April 2004

~ Best Month Ever As March Tops 9000 Sales ~

"The Toronto resale home market turned in its best performance ever in March, with 9076 homes trading hands through the Toronto MLS System", TREB President Cynthia Lai has announced. "This figure is up an extraordinary 11% over the April 2002 figure of 8181 sales, which was our previous best one month performance. It is also the first time sales have cracked the 9000 level".

"Prices eased in March, falling to $307,155 from the $310,196 recorded in February - a decline of about 1%. An influx of new listings onto the market (14,641) helped to ease some of the upward price pressures of the last several months", noted Ms. Lai. "We should see housing remain relatively affordable over the course of the year, in spite of high sales volume." The President went on to say that overall prices were up 6% over the $290,185 recorded in March 2003. She also pointed out, however that these increases varied from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, with some areas like Islington in W08 rising only about 3% year-over-year.

Average Days-On-Market in March was 32

Web-Site Of Interest: www.doorsopen.org Over 100 of Toronto's buildings of architectural or historical significance open their doors for public viewing the last week-end of May.

Rates As Of April 14, 2004:

Glen will guarantee this rate for 120 days if you bring this newsletter along with you.

These ‘Preferred Rates’ are available for new mortgages for any of my clients who bank with Glen Travers, Senior Bank Manager of Scotiabank & Trust.  Glen’s office is located at 2200 Yonge Street (at Eglington), Toronto.

(Bus):  416-932-3034  (Fax): 416-932-3167

Homeworks ... Garages:

When purchasing a home, many people take the garage for granted. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when assessing this structure:

1. If the garage is attached to the house, make sure there is an airtight barrier between the garage and the living space. This would constitute either drywall (with taped seams) or masonry. If there is an entry door from the garage to the house, the door must be properly rated, self-closing and fitted with good seals to prevent car exhaust from entering the house.
2. Auomatic doors must have a reverse-brake feature to prevent injury. Newer installations may have an infrared beam at floor level. While the door is closing, any break in the beam will stop the door.By simply walking under the door, you can verify its operation. Other designs react to pressure. Such equipment is tested by placing an obstacle in its path. Once in contact with the object, the door should reverse. Older systems may have neither safety feature, in which case they should be replaced immediately.
3. It is not uncommon to have the concrete floor slab heave or settle and crack. Because the slab is not usually a structural component, it may be nothing more than an unsightly inconvenience. However, severely uneven floors may require re-pouring of the concrete.

Have you ever wondered how and why so many of those wood framed garages that sit at the end of a driveway are still standing? They may lean pecariously to one side, have no door or one that doesn't work, and are often rotted at the base.

First of all there may be a reason not to tear it down.These ancient garages invariably are located tight to the property line. In most areas, by-laws today would require that the garage be located at least 1.5 feet away from all boundaries. If you knock it down, then you need to rebuild at the new prescribed location, losing valuable land. So there you have it. Either it stays amd slowly crumbles, or you have it removed and go garage-less, or you re-build it and lose land space.

But another option may be to restore it. Restoring a leaning garage may not be as expensive as one might think. Often, for under $3000.00 a contractor will jack up the garage, replace rotted timber, pour a concrete foundation under the three walls (some of the garages were built straight on the soil or on loosely laid concrete blocks) and finally, square the garage back to an upright position. If a new door is required, plus some exterior repairs, you may spend $4000.00 to $5000.00 and in the end have a decent one car garage. In comparison, a new garage will set you back at least $8000.00 or more.

So whether your garage is a solid-looking three car garage or a poor excuse for a shed, take a few minutes with a building inspector or a qualified contractor to review this often over-looked structure.

National Home Inspection: (416) 467-7809

"My Front Door"

Jackie Kulach

An innovative company specializing in garden & entranceway design. We also provide custom plans, furniture & accessories for your outdoor spaces.

Phone: (416) 571-4878
E-Mail: myfrontdoorjd@hotmail.com

Benny's car ran out of gas on a desert highway. It was noon and he thought he'd just walk to the next service stop. After a couple of miles he was exhausted and soon he collapsed on the road. He was crawling and dizzy with thirst, when a car came along. Benny gasped, "Give me water". Harry, the driver said, "I'll give you water if you buy one of my designer ties - they're only $5.00". Benny snapped, "You moron I don't want a tie - I need water"". Harry said, "There is no need to be rude and you'll be sorry". Then he drove off and left Benny on the road. Benny crawled the final mile to the next stop which had a lovely restaurant. He collapsed at the feet of the Maitre'd and pleaded, "I need to sit down and have some water". The Maitre'd replied - "I'm very sorry sir, we have strict rules here - you can't come in without a tie".

Neighbourhood Corner - Beaches & Riverdale:

The Beaches (E02) and Riverdale (E01) remained "HOT" sub-markets in the first quarter of 2004. The former saw 218 sales over the first three months of the year and an average price of $399,151 - up 11% over the same time period in 2003. The latter saw 193 sales for an average of $322,437 - a 12% increase over the January to March time frame of last year.

• Full time agent for 18 years.
• Active in Riverdale/Danforth, Central Toronto & Beaches, High Park, Bloor West Village & Roncesvalles.
• Fully computerized home office.

Memberships:

• Toronto Real Estate Board.
• Ontario Real Estate Association.
• Canadian Real Estate Association. 
• Member of SOLD (Sutton On Line Directory - across Canada agent referral network.)
• Referral Network to related Real Estate Professionals & Trades.

Business Referrals:

Client & Networking referrals are the foundation of a successful real estate agent’s career. Over many years in this industry I have enjoyed the confidence & repeat business of my clients. I appreciate your on-going support and want you to know that I will always look after friends & colleagues you refer to me with professionalism, care and respect.