There is rarely as day that goes by without being asked about the market. When I grab my daily coffee at Coffee Time or Starbucks in town (I change it up every day depending on how I'm feeling), I am quizzed on what's going on. So here's a quick update that looks promising if you're thinking of making a move.

1.  Sales are UP!

The Toronto Real Estate Board reported 10,350 firm sales in April 2012, which is nearly 1500 more homes than the 8,778 firm deals during April 2011.  The strongest sales growth was seen amongst the single-detached home market, with sales up by 22 % compared to a year ago.

2. Prices are UP!

Shockingly, the average price for April 2012 transactions was $517,556 – up 8.5 per cent
compared to April 2011. Comparatively, condominium apartment sales has more supply, and thus has only seen a moderate price growth of 4%.

3. Still a Sellers Market

What does this mean for sellers? Since demand has increased, and supply has not kept up, competition between buyers has increased. (The dreaded multiple offer frenzy for buyers is still upon us.) It follows then that the strongest annual price increase was also seen for single-detached homes.

4. Sitting it Out is a Dumb Idea

I have lost a few buyer clients because the thought that the market would collapse a few years back. They sold their homes and began to rent. They have spend thousands of dollars in rent, and their equity is earning close to no interest.  They are further behind at this point than staying in the market and living without fearing the timing of buying and selling.

I love my job...I actually love it so much it doesn't feel like a job at all! So next time you ask me "How's the Market?", upsize the coffee because we've got lots to discuss!

Brighten Life In This Cul-De-Sac 3 Bedroom Home. You Will Delight In A Variety Of Features Such As Private Master Suite, Full Basement (Awaiting Your Ideas), Freshly Decorated. The Fully Fenced Yard Insures Privacy As Well As Safety For Children And Pets. The Centre Hall Plan Helps Traffic Flow Smoothly For Both Every Day Events And Special Entertaining. 2 Tiered Decks. Here Is A Nicely Kept Home With All Sorts Of Values To Commend It.

Other Features Include:  Hi Efficiency Furnace '08, Windows '09, Shingles '02. Incl: Ri 3 Pc In Basement, Freezer, Central Vac And Related Equipment. Washer + Dryer. Excl: Fridge, Gas Stove, Work Bench, Basement Shelving And Cabinets, Light In Workshop Area.

Call Claire to view this amazing property today!

Welcome To This Spotless Gem: 3+1 Large Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, With Stylish And Modern Open Concept Main Floor. Gleaming Hardwood And Ceramic On Main Floor. Updated Light Fixtures Throughout. Living/Dining Is Wired And Ready For Home Theatre Above Fireplace. Finished Basement Is Perfect For Fourth Bedroom Suite. Lots Of Modern Hallogen In The Professional Finished Basement.

Other fabulous features Include:  Fridge, Stove, Dishwasher, Microwave, Washer And Dryer, All Electric Light Fixtures, All Window Coverings Throughout, 3 Built In Cabinets In Basement, Living/Dining Room Wiring, Alarm Pad And Sensors (Unmonitored), Garage door opener & 2 Remotes.

Don't miss out on this opportunity! Call Claire today!

Wow!! No Need To Look Any Further! Immaculate Greenpark Home located in popular Thornbury Woods featuring loads of upgrades: Fresh Paint, Hardwood Floors, Pot Lights, Upgraded Kitchen Cabinets, Glass and Marble Backsplash, Granite Counter tops, Diagonal Floor Tiling, Kitchenaid Gas Range & Counter Depth Fridge, 3 Sided Gas Fireplace, Dust Pan Vac, Garburator, Garage Entry Into House, 3 Generous Sized Bedrooms and lots more!  The home is within walking distance to schools, parks, highways and the Go transit.

Extras Include:  All Elfs, All Window Coverings, Stainless Steel Gas Stove, Fridge, B/I Dishwasher, and B/I Microwave, Washer, Dryer, Garage Door Opener/Remote, Cvac and Accessories.

