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Market Update for Week Ending April 24th, 2020
The mid April market update was released from the Toronto Real Estate Board for the first 17 days of April and it provides the first comprehensive look at the state of our market during the government shutdowns. Sales were down 69% compared to the same...
Finding the Right Real Estate Investment
Owning an investment property can be a wise investment that not only lets you grow your asset wealth over time, but also can provide you with positive cash flow today. However, property investment isn’t as easy as buying a property and waiting for the cash to start rolling in. It is important to choose your property wisely, and to employ a well-researched strategy. Remember, The deal is in the buy.
So, You Want to be a Landlord? Here is What you Need to Know
Generating rental income is an excellent way to improve cash flow and build up your wealth over time. It can also be a great way to keep your own mortgage costs down, all the while building up equity.
Market Update for Week Ending April 17th, 2020
The overall March sales results were clearly driven by the first two weeks of the month. There were 4,643 sales reported in the pre-COVID-19 period, accounting for 58% of total transactions and representing a 49% increase compared to the first 14 days of March 2019. There were 3,369 sales reported during the post-COVID-period – down by 15.9 per cent compared to the same period in March 2019. For March as a whole, new listings were up by 3% year-over-year to 14,424.
How the Toronto Market is Adjusting to COVID-19
As we’ve now entered a new phase of the Pandemic, it’s clear now that Covid-19 and its impact on our daily lives will be lasting. While many of the changes to our daily lives have been drastic, there are stll many shifts that will be much more subtle and longterm. Admist it all, we’re fortunate to have access to so many digital platforms that connect us and offer some continuity of what life was like before Covid-19 gripped our city.
Market Update for Week Ending March 27th, 2020
If you’re planning to buy a home in the next little while, you will likely have to do it sight unseen. Just a few days after the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) urged its members to cancel all open houses, the group is now urging agents to stop all person-to-person business. That includes “open houses, and in-person showings, particularity of tenant-occupied homes,” OREA said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. “While clients who may decide t o host private showings during this time are making the decision for themselves, tenants often have no choice in the matter, putting the health of all those involved at risk.”.
What if this All Means Something?
The past two weeks have marked a massive paradigm shift in our lives. Our daily routines have been appended by the ever increasing cacophony of terrifying news reports, school closures, lockdowns and tense conversations amongst friends and family, all trying to decipher the new meanings of self-isolation, social distancing.
The Evolution of Toronto’s Koreatown
One the best attributes of Toronto is patchwork of distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own unique vibe and character. Koreatown is a favourite, running along the stretch of Bloor Street, between Bathurst and Christie.
The Anatomy of a Real Estate Bidding War
Anyone in the market to buy a home in Toronto would be well-accustomed to the notion of a bidding war. The concept is almost ubiquitous with Toronto Real Estate.
What is Title Insurance Anyways
Title insurance protects you from “title defects”. Title defects are basically anything that would prevent you from owning the property free and clear. In contrast, homeowner’s insurance protects you from damage due to fire, damage caused by weather elements (storms, floods etc.) or theft.
Mortgage Approval Just Got a Bit Easier for Home Buyers
Changes were announced to the mortgage stress test on Tuesday; hopeful homebuyers will be pleased to learn that the lending restrictions have loosened slightly.
Home Ownership Hack: Buy a Duplex with Friends or Family
With the high price of real estate in Toronto, homebuyers are becoming more and more creative as they seek ways to achieve their dreams of home ownership. One homeownership strategy that is becoming more and more popular is co-ownership.
What First-Time Homebuyers Need to Know
Buying your first home is simultaneously thrilling and terrifying. Achieving your dream of homeownership is exciting, but given the size and the complexity of the transaction, along with the responsibility, it can be a little daunting as a first-timer, to say the least.
Toronto Real Estate Sales Surge, As Fewer Homes Go on the Market
The month of December is typically one of the two slowest sales months of the years for real estate transactions (August is the other traditionally slow month). It’s typically a good month for Buyers to jump into the market and snag a deal. However, the surprise was that December’s 5.8% increase marked the seventh consecutive month of acceleration. This is the highest growth rate since October 2017. A lack of inventory, low mortgage rate and continuous migration to the GTA are the macro factors that are propelling the market.
Epic Lakefront Getaway in Price Edward County
Prince Edward County has now become Toronto’s getaway retreat destination. Whether you fancy a country drive and wine tour, foodie dining experiences or simply to sit by a cozy fire underneath the stars, you’ll find that perfect mix to rest and recharge.
Happy Marriage Tiramisu: The Recipe
I was gifted this Tiramisu recipe from a trusted neighbour for my engagement. It calls me to craft this Italian dessert with love and intention at every step. The recipe card bears the marks from 16 years of love and dedication.
Why You’ll Love Braemore Gardens
Tucked into the coveted Wychwood Barns neighbourhood is the quiet, dead end street named Braemore Gardens, perched above Christie Street in midtown Toronto.
Humewood Park: A Neighbourhood Treasure
Truly sublime urban living requires convenient access to green space. Parks really are the hubs of individual neighbourhoods, where residents congregate, enjoy the outdoors, walk their dogs, unwind in the green space and play with their kids. These pockets...
Why it’s better to Give as a Community
Something magical happens when people gather for Good.
Meet Phil, The Trainer and Entrepreneur Behind Philosophy Fitness
As a person who loves a good double entendre, I was delighted to learn that there was a ‘Phil’ behind Philosophy Fitness. Ortwein is the owner and operator of an ever-expanding fitness studio on St. Clair West. Philosophy first opened their doors in 2016 and quickly filled the void for neighbourhood fitness enthusiasts looking for bespoke fitness classes that trained the body and fostered a real sense of community.