| Welcome to Gary Crowder's
TorontoMoves monthly e-newsletter with real estate insights, tips for homeowners and updates on what’s happening around Toronto. |
December
2006 |
 Gary’s
Notes for
December |
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With the holiday season upon us, people usually expect to see a
slowdown in real estate sales. Yet it is surprising how the market is
staying relatively strong into December this year. I am still happily and
steadily busy, though, like most people, I do plan to take some time
close to Christmas to relax by the fire, and be with friends and family.
Things will become quieter as the holiday activities roll out. And I plan
to enjoy that time to the fullest, as we’re likely to see the market
start up again quickly in January! At this reflective time of year, allow me tell you how much I enjoy this work, and thank you for your support. I have always loved houses and real estate, and that continues, but I am finding that it's the people I work with, my clients, that bring me my greatest satisfaction. You make all the difference and I am very grateful. Whatever your plans this holiday season, I hope you have a wonderful time. And if you get the urge to look at houses over the holidays, call me - I can be persuaded! November market on solid footing TORONTO, December 6, 2006 -- The Greater Toronto Area’s resale housing market maintained its strong pace in November as 6,281 homes changed hands during the month, Toronto Real Estate Board President Dorothy Mason announced today. “The market is holding very steady as we progress through autumn and we are seeing a good level of activity across the board,” Mrs. Mason said. “Overall conditions are very healthy and 2006 remains within just one and a half percent of last year’s all-time record sales pace.” Despite a slight moderation from last November’s total of 6,646 transactions, the resale market remains on solid footing according to Jason Mercer, CMHC’s Senior Market Analyst for the GTA. “Existing home sales have remained very respectable through the first two months of the fourth quarter,” Mr. Mercer said. “Home buyers have remained confident in their ability to purchase a home due to low borrowing costs and steady employment and wage growth, on average.” In the city’s east end, Scarborough Town Centre / Woburn (E09) saw an increase in overall sales of 30 per cent compared to November 2005, led by a jump in condominium transactions. A jump in transactions of semi-detached homes fueled an overall sales increase of 53 per cent in the York South area of Toronto (W03) compared to the same timeframe a year ago. North of Toronto in Richmond Hill North (N05), detached homes were the most common housing type changing hands as the area saw an overall increase in sales of 29 per cent compared to last November. “It’s a great time to be getting in the market or making your move,” TREB’s President added. “Conditions in the GTA remain very stable, and that’s good news for consumers.” (Source: The Toronto Real Estate Board)
Low Stress is a Key to Safety You can follow all the safety rules over the holidays, but if you’re feeling stressed, you could become accident-prone. Take good care. With all of the festive activities we sometimes put extra demands on ourselves physically and emotionally. Be sure to get enough sleep, drink lots of water, manage your cookie intake, simplify where possible, and do whatever you need to get through coming weeks safely and happily. Here’s a list of holiday safety tips to help: http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/ems/safety_tips/holiday_tips.htm Shop Locally Where You Can If you are lucky enough to live in a part of the city that has real local owner-operated shops, give them as much of your business as you possibly can this season. Many retailers make their annual profit at this time of year, and it is important to support your community merchants if you want them to stick around. It’s also a fun way to shop as you see neighbours who are out and about. The St. Lawrence Market – A 200-Year Toronto Tradition! If you haven’t yet adopted the tradition of going to the St. Lawrence Market (corner Front & Jarvis) at Christmas time, try to fit it into your holiday schedule – it’s magical. On Saturdays, the North market is filled with farmers, bakers, and vendors of all kinds of fresh foods - starting at 5 a.m.! For those of you who are hosting Christmas dinner, the market opens on December 24 (this year on a Sunday) from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you want to get a fresh turkey it’s hard to do better than Rowe Farm – but call now to order for market pick-up 519-822-8799 – especially if you need a particular size. Merry Christmas! www.stlawrencemarket.com Your December schedule may be filled early with social activities with family and friends, but, if you can find the time, there are some spectacular holiday events going on in the city this month: The Nutcracker - December 9 – 30 Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts What begins with a young girl’s dream unfolds into a timeless holiday tale of childhood wonder that has transcended more than a century of artistic interpretation. Set to the breathtaking music of Tchaikovsky, Kudelka’s lavishly exotic story of 19th-century Russia focuses on a young brother and sister as they embark on a vivid journey through their dreams on Christmas Eve. www.national.ballet.ca A Christmas Carol - December 4 to 23 Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Distillery District The virtues of generosity wrapped in Charles Dickens’ ghostly Christmas classic have come to exemplify the very spirit of the holiday season. The Soulpepper rendition of this perennial favourite mixes its poignant message with a healthy dose of Canadian charm. www.soulpepper.ca Queens Quay Harbourfront Holiday Celebration - December 16 & 17 Along Queens Quay West (at Harbourfront) 10am to 8pm. Skate on the Natrel Pond with Santa and his Elves, engage in Holiday card making & cookie decorating. See the professional ice sculptors competition. Get your picture taken with Santa at the Music Garden and also listen to the roaming carollers. Free shuttle service along Queens Quay. For more information 416-596-9821. www.qqhbia.com Cavalcade of Lights Fireworks – December 9 & 16 Nathan Phillips Square -- 100 Queen St. West Head down to the 40th annual Cavalcade of Lights to the display 100,000 lights, the city's official Christmas Tree and, on 2 more Saturday nights this month, fireworks. The winner of two 2003 International Special Events Society Esprit Awards and two International Festivals and Events Association Pinnacle Awards, Cavalcade of Lights is one of the nation's foremost festivals of light. Remember to bring your skates! www.toronto.ca/special_events/index.htm 31st Annual Christmas Treats Walk – 10 a.m. - December 26 Toronto Zoo -- Meadowvale Rd. (north of Highway 401) This much loved annual event is where Siberian tigers, Polar bears, Reindeer and other animals receive their seasonal goodies. Join the fun with strolling Carollers and FREE Hot Chocolate following the walk. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank. FREE admission for EVERYONE all day! www.torontozoo.com In a Thank you for your referrals! Most of my new business contacts come through people like you! You have introduced me to your friends, neighbours, co-workers and families, and I thank you. It makes my work a pleasure. One easy way for you to make an introduction is through this newsletter. If you know someone who might enjoy receiving this newsletter, forward it, sign them up, or suggest they sign up directly – it takes just a few seconds at www.torontomoves.ca. 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. This newsletter is for clients and friends of Gary Crowder. If you prefer not to receive future editions, please send a reply e-mail message with the word "Please Remove" in the subject line. For additional information, please contact garycrowder@torontomoves.ca |
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