The lack of posts on the blog is directly related to the increase in activity, but not to worry… I’m back, busy, and ready to blog!

By the first week of January appointments on my listings started to really spike and the emails started pouring in from people interested in buying and selling.  I had taken a client of mine into a loft conversion that we’d been eying for some time.  A few hours after the listing went live, I booked us an appointment with the hopes of being the first ones in… 3 others had already previewed the place before us.  My client loved the space so much that within an hour of viewing the unit we had an offer printed and ready to present. Luckily for the both of us we moved fast.  The next day another 7 appointments were booked.  Because I was able to secure the unit for my client the night before we narrowly avoided participating in multiple offers… others weren’t as fortunate.

I’ve seen several new condo listings in the downtown core with the ever famous “Offers if any, reviewed on the xx of January”.  For those not in the biz, this is one of the many signs that it’s a sellers market and that there are more buyers than there are sellers!  When this happens, the negotiating power isn’t heavily the purchasers side BUT I still think it’s worth while to look.  I’m not a fan of paying several thousand dollars more than what a unit is worth, and I’d never suggest a client do that either… but if that dream layout and your desired building does become available, I say go for it just be aware of what comparables have sold for.  If your fair priced offer isn’t accepted don’t loose faith…another one is always out there!  Sellers, instead of waiting for the spring market I’d suggest prepping you’re unit for sale a lot sooner.  It’s only a matter of time before others get word of the increase demand and start listing their places.

On the preconstruciton side of things, 2011 is promising several great launches through out the City.  Projects gearing up for future phased launches and those looking to move last years inventory have started offering a variety of incentives. Throughout the week I’ll be spotlighting a few with great perks!

If you’re looking to live Downtown, I’d love to help!

You haven’t truly sold Real Estate until you’ve sold a co-op!

Co-op’s are a form of ownership wildly popular in New York yet not that common in Toronto. They’re typically cheaper to purchase when compared to a condo unit. The price of co-op units makes them ideal for a first time purchasers. The term “co-op” is commonly associated with government supported housing, yet many have no relation and are run entirely by the residents and property manager.

The unique location of my listing is on the border of two sought after communities. The building is located on 1648 Bathurst and has Forest Hill to the East and Cedarville to the West! The shops and restaurants of”Upper Village” are minutes away on Eglinton. Loblaw’s and the St. Clair subway station can be found to the South.

The building has a ton of character with a welcoming Tudor style exterior. Typical units in the area are reflective of its time and are rarely updated. I helped my client purchase in the co-op a while back and was amazed when I saw how she transformed the place! Here is what it looked like before the renovations:

From your first visit, you’ll notice that this isn’t you’re typical co-op! The owner has extensively updated the look and feel of her place while still respecting the character and charm originally built into the unit. The walls have been recently painted to give the area a warm feel. The kitchen went through a massive overhaul with the old finishes removed and a much more modern style applied.  The dull white cabinets, the laminate countertops and the basic appliances have been replaced with granite counterops, mahogany coloured cabinets, glass blacksplash and stainless steel appliances.  And now, the after photos:

The living area which was once painted in 2 clashing hues of yellow has been transformed with a floral wallpaper and warm coloured complimentary wall!  My client has preserved the character of the imitation fireplace by giving it a fresh coat of paint.  I particularly love the inlay around the base of the fireplace…that level of work is rarely seen these days.  Oh, and did I mention the hardwood???  Yes I said hardwood NOT laminate!  Try finding that in a newly built condo!

And check out the video!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Laundry is available in the lower level of the building and there is a parking space available for rent!  The unit is placed on the main level, at the rear of the building which allows for quite conversations without the noise of traffic.  The maintenance fees include property taxes, hydro, water and heat.

You can learn even more about the listing on my SavelSells website or feel free to contact me for a private showing!

Do you remember Dave? I do.  He was that poor fella that bought a home under a flight path!  He was also the fictional character that stared in the “How Realtors Help”  commercials (well actually it was him and that catchy Tiny Tom song that helped to make it memorable). Then there was that stressed out lady who took  her anger for those complicated legal forms on her unsuspecting plant!

