Video Footage of Toronto's Subway Back In The 1950s!

Have a look at what our subway system looked like back in the 1950s! Broadcast Date: April 4, 1954 With station walls decorated in such "restful colours" as "pearl grey," "English eggshell" (green), and "primrose" (yellow), Toronto's subway system is finally open to the public. This CBC special report — which airs several days after the opening — celebrates the event with a quick look back at how it all came together, followed by a lesson for viewers on how the subway works. To conclude the report, the announcer proudly declares, "Toronto got itself a subway...really!

The CBC Digital Archives Website

Torontonians Want Toronto Land Transfer Tax Repealed: Poll

With Toronto City Council scheduled to debate and vote on the City’sproposed 2009 Operating Budget tomorrow, public opinion poll results, released today, show that 65 percent of Torontonians believe that the Toronto Land Transfer Tax should be repealed.

The poll was conducted by the Environics Research Group Ltd. for the Toronto Real Estate Board.“REALTORS® strongly believe that Toronto City Council should scrap the Toronto Land Transfer Tax,and the public agrees,” said Maureen O’Neill, President of the Toronto Real Estate Board. “The TorontoLand Transfer Tax is not a fair tax and is hurting Toronto’s economy.”

The poll also found that 57 per cent of Torontonians believe that the Toronto Land Transfer Tax is hurtingthe real estate market and 62 per cent believe that the City has not taken adequate action to helpstimulate the economy.“Torontonians want more action from the City on the economy, and they understand that the TorontoLand Transfer Tax is having a negative impact,” said O’Neill. “One of the best ways that the City can takeaction to help with the current economic situation is to roll back the Toronto Land Transfer Tax.”

A recent study conducted by the C.D. Howe Institute and Economics Professors from the University ofToronto determined that the Toronto Land Transfer Tax is having a significant impact on Toronto’s realestate market, reducing housing sales by 16 per cent and values by 1.5 per cent in 2008 alone.

Dufferin Grove and Dovercourt Park Schools

I just added all of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) schools in the Dufferin Grove and Dovercourt Park neighbourhoods to my website. Dufferin Grove/Dovercourt Park School click here. The school profile, location and where appropriate school specific website are all linked.

RONA - New Wood Policy

Considering building or renovating a home? Consider this move toward sustainability and environmental consciousness:

In November, Canada's largest home improvement chain RONA announced a new procurement policy for wood products that Will help conserve Canada's forests. The policy, which sets targets for selling Forest Stewardship Council certified lumber and restricts wood from forests of high conservation value, was developed over the period of a year as RONA worked closely with Greenpeace forest campaigners. A number of companies are now developing new procurement policies to help preserve forests. RONA policy is the strongest procurement policy for wood products in North America and is a challenge to its competitors. For more information click here: Greenpeace

Gladstone Running Route Through Dufferin Grove and Dovercourt Parks

I was just looking through the Adidas Canada website for a pair of shoes and discovered that someone has added a running route called the "Gladstone Morning Route". The running route goes right through Dufferin Grove and up through Dovercourt Park. It's 4.5km, click here to see the map.

Basement Makeover with $10 Worth of Sharpies!

This is incredible. I guess this guy never grew out of a childhood habit of colouring the walls of his parent's home... A very innovative basement makeover click here.

What Would Toronto Condos Looks Like, if...

What would Toronto condos looks like if we took a page out of New York City's tower styling from the early 1900s? Toronto has frequently been compared to the look of Manhattan in many ways. Imagine what it would be like if Toronto designed their towers like NYC buildings, I just came across an article about why there are so many setbacks on the older buildings in New York. A 1916 zoning law that required setbacks at certain heights to insure light and air to the street. The Shelton was one of the first buildings to take its form (see picture). What a great way to brighten the city and step back from the featureless towers that go up in Toronto's downtown core!

Toronto Homes Selling Quickly...

The Media has finally come around to the realization that homes that are appealing and appropriately priced are selling. But, not just selling, these are selling quickly and in many cases in multiple offers. Homes priced between 550-650K are flying off the shelves in the downtown Toronto neighbourhoods.

