the summer market so buyers have to be prepared to go for the home they want.

Check out average prices in your neighbourhood to see what is happening in today's market...


Neighbourhood Watch - July 2007

E02 -The Beach (coxwell, danforth, victoria park)
Detached: $675,840
Semi-detached: $408,842
Condo: $292,614

E03 - Danforth North (DVP, victoria park, danforth)
Detached: $403,116
Semi-Detached: $377,372
Condo: $185,327

E01 - Danforth South & Riverdale (DVP, danforth, coxwell)
Detached: $434,541
Semi-Detached: $403,020
Condo:$361,517

C04 - Bedford West & Lytton Park (allen, 401, yonge, eglinton)
Detached: $841,974
Semi-Detached: $590,000
Condo: $225,376

C09 - Rosedale (yonge, st.clair, bayview, bloor)
Detached: $1,570,036
Semi-Detached: $1,112,500
Condo: $509,545

C03 - Forest Hill (allen, eglinton, yonge, st.clair)
Detached: $1,662,486
Semi-Detached: $375,542
Condo: $596,500

C12- Lawrence Park/Bedford East (yonge, 401, leslie, eglinton)
Detached: $1,921,327
Semi-Detached: $394,176
Condo: $576,143

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board April 2007 MarketWatch - for the full report, click here.

To have this blog sent to someone you know who is looking to buy or sell, send their email to info@markrichards.ca

Too Many Hands In Your Pocket!

It seems lately that all sorts of people are trying to put their hands in your pocket....the goverment, the bank, the government again.

There's been a great deal of contreversy about the proposed 100% increase to land transfer taxes, possible increases to property taxes and additional fees for everything else that you do in life.

On top of that, the prime rate recently increased by .25%.

The fact is, all of these changes, proposed and otherwise affect everyone, whether you are a current home owner, or just getting into the market.

I'm going to show you a few examples of how all of this is going to affect your bank account while giving you the update to sort through where all of these changes stand.

Proposed 100% increase to Land Trasfer Tax

This one is not easy to swallow, but easy to calcuate - just double the normal tax...

Purchase Price = Current tax = New total tax
$250,000 = $2,225 x 2 = $4,450
$400,000 = $4,475 x 2 = $8,950
$750,000 = $11,475 x 2 = $22,950
$1,000,000 = $16,475 x 2 = $32,950

What will happen if they don't vote to implement this tax? The city is threatening that property taxes would have to increase 18% to make up the shortfall.

Home Value = Current Property Tax = Proposed Increase
$250,000 = $2,132.11 = $387.78
$400,000 = $3,411.37 = $614.00
$750,000 = $6,396.33 = $1,511.34
$1,000,000 = $8,528.43 = $1,535.12

The proposed 18% increase to the property taxes seems to hurt a little less at first glance, but depending on how long you may own your home it could be a more painful alternative.

So where do things stand right now?

On July 16th, Toronto city council voted to defer the decision until the provincial election in late October. The apparent rationale for this is that the provincial candidates will be pressured to backfill the city's budget shortfall to win the race.

But Miller wisely warned, "This was an election issue four years ago. Anyone in this chamber who sincerely believes that the province - whoever the party is - is suddenly going to upload $750,000 million on October 23rd is sorely misguided." I tend to agree with him.

Others feel the city has not worked hard enough or smart enough to come up with alternative solutions to the shortfall and need the time to get creative.

At the end of the day, the land transfer tax increase is a clean, quick and tempting way for the city to come up with a cool $750,000 million. If you're thinking of waiting to buy until 2008, you may want to reconsider!

The Prime Rate

The prime lending rate just jumped up .25%. For those of you who like to think big, .25% may not seem like a big deal. But let's consider the impact....

The average home in Toronto is currently valued at $381,963. Say you mortgage 100% at 5.00% over 25 years.

Your montly mortgage payment would be $2,221.52. If the rate jumps .25% your payment would increase to $2,276.19.

That's a difference of $54.67 per month, or 3.64 bottles of wine depending on your taste.

But over the life of your mortgage, assuming bi-monthly payments, that's a difference of $16,299! (or 1,086 bottles of wine)

If you're thinking of putting off getting into the market, consider the incentive to invest now before rates go up any further.

