Happy 2006!

Believe it or not, the 2006 Spring real estate market has already started with a bang and people are back out buying properties with zeal.  Last year we saw a new record for sales in Toronto, and this year looks like it will be as good or better.  Finding the right home is important to people, and it should be. There’s nothing quite like having a home you love, in a neighbourhood you love.  If you are looking to buy, think as long-term as possible. People often end up living in a house longer than they predict, so plan accordingly!  My advice to buyers is always to take the time to look around, and really think about where you want to be.  Buying a home is not only a major investment of money,  it’s about where you live, and that’s one of the most important decisions you will ever make.
 

Record Sales in 2005!

Friday, January 6, 2006 -- TREB Members reported a record-breaking 84,145 sales during the course of 2005, TREB President John Meehan announced today. "Last year was the best annual performance since statistics have been kept," the President noted. "It is up one per cent over the 83,501 sales recorded during our previous record year, which was 2004."

During December alone, 4,255 sales were transacted through the TorontoMLS system, the second best showing ever for that month, and up from the 4,232 recorded during December 2004.

On the pricing front, the average rose a healthy but not excessive six per cent in 2005, to $335,907 from 2004's figure of $315,321. For December the average was $327,216, up four per cent over December 2004.

Breaking down the total, 1,661 sales were reported in TREB’s 28 West districts and averaged $304,348; 776 sales were reported in the 14 Central districts and averaged $407,473; 806 sales were reported in the 23 North districts and averaged $365,210; and 1,012 sales were reported in TREB’s 21 East districts and averaged $272,949.

Toronto REALTORS are passionate about their work. They adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service designed exclusively for REALTORS. Serving more than 22,000 REALTORS throughout the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada’s largest real estate board.

(Source: The Toronto Real Estate Board)

January Sales give great opportunities for bargains.

January is a great month for finding sale prices on furniture and home accessories – everything you need to refresh your home. Before you go shopping, have a good idea of what you are hoping to find. Take measurements and room dimensions with you so you can be decisive – sale items can go quickly. Look for high quality items that you would want to buy if they were at full price, and aim for deep discounts. Floor models can be dramatically reduced - we recently bought a classic Indian wool area rug regularly priced at $799 for $99! Remember that quality is very important especially with furniture. Like houses, we often have our furniture for longer than we would ever predict, and it needs to stand up to time. Happy shopping!

Let there be light.

Lack of good lighting is one of the most common deficiencies I see in homes. Dim lighting impacts us negatively every day, and often we don’t even realize it. It affects our health and our state of mind. Where could you use more light? Your kitchen? bathroom? living room? Think about your activities such as reading, playing cards or board games, cooking, daily grooming, sorting socks and cleaning house. Sometimes the solution is as simple as putting in a higher wattage of bulb or adding more lamps. Most often the best solution is to install overhead lighting such as pot lights or track lighting - a bit of a project but sometimes worth the time and money. Remember to put in dimmer switches for when you don’t want all that brightness. Safety Notes: Check the maximum wattage allowed in your light fixtures before you change bulbs. Have all new electrical installations done to code by a licensed electrician.

Need a refresh?

Sometimes we get used to the things we have and don’t notice that they are tired, worn out or out of style. Have a look to see if it is time to refresh your….

• front door mat
• tea towels
• shower curtain and bath towels
• pillows
• bedding
• window coverings
• plants

Again, this is a great time of year for bargains, so keep your eyes open for replacements!

Think long-term on art too.

This month’s issue of Style at Home Magazine reminds us that since it costs as much to frame a poster as it does to frame original art, why not search out pieces you can enjoy for years? They also have some good tips for hanging and framing art – here a few:

• Don’t match frames to furnishings. The frame works solely for the artwork within it.
• Don’t let the mat board overshadow the artwork. Never pull a vibrant colour from a painting and use that colour as matting – classic white or off-white is usually best.
• Hang artwork at eye level. If the artwork is in an area where people are usually seated, place it lower.

For more tips and ideas on home decorating check out www.styleathome.com.

Some people stay in a place they don't love simply because they can't bear the thought of moving! Fear not! As much as moving can be a big job, it somehow gets done when the day comes. And if you need help there are professionals who can make it all go smoothly right down to preparation, packing and unpacking. If you're happy where you are, stay and enjoy, but if you'd like a change, call me. I can help you find a place to make the move worthwhile.

Metro Home Show – Presented by RE/MAX – January 19 – 22, 2006
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
If you’re planning home improvements any time soon, the Metro Home Show is a great place to find ideas and resources. www.metrohomeshow.com Buy your tickets on line and save $2 each!

WinterCity and Winterlicious - January 27 - February 9, 2006
various locations across the city

Bundle up and get ready for the third annual WinterCity Festival the award-winning 14-day city-wide celebration of Toronto's culture, creativity and cuisine. Featuring large outdoor spectacle shows, live music and performing arts, this Festival offers three distinct areas of programming: the WOW (Wild on Winter) Series featuring six days of free outdoor spectacle shows, live music and performing arts throughout Nathan Phillips Square; the Warm-up Series with dazzling performances and discounts to some of Toronto's leading cultural and tourist attractions; and the return of the hugely popular prix-fixe restaurant promotion Winterlicious – reserve for lunch or dinner now as places go quickly – American Express card holders get first chance to reserve this week!
www.toronto.ca/special_events

Free Outdoor Ice Skating at Harbourfront

Since winter is here, we might as well enjoy it! Take advantage of free outdoor ice skating at Harbourfront. Check the web site for schedule and other details. Skate rentals and lessons are available. www.harbourfrontcentre.com

Many 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.