Home buyers must adjust to the fact that they do not have time to sit back and think for too long. If the house feels good and right for them they need to move quickly to secure the home. There are far too many motivated buyers of good homes in the city right now.

Earth Hour Is Coming Up!

On March 28, lights around the world will be turned off as over 2,700 cities representing 83 countries celebrate EARTH HOUR 2009. It is estimated that over 1 billion people worldwide will participate in this global initiative organized by World Wildlife Fund International. That evening, from 8 pm to 9 pm, homes and businesses around the world, including TREB, will turn out their lights in a symbolic gesture to combat climate change.

TREB is encouraging all offices and Members to participate in Earth Hour.

Most municipalities around the GTA will be participating in Earth Hour and many have planned special events to mark the occasion. For information on events in your area, check your local newspaper or go to wwf.ca/earthhour

Curb Appeal Matters When Selling

It's important that your home look tidy outside as well as inside. You’re ready to put your house on the market. Inside, it is beautifully decorated and sparkling clean. That bit of peeling paint on the porch and the bald spots in the garden won’t bother prospective purchasers, right?

Maybe not. And then again, they may drive by, see these flaws and take your house off the list of houses they plan to view. First impressions count.

What real estate agents call “curb appeal” is the impact your house makes when seen from a car or the sidewalk. If the exterior of the house and the yard are tidy and well maintained, prospective purchasers walk in with a pleasant feeling of expectation that the interior will match up. If the lawn is shaggy, the windows are dirty and the doorbell doesn’t work, they will be on guard for problems inside.

Here’s a short list of things you can do to increase your home’s curb appeal:

• cut and rake the grass and water frequently enough to keep it green; fill and seed any bare patches.
• wash windows and replace any cracked glass.
• weed and edge the garden.
• bridge gaps in foundation plantings with bright annuals in containers.
• remove flaking paint and stucco from the steps, porch or deck, door, trim and storage sheds and repaint.
• keep the lawn and porch or deck clear of bikes, toys, gardening tools, flyers and other clutter.
• keep the pool immaculate.
• make sure the front door opens and shuts smoothly and the doorbell functions.
• tuck garbage containers out of sight.

It’s a good idea to ask your listing agent to take a tour of the exterior, note any flaws and tell you what you need to do to make your home more saleable.

If you don’t have the time or skills to make repairs or spruce up the garden yourself, consider hiring a handyman, gardening service or pool service to visit your home a few times before you list and while it is on the market. Check out ads in the local paper or ask neighbours or your agent to recommend people who can help you at a reasonable price.

Try to think of your home’s appearance as a form of advertising. The few hundred dollars you invest in increasing its curb appeal can mean more viewings, a quicker sale and – possibly – a better price.

For more information about how to sell your home for the most amount of money please contact Ryan Roberts at Bosley Real Estate

2,565 RESALE HOUSING TRANSACTIONS SHOWS RATE OF DECLINE SHRINKING

TORONTO, March 19, 2009 – Greater Toronto REALTORS® announced 2,565 transactions in the first half of March compared to 3,183 during the same period last year. The annual rate of MLS® sales decline was the smallest in five months.

Mid-month March MLS® sales increased compared to the 2,044 sales experienced in the first half of February. MLS® sales follow a recurring seasonal trend, with transactions generally increasing between January and May and then decreasing between June and December. “As we move into the spring market, it appears that we are seeing stronger demand for ownership housing in the Greater Toronto Area,” said TREB President Maureen O’Neill. “Buyers are reacting to the market’s strong foundation of affordability.”

The average price for MLS® sales was $365,499 compared to $385,405 last year. “Affordability has improved over the past few months due to a combination of lower home prices, near record lows for mortgage rates and rising earnings,”1 according to Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. Average weekly earnings for the Toronto CMA, as reported by Statistics Canada, have been rising on a year-over-year basis over the past year. For example, in February 2009, average weekly earnings rose by approximately 2.5 per cent compared to February 2008.

