June keeps pace

TORONTO, July 6, 2006 -- The Toronto Area real estate market began the summer season with a strong showing in June, Toronto Real Estate Board President Dorothy Mason announced today.

“The year continues to be very active,” Mrs. Mason said. “June’s 8,730 sales are within five per cent of last June’s total of 9,153, which was part of a record year.”

Mrs. Mason noted that although June was more balanced than previous months, 2006 remains about two per cent ahead of last year’s pace.

“Year-to-date figures show the record first quarter has been followed by solid, steady results in the late spring and early summer.”

According to Jason Mercer, Senior Market Analyst for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, favourable economic conditions are helping to keep demand strong.

"Robust June sales are testament to the fact that demand for ownership housing remains strong in the Greater Toronto Area. Steady increases in employment and wages coupled with low borrowing costs have kept the number of home buyers near record levels," Mr. Mercer said.

Areas consisting primarily of detached homes were particularly active during June, compared to figures from a year ago.

Wilson Heights in North York saw 42 per cent more transactions than in June 2005.

In Scarborough, the Birchmount Park / Cliffside area of the waterfront had 38 per cent more homes change hands as compared to June 2005.

North of Toronto, the northern part of Richmond Hill had a 17 per cent increase in overall transactions led by detached home sales.

Meanwhile, a jump in activity of semidetached homes helped push the Junction / High Park area of Toronto 33 per cent higher than last June in terms of overall sales.

The market is still very healthy and there is a lot of choice for all types of homebuyers,” Mrs. Mason added. “It’s a very good time to be in the housing market.”

(Source: The Toronto Real Estate Board)

If you are going on vacation this summer, keep your house safe while you are away:

• Ask a friend or neighbour to cut your lawn and water your garden so that things stay looking fresh and cared-for while you are away.
• Stop delivery of your mail and newspapers — or have a friend or neighbour pick them up for you. Have someone clear away junk mail regularly as well.
• Use timers on lights, televisions and radios to provide sound and light on the inside of your home.
• Keep window shades up and blinds and curtains open to make it appear that someone is home; close window coverings where someone could easily look in to see valuables.
• Keep the outside of your home well lit; burglars typically won't go where they are visible. Use motion sensor lights where you can.
• If you have a driveway, ask a neighbor to park at your house from time to time.
• Leave the air conditioner on at a high setting so that it will come on on very hot days. A silent air conditioner on a really hot day is an indication that no one is home.
• Set your voicemail so it picks up on the first or second ring—or just turn off the ringer. A unanswered ringing phone is a good sign no one is home. Do not change your voice message to say that you are away.
• Check to make sure all faucets are securely turned off before you go. Turn off the main taps to your washing machine.
• Unplug your dehumidifier to prevent overflow, or position it to empty securely over a drain.
• Close and secure all windows.
• Check with your insurance company to see if you are required to have your home checked at regular intervals while you are away in order to maintain your coverage. It’s a good idea to have someone check anyway, to inspect in case of power outage, basement flooding, burglary, and to water indoor plants.

It may seem like a lot to think about, but if you tend to details before you go, you will be more relaxed while you are away, and come back to a safe and secure home.

Simple Summer Entertaining

This is the easiest time of year for entertaining, so take advantage. Even if you use the barbecue all year round, this is the season to enjoy outdoor cooking. And summer meals are so simple - all you need is whatever you like for your main course – whether it’s steak, chicken or veggie burgers - and lots of vegetables and fresh salads. Bonus: Barbecuing helps to keep the house cool, as there’s no need to turn the oven on inside the house.

Some summer dining tips:

• Buy summery melamine plates that don't break. You can find plates that are fun and inexpensive (try your nearest dollar store) – it will make things more relaxed, especially if you have children.
• Stock up on paper napkins – IKEA is a good source.
• Invest in a meat thermometer with a wire so you can check the meat temperature without opening the barbecue lid;opening the lid delays the cooking time significantly. If you want to go high-tech, you can even get the a thermometer with a wireless remote monitor so you can check your meat even if you’re visiting next door.

'Tis the Season to Buy Fresh and Local

It’s getting easier and easier to get fresh, locally-grown products. If you eat meat, chicken or turkey, try Beretta Farms, a local family-run farm operation, all organic. Their web site is very friendly, and you can order by phone or on-line and have your order delivered right to your door.
http://www.berettaorganics.com

Farmers' Markets – buy fresh produce from the farm in the city - every week

City Hall Nathan Phillips Square 100 Queen St. W.
Wednesdays until October 4 - 10 am - 2:30 pm

East York Civic Centre - 850 Coxwell Avenue
Tuesdays to October 24 - 9 am - 2 pm

Etobicoke Civic Centre 399 The West Mall
Saturdays to October 28 - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

North York Civic Centre - Mel Lastman Square - 5100 Yonge Street
Thursdays to October 19 - 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Riverdale Farm - 201 Winchester Street (three blocks east of Parliament Street)
Tuesdays to October 24 - 3 - 7 p.m.

St. Lawrence Market 92 Front Street East
Year Round - Farmers come on Saturdays – opens 5:30 a.m.

The Dufferin Grove Farmer's Market - 875 Dufferin St. (in the park across from Dufferin Mall).
Year round - Thursdays - 3 - 7 pm