Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Situated In Aurora's Most Desirable Communities. Spacious, Sun Filled Home Featuring 3 Bedrooms, Large Formal Rooms, Private Backyard Backing To Park. Custom Covered Deck. Well Maintained And Updated Gorgeous Kitchen With Granite Counters. Huge Rec Room In Basement. Close To Schools, Park, Transit, Hwy 404, Shopping And All Amenities.

Fridge, Stove, B/I Dishwasher, Washer, Dryer, Cac And Furnace. All Light Fixtures, Window Coverings

3 BEDROOMS

The cold and dark months of winter are the time when we spend more time indoors and turn up our heating. It’s also the time when our energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions go sky high.

1. Use heavy curtains to stop heat escaping from your windows

Up to 40 per cent of the heat escaping from your home in winter is from uncovered windows. Heavy, lined curtains which extend below the window frame will insulate your windows and help keep the warmth in.

2. Install insulation in your house (or top up old and thinning insulation)

A well insulated house can use as much as 45% less energy for heating and cooling, which means that insulation pays for itself in cheaper bills. With energy prices set to rise, installing insulation now is a smart way of avoiding excessive bills in the future. 

3. Seal up gaps and cracks that let the cold air in

In your average Victorian home, if you added up all the cracks and gaps, it would be the equivalent of having a 1 metre by 1.5 metre window open all the time. They can account for 15 – 25 percent of heat loss in your home. Seal up cracks and gaps using weather stripping around doors and windows, gap filler for cracks in the walls and even a simple door snake for the bottom of the door. You can buy all of these things at your local hardware store, for not much money.

4. Install pelmets on top of your windows

These are either boxes which sit cover your curtain rod or 'invisible pelmets' which sit above your curtain rod and butt up against the back of the curtain, and they do a great job of stopping cold air coming in to your room. If you don’t have them, a cheap alternative is to attach a bit of plywood or corrugated plastic to the top of your curtain rail, out of sight behind the top of the curtain. Or even just pop a scarf up there. 

5. Watch the temperature

Heat the rooms you are using to around 20ºC in winter, a comfortable temperature for most people. If you don't have a programmable thermostat on your heater, place a thermometer in your living area to keep an eye on the temperature. And think of putting on a jumper before you try turning up the heat.

6. Close off any rooms that are not in use

Furniture can't feel the cold so why waste energy heating areas that you're not using? If your heating system will let you, turn it off in empty rooms. And don’t leave your heater or cooling system running all night or while you’re out. Turn it off or install a timer.

7. Let the sunshine in during the day

If you have any north facing windows, open up their curtains when it is sunny to let the sun heat up your house for you.

8. Insulate hot water pipes

Wrap external hot water pipes with simple lagging (insulating tape) to reduce the heat loss from your hot water tank to the taps, and reduce the energy needed to get your hot water. It can be bought cheaply from your local hardware shop.

9. If you can’t heat the room, heat yourself

If you can’t insulate your room or block draughts, it will be hard to heat the whole room, especially with a small electric heater. In this case you are better off sitting near the heater, so it at least keeps you warm.

10. Maintain your heaters

Getting your heater serviced professionally at least every two years will keep it running more efficiently. Keeping heaters free of dust and cleaning any filters regularly will also help. 

With a new year comes new trends in home design and decorating. Among them: paler walls contrasted with colorful furniture, and plenty of personal expression, design experts say.

“For accessories, the trend seems to be getting away from color and going more into rich textures like horn, aged metallics and linens,” Schuneman says. “The absence of color is becoming chic for smaller items.”

One texture Flynn says will have a big moment in 2014: felt.

“Have you looked at Pinterest lately? It’s like every fifth photo you see involves felt! Ever since the handmade movement kicked in back in 2010, felt has been used in unexpected ways and in a modern fashion,” Flynn says. “What makes it such a favorite for designers is how easy it is to work with. It’s amazing for door upholstery due to its stiffness. It makes for awesome craft material, since it’s easy to cut and stitch, and it’s awesome for kids.”

An easy project for even the DIY-challenged: “I modernized the classic kindergarten felt wall in a boy’s room by covering a wall with batting, then literally upholstering it with white and blue felt, then cutting tons of felt into random objects and characters to give the kids something interactive and stylish.”

