Our Home Toronto

James Metcalfe Real Estate

Summer….in www.OurHomeToronto.com

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Summer has arrived in the city of Toronto! Make sure to take in some of the wonderful sites and sounds of the great neighbourhoods that that city has to offer. These are just a few highlights….get out and explore!
Come again and visit The Riverdale Farm 201 Winchester Street; Let your children play in the wading pool, let your dogs run free with the pack and meet lots of other dog folks, visit the Organic Farmers Market every Tuesday from 3:00 to 7:00 pm, take a snooze under a shady tree, see and smell the wonder of a Farm in the center of the City.
Cabbagetown is one of our rare Toronto neighbourhoods where you can walk to the high street and know the green grocer or butcher or the publican’s first name. Where merchants leave a water bowel and biscuits out for your four legged friends. Enjoy the Patio hospitality of F’Amelia or The House On Parliament’ new roof top oasis.
Cabbagetown Riverdale Park Childrens Wading Pool JRM 09,05,09
Cabbagetown … The Largest Grouping of Victorian Homes in North America!

James Metcalfe’s June Real Estate Update

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June has come and gone but the month’s real estate update proves that May was a great month for the resale value of  homes in the GTA. In May we saw a 5% increase in the price of a resale home versus May 2012. In fact, price growth occurred in all major market segments! And all this growth seems on track to meet the Toronto Real Estate Boards price growth forecast of 3.5% as a whole.

In this month’s update we feature 10 home improvement projects that add value to your home including:

  • Painting
  • Kitchen remodeling
  • Finishing unfinished space
  • Home office remodeling

Also, in our “Legally Speaking” segment we discuss the finer points of walking away from a house deal. This can be complicated so make sure to read carefully. We cover important points such as a buyer’s remorse period and who gets the deposit when buyers change their mind.

Featured this month are some of the highlights from the CAAMP (Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals) survey as well as the ever popular “Pearls of Wisdom”

 

SOLD: Luxurious Green Home In The Skyy… South, West, North & Lake Views

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Suite 2301-1048 Broadview is a fabulous Home in the Skyy; 1911 sq ft SW corner suite – 2 split plan bedrooms, 3 baths, den, very large living-dining rooms with 85 ft of curved glass & gorgeous exotic “Kayu Kuku” hardwood floors; 9 ft loft-like ceilings, numerous kitchen upgrades with island, granite & designer cupboards, spacious master suite with motorized blinds,… this suite includes 2 panorama view balconies an owned prime parking space and locker. Only 3 suites like this one!  Visit www.OurHomeToronto.com for numerous great home and condo listings for sale or call me direct at 416-931-4161.

 

James Metcalfe’s April Real Estate Update

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Spring has finally arrived (sort of) and with it some growth in the average price of a resale home in the GTA. In March, we saw the price of homes increase by 4% versus March 2012 which means the average price of a home increased from $500, 875 to $519, 879. We also saw price growth across all market segments including single- detached homes, semi-detached homes, townhomes and condo apartments. Although we saw price growth there was a 17% decrease in sales versus March 2o12.

This month in our update we look at a case of a couple with two dogs and the importance of examining the building’s certificate of status prior to placing an offer on a unit. Make sure to ask your real estate agent about the certificate of status prior to placing a bid on a resale condo. They should know of any restrictions when it comes to pets and so should you!

We also take a look at some of your electrical questions including examining the electrical capacity of your home and what to do if some of your electrical out lets are not grounded. What are the risks and consequences?

Lastly, and as always we have the popular Pearls of Wisdom. Here is a preview: “Here’s something to think about: how come you never see a headline like ‘Psychic Wins Lottery'” – Jay Leno.

James Metcalfe’s February Real Estate Update

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February has almost come to a close and was once again a very successful month. The average price of a resale home increased by 4.3% to an average price of $482,648. The industry saw price growth in many market segments including single-detached homes, semi-detached homes, town homes and condo apartments. This month in our newsletter we focus on personal finance and look at tax issues when selling a condo. This month in personal finance we look at the pros and cons of reverse mortgages: how they work, the advantages and disadvantages and traditional mortgages vs. reverse mortgages. When you are selling a condo (and it is not your primary residence) it is important to realize that half the profit is taxable. Read more about taxes and condo sales in this month’s Condo Corner. Returning this month as always are the ever popular pearls of wisdom. Here is a sneak peak to get you in the spirit. “The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly and lie about your age.”- Lucille Ball