Trust me when I say that I have very little spare time. Sometimes, I just need time some time for myself. Selling real estate is one of my passions. There is nothing I enjoy more than having the opportunity to see some amazing homes, lofts and condos in this great city and helping my clients buy them!
After a year off, I joined a volleyball league with a friend and the season started last night! WoW - what a feeling - we had a lot of fun. It's fantastic to be able to get back to another one of my passions!
Life is short - work hard - play hard!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
cooler weather
With Labour Day behind us, and the official beginning of Autumn about 10 days away, the "fall market" has really taken off!
Last weekend, I had a new listing at 213 Booth Avenue, one of the best streets in Leslieville! Traffic at the open house on Saturday was great - very steady and lots of time to chat with the neighbours and interested buyers.
Sunday on the other hand was BUSY! I estimate that close to 100 people came through that house and it was raining quite steadily at the start of the open house. In fact, an agent who had not booked an appointment, knocked on the door as I was still turning lights on to see if he could beat the crowds. I think it was an omen....the crowds came in spite of the weather and eventually it got sunny!
Well my clients received an offer on Tuesday - and as much as I hear that the market has changed and that it is more balanced, I still find there is a lack of quality inventory in Leslieville and East York.
Properly priced listings will sell and sell fairly quickly. For buyers, its an opportunity not to rush and make hasty decisions and get involved in emotional bidding wars......
Stay tuned for more market updates!
Last weekend, I had a new listing at 213 Booth Avenue, one of the best streets in Leslieville! Traffic at the open house on Saturday was great - very steady and lots of time to chat with the neighbours and interested buyers.
Sunday on the other hand was BUSY! I estimate that close to 100 people came through that house and it was raining quite steadily at the start of the open house. In fact, an agent who had not booked an appointment, knocked on the door as I was still turning lights on to see if he could beat the crowds. I think it was an omen....the crowds came in spite of the weather and eventually it got sunny!
Well my clients received an offer on Tuesday - and as much as I hear that the market has changed and that it is more balanced, I still find there is a lack of quality inventory in Leslieville and East York.
Properly priced listings will sell and sell fairly quickly. For buyers, its an opportunity not to rush and make hasty decisions and get involved in emotional bidding wars......
Stay tuned for more market updates!
Monday, July 21, 2008
a message to other real estate agents
Now that we are in a balanced market, I am asking all real estate agents to cooperate with one another as we adjust to this market.
Since listings are not selling as quickly as they used to, sellers need more assurances and feedback after open houses and showings.
After every showing on one of my listings, an email is sent to that agent requesting feedback. I would estimate that 1% of those emails get answered. So I have resorted to calling agents requesting feedback.
Surprisingly, very few agents return those calls. I know we are all busy and have a million emails to answer and calls to return, BUT - Feedback from agents and their clients is crucial.
So let's help each other out!
Since listings are not selling as quickly as they used to, sellers need more assurances and feedback after open houses and showings.
After every showing on one of my listings, an email is sent to that agent requesting feedback. I would estimate that 1% of those emails get answered. So I have resorted to calling agents requesting feedback.
Surprisingly, very few agents return those calls. I know we are all busy and have a million emails to answer and calls to return, BUT - Feedback from agents and their clients is crucial.
So let's help each other out!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
A Balanced Market at Last!
For the last 5 years, I have been working in the East York and Leslieville real estate markets, in what has been classified as a sellers' market. Not enough inventory and a multitude of buyers. If you didn't hold back on offers, a property would be sold in one day. As a result, bidding wars were a normal part of the real estate business. Thousands of dollars spent by buyers on home inspections for homes they would never buy. I have been involved in so many bidding wars for many disappointed buyers who eventually found great homes to move into but the energy expended was enormous on everyone's part.
Today, the tide has turned. The market has become more balanced. In the most recent Market Watch publication, June sales were down from last year. Not a surprise really - how could we keep on that torrid pace?
There were 18% fewer transactions this past June compared to a year ago , meanwhile, inventory has increased 22% over last year. This means buyers have more selection and more time to make a decision. Prices however have continued to go up but only at a rate of 4% compared to double digit increases in years gone by.
Leslieville Real Estate is one of the biggest beneficiaries of past prices increases. A lot has changed in this neighbourhood as is evidenced by a recent article in the Toronto Star.