Don't miss out on this great home! Call Claire today!

This spectacular 3 bedroom semi detached home is in a great neighbourhood close to schools, shopping, transit and major highways. With dark stained hardwood flooring throughout main floor and 9 ft ceilings, it is a great showpiece!  The kitchen is upgraded with dark maple cabinets with pot drawers and a granite counter top!  This kitchen is a chef's dream!  The master bedroom has a 4 piece ensuite and a walk in closet.

Other Features Include:  Stainless Fridge, Stove, Dishwasher and White Washer/Dryer. All Window Coverings. All Electric Light Fixtures. Central Air Conditioning. Gas Fireplace.

Call Claire to view this property today!

This beautiful 3 bedroom home has a large family room and master bedroom addition. With professionally landscaped grounds, this house has a secluded outdoor pool area! The home has hardwood flooring in the living room, dining room and kitchen.  The master bedroom has cathedral ceilings and a double closet.  The basement has a small workshop and storage area which could be potential for commercial uses such as a Veternarian, Doctors office, Lawyers office or a Chiropractor.  The house has great value and is in excellent condition!

Other Features Include: Fridge, Stove, Built-In Dishwasher, Garden Shed, Pot lights in family room

Call Claire to view this property today!

This Home is Impeccable!

Less Than 5 years old, this house has 9Ft ceilings, laminated floors thru out and a finished basement with a new 3 piece washroom.  The spacious kitchen with backsplash has a breakfast area and a walk out to the manicured back yard.  An oak staircase leads to 3 spacious bedrooms including a 4 piece ensuite in the master bedroom.  The finished basement has soft pot lighting and the entire home is professionally painted. The home includes a linen closet, cold room, lots of storage space, an interlock pathway and entrance, access to garage from house and a sidedoor access from garage to back yard. 

Other Features Include: Fridge, Stove, Hoodfan, Microwave, Washer, Dryer, All Light Fixtures, All Window Coverings, Gb&E, Hot Water Tank(Rental), Cac,R/I Cvac

Call Claire to view this and other properties today!

This Spacious Freehold Townhome is approximately 1800 square feet and is located on a child friendly Cul-De-Sac. With gleaming hardwood strip flooring in the Living Room and Dining Room, this house exudes beauty.  The main floor has ceramic flooring and a gas fireplace in the Family Room.  The Kitchen has dark oak cabinets and a sliding door from the Dinette area to the back yard.  The Large Master Bedroom has a 4 Piece Ensuite and features a soaker tub with seperate shower.  Close to 400, Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre, Recreational Parks and Community Centre.

Call Claire to view this property today!

This Freehold Townhouse is located in The Heart Of Maple. With 1,380 Sq.Ft of living space this house is in superb condition and move in ready!  Hardwood floors located on the main floor and large foyer. The great eat in kitchen has ceramic flooring with a backsplash and large windows. Three bedrooms have large closets. The finished basement has a a walk out to a great size fenced backyard with a custom built cedar deck. This house is in a great location close to all amenities, is a family friendly street and is just steps to parks and schools.

Other Features Include:  Fridge, Stove, Washer, Dryer, All Light Fixtures and Window Coverings.

Call Claire to view this great property today!

Fabulous home updated in the last  year! This immaculate home has 3 bedrooms and a finished basement. New Bathrooms, Dishwasher, Microwave and a Washer. The Kitchen and Dining Room have ceramic flooring with a walk out to the spacious back yard.  The basement features pot lights and a 3 piece bathroom.

Other Features Include:  Fridge, Stove, Built-In Microwave, Built-In Dishwasher, Washer, Dryer, Garage Door Opener, All Electrical Light Fixtures, All Window Coverings, Furnace & Equipment and  Central Air Conditioning.

Call Claire to view this property today!

I say: "TGIS: Thank God it's Spring!" It's also garage cleaning season. At my house, it means dragging all the hockey equipment out, sorting out the open house signs and throwing out various boxes that take root over the winter.