MARCH MID‐MONTH STATISTICS YEAR‐OVER‐YEAR REGIONAL BREAKDOWN

City of Toronto ("416")

Mid March 2008
Price Sales: 987
Sales Average: $395,428

Mid March 2009
Price Sales: 1,233
Average Price: $409,336


Source: Toronto Real Estate Board Mid‐March 2009 versus 2008
For a complete copy of the most recent Market Watch Report visit the left tab "TREB Market Watch" at: http://www.mydreamtorontohome.com/

Gobbledygook Real Estate Market???

Do you think this Toronto real estate market is Gobbledygook? Trying to make sense of what is happening? With some key insights from a good realtor you will be able to make sense of what is happening, simply put, we are in a buyers market. Welcome, it has been nearly a decade from out last one! It is important to be armed with the necessary market statistics, neighbourhood information, previous sales and available product. With all of this information you will be able to make an educated decision that is best for you and your family

Super NYC Realtor!

Just came across an interesting article and website. Dolly Lenz of New York has quite the story. The volume of business that she moves and the level of values is unbelievable. She caters to some of the world mega wealthy. She is the most successful realtor in the America.
Dolly Lenz Website
Real Estate Investors Article

Yonge and Dundas Intersection Scramble

This pedestrian dance is not uncommon in parts of Asia - however, it is very unique here in Toronto, in fact this is the only location that permits a pedestrian scramble. Have a look at the time lapse footage from outside the Eaton Centre at Yonge and Dundas... Spacing Magazine Online

Billionaire's Real Estate Collection..

Forbes has put together a selection of the world (primarily US based) billionaires homes in a picture gallery. I must admit I admire Warren Buffet for his lack of opulence and humble standing.

Here is the link to the Luxury Real Estate article.

Twitter Your Toronto Real Estate Thoughts!

Have your say with a Tweet on Twitter... TORealEstate
Mini blog your thoughts about the Toronto Real Estate market!

Today's Mortgages Rates Are At Historically Low Levels!

Just a quick about about today's mortgage interest rates and how these may be able to save you money on your current mortgage. As you have probably gathered we are in a period of historically low interest rates, which has obviously benefited those who have recently taken out a new mortgage or for those that have a a good variable rate. I thought I would suggest that if you had a rate of fixed rate of 5.75% and up (in some cases even 5.50% and up) as well as other less desirable non-fixed packages it may be worth talking to your mortgage lender about refinancing. There are however, things to keep in mind ie refinancing penalties but, if a talk with your lender could provide further clarity it may also save you a fair bit of money today and in the long run.

TREB Market Watch fo Feb 2009

TORONTO, March 5, 2009 – Toronto Real Estate Board Members reported 4,120 sales in February 2009 compared to 6,015 sales recorded in February 2008. The average home price was $361,305 last month compared to $382,048 during the same month last year.
“A considerable number of transactions continued to take place in February 2009. Motivated buyers and sellers, who were aware that market conditions changed over the past few months, were able to negotiate transactions acceptable to both parties,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Maureen O’Neill.

On a month-over-month basis, sales and average price were above January levels of 2,670 and $343,632 respectively. The housing market is seasonal. Traditionally, in the first half of every year, sales and average price climb to their highest levels in late spring before trending lower from July onward. “While the economic downturn has had an impact, the GTA housing market is resting on a solid foundation. Current home prices and mortgage rates suggest that GTA homes have become more affordable on average,” according to Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. “A greater number of home buyers could take advantage of this affordability once their positioning in the economy becomes more certain.” Typically the spring real estate market tends to experience more activity and with the Canadian economy experiencing a period of low mortgage rates and strong immigration, this trend could continue. According to
Statistics Canada, Canada welcomed 247,202 permanent residents in 2008, 70,000 more than in 1998, and well within the government’s planned range of 240,000 to 265,000 new permanent residents for 2009.