Don't feel too bad about owning a home...

Although these are all big dollars involved in the cost of home ownership, don't let it get you down (but please let the city know how you feel).

After all, if you own a home, you have enjoyed some great growth in equity. Based on the average price of a home in the GTA today at $381,963, and value increases, here's what you do have in your pocket:

Average Home Price in Year = Growth in Equity
(This is tax free if it's your primary residence!)

2000 - $243,255 = $138,708
2001 - $251,508 = $130,455
2002 - $275,231 = $106,732
2003 - $293,067 = $88,896
2004 - $315,231 = $66,732
2005 - $335,907 = $46,056
2006 - $351,941 = $30,022

So keep putting money in your pocket and do your best to keep everyone else out. :)

To make your voice heard on the proposed tax increases, check out:
http://www.nohomebuyingtax.com/

Who do you know who is ready to buy or sell? If you or anyone you know is ready to take the first step, share my blog with them or give me a call.

Regards,
Mark

Mark Richards
416-728-2499
mrichards@trebnet.com

June 2007 Market Watch

A few of the home buyers are finally taking a bit of a vacation from shopping.

But even though the number of home sales slowed down by 6% compared to record-breaking May, June's sales were still up almost 20% over the same month last year.

The average price of a home went down slightly by less than one percent to $381,963, but don't take that as a sign of a declining market. It's simply a reflection of the slower summer season.

It's still a great time to buy. Inventory is still good but other shoppers may be on holidays.

If you are selling and have flexibility in timing, try to hold off until the fall. But if you have to sell now, you will still see solid activity.

On a record-breaking note, a Forest Hill home may be the most expensive piece of Toronto residential property - it sold for $15.8 million. Just think, if they bought it next year, they might have had to pay an extra $312,000 in proposed land transfer tax increases!

Neighbourhood Watch - June 2007

E02 -The Beach (coxwell, danforth, victoria park)
Detached: $647,049
Semi-detached: $477,510
Condo: $319,133

E03 - Danforth North (DVP, victoria park, danforth)
Detached: $415,256
Semi-Detached: $388,488
Condo: $185,710

E01 - Danforth South & Riverdale (DVP, danforth, coxwell)
Detached: $459,592
Semi-Detached: $419,510
Condo:$388,280

C04 - Bedford West & Lytton Park (allen, 401, yonge, eglinton)
Detached: $836,540
Semi-Detached: $512,750
Condo: $258,986

C09 - Rosedale (yonge, st.clair, bayview, bloor)
Detached: $1,973,567
Semi-Detached: $1,448,333
Condo: $589,200

C03 - Forest Hill (allen, eglinton, yonge, st.clair)
Detached: $1,434,230
Semi-Detached: $462,913
Condo: $452,680

C12- Lawrence Park/Bedford East (yonge, 401, leslie, eglinton)
Detached: $1,548,882
Semi-Detached: $390,000
Condo: $413,892

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board April 2007 MarketWatch - for the full report, click here.

To have this blog sent to someone you know who is looking to buy or sell, send their email to info@markrichards.ca

How to Survive Real Estate

While buying or selling a home may be one of the most exciting things you can do, it is also one of the most stressful. Anyone who says otherwise either doesn't know, or is lying!

Having just recently bought a new house and having sold my own home, I can tell you first hand from my experience...increasingly gray hair, a wife ready to permanently check-into a spa and no idea where most of my belongings are.

But we came out the other side with a new home we're looking forward to renovating, a 'perfect' home to live in the meantime until closing (minus the nice pillows the stagers brought in), and a sale price that made it all worth it.

But where does all this trouble start?

Let's walk through the rollercoaster of real estate and I'll give you a few good tips to minimize the stress along the way.

Let the shopping begin...

Sure, it starts innocently enough. Maybe it's your first home or you just started snooping at open houses. At some point, you get serious. The dreaming begins, you start to see your entire life unfold...all the great parties you'll host, the children running around in the yard, the visions of new kitchens dancing in your head.