“The idea of personalization is becoming stronger and stronger,” Schuneman says. “People are wanting their homes to reflect a more unique perspective.”

So rather than assuming that everyone will be buying the same popular items, “stores are doing limited runs on items more often, like art in series or a special brand collaboration for just a season,” he says.

Burnham agrees. Homeowners are increasingly looking to “large-scale wall hangings” and other pieces of art to express themselves, she says, rather than doing it with bold wall color.

“Boy, am I sick of accent walls. I really believe that trend is out! I vote for art every time,” Burnham says. “If you’re looking for something to cover big, blank areas, shop on Etsy for macrame pieces. They add such wonderful texture to your walls, and artists like Sally England have brought them back into vogue.”

She also recommends hunting for vintage posters that speak to you. Find them through online dealers and auction houses, and then frame them in a group.

“While the vintage ones are a bit of an investment,” Burnham says, “they can be a lot more reasonably priced than large-scale paintings and photographs.”

Another way Americans are increasingly customizing their space, according to Flynn: Western-inspired decor.

“For years, I’ve seen taxidermy make its way into mainstream design, yet reinvented in new ways. Lately, I’ve been looking to Ralph Lauren-like cabins of the Western United States for inspiration in my own home. I think a lot of cabin-inspired colors such as pea greens, hunter greens and camouflage-inspired prints will become super popular.”

Flynn’s cabin in the north Georgia mountains is currently decorated in pea green and accented with heavy, masculine fabrics, Western hats and antlers.

“Tons of new-construction homes have awkward bonus rooms” that homeowners aren’t sure how to furnish, Flynn says.

“Why not turn that space into an extra sleeping area that can accommodate multiple guests, but in a super-stylish, architectural manner? That’s where the art of built-in bunks comes in,” Flynn says.

“I turned a dated attic into a bunk room and play space for two young brothers by using one wall as floor-to-ceiling, midcentury-style bunks. This isn’t exactly cheap to do, but it’s well worth the investment since it maximizes space and adds an architectural focal point, albeit one that’s functional, to otherwise dead space.”

You have to do the hard things. 

• You have to make the call you’re afraid to make.
• You have to get up earlier than you want to get up.
• You have to give more than you get in return right away.
• You have to care more about others than they care about you.
• You have to fight when you are already injured, bloody, and sore.
• You have to feel unsure and insecure when playing it safe seems smarter.
• You have to lead when no one else is following you yet.
• You have to invest in yourself even though no one else is.
• You have to look like a fool while you’re looking for answers you don’t have.
• You have to grind out the details when it’s easier to shrug them off.
• You have to deliver results when making excuses is an option.
• You have to search for your own explanations even when you’re told to accept the “facts.”
• You have to make mistakes and look like an idiot.
• You have to try and fail and try again.
• You have to run faster even though you’re out of breath.
• You have to be kind to people who have been cruel to you.
• You have to meet deadlines that are unreasonable and deliver results that are unparalleled.
• You have to be accountable for your actions even when things go wrong.
• You have to keep moving towards where you want to be no matter what’s in front of you.

You have to do the hard things. The things that no one else is doing. The things that scare you. The things that make you wonder how much longer you can hold on.

Those are the things that define you. Those are the things that make the difference between living a life of mediocrity or outrageous success.

The hard things are the easiest things to avoid. To excuse away. To pretend like they don’t apply to you.

The simple truth about how ordinary people accomplish outrageous feats of success is that they do the hard things that smarter, wealthier, more qualified people don’t have the courage — or desperation — to do.

Do the hard things. You might be surprised at how amazing you really are.

Winter storms and cold temperatures can be hazardous, but if you plan ahead, you can stay safe and healthy. Prepare your home and cars. Prepare for power outages and outdoor activity. Check on the elderly.

Although winter comes as no surprise, many of us are not ready for its arrival. If you are prepared for the hazards of winter, you will be more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.

Many people prefer to remain indoors in the winter, but staying inside is no guarantee of safety. Take these steps to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months.