The TREB President pointed out that Greater Toronto REALTORS® are an integral part of the real estate
transaction process. “TREB Members are uniquely positioned to help home buyers and sellers adapt to changing
market conditions,” added Ms. O’Neill. “In addition, TREB continues to advocate public policies that do not threaten
affordability but support home ownership in the GTA such as lower taxation and less regulation.”

Market review: 2009 so far

March 6, 2009 -- As we approach the spring season and see real estate activity picking up, Realtors remain optimistic about the future of the GTA resale housing market. With reports such as RBC’s Homeownership Survey highlighting that Canadians believe in the long-term value of a home, now is a great opportunity to invest in that Canadian dream. Toronto Real Estate Board Members reported 4,120 sales in February 2009, compared to 6,015 sales recorded in February 2008. The average home price was $361,305 last month, compared to $382,048 during the same month last year. It is very important to note that a considerable number of transactions continued to take place in February 2009. Motivated buyers and sellers, who were aware that market conditions changed over the past few months, were able to negotiate transactions acceptable to both parties.

On a month-over-month basis, sales and average price were above January levels of 2,670 and $343,632, respectively. The housing market is seasonal. Traditionally, sale volumes and average price climb in the first half of the year, reaching their highest levels in late spring before trending lower from July onward. Now, while the economic downturn has had an impact, the GTA housing market is resting on a solid foundation. Current home prices and mortgage rates suggest that GTA homes have become more affordable on average. A greater number of homebuyers could take advantage of this affordability once their positioning in the economy becomes more certain. Beyond spring’s real estate market, which typically experiences more activity, the demand for ownership housing will remain strong in the GTA over the long term because of steady population growth driven by immigration. The Toronto area is Canada’s single greatest beneficiary of immigration. According to Statistics Canada, this country welcomed 247,202 permanent residents in 2008 — 70,000 more than in 1998, and well within the government’s planned range of 240,000 to 265,000 new permanent residents for 2009.

Greater Toronto Realtors are an integral part of the real estate transaction process. TREB members are uniquely positioned to help homebuyers and sellers adapt to changing market conditions. And, importantly, TREB and its members continue to advocate public policies that do not threaten affordability but support home ownership in the GTA, such as lower taxation and less regulation. Maureen O’Neill is president of the Toronto Real Estate Board, a professional association that represents 28,000 Realtors in the Greater Toronto Area.

Maureen O’Neill is President of the Toronto Real Estate Board, a professional association that represents 28,000 REALTORS® in the Greater Toronto Area.

Real Estate Market Forecast Speech

The is an excerpt from my Manager (and President of the Canadian Real Estate Association), Ann Bosley’s Speech at the Women’s Post Panel, March 5th, 2009. This is a very good take on the current real estate market in Toronto and Canada. The real estate forecast is stronger than much of the media has made it out to be. In fact amongst the top realtors in Toronto it is believed that this is a great market to be buying in Toronto.

Question: IS REAL ESTATE A GOOD INVESTMENT?

GOOD EVENING LADIES AND GENTS AND THANK YOU, SARAH, FOR INVITING ME TO PARTICIPATE TONIGHT.

THE QUESTION BEFORE US IS – IS REAL ESTATE A GOOD INVESTMENT? WELL, REALLY – HOW DO YOU EXPECT ME TO ANSWER THAT???

IF I WERE WITH MERRILL LYNCH – I WOULD SAY ‘NO’ BUT THEN AGAIN, THINK OF WHERE THEY WOULD RATHER HAVE YOU PUT YOUR MONEY!

IF YOU WERE CONSIDERING BUYING A HOME TO FLIP WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR – I WOULD SAY ‘NO’. THIS MARKET AND INDEED THE 2007/8 MARKETS ARE NOT THE TYPE OF MARKETS WHICH REWARDED SPECULATORS.

BUT ALAS – I AM A BOSLEY, WITH AN 80 YEAR OLD FAMILY COMPANY BEHIND ME, WHICH JUST HAPPENS TO DEAL IN REAL ESTATE – OF COURSE I AM GOING TO SAY ‘YES’!

