The secret to life - and buying a house - is knowing what you want.

Buying a house is like many things in life - it is easier to make a good choice if you take the time to examine what you really want. That's why I encourage my clients to take their time, consider different options and become clear on what is most important to them. Location is and will always be the most important factor in choosing a new home. Location determines your neighbours, your shopping, your children's schools, your lifestyle - and often your emotional well-being. You don't just live in your house - you live in your neighbourhood, your community, and you need a fit. My consistent advice to clients is to determine budget range, then find the neighbourhood that best meets their needs before looking inside individual houses. I encourage them to drive around, look at the streets and style of houses, try out the shopping and the restaurants, and imagine what it would be like living daily in that location. You can love a particular house, but if you don't connect with what's out past the front door, you won't be happy for long. I have had particularly satisfying experiences recently helping clients, some under strictly defined timelines and budgets, in finding homes that were a fabulous fit for them. Those people will agree with my basic advice - do the math, do the research, stay focused on what you want and keep the faith. They might just recommend working with me too.

If you are questioning your location, now or for the future, please call me.I would be delighted to help you look at your options.

May Sales Strong to Mid-Month

TORONTO, May 18, 2005 --With 4,367 transactions recorded to-date in May, the Toronto resale housing market is running ahead of both last month and of May 2004, TREB President Ron Abraham announced today.

"Sales are up nine per cent over the 4,017 recorded to the same time in April, and up five per cent over the 4,367 recorded in May of last year. With twelve sales days left, we will likely see a strong month-end total as well."

The President went on to note that TREB's Central Region has shown particularly strong activity so far in 2005.

"While year-to-date sales have moderated by about four per cent from the record-breaking 2004 in the Greater Toronto Area as a whole, our Central districts are running one per cent ahead of last year, with 5,387 transactions recorded to date."
Mr. Abraham added that the market as a whole has shown stability throughout the spring.

"Historically, sales activity in May tends to be about two and a half per cent higher than in April, on average, so a nine per cent climb over last month is a positive sign for the strength of the spring market," he said.

A few areas showed exceptionally high sales totals early in the month. North of the city, the Western part of Markham showed 27 per cent more sales activity than in the first half of April. In the West, the South Humber area of Etobicoke showed an increase of 94 per cent over the first half of last month. In the East, the Wexford and Dorset Park areas of Scarborough saw the number of transactions increase by 82 per cent compared to the first half of last month. In the Central areas, sales totals in Leaside and Thorncliffe Park increased by 50 per cent over the same time frame.

Meanwhile, average prices continued to climb in May, rising three per cent to $346,212 over the $337,279 recorded to the middle of last month, and up six per cent from the end of May '04.

Serving more than 21,000 REALTORS throughout the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada's largest real estate board.

(Source: The Toronto Real Estate Board)

Bright note - we're saving on air-conditioning!

Well it's June and we are still experiencing one of those rare periods when our local climate allows us to enjoy unregulated temperature in our homes. Soon the summer heat and humidity will be here and we'll be closing our blinds and turning on the AC. Here are some perennial tips to help keep your system functioning efficiently:

• Change or clean your furnace filters regularly (monthly in high-use months)
• Have your ducts checked/cleaned annually (ideally)
• If you don't have one already, get a programmable thermostat so that you are not running the AC as high at times when you're not home.
• Have your furnace and air-conditioning unit checked and serviced regularly - at least once a year.

Just checking........when is the last time you.....?!

• turned your mattress?
• emptied and cleaned your refrigerator?
• tested your smoke detectors and replaced batteries?
• cleaned under your stove and refrigerator?
• emptied and re-organized your kitchen drawers and cupboards?
  
  If you can't remember, now might be a good time!

It's all in the tools....and that goes for the kitchen too:

Sometimes we don't notice that our kitchen tools are getting worn out. We just reach into the drawer and bring that old plastic egg lifter for another round. But think about it - we use our kitchens every day. It makes sense that we need to replace (and add) items regularly. So check your drawers and cupboards and see what items in your kitchen have served their time. Make note of what might make your cookingexperience more pleasurable:

• pots and pans (especially non-stick surfaces - replace immediately when worn)
• utensils such as spatulas, pastry brushes, spoons and measuring cups
• colanders and strainers
• oven mitts, apron, potholders
• tea towels - which ones can become cleaning rags?
• everyday cutlery - is it a good weight? do you like its feel and style?
• ice-cream scoop - especially for summer (we like the Good Grips brand)

Make note of tools you would like to add, and treat yourself to something new each month. Here are some ideas:

• a good large whisk
• an extra-large measuring cup
• new ovenware such as a good quality covered casserole dish
• large mixing bowls
• handsome serving tongs
• a fancy garlic press
• sharp high quality knives
• the list goes on......