• Winterize your home.
  • Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows.
  • Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
  • Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.
• Check your heating systems.
  • Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly and ventilated to the outside.
  • Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
  • Install a smoke detector. Test batteries monthly.
  • Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
  • Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies.
    • Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check batteries regularly.
    • Learn symptoms of CO poisoning: headaches, nausea, and disorientation.

Get your car ready for cold weather use before winter arrives.

Be prepared for weather-related emergencies, including power outages.

Many people spend time outdoors in the winter working, traveling, or enjoying winter sports. Outdoor activities can expose you to several safety hazards, but you can take these steps to prepare for them:

• Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: layers of light, warm clothing; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots.
• Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches.
• Learn safety precautions to follow when outdoors.
  • Be aware of the wind chill factor.
  • Work slowly when doing outside chores.
  • Take a buddy and an emergency kit when you are participating in outdoor recreation.
  • Carry a cell phone.
• Protect your family from carbon monoxide.
  • Keep grills, camp stoves, and generators out of the house, basement and garage.
  • Locate generators at least 20 feet from the house.
  • Leave your home immediately if the CO detector sounds, and call 911.

When planning travel, be aware of current and forecast weather conditions.

• Avoid traveling when the weather service has issued advisories.
• If you must travel, inform a friend or relative of your proposed route and expected time of arrival.
• Follow these safety rules if you become stranded in your car.
  • Stay with your car unless safety is no more than 100 yards away, but continue to move arms and legs.
  • Stay visible by putting bright cloth on the antenna, turning on the inside overhead light (when engine is running), and raising the hood when snow stops falling.
  • Run the engine and heater only 10 minutes every hour.
  • Keep a downwind window open.
  • Make sure the tailpipe is not blocked.

Above all, be prepared to check on family and neighbors who are especially at risk from cold weather hazards: young children, older adults, and the chronically ill. If you have pets, bring them inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter and unfrozen water to drink.

No one can stop the onset of winter. However, if you follow these suggestions, you will be ready for it when it comes.

January 6, 2014 -- Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 4,078 residential transactions through the TorontoMLS system in December 2013 – up by almost 14 per cent compared to 3,582 sales reported in December 2012. New listings entered into the TorontoMLS system were down by almost four per cent over the same period.

Total sales for calendar year 2013, at 87,111, were up by approximately two per cent compared to 85,496 transactions in calendar year 2012.

“After a slow start to the year, sales growth accelerated to a brisk pace in the second half of 2013. Despite the inclement weather in December, we finished the year with a respectable gain in transactions compared to 2012. Looking forward, I believe that home ownership in the GTA will remain affordable as borrowing costs stay low. The result could be a further increase in sales in 2014,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Dianne Usher.

“The average selling price will be up again in 2014 and by more than the rate of inflation. The seller’s market conditions that drove price growth in the second half of 2013 will remain in place in many parts of the GTA. Some neighbourhoods, especially those characterized by low-rise home types like singles, semis and townhomes, will continue to have less than two months of inventory,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

The average selling price for December 2013 sales was $520,398 – up by 8.9 per cent compared to the average of $477,756 in December 2012.

The average selling price for 2013 as a whole was $523,036, which represented an increase of 5.2 per cent compared to the calendar year 2012 average of $497,130.

Major residential real estate markets poised for further growth in 2014

Mississauga, ON (December 11, 2013) -- Canadian consumers remained remarkably steadfast in their determination to achieve homeownership in 2013, fuelling residential real estate sales and average price nationally to a five-year high, despite a spotty regional performance.  Improved economic performance on both a national and global stage, combined with historically low interest rates and rising consumer confidence, should spark greater strength in 2014, with housing sales and values expected to further appreciate, according to a report released today by RE/MAX. 