CONSIDER THESE FIGURES: IF YOU BOUGHT A HOUSE IN TORONTO IN 2000, THE AVERAGE PRICE WAS $243,000. THE AVERAGE PRICE IN 2008 WAS $379,000 - up 56% - BUT THAT’S NOTHING BECAUSE TORONTO MLS STATS ENCOMPASE SUCH A HUGE AREA FROM OAKVILLE TO BARRIE TO OSHAWA. THEREFORE, THEY ARE NOT ENTIRELY REFLECTIVE OF THE TORONTO MARKET.

BUT – IF YOU BOUGHT IN CABBAGETOWN IN 2000 AND SOLD NOW – THE AVERAGE PRICE HAS INCREASED 71%!
IF YOU BOUGHT IN ROSEDALE IN 2000 AND SOLD NOW – THE INCREASE IS 83%!
AND THEN THERE’S LEASIDE WITH AN INCREASE IN 8 YEARS OF 121%



SO YOU CAN SEE - WHEN WE COMPARE TORONTO’S REAL ESTATE PERFORMANCE OVER TIME, WE ARE DOING JUST FINE. HOW MANY OF YOU CAN SAY THE SAME THING ABOUT YOUR STOCK PORTFOLIOS? THE BEST PART IS THAT TODAY, MARCH 4, 2009, WE CAN STILL LIVE IN AND TOUCH OUR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT. WE STILL HAVE EQUITY BECAUSE CANADIANS, UNLIKE OUR SOUTHERN NEIGHBOURS, PAY OFF THEIR MORTGAGES INSTEAD OF WRITING OFF THEIR INTEREST PAYMENTS.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HAD A GREAT DINNER ON YOUR RIM SHARES? OR WATCHED YOUR FAMILY PLAY ON YOUR GM STOCK? WHEN WE THINK OF INVESTMENT, WE SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER INVESTMENT IN OUR OWN LIFESTYLE. PEOPLE TEND TO LOSE SIGHT OF THE FACT, IN AN AGGRESSIVE MARKET, THAT THEIR HOME IS NOT ONLY A FINANCIAL INVESTMENT, BUT IS TRULY AN INVESTMENT IN THEIR FUTURE HAPPINESS. SO AGAIN, IN ANSWER TO THE QUESTION, I WOULD SAY THAT HOME OWNERSHIP IS A GREAT INVESTMENT!

GRANTED, WE ARE NOT SEEING THE KIND OF ‘INSTANT’ GROWTH THAT WE EXPERIENCED IN 2007/8, BUT THOSE TWO YEARS WERE HISTORICALLY EXCEPTIONAL AND NOT A REALISTIC REFERENCE TO THE ACTIVITY THAT CREATES A BALANCED MARKET.

THE BOTTOM LINE IS – FOR BUYERS WITH GOOD CREDIT, A DOWNPAYMENT AND A SECURE JOB; THE NEXT SIX MONTHS COULD PRESENT A UNIQUE WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY. WITH THE CONVERGENCE OF REDUCED PRICES, UNBELIEVABLY LOW INTEREST RATES AND THE NUMBER OF PROPERTIES AVAILABLE, RIGHT NOW IS PROBABLY THE BEST TIME TO BUY THAT BUYERS HAVE HAD FOR GENERATIONS. I EQUATE THIS WITH A BUNCH OF SWIMMERS IN THE OCEAN, RACING FOR THE SHORE – THE FIRST ONE TO PUT HIS FEET ON THE BOTTOM WINS – AND THE REST GET WASHED AWAY BY A WAVE. DON’T LET THE WAVE GET YOU!

THE WINDOW MAY BE RELATIVELY SHORT LIVED BECAUSE THE BANK OF CANADA CAN’T KEEP INTEREST RATES THIS LOW FOREVER. ONCE PEOPLE REALIZE THAT IT IS SUCH A GOOD TIME TO BUY, THEY WILL START BUYING AND THEREFORE PUT UPWARD PRESSURE ON INTEREST RATES AND PRICES.

