July 2003

~ Toronto's Super Summer - 8033 Sales In June ~

TREB President Cynthia Lai has reported that with 8033 sales through the MLS System in June, it was by far the best June ever recorded in TREB's history. "Sales are up almost 12% over the 7176 recorded in June of 2001, which was the previous best-ever figure for the month. They are also up a whopping 22% over the 6627 sales recorded in June 2002, and even up marginally over May's figure of 8025". She went on to note that, "June's performance is quite astonishing given the challenges Toronto has faced during the first part of 2003. It is likely that some of the activity we are seeing now is a result of buying decisions that were deferred from the first half of the year, and this should make the summer market unusually robust".

There is also good news with respect to affordability, as prices fell marginally, with the June figure coming in at $295,053 - down 1% from the $298,451 recorded in May. The median price also fell marginally to $255,000 from $256,100.

Web-Site Of Interest: www.yorkville1.com A Family owned janitorial & cleaning company.

Rates As Of July 10, 2003:

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 ... When Should You Call In A Professional?

Deciding whether to tackle a repair/reno project yourself or have a professional do the work involves an honest assessment of 3 factors.

1. Do you have the time to do the project? A professional might take 4-5 days ...but it may take you 2-3 weeks. What is your time worth to you? Do you want to come home after a long day at work, only to continue "work" on another project?
2. Do you have the tools you will need? Look at the cost of either buying or renting specialized tools for a specific job. Will you ever use these tools again? Where will you store them? How do you use them correctly?
3. Do you have the necessary skills for the job? Be realistic here - reading about a project just isn't the same as doing it yourself. If appearances count on fine details or wood-working do you have the necessary talent?

If you are really honest with yourself then you will know when to call in the "pros". Ask friends, family or neighbours for a referral and/or recommendations. And remember before you hire a professional to establish a fee (is it hourly or for the job), ask for an estimated completion time, ask for references and then check them, draw up a contract with all the relevant details and be sure to include a payment schedule, a clean up clause and a hold-back clause. Then, last but not least, get 2-3 quotes so you are sure what the market will bear for the type of work that you want to have done.

National Home Inspection: (416) 467-7809

Business Man Of The Month

Mr. Carmen Aprile - Appliance Specialist - Kitchen Designer Division

"Tasco Distributors"

(416) 781-9145

3041 Dufferin Street (south of Lawrence) - Toronto.

Doreen came home one day to find her husband Tom stalking around the house with a large green fly swatter. "What on earth are you doing?", she asked. Tom said, "Quiet - I'm hunting flies". Doreen smiled and said, "Wow, a man on a mission - how has your sucess rate been?" Tom replied, Great so far, 3 males and 2 females". "Really", said Doreen, "And just how can you tell which is which?" "Well it's easy", said Tom - 3 flies were on a beer can and 2 were on the phone".

Neighbourhood Corner - Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill (N03) has seen 772 sales in the first 6 months of this year - down 14% from the 902 sales recorded during the same time-frame in 2002. The overall average price in N03 was $354,601 - up 5% over the $336,764 recorded during the first half of last year. Of these sales, 336 were detached homes - which averaged $512,389.

Please Call Me With Any Real Estate Questions.

I’m Always Here To Help!!!

-Rosemary Wright

• Full time agent for 17 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.