The RE/MAX Canadian Housing Market Outlook 2014 examined trends and developments in 25 major markets across the country.  The report found that the number of homes sold is expected to match or exceed 2012 levels in almost two-thirds of markets (15/25) in 2013, led by strong activity in British Columbia, including Vancouver (10 per cent) and Kelowna (10 per cent).  Ninety-two per cent (23/25) of markets are set to experience average price increases by year-end 2013, with Hamilton-Burlington the country’s frontrunner at 7.5 per cent, followed by Barrie and District at seven per cent, Calgary and St. John’s at six per cent, and Greater Vancouver, Winnipeg and the Greater Toronto Area at five per cent.  The forecast for 2014 shows the upward trend gaining momentum, with values expected to climb yet again in 92 per cent (23/25) of centres, led by Greater Toronto at six per cent.   Strength and stability are forecast to characterize Canadian real estate in 2014, with sales estimates on par or above year-ago levels in all markets examined, led by Kelowna (10 per cent) and Calgary (nine per cent).

Nationally, an estimated 466,000 homes will change hands in 2013, an increase of three per cent over the 453,372 sales recorded in 2012.  Canadian home sales are expected to climb two per cent to 475,000 units by year-end 2014.  The average price of a Canadian home is forecast to appreciate four per cent to $380,000 in 2013, up from $363,740 in 2012.  Values are expected to continue to escalate in 2014, rising three per cent to $390,000 by year end.

“Canadian housing markets are on solid ground after a somewhat harrowing first and second quarter of 2013,” says Gurinder Sandhu, Executive Vice President and Regional Director, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada.  “Better-than-expected economic performance, relatively stable inventory levels, and the threat of higher interest rates down the road proved mid-year game changers, providing the stimulus necessary to jumpstart homebuying activity.  The serious momentum that emerged in the latter half of the year is expected to spill over into 2014, setting the stage for continued growth and expansion in most residential markets.”

Regional disparities surfaced early in 2013, according to the RE/MAX Report, and were evident throughout the year.  Alberta started the year with a bang, with both major markets bucking the national downward trending in sales.  Homebuying activity in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario kicked into high gear in July, with most centres expected to move ahead of 2012 levels by year end, led by Greater Vancouver, Kelowna, Victoria (six per cent), Windsor-Essex (six per cent), Edmonton (five per cent) and Hamilton-Burlington (five per cent).  Yet, performance in Quebec and Atlantic Canada is forecast to fall short of 2012 levels.  More consistent performance is expected in 2014, especially given economic projections for the East Coast and Quebec.  Both regions should rebound in the new year, led by Halifax-Dartmouth (five per cent), Moncton (three per cent), Greater Montreal (two per cent) and Quebec City (two per cent). 

“Inventory played a key role in keeping housing markets at an equilibrium in 2013—with supply largely meeting demand throughout the year,” says Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada.  “The anticipated run-up in inventory failed to materialize in most major centres.  Prices remained healthy as a result, with steady upward momentum noted, particularly in the latter half of the year.  The trend is forecast to continue, with average price appreciation expected to break existing records in 2014.”

Although there are several factors that are expected to contribute to rising housing values on a national basis, one of the most pressing is build out.  Nowhere is that more obvious than in Vancouver, where the mountains and the ocean have prevented further growth, and the Greater Toronto Area, where the greenbelt has stymied future development.  As such, the availability of low-rise homes relative to the population is expected to contract, placing further pressure on prices.  Vertical growth and its affordable price point is representative of the future. 

“We’re definitely seeing a greater commitment to higher density at a municipal level,” says Ash.  “In fact, the trend already underway in Vancouver and Toronto, has gained serious momentum in smaller markets where cities are moving to infuse vibrancy into the urban core through mixed-use residential/commercial/retail development.   The level of investment is substantial—dovetailing with revitalization efforts currently underway.”

Solid underpinnings continue to support healthy levels of real estate activity from coast to coast.  Buyers appear to be realistic in their pursuits, and after several rounds of mortgage tightening, many are coming to the table better qualified, with larger downpayments and readjusted expectations. Imposed restrictions have had the desired effect.  A sound framework is now in place to support steady and sustainable growth over the next several years.  Existing inventory levels remain crucial to Canadian housing markets moving forward.  The tightening currently demonstrated at entry-level price points—as more first-time buyers make their way back into the market—could translate into further price hikes down the road. 

“Canadian homebuyers remain savvy, with a long-term mindset that bodes well for stability,” says Sylvain Dansereau, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Quebec.  “Yet, they also value progress, and we expect that to translate again in 2014.  Equity gains should continue to result in tangible leaps to larger homes or better neighbourhoods, as well as a growing wave of renovation and revitalization.  Stock market performance is also expected to bolster activity, as paper wealth is converted to material wealth.”

