Take a break. You deserve it.

As satisfying as it is to be a homeowner, it is sometimes a challenge to relax and simply enjoy one's home as it is. We always see what needs to be done - a bedroom to re-paint, a kitchen to update, a floor to refinish, a window to replace, or a drawer to repair. For the month of July, I suggest that unless something is at risk of causing harm or damage, let it be. If you notice something that needs to be done, put it on a list for later. Water and weed your lawn and garden and let the rest wait. Enjoy summer. Go away. Invite people over. Have a barbecue. Take naps. Read. If you feel you must do something, I recommend, as always, that you purge your possessions, a continuous all-season activity. One easy way to do this at this time of year is to bring a box of "stuff" out of your closet, basement or storage locker, sit outside with recycle, garbage and storage bins in front of you, your favourite beverage at your side, and sort. Be ruthless. Unless you love it or need it, get rid if it. If you want to make it a social activity, get friends to help you. Who knows, with the energy boost you feel from freeing yourself of "stuff", you might enjoy the summer even more!

June Sales Sizzle

TORONTO, June 17, 2005 -- The resale housing market saw an eight per cent increase in activity in the first half of June, as compared to June 2004, Toronto Real Estate Board President Ron Abraham announced today. The 4,308 transactions recorded so far this month exceeded the 3,977 homes that had changed hands during the first half of June of 2004, which ended as the best single month in the Board's history.

"The market has shown remarkable strength in the first half of the month. This much activity is very positive news for the market as a whole, and especially for those looking to get into the market or make a move," Mr. Abraham said. He also added that strong numbers throughout the spring have helped 2005 pull to within just two per cent of 2004's record-setting pace.

"Throughout the spring, the market has shown consistent power, and the gap is closing between this year's cumulative sales and those of last year's record," Mr. Abraham added. Neighbourhoods within the city of Toronto led the way in sales activity in the first half of the month. In the Downtown core, sales activity rose 30 per cent over the first half of June 2004. Toronto's Riverdale neighbourhood showed an increase in sales activity of 40 per cent over the same period.

The month's vigorous sales activity has been accompanied by higher prices. The average home in the GTA now costs $349,461, a nine per cent increase over the $319,710 recorded in mid-June 2004, though just one per cent higher than the $346,212 average from a month ago. At $294,000, the median home price is up six per cent over last year ($277,910) and one per cent over last month ($290,000).

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)

There's more under the clutter than we know....

I see a lot of clutter in my work and I see what it does to people. That's why I talk about it in every newsletter. Clutter can keep people stuck in a house because they can't deal with sorting through their "stuff". It drains their energy. I also know that if people don't deal with clutter ruthlessly before moving, they take the problem with them. Karen Kingston, author of "Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui" says "Clutter accumulates when energy stagnates and, likewise, energy stagnates when clutter accumulates......the more of it you have, the more stagnant energy it attracts to itself." Her book is full of stories of the wonderful things that happen to people once they clear out the junk. Worth a shot, don't you think?

Get a little something for your stuff - without a yard sale!

If you have clothing and household items that are just a little too nice to give away, check out Ex-Toggery. Ex-Toggery is a private business with 3 locations in central Toronto. They sell primarily women's clothing and accessories with some men's clothing and household items. Everything is on consignment - if your stuff sells, they pay you. If it doesn't sell, the items go to charity. Either way you've cleared it out. Check out their website www.extoggery.com for more details.

New web site lists lots of ways to clear out.

The City of Toronto has a new web site to help you find a new home for just about anything that is re-usable. One man's garbage is another man's gold! www.toronto.ca/reuseit

Distillery District a hidden gem.

How many of you can say exactly where the historic Distillery District is in Toronto? We recently went down to the gallery Artcore in the Distillery District and along the way checked out some of the shops and restaurants. The area has the makings of a vibrant and unique commercial and residential area, yet on non-special event days it can be very quiet. The Distillery still needs to become a recognized destination for people who are active consumers of food, art, furniture and clothing. So go down and check it out - go with friends. The area has been rebuilt with vision and needs Toronto's support to thrive. By the way, condo sales in the area are doing well, in case you're wondering. www.thedistillerydistrict.com

If July is a month to enjoy, there's lots going on in Toronto to help you do just that:

Celebrate Toronto Street Festival - July 8 - 10
Various locations
This year the Celebrate Toronto Street Festival launches with a FREE open air celebration hosted by comedian Seán Cullen at Yonge-Dundas Square starting at 7 p.m on July 8th. This special evening features jazz chanteuse Holly Cole, R&B sensation Jully Black, Celtic rockers Great Big Sea, alt-rock super group Broken Social Scene and Les Girafes - an Urban Operetta from Compagnie Off (France) . Over the weekend Yonge Street at each of Dundas, St. Clair, Eglinton and Lawrence will be converted into a stage with free outdoor entertainment. Each location provides a combination of musical entertainment, street theatre, circus arts and more. The TTC is the recommended mode of transportation. http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition - July 8, 9 & 10
Nathan Phillips Square
The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition is Canada's premier visual arts event. Over 500 artists will be exhibiting and selling their original works of art including works in painting, drawing, sculpture, jewellery, fibre, metal, glass, watercolour, original prints, photography, ceramics, wood and mixed media. A fresh-air alternative to conventional art shows and galleries. The work of established artists, and craftspeople features undiscovered talents and innovative students side by side.
www.torontooutdoorart.org

Summerlicious - July 8 - 24
Various locations
Book now!! - this is a fabulous way to experience some of Toronto's finest restaurants. Following in the footsteps of worldwide restaurant events in New York, Chicago, Sydney and Toronto's own, Summerlicious includes the participation of more than 120 of Toronto's top restaurants. Each restaurant will offer a special prix fixe menu where patrons can sample the establishment's famous fare. Note: Restaurants fill up quickly so reserve early. www.toronto.ca/special_events

Beaches International Jazz Festival - July 14 - 24
The Festival starts with PartiGras (located at the Distillery District in downtown Toronto) and moves on to the Ovation of Jazz event at the Balmy Beach Club, three nights of Streetfest (featuring more than 50 bands along a 2 km stretch of Queen East in the Lakeside Beaches Community), and two days of continous Main Stage concerts at the Beaches' Kew Gardens. www.beachesjazz.com

Ongoing activities:
www.bluejays.com
www.torontozoo.com
www.harbourfrontcentre.com
Happy Summer!

Thank you for your referrals!

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Thank you for your feedback!

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