Go to a good kitchen store and make your wish list. It doesn't have to be Williams-Sonoma, though you might want to go there for ideas and inspiration. The Bay can do nicely for some items, and almost always has some sort of sale. Or stick with your local kitchen store (we have two good ones in our section of the Danforth). Find brands that you like and add to your collection bit by bit. Once you have your list, get word out among friends and family to make their gift shopping easier!

Happy cooking!

The Furniture Bank - a simple and satisfying way to clear out used household items.

Do you have furniture and other household items (maybe your old kitchen utensils?) that you are ready to part with and would be happy to give to someone in need? May I suggest The Furniture Bank www.furniturebank.org, a charitable organization that helps people in need set up a home. Recently a client needed to clear out a well-used but still very functional full bedroom set. We called The Furniture Bank and they came punctually to get it, and my client was thrilled to have the set go for good use. There is no fee for the Furniture Bank to pick up at your house, but donations are encouraged to offset the cost of operations. If you have furniture, bedding, dishes and other household items that you are clearing out, consider this route. It's easy - and for many of us that's a critical feature!

Art enthusiasts take note - Riverdale Art Walk this weekend - June 4 & 5!

If you are interested in seeing the work of over 60 talented local artists (and perhaps buying a piece or two?), come out this weekend to the Riverdale Art Walk www.riverdaleartwalk.com. Artists will be set up both Saturday and Sunday from 11 - 6 in galleries and other interesting locations in the area bordered by Queen Street from west of Broadview over to Leslie and up to Gerrard. This is a great way to have fun, see wonderful art - and it's free! Be sure to pick up NOW magazine this week for the full colour insert with artists' info and map.

June is a great time for getting out and doing things in the city. People are starting to relax in anticipation of summer, but everyone's still in the city before heading out to cottages and other seasonal destinations. Here a wee bit of what's going on in Toronto this month:

WOOFSTOCK -- "A Festival For The Dogs" - June 4 & 5, 2005
Distillery District
Woofstock is the largest festival for dogs - and the people who live with them. Quirky, fun, and entertaining, Woofstock has free admission. www.woofstock.ca

Toronto Taste - Sunday, June 12, 2005 - 6 p.m.
York Quay Centre, Harbourfront
Toronto Taste is a fundraiser in support of Second Harvest, a charitable organization dedicated to keeping Toronto's less fortunate from going hungry. Enjoy foods from the tables of 70 chefs who will tempt you with their luscious delicacies. Toronto Taste also features a raffle, silent and wine auction, and beautiful music and décor. Tickets are $225 (tax receipt for $125). To order tickets, call Second Harvest at (416) 408-2594. www.torontotaste.ca

Taste of Little Italy - June 17 to 19, 2005
College Street between Euclid and Shaw
An opportunity for the whole family to experience the food and culture of Toronto's own Little Italy. Live performances on street corners, patios and balconies, playing a variety of music from Classical to Salsa. In addition, food and beverage retailers will offer a mouth-watering variety of tastes and flavours, with promotions and samples of cuisine. www.tasteoflittleitaly.com

The Einstein Festival - June 1 - 30, 2005
Ontario Science Centre
As part of the World Year of Physics, the Ontario Science Centre will have guest professors from the University of Toronto every Sunday in June explaining Albert Einstein's various theories of physics, including quantum physics, cosmology, relativity and the famous equation, E=mc2. The World Year of Physics commemorates the 100th anniversary of Einstein's "miracle year" in which he proved the existence of atoms, proposed the notion of quantum physics and published papers on his theory of special relativity and his equation linking energy and matter. These presentations are targeted to visitors aged 14 and up. (Sundays in June, 2:00 p.m.) www.ontariosciencecentre.ca

Toronto Dragon Boat Festival - June 25 & 26, 2005
Toronto Centre Island
The Tour East Holidays Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival is the 'granddaddy' of all dragon boat races and the largest dragon boat festival outside of Asia. It entices teams from all over the world to Toronto, to compete in the sport of dragon boat racing. www.dragonboats.com

A friend of yours is a potential client of mine!

Many of my new business contacts come through friends and clients - people like you! One easy way for you to make an introduction is through this newsletter. If you know someone, friend, family or colleague, you think might enjoy getting 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.