Neighbourhood First!

Within every price category, there are several neighbourhoods in Toronto, each with its own style and character, each with specific features that determine the fit for people. The essential first step for any home buyer is getting pre-approved financing in place, but, once that is set, I always advise clients to walk and drive around different neighbourhoods within their price range before actually looking at houses. The perfect house is only perfect if it's where you want it. Location determines more than property value - it's about lifestyle and quality of life. Neighbourhoods - the shops, restaurants, schools, community activities - and neighbours! - make a big difference.

Even if you're not planning to move soon, check out some Toronto neighbourhoods just for fun. How many of us know Bennington Heights, Allenby, Seaton Village, The Windfields, Islington Village? When did you last go to Little Italy, Little Portugal or Little India? Most of us have lots to discover still even in our own neighbourhoods. So next time you need a few groceries, are meeting a friend for coffee or going out for dinner, enjoy travel without the airfare, and explore a new Toronto neighbourhood.

September Shatters Record

TORONTO, October 5, 2005 -- A record number of Greater Toronto Area homes changed hands in September as the market jumped 11 per cent over September 2004, Toronto Real Estate Board President John Meehan announced today.

"Not only is this a significant increase over last year, it is also an eight per cent increase over September 2003, the previous record. This is encouraging, as a strong start to the autumn market can help establish a solid foundation for the remainder of the season," Mr. Meehan said.

Fuelled by another strong month, year-to-date sales are now within one half of one per cent of 2004's record pace.

Jason Mercer, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Senior Market Analyst for the Greater Toronto Area, noted that consumer confidence in the economy as a whole is supporting the strong figures.

"Consumers remain very upbeat with regard to the purchase of a home in the resale market. Steady employment growth and very low mortgage rates have kept buyers confident. Borrowing costs near 50-year lows have kept monthly mortgage payments very affordable historically," Mr. Mercer said.

Pockets of exceptionally high activity during the month could be found both within the city of Toronto and in surrounding areas.

In the East, sales of detached homes led Central Pickering to an increase of 53 per cent over September 2004.

The Cooksville / Port Credit area of Mississauga showed a 28 per cent increase in transactions for the month, compared with the previous year. Toronto's Downtown / Harbourfront area rose 35 per cent compared with a year earlier, based on a high percentage of condominium transactions.

Condominium sales also helped North York Centre post an increase of 34 per cent over the same timeframe. "People at all levels of the market are seeing the ongoing benefits of an investment in real estate," Mr. Meehan said.

"People at all levels of the market are seeing the ongoing benefits of an investment in real estate," Mr. Meehan said.

Toronto REALTORS are passionate about their work. They adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service designed exclusively for REALTORS. Serving more than 22,000 REALTORS throughout the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada's largest real estate board.

(Source: The Toronto Real Estate Board)

NEW! - Buyer Breakfast - Saturday, November 26, 2005

Following last month's success, I will again be hosting a "Buyer Breakfast" on Saturday, November 26 from 9 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This is an information-rich session - great for first-time or experienced home buyers. I will be joined by home inspection and mortgage professionals to help answer all questions. Great info, great fun, great food. And it's free! Please pass along this invitation to people you know who are thinking about buying a house in the next year or so. Pre-registration is required
- reply to sara@torontomoves.ca.

Keep Your Heating Costs Down This Winter

With all the talk of the rising cost of heat there is a greater incentive than ever to manage our energy consumption at home:

• have your furnance inspected and cleaned before winter; if you're not already on it, Direct Energy has a great maintenance and repair program - www.directenergy.com
   

• make sure your thermostat is on an automated program to lower the temperature at night and when you are out
   

• close heat vents and doors in rooms you are not using
   

• open your oven door after baking to let the heat into the room
   

• open sun-facing curtains and blinds during the day to let the natural heat come in
   

• check and repair caulking around doors and windows to minimize heat loss
   

• learn to enjoy wearing sweaters and slippers!

Natural Resources Canada and the Office of Energy Efficiency have a great web site with more tips and programmes for lowering your energy consumption: www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca

Featured Neighbourhood: Swansea Village

Here's a bit of background on one of Toronto's many little communities - each one has its history:

Swansea was one of the last villages annexed by the City of Toronto (1967), and is the only Toronto neighbourhood still with a community-run Town Hall. Swansea takes in the area south of Bloor Street to The Queensway, bordered on the east and west by High Park and the Humber River. The Swansea Village corporate seal shows French explorer Etienne Brûlé, who came in 1615, and a Native Indian, representing the first inhabitants of the area. Swansea is a mature, hilly, wooded residential neighbourhood with a broad price-range of homes. Bloor West Village gives Swansea residents great shopping and restaurants. There is easy access to the Bloor Subway line on the north end, and access to the Gardiner on the south end. This is a great family neighbourhood in high demand.

Art Enthusiasts Take Note! - Little Art Show - November 19th

The Little Art Show is a fabulous event I am pleased to sponsor. It features original art from over 175 local artists who each donate a 7" x 9" original work for silent auction. Hosted at BMW Toronto (the building you see at the foot of the DVP) this may be one of the best nights out in Toronto. Parking is free and the $5 entrance fee includes light food! Doors open at 7 - get there early. All proceeds are in support of the Artists' Network of Riverdale and the 2006 Riverdale Art Walk. Mark your calendar now! www.littleartshow.com

November is a great month to stay close to home and prepare for the approaching busy holiday season. But if you feel the urge to get out, there is - as always - a lot going on in the big city:

Royal Winter Agricultural Fair - Nov 4 - 13
National Trade Centre, Exhibition Place
The Royal is the largest indoor combined agricultural, horticultural, canine and equestrian event in the world. If you haven't been, this is a great outing for city-dwellers. And remember to use the Free youth admission coupon in my 2005 calendar!
www.royalfair.org

Santa Claus Parade - Sunday, November 20
Downtown Toronto
The Christmas season officially begins with this grand parade through the downtown core. Marching bands, clowns, fantastic floats and musicians lead the way for Rudolph, Santa and Mrs. Claus. www.thesantaclausparade.org

One Of A Kind Christmas Show and Sale - November 24 - December 4
National Trade Centre -- Exhibition Place
With over 750 of the finest artists, artisans and designers from across Canada this is a great place to shop for unique Christmas gifts - or for yourself.
www.oneofakindshow.com

Yamato - The Drummers of Japan - November 26
Roy Thomson Hall
For 12 years, Yamato has brought the artistry of traditional Japanese wadaiko drums to over a million people. Current tour "Kami-Nari" explores the power of thunder with several dozen drums of various sizes, displaying the instruments' versatility and appeal.
www.roythomsonhall.com

 
There is so much going on in the city - be sure to check out literally hundreds of shows, events and activities at http://www.toronto.com.

Thank you for your referrals!

Many of my new business contacts come through people like you! You have introduced me to your friends, neighbours, co-workers and families, and I thank you. It makes my work a pleasure. One easy way for you to make an introduction is through this newsletter. If you know someone who might enjoy receiving this newsletter, forward it, sign them up, or suggest they sign up directly - it takes just a few seconds at www.torontomoves.ca.ca..

Thank you for your feedback!

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