Mark Savels Toronto Real Estate Blog » Mark Savel

Streetcar Developments Buying Seminar

Mark Savel — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 05:07:26 +0000

A few weeks back, you may remember me blogging about a seminar by Street Car Developments… Originally I had thought it was open to all to attend, but for that particular event it is was Realtors only. On Monday, I attended the hour long seminar as Jeanhy Shim crunched the numbers and gave us an optimistic look on the downtown condo market!

One key point she mentioned was in regards to the diversity and flexibility of condominium units as a housing style. Condos are often the housing ‘type’ of choice for the first timer buyer. On the other end of the spectrum, a condo can also be highly desirable for seniors and empty nesters looking to downsize! In short, the condominium product caters to 2 of the biggest “types” of purchasers making it a very versatile investment!

I had an “a-haa moment” as Jeanhy shared her point. I often find myself discussing (or rather arguing) on the topic of how Condo living is not a fad, and is here to stay! The chart below should help to put that topic to rest!

Of course, a lot more info was shared during the presentation…and if you’re not an agent but would have liked to attend, don’t worry, your chances are coming up! On Sunday July 25th 2:00-3:30pm, Wednesday August 11th and Wednesday August 25th from 6:00-7:30pm they’ll be having similar talks! These seminars will be more geared towards the “In’s and Out’s” of buying preconstruciton with a heavy emphasis on why the East end is the “next big thing”!

The seminar will be held at the Streetcar Presentation Centre (625 Queen St E) or Edge Lofts for those that are familiar with the area! Be sure to RSVP with the number above…and if you’re thinking of buying in the East end, give me a call I’d love to help!

Taking a Break at Sugar Beach

Mark Savel — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:19:03 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

I took a short break in between appointments to enjoy Toronto’s newest beach, appropriately named “Sugar Beach”. Located at the foot of Lower Jarvis Street adjacent to the Redpath Sugar Factory, this beautiful public space was once a parking lot in a former industrial area!

Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown and relax at the beach for a bit…you’ll be glad you did!

*minor correction* I say “Cherry Beach” in the last 10 seconds, but meant “Sugar Beach”… blame it on the sun!

Live in Gotham Lofts? There’s An App for that!

Mark Savel — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 05:40:44 +0000

The Gotham Vintage lofts, located at 781 King Street West, has something quite different that your average Downtown condo…forget about virtual golf simulators or bowling allies, this loft has it’s own app! Created by Christopher King of MOBILE HOME™, the app is the first of it’s kind in Toronto (at least to my knowledge).

According to it’s press release: The app allows residents to view the current building notice, contact property management and building services, manage a list of neighbor contacts from their address book, and view the building’s location and track their own location with a fully functional Google map.

I was really attracted to the “Building and User” tab feature! With few taps on the screen users can see exactly where they are, where the building is, how to get themselves home, and how to explore the neighbourhood!

The app also helps bridge the communication gap between suite owner and property manager. I often get calls from clients looking for the “front desk number” and other building contacts. There’s a tab that has all that info posted at your finger tips! Even investors who don’t physically live in the building can benefit from the app as notices from the building can be read right from your phone.

I visited Christopher’s site to learn more about the app because I think it’s a brillllllliant idea! For $1000 (plus tax), MOBILE HOME™ can build your condo it’s very own app too! It also mentions that versions of the app for the Android, Blackberry, and Windows Mobile platforms are in the works.

My only concern with the app is that everyone and anyone can download it. Meaning any notices or communications meant for residents can be read by any user who has the app on their phone. In the interest of full disclosure…I’m currently using a BlackBerry (though that might be changing soon) and haven’t physically tried the MOBILE HOME™ app. If any readers have, please let me know your thoughts and experience by leaving a comment below!

In the mean time, check out some screenshots or download it for FREE from the AppStore!…hopefully more condo’s follow!

Freed Storage Room Sale

Mark Savel — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:20:51 +0000

Have you ever wondered what happens to all the fancy furniture in condo sales centres?

Sometimes it’s re-used, sometimes it’s tossed…and on some rare occasions it sold at a bargain price! On Saturday July 10th, 2010 from 10-2 all the left over furniture from the Freed showrooms will be put on sale. One of Brad Lamb’s projects in King East had a similar sale a few months back. I stopped by for that one and saw a ton of great furniture for crazy low prices!

I’m guessing this should be the same…or possibly even better! The Freed sales centres are some of the best out there, so if you’re thinking of attending, SHOW UP EARLY!!!

…and if you need the condo before the furniture give me a call or send me an email. I’d love to help!

Streetcar Developments Condominium Seminar

Mark Savel — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 21:11:29 +0000

A few weeks back I attended an excellent seminar by Streetcar Developments discussing the in’s and out’s of buying pre-construction! Surprisingly it WASN”T and hour and half of them convincing you to buy their product. Instead it was an informative session hosted by Jeanhy Shim (VP of sales and marketing for Streetcar developments) and Stanley Grossman (partner at Bresver, Grossman, Scheininger and Chapman LLP). They went through the process, discussed financing and took questions at the end. It was quick, accurate, and to the point!

If you read my blog frequently, you know I’ve become a BIIIIG fan of the East end… primarily the West Don Lands/Distillery/Corktown part of town! I think there is tremendous potential for the price per square foot (roughly $500-550) to catch up with the rest of the city! As a Realtor, I’m always asked “Where would I buy” and for the past year my answer has been “LOWER EAST SIDE!!!” …to which the potential client asks “why???”

For that answer you can subcribe to my blog, or read up on my coverage of projects such as River City and Trinity Lofts. Later in the month i’ll be attending a seminar for Realtors that will discuss: What is Waterfront Toronto doing in the West Don Lands and along the city’s waterfront? Where are the best real estate opportunities today? Why is buying pre-construction a wise investment? What is the outlook for the condominium market in downtown Toronto?

Look for a post later in the month sharing the info I learned on all there is to know about the West Don Lands side of the City!

App Magnets

Mark Savel — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:59:33 +0000

I’m often ammused by all the crazy kinds of fridge magnets I see on daily basis…From tattoo removal (as if that’s something you’ll need every day) to competing Realtors and their smiling grins, the fridge has become a popular space for brands to promote their messages in consumers homes! And yes, even I am guilty of such tactics with my “Savel And The City” magnets making their rounds on various fridges throughout the City.

I recently stumbled upon some real swanky magnets at a showings!

“App Magnets” and as the websites description suggests:
Keeping stuff on you fridge? There’s an App for that. Set of 18 magnets, designed to look like iPhone Apps.

They retail for $16 on the UrbanOutfitters website and are a fun and playful way to post things on your fridge!

Toronto Outdoor Pools Now Open

Mark Savel — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:37:18 +0000

Pool season has officially begun! With the hot June summer weather rolling into town, 12 outdoor pools opened their doors early this year. On Saturday June 26, the City’s remaining 47 outdoor pools opened up along with more than 100 wading pools. Outdoor pools and wading pools will remain open for the season, until September 5. It’s expected to be a hot one this year, so check out the City of Toronto’s website for a full list of pools, locations and hours of operation!

…or better yet, why not buy a condo with pool already in it! Give me a call or send me an email…I’d love to help!