Some listings still go quickly like this listing at 262 Westwood - it was sold in 3 days. East York Bungalows seem to be doing well still while other listings take 2 and 3 weeks to sell.
Buyers can breathe a sigh of relief now. Bidding wars don't happen like they used to and as an agent, there is hope to actually negotiate and good deal for your clients. Sellers on the other hand, have to learn to be more patient. A balanced market at last.
Today, the tide has turned. The market has become more balanced. In the most recent Market Watch publication, June sales were down from last year. Not a surprise really - how could we keep on that torrid pace?
There were 18% fewer transactions this past June compared to a year ago , meanwhile, inventory has increased 22% over last year. This means buyers have more selection and more time to make a decision. Prices however have continued to go up but only at a rate of 4% compared to double digit increases in years gone by.
Leslieville Real Estate is one of the biggest beneficiaries of past prices increases. A lot has changed in this neighbourhood as is evidenced by a recent article in the Toronto Star.
Some listings still go quickly like this listing at 262 Westwood - it was sold in 3 days. East York Bungalows seem to be doing well still while other listings take 2 and 3 weeks to sell.
Buyers can breathe a sigh of relief now. Bidding wars don't happen like they used to and as an agent, there is hope to actually negotiate and good deal for your clients. Sellers on the other hand, have to learn to be more patient. A balanced market at last.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
in my travels
One of the great things about Leslieville is the way it changes. Its such an organic neighbourhood. So, after an open house at 53 Winnifred Ave recently, I strolled up to Queen St East to do a bit of shopping and then some dinner.
At the top of the street is a store called "Ethel" - its been there for years and I have always loved to check out what's for sale. They always have some amazing pieces of vintage furniture!
But my latest "discovery" was an amazing poster shop called "Telegramme Prints" at 1103 Queen St E. They have a most interesting collection of posters some of which I found intriguing - a series of very colourful and unique prints from a Cuban Film Festival! I ended up buying several! The owner, Ian Gillies, was amazing....... so passionate about his work, it was kind of contagious! The prints should be ready soon as Ian offers on site framing services as well.
With so many unique stores along the Queen East Strip, its no wonder why Leslieville Real Estate is booming!
Monday, June 2, 2008
in my travels
One of the best parts of my job is that I get to explore ALL of Toronto! Yesterday, I was showing some condos at King and Shaw and then had to travel back to Leslieville. On the way back, I thought I would drop in and see my friend John Oakes. John and I used to work together many years ago in the restaurant business. He worked as my assistant at the Acme Bar and Grill for a number of years and then moved up the ranks of that company to become VP of operations.
Well earlier this year, John opened his own pub/restaurant called "Harbord House"!. It used to be called Rowers Pub but John has transformed the place and during a time when students are not around, he is doing very well.
So if you're in the area of U of T (just west of Spadina) drop in for some good food and beer! Make sure you tell John I sent you!
Cheers!
Sam
Well earlier this year, John opened his own pub/restaurant called "Harbord House"!. It used to be called Rowers Pub but John has transformed the place and during a time when students are not around, he is doing very well.
So if you're in the area of U of T (just west of Spadina) drop in for some good food and beer! Make sure you tell John I sent you!
Cheers!
Sam
Sunday, May 18, 2008
GOING GREEN Part 2
I often have to tell my clients that owning home can be challenging. There is maintenance involved. In fact, a home is like a living and breathing organism. It has a life of its own. Just like your body needs proper nutrition, exercise and rest, so does your home.
The weather probably has the biggest impact on the exterior of your home - so keeping a close eye on your roof and shingles after a harsh winter like we just experienced is important.
While on the inside of your home, the furnace is one of the most important elements that needs annual maintenance to ensure that it continues to function through the cold winter months.
Now the point of today's article has to do with yard maintenance. My partner and I moved last November and the yard is more like a park. Many garden beds and a lawn that seems to go on forever!
In an effort to pollute less, we recently purchased a battery operated lawn mower. No cords and no smelly fumes. While it still consumes electricity to keep the batteries charged, there are no noxious fumes pouring out of the machine while keeping the lawns clipped.
But the biggest challenge of all - DANDELIONS! I think the City of Toronto should adopt the dandelion as its flower. Pasadena California is known as the City of Roses - Toronto? Drive around - publicly owned land is awash in a sea of yellow - Hogtown is now Dandelion Central.