LAST YEAR, YOU WOULD HAVE POTENTIALLY SOLD YOUR HOUSE FOR MORE, BUT YOU ALSO WOULD HAVE PAID MORE FOR YOUR NEXT HOUSE. TODAY, YOU MIGHT SELL FOR LESS, BUT YOU WILL ALSO PAY LESS – ADD THE LOWER PURCHASE PRICE TO THE ADVANTAGE OF THE LOWER INTEREST RATES, AND THE CHANCES ARE YOU WILL BE CARRYING A CONSIDERABLY BETTER HOUSE FOR LESS.

YOU WOULD AT LEAST GAIN THE VALUE OF THE EQUITY YOU HAVE ACCUMULATED BY PAYING DOWN YOUR MORTGAGE. IF YOU ADD THAT TO THE FISCAL ADVANTAGE OF SELLING YOUR PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE, WITHOUT PAYING CAPITAL GAINS, YOUR ROI – RETURN ON INVESTMENT – CAN NOT BE NEGATIVE.

DO YOU KNOW ANY STOCKBROKER THAT CAN GUARANTEE YOU THAT YOUR ROI WON’T BE AND CAN’T BE NEGATIVE?

WHAT DO I SEE IN THE FUTURE? WELL, THAT SEEMS TO BE THE TRILLION DOLLAR QUESTION THAT EVERYONE IS ASKING. FOR REASONS WHICH I WILL ELABORATE FURTHER DURING THE QUESTION PERIOD, I CERTAINLY DO NOT SEE THE CANADIAN REAL ESTATE MARKET FOLLOWING THE PATH OF THE U.S. OF COURSE, WE WILL CONTINUE TO BE EFFECTED BY THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS, AS IS EVERY OTHER BUSINESS IN THE WORLD. BUT IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT UNLIKE OUR SOUTHERN FRIENDS, THE CANADIAN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN WAS NOT PRECIPITATED BY THE LITERAL DEVASTION OF THE REAL ESTATE MARKET, BUT RATHER THE CANADIAN REAL ESTATE MARKET IS REACTING TO A WORLDWIDE ECONOMIC CRISIS.

THE CANADIAN REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION FORECASTS AN OVERALL NATIONAL DECREASE IN PRICES 0F 8% DURING 2009, FOLLOWED BY A RECOVERY BEGINNING IN THE LAST QUARTER AND MOVING INTO 2010. THE SPEED OF THE RECOVERY WILL BE DEPENDENT ON THE LEVEL OF CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IN 2010. THE PERVASIVE SENSE OF FEAR THAT HAS BEEN DOMINATING THE MEDIA, NOT TO MENTION THE CONSTANT INCORRECT INFORMATION AND COMPARISONS TO THE U.S. DOES NOTHING TO INCREASE OUR LEVEL OF COMFORT.

THE ISSUE OF LOST CONFIDENCE AND HOW TO REVIVE IT IS PLAYING A PIVOTAL ROLE IN THIS ECONOMY. THE REASON FOR TODAYS PROBLEMS IS CENTERED ON THE VERY INSTITUTIONS AND INDUSTRIES THAT WE HAVE TRUSTED ALL OUR LIVES. NO MATTER HOW MUCH BAILOUT MONEY IS THROWN AT THE ECONOMY - RESTORED ‘TRUST’ IS THE KEY TO ANY RECOVERY OF CONSUMER CONFIDENCE.

THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS THIS: DON’T LET ALL THE DIRE NEWS OF WALL ST. OR BAY ST. DETER YOU FROM BUYING REAL ESTATE. IN FACT, DON’T FORGET THAT IN GOOD TIMES AND IN BAD, REAL ESTATE IS THE ONE THING THAT NEVER LOSES ITS INTRINSIC VALUE.

Growing Old Gracefully

The city of Toronto is turning 175 years old this Friday (March 6, 2009). I didn't realize the age of our city! I only know because the new city of Toronto website (newly updated today) now offers an RSS feed which you can view on a widget in the right tab of my blog.

