Welcome to September - the REAL new year!

While January marks the start of the calendar year, September is really the New Year for most of us. No matter how busy a summer we had we come out feeling ready to go. There is excitement in the air. Maybe it's the kids going back to school and the return to more of a routine. Maybe it's the end of the calendar year looming and our 2005 "To Do" list egging us on. Whatever it is, it's invigorating - especially for those of us who thrive on activity. There is increased activity in the real estate market too, as people try to make their move before winter. If buying or selling a house or condo is still on your 2005 "To Do" list, call me - because helping you do it is on mine!

Second-Best July Ever

TORONTO, August 5, 2005 -- The Greater Toronto resale housing market recorded the second-highest number of transactions ever in the month of July, Toronto Real Estate Board President John Meehan announced today.

"The 2005 summer market continued its strong performance, showing an increase of nearly one per cent over July 2004, which was part of a record year," Mr. Meehan said. Neighbourhoods outside Toronto's city centre showed some of the strongest numbers for the month.

In Richmond Hill, sales of detached homes fueled an 18 per cent gain over July 2004; its North area seeing an increase of 21 per cent.

In Mississauga, North Cooksville and Northwest Cooksville each showed gains of 33 per cent over July 2004, the latter buoyed by strong condominium sales near Mississauga's city centre.

Strong condo sales also contributed to a 15 per cent increase in transactions over last July in North York, where condos are the most popular housing type.
"Robust activity in the condominium sector is making believers out of those who were skeptics and demonstrating that the condo market is actually very healthy," Mr. Meehan added.

Jason Mercer, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Senior Market Analyst for the GTA, added that the long-term health of the housing market has kept condo sales strong.

"As the year-over-year growth in average resale price has remained above the general rate of inflation, we have seen increasing interest in more affordable multiple family homes, such as town homes and condominium units. These market segments will continue to be a key driver of sales going forward," Mr. Mercer said.

TREB President John Meehan noted that all housing types are still a good investment. "It continues to be an excellent time to be in the real estate market, whether starting out or making a move," 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)

Buyer Breakfast Sessions:

As mentioned last newsletter, beginning this Fall I will be giving "Buyer Breakfasts" - regular, fun-filled, highly informative breakfast sessions for potential home buyers. Watch for the announcement with date and location of the first session shortly.

September - the perfect month for outdoor home maintenance projects:

The next several weeks provide the perfect temperature to take care of outdoor projects before winter. The number and scope of projects will vary according the age and condition of your house - have a look to see what is needed. If you don't know enough about home maintenance yourself, find someone you trust to advise you (neighbour, friend or professional). Preventative care is the key to keeping home maintenance costs (and stress) low. Here are some typical September projects:

• exterior painting or staining (trim, decks, facades)
• sealing/waterproofing foundation, masonry, driveway
• checking and repairing steps and walkways
• ensuring eavestrough is in good condition and routed properly
• early storage of shrubs and plants for winter
• checking roof for deterioration
• repairing weather stripping around doors; re-caulking around doors and windows
• trimming back tree limbs encroaching on your roof or house, pruning as needed
• lawn fertilizing - ideally once mid-September and again early October; you may want to aerate your lawn as well
• watering trees and shrubs deeply to help them winter well

Healthy home cleaning tip of the month:

Regular white vinegar is a natural cleaning product as well as a disinfectant and deodorizer, and is one of the most effective, safest - and cheapest! - cleaning products you can use. Common knowledge perhaps, but how many of us take full advantage of it? Here are just a few ideas to get started - if you're inspired youcan experiment anddo research on your own:

• Mix a solution of 1 part water to 1 part vinegar in a new spray bottle and you have a solution that will clean most areas of your home.
• To unclog a drain, pour a handful of baking soda down the drain and add 1/2 cup of vinegar. Rinse with hot water.
• Clean and disinfect wood cutting boards by wiping with full strength vinegar.
• Clean the refrigerator with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar.
• Clean stainless steel by wiping with a vinegar dampened cloth (we tested this on our stainless rangehood and it worked better than our expensive name-brand stainless steel cleaning product)
• Get stains out of pots by filling the pots with a solution of 3 tablespoons of vinegar to a pint of water. Boil until stain loosens and can be washed away.
• Clean soap scum, mildew, and grime from bathtub, tile, and shower curtains. Simply wipe the surface with vinegar and rinse with water. Do not use full-strength vinegar on grout - while it is generally safe, it cancause grout to deteriorate over time.
• Eliminatepet urine stains from carpet. Blot area with a soft cloth, flush several times with lukewarm water, then apply a mixture of equal parts vinegar and cool water. Blot up, rinse, and let dry.
• Remove tough laundry stains such as fruit, jam, mustard, coffee, tea - gently rub vinegar onstains then wash as usual.

Vinegar is safe to use on most surfaces - always test on an inconspicuous area. Don't worry about your home smelling like vinegar - the smell disappears when it dries.

Note: Do not use vinegar on marble surfaces.

A home and music success story - parents with small children take note!

Recent clients of mine, Faria and Matthew MacDonald, had very particular requirements for their new home search. In addition to living space, they needed a place for a grand piano along with room for Faria to teach music lessons. Now happily settled in, Matthew and Faria tell me they LOVE their new home and Faria's music business (in and out of home) is thriving. If you have small children be sure to check out Sugar Beat Music:

Sugar Beat Music for Children offers age-appropriate music classes for children 4 months to 6 years. Little ones bounce, wiggle, and sing happily. Instruments, stories, puppet shows, and creative movement are also part of the fun! These engaging classes are presented by Faria MacDonald, an accredited early music education professional with training in Kodaly and Orff. For more information visit www.sugarbeat.ca or call (416) 767-5535.

De-clutter expert giving free talk - take advantage!

If you read this newsletter regularly you'll know that any time is a good time to de-clutter! Hellen Buttigieg, Professional Organizer and TV Host, will be making a personal appearance September 15th at BCE Place at 161 Bay St. in downtown Toronto at 12:15 pm and 1:15 pm. She will address two popular topics: 'Cut Closet Clutter and Create More Space' and 'Quit Drowning in a Sea of Papers'. All are welcome to attend at no cost. For more information: www.weorganizeu.com

Though September is already a busy month for most of us, here are a few things you may want to squeeze into your schedule:

The Toronto International Film Festival - September 8 to 17

Various Locations

The Toronto International Film Festival runs annually in downtown Toronto. Get out and see your favourite stars and top calibre films. Surf the Web site or call 416-968-FILM. www.e.bell.ca/filmfest

Vegetarian Food Fair - September 9, 10 & 11

Harbourfront Centre

Taste delicious vegetarian food from around the world, learn cooking techniques, sample new products and attend a variety of workshops and presentations. www.harbourfrontcentre.com

Junction Arts Festival - September 10 & 11

Dundas St. West in the area of Keele St.

The Junction Arts Festival is the largest street-arts festival in North America. Now in its thirteenth year, the Junction Arts Festival proudly continues to promote the arts and The Junction community. www.junctionartsfest.com

Queen West Art Crawl - September 16, 17 & 18

Queen Street West

The 3rd annual Queen West Art Crawl is one of the largest displays of cultural production in Canada - explore this dynamic, diverse display of art. For a list of events, participating artists, galleries and Queen West businesses check out: www.torontoartscape.on.ca/qwac

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..

Thank you for your feedback!

Thanks so much for all of your positive comments about this newsletter - it's great to know you're enjoying it. If there is anything you would like to see in future issues, please send along your suggestions and ideas.