This past week, I have spent 4 hours attacking the dandelions in my front lawn. New city bylaws prevent me from using any pesticide - not that I would have anyway - but the alternative solution involves time and energy. I picked up a new garden tool at Canadian Tire the other day that plucks dandelions - root and all - well mostly all the root - right out of the ground. The only problem is, you can only do one at a time. And I swear, there must be at least 500 hundred of them in my front yard. There doesn't seem to be much grass left and that's a story for another day.
But going green means I can probably give up my gym membership soon - as I intend to spend countless hours keeping the dandelions at bay and having the perfect lawn. My mother was obsessed with having a great lawn. She was an immigrant to Canada but quickly got caught up in the local - unofficial - "who has the best lawn?" competition. She loved to be outdoors and work on the lawn, pulling weeds of all shapes and sizes. She would have loved this new tool from Canadian Tire!
My mother would have been proud!
The weather probably has the biggest impact on the exterior of your home - so keeping a close eye on your roof and shingles after a harsh winter like we just experienced is important.
While on the inside of your home, the furnace is one of the most important elements that needs annual maintenance to ensure that it continues to function through the cold winter months.
Now the point of today's article has to do with yard maintenance. My partner and I moved last November and the yard is more like a park. Many garden beds and a lawn that seems to go on forever!
In an effort to pollute less, we recently purchased a battery operated lawn mower. No cords and no smelly fumes. While it still consumes electricity to keep the batteries charged, there are no noxious fumes pouring out of the machine while keeping the lawns clipped.
But the biggest challenge of all - DANDELIONS! I think the City of Toronto should adopt the dandelion as its flower. Pasadena California is known as the City of Roses - Toronto? Drive around - publicly owned land is awash in a sea of yellow - Hogtown is now Dandelion Central.
This past week, I have spent 4 hours attacking the dandelions in my front lawn. New city bylaws prevent me from using any pesticide - not that I would have anyway - but the alternative solution involves time and energy. I picked up a new garden tool at Canadian Tire the other day that plucks dandelions - root and all - well mostly all the root - right out of the ground. The only problem is, you can only do one at a time. And I swear, there must be at least 500 hundred of them in my front yard. There doesn't seem to be much grass left and that's a story for another day.
But going green means I can probably give up my gym membership soon - as I intend to spend countless hours keeping the dandelions at bay and having the perfect lawn. My mother was obsessed with having a great lawn. She was an immigrant to Canada but quickly got caught up in the local - unofficial - "who has the best lawn?" competition. She loved to be outdoors and work on the lawn, pulling weeds of all shapes and sizes. She would have loved this new tool from Canadian Tire!
My mother would have been proud!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Going GREEN
A few months ago I received delivery of a new vehicle - a FORD Escape Hybrid. I chose this SUV for a few reasons. I spend a lot of time in my car and it had to be comfortable for me and my clients. I also needed a large enough vehicle to be able to transport props to listings where I am helping clients get their homes ready for sale. But my primary reason for getting the Hybrid was to pollute less! Remember I drive a LOT!
The beauty of this vehicle is that when I am stopped at a light or stop sign, the gas engine STOPS. And as I accelerate, the gas engine does not click in until I get to 40 km per hour. There are some stretches of road I have found that I can drive for several kilometres using only the electric motor. Amazing.
I average 7.3 litres of gasoline (regular) per 100 km. I am told that this will improve the longer I drive the car. With gas at $1.25 per litre today, well, another reason to drive a Hybrid. I fill my tank every two weeks - and sometimes every 3 weeks depending on how often I need to get onto the highway.
Kermit the Frog even endores the Ford Escape Hybrid
The beauty of this vehicle is that when I am stopped at a light or stop sign, the gas engine STOPS. And as I accelerate, the gas engine does not click in until I get to 40 km per hour. There are some stretches of road I have found that I can drive for several kilometres using only the electric motor. Amazing.
I average 7.3 litres of gasoline (regular) per 100 km. I am told that this will improve the longer I drive the car. With gas at $1.25 per litre today, well, another reason to drive a Hybrid. I fill my tank every two weeks - and sometimes every 3 weeks depending on how often I need to get onto the highway.
Kermit the Frog even endores the Ford Escape Hybrid
Monday, May 5, 2008
recycling
Today I met with a client to ensure that his home was indeed photo ready. He had done a great job of decluttering and packing up. He's moving to Montreal this summer!