Pricing To Sell Your Home In Today's Market

Well, you have probably read it everywhere you have turned recently: The Toronto real estate market has shifted into a Buyer's market! This has made it more difficult on sellers as their expectations may still be with last year's prices. No matter how hard you as a seller may wish for yesterday's prices it is important to respect today's market facts - if you ignore what the market tells you today your home will sit on the market (but, "out" of the market - see previous blog about the 80/20 rule for an explanation of this comment) and you will not make as much money as if you had priced it "in" the market...

Creating a fair yet attractive price is essential to a successful sale. But it isn't easy easy! Buyers are ofter well informed about recent events in the marketplace. They select homes by comparison shopping and are very aware of subtle differences in features and value from home to home. In their eyes, your price must be justified in comparison to other available homes.

Obtaining the best return for your property requires competitive pricing from day-one (you only have one chance to make a good first impression). A home should be priced according to recent market data comparisons.

There are a number of factors that influence the value of your property:

• Prior Sales

• Location

• Condition

• Improvements

• Market Conditions

• Competitive Market Analysis

Taking these factors into account, we will prepare a competitive market analysis to reflect the current market value of your property. It includes an examination of your property as well as a study of competitive properties currently on the market and those that have recently sold. This information helps you to properly position your property.

No Realtor can control market value. The selection of a listing agent should be based on their service, fees and reputation, not on their estimate of market value. It is the 'invisible hand' of the market that determines the sale price you will ultimately achieve.
Competitive Pricing vs. Overpricing

First impressions are lasting. A house realistically priced and properly presented from day-one offers the best opportunity for you to sell quickly and obtain the best price.

Qualified buyers and their agents have been looking in your area and waiting for a suitable house at an appropriate price to come on the market. If reasonably priced, it is possible your property will sell quickly to waiting buyers.

Competitively priced properties encourage reasonable offers, pleasant negotiations and a smooth closing.
Overpricing costs in terms of money, disappointment, and missed opportunities. If the price is too high , buyers may not even look at an otherwise attractive property.
An overpriced property can go stale after the important first few weeks when the home is new on the market and getting the most exposure. Then, when the price is adjusted at a later time, the house is often overlooked.
If you were able to arrange a sale for substantially more than comparable properties it may fail to close through difficulty securing an appraisal and mortgage financing.

The Paradox of Price: When the 'price is right' buyers get involved quickly and sellers gain a competitive advantage. Use the paradox of price to your benefit. If you have the will to set a compelling price, the reaction of the marketplace will amaze you.


*

Dufferin Grove Farmers Market Article In The Star Newspaper

Here is a recent article from the The Toronto Star featuring Anne Freeman who manages the Dufferin Grove Farmers Market: http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/595026

Dufferin Grove Farmer's Market is open every Thursday after 3pm year round!

Dufferin Grove/Dovercourt Park Real Estate Numbers for February 2009 (also C01 & C02 TREB Regions)

Sales by street in the Dufferin Grove and Dovercourt Park Neighbourhood for February 2009:

• Shanly Street
• Westmoreland Avenue

Average Sale in the neighbourhood was $458,250 (1 detached and 1 semi-detached house). The average days on the market was 15 which is 34 days quicker than the average in the city of Toronto.

Average Value in 2008 vs. 2007
2007: Average Sale Price: $405, 620 (125 Sales)
2008: Average Sale Price: $490, 283 (99 Sales)

"Living and working in our community." - Ryan Roberts
* Geographic Area: Dufferin to Ossington; College to Dupont

Both Dufferin Grove and Dovercourt Park make up a portion of the Toronto Real Estate regions of C01 and C02. The statistics for these regions in the month of February 2009 are as follows:

Detached homes:
C01: 1 sales at an average value of $900,000
C02: 8 sales at an average value of $802,375
Semi-detached homes:
C01: 9 sales at an average value of $584,333
C02: 17 sales at an average value of $620,853
Attached/Row/Townhouse homes:
C01: 6 sales at an average value of $486,167
C02: 2 sales at an average value of $496,000

*statistical information from TREB's Market Watch
Dufferin Grove and Dovercourt Park Historical Real Estate Statistics