September 2003

~ August Sets Another Record ~

The Toronto re-sale home market continued its winning ways in August, chalking up 6549 sales, the best figure ever recorded for the month. TREB President Cynthia Lai reported that, "Sales were up 12% from the 5845 figure of August 2001, which was our previous record and up 21% from August 2002. With 22,666 sales in the past three months,we are on pace for our best summer market ever and for a record-breaking year".

Prices continued to decline in August - down another 1% to $285,772 from the $289,880 of last month. Even though sales have surged in the second half of the year, prices have begun to moderate," noted Ms. Lai. "This is because we have a fairly healthy supply of inventory. The 19,134 active listings figure is up 16% from the 16,535 number recorded in August of 2002".

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Rates As Of September 9, 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 ... Controlling Ground Water Around Your Home:

When water collects next to a foundation wall or when the water table (the water level under your property) is higher than your basement floor, hydrostatic pressure can force water through joints, cracks and porous areas in the concrete walls and floors and through cracked or crumbling mortar joints in masonry walls. Poor construction practices - clogged or non-existant footing drains, poorly applied or non-existant waterproofing on the foundation, through-the-wall cracks and improper grading - are often the cause.

Correcting these problems is a major job that requires digging out the foundation to the bottom of the footings. Though this may well be the most permanent repair, first try the exterior remedies that follow. If they don't work then you will have to contact a foundation engineer or contractor for a more lasting solution. (CAUTION) - If you see horizontal cracks in a wall that are bowing inward, long vertical cracks wider than 1/4" or a crack that is getting wider (measure it periodically), you have a structural problem. Contact a soils or foundation engineer at once for professional help.

Exterior Remedies:

Gutters & Downspouts - Should be clear and should direct water away from the foundation. Be sure they are cleaned out 1-2 times a year.

Proper Grading Around The House - The ground should drop 1 inch per foot for the first 10 feet away from the foundation wall. This will ensure good surface drainage.

Flower Beds - Next to the foundation wall should not be allowed to collect water.

Window Wells Around Basement Windows - Must be kept free from debris, have good drainage and be properly sealed at the wall.

National Home Inspection: (416) 467-7809

Ms. Belinda Lam

"Canlik Kitchens - Refacing & Remodelling."

Kitchen Experts With Flexible Solutions.

(416) 412-7828

www.refaceyourkitchen.com

Arnie walked into a very exclusive shoe store and asked to be shown several pairs of shoes. He tried on a walking sandal, then some sneakers, then a casual loafer. Finally he decided on a pair of shiny black oxfords. "So, how do they feel", asked the sales clerk. "Well", said Arnie , "The left one feels a wee bit tight. The sales clerk bent down and studied the man's foot. He looked at Arnie and said, "Try pulling your tongue out and then tell me if it helps". Arnie did as he was asked and replied ... "Waaal - theyth sthill feelth a bith tighth".

Neighbourhood Corner - North York (West)

North York's west end (districts C04 - C06 - C07) saw 1563 sales of all types in the first 8 months of 2003 - a 3% increase over the 1517 recorded in the first 8 months of 2002. Of these, 411 were condominium apartments,which sold for an average of $260,834 - up 1% from the $257,312 recorded in the first 8 months of 2002. In addition, 915 detached homes sold and these averaged $537,357 - a 3% increase over the same period last year.

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.