He found that getting rid of unwanted items in Toronto is not so easy especially if you don't have a vehicle. He had an old Pentium 2 desktop with a huge old-school monitor that he needed to get rid of. So I drove him to a computer recycling depot called reBOOT. Located near Dufferin and Dupont, its in a location that's not that easy to access by transit - especially when you have to lug around old equipment.
I had been here before when I had an obsolete computer. It's a great organization that refurbishes old computers and gives them to organizations that need them. In turn, you get a charitable donation receipt at the same time that you are recycling.
So if you have old computer equipment and don't know what to do with it, go to www.rebootcanada.ca and check it out!
He found that getting rid of unwanted items in Toronto is not so easy especially if you don't have a vehicle. He had an old Pentium 2 desktop with a huge old-school monitor that he needed to get rid of. So I drove him to a computer recycling depot called reBOOT. Located near Dufferin and Dupont, its in a location that's not that easy to access by transit - especially when you have to lug around old equipment.
I had been here before when I had an obsolete computer. It's a great organization that refurbishes old computers and gives them to organizations that need them. In turn, you get a charitable donation receipt at the same time that you are recycling.
So if you have old computer equipment and don't know what to do with it, go to www.rebootcanada.ca and check it out!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
YARD SALE FOR A CURE
I thought I would share this post by my broker - Debra Bain - about how the "Yard Sale for a Cure" got started. I am proud to be a member of the REMAX Hallmark team. We are involved in the community in so many ways - our Breakfast Program - the Childrens' Miracle Network - and the Yard Sale for a Cure
Here is Debra's post.
May 02, 2008
Yard Sale for the Cure by Debra Bain
How the "Yard Sale for the Cure" all began...
With all the talk about the "Yard Sale For The Cure" just around the corner I thought that I would tell you the story of how it all started.
About 3 years ago I got a call from one of our agents Cindy Shanks asking me if I could meet with a woman in the Beach who had a great fund raising idea for Breast Cancer. Of course, I said yes. When Cindy and I met Rachael Smith at the Queen Office I was taken with her commitment to fight the disease which she had just finished treatment for. She was very organized and had really thought thru a plan to have people in the Beach community all have a yard sale on the same day and donate the money raised to help the fight against Breast Cancer. It was a monumental task to distribute the yard sale kits which included a yard sign, a t-shirt and pink balloons. People from the community signed up on line and then picked up their kits at the Beach office. We had hundreds of signs and t-shirts stored in the basement at Queen. All of the staff participated and there was a steady stream of people in and out of the office for weeks. There was a great buzz about it all! The agents sent letters to their clients asking them to participate and some of them even door knocked the streets delivering flyer's. What happened next was nothing short of amazing. On the day of the Yard Sale there were hundreds of signs scattered thru-out the beach and people came out in droves to purchase the items laid out on the lawns and driveways of homes.
It was a huge success, money was raised, and a bigger ambition was born.
What followed next was an introduction of Rachael and her husband Howard to Christine Martysiewicz at RE/MAX Ontario. RE/MAX embraced the idea, and put their marketing and promotion department behind it. The 2nd year it expanded to many towns across Ontario with each local RE/MAX office getting involved just as we did the year before. Year 3, it is now across Canada!!!
It is incredible to me to see how it has grown and expanded in such a short time. All of us should be extremely proud that this event which helps many woman with breast cancer was started right here at RE/MAX Hallmark!!!
Here is Debra's post.
May 02, 2008
Yard Sale for the Cure by Debra Bain
How the "Yard Sale for the Cure" all began...
With all the talk about the "Yard Sale For The Cure" just around the corner I thought that I would tell you the story of how it all started.
About 3 years ago I got a call from one of our agents Cindy Shanks asking me if I could meet with a woman in the Beach who had a great fund raising idea for Breast Cancer. Of course, I said yes. When Cindy and I met Rachael Smith at the Queen Office I was taken with her commitment to fight the disease which she had just finished treatment for. She was very organized and had really thought thru a plan to have people in the Beach community all have a yard sale on the same day and donate the money raised to help the fight against Breast Cancer. It was a monumental task to distribute the yard sale kits which included a yard sign, a t-shirt and pink balloons. People from the community signed up on line and then picked up their kits at the Beach office. We had hundreds of signs and t-shirts stored in the basement at Queen. All of the staff participated and there was a steady stream of people in and out of the office for weeks. There was a great buzz about it all! The agents sent letters to their clients asking them to participate and some of them even door knocked the streets delivering flyer's. What happened next was nothing short of amazing. On the day of the Yard Sale there were hundreds of signs scattered thru-out the beach and people came out in droves to purchase the items laid out on the lawns and driveways of homes.