About the RE/MAX Network

RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. Over 90,000 agents provide RE/MAX a global reach of more than 90 countries. RE/MAX is Canada’s leading real estate organization with approximately 19,000 sales associates and 750 independently-owned and operated offices nationwide. RE/MAX, LLC, one of the world’s leading franchisors of real estate brokerage services, is a subsidiary of RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:RMAX). For more information about RE/MAX, to search home listings or find an agent in your community, please visit www.remax.ca.

About Integra Enterprises and RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada

RE/MAX INTEGRA is privately owned by Canadian entrepreneurs and represents nearly a third of all RE/MAX agents worldwide. Our Ontario-Atlantic region is driving towards 10,000 quality agents.  Our US regions—New England, Minnesota and Wisconsin and Indiana—account for over 6,000 agents, and Europe and the Middle East account for more than 12,000 agents. 

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “expect”, “estimate”, “plan”, “outlook”, “poised,” “should” and “project” and other similar words and expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Forward looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation, those described in the sections “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation in RE/MAX Holdings Inc.’s registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and (1) changes in business and economic activity in general, (2) changes in the real estate market, including changes due to interest rates and availability of financing,  and (3) changes in laws and regulations that may affect our business or the real estate market. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Except as required by law, RE/MAX Holdings Inc. does not intend, and undertakes no duty, to update this information to reflect future events or circumstances. Investors are referred to in RE/MAX Holding Inc.’s registration statement on Form S-1 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC.

For more information:

 Shelby Schneider                                                                                                                                            Eva Blay/Charlene McAdam

RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada                                                                                                        Point Blank Communications

905.542.2400                                                                                                                                                   416.781.3911

Data Source:  Historical data is sourced from CREA or Local Real Estate Boards.  Estimates and forecasts are based on the opinion of independent RE/MAX broker/owners and affiliates.

With so many ways to prevent the coughs and chills, which remedies are worth the bother? From chicken soup to garlic, here are the best — and worst — ways to keep yourself well this season.

To protect yourself from the flu, don’t forget to –
Get your flu shot: Duh. This is the easiest way to keep yourself protected from common flu strains, and you have a variety of choices this season, from sprays to smaller needles to a first-time ever shot that protects against four strains of influenza. So there’s no excuse; there’s a vaccine for everyone.

Get in shape: The healthier you are during flu season, the less likely you are to succumb to a bad case of the sniffles. The Centers for Disease Control recommends getting enough sleep, being physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating healthy food to keep your immune system primed to fend off the flu virus. Keep your house healthy too by wiping down surfaces and disinfecting counter tops in germ gathering places like the bathroom and kitchen.

Keep your hands clean: Again, it’s pretty obvious, but only 5% of people wash their hands correctly according to a June study. The correct way to wash your hands is under warm or cold running water. After you add soap, rub the suds into a lather, and scrub all parts of your hands and nails. This process should take about 20 seconds–as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. Men are the worst offenders; only 50% of males use the soap dispenser to wash their hands after using public restrooms, according to a recent study, while 70% of women did.

Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth: Do not rub your eyes! Your eyes, like other openings in the body, can be a conduit for disease-causing bugs like flu viruses that you pick up from contaminated surfaces. Rubbing your eyes during flu season is like inviting the influenza bugs in.

But don’t expect these strategies to keep you healthy:

Orange juice and vitamin C: Sure, the warmth of chicken soup feels good on a sore throat, but it’s not really a treatment or a reliable way to ward off flu. The same is true for vitamin C supplements and orange juice; studies don’t consistently show that they can prevent or treat flu symptoms. But it doesn’t hurt to get enough vitamin C in your daily diet from natural foods, before you get sick.
Onions: You may have heard that putting an onion near your bed can prevent the flu because onions absorb bacteria. But that’s just a myth. Onions are healthy for you, but they don’t suck viruses out of the air.