Get your financing in order.
My wife says it's like finding a pair of Manalo Blahniks in her size, on sale, and no wallet in her purse. It's even worse to put a financing condition on a property that is getting multiple offers or putting an offer in without it and wondering if your banker will answer your call.

It's ok to want it.
While the shopping has been fun, the time comes when you find THE place. If you're competing with other home buyers for a home, you can't help but get your hopes up, despite everyone telling you not to. So go with it, let yourself want it but realize that if it doesn't work out, there truly is a reason.

Go big or go home.
If you are going to put an offer in, prepare to make your best offer. It's not just about price. First, get over paying more than what they are asking. Many people 'hold back' and list their home below market value to generate more interest in their home anyway. Pretend you never saw the listing price. What would you be willing to pay for the home?

Keep it clean.
Make your offer 'clean', as they say in the business. A home inspection may have been done already and your financing should already be in order. Try to work with their possession date. Living with the in-laws for a month may not be your idea of fun but if it means you get the home you want, it's worth it. Well, maybe.

Time to Sell Your Home...

You may not have one to sell, but if you do, this is where it gets a bit scary.

In today's market, people are often buying before they have sold. And when they've bought, it usually leaves them 2-3 months to get rid of their old place.

My wife has had a lot of experience with this approach, but when we bought our first house before I was an agent, we still had to sell our condo. I thought I was going to have a heart attack.

It's not as risky as you think.
If your home is made as attractive as possible to buyers, and is priced appropriately for the current market conditions (not when your cousin sold three months ago) then it will sell. You also have some financing options to bridge your mortages for up to 60 days.

Your home is a product to market.
It still shocks me when I see a home for sale with the christmas lights still up. You should be treating your home as a product that needs to be marketed to get the best price. So yes, this means putting your kids ant farm away and taking down the holiday decor.

Get Time, Get Help and if you can, Get Out.
You should plan to take a couple of days off work and book a weekend to get your home ready. Otherwise you will burn out and hate life. This is also a fantastic time to call in all of those favours for free labour, or find someone you can pay who can do all of the heavy lifting and won't ask for a beer every five minutes. Try not to live in your home while you are showing it unless you don't mind getting kicked out every two hours and have a cleaning fairy hidden in your closet.

Setting the Stage
Many people will gripe about the cost of professional staging, or even better, think they can do it themselves. I have a philosophy in life that people should focus on what they do best and let the professionals do the rest. There is a reason why they are professionals and why home staging has exploded as a strategy. It works. Hire them, even at a minimum for a consultation. Do everything they tell you.

Let it go.
When preparing your house for sale, you need to get accept that it is no longer yours. It is the prospective buyer's home. You will not suffer any ill effects if your wedding pictures are not on display. Nor will you be in big trouble if you put the sports gear you no longer use anyway in storage. Neutral paint colours will not kill your spirit. In fact, you may feel suprisingly light from the elimination of junk and visual clutter.

Prepare for a good fight.
If you have the good fortune to have a partner throughout all this, then you can share in the excitement. But you also get to share in the stress. My wife and I made every effort to keep 'please' and 'thank you' in our conversations but we knew that one of us would snap at some point and a few words starting with 'f' and 'a' got in there a few times. Neither of us took it personally and let the other have a good meltdown here and there. A glass of wine makes an excellent mediator for repair.

Allow for maximum distraction.
Plan for some good times while the house is on the market. The waiting is probably the worst of it so the more you can do to fill your time the better. Just think, the house is perfect so you don't have anything to do at home for once! You may be staying with the in-laws so what better reason to get out.

Trust the man.
Back to letting the professionals do what they do best... Follow the advice given to you but make your goals, risk tolerance and options clear up front. Share what is most important to you in the process. Is it selling by a certain date? Getting a certain price? Minimizing risk or going for gold? You can also call me anytime to talk about what's happening. It's my job to be there for you.

Celebrate.
You're now the proud buyer, seller or both. Make sure you celebrate with those who helped you....and don't forget to thank your real estate agent over a pint or two :)

Who do you know who is ready to buy or sell? If you or anyone you know is ready to take the first step, share my blog with them or give me a call.

Regards,
Mark

Mark Richards
Sales Representative
416-690-2181
mrichards@trebnet.com