| Welcome to Gary Crowder's
TorontoMoves monthly e-newsletter with real estate insights, tips for homeowners and updates on what’s happening around Toronto. |
October
2006 |
 Gary’s
Notes for
October |
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Continuous care is best. Any of you who have been looking at houses with me, or at Open Houses, will know that you can tell the difference between a home that has been continuously well-maintained and updated, and one that has had an intense burst of improvements in preparation for sale. I am a strong supporter of a well-prepared house for selling, but I am an even bigger fan of a home that gets attention and care all the way along. Not only is it a nice feeling to be in an updated, well-maintained home, but if ever you do want to sell your home, the task of preparation doesn’t feel quite so overwhelming. Take an objective look at your house inside and out, ideally this month, while we still have reasonable daylight. Is anything starting to deteriorate or just look tired and dated? If budget is a factor in what you can improve, take care of structural concerns first. Anything relating to moisture, inside or outside, must be fixed immediately. This is an excellent time of year to have your roof, basement and windows checked. Freshen exterior paint and stain where you need to protect your house before winter gets here. Half the job is just noticing what needs to be done – then make your plan and get started! If you are thinking about preparing your house to sell, even if it's still off in the distance, call me. I'm happy to have a look and help you with your plan of action. I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving – the best celebration of the year! September’s housing market on the right track TORONTO, September 19, 2006 -- The resale housing market in the Toronto Area performed solidly in the first half of September, Toronto Real Estate Board President Dorothy Mason announced today. “The 2,913 sales to the 15th of the month are off moderately from the 3,112 sales reported to the same time last September,” Mrs. Mason said. “Even though these figures represent a limited timeframe, they indicate more normalized sales levels.” CMHC’s Ontario regional economist Ted Tsiakopoulos agreed, noting that “while GTA existing home sales have remained strong, some moderation in activity should be expected. A ten year expansion in home prices and recent increases in mortgage rates have lifted home carrying costs. Nevertheless, strong condominium and townhome sales suggest consumers continue to have choices.” Sales of townhomes and detached homes in Markham / Unionville (N11) contributed to an overall increase in transactions of 54 per cent compared to 2005’s mid-September results. In the east, Guildwood / Scarborough Village (E08) showed an overall sales increase of 81 per cent to mid-September, compared to the same timeframe in 2005. In the Islington / Kingsway area of Etobicoke (W08), 47 per cent more overall transactions took place in the first half of the month, compared to mid-September of last year. North York City Centre East / Willowdale (C07) saw 55 per cent more overall sales compared to mid-month figures from 2005. Prices continued their upward trend, with the mid-month average price of $335,208 eclipsing the mid-September 2005 mark of $328,266 by two per cent. Average prices year-to-date are five percent higher than figures reported to the same point in 2005. “There is a good balance in the market,” Mrs. Mason said. “Prices have risen but an increase in active listings is helping to avoid rapid price escalation. This benefits the market by maintaining affordability. It’s an excellent time to be in the housing market.” (Source: The Toronto Real Estate Board) Light levels are important in the coming season – check now. As the days get shorter, it’s a good time to assess the light levels in your house:
Energy Note: Where you can, use the new compact fluorescent "spiral" bulbs (CFLs) that are about 75 per cent more efficient than regular bulbs and fit in standard sockets. But read the fine print first - these new bulbs cannot be used everywhere, particularly in enclosed fixtures. Also many models of CFLs do not work with dimmers, and those that do work with dimmers don't dim as low as a regular bulb. Do your own research before you stock up. Seasonal purge – it’s time once again! As we put away our summer clothes and haul out the bins of winter clothes, it’s clear there are some items we can just give away. The same goes for lots of other stuff. What are you hanging on to that would be better cleared out?
If you have things to give away, check out www.charityvillage.com and go to "Volunter & Donate", then "Donate Used Stuff". They have a great list of charities who will take used furniture, clothing and household items, including those who will pick up if you need them to. October is a perfect time to get out on day trips to the country and see the Fall colours. Explore some of these outings, or discover some of your own:
Time change reminder – daylight saving time ends in the wee hours Sunday morning, October 29 – so be sure to set your clock back one hour the night before. Happy and Safe Hallowe'en! If you're not up for the country drive, here's some of what the city has to offer in October: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens - October 7 7:00 pm - Air Canada Centre Pre-season match of 2 of the Original 6. www.ticketmaster.ca The International Home Show - October 6-9 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. Meet more than 450 exhibitors with home improvement products, ideas and solutions. www.internationalhomeshow.ca Toronto Marathon - October 15 Throughout Toronto The 12th Annual Toronto Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K and Relay is the most popular running event in Toronto. More than 12,000 runners from over 30 countries are represented with over 60,000 spectators on the route to cheer and support them. www.torontomarathon.com Kurt Browning's Gotta Skate VI - October 13 Air Canada Centre -- Bay St. (south of Front St.) Kurt Browning's ‘Gotta Skate VI' featuring Toronto's own musical sensations Barenaked Ladies, glide into Air Canada Centre on Friday, October 13th, 2006. www.ticketmaster.ca Boo At The Zoo - October 21 & 22 Toronto Zoo -- Meadowvale Rd. (north of Highway 401) In the Discovery Zone at the zoo from 10am to 4pm. Children (12 and under) in costume accompanied by an adult get in FREE (max. 2 per adult). Check out the SCARY Kids Zoo, be entranced by Magicians and visit with the story-telling witchie poo. There is a ghoulishly-fun activity centre, annual staff pumpkin carvings and more! www.torontozoo.com In a Thank you for your referrals! Most of my new business contacts come through people like you! You have introduced me to your friends, neighbours, co-workers and families, and I thank you. It makes my work a pleasure. One easy way for you to make an introduction is through this newsletter. If you know someone who might enjoy receiving 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. This newsletter is for clients and friends of Gary Crowder. If you prefer not to receive future editions, please send a reply e-mail message with the word "Please Remove" in the subject line. For additional information, please contact garycrowder@torontomoves.ca. |
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