For me, cleaning out the garage takes a full day, but I love how it feels when all the thrift shop donations have been delivered, the floor has been swept, and the shelves are sorted.

If you are thinking of selling this year, here's what you need to do in your garage before much longer:

1. Sweep and wash the floors. Cleanliness is very important throughout the home when it's time to sell.

2. Recycle what is no longer being used, and drop off old paint cans and other hazardous materials. No buyer wants to get stuck with a few trips to the dump.

3. Clear a large space for your furniture that will be "pruned" from your inside living space. My trusted stagers will invariably coach my clients to pre-pack their collections and personal items. Storing them in the garage is no problem, and is certainly expected from buyers who are viewing your home.

4.  Stop smoking in the garage, and get outside. Non-smoking buyers can smell a smoker's garage. Although it's an admirable attempt to keep the smoky smell out of the home, smoking should now be moved outside all together due to the warmer weather.

In all my experience of showing countless homes, I have never seen a buyer change their mind about buying a home based on the boxes and extra furnishings in the garage. (We have chuckled at the amount of items squeezed in the space, but this has never been a determining factor for buyers.)

And one last thought...I'm a progressive, modern woman, but for goodness sake, take down the pin-ups and beer can poster girls. How can a husband tell his wife that he loves the garage, when she's seen the Sunshine girl, and is thinking that all his likes in the artwork!!! Very distracting!

Happy cleaning!

High Profile Corner Unit Exposure: Large Reception With Space For 3 Work Stations, 2 Large Private Offices, 2 Washrooms (One With Shower), Kitchenette With Full Stove/Fridge Unit, Work Station In Warehouse. Large Overhead Door. Central Air In Office Area.

Other Features Include:  Huge Mezzanine Space approximately 1,000 Square Feet with 3 Skylights And Washroom/Kitchen Roughed In: Great Additional Admin Space. Alarm System (Contract), HWT (Rental), Racking Included. Unit Could Be Subdivided As 2 Rental Spaces.

Call Claire to view this property today.

Canada will withstand concerns about the housing market because of its relatively strong global position, Bank of Nova Scotia Chief Executive Officer Richard Waugh said.

“The current concerns about Canada’s housing market are reason for caution but not pessimism,” said Waugh, according to the text of his speech at the bank’s 180th annual meeting today in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. “We can and will manage through any potential problems.”

Waugh goes even further though, and suggests that Canadian family's economics remain solid, and that the housing market is supported by strong fundamentals. I agree with him here: when compared to our American counterparts, there is little for Canadians to grumble about. Unemployment is lower here, and there is no trend of the mortgage defaults as experienced abroad.

The BNS also thinks that it’s up to Canadian banks, and not government or regulators, to manage risks and advise clients appropriately.

Here's where I stop agreeing with ScotiaBank's CEO. The BNS thinks that banks have consumer interests at heart and that the government should leave them alone to keep their clients safe? Who are they kidding? 

Let's look at the facts: ScotiaBank had record annual profit last year of $5.27 billion, driven by increases in domestic and international consumer banking. Last month, the lender said net income in the fiscal first quarter rose 15 percent to C$1.44 billion.

I do not think that the banking sector should be deregulated. Deregulation was the main culprit of the US economic melt down. Lack of government oversight of the banking sector is criminal in my opinion. Certainly, the Canadian government should play a role in lending practices of the major banks in this country. Cautioning consumers to minimize their debt loads and encouraging them to save their equity is best set out by independent, and not-for-profit agencies.

Banks are in the business of earning profits for the benefit of their shareholders. They are motivated to make as much money from their clients and customers. We should never forget that they are not altruistic organizations.

Give me a call to discuss this or other aspects of buying investment properties!

Before you’re sold on the granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, consider that a previous homeowner may have been cooking up a lot more in the basement, bedrooms and even the family room, than a yummy dinner.