It was a huge success, money was raised, and a bigger ambition was born.
What followed next was an introduction of Rachael and her husband Howard to Christine Martysiewicz at RE/MAX Ontario. RE/MAX embraced the idea, and put their marketing and promotion department behind it. The 2nd year it expanded to many towns across Ontario with each local RE/MAX office getting involved just as we did the year before. Year 3, it is now across Canada!!!
It is incredible to me to see how it has grown and expanded in such a short time. All of us should be extremely proud that this event which helps many woman with breast cancer was started right here at RE/MAX Hallmark!!!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
the Spring Market - part 3
This morning I attended a breakfast meeting held at the Four Seasons Hotel for the top producing sales representatives who work at REMAX Hallmark Realty Ltd. When I started in this business four and half years ago, I didn't see myself sitting in this room with all of these top producers - but here I was - me! It kind of put 2007 into perspective - and you suddenly, realize that you had a great year. I want to thank all my clients who referred me business last year and who continue to refer me to their family, friends and colleagues. THANK YOU!
The highlight of the morning was our guest speaker - an economist from TD Canada Trust.
The long and short of his speech - in spite of what you hear in the news, the Canadian Economy is in good shape. While there is undoubtedly going to be some impact on our economy after the housing market meltdown in the USA, in fact, Canadian employment is good shape; wages increased higher than inflation creating surplus cash in people's pockets; and, the forcast for interest rates is that we could see a drop in the prime lending rate of 150 basis points (1.5%) by the end of the year.
While some communities in Ontario - especially those tied to manufacturing and exports to the USA - will be hardest hit by the "recession" in the USA, Toronto's economy and housing market should continue to be robust.
On Tuesday evening, I was one of five agents who had prepared an offer on a cute semi-detached home in East York. Unfortunately, my clients offer was not successful. Some agents continue to underlist properties to create bidding wars. In my opinion, this home could have been listed for $30,000 more than was posted. It would have eliminated a few offers I suspect and may have given my clients better odds. Regardless, there will be more listings on the market soon enough. The warm weather has definitely helped bring more inventory to the market.
The highlight of the morning was our guest speaker - an economist from TD Canada Trust.
The long and short of his speech - in spite of what you hear in the news, the Canadian Economy is in good shape. While there is undoubtedly going to be some impact on our economy after the housing market meltdown in the USA, in fact, Canadian employment is good shape; wages increased higher than inflation creating surplus cash in people's pockets; and, the forcast for interest rates is that we could see a drop in the prime lending rate of 150 basis points (1.5%) by the end of the year.
While some communities in Ontario - especially those tied to manufacturing and exports to the USA - will be hardest hit by the "recession" in the USA, Toronto's economy and housing market should continue to be robust.
On Tuesday evening, I was one of five agents who had prepared an offer on a cute semi-detached home in East York. Unfortunately, my clients offer was not successful. Some agents continue to underlist properties to create bidding wars. In my opinion, this home could have been listed for $30,000 more than was posted. It would have eliminated a few offers I suspect and may have given my clients better odds. Regardless, there will be more listings on the market soon enough. The warm weather has definitely helped bring more inventory to the market.
Friday, March 28, 2008
the Spring Market - part 2
I returned to Toronto on Sunday in anticipation of a busy week.
I had clients who had been readying their homes for the market. Easter weekend was ending; March breaks were over with - so now we could get on with the business of selling real estate. While the nights are still sub zero - daytime temperatures have been pleasant.
Its finally starting to feel like Spring!
The market definately got busy this week. There was a large increase in supply this week. Hopefully this is a sign of a strong spring market. There are still a lot of buyers out there who have to compete in bidding wars.....so with more inventory, we could anticipate that there might be less of this than in the past while
Sam
I had clients who had been readying their homes for the market. Easter weekend was ending; March breaks were over with - so now we could get on with the business of selling real estate. While the nights are still sub zero - daytime temperatures have been pleasant.
Its finally starting to feel like Spring!
