A "Forever House"?

Lately I have been hearing people use the term "forever house" - as in "this is our forever house", or "we want to find our forever house".  I like it when I hear that term because it makes selling houses more meaningful to me.  I love to help people find the house of their dreams - sometimes starting with helping them to figure out what that is. Forever is a long time, and life is full of surprises, but however long you live in your house, it's important that it feel like home.  I have a t-shirt that says "Take Me Home" and sometimes I think that's really my work.

Many thanks.

October is a time that reminds us to be grateful. With the recent devastation in the southern United States, we can appreciate our good fortunes even more deeply - our families and friends, our homes and material comforts. I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving, and encourage you find a special way to celebrate this year.

Strong Start to Autumn Market

TORONTO, September 16, 2005 -- The Toronto Area resale housing market showed a three per cent increase in sales in the first half of September, compared with the same time period in 2004, Toronto Real Estate Board President John Meehan announced today.

"We are already seeing evidence of a solid autumn market, indicating that the strong summer we experienced is carrying over into September. This kind of market strength at this time is especially encouraging coupled with the fact that activity generally tends to increase as autumn arrives," Mr. Meehan said.

Year-to-date sales totals in comparison with the record 2004 market were also strong, remaining within one and a half per cent of last year's total.

Jason Mercer, Senior Market Analyst for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, noted that September's strong perfomance thus far remains consistent with economic indicators.

"Mortgage rates have remained very low, and steady employment growth has continued. As a result, households have remained confident in purchasing and paying for a home over the long term," Mr. Mercer said.

Neighbourhoods stretching from Toronto's midtown area to suburbs North of the city showed particular strength over the first half of the month.

In the Davisville area of Toronto, the number of transactions increased by 38 per cent over the first half of September 2004.

Strong sales of semi-detached homes and condominiums pushed the Downsview area of North York up 55 per cent compared with the same period last year.

In Markham South, detached and semi-detached homes led the way as the area showed an increase of 96 per cent over the same time frame.

John Meehan added that consumers are showing no sign of waning confidence in the market.

"Strong, consistent season over season sales are convincing an ever-growing number of people that there is indeed a very healthy housing market in the Toronto Area and that it continues to be a good time to make a move or get into the market."

Toronto REALTORS are passionate about their work. They adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service designed exclusively for REALTORS. 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)

Buyer Breakfast - Saturday, October 22

It's here!!! I will be hosting a "Buyer Breakfast" at Joy Bistro on Queen Street in the Riverside area on Saturday, October 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This session is great for either first-time or experienced home buyers.  I will be joined by home inspection and mortgage professionals to help answer all questions. Great info, great fun, great food.  And it's free! Please pass along this invitation to people you know who are thinking about buying a house in the next year. Spaces are limited - pre-registration is required - reply to sara@torontomoves.ca.

Little Art Show - November 19th

I am pleased to once again be a sponsor of the Little Art Show coming up November 19^th at BMW Toronto. This is a fabulous night that features original art from over 150 local artists who each donate a 7" x 9" original work for silent auction. All proceeds are in support of the Artists' Network of Riverdale and the 2006 Riverdale Art Walk. Mark your calendar now! www.littleartshow.com

Carolyn Megill  - Solo Art Show  - "Through A Gossamer Wall"

This will be a fabulous show from Tuesday, October 11th to Sunday, October 30th at the Hang Man Gallery, 756 Queen St. E. (just east of Broadview) - Opening Reception - Saturday, October 15 from 7 to 10 p.m.     For a preview www.carolynmegill.com.

Fall Home Maintenance Reminders:

·         Take in fragile plants and planters that need to be stored before frost.

·         Have your furnace checked before heating season begins. Consider a service plan.

·         Change your smoke detector batteries with the time change on October 30 (clocks go back an hour!).

Happy - and safe - Halloween!

Yes, believe it or not Halloween is this month already! For those of you with trick-or-treaters in your house here are some safety reminders:

·         Make sure costumes are safe and comfortable for walking and have proper eye holes so children can see clearly. If possible have reflective elements with the costume.

·         If a costume includes a handheld prop such as a wand or sword make sure there are no sharp points that could cause accidental injury.

·         Be sure children know absolutely not to eat any candy before you have checked it.

·         Children should always be accompanied by a parent, older sibling or other chaperone - if they are young enough to go out, they are young enough to be supervised.

·         Plan a fun and appetizing dinner so kids eat well to (hopefully!) reduce some of the urge to eat candy.

If Halloween isn't a hoot in your neighbourhood, see if you can visit family members or friends on a livelier block.

 

Tip for adults: Always buy your favourite treats so you can enjoy the leftovers! Get into costume for answering the door - it makes it a whole lot more fun! And yes, we do at our house!

 

Toronto Neighbourhood Insights - Watch for Swansea to be featured next month!

October is a spectacular month as the Fall colours start. Here are just a few things to help get you out and about in Toronto this month:

The International Home Show - October 7-10

The International Centre - 6900 Airport Road

With 250,000 square feet of exhibits, the International Home Show is the largest fall home show in Canada. More than 450 exhibitors are on-hand with home improvement products, ideas and solutions. www.internationalhomeshow.ca