Buyers need to know that a home, formerly used for a grow-op, may hold a stigma when it comes to resale. There is an obligation to forever carry the "grow op" label with the property regardless of any remediation. Further, quick repairs made to cover up damage that occurred in the marijuana growing process may in fact, leave the home unsafe. Even the smallest amount of mold re-establish itself and grow to be a very serious problem.

On source of information on buying former grow ops is the Real Estate Council of Ontario's (RECO) website – www.reco.on.ca. Here you will learn more about grow-ops and how they can be identified. Their Marijuana Grow Houses publication provides some helpful tips for home buyers.  RECO Registrar Allan Johnston sits on the Provincial Advisory Group on Marijuana Grow-Ops and Clandestine Labs. He says reports to the group suggest grow ops continue to be a concern.

When working with a broker or salesperson in Ontario, remember that they are obligated to disclose any material fact about a property or its history they are aware of that could affect a person's decision to buy. That is why it is important to work with an registered salesperson who is competent and trusted.

Here are some tell-tale signs to watch for when considering a home purchase:
• Mold in corners where the walls and ceilings meet
• Unusual number of roof vents or signs of roof vents
• Fresh paint on window frames to cover damage caused by the high levels of humidity
• Painted concrete floors in the basement with circular marks where pots once stood
• Evidence of tampering with the electric meter (damaged or broken seals) or the ground around it

While buying and refurbishing grow ops can be a lucrative real estate venture, there are some significant issues to balance before beginning a project. Keep in mind also that the vast majority of lenders will not consider giving a mortgage without up to 50% down on the property. That often turns investors off. 

I'd love to hear about your experiences with grow ops! Drop me a comment and I'd be glad to share it with others!

Hope you enjoy this tool as much as I do! It's great for people who want to plan out their living spaces! Enjoy!

I have started freeing up my time. This means that I limit my time watching TV in the evenings. In fact, if you ask my husband, he'll confirm that I don't watch TV anymore. (He's good with this, as he can watch all the UFC he wants!). Further, I try to limit computer time in the evenings as it always turns into working at home! Now that I have made the conscious decision not to watch TV and surf at night, I have found more time for reading, catching up with friends, and getting organized for the next day.

Next: Out with the Old

I'm clearing out the old "stuff" and making physical space in my life. I don't keep knick-knacks as I consider them dust collectors. I'm trying to file the pile of bills on my desk more regularly. And I have resolved to pitch out old, unworn clothes as soon as I purchase new ones. I like the feeling of plenty of space in my closets. It gives me "peace" of mind. These simple acts of cleaning out seem to help me achieve my goals as they translates into calm, openness, and simplicity. After all, in a freshly weeded garden, new ideas can sprout and take root.

Trim the Dead Wood


On her 75th birthday one month ago, my mom told me that she doesn't have enough time to waste it with people she doesn't love to be with. Hummm I thought, very insightful. It left me asking “Who fuels my energy and enthusiasm and who must be left?” I have resolved to spend more time that make me feel good about life and the future. Those who always seem to be struggling and battling with themselves are seeing less of me. I have been blessed with a great group of friends and clients. I get so much back by being a trusted friend and advisor that I find the more energy I give out, the more I get back. I have found that my circle of friends has morph into a community that supports your goals and fuels my enthusiasm.

I'm making room for the New Year; it is here and it's going to be great!

1. Making an offer on a home without being pre-approved.

It is as simple as filling out an on-line pre-approval form from a bank or mortgage brokers, and typically, you will have an answer within a few days. The pre-approval will indicate a maximum purchase price given your income, down payment, and current credit commitments.

2. Not having a home inspection.

When I write an offer on behalf of my clients, a home inspection condition is always included. In the case of multiple offers, my clients may consider removing the condition to improve their offer to the sellers.  I will always caution my buyers on this action as there is little recourse after the condition is removed, and structural or mechanical deficiencies are found.