The market definately got busy this week. There was a large increase in supply this week. Hopefully this is a sign of a strong spring market. There are still a lot of buyers out there who have to compete in bidding wars.....so with more inventory, we could anticipate that there might be less of this than in the past while
Sam
Thursday, March 20, 2008
the Spring Market
I am going to Windsor, Ontario this weekend. This is where I grew up and could not not wait to leave some 25 years ago. It is however, always great to see my family no matter the circumstances. One of my brothers is flying in from Boston and the other lives there. Unfortunately my Dad's brother passed away on Tuesday so we are there to attend his funeral. He will be missed!
Windsor is an interesting city with its proximity to Detroit. It is heavily reliant on the automotive industry to supply jobs for the community, unlike Toronto which has a variety of industries and businesses where people work. So as goes the automotive industry, so does the real estate market in Windsor.
A cousin of mine, called me several months to see if I could help him sell his home in Windsor. He was looking for find exposure somehow in Toronto but the Multiple Listing System doesn't quite work that way.
We are fortunate in Toronto to be in a city where the economy seems to be thriving and with the daily influx of new immigrants, the demand for housing remains strong. Interest rates are quite low and perhaps heading lower. So as the spring market begins today, I will keep you posted on my point of view on how its unfolding.
Sam
Windsor is an interesting city with its proximity to Detroit. It is heavily reliant on the automotive industry to supply jobs for the community, unlike Toronto which has a variety of industries and businesses where people work. So as goes the automotive industry, so does the real estate market in Windsor.
A cousin of mine, called me several months to see if I could help him sell his home in Windsor. He was looking for find exposure somehow in Toronto but the Multiple Listing System doesn't quite work that way.
We are fortunate in Toronto to be in a city where the economy seems to be thriving and with the daily influx of new immigrants, the demand for housing remains strong. Interest rates are quite low and perhaps heading lower. So as the spring market begins today, I will keep you posted on my point of view on how its unfolding.
Sam
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Real Estate Bubble?
I am sure many of you have been hearing nothing but doom and gloom about the impending crash in the Toronto Real Estate Market. From my point of view, these rumours are highly exaggerated.
Yesterday, I was showing a client a townhouse in the north part of the city. There was no offer date and there didn't seem to be any sense of urgency that the property would sell immediately. I called the listing agent this morning and he told me that they received an offer last night and that it was sold! This property was on the market for 5 days!
Two weeks ago, I showed a cute house in Toronto's East End (Woodbine and Danforth) - a typical 3 bedroom semi-detached property - renovated kitchen, new flooring - it was quite nice - but not - well - nothing to write home to mother about! Oh yes, and it had NO parking! Just parking on the street in the middle of this brutal winter.
My analysis of the property and the neighbourhood suggested that at $400,000 that it was a fair price for the area. I recommended that a price higher than that would be foolish for this neighbourhood.
In the end, the property sold for $60,000 over the asking price - CRAZY if you ask me for a home in this location. There were 4 offers.
So in the dead of winter - Toronto's Real Estate Market is still thriving. Imagine when the warm weather comes, all those buyers who have been hibernating will be coming out of the woodwork!!
From where I sit - its going to be a crazy spring market!!
Sam
www.AgentSam.ca
Yesterday, I was showing a client a townhouse in the north part of the city. There was no offer date and there didn't seem to be any sense of urgency that the property would sell immediately. I called the listing agent this morning and he told me that they received an offer last night and that it was sold! This property was on the market for 5 days!
Two weeks ago, I showed a cute house in Toronto's East End (Woodbine and Danforth) - a typical 3 bedroom semi-detached property - renovated kitchen, new flooring - it was quite nice - but not - well - nothing to write home to mother about! Oh yes, and it had NO parking! Just parking on the street in the middle of this brutal winter.
My analysis of the property and the neighbourhood suggested that at $400,000 that it was a fair price for the area. I recommended that a price higher than that would be foolish for this neighbourhood.
In the end, the property sold for $60,000 over the asking price - CRAZY if you ask me for a home in this location. There were 4 offers.
So in the dead of winter - Toronto's Real Estate Market is still thriving. Imagine when the warm weather comes, all those buyers who have been hibernating will be coming out of the woodwork!!
From where I sit - its going to be a crazy spring market!!
Sam
www.AgentSam.ca
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
JAZZ FM
Some of you may know this already but I am a huge fan of jazz music. Most of the time, I am listening to JAZZ FM when I am driving around getting to appointments.