Embrace yourself people because the Canadian Real Estate Association is about to deliver a new version of the commercial.  The 30 second spot should be hitting the airwaves just in time for the fall market…and thankfully, no furntiure was harmed in the making of it!  Look for it on a TV near you, or check it out today at the  How Realtors Help website!

Don’t be like Dave.  Use a Realtor (Me)…we can save you time, money, and broken furniture.  Best of all, our services are free for buyers!

500 St. Clair, the newest condo to be completed in Toronto has just registered! This means unit owners can now sell their suites on the open market (MLS).  I was lucky enough to accompany my client during their pre delivery inspection before the building was complete and was very impressed with how construction was coming along. The kitchens – spacious. The cieling heights – generous. The lobby – very elegant… but the BIGGEST eye opener was the views!!! Residents of 500 St. Clair have some of the most comprehensive City views I have ever seen!

Residents in this art-deco inspired condo are welcomed by the concierge.  From there they can relax with friends and neighbours at the “Forest Hill Club”.  The club feature some great amenities including: indoor pool, outdoor patio, fitness room, theatre, billiard room, library and a furnished guest suite!

Original purchasers of 500 St. Clair were not allowed to sell their units until the building had registered with the City.  Now that it has, some great layouts have come on the market!  If you’ve thought of selling or living at the newly built condo…give me a call or send me an email, I’d love to help!

Below is a look at the outside facade of 500 St. Clair:

Click here to view the embedded video.

I was cleaning up some old footage from my Flipcam the other day when I came across a few clips I caught of the City.  With the Hot Docs film fest coming to town, I felt a bit “Spike-Leeish”  and decided to put together a short vid of my own…enjoy!

When you’re ready to call Toronto home…call me!

Yes, it’s that simple! Nuwan Fonseka, a Toronto-based mix media artist, reached out to support the group by donating the proceeds from his art to the cause. As I mentioned in a previous post, I too am supporting the Toronto Works for Haiti group by donating a portion of my commission as follows: From January 18 to February 28th 2010 for every $1000 dollars I help buy or sell in resale real estate, 1$ will be donated to one of the 3 charities.  The group now has 28 volunteers all doing there share to contribute to the relief efforts. 

It’s truly a win-win situation as you (the buyer) get to dress your condo walls in vibrant abstract art while supporting the relief effort in Haiti!  You can contact the Toronto Works For Haiti group directly for more info on purchasing the art, or send me an email and i’ll be sure to put you in talks with them! Below are the pieces Nuwan has donated:

In true Toronto fashion, a compassionate group of small business are doing their share to help the people of Haiti. Simply put, “Toronto Works for Haiti” is a group of volunteers offering professional services in exchange for donations to Haiti.

I had the privilege of meeting with the group … and believe be when I say they’re a coooool bunch of people with very diverse offerings. They can help you with everything from Japanese translation/interpretation to style consultation. (fella’s let’s face it, some of us are still rocking the silk ties!) All the service providers who have joined TW4H are providing special packages, and all the proceeds from them will go directly to the charities (Canadian Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders Canada, and The Humanitarian Coalition) with ZERO administration cost! If you have a service you’d like to donate, contact the group with your proposal! They’ve set a very modest goal of $5000 and are pumped about exceeding it.  Everyday they’re updateing their blog on progress the group has made and developments from the ground in Haiti.

I’m supporting the group by donating a portion of my commission as follows: From January 18 to February 28th 2010 for every $1000 dollars I help buy or sell in resale real estate, 1$ will be donated to one of the 3 charities mentioned above. For example, on a $400,000 purchase or sale $400 from my commission will be donated. This is a concept thought up by Andrew la Fleur and supported by Katy Galica and Kenny Shim from Re/Max Condo Plus (contact each Realtor for their exact details)

It’s a great way for Torontonians to continue supporting the relief efforts in Haiti while benefiting from one of the many skilled service providers this City has to offer!

As always…contact me for more info, I’d love to help!