If you do get sick, these remedies may help to ease your symptoms:
Spice things up: For some temporary soothing, add extra garlic and ginger to your meals or tea. Both can help with congestion, and ginger can sometimes slow down mucus production.

Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze. And use your elbow: Okay, so this won’t shave days off your current flu experience, but the idea is to pay it forward so your next bout won’t be so bad. If you want others to cover themselves with a tissue or cough into their elbow so they don’t make you sick, you should get into the habit so others will too. Plus, sneezing into your hand is not only gross, it actually encourages the spread of nasty illnesses, since your hands touch door handles and money, which many, many other hands handle as well. 
Hop in a hot shower: A warm shower can act like a steamy sauna and help clear congested sinuses. You may feel blocked up again later, but at least it provides some temporary relief.

Try chocolate: There’s not a lot of science to back it up, but chocolate may help to ease coughs. It contains theobromine, which can act as a cough suppressant.

Visit your drugs store for flu medications: Drugs like Tamiflu can sometimes protect you from getting sick, but it’s not a substitute for the flu vaccine. Other prescription or over the counter drugs can reduce the amount of time that you feel sick, if you start the medications early enough after infection. Ask your doctor about which options might work best for you.

When you feel sick, just stay home: Flu season is no time to play the tough guy. By staying home, you won’t infect others, and you will get better faster. If you’re feeling under the weather, don’t push yourself–it will only make it worse.

These remedies, however, probably won’t make you feel better –

Booze: Sure, a hot toddy is nice on the throat, but whisky isn’t going to cure any flu symptoms.

Echinacea: Some claim the herb has healing benefits, mostly to relieve the common cold. But there are very few studies to actually back this up.

Chicken soup: Sure, the warmth of chicken soup can soothe a scratchy throat, but there’s no evidence that there is anything therapeutic about soup — even if mom makes it — that will cure you of your stuffy and achy symptoms.

We’ve scoped out all the best holiday and Christmas light displays around Toronto. Regardless of what (if anything) you celebrate this time of year, we can all appreciate some gorgeous lights!

Keep checking back as more photos get added, and see the individual galleries below.

Yorkville

Must-see: The Holt Renfrew windows

• Yorkville Holiday Lights Photo Gallery
• Yorkville neighbourhood page
• Holiday Magic

Yonge & Dundas

Must-see: The Eaton Centre “tree”

• Yonge & Dundas Holiday Lights Photo Gallery
• Eaton Centre address & map
• Winter Magic

Distillery District

Must-see: Santa’s Lane

• Distillery District Holiday Lights Photo Gallery
• Distillery District neighbourhood page
• Toronto Christmas Market

Nathan Phillips Square

Must-see: What else? The tree!

• Nathan Phillips Square Holiday Lights Photo Gallery
• Nathan Phillips Square address & map
• Cavalcade of Lights

Rosedale

Must-see: The 50 foot blue tree on a bridge above Yonge

• Rosedale Holiday Lights Photo Gallery
• Rosedale BIA site

December 4, 2013 -- Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 6,391 residential sales through the TorontoMLS system in November, representing a 13.9 per cent increase over the sales result for November 2012. Over the same period, new listings on TorontoMLS were down by 4.4 per cent and month-end active listings were down by 12.1 per cent.

“Growth in sales was strong for most home types in the Greater Toronto Area. Sales growth was led by the single-detached market segment followed by condominium apartments. Together, singles and condos accounted for almost three-quarters of total GTA transactions,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Dianne Usher.

“With National Housing Day having just passed, housing affordability is top of mind in the GTA and indeed nationally. Despite strong price growth and an uptick in borrowing costs this year, monthly mortgage payments on the average priced home remain affordable for a household earning the average GTA income,” continued Ms. Usher.

The average selling price for November 2013 TorontoMLS transactions was $538,881 – up by 11.3 per cent in comparison to the average of $484,208 reported for November 2012. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark was up by 5.7 per cent over the same period.

“Whether we consider the average TorontoMLS selling price or the MLS® HPI Composite Benchmark, annual home price growth remained well-above the rate of inflation in November. This makes sense given the fact that competition between buyers increased last month. Transactions were up strongly year-over-year while the number of homes available for sale was down,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.