Twice a year - JAZZ FM - has a fundraising campaign since they are only allowed to have a maximum of four minutes advertising per hour. I am a regular donor to the station but last autumn, I decided to make a contribution that would entitle me to join one of the hosts on a "Jazz Safari"!
Well last Saturday, we got on the Magic Bus and visited five jazz clubs in all - from The Dominion on Queen to the Pantages Hotel to Momo's in Etobicoke!
The music was awesome and our host - Jaymz Bee - was fantastic and so knowledgeable about the jazz scene in Toronto.
If you're interested in taking part in a Jazz Safari go to JAZZ FM and find out more.
Twice a year - JAZZ FM - has a fundraising campaign since they are only allowed to have a maximum of four minutes advertising per hour. I am a regular donor to the station but last autumn, I decided to make a contribution that would entitle me to join one of the hosts on a "Jazz Safari"!
Well last Saturday, we got on the Magic Bus and visited five jazz clubs in all - from The Dominion on Queen to the Pantages Hotel to Momo's in Etobicoke!
The music was awesome and our host - Jaymz Bee - was fantastic and so knowledgeable about the jazz scene in Toronto.
If you're interested in taking part in a Jazz Safari go to JAZZ FM and find out more.
Monday, February 25, 2008
What NOT to do - Part 2!
2. DON'T HAVE FRIED FISH FOR LUNCH
Last summer on a visit to some homes in the "central" part of Toronto, my client was eagerly anticipating a look at a certain bungalow. It was in the area she wanted to live in and well within her price range.
Our appointment was around the lunch hour and I was surprised to see that one of the sellers was present to greet us on the front porch. After formalities were exchanged, she let us enter her home.
We were greeted with the most wonderful aroma of freshly fried fish! OMG! We survived the tour of the property relatively unscathed. Except that our clothes, we noticed later, still smelled like catch of the day.
So when it comes time to sell your home - no fried fish - no cooking at all!!!
If anything - bake some cookies or bread and fill your home with aromas of shortbread or chocolate chip cookies!
Last summer on a visit to some homes in the "central" part of Toronto, my client was eagerly anticipating a look at a certain bungalow. It was in the area she wanted to live in and well within her price range.
Our appointment was around the lunch hour and I was surprised to see that one of the sellers was present to greet us on the front porch. After formalities were exchanged, she let us enter her home.
We were greeted with the most wonderful aroma of freshly fried fish! OMG! We survived the tour of the property relatively unscathed. Except that our clothes, we noticed later, still smelled like catch of the day.
So when it comes time to sell your home - no fried fish - no cooking at all!!!
If anything - bake some cookies or bread and fill your home with aromas of shortbread or chocolate chip cookies!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
What NOT to do when selling your home!
In my travels around the city exploring properties with clients, I have come across some homes and situations which make me wonder:
Does this person really want to sell their home?
Here's my all time favourite.
1. DON'T HAVE SEX WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING SOMEONE TO SHOW YOUR HOME
Last fall, I was showing Gail a condo in the downtown core. For some reason, I had thought that the appointment was confirmed. I proceeded to the security desk and informed them I had appointment and they promptly gave me the key for the unit. We went upstairs - I knocked on the door as I normally would, and then unlocked the door.
Much to my surprise, the owner and his girlfriend were on the living couch in the throes of passion as I walked in. In a fit of panic, I quickly turned to leave and nearly tackled Gail who was following closely on my heels. We were in hysterics as we raced back to the elevator to regroup.
So if you're serious about selling your home - don't be home when a prospective buyer comes to visit - let alone be..........
Does this person really want to sell their home?
Here's my all time favourite.
1. DON'T HAVE SEX WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING SOMEONE TO SHOW YOUR HOME
Last fall, I was showing Gail a condo in the downtown core. For some reason, I had thought that the appointment was confirmed. I proceeded to the security desk and informed them I had appointment and they promptly gave me the key for the unit. We went upstairs - I knocked on the door as I normally would, and then unlocked the door.
Much to my surprise, the owner and his girlfriend were on the living couch in the throes of passion as I walked in. In a fit of panic, I quickly turned to leave and nearly tackled Gail who was following closely on my heels. We were in hysterics as we raced back to the elevator to regroup.
So if you're serious about selling your home - don't be home when a prospective buyer comes to visit - let alone be..........
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