Strong and steady

You probably think that "strong and steady" describes the current Toronto real estate market, right? Well, you're right, it does, but it also describes what you need to be as buyer these days: strong and steady. I advise my clients not to be in a rush, even if, by their circumstances, they have a firm deadline. Buying a home is a very important decision. As a buyer you have to be prepared, informed of market values and ready to take action when you see a house you like. But it's almost never a good decision to buy a property by default because you think you won't find something you like better in time. I see it over and over where just as time seems to be up, people suddenly find something that exceeds their expectations, and they are happy and relieved they didn't give up. (Balancing note: timing varies - I have many clients who find exactly what they want in a short time – it all depends!) In a market as big and vibrant as Toronto we have the advantage of having new properties coming to market daily. As a buyer, strong and steady does it - keep a healthy balance of “realist” and “idealist” and you will come out happiest.
 

May breaks all-time record

TORONTO, June 5, 2006 -- More Toronto Area homes changed hands during the month of May than in any other previous single month, Toronto Real Estate Board President John Meehan announced today. The 9,434 transactions that took place during the month were two per cent higher than last May and nearly two per cent above the previous monthly record of 9,275 sales set in June 2004.

“This result is very positive for a number of reasons,” Mr. Meehan said. “We are seeing strong sales totals, yet the pace is very steady and controlled which is a good sign. This speaks to the overall health of the GTA housing market.”

The Scarborough waterfront was one of the most active areas during the month as Guildwood and Scarborough Village saw 33 per cent more transactions than during May of last year. A strong increase in sales of condominiums and townhomes helped fuel the increase, though the majority of transactions were detached homes.

Willowdale, in North Toronto, saw 25 per cent more homes change hands than during May 2005, with condominiums showing the largest increase of any housing type.

Immediately north of Willowdale just outside Toronto city limits, Thornhill showed a 34 per cent increase in overall sales compared to last May.

Ted Tsiakopoulos, regional economist for the CMHC, noted that the larger economic picture shows the Toronto real estate market is a very healthy market to be in.

“Record resale volumes in May suggest that consumer confidence remains strong. A steady pace in home price appreciation, modest rate hikes and rising incomes have kept housing demand healthy across the GTA," Mr. Tsiakopoulos said.

Mr. Meehan agreed that confidence is high. “A big reason there is so much confidence in this market is the consistency it has shown month after month. Consumers are understanding that this is a market with a strong foundation, and that there is a lot of choice out there for established homeowners and first-time buyers alike.”

(Source: The Toronto Real Estate Board)

Container Gardening

Whatever your space, be sure to include containers in your garden plan. They will add texture, life and colour to your space. Containers are particularly good for herbs and flowers, and even some vegetables.

Herbs: Traditional herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano have been grown in containers for centuries. Some such as dill or tarragon, will do better in the garden, but do your own research. Most importantly, grow what you will use and enjoy!

Vegetables: Vegetables such as carrots, radishes and lettuce, or plants that bear fruits over time, such as tomatoes and peppers, are perfect for containers.

Pots: Light-coloured containers are best – dark-coloured pots absorb heat that can damage roots. If you do use dark-coloured pots, try to shade just the container part if possible. Size can also be important, particularly for vegetables. For larger vegetables like tomatoes and eggplants, a five gallon container for each plant is best.

Soil: For soil, peat-based mixes, containing peat and vermiculite, are ideal. They are relatively sterile and pH adjusted and allow the plants enough air and water. A mixture of one part compost to two parts planting mix will help fertility. Using a slow release or complete organic fertilizer at planting will keep your vegetables fed for the whole growing season.

Watering: Pots and containers always require more frequent watering than plants in the ground. As the season progresses and your plants mature, their root system will expand and need even more water. Don’t wait to see wilting – check your containers daily and water as needed!

If herbs and vegetables are not your style, pot colourful flowers that you can cut regularly and enjoy in indoor arrangements. Whatever you plant in them, be sure your containers have holes at the base or in the bottom to allow water to drain properly.

Tips for Your Outdoor and Patio Space

Think of your yard or patio as an extension of your home. Consider the most important functions of your outdoor space - do you use it for social entertaining? children’s play area? relaxation? casual family meals?

• If you have small children you will want a grassed area for play and a secure fence. Learn about common toxic flowers and plants and choose garden plants that are child-friendly.
• Manage the heat in your yard by shading exposed areas with a large standing umbrella, or, if you can, a retractable awning at the back of the house. Even a fence can provide shade in some yards.
• Choose furniture to scale with your space, and that is comfortable and durable – outdoor elements, particularly the sun, can be hard on things. If you have larger numbers of people over from time to time, find some stacking chairs you can bring out as needed.
• If you have room, include a side table in your outdoor furniture plan – it will come in handy for condiments, drinks and serving dishes.
• Plan storage bins or a shed for things like garden tools, toys, outdoor chair cushions – just like your house, outdoor space is better when it is uncluttered.
• Have something for all of the senses - a fountain for the sound of water, fragrant flowers for smell, visual balance and flow for the eye, comfortable seating for touch, and for taste, well, light up your barbecue and go wild!

Toronto Discovery Note – The Brick Works - Perfect for a Summer Outing

Evergreen at The Brick Works: Located in Toronto at the Bayview Extension and Pottery Road, Evergreen Commons at the Brick Works is transforming derelict industrial buildings into a 120,000 square foot garden facility and public courtyard. Future programs planned include gardening and woodworking classes, summer camps and training for at-risk youth. Plans for the site also include a Jamie Kennedy restaurant featuring food grown on-site, a weekly organic farmers' market, event spaces, winter skating, Outward Bound rope courses, YMCA youth training programs, and more. Evergreen was granted permission to redevelop the site by the City of Toronto in 2004. Currently The Brick Works provides serene vibrant green space, with paths, ponds and wildlife, and a doggy area – an oasis hidden in the centre of the city. The project is attracting international attention and support, yet is still relatively unknown to Torontonians. If you haven’t been, go see for yourself – it’s inspiring. Lots of free parking. www.evergreen.ca