3. Limiting your search to open houses, ads or the Internet.

As you will have realized, the good homes fly, and are sold really quickly—even before the open house happens! If you are constantly on Realtor.ca, you may think that you are watching as the new listings hit the market. However, what you might not know, is that there is a delay in what is shown on Realtor.ca, and often, real estate agents see properties before they are listed for sale. If you work with one agent as your buyer agent, their first priority is finding you a home and being pro-active on your behalf. If you are doing all the leg work yourself, you may be missing the perfect property.

4. Not considering long-term needs.

A funky two-bedroom studio will not accommodate a growing family for long, and a large 4 bedroom 2 storey home might not been the right choice for a couple that is looking to retire. Typically, people stay in their first home 5-7 years, then look to buy something that will accommodate a family. Once children leave home, downsizing to a bungalow or condominium might be in the  plan. I recently helped an older couple sell their condo because the husband hated the apartment-style living. It’s really important to explore different options with an agent, as there are many possible solutions that will meet your short and long term goals.

5. Not knowing the total costing involved.

Before you begin your search, you will need to know that buying a home requires some up-front money. First, you will need to produce a certified deposit cheque that is submitted once you have reached a deal with the sellers. This amount varies depending on the purchase price of the home. Also, at closing day, you will need at least 5% of the purchase price as a down payment, and there are closing costs on top of that. Closing costs vary depending on your area, but on average legal fees are around $1200. 

As a Buyer, you may  have questions about the buying process. Give me a call to discuss any of your concerns about buying your next home! Always remember, I love to work with buyers during this exciting time!

It’s always a good idea to spruce up the exterior and interior of your home before listing it for sale. But that doesn’t mean you have to undertake major and/or expensive project.

Just a little effort will greatly increase the perceived value of your home. After all, if you wanted to undertake a large-scale project, you probably wouldn’t be selling!

Here are some simple steps you can take to increase the perceived value of your home and make a great first impression.

Exterior Appearance

• Keep lawns cut
• Trim hedges and shrubs
• Weed and edge gardens
• Clear driveway and clean up oil spills
• Clean out garage
• Power wash
• Touch up paint
• Plant colorful, inexpensive flowers in pots if necessary

At the Front Door

• Clean porch and foyer
• Ensure door bell works
• Repair any broken screens
• Fresh paint or varnish front door
• Repair door locks and key access

Create a Buying Mood

• Make sure your home smells fresh and clean
• Turn on lights
• Turn on air conditioner/heater
• Open the drapes
• Light the fireplace

Create Space

• Clear halls and stairs of clutter
• Store surplus furniture
• Clear kitchen counter and stove top
• Clear closets of unnecessary clothing and stuff
• Remove empty boxes and containers
• Put away personal photos so buyers can envision the house as theirs

Maintenance

• Repair leaking taps and toilets
• Clean furnace and filters
• Tighten door knobs and latches
• Repair cracked plaster
• Apply fresh coat of pain or touch up where necessary
• Clean and repair windows
• Repair seals around tubs and basins
• Replace defective light bulbs
• Oil squeaking doors
• Repair squeaking floor boards

Squeaky Clean

• Clean and freshen bathrooms
• Clean fridge and stove (in and out)
• Clean around heating vents
• Clean washer and dryer
• Clean carpets, drapes and window blinds
• Eliminate pet odors and stains

When it's time to sell your home, I provide a complimentary Home Staging Consultation. During your consultation with an accredited home stager, much of this information will be discussed. Give me a call if this is of interest to you!

The same concept applies to fixtures in a house. In my opinion, lighting, faucets and tiles are the jewellery of the home. These items take a builder grade, standard feature house, and pump it up to the next level of style. With a few main items, buyers will be struck with the feeling of upscale living. The trick is that these well placed items do not have to cost an arm and a leg.

The difference in cost for builder grade light fixtures and more elaborate, ornate light fixtures maybe as little as $100. But I have seen buyers reactions during open houses and when showing my clients various homes. These subtle details signal to buyers that the current owners have paid extra attention to the home. It sets the expectation of buyers for higher end finishes.