Spring fever comes early!

When it comes to Toronto real estate, Spring fever comes early! It's like a switch goes on in February-early March and the housing market comes to new life. You've probably noticed For Sale signs popping up everywhere. If you are even considering buying or selling in 2005, now is the time to get serious about it. While there is more competition for properties over the next few months, there are also a lot more houses and condos to choose from, and more chance of finding something you love. And if you're selling your house, you'll find more eager, decisive buyers. So, jump in, get Spring fever. And call me.

Market Takes Off in February

TORONTO - February 16, 2005--The Toronto real estate market picked up speed in the first half of February, with almost 300 homes changing hands per day.

"The total for February to date is 2,924 sales, a 14 per cent increase over the same period last year," said TREB President Ron Abraham. "It's also up 65 per cent over the first few weeks of January, which is a normal reflection of the market as we approach the spring months."

Areas that have experienced a particularly dramatic surge of activity include Davisville, Willowdale and York Mills. In fact, many parts of central Toronto including the downtown core, Rosedale and Lawrence Manor have seen considerable activity. In the city's East end, sales in Pickering have outpaced all other districts in the region, while the Beaches also remain vibrant.

"We project approximately 6,000 sales for the month, which will not exceed the February 2002 record of 6,866 sales but will still represent a strong market," said Mr. Abraham.

Prices continued to edge higher in the first part of February, reaching $332,057, a seven per cent increase over the end of February 2004.

"Price increases are healthy but not excessive," the President commented. "This benefits potential sellers, but does not drive first-time buyers out of the market."
"With interest rates continuing to make home ownership so affordable, it's no wonder that so many people in the Greater Toronto Area are planning their next move."

(Source: The Toronto Real Estate Board)

How do you find the right home? Like most things, it helps to follow a process!
If you are looking to buy a home, I recommend that you print out and follow my Six Steps to Finding Just the Right Home. Having a process and knowing what you want will make things a whole lot easier!

Step One: Determine how much you can spend.
When deciding on your price range, include closing fees, taxes, utilities plus normal repairs, plus whatever lifestyle factors are essential to you. It is critical to go to your bank, or broker and get pre-approved (not just pre-qualified) for your mortgage - you want to know in advance exactly how much you can spend and what your monthly payments will be.

Step Two: Choose your neighbourhood.
There are many great neighbourhoods in Toronto. Before you start looking at individual houses or condos, it is important that you decide on an area or neighbourhood that you like, and be sure it is a reasonable fit for your budget and lifestyle. Consider shopping, schools, parks, proximity to work, family and friends. If there are several neighbourhoods that interest you, drive around each, walk the areas, try out the shops and restaurants, talk to people who live there and find out everything you can. Finding the right house is a whole lot easier when you know where you want it to be.

For Steps Four to Six click here!

Getting ready to sell - preparation helps (A LOT)!

If you are even wondering about selling your house, call me for a preliminary consultation. I can tell you what you can expect in today's market, and help you identify what you can start doing now to help you get the best price for your house. Even the best-maintained house requires preparation. Most people tell me they wished they had "prepared" earlier regardless of whether or not they were selling. So satisfy your curiosity - call me for a review of your house today!

Time out!

With Winter almost finished and Spring still on its way, March can be a good month to take a break from home improvement projects. So unless you have a high need for activity or there is an urgent "to do" at your house, put your feet up and enjoy a guilt-free time out while you can. Before you know it, Spring will be at your door with its long list of homeowner chores!

How great is thy art?

If you want a home project that is fun, take a stroll around your home and look at what is hanging on your walls. Consider each item. Do you love it? Does it reflect you and your current tastes? Does it help to create the "feel" you want in the room? Is the piece hung in the best location? Does the frame show off what's in it? Sometimes we have nice prints or photographs lingering in the coloured metal frames of the eighties, when a new frame could transform the "look". Check to make sure that mats on your favourite photographs and prints are archival quality for preservation. If you find you want to make changes, you don't have to do it all at once - even one piece at a time will make a difference. If you want to add to your art collection you are in the right city, with access to galleries, art shows with lots of affordable original or reproduction art. Have fun looking and take time to find pieces you really like. Be sure what's on your walls is there by design, not default!

If you're looking to have something framed I can confidently recommend Frames & Pictures (20 Bermondsey Road - 416.615.2999). Tim & Lillian offer excellent service with a wonderful selection of high quality frames at reasonable prices. Tell them I sent you!

March Forth! With the combination of March break and cabin fever, March is often a month where people are looking for something to do. Note: When you are planning your activities, remember that Easter comes early this year with Good Friday falling on March 25th. As you can see, several of March's events involve planning for warmer weather!

Toronto Golf and Travel Show - March 11th to 13th
March 11, 2005 To March 13, 2005
Over 300 exhibitors, indoor driving ranges, golf lessons, golf destinations and resorts from around the world. Details.

Canada Blooms Flower Show - March 9th to 13th
Metro Toronto Convention Centre South Building
The Toronto Flower and Garden Show is the largest flower and garden show in the country. Featuring the best designs, products and services of amateur and professional participants. The New York Times referred to Canada Blooms as one of the top three shows of its kind in North America. Proceeds support horticultural projects that enhance our community landscape.
www.canadablooms.com

St. Patrick's Day Parade - Sunday, March 13th
Bloor & Devonshire
The 18th Annual Toronto St. Patrick's Day Parade will kick-off the celebrations for the most celebrated date on the Irish calendar. The Parade begins at noon.
www.topatrick.com

International Home & Garden Show - March 17th to 20th
The International Centre
Canada's largest 4-day Home and Garden Show takes place at the International Centre. Over 6 acres of home and garden products and services with over 500 exhibitors.
www.internationalcentre.com

One of a Kind Craft Show and Sale - March 24th to 28th
The National Trade Centre
www.oneofakindshow.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, sign them up, or suggest they sign up directly - it takes just a few seconds at www.torontomoves.ca. It doesn't need to be someone who is actively looking at moving, it might be someone who is simply curious for the future and who would enjoy getting the newsletter. Who do you know that I might like to know? It is a small world, after all.

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.