May 2004

~ All Time Record In April - 9168 Sales ~

"The Toronto resale home market continued its remarkable Spring in April with 9168 sales recorded through the Toronto MLS System" announced TREB President Cynthia Lai. "The resale market in the first four months of 2004 has been the best ever recorded. The monthly sales total is up 25% from the 7307 recorded last April and up 12% from the 8181 sales reported in April of 2002, which was our previous best April. It is also up 1% over last month's previous all-time record of 9076 sales. The good news just goes on and on".

Ms. Lai went on to say that, "Prices rose in April, up 4% to $321,131 from the March level of $307,155. Fortunately, inventory rose to 20,633 listings, up 2% over last April. Though an increased number of homes on the market should mitigate price increases, to an extent, demand continues to outweigh supply in many areas. However, there are certain types of homes that remain relatively affordable. For example, prices of condominium apartments have increased only about 4% over this time last year, whereas the market as a whole has increased about 8%".

Average Days-On-Market in April Was 30

Web-Site Of Interest: www.allrecipes.com 22,000 Great recipes, submitted by cooks and magazines. All are rated and reviewed by cooks who have actually made the dishes.

Rates As Of May 12, 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 ... Moisture In The Interior Of A Home:

Moisture is probably the single greatest threat to the home environment. On the one hand, the detail in modern construction more effectively controls moisture through the use of ventilation fans and waterproof foundation walls. However, as the building envelope is far more airtight due to the use of vapour barriers (plastic sheeting behind drywall) and airtight windows, the modern home often does not breathe as well as a drafty, older home. And we all like to breathe fresh air! Old or new, if the air smells damp, or mold (black or white) is showing up in the basement or on upper level walls, then you need to get to work and minimize all sources of humidity within the building envelope.

Damp basement walls may not actually leak water on the floor, but the elevated moisture levels in and on the walls can create conditions that are often right for spores to take root, and create an unhealthy and sometimes dangerous environment. Run a dehumidifier in the basement for starters. The bottom line here is that the basement should be dry. Keep water away from the outside walls. Poor grading and a non-functioning eavestrough system are common problems. Do the windows sweat in cold weather? Is there mold on the window frames? Does mold grow behind drapes, furniture and in the bedroom closets?

Your cooking habits may generate large amounts of moisture. If so, then vent the kitchen to the exterior. How many showers or baths are taken in a day? A functional exhaust fan is recommended where a window either does not exist or is ineffective as a venting method (the homeowner fails to open the window). The dryer should not leak exhaust air into the house. The humidifier on the furnace should be adjusted to reflect the outdoor temperature. By monitoring all of the above, good air quality can be controlled, making for a healthier and more enjoyable living environment.

National Home Inspection: (416) 467-7809

"Fresh Coat" - Two Ladies In Painting

Lyn Travers & Tracy Bankuti have over 30 years combined experience in interior painting,
wall papering and decorative consulting.

Phone: (905) 642-3037 or (905) 642-1067
E-Mail: helenltravers@hotmail.com

Neighbourhood Corner - North Markham:

There have been 635 sales in the North end of Markham (N11) so far this year, for an average price of $372,894. This sales figure is up 16% over the 547 sales recorded during the first four months of 2003 and the average price is up 3% over the $361,122 recorded during that same time frame. Most transactions (394) have been detached homes, which have averaged $425,255. However, there have also been 64 sales of semi-detached houses for an average of $291,312.

• 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.