March 2004

~ 6060 February Sales - Second Best Total Ever Recorded For The Month ~

TREB President Cynthia Lai has reported that TREB Members sold 6060 properties in February - a 2% increase from February of 2003. "A number of factors contributed to this result. The leap year gave us an extra sales day and the weather this year, although cold, was less severe than in 2003. Nonetheless, a month with over 6000 sales is a very healthy and active market. Prices trended higher in February with the GTA average coming in at $310,190 - up 5% over the January figure of $295,989 and up 7% from the $289,954 reported during February of 2003. This increase occurred across all four of TREB's geographic areas, and was accompanied by a 2% increase in the median price, which went to $265,000 from January's $259,978. However, it should be noted that not all districts or neighbourhoods were equally active. Prices in the east end of Toronto, for example only rose 1% over 2003.

Average Days-On-Market in February was 35

Web-Site Of Interest: www.cleanyourchimney.com A good compliment to having your chimney professionally swept.

Rates As Of March 11, 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

Prioritize Your Repairs When Preparing To Sell:

So, you're selling your house and you want to get it on the market in the next thirty days! Panic sets in! The first question you ask yourself will probably be, "Should I sell it as is, or try to get as much work done as I can? The answer should be the latter of course, if you want to get the best possible result in the least amount of time. More questions will follow:

• Do I have the resources in time and money to make the house more saleable?\
• Where do I best apply these resources?

What about more major repairs? Do I need to replace a clearly worn roof? Is the water pressure low because of old piping? How bad are the windows? Is there old, potentially unsafe wiring still in use? Is the furnace older than 20 years? Depending on your market-ready budget, you may decide to leave some of these bigger ticket items for the new owner, but at the very least have the furnace inspected and cleaned so that you are passing it on in 'seaworthy' condition!

What shape are the bathroom and kitchen in? For $10,000 you can do a decent upgrade on both, and according to the experts - you will get your money back in the selling price.

Do I have water seepage issues in the basement? Should I patch that crack in the foundation wall? A professional home inspector can be hired to identify and prioritize repairs such as these. Where you draw the line is your call. However, keep in mind that in any real estate market, buyers are willing to pay a little extra for a house where major upgrades are evident and problems are not. Good luck - now get to work!

National Home Inspection: (416) 467-7809

"Summit House Grill" - Toronto's Best Neighbourhood Grill

Mr. Spiros Liarakos - General Manager

40 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto Ontario M4P 3A2 (Yonge & Eglinton)

Phone: (416) 440-0030 Fax: (416) 440-0121

www.summithousegrill.ca

Luigi was a very successful business man who felt that he owed his Mother a great debt of gratitude because she had always believed in him, and stood by him during the difficult years. She lived alone in the family home in the old neighbourhood. For her birthday he decided to get her something really special - a trained parrot who could sing her favourite, grand operas. Of course, the parrot cost an absolute fortune, but it would be a wonderful companion for the old lady. He had the parrot sent over the morning of her birthday. A day later he called her and said, "Ma - did you like my birthday present?" "Yes dear" she replied. "Absolutely delicious."

Neighbourhood Corner - Unionville:

Most of the ten sales in Unionville (West side of N11) this year have been detached homes, and most of these are two storey properties. Their average price is $520,189 up a full 31% over the same two month period last year. The median price was $482,900 and the most expensive sale was $799,000.

• 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.