‘Tis the season…..

Well, it’s here - the 2004 Christmas season. At this time of year we realize more than ever that owning a house isn’t just about investing in real estate. It’s about having a home - a home where we feel safe and comfortable. A place where friends and family come to celebrate, laugh, eat, drink and make memories. Even with its material indulgences, this season helps us to remember what’s important. In the words of Elvis Presley: Give thanks for all you’ve been blessed with, and hold your loved ones tight. For you know the Lord’s been good to you, on a snowy Christmas night. So whether you’re in your own home for the holidays, or in someone else’s, may you feel the true warmth and spirit of the season. Happy Holidays!

And just in case you’re interested…..

Resale Market Remains Strong and Stable

TORONTO — November 03, 2004-The Toronto real estate market maintained a strong and stable pace in October, with a total of 6,666 properties changing hands.

This performance makes it the second best October, second only to last year’s record, which was eight per cent higher. As well, the market saw 78 more sales than those recorded in September, an increase of one per cent.

"Despite other perspectives, the statistical facts indicate that we are still experiencing a healthy market," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Ron Abraham.

With 23,353 listings on the MLS in October, the selection of homes declined by four per cent as compared to the previous month.

Prices in fact, are up six per cent as compared to the average of $304,844 a year ago. Today's average price is $324,215.

"The market may moderate during the holiday season but that represents good news for buyers. In addition, the holidays generally offer sellers exposure to individuals who are more serious about undertaking a transaction."

(Source: The Toronto Real Estate Board)

Save on heat – buy more gifts!

If you’d rather spend money on Christmas gifts than on heating your home, check out the seasonal tips at www.greensaver.org. Greensaver is a Toronto-based not-for-profit company that helps people to maintain energy-efficient homes. Their web site has an extensive list of ideas and reminders for keeping heating costs down during the cold winter season. If you live in an older home might want to hire Greensaver to do an on-site evaluation of your home’s energy efficiency. Depending on what they find and what you follow up on, you may even qualify for a government grant for improvements. Check it out and keep warm with peace of mind.

New LED Christmas lights stay cool, last longer and save on hydro!

If you haven’t seen them yet, check out the new LED Christmas lights this year. You can find a range of decorative light strings with LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) that use 80% less energy, with multi-faceted styles that twinkle more than regular lights. The LED lights are usually rated for about 100,000 hours of use—more than any of us would normally use in a lifetime. And, big bonus, the lights stay cool to the touch. So this year, be merry - and bright!

Enjoy the glow of the season in safety!

Toronto Emergency Medical Services has a great list of safety tips for the season. Be sure to read the list and check it twice! It could hold just the reminders you need to keep the holidays safe for yourself and those around you. www.city.toronto.on.ca/ems/safety_tips/holiday_tips.htm

If you enjoy a bargain, check out the many seasonal warehouse sales for your Christmas shopping. Here is just a tiny sampling of the sales on now and coming up:

Parkhurst Sweater Sale on now until December 11th
22 Research Road (closest intersection Laird and Eglinton) Telephone 416-421-3773
Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Great quality Canadian-made sweaters and accessories at a deep discount. Many names are checked off the Crowder Christmas list at this annual sale!

Umbra Factory Sale - December 11 & 12 – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
National Trade Centre
This is a popular annual sale of Umbra products. For details see www.umbra.com

Scents Alive Vegewax Candle Outlet
Located at 1300 Alness Drive on the northwest corner of Steeles West and Alness (near Dufferin). Telephone (905) 760-7942. Open 10 to 6 Monday to Saturday and Sunday 10 to 5.
These are the candles we use in our house – they’re 100% plant-based wax which burns cleaner than regular candles. Lots of colours and scents – and they’re scented with essential oils. Stock up for your own home for the holiday or for gifts – as much as 75% off retail on some items.

Watch The Toronto Star advertisements for more shopping ideas!

Sometimes the only way to survive the holidays is to get out of the house! So if you’re looking for fun escapes, here are some ideas:

All December to January 9th, 2005
GENOME – Discover Life at the Ontario Science Centre
Spending time with family at Christmas can make us wonder “Where did I come from?”. If you find yourself wondering, check out GENOME at the Ontario Science Centre. This exhibit explores the fascinating world of genomics, the study of genes and their functions. For more details including holiday hours check out www.osc.on.ca.

Be a holiday tourist in Toronto!
Join local historian and tour guide Bill Genova for fascinating walking tours of Toronto neighourhoods including Cabbagetown, Kensington Market, Casa Loma and Millionaire Row. Reserve for scheduled tours in December, or get a group together and treat your family and friends to a private tour! See www.genovatours.com for details.

Continuing to March 13, 2005
The Natural Skating Rink at Harbourfront Centre
Balance off the holiday feasting with a little fresh air and exercise with free skating on Canada’s largest artificially-frozen outdoor rink! www.harbourfrontcentre.com

December 26, 2004
The 29th Annual Christmas Treats Walk at The Toronto Zoo
If your house feels like a zoo over the holidays, why not head to the real zoo? Bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank on December 26th and enjoy FREE Admission to the Toronto Zoo for EVERYONE all day! www.torontozoo.com

Whatever you do, wherever you go, I wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

Thank you for your feedback!
Thanks so much for all of your positive comments about this newsletter – it’s great to know you’re enjoying it. If there is anything you would like to see in future issues, please send along your suggestions and ideas.

Know someone on the move?
If you know someone who is looking to buy or sell a house or condominium in Toronto, please have them call me, or let me know and I will contact them with your introduction. Most of my clients come through referrals from people like you! Thank you for your confidence!